Tog-Talk – Details, episodes & analysis

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Tog-Talk

Kevin Ahronson

Arts

Education

Leisure

Frequency: 1 episode/45d. Total Eps: 43

Photographers in conversation: Essential guidance for new photographers on technique and artistic growth. That’s what ‘Tog Talk’ is all about—bringing photographers together to share insights and elevate their craft.

Tog-Talk is the home of UK professional photographer, Kevin Ahronson (Founder of Hampshire School of Photography). Every two weeks he is joined by one of his ex-students (now turned professional photographer) Kelly Perrin, where they'll dive deep into topics that matter to beginners, from mastering your camera settings to developing your unique style.

On alternating weeks, Kevin will dedicate the episode to answering listener questions, providing personalised advice to help you overcome challenges and grow as a photographer. Whether you’re struggling with exposure, landscape photography, street photography, photographing people, portraits and families, macro photography, flash photography, learning about editing with Photoshop or Lightroom, seeking composition tips, or exploring creative ideas, Tog Talk is your go-to resource for learning and inspiration.

Make sure you subscribe, so that you never miss an episode of this engaging and informative podcast.

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https://www.tog-talk.com/voicemail/
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https://www.tog-talk.com/contact/
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https://www.hampshirephotoschool.com/a-photographers-evening/
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/1222685165227144
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https://www.facebook.com/HampshirePhotoSchool.co.uk/
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https://www.facebook.com/PhotocillinUK/
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https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/694840/open_sms
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Ep.44 Black & White vs Colour

Season 1 · Episode 44

Wednesday, January 15, 2025 • Duration 42:13

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Episode Overview:

Kevin Ahronson and Kelly Perrin go head-to-head in a lively (and slightly caffeinated) debate about black-and-white versus colour photography. From the evocative power of monochrome to the vibrant allure of colour, the duo explores where each shines—and where it might falter. Expect playful banter, surprising insights, and even a discussion about the transformative powers of marshmallows and sunglasses.

Key Moments & Highlights

1.The Great S’mores Debate

•Before we even get to photography, Kevin learns about the art of s’mores. Kelly shares her love for toasted marshmallows, and Kevin wonders if he’s missed a key life experience.

•Pro tip: Fire, marshmallows, and chocolate biscuits are essential ingredients.

2.The Joys of Black-and-White Photography

•Kevin argues that black and white can make a photo feel more “serious,” “arty,” and emotionally powerful.

•He shares how shooting in monochrome helps you focus on contrasts, patterns, and textures, making you a stronger photographer.

•Top Tip: Wear sunglasses to help spot great black-and-white compositions!

3.The Case for Colour

•Kelly champions vibrant hues, noting that colour brings energy and life to her favourite shots.

•She highlights how autumn leaves, vibrant wildlife, and bold sunsets feel incomplete without their natural colour palette.

•Best Quote: “I want the robin’s red chest to scream at me. Black and white can’t scream!”

4.Where They Agree (Sort of)

•Black and white: Great for moody portraits, dramatic street photography, and fixing tricky lighting scenarios.

•Colour: Perfect for wildlife, landscapes, and capturing the full vibrancy of life.

•Both: Photography’s true beauty lies in its versatility—no need to pick one!

5.The Creative Process

•Kevin reveals his preference for abstract, high-contrast black-and-white shots that lean into the extremes of light and shadow.

•Kelly shares her love for capturing emotions in colour and the satisfaction of creating images that feel alive.

6.Wildlife Photography Showdown

•Kelly: “Wildlife is all about the colour—kingfishers are fast, but their blue feathers are worth the effort!”

•Kevin: “Wildlife can be abstract and artistic too. It’s not about the bird; it’s about the photograph!”

Final Thoughts:

•Kevin: “If I had to choose, I’d pick black and white for its drama and depth.”

•Kelly: “For me, it’s colour all the way—life’s too vibrant not to capture it!”

•Both: “Good thing we don’t have to pick!”

Got a Photography Question?

