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Raw Photography Podcast - EP63 - A conversation with John Gillooley After a little summer break, RAW is back for Episode 63 and we’re joined by the brilliant John Gillooley. John will already be a familiar name to many wedding photographers, both through his work and his presence on Instagram. In this episode we get into his journey into photography, how his style has developed over the years and his approach to photographing weddings with authenticity, humour and, when the opportunity presents itself, a little bit of mischief. We talk about finding your own voice as a photographer, the importance of consistency, creativity and storytelling, and why sometimes the chaos and unpredictability of a wedding day can produce the very best photographs. John also talks about social media, awards, client relationships, editing, favourite venues and the experience and intuition that comes from doing this job for a long time. There’s plenty of photography chat too. We get into cameras and lenses, John’s experiences with different systems including Nikon and Sony, flashes and accessories, pre-wedding calls, dealing with difficult weather and venues, and why being able to adapt when things don’t go to plan is such an important part of being a wedding photographer. There’s also a much more personal and moving side to this conversation. John speaks openly about the loss of his son Max and the profound impact that had on his life. He talks about grief, resilience and how photography became intertwined with that journey. We also hear about John’s incredible work with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, an organisation providing remembrance photography to families experiencing the loss of a baby. John talks about photographing families in hospital, the challenges and responsibility that come with that work and the enormous value those photographs can have for a family. For anyone interested in volunteering or learning more about Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, we’ve included details below. Despite some of the heavier subjects, this is very much a conversation with John Gillooley, so naturally there are plenty of laughs and stories along the way. A conversation about weddings, creativity, gear, grief, resilience, community and ultimately the extraordinary power a photograph can have. John’s Links John’s Website https://www.johngillooley.com/ Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep https://www.nilmdts.ie/photographers Photographers Mentioned. Billy Dee https://www.instagram.com/billydeee/ Strange Victory https://www.instagram.com/strange.victory/ Rodney Smith https://rodneysmith.com/ Ramond depadon https://www.magnumphotos.com/arts-culture/society-arts-culture/william-boyd-raymond-depardon-1980s-glasgow/ Show Hosts Dave McClelland Photography https://www.davidmcclelland-photography.com Moat Hill Photography https://mhphoto.ie Podcast Partner Bermingham Cameras https://berminghamcameras.ie

Raw Photography Podcast - EP62 - A conversation with David Olsthoorn In this episode, we sit down with David Olsthoorn, one half of the husband-and-wife team behind Awake & Dreaming Photography. Together with his wife Laurie, Dave has built a thriving wedding photography business with a high-volume workflow, while maintaining a strong focus on creativity, client experience and storytelling. We chat about everything from managing a busy wedding calendar and working together as a couple, to destination weddings, film photography and the impact of AI on the industry. Dave shares his thoughts on image rights, gear choices, editing workflows and why film photography has reignited his passion for shooting. We also dive into the realities of running a successful photography business, balancing family life with a demanding workload, and the systems that help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Whether you’re a wedding photographer, a portrait photographer or simply someone who enjoys hearing honest conversations about creativity and business, there’s plenty to take away from this one. It’s a wide-ranging conversation packed with practical advice, personal stories, and plenty of insight from someone who has spent decades refining both his craft and his approach to running a photography business. David’s Links Awake and Dreaminghttps://awakeanddreamingweddings.com/ West South Westhttps://westsouthwest.net/ Photographers Mentioned. Oskar Bakke https://www.instagram.com/oskarbakke Riley Harper https://www.instagram.com/lifeof_riley Chris Burkard https://www.chrisburkard.com Show Hosts Dave McClelland Photography https://www.davidmcclelland-photography.com Moat Hill Photography https://mhphoto.ie Podcast Partner Bermingham Cameras https://berminghamcameras.ie Follow us on Instagram: @therawpodcast @davidmcclellandphotography @moathillphotography

Raw Podcast - EP61 - A conversation with Katie Kavanagh Episode 61! The one and only Katie Kavanagh. A great friend and an inspiration to many of us in the wedding photography scene. Katie made the move from graphic design into full-time wedding photography, and it shows in how she approaches her work. With a strong online presence, she has a real understanding of branding, marketing, and how to present yourself in a way that actually connects with your audience and future clients. There’s no better guest to get into social media with. What’s working, what’s not, and how to approach it without it taking over your life. There’s some really practical thinking around content, consistency, and why it’s less about chasing trends and more about knowing what you’re trying to say. We also talk about pricing, workflow, and building a business that’s actually sustainable. Not just in terms of money, but in terms of time, energy, and avoiding burnout. There’s a lot in here around staying true to your own style, even when there’s pressure to follow what everyone else is doing. Along with that, some honest chat about the realities of the job and trying to balance work with the rest of life. There really is loads to take away, whether you’re starting out or a few years in.Enjoy!Dave and Paul. A few links for you all.Katie Kavanagh Website - https://katiekav.comKatie's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/katiekavphoto/Refocus Workshop - https://www.refocusworkshop.eu/ Learn to Fly Conference - https://www.learningtofly.ie/Irish-wedding-photography-retreat-2026-ClareKatie's Recommendations for Photographers to FollowJP Bevelard's Photography - https://www.instagram.com/jpbevillard_colour/Lorcan Finnegan - https://www.instagram.com/lorcanfinnegan/ Later App for Scheduling - https://later.com/ Hosts Dave - https://www.davidmcclelland-photography.com/ Paul - https://mhphoto.ie/

Raw Podcast - EP60 - A conversation with Drew Forsyth This week we’re chatting with Drew Forsyth, a portrait photographer and director working at the commercial end of the industry across the UK and internationally.Drew’s work is centred around people and the stories behind them, and that’s something we connected with straight away, even though his world looks very different to ours on the surface.We get into what that world actually looks like day to day. From shoots that take all day to get a single frame, to moments where everything has to come together in under 90 seconds. There’s a lot of pressure there, and Drew shares how he handles it.We also talk about how he found his way into commercial work, the importance of putting yourself out there, and why personal projects are often the thing that leads to the jobs you actually want.There are some brilliant stories in this one, along with a really honest look at the ups and downs. Big wins, mistakes, things that worked and things that didn’t. It’s a very open conversation.We also touch on networking, staying visible, and how things are shifting with AI and the wider industry.A really good chat with someone working in a completely different lane, but with a lot of crossover in how he thinks about people and photography.Drew’s Website - https://www.drewforsyth.com/Drew’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_drewforsyth/ Photographers / Artists to Check Out https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.penfold/ https://www.georgieglass.com/what-we-do https://www.artstreiber.com/work Follow us on Instagram ⁠@therawpodcast⁠ ⁠@davidmcclellandphotography⁠ ⁠@moathillphotography⁠

Episode 59 Chris Copeland. The Art of Storytelling Through the Lens: A Conversation with Chris Copeland This episode takes us into the world of Chris Copeland, a Belfast-based photographer whose approach to wedding photography is both timeless and unmistakably his own. Chris’s work is instantly recognisable. Cinematic, emotional, and rooted in an artful documentary sensibility that celebrates real life as it unfolds. We talk about where his love for photography began, the slow rhythm of shooting film, and how the medium shapes the way he sees the world. Along the way, Chris shares honest reflections on client relationships, destination weddings, and the importance of staying true to your creative voice in a saturated digital scene. In This Episode: How Chris developed his signature documentary style Why film still matters in a digital world The balance between spontaneity and preparation Building trust and telling authentic stories Lessons from destination weddings and challenging shoots Staying creative when photography becomes your career Social media, community, and the ever-evolving industry  Chris Copeland — chriscopelandphotography.co.uk Instagram: @chriscopelandphotography Chris’s recommendations of Artists to Check Out Billy Dinhhttps://www.instagram.com/billydeee Vineet Vohrahttps://www.instagram.com/vineet_vohra Alex Greyhttps://www.alexgrey.com Show LinksChris Copeland — chriscopelandphotography.co.ukInstagram: @chriscopelandphotography Follow us on Instagram @therawpodcast @davidmcclellandphotography @moathillphotography

Raw Podcast - EP58 - A conversation with John Boaz In this conversation, we sit down with portrait photographer John Boaz to talk about where his work really comes from. From an early moment of seeing deer move through golden light at Bradgate Park to having his portraits on the cover of Portrait of Britain, John shares a thoughtful and honest look at his creative journey. We talk about the influence of university on his understanding of visual storytelling, the importance of personal projects alongside paid work, and why connection always matters more than technical perfection. John reflects on slowing down in a fast-paced, social-media-driven industry, how nature, music and everyday life feed into his work, and why imperfections often carry the most truth. This episode is about portraiture as a human exchange rather than a technical exercise, and about protecting artistic integrity while navigating commercial realities. Guest Bio John Boaz is a multi-award-winning portrait photographer based in Northamptonshire, UK. He graduated from Birmingham City University in 2019 with a degree in Visual Communication (Photography). John is a multiple winner of the British Journal of Photography’s Portrait of Britain awards, including having a portrait selected as the front cover of Volume 7. His work has been exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery as part of the Royal Photographic Society’s IPE 166 exhibition and features in major publications such as The Guardian, Financial Times Magazine, Le Monde and Der Spiegel. His ongoing series Rivers Of Living Water explores Christianity in Britain through portraiture and observational images. Key Topics John’s early inspiration at Bradgate Park University and learning visual storytelling Balancing paid work and personal projects Human connection in portraiture Feeling over technical perfection Inspiration from nature, music and everyday life Maintaining artistic integrity across mediums Slowing down in a fast social media world The impact of awards on creative confidence Notable Quotes “Imperfect images tell a story.” “Connection and context come first.” “Imperfections add authenticity.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction and background 02:50 Early photography experiences 06:00 University and visual storytelling 08:56 Transitioning into professional work 11:45 Personal projects and why they matter 14:37 Balancing paid work and passion 17:30 Current projects and future direction 20:32 Family and photography 23:51 Artistic reflection and intention 25:21 Digital versus film 27:29 Human connection in portrait photography 31:15 Planning versus spontaneity 34:17 Managing pressure and anxiety 38:34 Comfort and trust in portraits 41:35 Environment, light and atmosphere 45:15 Subconscious decision-making 47:42 Connection and context revisited 50:39 Emotion versus technical control 54:16 Storytelling through portraiture 57:57 Navigating wedding photography 01:01:16 Humility and growth 01:04:12 Finding inspiration beyond photography 01:07:07 Creative pressure 01:09:52 Social media and evolving perspectives 01:11:16 Fulfilment beyond Instagram 01:12:54 Balancing work and personal life 01:15:34 The impact of awards 01:17:43 Inspiration from fellow photographers Mentions Alex Soth Alys Tomlinson Portrait of Britain Where to find John johnboaz_ Johns Website Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@therawpodcast⁠ ⁠@davidmcclellandphotography⁠ ⁠@moathillphotography

Raw Podcast - EP57 - A conversation with Emma Walkin It feels good to be back. We’ve missed the chats, the stories and the bit of craic that always sneaks in when we hit record. And we’re kicking things off with Emma Walkin from EditHouse, who’s had a winding path through sport, corporate media and into wedding videography, shaping a whole corner of the industry along the way. Emma talks about being one of the few women shooting weddings in Ireland in the early days, the graft of building a business, and the pressure that comes with fast turnarounds and big expectations. We also dig into how AI is changing the creative world, how the wedding industry has shifted, and what it actually takes to keep going in a job that’s half filmmaking and half emotional endurance. There’s plenty here about editing, family life, creative burnout and the chaos of modern wedding days. She also brings us through her time filming in South Sudan and how it changed her outlook on work and life. It’s honest, funny, and full of reminders of why real moments still matter more than anything else. Mentions @flatrocfilms https://www.flatrocfilms.com @kreativwedding https://www.kreativ-wedding.de⁠ Loreto Rumbek Where to find Emma http://www.edithouse.ie @edithouse Follow us on Instagram: @therawpodcast @davidmcclellandphotography @moathillphotography

Raw Podcast - EP56 - A conversation with Kevin Kheffache The man responsible for hundreds of photographers descending on Dublin’s streets each year for the famous Doc Day conference sits down for a chat. Kevin Kheffache has become a central figure in the Irish documentary photography scene but his path here wasn’t straightforward. From banking and running a language school to picking up a camera alongside Annie, Kevin’s journey has been full of sharp turns and unexpected lessons. We get into the leap from videography to photography, how his background shaped his eye for moments, and why he believes community is the heartbeat of this craft. There’s talk of creativity and confidence, the pressures photographers face in today’s online world, and the simple joy of seeing a roll of film come back to life. Kevin’s story is part evolution, part reflection, and a reminder of why capturing real moments still matters most. Settle in for this one. It’s full of heart, insight, and plenty to take away. Show Links Kevin’s Website - https://www.kevinkheffache.com/ DocDay - https://docday.international/ Cafa Liu - https://cafaphoto.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @therawpodcast @davidmcclellandphotography @moathillphotography

How do you introduce someone who’s practically part of the furniture in Irish photography? Jay Doherty’s name is woven through so many corners of the industry it’s almost become folklore – from creating the much-loved Learning to Fly retreat to bringing Doc Day to a close each year with his signature style. Jay’s a photographer who doesn’t just take pictures; he lives and breathes his craft. He’s curious, restless, and fiercely passionate about learning – but what makes him stand out is how much he loves seeing others grow. We talk about where that drive comes from, how he’s helped shape a community of photographers, and what’s next for him. Expect plenty of laughs, insights into the Irish photography scene, and a good few moments where you might find yourself asking, “What would Jay do?” Grab a bottle of Football Special and settle in – this one’s worth the listen. Photographers to Checkout Rich GilliganSimon murphy - https://www.youtube.com/@simonmurphy265/ Harry Borden https://www.harryborden.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @therawpodcast @davidmcclellandphotography @moathillphotography

Episode 54 – A conversation with Martin Ellard This week’s guest is Martin Ellard – a documentary wedding photographer based in South Wales with one of the most varied and fascinating paths into the industry we’ve heard yet. Martin’s background takes us from the offices of Magnum Photos, where he somehow managed to land a one-on-one with the legendary Elliott Erwitt, through years spent on the front lines as a press photographer, and on to commercial gigs before finding his home in wedding photography. We chat about what each of those roles taught him, how they’ve shaped the way he sees and shoots, and why the documentary approach speaks to him most. There’s plenty about the realities of press work, the pace and politics of editorial assignments, and the shift in mindset that comes with photographing a wedding day instead of a protest or breaking news. We also touch on his personal projects, zine-making, and whether he’s planning more. And of course, there’s gear talk, stories from the field, and plenty of odd tangents too. A thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation with someone who’s been around the block and still sees photography with a beginner’s curiosity. We could’ve gone on for hours, we probably will next time. Show Links. Martin’s Wedding Work https://www.martinellardweddingphotography.co.uk/ Martin’s Commercial Work https://www.martinellardphotography.co.uk/Chris Killip https://www.chriskillip.com/ Sebastião Salgado https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/constituents/sebasti%C3%A3o-salgado Joey’s Shots YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@JOEYSSHOTS Bristol Books on Photography https://bopbristol.org/ Follow us on Instagram: @therawpodcast @davidmcclellandphotography @moathillphotography

Episode 53 - The Photowalk with Bermingham Cameras A break from the norm this week. This episode was recorded during our photo walk through Dublin in association with Bermingham Cameras. It’s a mix of sound bites and conversations, capturing moments from the day and voices from across the photography community. We talk about the value of connection, the supportiveness of the scene in Ireland, and what it means to be open and approachable in the industry. There’s a bit of fun, a bit of reflection, and a strong sense that community really does matter – no matter what stage you’re at. And a quick word from Brian – whose love of horse racing and charity work added something unexpected and heartfelt to the day. Thanks again to Berminghams for making this all possible. Show Links. Mentioned in this podcast If you would like to sponsor Brian for his upcoming Pat Smullen Charity Race please : visit this link here @berminghamcameras @johngillooley @derycktormey @forgedinlovephotography @jannthings @dark.clouds.photography @lisachonier Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@therawpodcast ⁠⁠@davidmcclellandphotography⁠ ⁠@moathillphotography⁠

Episode 52 – A conversation with Janina Brocklesby (Reportage Studios) This week we’re joined by Janina Brocklesby – one half of Reportage Studios and someone whose work manages to hit that sweet spot between honest, emotional and, quite often, properly funny. Her images have a real heart to them – shaped by culture, personality and the chaos of a wedding day in full swing. We talk about how she got started in photography and the early days of setting up Reportage Studios. There’s plenty of chat about the realities of working as a duo, travelling for weddings across the UK and beyond, and how different cultural backgrounds have shaped the way she approaches the job. She’s going to be speaking at Doc Day next year – so we dig into how that’s feeling, and the nerves and excitement that come with stepping onto a stage rather than behind a lens. There’s also a really personal and powerful part of the conversation where Janina opens up about the recent passing of her brother. She talks with such grace about wanting the day of his funeral photographed, and how important that felt. The photographer she asked, by the way, was none other than past guest Ronan Palliser – not sure if we mentioned that during the chat, so worth saying here. We also dive into gear choices, the tension between documentary and editorial styles, the pressure of trends, and whether awards are worth the bother. Social media comes up too – whether it’s a useful tool or just something that gets in the way. A wide-ranging, honest chat with a photographer who truly cares about people, stories, and the moments that matter. Show Links. Reportage Studios - https://reportage-studios.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @therawpodcast@davidmcclellandphotography@moathillphotography

