#519 MILESTONES IN YOUR LIFE

FEATURING PHOTOGRAPHERS VALÉRIE JARDIN & GARY WILLIAMS

This week, I speak with Gary Williams, a professional singer who's performed at Buckingham Palace and Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, where the late Martin Parr once photographed him. Over the last two years, Gary has built a thriving business photographing micro weddings at London's iconic town halls, the same venues where Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Lily Allen, and Ed Sheeran have tied the knot. We discuss reaching his photographic milestone of 100 weddings in just two years, the process of building a practice as a newcomer to professional photography, and what he's learned along the way. It's 100 not out. Then Valérie Jardin returns for her monthly Teach Me Street segment, where she offers creative feedback on candid street photos submitted by two photographers, examining the decisions made and the stories behind the images.

From the mailbag, Sven in Switzerland is trying to lose the imposter syndrome character on his shoulder, Gene Westberg wonders if he missed a photographic trick during the pandemic, Jussi Jääskeläinen takes us on a hike in North Eastern France, Adriano Henney shares what he loves about Venice, and there's a moment of Spike Milligan silliness, or at least an ode to him, from the Doctor of Reflection, Robin Chun. Plus, news about some very special editions coming in the next four weeks.

Email your stories, thoughts, and pictures to the show. If you can optimize/resize photos to 2,500 pixels wide, that’s always much appreciated. If you’d like to support this show and have access to further content and the midweek Extra Mile show, we’d welcome you as an EXTRA MILER. There’s also our thriving Facebook group, a safe place to meet and talk with photographers of all interests, the Photowalk YouTube channel, plus the show is featured on Instagram, VERO and X.

As well as our Extra Milers, we’re also supported by our friends at Arthelper.ai who make marketing easier, helps more people find your work, and keeps your voice true—so you can get back to what you love most: making art. Enter PHOTOWALK at checkout to receive 30 days of the pro version free.

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MORE ABOUT names, words, THE MUSIC and places FROM TODAY’S SHOW

Join us on the Black Isle near Inverness, for the Scotland ‘26 retreat, staying on a working soft-fruit farm with Highland views. The retreat includes small creative workshops, from photogravure printing to sound and writing sessions, plus plenty of time to walk, talk and make photographs together.

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Neil Redfern is a UK wedding photographer best known for teaching off-camera flash.

David Wright is a National Geographic photographer and filmmaker who has worked in more than 70 countries, often in remote or extreme environments, creating wildlife, adventure, and human-interest stories for television and print.

FIVE by FOUR: Large Format 5x4 Black & White Landscape Photography by Giles Penfound.

David duChemin is a Canadian photographer, author, and educator known for travel and humanitarian work that places people and story at the centre, and for teaching photographers to make more intentional, emotionally aware images. His books and workshops focus on vision, light, and personal voice rather than gear.

GMB Akash is a Bangladeshi documentary photographer whose long-term work focuses on people living on the margins, from child labourers to displaced communities, with projects often tied to direct support for the individuals he photographs.

Kelvin Brown’s flickr Photowalk inspired group - join by invite by clicking on to THIS LINK.

MUSIC LINKS: Anthony Lazaro wrote today's playout song Different kind of love. Music on the show is sourced primarily from Artlist and also features in Michael Brennan’s Spotify playlist GoFoto. For Apple Music users, follow this playlist.

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THE SHOWPAGE GALLERY

GARY WILLIAMS

See more of Gary Williams’ work on his website.


JUSSI JÄÄSKELÄINEN

Jussi shares photographs from his travels above and below. See more of his work on Instagram and his website.


TEACH ME STREET FEATURE

‘SAM’

SCOTT GLASGOW

Scott Glasgow shares pictures (above and below) made when shooting street.


ADRIANO HENNEY

Beyond the Mask, Adriano Henney’s love letter to Venice.


NEALE JAMES

Sketchbook photographs from today’s photowalk.



VIDEO LIBRARY

The following videos or subjects are referenced within today’s show.

Neale James

Creator, podcaster, photographer and film maker

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#518 WHAT IS A PHOTOGRAPH?