39-45: The World War II Portraits Project

39-45: The World War II Portraits Project

Author: Steve Brazill January 30, 2020 Duration: 51:39

Glyn Dewis.

It honestly feels like that’s all I need to say, and you’ll immediately know who I mean. Glyn does so many different things, and they all seem to relate to photography.

He’s on YouTube, where he shares his photography and post productions techniques. He’s an educator, with a number of popular classes on KelbyOne as well as being a member of the Photoshop World Dream Team instructors. He’s an author, with books including:

The Photoshop Workbook

Photograph Like a Thief

The Photoshop Toolbox

As a podcaster, Glyn co-hosts the popular He Shoots, He Draws, with Dave Clayton. This show is so good, and trust me, if you’re not subscribed to it you might want to rethink your life choices. I was honored, and a bit surprised, to be the guest back in Nov. of 2019 on episode 93. For my show it was just Dave and I because Glyn was off working on a very special project. That project brings us to today.

While I am putting it at the end of this post, I really should have started the the fact that Glyn is one heck of a photographer. In fact after his presentations in Vegas back in 2017 he was named an Adobe MAX Master. He’s even been featured in the New York Times for a photography technique he calls ‘The Invisible Black Background’, which now I need to investigate. Glyn’s skill in portraiture is astounding, at that is the subject of this episode.

That very special project Glyn is currently working on is called ‘The 39-45 Portraits Project’. It has gained international recognition and sees him creating timeless portraits of World War 2 Veterans across the UK. This is the type of project that changes people’s lives, both the photographer and the subjects. This is a self funded project motivated to present Veterans and their families with portraits they can treasure. In fact, Glyn is Ambassador of The Veterans Charity, an immediate needs support charity based in the UK.

Join the amazing photographer Glyn Dewis and me as we discuss his 39-45 WWII Portraits Project, and explore how he made his image of WW II veteran, and MBE recipient Harry Billinge, on this episode of Behind the Shot.

Connect with Glyn

39-45 Portraits Project: 3945portraits.com
Website: glyndewis.com
Portfolio: glyndewisphotography.com
Facebook: @glyndewis
Twitter: @glyndewis
Instagram: @glyndewis
YouTube: @glyndewis

KelbyOne

Glyn Dewis on KelbyOne

Glyn’s Books

Amazon: The Photoshop Workbook, Photograph Like a Thief, The Photoshop Toolbox


Steve Brazill hosts Behind the Shot-Video, a series that goes far beyond gear lists and camera settings. Each conversation is a deep exploration of the creative and technical journey behind compelling images. You’ll hear working photographers unpack the entire process-from the initial spark of an idea and the challenges of the location to the critical decisions made in post-production. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of art and practical technology, offering tangible lessons for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling. Rather than abstract theory, these discussions provide a real-world look at problem-solving under pressure and the artistic choices that define a signature style. Tune in for honest, detailed breakdowns that reveal how memorable shots are truly built, layer by layer. It’s an essential resource for visual artists seeking both inspiration and actionable knowledge, all grounded in the lived experience of accomplished creators.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 200

Behind the Shot - Video
Podcast Episodes
Remote Cameras at Weddings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
I’ve always been fascinated by the use of Remote Cameras, but it’s not something I’ve had the chance to try, unfortunately. The last time I cover it on the show was on the episode Using Remote Cameras with Canon Explorer…
Elevating Your Photojournalism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
There have been so many times that I’ve made a mental note that I need to include more photojournalism on the show, only to have a mental dog eat my homework. Finally, today, I am checking that off the list. Still, if I’…
Music & Tour Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
To say I’m excited for today’s show is a huge understatement. I first met today’s guest 6 years ago, when our mutual friend Adam Elmakias asked us both to help him with his Live Music Photography Workshop. I’m sure you k…
Light Up Your Adventure Photos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:16
Over the last few years I have been lucky enough to have the agency Wonderful Machine suggest a few photographers for the show, and every single time I’ve been blown away by the level of artists that they represent. Toda…
Light Painting Abandoned Places [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:30
For this show, we have a returning guest, night photographer Ken Lee. I’ve known Ken for awhile, and the way he ended up as a guest for the show Capturing the Slowing of Time is one of my fave Behind the Shot stories. Ke…
Bird Photography Tips & Tricks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:53
I sometimes wonder, while writing these guest photographer posts, how many listeners or viewers actually read them. The truth is it doesn’t matter to me, I write them for myself more than anyone else, and I find that try…
Canon Auto-Focus Explained – 2025 Update [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:10:53
NOTE: This is not an official Canon USA show. This is a podcast first and foremost, available in both audio-only or video, and the video is also placed on YouTube. My hope is that by going through all of the AF options o…
Growing Through Personal Photography Projects [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:59
LA based photographer Ian Spanier has been on the show a few times, with the first being back in 2019 for a conversation about Classic Portraits & Classic Lighting, discussing a portrait of actor Jeff bridges. Next up wa…
Backstage Portraits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:56
Social media today can be so draining, but almost daily I am reminded of the wonderful connections I’ve made there, and today’s guest is a perfect example. Jenn Devereaux is a New Orleans area concert and event photograp…
Using the New Canon R1 & R5 Mark II [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:36
I’m a Canon shooter… I shoot an R6 and an R5. So, I have been curious about the new Canon R1, and a little less so about the R5 Mark II. Still, I had written off watching the announcement, because it was at something lik…