Dial and Aperture

This week, co-hosts Nacho and Morgan mark episode 40 of Dial and Aperture, trade travel and watch-fair stories, and discuss what new things they have learned in 2026. The focus remains on photography, with topics ranging from Morgan's use of outdoor flash to balance a subject with natural-looking backgrounds and Nacho’s first steps with flash, to selective focus stacking, compositing, and a handful of Lightroom editing tricks. They finally reflect on the behind-the-scenes work of making the podcast, and wrap it up by sharing snapshots: a print watch magazine and Morgan’s new waxed-cotton jacket.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Fratello Talks live from Watch Time Düsseldorf

Nacho's Sinn 140 A S Chrono article of Fratello

• Craft + Tailored magazine
• Bonne Gueule Tucson Jacket

This week’s episode of Dial and Aperture follows a slightly different structure. The guys are getting ready for some travel, so they spend some time catching up and discussing several topics on their minds. These include upcoming trips, the situation in Paris, and how to recover from a sports injury. They touch on gear worth spending the money on before wrapping up the show with Snapshots. These include a tool everyone should own and a great coffee-table book.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Bosch IXO

Grand Seiko - book

Today, on Dial and Aperture, Nacho and Morgan discuss the latest photography gear that’s caught their eye this year. This includes lenses, cameras, and even flashes. Will they end up buying any of it? It seems rather likely, but only time will tell. They also catch up on tattoo progress, settling into new routines, and the usual chitchat. They wrap up the show with a couple of great Snapshots, including a handy bit of software and a buy-once, cry-one bit of kit that every watch photographer should own.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

• UltraFire Lume Torch - Amazon
• Narrative - culling software (Matthew Ruderman tutorial)

In this week’s episode of Dial and Aperture, Morgan and Nacho explore the importance of authentic photography in watch marketing and criticize the overuse of digital renders and stock images. They discuss how real images tell better stories and connect more deeply with audiences. Before that, they quickly catch up: Nacho is in Holland, doing some work at Fratello HQ, and Morgan has been keeping busy with work for an upcoming VPC launch. They wrap up the show with Snapshots that include a great YouTube video and a photographer worth following for Fujifilm medium-format goodness.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

• Samuel Elkins Photography: Instagram / YouTube
• Testing The Best-Selling Cameras From Every Decade - Speeed YT

We are back on Dial and Aperture, after a break last week. Today, Nacho and Morgan take some time to catch up and chat about what they’ve been up to. This includes a return to running and photography for Morgan. Nacho has had a lively few days. With the big move behind him, he was away in Spain for a wedding, as well as on a Tudor press trip to San Diego, to discover more about a chapter of the brand’s heritage supplying watches to the US Navy SEALs. They wrap things up with some Snapshots, including a YouTube video and a must-have for frequent travelers.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Nacho's Tudor Navy SEAL Museum article

Godox iT32 + X5

GMC Yukon XL

• The process of making a camera lens - ProcessX on YT
• A cheap/packable tote bag

In this episode, Morgan and Nacho reflect on their experiences posting on Instagram, the impact on their photography, the social aspect of the platform, and the importance of finding a healthy balance in social media use. We start with a move update from Nacho, who is in the final days leading up to it. Morgan continues to live the island life, keeping busy and enjoying the routine. They wrap it up with a couple of great recommendations to watch whenever you find yourself with some time off.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Morgan and Nacho with David Backham

@Caliberwhatever on IG

• The Gentlemen Season 2 - Netflix
• My Hero Academia - Manga

In this episode, Nacho and Morgan catch up on recent travels, getting back into their fitness routines, and Nacho’s progress on moving to Germany before diving into the Focus Point: Geneva Watch Days. They break down their favorite watch releases from the fair. Nacho also shares what it was like to attend this year and connect with friends and listeners in person. Finally, they close out the show with Snapshots, featuring a fresh TV recommendation and a quick trick to elevate your home coffee setup.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

• Alpina - Startimer Pilot Solarmetre
• Berneron - Mirage Mirroir
• MING - 57.05 Comet Polymesh
• Girard-Perregaux - Laureato Fifty Tourbillon Micro-Rotor 39mm
• Frédérique Constant - Classics Index and Highlife French Foreign Legion and mechanical Moneta
• Laurent Ferrier - Classic Moon "Dusk"
• Doxa - SUB 300 Ti5
• Micromilspec - Fieldmaster
• Ferdinand Berthoud - Chronomètre FB 3 SPC.4-1
• Greubel Forsey - Qualité Musée

Dark Matter - Apple TV
Coffee grinder - Bodum (for example)

In this episode, Morgan and Nacho explore their dream photography trips, discussing destinations, gear, and watches to accompany their adventures. First they catch up on recent events, including some recent incidents involving home renovations and local wildlife. They wrap things up with an analog solution for keeping yourself organized and a perfect souvenir idea.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

• Field Notes notebooks
• Pottery

In this episode, Morgan and Nacho share practical tips for traveling with your photography gear (like a pro), including bags, packing strategies, weatherproofing, and security measures. If you want to keep your gear safe, avoid hassle at airport security, and to get other practical tips, be sure to tune in. They also catch up on their experience viewing the eclipse and their attempts to view and photograph it, recent travel, and other projects. Finally, they wrap up with a TV show recommendation and a practical piece of travel advice.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Andrea's eclipse photos

Andrea's watch page

Marcelo Maragni's eclipse photos

Formex Video Project

• Gravity Falls - TV show
• Make sure you have an ESTA!

