Explore every episode of the podcast Depth Of Focus

This episode of Depth Of Focus we sit down with portrait & music photographer Eddy Maynard. 

Eddy is a 33 year old music & portrait photographer from Middlesbrough now living Stockton On Tees. Eddy's interest in photography started at home, growing up with his mum, who worked as a wedding photographer and studied film photography at college. That interest grew when his mum bought him his first camera, a Canon 350D, for Christmas.
From there, Eddy began photographing anything and everything before going on to study photography at art college.
While studying, he started photographing live music and nightclubs, initially as a way to earn a bit of money and get into events for free.
What began as a side hustle gradually developed into a career, taking him from nightclub photography into underground hardcore and metal shows, band promos and eventually festivals. 

We discuss how those early experiences helped shape his style, why experimenting with different genres is so important, and how he's learned to become more selective about the work he takes on as his career has developed.

It's a conversation about beginnings, creative evolution, finding your own voice, and reconnecting with the things that made you fall in love with photography in the first place.

Here is my conversation with Eddy Maynard.

Eddy's Instagram: www.instagram.com/eddymaynard

Carl's Websites: (Live, Portrait) www.carlbattamsphoto.com (Wedding) www.carlbattamsphotographer.com

Carl's Instagram: www.instagram.com/carlbattamsphoto

Music by Eyre Llew - Edca:

This episode of Depth Of Focus we sit down with portrait, fashion & lifestyle photographer Felix Russell. Based in South London, Felix's journey into photography was anything but straightforward. At 15 to 16, he started photographing local bands as part of his application to study photography at college. Unfortunately, he was turned down because he didn't have the grades.

But that didn't stop him. His dad, who had always been a keen photographer himself, bought Felix his first camera. With that camera in hand, Felix immersed himself in the local pop-punk and hardcore music scene, photographing gigs and building relationships with the bands he met. As more artists reached out for photos, those connections led to guest list access, bigger opportunities, and eventually touring with bands.

As his confidence and technical ability grew, Felix naturally moved towards lifestyle and documentary photography. That eventually evolved into directing album campaigns and creating artwork—work that he feels truly reflects his creative identity.

I hope you enjoy the conversation..... 

Felix's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felixrussellsaw

Carl's Websites: (Live, Portrait) https://www.carlbattamsphoto.com (Wedding) https://www.carlbattamsphotographer.com

Carl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlbattamsphoto

Music by Eyre Llew - Edca:

This episode of Depth Of Focus we sit down with music photographer & videographer Amy Haghebaert. Amy is Belgian now based in Germany, who has spent almost a decade working in photography. Amy's mum was a huge influence on her relationship with photography. Her family has around 50 photo albums, and her mum would photograph almost everything.

Looking back through those photographs gave Amy an early understanding of how powerful photographs can be at preserving memories and emotions. As a teenager, Amy discovered a photo documentary of A Day to Remember on tour. Seeing those images made her think, “I would love to do this.” which became her early inspiration for pursuing music photography.

We talk about the German music scene, the importance of creating spaces where people feel welcome, and how music can provide a platform for conversations around politics, mental health and the things that matter beyond the music itself. How networking and shooting one off shows quickly led to opportunities to work with bands more consistently. And how touring isn't just about photographing musicians. It's about relationships, friendships, collaboration, belonging and being part of a scene.

This is one of the most heartwarming and open conversations I have had so far.

I hope you enjoy the conversation..... 

Amy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cruxsader

Carl's Websites: (Live, Portrait) www.carlbattamsphoto.com (Wedding) www.carlbattamsphotographer.com

Carl's Instagram: www.instagram.com/carlbattamsphoto

Music by Eyre Llew - Edca:

This episode of Depth Of Focus we sit down with music photographer Jon Sugden. Jon is 35 year old photographer based in Reading. Jon was a very late bloomer as he puts it, not picking up a camera until 2020. We have an honest conversation about creativity, burnout, comparison, and building a career in live music photography. Jon shares how he unexpectedly found photography during the pandemic, developed a distinctive visual style through experimentation, and why embracing imperfection has become part of his creative process. We explore the realities behind touring, balancing photography alongside a full-time job, dealing with rejection, charging what you're worth, and navigating the pressures of social media. From stories of lost footage and cracked ribs to discussions about finding confidence and staying authentic.

I hope you enjoy the conversation..... 

Jon's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reprievevision

Carl's Websites: (Live, Portrait) https://www.carlbattamsphoto.com (Wedding) https://www.carlbattamsphotographer.com

Carl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlbattamsphoto

Music by Eyre Llew - Edca:

This episode of Depth Of Focus we sit down with DOP & filmmaker Ethan Porter. Ethan is a 28 year old filmmaker hailing from Bath. Originally born in the UK, then moved to Cape Town when he was 1. Ethan has spent a lot of his childhood traveling and living in different parts of the world. This sparked his intrigue into landscape photography, then progressing onto portraiture. He quickly turned to the music scene where he would shoot for his friends bands press campaigns. Noticing this wasn't making financial sense. Ethan started to take video work seriously when he bought a Blackmagic Pocket 4K. He quickly caught the filming bug. We chat about quality vs momentum. Creative ideas, and how having to many could have a negative impact. From the challenges Ethan faced at the start of his career, to the short film he created entitled "Asa Data Asa Fiu" 

I hope you enjoy the conversation..... 

