A show featuring in-depth conversations with some of the world's leading photographers, filmmakers, and other visual artists, where we talk about the journey that shaped them into the person they are today, how they established their career, and the advice they give to others chasing their own creative goals.  

Episode #251: Drew Smith / Photographer

Photographer, brand ambassador, and mountain athlete Drew Smith joins the podcast to talk about his wild journey of growing up on a ranch in Montana and working jobs that varied from welding, to construction, to commercial fishing, to guiding, to search and rescue, to finally ending up with a camera in his hand and documenting the amazing adventures he was a part of, and slowing but surely developing a portfolio that would land him Clients like Patagonia, Roark, The North Face and so many more.  During our conversation Drew talks about how a 5 month road trip to Baja after dropping out of college would end up changing the course of his life, and how he worked his way through an insane list of jobs in order to fund the pursuit of the next adventure and his insatiable appetite for travel.  We also discuss how he found his niche in the world of outdoor adventure photography, started working with brands like Patagonia and Roark, what the behind the scenes of documenting alpine climbing adventures looks like, finally settling down after years of living in trucks and vans, what he's learned about life from the mountain characters he gets to be surrounded by, and the advice he gives to others hoping to one day have the chance to live out their own creative dreams.  To Learn More About Drew Smith Visit: https://www.drewsmithmedia.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/_drew_smith_/

Episode #250: Arturo + Lauren / Photographers / Filmmakers

Architectural and Interior photography and filmmaking team Arturo + Lauren join the podcast to talk about their individual journeys into the space of architectural image and motion capture and how they would end up coming together as creative partners, as well as a couple, to form the brand and portfolio they are known for today, as well as the social network of other architectural and interior photographers they created with The Shifter Community.  During our conversation we talk about what first attracted them to architecture and design, how they go about uniquely marketing and branding themselves, the importance of seo as well as in person events, the differences between real estate photography and architectural work, and the advice they give to others trying to carve out their own spot in an ever growing industry.  To Learn More About Arturo + Lauren Visit: https://arturoandlauren.com And Follow Them On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/arturo.and.lauren/ To Learn More About The Shifter Community Visit: https://www.shiftercom.com

Episode #249: Tom Oldham / Photographer

Celebrity portrait and commercial photographer and Sony Ambassador Tom Oldham joins the podcast from his London studio to talk about his journey from growing up in the small rural town of Dorset to photographing some of the most recognizable faces in the world, and earning awards like Amateur Photographer Magazine's 2023 "Hero Of Photography" and Sony's "World Open Photographer Of The Year" in 2020.  During our conversation Tom talks about how the burgeoning rave scene of the UK would end up changing the course of his life and put a camera in his hand to begin documenting the culture he loved so much and all the amazing ups and downs his career has brought him since.  He also gives a behind the scenes look at what it's like to photograph subjects like Rick Rubin, Nick Cave, Liam Gallagher, and so many more.  Lastly we talk about longevity in a career as fickle as photography and what he feels has been his secret to not burning out, how he approaches all the personal projects he has become known for over the years, and the advice he gives to other creatives chasing their own dreams. To Learn More About Tom Oldham Visit: http://www.tomoldham.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/tommyophoto

Episode #248: Sam Jones Returns / Director / Photographer

Director/Photographer Sam Jones returns to the podcast to talk about some of the amazing projects he has worked on since his first appearance on the show back in 2019, like his documentary film about Tony Hawk "Until The Wheels Fall Off", his documentary film on singer songwriter Jason Isbell "Running with our Eyes Closed", and his 6 part series showcasing the Smartless Podcast tour, all available to stream on Max.  During our conversation we talk about how being a present conversationalist has helped him to be able to uncover the story inside a story while working on documentary films, how his passion for learning new things in his own life has translated to the characters he wants to showcase, the new film he's been working on over the last 4 years, and what he's learned about a life well live through hundreds of converations with some of the leading creatives, athletes, and innovators in the world. To Learn More About Sam Jones Visit: https://www.samjonespictures.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/samjonespictures/

Episode #247: Sven Martin / Photographer

Renowned mountain bike photographer Sven Martin joins the podcast to talk about the journey from his early days as a pro skateboarder, to racing downhill mountain bikes, to transitioning into a full time photographer and all the adventures in between.  Growing up in South Africa, Sven's father had a camera in his hand at an early age and helped him develop a skillset, along with his mother's keen eye for composition, that would serve him well as he moved through his own passion for surfing, skateboarding, and eventually mountain biking.  During our conversation Sven tells stories of skateboarding with Tony Hawk and Ed Templeton, as well as his early photography work for Thrasher Magazine and how his girlfriend (now wife) Anka would eventually lead him towards the mountain bike world, what his schedule is like covering the world cup race circuit, how things have changed over the years with the advent of new technology and so many more shooters on the scene, how he has managed to stay so stoked on the sport after all these years, and the advice he gives to others rising up through the ranks of actions sports photography. To Learn More About Sven Martin Visit: https://www.instagram.com/svenmartinphoto/ To Watch the Short Film About Sven Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d0lBJiowAY

Episode #246: David Donnelly / Filmmaker

Filmmaker and artist David Donnelly joins the podcast to talk about his newest documentary film "The Cost of Convenience" that sheds light on the pervasive impact of surveillance capitalism on our privacy, autonomy, and democracy.  David has spent many years creating documentary films in the classical music realm, but when Covid came along and shut down the live performance spaces he was so accustomed to, he found himself exploring the exponential rise in the dependence of social media platforms and other spaces that exploded during the pandemic. When he set out with a goal of documenting our addiction to this technology, he had no idea of the massive story that would begin to unfold of the other nefarious aspects hiding in plane site, and how his film would adapt to try and tell a much broader story over years of work and countless days of travel.  During our conversation we discuss the last analog generation that we both come from, the inability for people to just be bored and how that is affecting creativity, the conversation that needs to be had about the future of social media, and so much more.  To Learn More About David Donnelly Visit: https://theculturemonster.com To Learn More About the Film "The Cost of Convenience" Visit: https://costofconvenience.film

Episode #245: Alison Conklin / Photographer

Photographer and Fujifilm Ambassador Alison Conklin joins the show to tell her inspiring story of perseverance after a doctor gave her the news that she had 6 months to live if she didn't get a new heart, and the transplant surgery that would soon follow and give her a new lease on life and a new appreciation for the selfless kindness of strangers.  During our conversation Alison tells me how the tragic death of her mom at age 14 would end up leading her into a love of photography that she shared with her father, how she built her career as an amazing wedding photographer, how all the challenging events in her life have given her a true appreciation for the present moment, and the advice she gives to others trying to find their own path.  It's a beautiful story that will inspire you to appreciate all the things you already have.  To Learn More About Alison Conklin Visit: https://www.alisonconklin.com And Follow Her On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/alisonconklin/