If you have a burning question about (virtually) anything to do with photography, click on this link. You can record your question onto your device (phone, laptop, etc) and if picked, I will play it during the show. https://www.tog-talk.com/voicemail/

Looking for courses

Want to find out about my live, in-person workshops, check out the Hampshire School of Photography website:

https://www.hampshirephotoschool.com

Hampshire Photography Network

A free Facebook group for amateur photographers who want to connect, collaborate and grow together.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1222685165227144

Contact me

You can contact me by leaving a message via this link: https://www.tog-talk.com/contact/

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Ep.42 Technical Skill v Artistic Vision

Season 1 · Episode 42

Thursday, December 19, 2024 • Duration 45:18

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Welcome to TOG TALK, where we dive into the heart of photographic expression.

In this episode, we embark on a fascinating exploration of the photographer's mind, investigating why some naturally gravitate toward technical mastery while others flourish in creative expression. Through engaging discussions (some of them quite hysterical!) with my co-host - commercial photographer Kelly Perrin, we examine the influences that have tremendous impact on the type of photographers we are.

We delve deep into the psychological and developmental factors that create "technical" versus "creative" photographers. Drawing from years of teaching experience at Hampshire School of Photography, we share insights into how childhood experiences, professional background, and even brain hemisphere dominance might influence a photographer's natural inclinations.

Our conversation delves into the fascinating journey that shapes each photographer's unique approach to their craft. We explore the various influences and experiences that mould our perspective, technical abilities, and creative vision.

Listen to this week’s Tog Talk to discover the factors that might have influenced your own photographic style.

Join us as we challenge assumptions about whether these tendencies are fixed or fluid, and discover how photographers can develop both technical prowess and creative vision, regardless of their starting point. Through real-world examples and personal stories, we illuminate the path to becoming a well-rounded photographer who can seamlessly blend technical excellence with creative inspiration.

Whether you identify as a "numbers person" who loves the technical aspects of photography or a "creative soul" who shoots from the heart, this episode offers valuable insights into understanding and expanding your photographic approach.

Photography Masterclass

Add the time of recording this episode, I have just one place left on the forthcoming Photography Masterclass. Masterclass is a one year (in person) course starting in January running till the end of the year. If you want to find out more click the link:

Ep. 41 How to Solve Backlit Photography Challenges: A Deep Dive

Season 1 · Episode 41

Thursday, December 12, 2024 • Duration 40:57

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Episode Overview:

In this week’s solo episode, Kevin tackles one of the most common challenges in photography: how to correctly expose a subject in front of a bright background, such as a child standing by a window. Kevin shares his 55+ years of expertise to break down this issue with actionable solutions for photographers of all levels.

Key Topics Discussed:

1.The Backlit Problem:

•Why cameras struggle to expose for both a bright background and a darker subject.

•Examples of challenging scenarios, from windows to caves.

2.Seven Solutions to Backlit Challenges:

•Exposure Compensation: Adjust your camera’s settings to brighten your subject.

•Spot Metering: Use precise metering to expose for your subject’s face.

•Auto Exposure Lock (AEL): Lock exposure on your subject and recompose.

•Reflectors: Bounce light onto your subject for natural illumination.

•Using Flash: Balance natural light with flash, including on- and off-camera techniques.

•HDR Photography: Merge multiple exposures to capture both highlights and shadows.

•Photoshop Techniques: Combine two images to perfectly balance foreground and background.

3.Mirrorless Cameras: How their real-time exposure previews simplify manual adjustments.

Special Announcement:

Kevin introduces exciting updates to his Photography Masterclass, now celebrating its 10th intake. With enhanced creativity modules and a new focus on black-and-white photography, this one-year course is the ultimate journey for passionate photographers. Limited places are available—visit for details.

Ep.40 Zoom lens or Prime lens... which is best?