Ethan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ethanporter_

Carl's Websites: (Live, Portrait) https://www.carlbattamsphoto.com/ (Wedding) https://www.carlbattamsphotographer.com/

Carl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlbattamsphoto

Music by Eyre Llew - Edca:

This episode of Depth Of Focus we sit down with music & tour photographer Will Smith. Will is a 22 year old music photographer from Nottingham. In our conversation we talk about his recent run with Acres and how at a young age, he feels so blessed to have had an amazing team around him. How social media is something so intrinsic for him. He knows it's bad his mental health. But, he has micro managed himself to turn it into a positive head space every time he looks. Explaining that for him it's a form of community and art. Impostor syndrome and how he feels he is on the right track for making this his full time job & career. 

I hope you enjoy the conversation..... 

Will's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willow.photo_

Carl's Websites: (Live, Portrait) https://www.carlbattamsphoto.com/ (Wedding) https://www.carlbattamsphotographer.com/

Carl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlbattamsphoto

Music by Eyre Llew - Edca:

This episode of Depth Of Focus we sit down with music & tour photographer Adam Chandler. Adam is a 28 year old music photographer from Gloucester. In our conversation we talk about the art of capturing energy on stage. Mental health and how being on the road has helped Adam to come off of antidepressants altogether. Social media numbers and how it can also factor into your creativity. To something we all go through.... Impostor Syndrome, how pressure from having a lot of people looking at your work can harm you mentally and how embracing the anxiety can actually be flipped to your advantage.    

I hope you enjoy the conversation..... 

Adam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam_chxndler

Carl's Websites: (Live, Portrait) https://www.carlbattamsphoto.com/ (Wedding) https://www.carlbattamsphotographer.com/

Carl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlbattamsphoto

Music by Eyre Llew - Edca:

This episode of Depth Of Focus we sit down with videographer, director, DOP & photographer Murry Deaves. Murry has become one of the top people to work with in the alternative music scene. Mostly being know for working along side a band called Static Dress. He embraces the DIY way of making his visions for music videos come to life. Which also carries into his photography work. 

Chatting extensively a range of topics from... Tour blues, anxiety to produce work constantly and how stepping away from life has a giant impact on mental health and relationships. To.... funniest moments captured, tour experiences and trusting your own path and believing in yourself.   

I hope you enjoy the conversation..... 

Murry's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murrydeaves/

Carl's Websites: (Live, Portrait) https://www.carlbattamsphoto.com/ (Wedding) https://www.carlbattamsphotographer.com/

Carl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlbattamsphoto

Music by Eyre Llew - Edca:

This episode of Depth Of Focus we sit down with award winning wedding filmmaker & photographer Jordan Greenwood. Jordan is a veteran to the wedding business, with 10 years of experience, he has seen it and done it. During our conversation Jordan talks about the daunting task of going full time with photography, and how Covid helped him with the decision. The trials and triumphs of the wedding industry. Making memories, being authentic and the importance of 'being' present, as well as patience.

We also talk about how being hit with long Covid effected his mental state and growth of his thriving business. and campaigning to get more people to talk about their experiences with it.    

I hope you enjoy the conversation..... 

Jordan Greenwood's Website https://www.jgvp.co.uk

Jordan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jgvp_

Carl's Websites: (Live, Portrait) https://www.carlbattamsphoto.com/ (Wedding) https://www.carlbattamsphotographer.com/

Carl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlbattamsphoto

Music by Eyre Llew - Edca: 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/10tUg638gBo2TAO4KYDZIG

This episode of Depth Of Focus is a little different. We're not chatting to a photographer per se. Or tho, he does dabble. An artist in his own right, we have vocalist and my good friend Cameron Humprey's from Love Is Noise. 

Cam and I talk about a wide range of subjects from LIN's first album release "To Live In A Different Way." How it's been received, thoughts on the process, and how it was conceived. To, inspirations, lyrics, creative outlets, and staying relevant in the music industry. We also touch upon human connection and AI.

If you're not yet familiar with Love Is Noise go and take a listen and check out the links below....

I hope you enjoy the conversation..... 

