Raw Podcast - EP58 - A conversation with John BoazIn this conversation, we sit down with portrait photographer John Boaz to talk about where his work really comes from. From an early moment of seeing deer move through golden light at Bradgate Park to having his portraits on the cover of Portrait of Britain, John shares a thoughtful and honest look at his creative journey.We talk about the influence of university on his understanding of visual storytelling, the importance of personal projects alongside paid work, and why connection always matters more than technical perfection. John reflects on slowing down in a fast-paced, social-media-driven industry, how nature, music and everyday life feed into his work, and why imperfections often carry the most truth.This episode is about portraiture as a human exchange rather than a technical exercise, and about protecting artistic integrity while navigating commercial realities.Guest BioJohn Boaz is a multi-award-winning portrait photographer based in Northamptonshire, UK. He graduated from Birmingham City University in 2019 with a degree in Visual Communication (Photography).John is a multiple winner of the British Journal of Photography’s Portrait of Britain awards, including having a portrait selected as the front cover of Volume 7. His work has been exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery as part of the Royal Photographic Society’s IPE 166 exhibition and features in major publications such as The Guardian Saturday Magazine, Financial Times Magazine, Le Monde and Der Spiegel. His ongoing series Rivers Of Living Water explores Christianity in Britain through portraiture.Key TopicsJohn’s early inspiration at Bradgate ParkUniversity and learning visual storytellingBalancing paid work and personal projectsHuman connection in portraitureFeeling over technical perfectionInspiration from nature, music and everyday lifeMaintaining artistic integrity across mediumsSlowing down in a fast social media worldThe impact of awards on creative confidenceNotable Quotes“Imperfect images tell a story.”“Connection and context come first.”“Imperfections add authenticity.”Chapters00:00 Introduction and background02:50 Early photography experiences06:00 University and visual storytelling08:56 Transitioning into professional work11:45 Personal projects and why they matter14:37 Balancing paid work and passion17:30 Current projects and future direction20:32 Family and photography23:51 Artistic reflection and intention25:21 Digital versus film27:29 Human connection in portrait photography31:15 Planning versus spontaneity34:17 Managing pressure and anxiety38:34 Comfort and trust in portraits41:35 Environment, light and atmosphere45:15 Subconscious decision-making47:42 Connection and context revisited50:39 Emotion versus technical control54:16 Storytelling through portraiture57:57 Navigating wedding photography01:01:16 Humility and growth01:04:12 Finding inspiration beyond photography01:07:07 Creative pressure01:09:52 Social media and evolving perspectives01:11:16 Fulfilment beyond Instagram01:12:54 Balancing work and personal life01:15:34 The impact of awards01:17:43 Inspiration from fellow photographersMentionsAlex SothAlys TomlinsonPortrait of Britain Where to find Johnjohnboaz_Johns WebsiteFollow us on Instagram:⁠@therawpodcast⁠⁠@davidmcclellandphotography⁠⁠@moathillphotography

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