Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to my world of photography! On this page, I’ve answered the most common questions about my journey, the professional work I do, and how I can help you take better photos, whether you’re just starting out or looking to turn your passion into a career. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please get in touch, and I’ll be happy to help.

Table of Contents

  • About Rick McEvoy & My Professional Work

  • Rick McEvoy Photography Portfolios

  • The Photography Explained Podcast

  • Helping Beginner Photographers: Mastering Your Craft

  • My courses

  • Getting in Touch & Other Questions

About Rick McEvoy & My Professional Work

Who is Rick McEvoy?

I’m a professionally qualified photographer, writer, and podcaster based in Dorset, England. For over 40 years, photography has been a core part of my life. I started this journey as a teenager, with my own darkroom, fuelled by a lifelong passion for the craft of creating and capturing images. Over time, I’ve combined my photographic skills with extensive, hands-on experience in the construction industry, which has led me to specialize in architectural and construction photography. This unique blend of skills allows me to understand buildings from both a technical and an artistic perspective. I am also the creator and host of the Photography Explained Podcast, where I help photographers of all levels improve their skills by simplifying complex topics in plain English. At the heart of it all, I’m a photographer who simply loves to share what I’ve learned, helping others find as much joy and success in this wonderful craft as I have.

What are your professional qualifications?

My qualifications are a source of great pride and a testament to the dedication I've put into my work. I am an Associate of the British Institute of Professional Photography (ABIPP). This is a highly respected professional qualification that confirms my technical and creative ability as a photographer. This designation gives my clients and my audience confidence that they are working with a proven professional who has demonstrated a high standard of work and a deep understanding of the craft. Additionally, I am a Chartered Construction Manager, holding the designation MCIOB (Member of the Chartered Institute of Building). This unique combination of photography and construction qualifications gives me an in-depth understanding of the subjects I photograph, from the initial design and construction phases to the completed building. I am one of the few photographers who can walk onto a live construction site and fully understand the process, the people, and the final goal, allowing me to capture the images my clients truly need.

What kind of professional photography do you specialize in?

My primary focus is on architectural photography and construction photography. I photograph buildings, landscapes, and buildings within those landscapes. This specialization is a natural fit, given my extensive background in the construction industry. I know what's required on a building site and how to work with construction teams to get the best possible images safely and efficiently. My work involves creating striking, high-quality images of both completed buildings and active construction projects for architects, developers, contractors, and other clients. The goal is to capture the beauty, design, and detail of a structure, creating images that communicate a story and show off the building in its best light.

How do you approach a professional photography project?

My approach is always straightforward and focused on delivering results. It begins with a detailed conversation with my clients to understand their vision and what the final images will be used for. My goal is to use my experience and skills to get you the exact images you want. For me, a commercial photography commission isn't just about taking a picture; it's about solving a business problem and creating a lasting, high-quality asset for your brand. I handle all aspects of the job, from the initial consultation and planning to the final editing and delivery, ensuring a smooth and professional experience from start to finish. I work on a bespoke, individually commissioned basis, so every project is unique and tailored to my client’s specific needs. This allows me to focus on quality and detail, delivering images that truly stand out.

Rick McEvoy Photography Portfolios

Where can I see examples of your work?

I am proud to share my professional photography work with you. My portfolios are categorized to make it easy for you to explore the different areas of my specialization. Each portfolio showcases my eye for detail, composition, and my ability to capture the essence of a building or a place.

  • Architectural Photography Portfolio: Click here to view my architectural photography portfolio. My portfolio features my work with architects, developers, and property owners. You'll find images of stunning completed buildings, from modern homes to historic structures, showcasing their design, form, and how they interact with the surrounding environment.

  • Construction Photography Portfolio: Click here to view my construction photography portfolio. This portfolio is a reflection of my dual specialisms. It contains images of live construction sites and ongoing building projects. My unique understanding of the construction process allows me to capture the story of a building's creation, from the ground up, highlighting the hard work and technical skill involved.

