Step into the world of 35mm photography with the Photography Discussion Roundtable, heard every Monday evening at 7:00 PM ET on BrandMeister DMR Talkgroup 31266 — the MichiganOne Nets channel. This engaging net is your chance to explore the art and science of photography, ask questions, and sharpen your skills in a welcoming, knowledge-rich environment.
Hosted by James N8TMP, Bob KB8DQQ, Rick AD8KN, and Dave N8SBE, each brings a wealth of experience to the mic. Bob and James are seasoned wedding photographers, while Rick and Dave add deep technical insight and practical know-how. Together, they guide discussions on camera features, techniques, terminology, and everything from aperture to artistic vision.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, tune in and join the conversation. Your next great shot starts here!
Previous and upcoming Photography Discussion Roundtable topics:
| Date | Topic |
| 8/11/2025 | What is Aperture in photography |
| 8/18/2025 | What is the Golden Triangle? |
| 8/25/2025 | Top photo editing software available in 2025 |
| 9/1/2025 | What is Depth of Field? |
| 9/8/2025 | What is Bokeh in photography? |
| 9/15/2025 | Understanding Lens Focal Length |
| 9/22/2025 | What are leading lines? |
| 9/29/2025 | What is Back-Button Focus? |
| 10/6/2025 | 5 important photography facts that I didn’t know when I started |
| 10/13/2025 | How to shoot in manual mode |
| 10/20/2025 | The different types of lenses |
| 10/27/2025 | All about camera filters |
| 11/3/2025 | On-camera flash vs off-camera flash |
| 11/10/2025 | How to use tripods and stabilizers |
| 11/17/2025 | What is ISO? |
| 11/24/2025 | Film vs digital? |
| 12/1/2025 | How to find and organize your photos in a logical manner |
| 12/8/2025 | Understanding long-exposure photography |
| 12/15/2025 | Enhancing the sky in your photos |
| 12/22/2025 | Where and how to learn more about photography techniques |
| 12/29/2025 | DSLR vs mirrorless cameras |
| 1/5/2026 | The exposure triangle |
| 1/12/2026 | How to develop your own personal photography style |
| 1/19/2026 | Color theory (histograms) in photography |
| 1/26/2026 | Photography ethics in the digital age |
| 2/2/2026 | The future of film and where the analog industry is going |
| 2/9/2026 | How to build a portfolio |
| 2/16/2026 | Photography hints and tips |
| 2/23/2026 | How to take action/motion photo |
| 3/2/2026 | Explaining photography terms |
| 3/9/2026 | Macro photography hints and tips |
| 3/16/2026 | Landscape photography hints and tips |
| 3/23/2026 | Portrait photography hints and tips |
| 3/30/2026 | Portrait photography, part two hints and tips |
| 4/6/2026 | Night photography hints and tips |
| 4/13/2026 | F-stops and how to use them |
| 4/20/2026 | What are the AE-L, AF-L, and *-buttons? What do they do? |
| 4/27/2026 | White balance explained |
| 5/4/2026 | Open forum about photography terms, cameras, and techniques |
| 5/11/2026 | What is Aperture in photography |
| 5/18/2026 | What is Depth of Field? |
| 5/25/2026 | What is the Golden Triangle? |
| 6/1/2026 | How to build a portfolio |
| 6/8/2026 | Understanding Lens Focal Length |
| 6/15/2026 | What is the Golden Triangle? |
| 6/22/206 | |
| 6/29/2026 | |
| 7/6/2026 | |
| 7/13/2026 | |
| 7/20/2026 | |
| 7/27/2026 |
https://thediabeticham.com/previous-and-upcoming-photography-discussion-roundtable-topics/
Photography Discussion Roundtable Net Newsletter
Heard Monday nights on the BrandMeister DMR network, Talkgroup 31266, from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM Eastern
Last Week’s Topic: Portrait Photography
Last week we began our look at portrait photography, which is all about capturing the personality, expression, and character of a person or group. A portrait is more than a record of what someone looks like; it should reveal something about the subject’s mood, confidence, interests, or story. We also discussed how light, background, framing, and communication with the subject all work together to shape the final image.
Good portraits often depend on soft, flattering light, careful focus on the eyes, and a clean background that keeps attention where it belongs. Many photographers prefer a longer lens for portraits because it gives a pleasing perspective and a comfortable working distance. Small changes in posture, head angle, and camera position can make a big difference in how natural and polished the result feels.
This Week’s Topic: Portrait Photography, Part Two
This week we continue with portrait photography and take a deeper look at the details that help create stronger, more expressive images. One important part of portrait work is posing, not just placing a subject in a position, but helping them look relaxed, confident, and natural. A slight turn of the shoulders, a small tilt of the head, or a change in hand placement can completely change the feel of the portrait.
Lighting deserves a closer look as well. Front light can create a clean, even look, while side light adds depth and shape to the face. Backlighting can produce a soft, glowing effect, especially outdoors, and window light is often a favorite for simple indoor portraits. The direction, quality, and intensity of the light all help determine whether the portrait feels soft, dramatic, casual, or formal.
Background choice is another area that can make or break a portrait. A simple background keeps the subject as the clear focal point, while an environmental background can add context and tell more of the subject’s story. The key is to make sure the background supports the portrait instead of competing with it. Even small distractions in the frame can pull the viewer’s eye away from the face.
A few additional tips for improving portrait photography include:
- Watch the eyes, since they are usually the first place the viewer looks.
- Leave a little room in the frame so the subject does not feel cramped.
- Pay attention to clothing, since patterns and bright colors can distract from the face.
- Use gentle conversation to help the subject relax and show a more natural expression.
- Take several frames and vary the expression, angle, and composition rather than relying on just one shot.
- Look for moments between poses, since candid expressions are often the most memorable.
We’ll also spend some time discussing how portrait photography changes depending on the purpose of the image. A family portrait, a professional headshot, and a creative artistic portrait may all use different lighting, posing, and framing choices. Learning to adapt to the subject and the situation is one of the best ways to grow as a portrait photographer.
Last week’s newsletter covered part one of portrait photography. Click (HERE) to review the tips and discussion.
Next Week’s Topic: Night Photography
Next week we’ll continue in this vein with night photography. That topic will cover long exposures, city lights, stars, low-light focusing, and other techniques for making the most of shooting after dark. It should be a great way to start up April and explore a completely different style of photography.
Join Us On the Air
Whether you shoot with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone, you’re welcome to check in, share your thoughts, and join the conversation. The Photography Discussion Roundtable Net meets every Monday evening on the BrandMeister DMR network, Talkgroup 31266, from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM Eastern.
73 and happy shooting!
Your Photography Discussion Roundtable Net Team
