The Talking Pictures Podcast

Instagram, Selfies and Likes, Oh My

Instagram and Twitter have become key components to lives of both photojournalists and teenagers. Inspired by This American Life podcast's episode #573: Status Update, we explore the use of Instagram and how the world sees us and how we see the world. Are we any different than the teenage girls featured in #573. What is the photojournalist equivalent to "you're so pretty"? Are we posting photos for the likes, or is it just another avenue for our creativity. We also discuss some of our favorite Instagram feeds like @Barleythebrepup, @blockhouseroller_markhirsch, @davidhumekennerly and @scottstrazzante Note: There is some minor swearing that has not been beeped in this week's episode. Follow us on Instagram: @dispatchargus, @tmizener, @megmclau, @toddwelvaert, @isopaul79

The big switch - Nikon vs. Sony

Nikon or Canon? Nikon or Sony? Sony or Fuji? Talking Pictures Podcast co-host Paul Colletti recently had to answer the difficult question of what camera system buy. After over 8-years with the Dispatch/Argus Paul is moving on to start his own photography business. Rest assured Paul isn't leaving the podcast but in this week's episode we cap off his career with the paper and discuss his big gear selection. Tune in to find out if he switched from Nikon to Sony...or maybe Fuji.

Pet photography for a cause

John Wangelin is a pet photographer with a big heart. John sits down with us to discuss a variety of topics including his 2017 pet calendar to benefit a local animal shelter. The John Deere painter has turned his love of dogs and his passion for photography into a side business which helps shelter dogs.

'That Tree' Photographer: Mark Hirsch

The incomparable Mark Hirsch sits down with us to his discuss his book "That Tree : An iPhone Photo Journal Documenting a Year in the Life of a Lonely Bur Oak ” and his experience as a Quad City Arts Visiting Artist. Mark’s journey to “That Tree” and beyond is both fascinating and inspirational.

The airing of grievances

This week's episode was sparked by an anonymous complaint that our Pacesetter (athlete of the week) photos of female athletes make them look like "pin-up girls". We wholeheartedly disagree with the reader's thesis and discuss how each of our photographers approaches shooting Pacesetter images. We also examine some of the negative photographer stereotypes and how they effect us while on assignment. Go to http://talkingpicturespodcast.blogspot.com to see the photo in question and the two months worth of Pacesetter images so you can judge them for yourself.

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts

We chat with Chicago freelancer Ting Shen about his quest for the perfect camera strap, shooting NBA basketball and his experience covering the Dallas police shootings. On July 7, 2016 four Dallas police officers and one DART officer were gunned down on the streets of Dallas, Texas. Ting, who was working as the photo intern for the Dallas Morning News, was sent to Baylor University Hospital. He recounts the events which led up to making the unforgettable image of a DART police officer comforting a colleague in the emergency room entrance. He also discusses the lessons learned in the wake of the tragic event. http://interactives.dallasnews.com/2016/rally-shooting/

From the land of sky blue waters

Former Chicago Sun-Times photojournalist and current Media Specialist, University Photographer, Adjunct Instructor for the University of Wisconsin - Stout, Brett Roseman, makes his long awaited debut on the podcast. Brett, a former Dispatch/Argus intern and Quad-Cities native, talks about the emotions of being one of the Sun-Times 28, how he bounced back and landed in Wisconsin. We also talk about internships and why they are so important for aspiring photojournalists.

Our gadget geek out

If you are a photo gadget geek like us you’ll love this week’s episode. We talk about our new gear and why we think you should know about these items. Paul Colletti makes a return to the podcast to talk about the new Sony a99ii along with the Sigma f1.4. Todd Welvaert just purchased a Fuji Xt2 and Todd Mizener talks about his amazingly affordable newly rebuilt portable lighting kit.

Returning to the scene of the crime

The hosts true crime podcast "Suspect Convictions", journalist Scott Reeder and WVIK producer Lacy Scarmana, talk about their new podcast which revisits the 1990 murder of Jennifer Lewis and the case against Stanley Liggins. Stanley Liggins has been twice convicted for the murder, but both convictions have been overturned. The locally produced podcast has gone viral and as of Jan 19, 2017, it was the #2 Podcast on iTunes.

Cubs Win!! Photographing history with Brian Cassella

Chicago Tribune photojournalist Brian Cassella talks about covering the Chicago Cubs historic playoff run and scoring the iconic front page image of the team celebrating the final out of the World Series. Cassella also explains how the Trib’s team of photographers and editors used the latest photo tech to make deadline and keep social media updated. While fans were on edge of their seats and emotions were running high, the 4-man team of photographers had to stay focused on their jobs.