  • Landscape Photography Portfolio: Click here to view my landscape photography portfolio. While my primary focus is on buildings, my passion for photography extends to the natural world. This portfolio showcases my landscape work, capturing the beauty of natural places and highlighting how buildings can exist harmoniously within them.

  • Real Estate Photography Portfolio: Click here to view my real estate photography portfolio. These photos are all from real shoots for real clients.

  • Travel Photography Portfolio: Click here to view my travel photography portfolio. Travel and photography have always gone hand-in-hand for me. This portfolio is a collection of images from my travels, capturing diverse cultures, unique places, and the human element in a wider context.

The Photography Explained Podcast

What is the Photography Explained Podcast?

The Photography Explained Podcast is my fortnightly show where I explain one photographic thing in plain English, without all the irrelevant details. Each episode is designed to be concise and easy to understand, giving you just enough information to improve your photography. It's my mission to simplify complex topics and make photography accessible to everyone, whether you're a complete beginner or an enthusiast looking to polish your skills. My listeners love that I get straight to the point and focus on practical, actionable advice that they can use right away. The podcast is not about the latest gear or complex theory; it's about what you need to know to take better photos, right now.

Who is the podcast for?

This podcast is for anyone who wants to take better photos. It’s perfect for beginner photographers who are just starting out with their first camera, but it’s also great for more experienced amateurs who want to fill in the gaps in their knowledge. If you feel overwhelmed by camera settings, technical jargon, or all the conflicting advice out there, this podcast is for you. I cover a wide range of topics, from basic camera settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, to more creative concepts like composition, lighting, and workflow.

Where can I listen to the podcast?

You can find the Photography Explained Podcast on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and many more. Just search for "Photography Explained Podcast" on your favorite app and hit "subscribe" so you never miss an episode. You can also read the full transcripts of all the episodes on my website blog if you prefer to read rather than listen.

How can I ask a question for the podcast?

I love getting questions from listeners! It’s the best way for me to know what topics you're struggling with. You can submit a question on this page. Your question might even be answered in a future episode, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Helping Beginner Photographers: Mastering Your Craft

How can you help me if I’m a beginner photographer?

I'm incredibly passionate about helping new photographers find their way. I know from personal experience how frustrating and overwhelming it can be when you’re first starting out. The biggest challenge for beginners is information overload. My approach is different: I focus on simplifying things. Through my podcast, blog posts, and courses, I explain only what you need to know to get started and see real improvement. I don't get bogged down in technical jargon or complex theory. I show you what works in the real world, based on my own experience, so you can stop being confused and start taking great photos.

Do I need expensive camera gear to take great photos?

This is one of the biggest myths in photography, and the answer is absolutely not. The best camera is the one you have with you. You can create incredible images with a simple camera, a kit lens, and even your phone. I encourage you to master your camera's basic settings first. The most important tool you have is your eye—learning to see light, composition, and moments. Focusing on these skills will give you far better results than buying the most expensive gear. I talk about this a lot in my podcast and even have episodes dedicated to getting the best photos with the gear you already own.

What are the first steps to taking better photos?

The first step is to take control of your camera and move away from "auto" mode. This is much easier than it sounds. Start by learning the three fundamental camera settings: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. These three settings form what is known as the exposure triangle, and understanding how they work together is the key to taking control of your camera's exposure. My podcast has dedicated episodes on each of these topics, explaining them in a way that just makes sense. Once you understand these three things, you’ll be amazed at the creative control you have.

Check out the episodes page for a full list of episodes.

How do I find great light for my photos?

Light is the single most important element in any photo. Great photography is all about learning to see and work with light. I always advise photographers to look at where the light is coming from and how it's affecting their subject. Is it a soft, gentle light, or is it harsh and direct? The time of day, the weather, and your location all play a part. You can practice by simply looking at how light changes throughout the day and how it falls on different objects. The "golden hour," the time just after sunrise and just before sunset, is often referred to as the best time to shoot because the light is soft, warm, and beautiful.

Is composition really that important?