This week, on Dial and Aperture, it’s back to business as usual. Morgan and Nacho catch up on the latest. This includes Morgan’s trip to France and Switzerland, as well as Nacho’s new camera bag. For the main topic, they explore how to handle creative slumps, the importance of taking breaks, and how to find inspiration again in photography and other creative pursuits. Snapshots today include a great belt from Decathlon as well as a podcast recommendation.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Nacho's new camera bag: Tenba Messenger Large

• Solognac Belt 100 - Decathlon
• Tattoo Tales - Podcast

In this episode of Dial and Aperture, the boys are thrilled to welcome special guest Kat Shoulders to the show. Kat shares her journey from casual photography to professional work, her approach to shoot planning, and her insights on the impact of AI on photography and a new trend towards realness over perfection. We also get into gear, the creative process, and thoughts on authenticity in watch and lifestyle photography. In this episode, Kat shares detailed insights on photography gear, shooting techniques, and her experiences at watch events and campaigns. We explore the nuances of camera systems, lens choices, and the creative process behind some of her favorite campaigns. The show wraps up with snapshots, including a lifestyle tip from Morgan, a film suggestion from Kat, and a YouTube video from Nacho. Thank you, Kat, for joining us!

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Follow Kat on IG!

Tenn and Two podcast

Serica Campaign

Zach Piña

Chris Coe

Garrett Jones

Ora Orea Coreolis

"The Moneymaker" camera strap

Leica, APO-MACRO-ELMARIT SL, 100mm f2.8

Avi-8 Campaign

Zodiac Campaign

• Get outside and go for a walk!
• 1200km in a 60-Year-Old Alfa Romeo — The Slow Road Home - Soulspec YT
• The Odyssey (2026)

Today, on Dial and Aperture, Morgan and Nacho discuss the challenges of a less-is-more approach to watch photography. Minimalism can be appealing, but it comes with its own unique set of challenges and considerations. Before getting into it, they catch up on recent events, including Morgan’s quest for inspiration and Nacho’s impending move to Germany. Finally, they wrap things up with Snapshots, featuring a new film and a recommendation for a great YouTube channel for photography tips.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Tom's (@bowlofsalmon) white background shot

Morgan's white background shots: Rolex Explorer / Grand Seiko

The Rolex shot that inspired Morgan

Nacho's white background shot

• @matthewruderman - YT
• Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026)

This week’s episode of Dial and Aperture begins with the usual catch-up. Morgan highlights his ongoing tattoo process (two sessions away from completion) and upcoming travel to France and Switzerland. Nacho talks about a recent trip to Biel for a video project, Amsterdam for a product presentation, and the upcoming Geneva Watch Days. The guys then share a detailed breakdown of their process for taking a perfect lume shot of your watch. Finally, the show wraps up with an Instagram follow recommendation and an interesting way to post your images, as well as a show to binge on Netflix.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

• @bradflowerss - IG photo collage
• The East Palace - Netflix

In this episode of Dial and Aperture, Morgan and Nacho explore their favorite watch-photography campaigns, sharing insights into storytelling, creativity, and the importance of visual narratives in watch marketing. They discuss campaigns shot by brilliant photographers (in some cases, friends of the show) for brands like AP, Baltic, Serica, and more, highlighting what makes them stand out and inspire. They wrap things up with a TV show and YouTube video recommendations.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Nacho’s brown Timex Ironman

Form and Function Episode 141 - Zach Weiss

Morgan:

AP 1017 ALYX 9SM Royal Oak

Formex x Worn & Wound Essence Sector 39mm

Baltic MR Moissanite

Worn & Wound Serica Parade by Kat Shoulders

Nacho:

Worn & Wound Benrus “Time Starts Now”

Oris × Collective Horology Divers “Seventy-Five” LE

Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Left Hand Drive Pro Diver GMT LE

RZE × Fratello Resolute Pro “Contour” LE

Other:

T&T ​​× Zenith White Surfer

VPC Type VM39

Fratello × Aquastar Deepstar II LE Blue

Fratello × Aquastar Deepstar II LE Pink

Nacho’s Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition Shoot

• Why Your Travel Photos Are Disappointing- YT Sean Dalton
• Silo - TV Show

Today on Dial and Aperture, Nacho and Morgan explore the art of street photography, sharing their approaches, gear setups, and insights on capturing candid moments in urban environments. They also discuss the importance of patience, ethics, and embracing imperfection in photography. They recount recent travel and nerd out on their favorite watches before wrapping up with snapshots. This week’s include a lifestyle tip and a couple of great books.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

• @fadedbezel
• Nacho's Lyon pic

• Just go to the movies!
• The Art of Street Photography (2026) Sean Tucker and Joshua K. Jackson
• TO:KY:OO (2019) Liam Wong

In this week’s episod of Dial and Aperture we’re talking about the heat wave, new Grand Seikos, and leaving our comfort zone. Morgan and Nacho explore various photography genres beyond their usual watch photography, including wildlife, architecture, car, landscape, travel, underwater, and portrait photography. We end the show with some snapshots, which include a handy accessory to beat the heat and another great book recommendation.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

• USB desk fan
• Book: The Japanese Tattoo by Manami Okazaki

In this first Q&A episode, Nacho and Morgan answer listener questions about Fuji recipes, watch features, upcoming watch events, and much more. Before getting into it they discuss their recent activities, including travel, photography and video projects, and their enjoyment of the ongoing World Cup. Finally, they wrap it up with snapshots. This week's include a couple of solid IG follows as well as a fan-made Pokemon game you can play on your phone.

Thanks to everyone that sent in questions! If we didn't get to yours this time, don't worry, we'll answer it next time. And if you'd like to send one in for a future Q&A, be sure to follow us on Instagram (@dialandaperture) where you'll be notified when submissions open.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

• Pokemon Unbound - fan-made game
• @shotswithcraig on @nomadict - IG

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:

• FlikFlak watches for kids
• Crap Supply Screenmount for Samsung T7 Shield SSD

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

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" 10440titanium flashlight