Episode #244: Alex Potter / Photographer / Journalist

Photographer, journalist, trauma nurse, wildland firefighter, and all around badass Alex Pottter joins the podcast to talk about her journey from growing up in a small town in the midwest to living and working in Yemen and throughout the middle east as a photojournalist, to working as a trauma nurse on the front lines of the war in Mosul, to her years as a wildland firefighter and all the adventures in between.  During our conversation Alex tells me what it was like traveling through the middle east as a young woman and the purpose she found in the region, the tragic loss of her husband Pete Reed who she met and worked alongside in Mosul, the importance of being present with the ones you love, and the advice she gives to others looking to find their own purpose and adventure. To Learn More About Alex Potter Visit: https://www.alexkaypotter.com/#1 And Follow Her On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/alexkpotter/

Episode #243: Krystle Wright Returns / Photographer / Director

Photographer/Director Krystle Wright returns to the podcast to talk about the new National Geographic series "Photographer" premiering on March 18th where she is featured alongside an amazing list of other photographers.  We also catch up on what she's been up to since she was last on the show, talk honestly and openly about her financial struggles in the last year and how that had her questioning her future in photography, why she is so drawn to storm chasing, what was behind her award winning photo for the Red Bull Illume contest, her thoughts towards AI and social media, and so much more. To Learn More About Krystle Wright Visit: https://www.krystlewright.com And Follow Her On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/krystlejwright/

Episode #242: Kevin Zacher / Photographer / Director

Commercial photographer/director Kevin Zacher returns to the podcast to catch up on how life and business have changed since we last talked during Covid, how the industry is bouncing back and the changes that have come with it, how he approached some of his personal projects like "Dirt Football" that was recently published, how he manages to keep such a youthful vibe to his work as he gets older, what it's like working with high school athletes for a commercial campaign, how having a son changed him as a photographer and a person, his feelings towards new gear and film photography, and how going through his old snowboard archive in preperation for a book has made him reflect on his own evolution as an artist.  We also discuss his newest offering as a mentor and consultant, working closely with other photographers and directors in order to try and help them realize their own goals.  To Learn More About Kevin Zacher Visit: https://www.kevinzacher.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/kevinzacher/

Episode #241: Jeff Johnson / Photographer / Director / Writer

Commercial and adventure photographer, director, and writer Jeff Johnson returns to the podcast to talk about all the changes that have happened in his life and career since he was last on the show in 2017, his beautiful new film that he co-directed with Keith Malloy for Yeti Presents "Beyond Sunset", what it was like to leave Patagonia after years of employment and venture back out into the freelance world, how his book "Way High Kick Turn" that chronicled the 80s skate scene of the east bay came to fruition, getting to help create his own signature shoe with SeaVees, working with brands like Yeti and Roark to help create organic storytelling that helps to market a brand and a vibe, how having a family later in life has helped him as a husband and a father, and what's next on his wish list of travel and work. To Learn More About Jeff Johnson Visit: http://www.jeffjohnsonstories.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/jeffjohnson_beyondandback/

Episode #240: Alex Gagne Returns / The Visual Banter Show

Photographer and host of The Photo Banter podcast Alex Gagne returns for round two of "Visual Banter" where we catch up on what we've been up to since we spoke last year, some of the podcasts we've been listening to, the challenges of trying to maintain a weekly show while also making a living as a working photographer, new technology that both frightens and excites us, how meditation can help creativity, and what's in store for the new year.  To Learn More About Alex Gagne Visit: https://www.alexgagnephoto.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/alexgagnephoto/ To Listen to The Photo Banter Visit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-photo-banter/id1315846850

Episode #239: Scott Ballew / Filmmaker / Songwriter

Scott Ballew joins the podcast to talk about his inspiring creative evolution.  From his early days on the football fields of Texas that would ultimately lead to a Rose Bowl appearance, to working his way up from PA to Executive Producer on the commercial and film sets of LA, to returning to Austin to help create beautiful films for Yeti in his role as head of content, to directing his own documentaries and short films, to recording multiple albums and joining the amazing roster at La Honda records, and how all the life experience in between continues to help feed his desire to never stop creating.  During our conversation we talk about his battle with drug and alcohol addiction and how sobriety and an amazing mentor in legendary musician Terry Allen would convince him to start putting his stories to music and, at the age of 37, become such a prolific songwriter that 3 albums would follow over the next 3 years on top of the whirlwind schedule of filmmaking that continues to this day.  We also discuss our shared experience of trying to fill the spiritual void after getting clean from opiates, the daily practice of creation he learned from Terry and how he goes about trying to connect with "The Muse", what he's learned from years of pointing the camera at so many inspiring characters, and the advice he gives to others on their own creative journey. To Learn More About Scott Ballew Visit: https://www.leisurerodeo.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/irish_goodbye/ 

Episode #238: Christaan Felber / Photographer

Photographer Christaan Felber has had the opportunity to point his camera at some of the most recognizable faces in the world and has created iconic portraits while working for editorial clients like The New York Times and Rolling Stone, as well as commercial work for clients ranging from the North Face to Nike.  But during our conversation we dive into the very personal world of his newest book "Bitter Sweet" and have an honest exploration of some of the ups and downs of Christaans career and how that culiminated into a deep dive into his own psyche that led to the realization that what others might deem as an "ugly photo" might have something more to say if given the chance.  Throughout Christaan's career he has self pulbished many personal projects, but we talk about the unique aspects of this one and how it came to be, what we can learn from taking time out to appreciate the mundane and even the uncomfortable, how we need make sure we continue to make work for ourselves later into our career, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own creative dreams. To Learn More About Christaan Felber Visit: https://www.christaanfelber.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/christaanfelber/

Episode #237: John Cavan / Director / Filmmaker

Snowboard and commercial director/filmmaker John Cavan joins the podcast to talk about his many years in the industry working with brands like Grenade, Rome, and Snowboarder Magazine, filming the rise of some of the biggest stars in the sport and documenting what many would consider one of the best eras of snowboarding.  During our conversation we discuss his recent film project "Rough Around the Edges: 30 Years of Ride Snowboards" and share some of our memories of the late 90s and early 2000s snowboard scene, what his early years on the east coast were like and how that would lead to his first film "Iron Curtain",  what it was like filming a young rising star Danny Kass and the birth of the Grenade crew, whether or not being a team manager for Rome Snowboards made him feel younger or older, what the last days at Snowboarder Magazine were like, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own creative dreams. To Learn More About John Cavan Visit: https://www.instagram.com/john_cavan/

Episode #236: Emily Maye / Photographer / Director

Photographer/Director Emily Maye joins the podcast to talk about how her dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer not only gave her the discipline it takes to create an amazing career in photography and filmmaking, but a distinct eye for capturing the art of movement and a deep understanding of the sacrifice that athletes make in pursuit of their sport, which makes her visual storytelling stand out as authentic and beautiful.  During our conversation we talk about several of Emily's new film projects, what's it like to have a 10+ year relationship with a client like Tracksmith and the creative freedom it gives her in the commercial sports space, what it was like to work on one of her dream projects with Nike showcasing the "Mamba Mentality", her early days of traveling with Trek capturing races like the Tour De France, the logistics behind a 17 minute opening shot in her recent running film "The Church of The Long Run", and the advice she gives to others chasing their own passions. To Learn More About Emily Maye Visit: https://www.emilymaye.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/emilymaye/

