Dial & Aperture

Dial & Aperture Ep. 23 - Unlocking new photography techniques

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMT

In this week’s episode, Morgan and Nacho share their recent photography experiments, travel adventures, and tips on lighting, editing, and gear management. They explore newly unlocked techniques, such as combining soft and harsh light, focus stacking, and range masking, to elevate watch photography. They wrap things up with some snapshots, including a great gift for any young ones in your family and a must-have accessory for those not keen on dropping their hard drives.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Dial & Aperture Ep. 22 - A Post-Break Catch-Up: Mexico, photography experiments, and tattoo sessions

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 30 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Dial and Aperture is back! After a quick two-week break, Nacho and Morgan are catching up on life, travel, and gear. This week, Nacho recaps his Mexican honeymoon, a nerve-wracking close call with his Doxa, and his latest dive into underwater photography. Meanwhile, Morgan’s been keeping it low-key; prepping for upcoming travel and logging serious hours at the tattoo studio, working on his full leg sleeve. Stick around for Snapshots, featuring two must-read books: a memoir of an international fugitive’s life in India, and a deep dive into Japanese mythology.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

The Japanese Myths: A Guide to Gods, Heroes and Spirits (2022) Joshua Frydman

Shantaram (2003) Gregory David Roberts

Dial & Aperture Ep. 21 - (Part 2) Talking photography with Ken and James of Form & Function

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 09 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT

In this week’s episode of Dial and Aperture, the boys are joined by special guests Ken and James of the Form & Function podcast. They share some general chit-chat and discuss topics ranging from James’ and Ken’s first steps into photography to the gear they use today. Finally, they wrap things up with some Homework/Snapshots. These include a couple of classic films, travel-friendly fitness equipment, some facial-hair advice, and a titanium flashlight. This is the second part of their chat together. If you want to hear part one, head on over to Form & Function; you won’t want to miss it!

Show Notes / Snapshots / Homework:

@notoriusEDC - IG

Mickey 17 (2025)
Rocky (1976) or any movie from your childhood
TRX bands
Edoluc "Knurly" 10440 titanium flashlight

Dial & Aperture Ep. 20 - How to avoid getting stuck in a creative rut

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 02 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Do you ever feel like you're running low on creativity? In this episode, Morgan and Nacho share their insights on how to get out of that situation. From employing creative photography techniques to avoiding getting stuck in routines, and practical tips for shooting and editing. They discuss how they’ve navigated the situation and ways to stay inspired in the world of photography. They wrap the show up with snapshots, including a great rubber strap and a must-follow page on Instagram.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

@bowlofsalmon's Genta-inspired shot

@thespeedyshutter's Speedmaster lug print

Dial & Aperture Ep. 19 - The Watches and Wonders debrief: our experience at the fair

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Back from the madness of Watches and Wonders 2026, Nacho and Morgan are happy to be home. In this episode, they catch up on the latest and discuss their individual experiences navigating the show, doing their best to capture as many pictures as possible of their favorite watches. They also talk about the reality of shooting during the fair and the pitfalls of a setup that requires a lot of assembly, which can become somewhat counterproductive. Other than that, they reminisce about shared experiences in the week, including the photographer’s dinner and ensuing night out. They wrap up with a fresh round of snapshots, including an app for all space nerds and budding astro-photographers, and a great strap with military heritage for your watch.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Tom (aka. @Bowlofsalmon)

Nacho's Watches and Wonders 2026 highlights

Dial & Aperture Ep. 18 - Live From Watches and Wonders 2026

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Join a slightly worse-for-wear Morgan and Nacho live from Geneva as they share their experiences from Watches & Wonders. Joining forces on day four of the fair, they discuss the latest watch releases, photography challenges, and memorable moments from the event. This, of course, includes the annual photographer’s dinner at the Buvette des Bains: the only fondue restaurant in Geneva, where ducks walk around as you and your friends indulge in gratuitous amounts of melted cheese. We’ll be back next week with a more traditionally structured episode!

Shout-out to Zach, Tom, Jake, David, Anaïs, Augustin, and Leo for joining us at the dinner. And thanks to everyone we met in Geneva.

