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 photos |
| 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 | Night photography hints and tips |
| 4/6/2026 | F-stops and how to use them |
| 4/13/2026 | What are the AE-L, AF-L, and *-buttons? What do they do? |
| 4/20/2026 | White balance explained |
| 4/27/2026 |
https://thediabeticham.com/previous-and-upcoming-photography-discussion-roundtable-topics/
Last Week’s Topic: Landscape Photography
Last week we took in the wide-open world of landscape photography, where the goal is to capture the beauty, scale, and atmosphere of a place. Landscape images can show mountains, forests, shorelines, deserts, city skylines, or even a quiet local park, as long as the scene tells a story about the environment. Good landscape photography often depends on light, weather, composition, and patience, because a scene can change dramatically from one minute to the next.
Strong landscape photos usually include a clear foreground, middle ground, and background to create depth and draw the viewer into the frame. Many photographers also look for leading lines, dramatic skies, reflections, and interesting textures to strengthen the composition. Shooting during the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon often produces the most pleasing light, while a tripod, low ISO, and smaller aperture can help keep everything sharp from front to back.
This Week’s Topic: Portrait Photography
This week we move from the wide world of landscapes to the more personal side of photography with portrait photography. Portrait photography is about capturing the personality, expression, and character of a person or group. It can be formal, casual, candid, environmental, or artistic, but the main purpose is to make the subject stand out and feel human and recognizable.
A strong portrait is more than just a picture of someone’s face. It usually tells something about who that person is, what they are doing, or how they are feeling. The background, lighting, pose, clothing, and camera angle all contribute to the final result. In many cases, the best portrait is one that feels natural and comfortable rather than stiff or overly posed.
How Portrait Photography Works
Portrait photography works by combining technical control with personal interaction. Unlike landscapes, where the subject may be fixed, portrait work often involves working with a person, which means communication matters just as much as camera settings. A good photographer helps the subject relax, chooses flattering light, and frames the image to emphasize the person’s eyes, expression, and posture.
The lens choice is important, too. Many photographers prefer short telephoto lenses because they give a pleasing perspective and allow a comfortable working distance. That distance helps avoid distortion and makes it easier for the subject to behave naturally. Background control is also important, because a clean or softly blurred background keeps the attention on the person instead of distracting objects.
Best Techniques, Hints, and Tips
Here are some practical ways to improve portrait photography:
- Use flattering light. Soft natural light from a window, open shade, or late-day sun often works well because it reduces harsh shadows.
- Focus on the eyes. Sharp eyes usually make a portrait feel alive and engaging.
- Keep the background simple. Busy backgrounds can pull attention away from the subject.
- Communicate with the subject. Clear directions and a relaxed attitude help people look more natural.
- Watch body position. Small adjustments in head tilt, shoulder angle, and hand placement can greatly improve the image.
- Use a longer focal length when possible. This can help flatten facial features in a pleasing way.
- Pay attention to posture. Good posture often makes a subject look more confident and comfortable.
- Capture expressions between poses. Some of the best portraits happen just after a laugh or in a quiet, unguarded moment.
A Few Helpful Portrait Styles
Portrait photography comes in several forms, and each has its own approach:
- Headshots focus tightly on the face and are often used for professional or formal purposes.
- Environmental portraits show the subject in a location that helps tell their story.
- Candid portraits capture people naturally, without a stiff pose.
- Creative portraits use dramatic light, strong color, or unusual angles to create mood.
Each style can work well depending on the purpose of the image. A family portrait may call for warmth and connection, while a professional headshot may need a cleaner, more polished look. The best portrait photographers learn how to adapt to the situation and bring out the strongest qualities in each subject.
Next Week’s Topic: Night Photography
Next week we continue our monthly theme with night photography. That session will cover low-light techniques, long exposures, city lights, star shots, and ways to work with darkness instead of fighting it. It should be a great wrap-up to the month and a fun chance to explore a very 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 experiences, and join the discussion. The Photography Discussion Roundtable Net meets Monday nights 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
