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Prime Lenses

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.

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27 episodes
Avg 58 min
English

Episodes 27

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Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

S1 · E131
Sunday · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 131 - Graham Niven
Mentioned in this episode People Colin Prior — cited as one of the landscape photographers whose 1990s work first caught Graham's eye, before that kind of image became common in the social media era · colinprior.co.uk Jocelyn Bain Hogg — London-based documentary photographer known for his books on British organised crime, The Firm and The Family · theviifoundation.org Martin Parr — referenced as one of the few photographers who can "get away with" a heavy, unflattering flash aesthetic on his subjects · martinparr.com James Popsys — landscape photographer and YouTuber based in Snowdonia, Wales, cited for his discipline of carrying a bag deliberately too small to fit his camera; a future guest on the show · jamespopsys.com Places Nethy Bridge — the Cairngorms village where both Graham and Iain live, and home to Graham's Arbor Gallery · Wikipedia Torridon / Liathach — the mountain and viewpoint (seen from Beinn Alligin) behind Graham's punishing winter hike story · Liathach — Wikipedia The Cuillins — the Skye mountain range referenced both as a backdrop and in Graham's composited "Madeira and Cuillin" image · Wikipedia Coire an t-Sneachda — a corrie on the Cairngorm Plateau where Graham photographed wind-whipped snow and a reindeer herd · Wikipedia St Kilda, including Boreray — the remote Scottish archipelago where Graham shot his well-known black-and-white sea cliff image from a boat · St Kilda — Wikipedia · Boreray — Wikipedia The Buachaille (Buachaille Etive Mòr) — mentioned in relation to one of Graham's early-morning mountain shots · Wikipedia Aviemore — mentioned in passing as the location of Graham's five-a-side football game · Wikipedia Gear and tools Olympus OM-1 — Graham's first camera, already 30 years old when he acquired it in the early 2000s · Wikipedia Leica M (digital back on a film body) — one of two bodies Graham colour/black-and-white "loads" like film stock · leica-camera.com Nikon — Graham's current system, chosen, by his own account, essentially by coin flip · nikon.com DJI Osmo Pocket — his go-to for casual video, bought secondhand · dji.com Ricoh GR — referenced as the classic "glove box camera" for always-with-you shooting · Wikipedia Companies and institutions Niven Photography / Arbor Gallery — Graham's studio and the small gallery he and his wife run on Dell Road, Nethy Bridge · nivenphotography.com Monocle — cited as the magazine that adopted a flash-heavy portrait style for its diplomat and official portraits, to mixed effect · monocle.com 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.
S1 · E130
September 6 · 1 hr 8 min
Episode 130 - Jocelyn Bain Hogg
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.
S1 · E130
August 30 · 59 min
Episode 129 - Natasa Leoni
Natasa Leoni is a photographer based in the UK who in addition to commercial work photographs causes she cares about in relation to climate and social change. 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.
S1 · E128
August 23 · 1 hr 10 min
Episode 128 - Rachael Talibart
Rachael Talibart is a photographer of coast and sea based in the UK. 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.
S1 · E122
August 16 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 127 - Dave Herring Returns
Dave Herring returns to the show this week to talk about his remit to educate and entertain. He’s a lovely guest with excellent taste in 35mm lenses :) 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.
S1 · E122
August 9 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 126 - Kit Young
Kit Young is a British analogue photographer and printer. In an age where film is a niche choice and many folks who do shoot it send their film to someone else to process and scan, Kit handles the whole process himself, making his photos, developing the film and then making the prints in a darkroom. As a result his images stand out to me and have a very specific look. 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.
S1 · E1255
August 5 · 1 hr 3 min
Appreciating the Small Stuff with Ian Bogost
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.
S1 · E125
August 2 · 1 hr 8 min
Episode 125 - Irene Yee
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.
S1 · E122
July 29 · 1 hr 3 min
Stockholm Fotomarathon 2026
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.
S1 · E124
July 26 · 55 min
Episode 124 - Mike Chudley
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.
July 24 · length unknown
Week of Walks Episode 5
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
July 23 · length unknown
Week of Walks Episode 4
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
July 22 · length unknown
Week of Walks Episode 3
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
July 21 · length unknown
Week of Walks Episode 2
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
July 20 · length unknown
Week of Walks Episode 1
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
S1 · E123
July 19 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode 123 - Nicklas Pettersson
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 intheir 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.
S1 · E122
July 12 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 122 - Martina Trepczyk
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 intheir 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.
S1 · E121
July 5 · 58 min
Episode 121 - Philipp Reinhard
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.
S1 · E120
June 28 · 55 min
Episode 120 - Mark Forbes
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.
S1 · E119
June 21 · 1 hr 4 min
Episode 119 - Justin French
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.

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