Season 1 · Episode 40

Thursday, November 21, 2024 • Duration 41:23

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Welcome to Episode 40 of TOG Talk, the podcast where our intrepid pair of photographers gather for a lively mix of banter, insight, and a sprinkling of wisdom from decades behind the lens. This week, hosts Kevin Ahronson, founder of Hampshire School of Photography (with 55 years of snapping under his belt), and Kelly Perrin, commercial photographer and studio owner, dive headfirst into a debate that’s divided photographers for generations: prime lenses versus zoom lenses.

Packed with witty exchanges, gentle teasing, and a few playful attempts at UK dialects (with a dash of Russian thrown in for good measure), this episode will help you finally understanding what makes these lenses tick—and which one is right for your style. Both Kevin and Kelly have their personal favourite lenses, any guesses? Will Kevin’s decades of experience lead to the ultimate lens choice, or does Kelly have the edge? You’ll have to tune in as the big reveals unfold during the “focal length face-off”!

MASTERCLASS
Looking to take your photography to the next level? Kevin Ahronson’s One-Year Photography Masterclass is the ultimate creative journey! His tenth Masterclass starts this January (2025). It's a comprehensive course blending technical expertise with a strong focus on developing your photographer’s eye. Learn from Kevin’s 55+ years of experience, alongside a passionate group of like-minded photographers. With in-person sessions, personalised guidance, and new modules on black-and-white photography, this is more than a course—it’s a transformative experience. https://www.hampshirephotoschool.com/one-year-masterclass/

Got a Photography Question?

Ep.39 Which do you set first... Aperture, Shutter or ISO?

Season 1 · Episode 39

Thursday, November 14, 2024 • Duration 26:35

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Welcome to Tog-Talk! I’m Kevin Ahronson from the Hampshire School of Photography, and I’m thrilled to have you with me for this solo episode. Just a couple of weeks away from my 70th birthday, I still feel like that young photographer who picked up his first camera back in 1969. Age might have added some grey hairs (and perhaps a bit more wisdom!), but my passion for photography—and teaching it—hasn’t dimmed one bit. In fact, it’s only grown stronger. There’s something magical about guiding photographers as they move beyond auto settings, mastering their cameras to become true artists behind the lens.

Today’s episode is inspired by a question from Chris Taylor, a keen member of our fast-growing Hampshire Photography Network on Facebook, which just hit the 1,000-member mark! This milestone reminds me of the thrill and privilege of fostering a community of photographers who come together to learn, share, and push their skills further. Chris’s question taps into a common challenge: as you move from auto to manual, how do you know which camera settings to adjust first? Many photographers, especially beginners, wrestle with this when trying to control motion, depth of field, and exposure.

As we dive into this topic, we explore the exposure triangle: shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. Each setting affects your image in its own way, and learning how to use them creatively is essential. Chris recently found himself at a lively children’s party, where a slow shutter speed led to some blurry shots of fast-moving kids. He also struggled with exposure shifts when moving from indoors to bright outdoor light. Sound familiar? This is where understanding the purpose of each setting—and knowing which one to prioritize—comes in handy.

One Year Masterclass Program
To find out more about my one-year masterclass in photography, click on the link below. My 10th master class starts in January and, as I write, this half of the places I've already gone. Don't hesitate or you might miss your chance.
https://www.hampshirephotoschool.com/one-year-masterclass/

Ep.38: Is There Still a Place for DSLRs?

Season 1 · Episode 38

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 • Duration 48:10

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Show Notes for Tog Talk – Episode: DSLR vs Mirrorless Cameras

In this episode of Tog Talk, Kelly and Kevin delve into the world of camera evolution, discussing the ever-popular debate: DSLR versus mirrorless cameras. With an autumn chill in the air, they warmly welcome listeners into a candid and humorous conversation that balances technical insight with playful banter.

The duo begins by exploring the functional differences between DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Kevin outlines how DSLRs use a traditional mirror system to reflect light through the viewfinder, providing a direct view through the lens. Mirrorless cameras, however, rely on electronic viewfinders (EVF) to preview the image, enabling users to see exposure changes in real time. For professionals and beginners alike, this feature can significantly reduce the need for ‘chimping’—the habit of constantly checking the back of the camera for correct exposure.

