Better B&W Portraits

Better B&W Portraits

Author: Steve Brazill December 3, 2020 Duration: 50:52

In the time I have been doing photography there have been a few names I seem to have always been aware of, and one of those is Ron Clifford. When I receive an email from our mutual friend Rick Sammon introducing us, and suggesting Ron for an episode of Behind the Shot I immediately knew it would be a fit.

Ron Clifford is a skilled, award-winning photographer, but above all else he is someone that inspires others, or what you might call an “Inspirologist”. Ron is well known as a mentor, through his Mentorship PLUS program, and as an educator. This quote from Trey Ratcliff sums Ron up well:

“I don’t even know where to start with Ron! Not only is he an amazing photographer, but he’s also a brilliant communicator. Ron is one of those rare people that can inspire you with both his imagery and his words.”

This quote from Ron might better explain his approach to photography, and life:

“I’m a visual storyteller. I always say, “Do what you can’t help but do“ and for me that is to capture the beauty and character in the people I meet and the places I travel to.”

What a great way to look at life.

As a result of his commitment to building strong communities, he has had his work featured by Google , on National Geographic.com and has appeared in blog posts, podcasts and interviews around the world.

As I mentioned above, Ron has become well known for his involvement in online and in-person mentoring in photography and has been inspiring fellow creatives and entrepreneurs through talks, presentations and workshops. Recently he was able to share his story about overcoming mental illness as a speaker on the TEDx stage. As an educator, Ron is also a Photography Guide on unique photography symposiums, workshops and tours to some of the most remote places on earth including Africa, the Arctic and Antarctica.

Wether he is photographing some remote landscape, wildlife, or an in studio portrait, Ron Clifford is an artist, and it shows in his accomplishments. He was a director of the Google+ mentorship program for photographers, has multiple Bronze and Silver Merit Awards from Portrait Masters International, and has nearly 3 million social media followers.

Join photographer, educator, speaker, and mentor Ron Clifford and me as discuss his beautiful B&W portrait, that he calls “The Baptism”, on this episode of Behind the Shot.

Connect with Ron

Website: ronclifford.com
Instagram – Nature: @ron_clifford
Instagram – Portraits: @ron_clifford_portrait
Facebook: @RonCliffordPhoto
Twitter: @ronclifford
LinkedIN: @ronclifford
Pinterest: @ronclifford

Ron’s TEDx Talk

Ted Talks: How Traveling to the Ends of the Earth Helps Me Cope With my Diagnosis

Ron’s Photographer Picks

John Paul Caponigro: johnpaulcaponigro.com
Lauri Novak: laurinovak.com


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
Making More Creative Portraits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:46
I have always been fascinated with the education side of photography. I don’t have a formal photography education myself, and I am very aware of what skill sets I wish I had been exposed to earlier in my photo journey. I…
Concert Photography Photo Releases [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:59
This is a show I have been thinking about doing for a while, and that I believe is an important subject for both new and veteran music photographers…. BUT even if you’re not a music photographer, this subject should matt…
Capturing Warbirds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
I will never forget growing up hearing my dad talk about his days flying P-51 and P-40 planes. His walls were covered in model planes of classic war birds, as though he was trying to relive his youth. When he passed away…
3 Guys Walk Into a Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:06:11
One of the things I love about the podcasting world is the instant camaraderie you sometimes feel when talking with other podcasters. It’s hard to explain the connection you get when you have something creative in common…
Photographing Spirits of Carnival [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:49
The photographers I am exposed to by doing this show never cease to amaze me. Recently, my buddy Ian Spanier told a friend of his that he should be on the show, and gave him my contact info. At that point, Jason Gardner…
Product Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:16
I never used to go to photography conferences. It’s not that they didn’t interest me, it’s just that none of them cover my genre of music photography. WPPI is all about weddings and portraits, and while Imaging USA seems…
Artistic Macros [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:22
One of my favorite parts of doing this podcast is that I get to discover and meet some amazing photographers, and L.A. based Nikon Ambassador Joey Terrill is a perfect example. We’ve all joked about a photographer we kno…
Architecture Photography Tips & Tricks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:44
I find guests for Behind the Shot in a number of ways. Sometimes it’s a referral from a friend, sometimes it’s a cold email I send after seeing an image I just need to know more about, and now and then it’s through a pho…
Portrait Composites [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:53
One look at the client list at the bottom of Paul Mobley’s About page and it’s quickly apparent that he’s one of the best commercial, advertising, and editorial portrait photographers working today. It’s a list of A leve…
Elevate Your Portrait Images [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:51
Zoe Rain is one of those photographers in the rare group of artists that was born to do what she does. Some people can learn to become amazing artists, while others, people like Zoe, seem to have a natural gift for seein…