Episode #235: Gerry O'Leary / Photographer

Renowned architectural and hospitality photographer Gerry O'Leary joins the podcast from his studio in Dubai to talk about the journey from a small rural farming community in Ireland to photographing some of the most famous architecture in the world, and building a client list of extremely exclusive brands across the globe that most would dream of working with.  During our conversation Gerry talks about how he found photography at a young age and how it continued to fascinate him until he finally decided to walk away from a good job to pursue it full time, what it was like in the early days of his career hustling everything from weddings to family portraits, what made him make the move into architectural photography, how he ended up in Dubai after having an extremely busy studio in Dublin, what it's like working with brands like Cartier and Bentley, the inspiration he finds in traveling to new locations, the practice of gratitude he tries to apply to his everyday life and career, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own creative dreams. To Learn More About Gerry O'Leary Visit: https://gerryoleary.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/gerryolearyphotography/

Episode #234: Keith Malloy / Pro Surfer / Filmmaker

Renowned professional surfer, director, and founder of Bimarian Films Keith Malloy returns to the podcast to talk about several of his newest films in this year's "Yeti Presents" lineup, as well as other projects he's been working on like Red Bull's "Life of Kai" series.  During our conversation Keith and I talk about the inspiration that comes with working on stories that involve amazing characters, how surrounding yourself with a positive crew and close group of friends makes all the difference in life and work, how constantly challenging yourself with new things as you get older keeps the inner grom alive, what it was like as an intermediate snowboarder to drop in on a Valdez run with Travis Rice, and what's next for the Bimarian team.  To Learn More About Bimarian Films Visit: https://www.bimarianfilms.co And Follow Keith On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/keithmalloy_thetorpedopeople/

Episode #233: Alex Strohl / Photographer

Photographer Alex Strohl returns to the podcast to talk about how his life has changed since having a daughter, whether or not it might be time to exchange his home in the mountains of Montana for a city existence, how staying in a constant state of curiosity is what drives him both creatively and personally, the passion project he set out on to provide him and his daughter an adventure together when she's 20 years old, the type of work that kept him busy in 2023, and so much more.  To Learn More About Alex Strohl Visit: https://www.alexstrohl.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/alexstrohl/

Episode #232: Anand Varma / Photographer / National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer and award winning photographer and videographer Anand Varma joins the podcast to talk about his new book "Invisible Wonders: Photographs of the Hidden World", as well as his amazing new storytelling studio "Wonder Lab".  During our conversation Anand tells me about his life long dream of one day becoming a scientist that led him to Berkeley to earn a degree in integrative biology and a chance meeting with fellow National Geographic photographer David Littschwager that would alter the course of his life and open up a new form of scientific exploration that Anand had never dreamed was possible.  Anand's beautiful integration of science and art can make even the ugliest subject matter worthy of a gallery show and we discuss the evolution of the aesthetic he is known for today, what is was like working on his book, how photographing parasites kickstarted his career, why he decided to delete all his social media accounts, and the advice he gives to other creatives out there trying to build a career.  To Learn More About Anand Varma Visit: https://www.varmaphoto.com

Episode #231: Peter Andrew Lusztyk / Photographer

Fine Art and Commercial/Editorial Photographer Peter Andrew Lusztyk returns to the podcast to talk about his amazing new series of images inspired by the natural beauty around his cabin, his ongoing personal project with food stylist Michelle Rabin, his friendship with Peter McKinnon and the incredible video he made of him at his cabin working with his new Alpa camera system, how he came up with the idea of mixing birds with furniture while collaborating with Porch Modern, his latest venture into hat sales, and so much more.  To Learn More About Peter Andrew Lusztyk Visit: https://www.peterandrew.ca And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/peter_andrew_lusztyk/

Episode #230: Mike Blabac / Photographer

Renowned skateboard, portrait, and commercial photographer Mike Blabac returns to the podcast to talk about his newest gig, working alongside Dr Andrew Huberman on the Huberman Lab Podcast and how his life has changed since meeting him.  During our conversation Mike talks about how focusing on his health has helped improve all facets of his life, including his creative output, his renewed passion for shooting and developing film, his recent trip to Wetzlar, Germany for the Leica Annual Celebration of Photography, and how he's found success and creative fulfillment for all these years by trusting his gut and doing what feels right.  To Learn More About Mike Blabac Visit: bacphoto.com/ And Follow Him On Instagram At: www.instagram.com/blabacphoto/ To Learn More About the Huberman Lab Visit: https://www.hubermanlab.com/

Episode #229: Keith Ladzinski / Photographer / Filmmaker

National Geographic photographer, Emmy nominated director, and Canon Explorer of Light, Keith Ladzinski returns to the podcast to talk about all the amazing adventures he's had since our first conversation back in 2015 and how becoming a father has changed him as a person and an artist. Keith also talks about how diversity in his work has helped him stay so passionate and curios about photograpahy and filmmaking, what his more recent love of storm chasing through tornado alley looks like up close and in person, how he feels about the current state of technology and what that could mean for the industry, and the advice he gives to other creatives out there chasing their own dreams. To Learn More About Keith Ladzinski Visit: https://www.ladzinski.com/ And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/ladzinski/

Episode #228: Ethan Hawke and Steve Cosens

Actor/Director Ethan Hawke and Director of Photography Steve Cosens join the podcast to talk about their new biopic "Wildcat" about writer Flanary O'Connor, which weaves a beautiful tapestry of the author's stories and imagination alongside her tragically short life.  During our conversation Ethan and Steve talk about their longtime working realtionship over three films and how that has evolved into a creative collaboration that is pushing both of them artistically.  We also discuss what Ethan learned from directors like Richard Linklater, the challenges they faced making a period piece with a smaller budget, what it was like for Ethan to direct his daughter Maya, how they feel about the current state of independent filmmaking, and the advice they give to other creatives out their trying to find their own voice.

Episode #225: Carlton Ward / Conservation Photographer / National Geographic Explorer

Conservation photographer and National Geographic Explorer Carlton Ward joins the podcast to talk about his beautiful new book and film "Path Of The Panther" that sheds light on his countless years of work to inspire a public and political movement to save the Florida Wildlife Corridor through the story of the endangered Florida panther. During our conversation Carlton talks about his journey growing up as an 8th generation Floridian and an early love of nature through surfing and spending time on his family ranch that would instill a passion for protecting the environment.  After graduating college, he would end up working as a photographer for the Smithsonian in Gabon and Mali, but each time he returned home he realized that the environmental story that was most important to him was in his own backyard.  Carlton also talks about what it means to be a conservation photographer, and the long arduous process that can be involved in trying to tell the stories that need to be told, what goes into to capturing an elusive creature like the Florida panther, the time he had to check himself into the ER with alligator bites, and the advice he gives to those who desire to tell stories that matter. To Learn More About Carlton Ward Visit: https://www.carltonward.com/ To Purchase the book "Path of the Panther" Visit: https://wildpath.com/book/ To Watch the film "Path of the Panther" Visit https://pathofthepanther.com/ To Learn More About Wild Path Visit: https://wildpath.com/

