PRO CASE STUDY
We quiz photographer and podcaster Matthew Maran on the hows and whys of setting up a podcast
HI MATTHEW. COULD YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR PODCASTS?
The podcasts are conversations that give an insight into the lives of creative professionals, from photographers and filmmakers to publishers and conservationists. Each interview runs for approximately one hour and focuses on the guest’s working practice, methods and thought processes. We talk about what drives them to produce compelling content that stands out from the crowd. We ask about what role conservation plays in their work and how it can catalyse awareness into action. We look back at their experience, education and journey to becoming leaders in their field. We also look at the practicalities of earning a living, discuss the pitfalls, and ask what advice they can give the younger generation looking for careers in photography or filmmaking.
WHY DID YOU START THEM, AND WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ON THE JOURNEY?
The goal was to share and provide a new source of information for learning and understanding what goes on in the minds of leading nature photographers and other professionals in natural history storytelling. I have learnt so much on this journey: everything from interview techniques to recording and editing sound. Furthermore, I have learnt a great deal from the guests I’ve interviewed. They’ve all been so generous with their time, so while the initial motives were to share their stories to a wider audience, at times I’ve been so engrossed in what they have to say that I’ve felt like an audience member myself.
WHY DO YOU THINK PODCASTS HAVE RISEN IN POPULARITY SO MUCH IN RECENT YEARS?
Nowadays, it’s more normal to want everything on demand, so podcasts fit in well to this way of life. The ability to listen to what we want, when we want, and for how long puts us in control. We no longer need to rely on a few outlets to provide our listening entertainment, and I think there is now literally a podcast for any topic out there.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE AND THEN APPROACH YOUR PODCAST GUESTS?
I have a huge list of people I’d like to talk with, and I’m slowly chipping away at it. I look at each guest’s work, why it differs from the mainstream, what interesting stories they are telling with their photographs, and the recognition they are getting through publications and competitions. Approaching the guests is simple – I look at the practical issues, such as their availability. So far all the interviews have taken place face to face as I’m lucky that I live in London, where so many photographers pass through or are visiting events such as the Wildlife Photographer of the Year or the World Press Photo Awards. If I don’t meet them in person, I usually connect
through social media or email them directly, asking if they’d like to take part. It makes it easier to get high-profile guests once you already have one or two under your belt. Getting started is the hard part, but going in head-first, making loads of mistakes early on and persevering worked for me.
WHAT’S YOUR PODCASTING STYLE?
My style is to let the guest do the talking; after all, it is about them and not me. I like it to be as free as possible but to keep the length to approximately one hour, so it’s important to stay on topic.
DO YOU PLAN SET QUESTIONS BEFORE AN INTERVIEW WITH A GUEST?
I always have a list of questions and topics I’d like to cover. I also give the guest the option of talking about a project or idea they are currently working on.
WHAT SKILLS DO PHOTOGRAPHERS NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL PODCAST?
I think it’s the same with wanting to be a successful photographer. You look at all the great work out there, past and present, and see where you can fit in and do something new. I listen to many podcasts and really enjoy the format, so checking out what interview styles you like and don’t like and finding your own voice is a skill that will develop over time. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and do your research – you don’t want to be stuck for questions. Good networking skills are important, but most of all, have a passion and drive to succeed. Definitely don’t get into it for the money!
WHAT KIT DO YOU NEED AND USE TO CREATE EACH EPISODE?
I started with a basic Zoom H4N handy recorder, placed on a table between me and the guest. I then bought a Senheiser radio mic and borrowed another from a neighbour who is a sound engineer. I’m lucky to know him as he also checks over each podcast before publication. I recently invested in two new RØDE Podcaster mics, which give a warmer sound. It all still goes through the original Zoom recorder, which I like as I’m able to be mobile when away from my studio. Everything I need fits in a backpack.
WHAT BENEFITS ARE THERE FOR
PHOTOGRAPHERS TO RECORD PODCASTS. IS IT ALL ABOUT ENGAGING WITH OTHER PRACTITIONERS IN THE FIELD?
I think photographers talking to photographers is a great concept. We speak the same language, but we all have a different approach to our work, and the varying styles makes for a good conversation. As the podcast has developed we have focused much more on the role that photography and filmmaking plays in conservation. Providing a platform for practitioners to talk about the meaning of their work has become more important than simply the aesthetics.
HAVE YOU HAD ANY MAJOR MISHAPS WHEN YOU’VE BEEN RECORDING, AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THESE?
When I interviewed Peter Cairns I was soundchecking with the headphones on one ear (like a DJ) and couldn’t understand why I could only hear me and not him. I thought there was a fault with the mic so we carried on without. The sound wasn’t perfect but it worked out fine, and when he left I checked the mic again, put the headphones on both ears and the penny dropped. I’ve never made that mistake again.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR MAKING A SUCCESSFUL EPISODE?
Getting the flow just right is a big challenge. Find the balance between a free-flowing conversation and covering what you set out to discuss. Guide your guest gently through the questions, but don’t pounce on them.
Getting good-quality audio is important, but don’t stress about the sound. I still use the basic recorder I did with my first interview and it works fine. I think there’s an appeal in the rough-and-ready nature, and being mobile helps as you won’t be able to interview all your guests under controlled conditions in a sound-perfect studio.
Be quiet when your guest is talking. I’ve learnt the hard way with this and still have to work hard to not drop in too many “uh-huhs”. It’s a different style when you have an ‘off-air’ conversation when “ums” and “ahs” don’t matter, but to the listener this can get pretty annoying very quickly.
Really listen to your guest. Sometimes you can be thinking too much about the next question and when to ask it. This can result in missing out on an interesting point your guest might make and exploring it further.