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
Episode 48 – Lucy Nuzum
In this episode, we chat with the brilliant Lucy Nuzum — a photographer whose path took her from self-portrait experiments as an art student to a thriving career in wedding photography. Lucy opens up about everything from creative influences and personal projects to navigating wedding trends, working with musicians, and the joys (and oddities) of flotation tanks.
We talk about her first wedding, her approach to blending documentary and portraiture, and the systems she’s had to build to balance creativity with workflow. There’s loads here on community, confidence and client connections.
Highlights include:
Lucy’s shift from art school to weddings
Her love–hate relationship with flotation tanks
Why she prefers one camera and one lens
The balance between posed and candid moments
Using a pre-wedding questionnaire to really get to know her couples
Thoughts on trends like direct flash and blur
How social media helps and hinders creativity
The value of personal projects and staying inspired
Mentions in this episode:
Follow us on Instagram:
Episode 47 – Darren Kirwan
In this episode of The Raw Podcast, we’re joined by Darren Kirwan — one of Ireland’s most consistently brilliant wedding photographers, known for his calm presence and sharp eye for real moments.
This is a wide-ranging and honest chat about the craft of wedding photography. Darren talks us through his early days in photography, how his documentary style developed, and why working close to home keeps him creatively sharp. We get into the pressure and reward of Same Day Edits, the importance of building a strong local reputation, and what it means to attract the right kind of clients.
There’s loads here — from balancing family life with work, the role of word-of-mouth in today’s industry, and the fine line between observation and interaction when capturing a wedding day. We also dig into editing, creative blocks (or the lack of them), and the ongoing debate between colour and black and white photography.
Darren shares his thoughts on awards, including his recent run with This is Reportage — where he’s been named Ireland Storyteller of the Year 2024 and landed over 30 individual awards. He reflects on the meaning and pressure that comes with that kind of recognition, and how it fits into the bigger picture of his work and purpose.
Towards the end, we touch on the importance of personal projects, preserving family stories, and encouraging creativity in the next generation.
A thoughtful, generous episode from a photographer who continues to do things his own way.
Mentions in this episode:
Follow us on Instagram:
The RAW Podcast | Episode 46 – Johanna King (Johanna King Photography)
In this episode, we’re joined by Johanna King, a brilliant documentary family photographer based in Dublin. Johanna is known for capturing the chaos, calm, and everything in between—without the stiff posing or forced smiles. Her work is honest, warm, and full of heart, earning her recognition from the IPPVA, Fearless Family, and This is Reportage Family.
We talk about her early connection to photographs, including how she had a fire escape plan at ten years old that involved saving her photo albums first. That deep respect for memories and moments has shaped her approach to photography today.
Johanna shares her thoughts on what makes a strong documentary family photographer, how she helps families feel at ease during shoots, and why she believes the real, unscripted moments matter most. We also chat about handling unpredictability during family sessions, especially with young kids (and sometimes reluctant parents).
She tells us about her personal project Balance, a photo book capturing the lives of women juggling parenting and professional life, and we dig into why educating people about organising and printing their own photos is such a key part of her mission. We also touch on the value of printed photographs in a digital world and why they’re still so worth saving.
To wrap up, Johanna talks about what she hopes for in the years ahead, what she’d say to anyone feeling unsure about booking a family shoot, and she leaves us with a recommendation to check out the work of photographer Jens Olof Lasthein.
A lovely, honest chat with a photographer who truly cares about the families she photographs and the memories they’re making.Oh and be sure to listen until the very end for a bonus section on her Great Grandfather's photography!
⸻
Links & Resources:
• Johanna King’s Website: JohannaKingPhotography.com
• Johanna on Instagram: @johannakingphotography
• Balance – Johanna’s photo book: The Library Project
• Photographer Recommendation: Jens Olof Lasthein
• Mentioned: Leanne Keaney, Barb Peacock
🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.
Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review, share it with a fellow photographer or even let us know what you think in the comments!
The RAW Podcast | Episode 45: GFX100RF
In this episode, We share our thoughts on Fujifilm's intriguing new camera, the GFX100RF—a groundbreaking medium-format camera in a surprisingly compact package.
The GFX100RF boasts an impressive 102MP sensor in a body that isn't much bigger than the current X100VI. It’s Fujifilm’s smallest and lightest medium-format offering, tipping the scales at only 735 grams, making it perfect for street, travel, and documentary photography - but what about weddings? Is it a viable option?
Do Dave and Paul see the GFX100RF in their own camera bags? Tune in to find out whether Fujifilm’s latest innovation has sparked their interest or left them looking elsewhere.
Join the conversation and share your own thoughts on Fujifilm’s - Tell us what you think below!
