Podcast Title: All Of It
Host: Alison Stewart
Episode: How To Get Better at Taking Pictures
Release Date: August 5, 2025
Duration: Approximately 29 minutes

Introduction

In this engaging episode of All Of It from WNYC, host Alison Stewart delves into the art and science of photography. Joined by Jody Kwan, Creative Director of New York Magazine, and Christopher Bonanno, City Editor of New York Magazine and author, Alison explores various facets of photography, offering listeners both expert insights and practical tips to enhance their photographic skills.

What Makes a Great Photo?

Jody Kwan and Christopher Bonanno kickstart the conversation by outlining the fundamental elements that elevate a photo from good to great.

• Intent and Focus:
  Jody Kwan emphasizes, “We like for our pictures to have intent, strong intent. There has to be a lot of pictures need to be in focus” (02:05). She further elaborates that especially in portraiture, eye contact and revealing the soul of the subject are paramount.

• Authenticity and Sincerity:
  Both guests agree that authenticity is crucial. Jody states, “What we're looking for is that there's authenticity and sincerity” (02:17), highlighting the importance of genuine emotion and connection in photography.

Listener Tips and Expert Responses

The episode features interactive segments where listeners share their photography challenges and receive expert advice.

• Early Morning Light:
  Bill from Manhattan suggests, “Get up early and take advantage of the light” (06:38).
  Jody Kwan concurs, adding, “The morning light is so beautiful. You’ll have, you know, noon is a time of day you want to absolutely avoid” (07:05). She also mentions the magic of the golden hour and twilight for capturing stunning images.

Essentials of Portrait Photography

The discussion shifts to the nuances of capturing compelling portraits.

• Facial Expressions:
  Christopher Bonanno notes the significance of expressive eyes, saying, “the eyes are super, super important” (09:37).
  Jody Kwan advises against overly smiling, mentioning, “We don’t like toothy pictures. We prefer friendliness to come from the eyes” (09:05).

• Relaxation Techniques:
  Frank Elduino, a photographer interviewed by the hosts, shares a valuable tip: “Imagine you’re in line at the supermarket… something happens” (08:52). This technique helps subjects relax naturally, avoiding stiff postures.

Technological Impact on Photography

Christopher Bonanno reflects on how technological advancements have democratized photography:

“The camera on your phone, which is the size of a grain of rice, is better than almost everybody had access to when I was a kid.” (13:01)

He predicts a surge in unexpected photographic talent as more people have access to quality cameras, enabling a broader range of creative expressions.

Listener Contributions: Diverse Photography Interests

• Philip from Princeton:
  Philip shares his versatile photography interests, spanning portraiture, landscape, animals, and still life. He also mentions teaching photography to children in the Princeton area using Nikon Z6 and Z9 cameras (10:41).

• Swati from Connecticut:
  Swati, second runner-up of Mrs. Universe USA, discusses her journey into photography through pageants. She combines nature and portrait photography, aiming to capture stories through expressions, emotions, and fashion (11:45).

Photo Retouching and Filters

The conversation delves into the ethical and practical aspects of photo editing.

• New York Magazine’s Approach:
  Jody Kwan explains, “We have a fairly liberal policy when it comes to retouching portraiture” (14:26). Minor blemishes are removed, but the photographer avoids altering the subject’s inherent character.

• Composite Images:
  Christopher Bonanno discusses creating composite images, such as a cover featuring “70 celebrities crossing the same intersection at once” (15:47). He emphasizes transparency about such manipulations, ensuring viewers understand the constructed nature of the image.

Smartphones vs. Traditional Cameras

The panel explores the merits of using smartphones for professional photography.

• iPhones as Professional Tools:
  Jody Kwan advocates for using smartphones, stating, “The iPhone has become an extension of oneself” and praises its portability and unobtrusiveness in environments like restaurants (22:35).
  Christopher Bonanno adds, “A number of people who shoot for the magazine do so with their phones” (21:56), highlighting the convenience and advanced capabilities of modern smartphones.

• Practical Tips:
  Hugo Yu, the magazine’s food photographer, shares techniques for capturing intricate details, such as the sparkle of water drops in cocktails, which are easily achievable with an iPhone’s camera (22:59).

Specialized Photography: Food and Real Estate

Listeners seek specific advice for niche photography areas.

• Food Photography:
  Marian from Connecticut, a real estate agent, inquires about enhancing her Foodie Fridays Instagram series. Jody Kwan advises, “Get closer to the food” (25:07), and Christopher Bonanno echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of close-ups to eliminate background distractions.

  Additional tips include making food appear naturally touched and avoiding overly pristine presentations, ensuring the dishes look authentic and appetizing.

• Real Estate Photography:
  For making homes appear inviting in photos, Jody Kwan recommends, “Don’t make it so perfect. It should feel authentic” (27:04). She suggests including everyday items to create a lived-in feel, avoiding sterile and impersonal spaces.

  Christopher Bonanno teases a future installment focused on shooting interior house pictures, encouraging listeners to subscribe to their newsletter for more detailed guidance.

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with Alison Stewart taking a playful moment to photograph the hosts, demonstrating the discussed techniques. This interactive segment reinforces the practical application of the tips shared throughout the episode.

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It offers a comprehensive exploration of photography, blending expert advice with real-world applications. Whether you're a budding photographer or looking to refine your skills, Alison Stewart, alongside Jody Kwan and Christopher Bonanno, provides valuable insights to help you capture stunning and authentic images.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jody Kwan: “We like for our pictures to have intent, strong intent. There has to be a lot of pictures need to be in focus.” (02:05)
• Christopher Bonanno: “The camera on your phone, which is the size of a grain of rice, is better than almost everybody had access to when I was a kid.” (13:01)
• Jody Kwan: “We don’t like toothy pictures. We prefer friendliness to come from the eyes.” (09:05)
• Bill (Listener): “Get up early and take advantage of the light.” (06:38)
• Jody Kwan: “Don’t make it so perfect. It should feel authentic.” (27:04)

Note: For more detailed tips and ongoing photography insights, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to New York Magazine’s Night School newsletter, accessible via nymag.com.