VR Shorts #35: Randal Ford / Photographer

Fine art photographer Randal Ford returns to the show to talk about what he's been up to since his first appearance back in 2018 and his newest book project that will be out next year featuring portraits of your favorite barnyard animals.  During our conversation we discuss how difficult it can be to transition from the world of commercial work into the fine art space and how long it took for him to finally start feeling like he had a foothold and a bit of acceptance with representation from multiple galleries.  We also talk about his feelings on AI and how he might incorporate it into his own work, including a recent AI social media post that ended up leading to a new commercial photography project, how his process of shooting a body of work for publication has changed since his first book, how he went about establishing himself in the fine art world and the slow arduous process of gaining an audience with collectors, and so much more.  To Learn About Randel Ford Visit: https://randalford.art/ And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/randalford/

VR Shorts #34: Jason M Peterson / Photographer / Creative Director / Entrepreneur

Photographer, creative director, and entrepreneur Jason M Peterson returns to the show to talk about starting his own advertising agency called The Times, and how they are re-imagining what it could and should look like when your team is made up of creators and producers that can bring a vision to life quickly and help a brand build a more organic and authentic marketing presence.  During our conversation Jason talks about what the last five years have looked like for him since he was on the show and what made him want to leave a lead role in an international ad agency to go out on his own, what his thoughts are on AI and the implications it will have on the creative industry, how he has maintained an ability to keep his finger on the pulse of youth culture and the creator class that exists within it,  and how that helps keep him inspired to keep evolving as an artist.  Follow Jason M Peterson on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/jasonmpeterson/?hl=en To Learn More About The Times Visit: https://www.wearethetimes.com/

Episode #224: Jeroen Nieuwhuis / Photographer

Award winning commercial portrait photographer Jeroen Nieuwhuis joins the podcast from his studio in the Netherlands to talk about his early love of photography and how he started his professional career at the age of 17 years old and quickly began building the huge body of work he is known for today with global campaigns for companies Heineken and Shimano, and a number of beautiful personal projects like his latest coffee table book "The Mountain Men".  During our conversation Jeroen talks about how a love of gaming would end up turning him on to the stylistic world of skateboarding and eventually the desire to visually capture the lifestyle around him, how he managed to create a professional career at such an early age and create longevity in a world that can sometimes become stagnate, how his personal projects have not only helped him evolve his style and aesthetic and attract new commercial clients, but have also helped to keep his passion for photography alive and prevent burnout, what it was like trying to plan shoots for his "The Mountain Men" book that would have him flying back and forth between the US and the Netherlands in between a busy schedule of commercial shoots, where he draws the most creative inspiration, his thoughts on AI and the future of commercial photography, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own creative dreams.  To Learn More About Jeroen Nieuwhuis Visit: https://www.jeroennieuwhuis.nl/ And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/jeroennieuwhuis/

Episode #223: Rob Hammer / Photographer

Photographer Rob Hammer joins the podcast to talk about his newest book "Roadside Meditations" and how he went from a kid growing up in upstate New York with absolutely no idea of what he wanted to do with his life, to working odd jobs wherever he could get them, to moving out west and slowly falling in love with photography, to building a portfolio that would have him shooting some of the biggest named athletes in the world for companies like Nike, to finally realizing that his true passion was being on the road working on his many personal projects.  During our conversation Rob talks about how his idea of success shifted from the goal of big paychecks and the validation of others, to spending time chasing the images and stories that truly inspire him and what it looks like to balance his time with the work that pays and the work that inspires, and how those two can sometimes come together as one.  We also talk about how he first fell in love with the American roadtrip and the inspiration and lessons he constantly finds from not only the people and places he experiences, but from the introspection that inevitably comes from long hours of traveling alone.  Lastly, we discuss the process of putting together a book, how he has begun pitching documentary stories to commercial clients, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own creative journey.  To Learn More About Rob Hammer Visit: https://www.robhammerphotography.com/ And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/robhammerphoto/

Episode #222: Kate Rolston / Photographer / Director

Commercial photographer/director and co-founder of "A Collective Us" Kate Rolston joins the podcast from her Denver studio to talk about her journey from the advertising agency world of New York where she worked on campaigns for companies like Canon, to getting hired by Tyler Stableford and making the move to Colorado where she had the opportunity to be a creative partner on a lot of big commercial projects, to finally going out on her own and finding success in both the worlds of still and motion commercial and editorial work.  During our conversation Kate talks about growing up in New Jersey with an early love of creative expression, not only in the form of drawing and painting, but as a ballet dancer with the expression of movement and the discipline it offered.  After attending college in Boulder, CO she would pursue a career in the advertising world of New York City, but soon fell in love with her own creative pursuits which would eventually lead her all the way back to Colorado and create the career she is known for today.  Kate and I discuss her belief in herself as an artist and how that gave her the confidence to trust enough in her own vision to leave a secure creative job, what it's like as a new mom to try and balance a work life with a family life, how she pulls the most inspiration from taking long drives with the music on, having gratitude for clients that trust in you to help achieve their vision, and the advice she gives to others chasing their own creative goals. To Learn More About Kate Rolston Visit: https://www.katerolston.com/ And Follow Her On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/kate_rolston/

Episode #221: Jesse Dittmar / Photographer

Celebrity portrait photographer Jesse Dittmar joins the podcast from his New York studio to talk about his beautiful new coffee table book "Overexposed" (link in the show notes below), and how he went from a kid obsessing over photo books in Barnes and Noble, to assisting some of the most famous photographers in the world, to creating his own sought after aesthetic, and having the opportunity to focus his camera on some very recognizable faces.  During our conversation Jesse talks about what it was like growing up in the shadows of New York City as the son of a music agent that gave him a peak behind the curtain of celebrity, his early passion for music that would propel him towards a dream of one day becoming a musician himself, when he fell in love with photography, how he ended up assisting photographers like Annie Leibovitz and Martin Schoeller, and the gamble he took on himself to venture out on his own and find his voice in one of the most competitive niches that exists in photography today.  We also talk about what goes into creating a book like "Overexposed", how he's remained so in love with the process of photography, what he thinks the trick to longevity is, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own creative dreams. To Learn More About Jesse Dittmar Visit: https://jessedittmar.com/ And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/jessedittmar/ To Buy His New Book "Overexposed" Visit: https://overexposedthebook.com/

Episode #220: Reuben Radding: Photographer / Musician / Writer

Photographer, musician, writer, and all around lover and teacher of the creative process, Reuben Radding joins the podcast to talk about his amazing journey from touring musician, to struggling novelist, to street and documentary photographer, and how his love of the practice has been his saving grace in a medium that can sometimes be overtaken by the pursuit of money and recognition.  During our conversation Reuben talks about his younger years growing up in the suburbs of DC as the son of two musicians, and the turmoil inside the home that would send him on a path away from the facade of everyday existence and into the music and art scene of the DC area.  After dropping out of high school at the age of 16 and starting to the tour the south with his band, Reuben ended up making the move to his now home of New York City in the 80s where he continued to pursue his passion for making music.  After a while, he decided he wanted to focus on his new love of writing, and ended up moving west to Montana and then on to Seattle, finally ending up back in New York and picking up a new creative outlet of photography which would soon overtake the others as the expression that most know him for today.  When he's not exhibiting his work across the country, or teaching workshops, you can find Reuben wandering the streets of his beloved NYC, continuing to focus on the practice, and as passionate about photography today as when he first picked up the camera.  To Learn More About Reuben Radding Visit: http://www.reubenradding.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/reuben_radding/

VR Shorts #33: Tim Tadder / Artist / Photographer / Director

Fine artist and commercial photographer/director Tim Tadder returns to the show to continue the conversation about AI generated artwork and what it could mean for the future of the creative community.  During our conversation Tim talks about what initially attracted him towards the technology and how he began implementing it into his own workflow, why it seems to lend itself better to certain artists’ aesthetic, that there is nothing new about a disruptive style of artwork that changes the creative landscape, why he understands the fear and anxiety of photographers and artists and even their combative attitudes towards his own work, his willingness to put himself out there and hopefully educate some people on the creative potential of this tool, his upcoming gallery show in Miami that will feature AI generated work, and the fact that this technology has already found it's way into the commercial and fine art landscape and is most likely here to stay.  To Learn More About Tim Tadder Visit: https://www.timtadder.com/ And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/timtadder/

VR Shorts #32 Jacob Pritchard / Photographer / Director

Photographer / Director Jacob Pritchard returns to the podcast as the first guest in a two part series discussing the controversial rise of AI generated artwork and what it could mean for the future of visual artists. During our conversation Jacob talks about some of his own experimentations with different software and the benefits of at least understanding the technology, his frustration with so many creatives who refuse to accept the reality that this is most likely here to stay, how it might be able to become another tool in the toolkit of artists, the conversations he is having with art directors and ad agencies on how this technology might work for them, and some of the photographers and artists who seem to have been able to incorporate it seamlessly into their own workflow and aesthetic.  We also talk about his deep dive into the world of instagram reels and how speaking to others on topics has inspired his own work and has helped him stay relevant in an ever changing industry.  To Learn More About Jacob Pritchard Visit: https://www.jacobpritchard.com/ And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/jacobpritchard/

VR Shorts #31: Arto Saari / Photographer, Skateboarder, North Shore Documentarian

Photographer, skateboarder, and most recently North Shore documentarian Arto Saari returns to the podcast to talk about how finally deciding to shoot everyday life around him in his adopted home of the North Shore of O'ahu would re-inspire his passion for photography and turn into a beautiful ongoing body of work that was recently featured by The Surfer's Journal in a feature and short video piece titled "Nordic Blood. Tropic Heart." During our conversation Arto talks about finally feeling like he's becoming part of the tight knit community that is the north shore, how and why he first started taking photos off of the bike path in town, when he realized that there was something visually there that was constantly pulling him back, the unique challenges of shooting street style documentarian work in a small town that you reside in, and what the future might hold for the images he's been accumulating. To Learn More About Arto Saari Visit: http://www.artosaari.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/artofoto/ To Watch "Nordic Blood. Tropic Heart." Visit: https://www.surfersjournal.com/editorial/arto-saari-nordic-blood-tropic-heart/

Episode #219: End Of The Year Special / With Alex Gagne From The Photo Banter Podcast

To celebrate another collective lap around the sun and hopefully manifest some positivity for 2023, I'm joined by my friend and fellow podcaster/photographer Alex Gagne from the Photo Banter Podcast to talk about some of the highs and lows of 2022 and what we are planning for the next year moving forward.  During out conversation we talk about the creative inspiration and motivation we both receive from the community we have built online, what some of our highlights of 2022 were from the podcast world as well as our photography careers, some of the mistakes we made and how we have learned from those failures, and some words of hope and encouragement for the new year.  So whether you are staying home and avoiding the drunken crowds, or just waking up to a brand new year, make sure to tune in.  To Learn More About Alex Gagne Visit: https://www.alexgagnephoto.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/alexgagnephoto/

Episode #218: Victoria Will / Photographer / Director

Celebrity portrait, editorial, commercial, and fashion photographer/director Victoria Will joins the podcast to talk about how she went from growing up in DC with an obsession for field hockey and a desire to pursue an athletic career, to studying at Princeton and falling in love with photography, to working at the New York Post, to finally heading out on her own and slowly creating the body of work she is known for today, with recognizable images of everyone from Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, to working with fashion designers like Tom Ford, to shooting and directing ad campaigns for some of the biggest companies in the world.  During our conversation we talk about the struggle to find balance between work and her growing family of 3 young boys and her husband who is also a photographer, and how managing that balance has taught her to truly be present and to appreciate the beauty of her career and how she can split her love between family and art and find meaning and inspiration from both.  We also talk about how she has managed to drift between so many different genres of shooting and how that has helped her to constantly push her creative limits and to fight off burnout by always being able to draw inspiration from other forms of shooting and work.  Lastly, we talk about how our definitions of "success" have changed over the years, where she continues to draw the most creative inspiration, and the advice she gives to others trying to find their own creative path. To Learn More About Victoria Will Visit: https://www.victoriawill.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/victoriawill/

Episode #217: Daniel Milnor: Creative Evangelist With Blurb Inc. / Photographer / Blogger / YouTuber

On this episode of the podcast I'm joined by photographer and creative evangelist for Blurb Inc. Daniel Milnor to talk about his journey from photojournalist, to magazine editorial photographer, to Kodak employee, to wedding photographer, to the public face and well spoken voice of Blurb Books where he has been for many years while continuing to pursue his own personal long-term projects, as well as work on his YouTube channel and blog at Shifter Media. During our conversation Daniel talks about what it was like growing up in rural America and how feeling like an outsider would end up leading him to the world of photojournalism and the life long search of finding his true creative voice and what he actually wanted to say with it. We also talk about all the changes he's seen in the photography industry through his many different incarnations as a creative, how he thinks the world of social media is homogenizing the photography space and preventing some very talented shooters from pursuing what could actually set them apart as memorable photographers and filmmakers, what gives him hope as he looks towards the future of visual creation, and the advice he gives to others trying to find their own voice as artists and as human beings. To Learn More About Daniel Milnor Visit: https://shifter.media And Check Out His YouTube Channel At: https://www.youtube.com/@DANIELMILNOR505

Episode #216: Mac Premo / Filmmaker / Artist / Stuffmaker

Artist, commercial director, filmmaker, and all around American stuffmaker Mac Premo joins the podcast to talk about how a kid growing up in DC with a love of skateboarding and punk rock ended up studying at RISD, moving to New York, and creating the amazing and diverse body of work he is known for today. From carpentry work, to stop animation, to Ford truck commercials, to gallery walls, Mac has done a bit of everything and managed to achieve a level of success as a diverse artist that has allowed him to keep his curiosity alive and well and avoid the burnout that can sometimes be common in the more individual creative pursuits. During our conversation Mac talks about his own evolution as an artist through many attempts and failures at finding his voice, how his willingness to be vulnerable has helped him create such a large variety of work, the inspiration he gets everyday from his wife and children, and the advice he gives to others on their own creative journey. To Learn More About Mac Premo Visit: https://www.macpremo.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/macpremo/

Episode #215: Jon Enoch / Photographer / Director

Commercial photographer/director Jon Enoch joins the podcast from his London studio to talk about how deciding to enter a competition to travel the world while he was still in college would completely change the course of his life, and take a kid from a small rural town in the UK studying geography and set him out on a journey that would introduce photography and visual storytelling to his life and give him a sense of purpose he never knew existed. During our conversation Jon talks about his three different phases of his photography career thus far. From his early days of the hustle and bustle of working as a photojournalists for a respected London newspaper, to making the shift towards magazine editorial work, to slowly transitioning into the career he's known for now, helping to visualize and shoot advertising campaigns for some of the biggest companies in the world. We also discuss how a decision to pursue a personal project in Hanoi would end up bringing him a whole other level of recognition and success and provide him with the creative fulfillment he was missing in the commercial space, how he stays organized and motivated to keep creating, where he draws the most inspiration, and the advice he gives to others. To Learn More About Jon Enoch Visit: https://www.jonenoch.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/jonenochphoto/

Episode #214: Dennys Ilic / Photographer

Photographer and filmmaker Dennys Ilic joins the podcast to tell an inspiring story of finding photography later in life while working jobs he wasn't happy with, to building a career that would take him from retail camera sales to shooting with subjects like Jason Momoa and Daniel Radcliffe. During our conversation Dennys talks about growing up in Australia with a passion for cinema and television and how he was able to go from being a huge fan of shows like StarTrek, to standing on the newest iteration of the USS Discovery as a photographer with access to all it's newest cast members and story lines. Although Dennys had built a very successful wedding videography business with his ex wife while still living in Australia, he found himself severely depressed in a relationship that he wasn't happy in, living what felt like someone else's dreams. Throughout our conversation, Dennys talks about how he was able to leave that world behind and have the confidence to pursue the things in life that brought him happiness, and how he tries to pay it forward as a mentor to those seeking their own creative paths. To Learn More About Dennys Ilic Visit: https://www.dennysilic.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/dennydenn/

Episode #213: Roo Smith / Adventure Filmmaker

Adventure and documentary filmmaker Roo Smith joins the podcast to talk about his new series "The Goat Surf Club" shot with Outside Magazine, and how a kid growing up in Orcas Island with dreams of one day becoming a diplomat would end up taking a political science degree and turning it into a creative career as a filmmaker right out of college, working on everything from Netflix shows to his own personal projects. During our conversation Roo and I talk about how he used his free time in college to create a visual portfolio, what young shooters can learn from veterans and vice versa, how he went about pitching a personal project to Outside Magazine, the positive power of telling uplifting stories, his goals of finding balance between his work life and personal life, how he's trying to set himself up for longevity, why he chose Boulder, CO as his new home, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own creative dreams. To Learn More About Roo Smith Visit: https://roosmith.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/roosmith6/ To Watch The Goat Surf Club Visit: https://www.outsideonline.com/video/goat-surf-club-ireland-1/

Episode #212: Ema Peter / Photographer

Renowned architectural photographer Ema Peter joins the podcast to talk about her journey from growing up in Bulgaria as the daughter of filmmakers who wanted more for her than a life in the arts, to working as an intern at Magnum and finding a passion for photojournalism and conflict photography, to falling in love with architecture after being introduced to the work of Le Corbusier by her uncle, to becoming the head of photography for VRX Studios, to finally stepping out on her own and establishing herself as one of the top international architectural photographers on the scene, working with some of the biggest firms in the world and creating a unique style she likes to call architectural photojournalism. During our conversation Ema talks about the patience that is needed to create a long lasting career in the competitive world of photography, why we need to respect the life and energy of architecture just like we would any other subject, what "balance" means to her in her busy career, and the advice she gives to others chasing their own creative dreams. To Learn More About Ema Peter Visit: https://www.emapeter.com And Follow Her On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/emaphotographi/

Episode #211: Josh Telles: Photographer

Celebrity portrait and hospitality photographer Josh Telles joins the podcast to talk about how he went from a valley kid growing up in the shadow of Hollywood with no real direction on what he wanted to do when he got older, to taking portraits of some of the biggest named celebrities in the world, all because of stumbling into the right community college photo class and having the drive to chase down what he realized was his new dream. During our conversation Josh talks about how a chance run in with well known LA photographer Johnny Tergo would end up leading to an internship with celebrity photographer Art Streiber and help Josh to find his voice as an artist and get him in the door of the very competitive world of celebrity portraiture. We also discuss the balance of shooting portrait work and food and hospitality and how his desire to do both gave him issues with finding an agent but helped him financially and creatively diversify himself, what it's like shooting celebrities like George Clooney and the challenges you are sometimes faced with trying to achieve your vision, and the advice he gives to others coming up in the world of photography. To Learn More About Josh Telles Visit: http://www.joshtelles.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/joshtelles/

Episode #210: Rachael Galipo: Photographer/Director/Model

Commercial and editorial photographer, director, and model Rachael Galipo joins the show to talk about her latest art show and project called "To Be Frank" and how the gift of a 4X5 Cambo from her late uncle would end up sending her on a visual journey and helping to establish herself in the creative community of Salt Lake City. During our conversation Rachael talks about growing up as a Jersey Girl with a love of sports and an early interest in photography and how climbing would eventually lead her to fall in love with the outdoors and set out on a life of adventure and a desire to share that life through work as a wilderness therapist and later as a teacher for the Climbing Academy before finally deciding to try to make it on her own in the competitive world of photography. Rachael also talks about all the amazing people she draws inspiration from, how incredible and open mentors helped her find her voice and place in the industry, and how she tries to pay that same open attitude forward to others coming up, as well as the advice she gives to others chasing their own creative dream. To Learn More About Rachael Galipo Visit: https://www.rachaelgalipo.com And Follow Her On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/rachael.galipo/

Episode #209: Steven John Irby (aka: Steve Sweatpants) / Photographer

Photographer, co-founder of Street Dreams Magazine, and Sony Alpha Collective member Steven John Irby, better known to many as Steve Sweatpants, joins the podcast to talk about his journey from working at jobs like Game Stop and REI with no real plan in life other than paying the bills, to finding a like minded creative community through Instagram and falling in love with visual story telling and the opportunities it opened up for him. During our conversation Steve talks about the sage wisdom his father once gave to him of not living to pay your rent, and how he would take that advice and apply it to creating a career he was passionate it about and would end up touring him all over the world while establishing a huge community around Street Dreams Magazine. We also discuss the financial sacrifices he was willing to make to see his dreams come to fruition, how a tight knit family has continued to play a role in his desire to form lasting creative communities, his feelings about the current trajectory of Instagram and how that has effected his career and workflow, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own creative path. To Learn More About Steven John Irby Visit: https://stevesweatpants.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/stevesweatpants/?hl=en To Learn More About Street Dreams Magazine Visit: https://streetdreams.co And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/streetdreamsmag/?hl=en

Episode #208: Stephen Karlisch / Photographer

Interior Design Photographer Stephen Karlisch joins the podcast to talk about growing up all over the world with an early dream of one day becoming an architect, and how he finally ended up in Texas to pursue an education based on that dream, only to find out his true passion was in the darkroom. Since then he has gone on to make a name for himself in the competitive world of interior photography, working with editorial clients like Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Veranda, and so many more, as well creating long lasting working relationships with some of the most sought after designers in the country. During our conversation, Stephen and I share some of our similar experiences with two long careers of shooting architecture and design, and how we have constantly tried to evolve in a niche that can sometimes feel stagnant. Stephen also talks about the early days of building his career alongside his wife Kristen and how his love for architecture and design would lead him to finally walk away from a very successful wedding photography business to focus on what he was passionate about. To Learn More About Stephen Karlisch Visit: https://www.stephenkarlisch.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/stephen_karlisch_photo/ To Learn More About Our Sponsor MPB Visit: https://www.mpb.com

Julia Fullerton-Batten: Fine Art Photographer

Renowned fine art photographer and Hasselblad ambassador Julia Fullerton-Batten joins the podcast to talk about her early love of photography and the journey that would take her from assisting commercial photographers and working night jobs, to finding her own voice as an artist and creating the beautiful cinematic style she is known for today, with large scale personal projects that have graced the walls of galleries, collectors, and publications around the world. During our conversation Julia talks about her childhood and what it was like growing up in different areas of the world and how that story would one day lead her to try and express it visually with her earliest personal collection of images called "Teenage Stories". We also talk about the transition from advertising work to the fine art world, where she draws creative inspiration from, what it's like trying to manage personal projects that require a huge crew, and the advice she gives to others trying to find their own creative voice. To Learn More About Julia Fullerton-Batten Visit: https://juliafullerton-batten.com And Follow Her On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/julia_fullertonbatten/

Episode #206: Emily Shur / Photographer

Commercial and editorial photographer Emily Shur joins the podcast to talk about how she went from a kid growing up in Houston Texas with an early love of photography and a dream of one day working for Rolling Stone, to shooting some of the most recognizable faces in the world for a huge list of clients that most people would dream of working with. During our conversation Emily talks about how she found photography in high school and how it ended up helping her through a rough patch of her teen years and gave her a purpose that she continues to nurture today, how she went from working as an assistant in the offices of Rolling Stone to being featured in the pages of major publications across the country, what inspired her move from New York to LA and how hard it is to get into the competive world of big celebrity shoots, the importance of all her personal projects and how it has helped her to stay passionate about the art of photography, and the advice she gives to others chasing their own creative dreams. To Learn More About Emily Shur Visit: https://www.emilyshur.com And Follow Her On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/emilyshur/

Episode #205: Gregory Middleton / DP / Cinematographer

Director of Photography and Cinematographer Gregory Middleton joins the podcast to talk about working on Marvel's newest series "Moon Knight" and how his many years of shooting on hit shows like Game of Thrones and Watchmen helped him approach this new mind bending and visually stunning story. During our conversation Gregory talks about how his early love of film and how him and his friends turned their passion for making super 8 movies into a film school degree and slowly but surely into the career he is known for today with an incredible list of credits on feature films and television shows alike. We also discuss what it looks like behind the scenes of some of your favorite shows, how he deals with creative burnout when it comes up, and the advice he gives to young filmmakers with dreams of one day seeing their work on the big screen. To Learn More About Gregory Middleton Visit: http://www.middletondp.com And Watch Moon Knight At: https://www.disneyplus.com/series/moon-knight/4S3oOF1knocS

Episode #204: Mathieu Chaze / Photographer

Photographer Mathieu Chaze comes on the podcast to talk about his new book "Rock, Paper, Scissors" and his journey from a job in banking and the never ending corporate ladder climbing that comes with it, to leaving it all behind to home school his two sons and go all in with a dream of becoming a photographer. During our conversation Mathieu talks about how we all must sometimes where different masks in our proffesional lives, but that we can lose our true selves under that persona and, in the process, lose focus of what's truly important and what actually brings us happiness. We also discuss what led him to the idea of creating a book out of daily life with his children, the mentorship that gave him the belief in what he was doing, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own creative dreams. To Learn More About Mathieu Chaze Visit: ttps://www.mathieuchaze.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/mathieuchaze/

Episode #203: Andrew D. Bernstein / Photographer

Legendary sports photographer and Hall of Famer Andrew D. Bernstein joins the show to talk about growing up in Brooklyn, NY with a love of sports and how his father introduced him to photography at an early age and his immediate desire to marry those two passions together and create the memorable career he is known for today. During our conversation Andrew talks about his early days as the team photographer of the showtime Los Angeles Lakers and how people like Pat Riley and Magic Johnson influenced his own work ethic and drive for success, what it was like getting his first Sports Illustrated cover, how he ended up working as the team photographer for almost every pro sports team in LA, what made him start his own amazing podcast "Legends of Sport", and the advice he gives to other young photographers with dreams of one day having the best seat at the game. To Learn More About Andrew Bernstein Visit: http://www.adbapi.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/adbphotoinc/ To Listen to "Legends of Sport" Visit: https://legendsofsport.net

Episode #202: Daniel Rojas / Photographer

Photographer, designer, and creative collaborator Daniel Rojas (aka: Fog Again) joins the podcast to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in a rough neigborhood in Los Angeles with a passion for art, to finding his early tribe in skateboarding and music as well as a love for photography, to finally creating a relationship with one of the most famous drummers of all time Travis Barker that has lasted for many years, toured him all over the world, and created a beautiful archive of a beloved figure in the music industry.  During our conversation Daniel talks about his early work in web design and photography with companies like DVS and Burton and how that led to a position with Travis's apparel company Famous Stars and Straps, what it was like heading out on his first tour with Blink 182, his ability to be a fly on the wall in situations where others might desperately want to assert themselves, how he has managed to have such longevity in his working relationship with Travis, and the advice he gives to others coming up with their own creative dreams and goals.   To Learn More About Visit: https://www.fogagain.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/fog.again/

Episode #201: Ray Barbee / Best of VR

Ray Barbee is not only one of the most influential street skateboarders in history, he's an amazing photographer, musician, and creative thinker. During our conversation we talk about what it was like to tour the world as a professional skateboarder, his early influences in photography, what made him embrace the Leica M6 and black and white film, what it's been like having a relationship with such a legendary camera brand, and the advice he gives to others who yearn for a more creative existence. Follow Ray Barbee on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/r.barbee/ And make sure to check out his Solo Music Albums or many of the projects plays in at:http://www.galaxiarecords.com/artist/ray-barbee

Episode #200: David Liittschwager / Photographer

Photographer and frequent National Geographic contributor David Liittschwager joins the podcast to talk about his latest book "Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish" and the challenges he faced over years of capturing stunning detailed photographs of very elusive and shy creatures. During our conversation David talks about growing up in Eugence, Oregon and his early love of photography, how he ended up working for legendary photographer Richard Avedon, and what made him leave the world of commercial photography behind to focus his camera on the natural world and the endless array of subjects it provided him. To Learn More About David Liitshwager Visit: http://www.liittschwager.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/davidliittschwager/ To Buy His Latest Book "Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish" Visit: https://www.amazon.com/Octopus-Seahorse-Jellyfish-David-Liittschwager/dp/1426221797

