Published by Iain Farrell
A camera is just a tool, but spend enough time with photographers, and you’ll see them go misty-eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small, fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget. I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much, and how they make us feel.
Listen on Apple Podcasts1 hr 3 min
People often say “It’s the little things”, but what does that mean? Ian Bogost has written a book on this subject called The Small Stuff , and in it he describes the gratification that we can all get from paying attention to the small things that happen around us every day. The way a camera feels in the hand, the texture of our clothing, the difference in taste of a soda drunk from a can instead of a plastic bottle. All of these things can be savoured and make our lives a far richer tapestry than it might otherwise be. I am sold and hope you will be too after you enjoy this conversation. And go pick up a copy of the book, I did and it was very much worth it. Support the show on Patreon . More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.
1 hr 8 min
This week, my guest is Irene Yee , a photographer specialising in the outdoors and climbing. She’s a brilliant and open guest who shares a lot of her techniques and ideas for making great creative work. Support the show on Patreon . More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.
1 hr 3 min
Emil Gyllenberg joins me today. He is the chief organiser of the Stockholm FotoMaraton , a 24 hour event taking place in August. I had never heard of such a thing, people running around making pictures for 24 hours and then entering to have theirs selected as the best in various categories, so I contacted them and Emil agreed to come on to talk about it. Support the show on Patreon . More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.
55 min
This week I’m joined by Mike Chudley , a Photographer and YouTuber based in the UK. We begin talking about other creators we admire and spoke as he was putting the finishing touches to his video about a trip he made to China. Support the show on Patreon . More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.
This week we’re releasing a short daily episode to remind you to get out and make some images. We hope you’ll join us over on Patreon and share the images you make. https://patreon.com/PrimeLenses
This week we’re releasing a short daily episode to remind you to get out and make some images. We hope you’ll join us over on Patreon and share the images you make. https://patreon.com/PrimeLenses
This week we’re releasing a short daily episode to remind you to get out and make some images. We hope you’ll join us over on Patreon and share the images you make. https://patreon.com/PrimeLenses
This week we’re releasing a short daily episode to remind you to get out and make some images. We hope you’ll join us over on Patreon and share the images you make. https://patreon.com/PrimeLenses
This week we’re releasing a short daily episode to remind you to get out and make some images. We hope you’ll join us over on Patreon and share the images you make. https://patreon.com/PrimeLenses
1 hr 1 min
Nicklas Pettersson is a Danish photographer whose work I discovered by way of the Widelux camera he has used to photograph the front lines in Ukraine. Support the show on Patreon . More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of inte rviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.
1 hr 3 min
Martina Trepczyk is a filmmaker and photographer who is most at home in the sea. We spoke just as the Leica SL3-P was launching about her own use of the SL system, using bad gear before the best gear and what she wants to make in the future. You can follow everything Martina does on the links below. Instagram Tigereyes Workshops Support the show on Patreon . More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of inte rviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.
58 min
Philipp Reinhard is a German photographer who has spent his career traveling the world making commercial sports and product imagery. Like a lot of my favourite photographers he’s is people powered. He even gets to branch out occasionally to make the accessories he wishes existed already with partners like Oberwerth. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid-week treat. Support the show on Patreon . More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.
55 min
Mark Forbes is a photographer with European roots now based in Australia. I came across his work quite by accident when looking at cool medium format photos and decided to get in touch and see if he’d like to be on the show. Thankfully for me he said yes and you’ll get to hear about his process, his book making adventures and the value that a bit of distance from the moment of capture can make to your relationship to what you’re making. It’s classic Prime Lenses, here’s my chat with Mark. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid-week treat. Support the show on Patreon . More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.
1 hr 4 min
Justin French is a self taught photographer and director who has studied in London and is now based in New York. His work is beautiful, modern and textured with a style that borrows heavily from classical painting and has taken him around the world shooting for the likes of National Geographic, Vogue, Rolling Stone and many more. He’s thoughtful and charming company and I think you’ll enjoy this conversation with Justin. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid-week treat. Support the show on Patreon . More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.
29 min
Dave Faulkner is a product designer and engineer turned camera maker. Having successfully released the Tych half frame film camera in 2022, he’s back with a new project, the Alfie [BOXX] camera designed to allow a user to make beautiful small prints using a handmade wood and brass camera. Dave agreed to come on to the show to talk about the new camera and what he’s hoping folks will get out of it. You can back the kickstarter here, and if you use our link , Prime Lenses will receive a kickback at no additional cost to you. Thanks for considering supporting us and Alfie Cameras. More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with pho tographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.
1 hr 1 min
Tammie Joske is a photographer turned creator who has recently decided to go it alone and make videos about street and film photography. A friend of the show recommended I get in touch with her because like me she shoots the C Biogon 35 f2.8 on her M camera. That would ordinarily be enough, but the fact that Tammie is such fun to watch online meant that I knew we’d have a great conversation. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid-week treat. Support the show on Patreon . More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.
51 min
Mattia Bidoli is photographer and magician who has worked in some of the most dangerous places on the planet. His photography from places experiencing conflict like Ukraine and Gaza are sadly in demand in 2026. I met him at the Raw Photo Festival in May and he was kind enough to talk to me while we were there and give me a copy of his book which I devoured on the journey home. He’s a wonderful human being, great photographer and has very strong opinions about pizza. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid-week treat. Support the show on Patreon . More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.
58 min
Benj Haisch is part of a proud tradition of guests who are musicians turned photographers/ YouTubers which nicely reinforces my personal biases when it comes to what genuinely constitutes creativity. Cutting his teeth photographing everything, with everything he’s a voice I trust in the photography space. He’s a warm, fun photographer and was a joy to speak with so I’ll get out of the way and let you enjoy our chat. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid-week treat. Support the show on Patreon . More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.
27 min
Justin Sorensen is a sports photographer based in New York. He has a book out about the effect of sports on the human body. I wanted to speak to him about how he came to make the book and what’s next. You can pick up a copy of the book here . More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with pho tographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.
1 hr 2 min
Lydia Winters is a former game developer turned photographer/ story teller for hire. She and I have worked on Minecraft in the past but never got to work together. All that changes now as we go deep into our nerdy love for cameras and just a little bit of fun with watches. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid-week treat. Support the show on Patreon . More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.
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