Dial & Aperture Ep. 17 - The Pre-Watches and Wonders 2026 Episode

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

In this pre-Watches and Wonders episode, Nacho and Morgan talk about how they prepare for the big show of the year. This includes everything from clearing memory cards to packing gear and charging batteries. They also touch on recent travel, Pokémon adventures, and the return of natural light to the Northern Hemisphere. They also make some predictions and talk about the brands they’re most looking forward to seeing there. The show ends with some recommendations. These include a new jazz album by Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist, Flea, and a YouTube video on traditional Japanese tattoos.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Bunshinren Tattoo Studio on YT
Honora - Flea

Dial & Aperture Ep. 16 - Conceptualizing our ideal cameras

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Today, on Dial and Aperture, Morgan and Nacho are dreaming up their ideal cameras. The show kicks off with the usual weekly chat, where topics like Watches and Wonders prep, plans for a new tattoo, and some ongoing autodidactic activity. Our focus point this week sees the guys running through a specs sheet for their ideal camera and lens setup. Whether the real thing exists out there remains to be seen, though in Morgan’s case, it seems like it just might. They wrap up the show with snapshots of Morgan’s newly rediscovered coffee ritual and Nacho’s recent visit to a great museum in Rotterdam.

Show Notes/Snapshots:

Dial & Aperture Ep. 15 - Photography in the studio vs. out in the world

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT

What are the biggest differences between shooting out in the world versus in the studio? And which of the two scenarios do we prefer? That’s the topic of discussion in today’s episode of Dial and Aperture. Join Nacho and Morgan as they explore the nuances of studio versus outdoor photography, sharing insights, experiences, and practical tips for photographers looking to enhance their craft in different environments. We begin with the usual chat covering recent events, including Nacho’s prep for Watches and Wonders and a honeymoon trip to Mexico, and Morgan’s plans for further volcanic adventures. As always, the wrap-up includes snapshots. This week, they include a French jewelry brand, a shout-out to a fellow photographer, and something everyone should do this time of year.

Show Notes/Snapshots:

Dial & Aperture Ep. 14 - Dream clients: brands we’d love to work for as photographers

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The boys are dreaming big this week! Join Morgan and Nacho in this episode of Dial and Aperture as they discuss the brands they’d love to work for someday. They kick things off with a quick catch-up on recent goings on, including Morgan’s recent visit to an active volcano, and Nacho’s attendance at a Thundercat show and ongoing flash photography experiments. They then move on to discussing their dream clients, and wrap up the show with some Snapshots. These include a TV show, a movie, and some great music from a Japanese artist.

Show Notes/Snapshots:

Dial & Aperture Ep. 13 - Our photography workflows

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Today, on Dial and Aperture, Nacho and Morgan are discussing their photography workflow. From packing their camera bag to file management, editing, and delivering finished images. The episode begins with the usual catch-up and weather report. Morgan is back on Reunion Island after an intense week of shooting watches in Geneva and Paris. And Nacho had an interesting outing to Amsterdam to shoot some of AP’s new watches. The show wraps up with some snapshots, including Morgan’s latest sunglasses accessory, a great movie, and a useful item everyone should have in their toolkit.

Show Notes/Snapshots:

Dial & Aperture Ep.12 - A slightly jet-lagged catch-up

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT

In this week’s episode of Dial and Aperture, Morgan calls in from Geneva as he kicks off a week of client work, and Nacho is coming off the jet lag after two back-to-back press trips. It’s been two weeks since the boys spoke, so they skip the focus point and spend the episode catching up. Morgan tells us about his ongoing client work and pre-Watches and Wonders plans. Nacho gives a report of his Tudor trip to Nauchâtel, Switzerland, and his IWC trip to Los Angeles. They also discuss the movies they watched during their travels and wrap up with a couple of recommendations, including a print magazine, a solid IG follow, a shout-out to Vanguard tripods, and Morgan's newest watch purchase.