They discuss the ergonomic and practical benefits of mirrorless cameras, particularly for long shooting sessions, as Kevin shares how switching to lighter Fuji mirrorless cameras transformed his wedding photography experience. Additionally, Kelly reflects on the frustrations of manual exposure adjustments and how mirrorless technology might have saved her time on recent headshots and outdoor group sessions.

Listeners will also learn about the impact of mirrorless technology on low-light performance, the expanded focusing capabilities, and the extensive range of high-quality lenses now available. Kevin offers invaluable advice to those new to photography, recommending that beginners start with affordable DSLRs before moving to the more complex mirrorless systems.

Through laughs, anecdotes, and practical insights, Kelly and Kevin bring clarity to a complex topic, helping photographers make informed choices about their gear. Tune in for a blend of expertise, relatable experiences, and a dose of nostalgia for DSLRs, as Tog Talk celebrates the art and tech of photography.

Photography Masterclass
Fancy joining the one-year Masterclass program? The next Photography Masterclass starts in January, there are still a few places left. Check out the website for more information:

Ep. 37 Coming out of Auto mode...

Season 1 · Episode 37

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 • Duration 22:46

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Tog-Talk Episode 37: Going Manual

Host: Kevin Ahronson, Founder of Hampshire School of Photography

In this solo episode of Tog-Talk, Kevin Ahronson addresses a common question for beginner photographers: “How do I move from auto mode to manual mode?” Kevin, with over five decades of photography experience and a seasoned photography teacher, breaks down the basics of manual shooting.

Kevin explains that while auto mode is great for beginners, manual mode offers far more control. The challenge is in understanding the “exposure triangle” — the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Kevin carefully walks listeners through each element, illustrating how they work together to achieve correct exposure. He recommends learning in stages, suggesting that aperture priority mode is an ideal stepping stone for photographers looking to gradually transition to manual.

Throughout the episode, Kevin emphasises the importance of mastering the camera and choosing the right mode for the job. While manual mode gives full control, aperture priority is often quicker and ideal for many scenarios. Kevin shares personal anecdotes from his years of shooting, including situations where manual mode is indispensable, like wildlife photography, where consistency is key.

Towards the end, Kevin recommends his Introduction to Photography Workshop on November 9th, 2024, and discusses his Photography Masterclass, a year-long course designed to develop both technical skills and creative vision.

Key Points:

•The exposure triangle: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO

•The benefits of aperture priority mode as a middle ground

Ep. 36 Is RAW really superior to JPG?

Season 1 · Episode 36

Monday, October 14, 2024 • Duration 45:56

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Welcome to Tog Talk, the podcast where photographers come together for insightful and often humorous discussions on all things photography. I’m your host, Kevin Ahronson, from the Hampshire School of Photography, and today, I’m joined by my brilliant co-host, and commercial photographer, Kelly Perrin.

If you’re tuning in for the first time, Tog Talk is all about photographers in conversation, whether you’re a seasoned pro or someone just getting started with your camera.

This is episode 36, and if you’re familiar with the show, you know that Kelly and I meet every fortnight to dive into the topics that matter to photographers. On the alternate weeks, I host a solo episode where I answer listener questions, sharing insights and tips on everything from camera settings to creative techniques. So, there’s always something new to look forward to!

In our last episode together, we had a fantastic conversation about light (Flash vs Natural light), which sparked some great discussions in our Facebook group.

Kelly, I know you’re still glowing from all the natural light love! But today, we’re taking on another subject that never fails to get people talking: RAW versus JPEG.

This age-old debate has been a cornerstone of digital photography, and it continues to divide opinions. Some photographers insist on shooting RAW for its incredible flexibility in post-processing, while others stand by JPEG for its convenience and speed. So, which is really better? Are you giving up too much control by sticking with JPEG, or are RAW files only necessary for certain types of photography?

In today’s episode, we’ll break it all down. Kelly and I will explore the differences between these two formats, weigh the pros and cons, and help you decide when each format is best for your needs. Whether you’re someone who wants to push the limits in post-processing or prefer a quicker, more streamlined workflow, there’s something here for you. We’ll even discuss how RAW files can rescue tricky shots in difficult lighting, but also when JPEG might just be the smarter choice—especially for fast-paced environments or when you need to share images quickly.So, grab your camera, settle in, and let’s jump into the RAW versus JPEG debate. This is , and we’re ready to help you make sense of it all.

Ep. 35 High ISO or Post Processing: which brightening solution wins?

Season 1 · Episode 53

Wednesday, October 2, 2024 • Duration 39:42

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Welcome to another episode of Tog-Talk: Photographers in Conversation!

I’m Kevin Ahronson, founder of the Hampshire School of Photography, and this week, it’s a solo episode where I’ll be answering a listener question.

Just as a quick reminder, every other week, I fly solo, diving into the photography questions you send in, while on alternating weeks, I’m joined by my fantastic co-host, Kelly Perrin from the Big Ambition Photography Company. Kelly runs a local studio in Fleet and together we co-sponsor the Hampshire Photography Network, a thriving Facebook community of amateur photographers.

Today, I’ll be tackling a fantastic listener question about shooting in low light situations... should you underexpose in-camera and brighten in Lightroom, or let the ISO creep up and deal with the grain in post?

I’ll break down the differences between amplifying a signal in-camera versus brightening it in post-processing and explore which approach yields the best results.

As always, I’ve done my best to keep things as simple and practical as possible, although some subjects, by their nature, can be a bit more technical than others (this could be one of them). So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!

Be sure to stick around until the end, where I’ll share some exciting updates about our upcoming Photography Masterclass, workshops, and free Photographer’s Evenings.

Now, let’s get into it!

Photo Studio
Looking for an inexpensive, amateur-friendly photography studio in Hampshire? Check out Kelly's Photography Studio in Fleet (Hampshire)

Sharpen your photos
Topaz Photo AI, it really is the best AI-driven sharpening & noise reduction software out there. Use this link to download Topaz. You won't pay any more... but I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.

Ep.34 Natural Light vs Flash

Season 1 · Episode 34

Tuesday, September 24, 2024 • Duration 47:46

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Discover the secrets to mastering photography lighting as we host an engaging debate between Kevin Ahronson from Hampshire School of Photography and Kelly Perrin from the Big Ambition Company.

Struggling to choose between natural light and flash? Learn how Kevin transitioned from a natural light purist - to a flash enthusiast, after a remarkable encounter with a newspaper photographer. Kelly, however, champions the beauty of natural light, even in the most challenging settings like theatres and conference halls. Their debate offers insights that are invaluable whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your photography journey.

This episode doesn't just stop at theory; we dive into practical tips for using both natural and artificial light in various scenarios. From capturing candid moments at weddings to balancing ambient and artificial light during the first dance, Kevin and Kelly reveal their personal experiences and hacks.

Enhance your photography with advanced techniques discussed in this episode. From adjusting white balance settings and using CTO gels to elevate your sunrise and sunset portrait shots... to mastering clamshell lighting for studio portraits, Kevin and Kelly provide a treasure trove of tips.

Learn how to avoid unflattering shadows, achieve beautiful, professional-looking photos by reflecting or diffusing light. Don’t miss out on this comprehensive guide packed with valuable insights and inspiring stories to help you take your photography to new heights.

Photography Masterclass Program: A Part-time One Year Course

The Photography Masterclass at Hampshire School of Photography is an essential course for new photographers, offering a comprehensive, year-long program that builds strong foundations in both technical skills and creative vision. With 10 modules covering everything from camera mastery to composition, portrait, and landscape photography, it immerses students in a supportive learning environment.

Find out more: https://www.hampshirephotoschool.com/one-year-masterclass/

Tog-Talk – Details, episodes & analysis

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