Composition is arguably more important than any technical camera setting. It's what makes a photo interesting to look at and guides the viewer's eye. Composition is simply how you arrange the elements within your photo. You don't need to learn a thousand rules; just a few simple ones will transform your photos. Things like the Rule of Thirds, using leading lines, or finding symmetry can make a dramatic difference. It's about training your eye to see a scene in a way that tells a better story. I cover this in detail on the podcast, giving you actionable tips you can use on your next shoot.

How can I practice my photography skills?

The best way to practice is to give yourself simple, focused projects. Instead of just going out to take photos, give yourself a specific task. For example, spend a week only taking photos of straight lines, or try to take a series of photos using only a wide aperture to create a blurry background. This approach helps you focus on one skill at a time and see real, measurable progress. I often share these kinds of practice ideas on my blog and in my podcast to help keep your creative journey moving forward.

My Courses

Do you offer any courses or workshops?

Yes, I do! I've taken all my experience from years of working as a professional photographer and teaching through my podcast and created my own online courses. My courses are designed with the same philosophy as my podcast: straight-talking, practical, and without the irrelevant details. They are a way to take a deeper dive into a specific photographic niche and build a solid foundation for your skills.

What You'll Learn in the "How to Become a Real Estate Photographer" Course

This is my flagship course, born from my unique experience in both photography and the construction industry. It’s a comprehensive, no-fluff guide that teaches you how to start a career in real estate photography, even if you have no prior experience. It’s designed for anyone who wants to turn a photography hobby into a profitable, sustainable career. The course is built on what I call the "all you need to know and no more" principle. This means you won’t be spending hours on unnecessary theory or complicated techniques that you will never use. Instead, you'll learn exactly what you need to start getting paid clients quickly.

The course covers:

  • Section 1: The Foundations of Real Estate Photography. We start at the very beginning. What is real estate photography? What are clients looking for? We'll cover the fundamental concepts that are unique to this field, so you have a clear understanding from the get-go.

  • Section 2: The Gear You Actually Need. You don't need to spend a fortune to get started. I'll walk you through the essential equipment, from camera bodies and lenses to tripods and flashes. I'll show you what I use and, more importantly, explain why, so you can make smart choices for your own kit.

  • Section 3: The Shoot: From Start to Finish. This is where the magic happens. I'll take you step-by-step through the entire process of photographing a property, covering everything from preparing the space to camera settings for interiors and exteriors. You'll learn the techniques I use on every shoot, giving you the skills to capture high-quality, professional images.

  • Section 4: The Edit: Bringing Your Images to Life. The editing process is crucial in real estate photography. I’ll teach you a simple, effective workflow for post-production, including how to handle tricky lighting situations and make your images pop. You’ll learn how to get your photos ready for clients, delivering a polished and professional final product.

  • Section 5: The Business Side of Things. Taking photos is only half the battle. I'll share my personal and professional experience on how to find clients, price your work, and build a successful, sustainable business. This is based on my real-world experience, so you get advice that truly works.

What makes your course different from others?

Most online courses are filled with unnecessary information to make them seem bigger and more valuable. My course is different. It's based on my real-world, hands-on experience as a working architectural and real estate photographer. I don’t teach theory; I teach what I actually do. There is no padding, no jargon, just practical, actionable advice that you can use right away to start your own successful career. I created the course I wish I had when I was starting out—a clear, simple, and direct path to success.

Getting in Touch & Other Questions

How can I get in touch with you?

The best way to get in touch is to use the contact form on my website.

Can I hire you for a photography project?

Yes, you can! I am available for bespoke architectural, construction, real estate and landscape photography commissions. The best way to inquire is to fill in the form on the Ask Me a Question page.

Do you offer mentoring?

While I don't currently offer one-on-one mentoring, my podcast and online courses are structured to provide you with a comprehensive learning experience. Every piece of content I create is designed to act as a mentor, guiding you through the process of taking better photos at your own pace.

I hope this FAQ page gives you a clear understanding of who I am, what I do, and how I can help you on your photography journey.