Show Notes/Snapshots:

The Road Rat Magazine

Dial & Aperture Ep. 11 - Finding your photography style

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Dial and Aperture, hosts Nacho and Morgan discuss developing your own photography style. Before getting into it, they chat about recent volcanic eruptions, photography opportunities, and their upcoming travels. The conversation begins on the importance of experimentation in finding one's photography style. They delve into the role of gear, editing techniques, and the significance of composition in photography. They emphasize the need for patience and exploration in developing a personal style, while also touching on the balance between inspiration and imitation. The episode concludes with recommendations for a new Marvel series and a nostalgic look back at childhood gaming experiences.

Show Notes/Snapshots:

Wonder Man on Disney Plus
Pokémon’s Biggest Urban Legend: Mew and The S.S. Anne Truck - Youtube Video

Dial & Aperture Ep. 10 - Printing your photography

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Dial & Aperture, Morgan and Nacho talk about recent watch events, the benefits of renting gear, and Nacho’s recent purchase of a flash. They also explore various aspects of photography, focusing on the importance of printing images and the many considerations involved. The conversation also touches on creating photo books and the joy of sharing prints with friends, committing to gifting each other a print of a favorite picture from the other’s catalog. Additionally, they share recommendations for some good music and a photography resource.

Show Notes/Snapshots:

Dial & Aperture Ep. 9 - Shooting wipeouts, bald eagles, and brand campaigns with Zach Piña

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Dial and Aperture, Nacho and Morgan welcome special guest photographer Zach Pina to discuss his journey into photography, the evolution of his skills, and the intersection of photography and watches. Zach shares insights on transitioning from hobbyist to professional, the importance of capturing a subject's essence, and the challenges of shooting in various environments. The conversation also touches on the technical aspects of photography, including various lighting techniques and the importance of storytelling in visual media. In this chat, they delve into various aspects of photography, including the use of flash, the importance of visual storytelling, and challenges faced during location shoots. They discuss the dynamics of working with talent/product, memorable campaign experiences, and the transition from freelance work to running an agency. The conversation wraps up with a few snapshots, including a couple of videos and a podcast recommendation.

Show Notes/Snapshots:

Dial & Aperture Ep. 8 - Our go-to gear for casual walkabout photography

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Dial an Aperture, hosts Morgan and Nacho discuss topics including the weather, outdoor activities, and their love of following a run with a quick dip in the ocean. The discussion then focuses on walkabout photography gear. They highlight some of their go-to kit, both over the years and currently. They share insights on what makes gear suitable for this casual photography style, as well as settings and potential options for those looking to get into it. The show wraps up with some recommendations, including the work of watch-loving photographer James Popsys on YouTube, and Morgan’s personal experience with a previous week’s snapshot.

Show Notes/Snapshots:

James Popsys on YouTube
Airfly 2 Bluetooth adapter

Dial & Aperture Ep. 7 - Turning your passion into your profession

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Nacho and Morgan discuss their journeys from pursuing photography as a passion to making it their profession. They share personal experiences, the challenges of working with brands, and the importance of networking and persistence. The conversation also touches on finding balance between work and personal life, the significance of quality in photography, and the learning process of honing their craft. They conclude with snapshots to keep you both stylish and curious to learn more about photography, along with a book recommendation.

Show Notes/Snapshots:

Dial & Aperture Ep. 6 - Watch photography tips and tricks Vol. 1

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode of "Dial an Aperture," hosts Morgan and Nacho dive into their recent experiences in the world of photography, particularly focusing on product photography tips and tricks. Morgan tunes in from Brittany, France, and shares his hectic week visiting independent watchmakers in Switzerland and France, where he took over 7,000 pictures, while Nacho recounts his one-day trip to Geneva to photograph Hublot's novelties ahead of LVMH watch week. The conversation flows into practical advice for aspiring photographers, emphasizing the importance of preparation, such as thoroughly cleaning products before shooting, managing lighting effectively, and the significance of composition. They also discuss the benefits of using a macro lens, the right aperture, and the necessity of having a shot list to ensure all essential angles are captured during a shoot.

Here's a summary of the tips discussed in the episode:

"Clean the product before shooting it to save time in post-processing."

"Lighting is key; take the time to set it up right before shooting."
"Use a macro lens for close-up shots to capture details effectively."
"Have a shot list to ensure you capture all necessary angles."
"Experiment with different apertures to find the best focus for your shots."
"Composition matters; take the time to get it right before shooting."
"Don't be afraid to break the rules of composition; have fun with your photography."
"Review your shots to ensure everything is in focus before moving on."
"Use black gloves to avoid fingerprints on your products while shooting."