Episode 51 – A conversation with Paul Williams (Gingerbeard Photography) In this episode, we sit down with Paul Williams – though you’ll probably know him better as Gingerbeard Photography. With over 22 years of experience in photography and videography, Paul has built a name for himself with a style that blends honest documentary with a touch of editorial flair. We chat through his journey from office life to full-time photographer, the early spark that came from a film production course, and how second-shooting a friend’s wedding changed everything. Paul shares his thoughts on branding, film photography, and the gear he loves (spoiler: he’s a Leica man). He also talks about the realities of the job – the burnout, the busyness, and why delivering prints still matters. There’s plenty in here for anyone working in or around weddings – from destination gigs and personal projects to editing workflows and using AI to lighten the load. It’s an open, insightful chat with one of the good ones. Show Links.Paul’s Wedding Insta - https://www.instagram.com/gingerbeardweddingsPaul’s Personal Insta - https://www.instagram.com/gingerbeard_photoFollow us on Instagram: @therawpodcast @davidmcclellandphotography @moathillphotography Mentions Elliott Erwitt - https://www.elliotterwitt.com (Branding etc) Tom Wright - https://www.instagram.com/bytomw Daniel Knight Harris - https://www.danielknightharris.com Naomi Goggins - https://www.naomigogginphoto.com His wedding photographer - https://damianbrandon.com

Episode 50 – Ryan Devereux For our 50th episode, we sat down with Ryan Devereux — a man who’s quietly carved out a space as one of Ireland’s most respected wedding photographers. You’ll probably know his work even if you don’t know his name. Ryan is someone who lets the photographs do the talking, and they speak volumes — honest, considered and full of atmosphere. In this conversation, we trace Ryan’s journey from a call centre desk to the chaos of back-to-back wedding weekends. He talks about the early pull of photography, a hand-me-down camera from a family member, and the moment he realised he had an eye for it. We dive into everything from the artistic roots that shaped his style, to navigating the peaks and troughs of the industry and why he’ll always accept a cup of tea from the mother of the bride. There’s plenty here for anyone trying to balance commercial work with creative exploration — from his passion for film photography and street work, to personal projects and cultural festivals that offer a different kind of challenge. He’s honest about the burnout, the busyness, and the beauty of this job, and it makes for a rich, wide-ranging chat. Highlights include: • Ryan’s path into photography • Why personal projects are essential for growth • The ongoing tug between digital and film • Balancing technical evolution with creative integrity • The quiet artistry of capturing cultural festivals • Tips on navigating wedding season without losing your mind • Why breaks, bad photos, and bizarre festivals matter Show Links.Ryan Wedding Insta https://www.instagram.com/ryandevereux.weddings/Ryan’s Personal Insta https://www.instagram.com/ryandevereux/His amazing blog on La Feria de Abrill https://www.ryandevereux.ie/blog/la-feria-de-abril-x100vi Martin Ellard’s Zines https://www.martinellardphotography.co.uk/martin-ellard-published-photography-zines/Dave Cremin https://www.instagram.com/dave_cremin And Ryan’s recommendation on who to check out - Sinna Nasseri AKA Strange Victory  https://www.instagram.com/strange.victory/ Follow us on Instagram: @therawpodcast@davidmcclellandphotography@moathillphotography

Episode 49 – Tim Millen (This Modern Love) In this episode, we chat with Tim Millen — the creative mind behind This Modern Love, and a man who lives a bit of a double life. By day, he’s a wedding photographer capturing real moments with honesty and heart. But when the cameras are down, you’ll find him in the studio painting — a slower, more solitary process that gives him space to reflect and create differently. We talk about everything from his childhood influences and the cousin who handed down a photojournalist’s camera, to the artistic contrast between film and digital, painting and photography. There’s loads here about creative constraints, the pressures of the job, and the little things that keep us going — like staying hydrated and knowing when to drive less. Highlights include: • The parallels between painting and photography • Why setting creative rules can be freeing • Balancing commercial work with personal projects • Shooting weddings on film in a digital world • What the Helsinki Bus Station Theory has to do with finding your style • Building rapport and capturing silent moments • Working through wedding nerves — especially when shooting fellow photographers weddings. • The ongoing journey of maintaining passion in a saturated industry Show Links. https://www.thismodernlove.co.uk/https://www.timmillen.com/ Helsinki Bus Station Theory – Arno Rafael Minkkinen BuzzFeed Feature – “The Most Beautiful Wedding Photos Ever” Kirsten Lewis Follow us on Instagram: @therawpodcast @davidmcclellandphotography @moathillphotography @thismodernlovephoto