Love Is Noise Linktree: https://linktr.ee/loveisnoiselr?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYtbClt0W5nPK7R5ooHR9gUCZaWoliEKMauJQBGgwfWvd8FP1tPvbvt2sA_aem_rbSyp5qMw7k4gsvUqQfUiA

Love Is Noise Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveisnoiselr/

Cameron's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoachyboy/

Carl's Websites: (Live, Portrait) https://www.carlbattamsphoto.com/ (Wedding) https://www.carlbattamsphotographer.com/

Carl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlbattamsphoto/

Music by Eyre Llew - Edca: 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/10tUg638gBo2TAO4KYDZIG

In this episode of Depth Of Focus, I'm chatting with Luke Shadrick. A portrait, automotive and tour photographer from Devon

Luke talks about working numerous jobs to achieve his goal of becoming full time photographer. Motivation, inspirations, struggles with keeping work constant. Plus working along side some amazing acts including Duff Mckagan. 

If you're not familiar with Luke's work, definitely take some time to check it out at the links below.

I hope you enjoy the conversation..... 

_________________________________

Luke's Instagram: (Tour, portrait)https://www.instagram.com/luke_shadrick/ (Automotive) https://www.instagram.com/low_retro/

Carl's Websites: (Live, Portrait) https://www.carlbattamsphoto.com/ (Wedding) https://www.carlbattamsphotographer.com/

Carl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlbattamsphoto/

Music by Eyre Llew - Edca:  

https://open.spotify.com/artist/10tUg638gBo2TAO4KYDZIG

Hosted by Carl Battams, Depth Of Focus is a photography podcast that was created to connect with other artists as well as to showcase their talent and work. We delve more into the approach of the artist work. The triumphs, the losses. Their journey into the field of photography.  

Carl's Websites: https://www.carlbattamsphoto.com/ https://www.carlbattamsphotographer.com/

Carl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlbattamsphoto

In this episode of Depth Of Focus, I'm chatting with Eddy Maynard. A portrait, documentary and live music photographer from Middleborough. 

This chat is a little different then the rest. We're talking about AI, more specifically AI Photography. Eddy is very passionate talking about AI. It seems to be a hot topic currently with in the creative circles. We talk extensively about how it's going to affect our creativity? How it's going to impact our line of work? How is it going to impact the community? Questions that we really don't have answers for... Being as this is all so new.

If you're not familiar with Eddy's work, please click on the links below.

Eddy also has a YouTube channel dedicated to photography. On it he has vids on editing, general photography, tips & topics as well as AI. Make sure you head over there and give him some love!

I hope you enjoy the conversation....

__________________________________

Eddy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eddymaynard

Eddy's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EddyMaynard/featured

Carl's Websites: https://www.carlbattamsphoto.com/ https://www.carlbattamsphotographer.com/

Carl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlbattamsphoto

Carl's Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlbattphoto

Music by Eyre Llew - Edca: https://open.spotify.com/artist/10tUg638gBo2TAO4KYDZIG

In this episode of Depth Of Focus, I'm chatting with Oscar Dziedziela. A music, tour & portrait photographer from Sweden. His work strikes emotion, a feeling, a presence of involvement. Shooting both digital & film. 

Oscar talks about his struggles with developing while on tour. Films & other formats that help him with inspiration and creativity. Social media and the frustrations that come with the platform. 

If you're not familiar with Oscar's work, definitely take some time to check it out at the links below.

I really like that Oscar has taken an old template of documenting and has implemented it into a world that wants everything yesterday. It's not by any means something that has stopped entirely within the music industry. It's more that Oscar has the balls to go out and do it. Especially on tour!

I hope you enjoy the conversation....

____________________________

Oscar's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/o_deezey/ 

Carl's Website: https://www.carlbattamsphoto.com/

Carl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlbattamsphoto/

Carl's Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlbattphoto

Music by Eyre Llew - Edca:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/10tUg638gBo2TAO4KYDZIG

In this episode, I'm talking with Jay Villacci — a Documentary & editorial photographer who is a second generation Italian immigrant, currently living in London. His work documents the feelings of Abandonment, Identity and Nationalism. Primarily shooting in medium format with his trusted Pentax 67.

Jay talks about his feeling towards identity and how he has a sense of not belonging. Which he then uses as a strength with his work. You heard a little excerpt about it at the start of this episode, but we talk about the fundamentals and importance of knowing where we come from.

We talk about his book "Alienation" a year long project about abandonment & a sense of entrapment prevalent within our British Identity.        

"This project explores the relationship between the physical island we call home and us inhabitants, how we interact with it and how we have alienated ourselves through the structure of society." - Jay Villacci 

If you're not familiar with Jay's work, definitely take some time to check it out at the links below.

You can also find a link to his book 'Alienation'.

I love Jay's passion for identity and how we should all get back in touch with our surroundings. I hope you enjoy the talk.

_____________________

Jay's Website: https://www.jayvillacci.uk/

Jay's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j_villacci/

Carl's Website: https://www.carlbattamsphoto.com/

Carl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlbattamsphoto/

Carl's Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlbattphoto

Music by Eyre Llew - Edca:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/10tUg638gBo2TAO4KYDZIG