Show Notes/Snapshots:

James Lowe - @James_Kelptown on Instagram
Folding tote bag
Bluetooth adapter for in-flight use

Dial & Aperture Ep. 5 - Shooting Watches and Wonders: the world’s biggest watch fair

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT

In this week's episode of Dial an Aperture, hosts Nacho and Morgan discuss their experiences with photography, travel, and the challenges of shooting at the Watches and Wonders fair. They share insights on packing for travel, dealing with flight cancellations, and the importance of having the right gear for photography. The conversation also touches on their current watches, photography techniques, and post-processing workflows, culminating in their snapshots of the week, where they recommend TV shows and some handy cold-weather gear for photographers.

Show Notes/Snapshots:

IT: Welcome to Derry
Sealskinz Thornham Merino Fingerless Gloves
Decathlon Caperlan Thermal Fishing (and photography) Gloves 500
Nacho's photography IG: @nachocondephoto

Dial & Aperture Ep. 4 - What’s in our camera bags?

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Dial an Aperture, hosts Morgan and Nacho give a field report on their start to 2026, including recent and upcoming travel, current photography work, and some extreme winter weather and volcanic activity. The focus point today is on the guys’ camera bags and their content. If you're curious about the essential gear Nacho and Morgan use, look no further. The conversation highlights the significance of having the right equipment, offers tips for traveling with it, and shares some fun stories. Finally, snapshots include a key ingredient in Nacho’s self-made camera straps, as well as some great video content to check out.

Show Notes/Snapshots:

Morgan's bag/gear:

Gomatic McKinnon Camera Backpack 25L
Gomatic McKinnon Small Cube
Canon EOS R5
Canon RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM
Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM
Canon RF35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Helix Burkard CP Kit
Godox AD400Pro II Flash
Godox V1 Flash
Godox Transmitter X3 TTL
80cm pop-up reflector/difuser
Peak Design Leash camera strap
Peak Design Capture camera clip

Nacho's bag/gear:

Manfrotto Advanced2 Travel Backpack M
Fujifilm X-T4
Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR
Fujinon XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro
Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 XF V2
DJI Mic Mini
Nitecore SCL10 Smart Camera Light & Powerbank
80cm pop-up reflector/difuser

Dial & Aperture Ep. 3 - Our most worn/photographed watches of 2025

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT

In this particularly watch-focued episode of Dial an Aperture, hosts Nacho and Morgan give a field report on their holiday experiences, including weather reflections and personal updates. They share unique Christmas traditions, gift highlights, and their current wrist checks. The conversation shifts to the focus point of their most photographed and worn watches of 2025, exploring photography challenges and future aspirations in watch collecting. They also share snapshots, featuring gadgets and apps that enhance their daily lives and some with the potential to do so in the future.

Show Notes/Snapshots:

Dial & Aperture Ep. 2 - Formal Introductions: who we are and what we do

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Dial & Aperture, Nacho shares a field report on his recent experience at the Big Wave Challenge in Nazaré, Portugal, discussing the challenges and excitement of capturing such an event. Morgan also talks about his recent experiments with outdoor flash use and blending it in with natural light. The conversation delves into photography techniques, the impact of AI on workflows, and the importance of practice and experimentation in photography. Both hosts formally introduce themselves, sharing their personal stories, insights into their work, and their passion for watches, which culminates in a discussion about their backgrounds and their roles in the watch and photography industries.

Show Notes/Snapshots:

Dial & Aperture Ep. 1 - How we got into photography / what inspires us as photographers

Nacho Conde and Morgan Saignes — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Dial & Aperture!

In this inaugural episode, hosts Nacho and Morgan discuss the Focus Point of how they got into photography and who/what inspires them today. They first share some Field Notes on Morgan's recent trip to the Dubai Watch Week watch fair, and Nacho's press trip to Miami to photograph and cover the launch of the new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean. They wrap up with some Snapshots; recommendations on gear, content, and anything else they've been enjoying recently. You can find this episode's in the show notes below.

Show Notes/Snapshots: