Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Book More Photography Clients Podcast
Episode: How I Shoot Indoors vs. Outdoors: My Exact Camera Setup
Host: Brooke Jefferson
Date: December 11, 2025

Episode Overview

In this much-requested episode, host and business coach Brooke Jefferson gives listeners a transparent and detailed look into her exact camera settings for shooting in various environments: outdoors, indoors (in-home sessions), and studio. Speaking as both a seasoned Oklahoma family photographer and an educator, Brooke breaks down her personal photography setup, offers context-specific advice, and shares wisdom she's gained from experience, mentors, and trial and error. The episode is designed for photographers feeling lost with camera settings or wanting to understand how versatile settings can transform their work.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Session Context & Camera Gear

[03:30–06:30]

• Brooke emphasizes that settings are not one-size-fits-all; they depend on factors like the photographer’s camera, lenses, light conditions, and shoot location.
• Most of her outdoor sessions happen about an hour before sunset; indoor sessions are typically shot between 10am and 2pm for optimal natural light.
• Main camera: Canon EOS R (basic mirrorless, full-frame).
  • Not upgraded to the latest model—“Master what you have before jumping to expensive new gear.”
• Lenses: Prefers prime lenses (35mm & 50mm L series, occasional 85mm, some Sigma).
  • Strong aversion to zoom lenses, favoring "clearer images" from primes.

Quote:
"The best tip I was ever given was once you purchase your first full-frame camera, stick with that as long as you can. Master what you have rather than getting into debt over a new camera or lens."
—Brooke, [05:54]

2. General Shooting Philosophy

[08:00–10:00]

• ISO: “Always set it as low as possible while still providing enough light.”
• Preferred to shoot underexposed by 1–2 stops, then recover highlights in post-processing.
• Disproves common advice about aperture: "Setting your f-stop by number of heads in the photo is outdated, except for weddings or large groups."

Quote:
"I shoot underexposed, one or two stops... Most times I am underexposing and bringing back my highlights and whites in post editing."
—Brooke, [09:10]

3. Detailed Settings by Scenario

A. Outdoor Settings

[10:30–13:30]

• Preferred for sunset (“golden hour”) family sessions.
• Settings:
  • ISO: 200 to start
  • Aperture: 2.8 and as low as possible for specific shots
  • Shutter Speed: Minimum 1/500 (higher if needed for kids’ movement, max ~1/1200)
  • White Balance: Kelvin, set at ~6800K (increased as it gets darker)
• Explains that high shutter speed (“at least 1/500 for family sessions”) is crucial to stop motion and avoid blur.
• Uses Kelvin white balance for consistent warm tones; finds auto unreliable for her style.

Quote:
"If you're wanting to capture the blowing hair and the kids running and still have them in somewhat focus, that's—the higher your shutter speed needs to be."
—Brooke, [11:55]

B. Indoor (In-Home) Settings

[13:45–15:40]

• Used for family/newborn sessions in clients’ homes.
• Settings:
  • ISO: 400–600 (starts here due to low light)
  • Aperture: 2.2–2.8
  • Shutter Speed: 1/250 (slower pace, less movement than outdoors)
  • White Balance: Kelvin, ~5500K (varies per house; lower = bluer, higher = warmer)
• Occasionally uses a Godox V1 flash if natural light is insufficient.

Quote:
"In someone's home, it's pretty dark in there...my shutter speed here is usually around 1/250. And my Kelvin settings...as an average it's around 5,500."
—Brooke, [14:55]

C. Studio Settings

[16:00–17:30]

• For studio minis, cake smashes, and loyalty clients.
• Settings:
  • ISO: 500 (on a good day)
  • Aperture: 2.2–2.8 (sometimes lower for close-ups)
  • Shutter Speed: 1/250–1/400
  • White Balance: Kelvin, 5000–5600K (aims neutral, edits in post)

4. Editing, Equipment Upgrades, and Final Advice

[06:30, 17:30–19:00]

• Editing tip: Underexpose in camera, recover highlights/whites in post for her “look.”
• If using a crop sensor, upgrade to full-frame as soon as feasible for professional results.
• Master existing gear before investing in upgrades; gear isn't the magic fix.

Quote:
"What you can master with what you have is going to get you a lot further than putting yourself into debt... That was the best thing that I was ever told."
—Brooke, [05:54]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On finding what works for you:
  “Just because you may not use these exact settings doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong... Try it out and figure out what works best for you.” [03:25]
• On emotional frustrations of expensive gear:
  “Go look up lens prices. It’s so fun, let me tell you about it.” [07:12]
• Relatable humor on flash units:
  “Tell me why every time I say ‘Godox V1’ I think of that V8 juice in the store.” [15:58]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–01:12: Holiday message & episode introduction
• 03:00–06:30: Camera bodies, lenses, and upgrade philosophy
• 08:00–10:00: General technical approach (ISO, exposure, philosophy)
• 10:30–13:30: Outdoor settings breakdown
• 13:45–15:40: Indoor (in-home) settings breakdown
• 16:00–17:30: Studio settings breakdown
• 17:30–end: Encouragement, review request, episode wrap-up

Summary Flow & Utility

Brooke Jefferson’s episode is an approachable, technically clear, and honest guide to her camera setups for family sessions—outdoors and indoors. Rather than presenting rigid rules, she shares “what works for me,” stresses adaptability, and reassures her listeners they’re not alone in feeling confused by settings at first. Whether listeners are beginner portrait photographers or looking to tweak their setups for sharper, better-exposed images, this episode serves as a valuable resource dense with real-world, actionable advice—plus reminders to not get lost in gear envy, and to trust in personal experimentation.