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
10 Questions with… Jesse Feyereisen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:23
Today is a new type of show, its: 10 Questions with… Jesse Feyereisen I have been thinking a lot lately about doing some shows that are a bit different from the normal format. Something just for fun, and shorter than the…
High-Fashion Wedding Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:11
I first heard about wedding and portrait photographer, and wedding videographer, Andre Brown through my buddy Ant Pruitt’s show “Hands on Photography”, when Andre was on for a Photographers’ Go-To Tip. I knew I wanted to…
Commercial Lifestyle Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:24
PRODUCTION NOTE: I unfortunately had some issues with the guest audio on this show, so you will hear some echo at times. My apologies to my guest, and to you – the viewers and listeners. Tim Gerard Barker is an award-win…
Capturing That Precise Moment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:26
Today’s guest, former White House photographer Pete Souza, is a bucket-list item for me. I started Behind the Shot because I am a fan of great photography, or more specifically great photographers. Through the over six y…
Photographic Shapes, Gestures, and Symbols [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:16
I often talk about how much I love being a part of the photo community. I have made such amazing friends being around this world of creativity, and today’s show is the product of those friendships. There are times that t…
Photography in Mongolia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:26
One of the best parts of doing this podcast is getting to see the amazing photography community at work. I mentioned this a few weeks ago when I had Kersten Luts (Creative Portraits and Headshots) on the show. He had bee…
Documenting the Golden Era of Motocross [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:58
I am so excited to have David Dewhurst back on the show again! David is one of those legends that I could talk to everyday. His work spans through multiple genres, and has consistently stood the test of time. The first t…
Capture Better Wildlife Photos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:37
Rick Sammon has been referred to as the Godfather of Photography, because he is one of the best there is. He jokes that he “specializes in not specializing”, but the reality is that he understands light, his gear, and hi…
Using An iPhone As Your Vacation Camera [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:58
Jefferson Graham is a Manhattan Beach, California based writer-photographer, educator, and the host/producer of the travel photography series “Photowalks with Jefferson Graham”, which streams on YouTube, Tubi and the Rok…
Creative Portraits and Headshots [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:34
It looks like I will owe Dave Williams a beer, or whisk(e)y. Dave is one of the best there is, and I am so lucky that he’s been on the show a few times. Well, a few weeks ago Dave emailed me to introduce me to Kersten Lu…