#TheRawPodcast #Fujifilm #GFX100RF #MediumFormat #PhotographyGear #CameraReview #StreetPhotography #TravelPhotography
The RAW Podcast – Episode 44
Guest: Shane O’Neill (Aspect Photography)
Episode Summary
In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant Shane O’Neill of Aspect Photography, one of Ireland’s most distinctive documentary wedding photographers. Known for his effortless, unposed style and his ability to capture real, unscripted moments with humour and authenticity, Shane has built a reputation for staying out of the way while telling powerful wedding stories.
We talk about his journey into photography, how he found his style, and what draws him to documentary wedding work. Plus, we dive into his experience having none other than Martin Parr photograph his own wedding, what that was like, and how it shaped the way he sees wedding photography today.
We also get into his approach to gear, editing, personal projects, and why he believes photographers shouldn’t overprotect their work. And of course, we chat about his love for photobooks, film cameras, and those offbeat projects that keep him inspired.
This one’s packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of wisdom from a photographer who truly understands the power of storytelling.
Topics Covered:
Shane’s background and how he got started in photography
The shift from commercial work to weddings
Developing his documentary approach and staying out of the way
The role of humour in wedding photography
Having Martin Parr photograph his wedding—how it happened and what he learned from it
His go-to gear and why he loves his Nikon D850s and Hasselblad X1D
Editing, workflow, and his take on AI in photography
Shooting for himself—why he keeps a personal archive of images each year
The importance (or not) of awards in photography
Most memorable weddings, including a surreal starlit moment on an island near Dubrovnik
His passion for photobooks, film cameras, and experimental photography
Looking ahead—where he sees his work evolving over the next decade
Links & Resources:
Shane O’Neill’s Website: AspectPhotography.net
Shane on Instagram: @aspectphotography
Follow The RAW Podcast on Instagram: @therawpodcast
🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.
Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review, share it with a fellow photographer, and let us know what you think!
The Raw Podcast - Episode 43 – Mic Drop
We’re back with another packed episode, diving into everything from new photography gear to documenting an intense boxing event. We discuss the balance between personal projects and professional work, the power of community in photography, and the evolution of The Raw Podcast. Plus, we’re putting out a call for creative help—got ideas for an intro and outro? Get in touch!
Episode Breakdown
🎙 Intro – Kicking things off with fresh insights and updates.
🎛 New Gear & Podcast Upgrades
• How the latest equipment is levelling up the podcast.
• The impact of listener feedback and future plans for the show.
🥊 Ringside Photography – Shooting a Boxing Event
• Our experience capturing the energy and intensity of a live boxing match.
• Why stepping into new photography challenges keeps things exciting.
🔥 The Power of Personal Projects
• How creative side projects help keep the passion alive.
• The struggle (and importance) of making time for personal work.
🌍 Community, Connection & Collaboration
• Why networking with other photographers leads to fresh opportunities.
• How hiking and new environments can spark creative inspiration.
📢 Mic Drop Moment – We Need Your Help!
• We’re looking for an intro and outro for the podcast—any ideas? Hit us up!
🎬 Outro – Wrapping things up and a sneak peek at what’s next.
The Raw Podcast – Episode 42 - A conversation with Ronan Palliser
We’re joined by Ronan Palliser for an in-depth chat about his journey in photography, the lessons he’s learned, and his approach to lighting and storytelling. From his early days in camera clubs to becoming a respected wedding photographer and educator, Ronan shares insights into his philosophy, workflow, and the Irish photography community.
Episode Breakdown
🎙 Intro – Welcoming Ronan Palliser to the podcast.
📸 The Journey
🎤 Wedding Photography & Documentary Approach
💡 A Shot in the Dark & Flash Education
⚡ Workflow & Business
🎧 Looking Forward
🎬 Outro – Wrapping up with final thoughts and where to find Ronan’s work.
Ronan‘s website
https://www.ronanpalliser.ie
A shot in the dark website:
https://www.ashotinthedark.ie
Mentioned in this episode:
Tune in to gain valuable insights from Ronan’s extensive experience and unique perspective on photography.
The Raw Podcast Returns – Episode 41
We’re back! After a long break, The Raw Podcast is making a return, and we have plenty to catch up on. In this episode, we dive into where we’ve been, why we’re back, and what’s ahead.
Episode Breakdown
🎙 Intro – A fresh start for The Raw Podcast.
🔄 Catch Up
• Where did we go, and why are we back? A look at why the podcast paused and what brought us back to the mic.
• @bermingham_cameras – Our new partnership and what it means for the podcast and you the listener!
📸 What’s Been Happening?
• The last five years – life and photography updates.
• How the pandemic changed everything – adapting to the shifts in the photography world.
• Lasting effects – what’s different now compared to before?
🎤 Speaking at @docday_ – Reflecting on the experience of taking the stage and sharing insights.
💡 Tech Talk
• The rise of AI in editing – Imagen, Aftershoot, ChatGPT, and how these tools are changing the game.
🎧 The Future of The Raw Podcast
• What’s changing about the podcast? More interviews, more discussions, and exciting new content.
🎬 Outro – Wrapping it up and what to expect in the next episode.