Episode #199: Jendra Jarnagin / Director of Photography / Cinematographer

Director of Photography and Cinematographer Jendra Jarnagin joins the podcast to talk about working on the full length feature film "Asking For It" and the journey she took from a suburban town in Rhode Island, to film school at NYU, to working as an electrician on shows like Sex and the City and Law and Order, to finding her own voice as a cinematographer and DP and building the career she is known for today. During our conversation Jendra talks about how a middle school mentor helped her have the confidence to chase her creative dreams, the challenges that women have on film sets and in the industry in general, what it's like trying to film an action movie on a smaller budget, and the advice she gives to others with dreams of one day making their own movie. To Learn More About Jendra Jarnigan Visit: https://www.jendrajarnagin.com And Follow Her On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/jendradp

Episode 198: Bianca Germain / Photographer

Outdoor adventure and hunting photographer Bianca Germain joins the podcast to talk about how a kid growing up in Albany, NY with a love of art and a passion for sports ended up living a life of adventure in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and becoming a sought after photographer by brands like Sitka, Yeti, Orvis, and more. During our conversation Bianca talks about how she found her way to photography from her background in biology, and how she's been able to keep her dayjob as a clinical researcher while still traveling the world and working with brands many would dream of one day having on their own client lists. We also talk about how she made the leap from backcountry ski photography to hunting photography and the similiarites the two worlds share, as well as what they could learn from each other. To Learn More About Bianca Germain Visit: https://biancagermainphoto.com And Follow Her On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/biancagermain/ To Watch the Sitka Video featuring Bianca visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTkJUeFXrYA

VR Shorts #30: Chris Burkard Returns / Photographer

Adventure photographer and filmmaker Chris Burkard returns to the podcast to talk about his new book "Wayward" and what went into creating a visually stunning memoir that tells the story of a life well lived and the creation of a career path that was all his own. During our conversation we talk about what he's been up to since the last time we spoke, how he approached compiling the story of his life and career into a book, how we both appreciate the slow trajectory of "success" that we have had in our creative careers, and other words of wisdom from a photographer that needs no introduction to the Visual Revolutionary audience. To Buy Chris's new book "Wayward" Visit: https://chrisburkardshop.com/collections/books/products/wayward To Learn More About Chris Burkard Visit: https://www.chrisburkard.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburkard/

Episode #197: Keith Malloy / Filmmaker / Surfer

Filmmaker and surfer Keith Malloy joins the podcast to talk about what it was like growing up in Ojai, CA in a hardworking family with traditional values and a shared passion for the ocean, and how he and his brothers would all go on to make a name for themselves in the competitive world of professional surfing. During our conversation Keith talks about the early days on the North Shore of Oahu, meeting Jeff Johnson and eventually moving back to Ventura to help create the Patagonia surf brand, helping to work on some of his older brother's early films and act as a main character in the classic travel doc "180 Degrees South", and how that would lead him to eventually step into the world of filmmaking himself with multiple full length films, as well as short documentaries and commercial projects under his belt. To Learn More About Keith Malloy and Bimarian Films Visit: https://www.bimarianfilms.co To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com

Episode #196: Tim Tadder / Photographer / Artist / Director

Renowned fine art and commercial photographer/director Tim Tadder joins the podcast to talk about his journey in photography and how he went from building an extremely successful commercial studio to finding himself disillusioned with the industry and work, and his subsequent transition into the fine art world as well as NFT space. During our conversation Tim talks about what it was like growing up in Baltimore as the son of a professional photographer who wanted something more for his son than a life in the arts, and how that ultimately helped developed a work ethic and drive that would propel Tim into the world of commercial photography and help him create not only a name for himself, but a look that would be copied by many. We also talk about how he's recently reevaluated his goals and desires in life and realized that he lost track of what made him fall in love with photography in the first place, and how he's been able to make the transition into creating meaningful art that finds it's way onto the walls of art collectors and investors alike. To Learn More About Tim Tadder Visit: https://www.timtadder.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/timtadder/

VR Shorts #29: Peter Hurley Returns / Photographer / Entrepreneur

Renowned headshot photographer and inspiring entrepreneur Peter Hurley returns to the podcast to talk about his new NFT collection "Shabangrs" and the creation of his very own metaverse "Shabangrville", as well as catch up on what he's been up to since we last spoke years ago on Episode 18 of the show where Peter talked about how he created his career. During this conversation we talk about what inspired him to dive down the NFT rabbit hole, the artistic future that the metaverse most likely holds, how he set about diversifying his business, and how you can be a part of all of it and join him in a virtual creative space. To Learn More About Peter Hurley Visit: https://linktr.ee/peterhurley And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/peter_hurley/

Episode #195: Charlie Gray / Photographer

Editorial/commercial fashion and celebrity photographer Charlie Gray joins the podcast from his London studio to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in Cambridge with a love of skateboarding and browsing the artwork of the records in his dad's music store, to shooting some of the most recognizable faces in the world and creating a style of celebrity fashion work that would set him apart in a very competitive niche and earn him a spot on the roster of the renowned LGA agency and an ambassadorship with Leica. During our conversation Charlie also talks about the early creative influence both skateboarding and music had on his life, how he fell in love with the reportage style of the Magnum photographers while at university, and how he began to apply that to his own pursuit of fashion and celebrity work. We also discuss his approach to shooting celebrities, how being a nice person is a trait to be cherished the most, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own creative dreams. To Learn More About Charlie Gray Visit: https://charlie-gray.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/charliegraystudio/

Episode #194: Randall Slavin / Photographer

Celebrity photographer Randall Slavin joins the podcast to talk about growing up in the shadow of Hollywood with early dreams of rock stardom that would morph into dreams of the silver screen, and how that all shifted one day when he walked into a headshot studio across the street from a job he hated and had his life changed by the power of photography. During our conversation we talk about the struggle that was his early acting career and how he loved the immediacy of taking photos, how the early snapshots he took of his group of friends in legendary venues like The Viper Room would become some of his most cherished work, how going on a Safari with Charlize Theron would become a huge jumping off point to the career he’s known for today, how he's evolved over time and slowly thinned out his gear closet and returned to some of the simplicity he loved about photography in the first place, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own dreams. To Learn More About Randall Slavin Visit: https://www.randallslavin.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/randallslavin/

Episode #193: Platon / Photographer

On this episode of the podcast I'm joined by renowed photographer Platon for a beautiful conversation ranging from the current state of photography to affecting social change and the need for creatives to come forward and tell the story of what's around them. Platon has had a legendary career shooting compelling portaits of some of the most powerful world leaders and celebrity figures, as well as NGO work to tell the story of those figures who have had power taken from them. During our converstion he talks about what it was like growing up in Greece as the son of an architect and art historian and the difficult move to London that would soon have him on his way to studying graphic design and finally picking up a Hassleblad camera that would one day become synonymis with his work. We also talk about the muse and how he tunes into the energy of his subjects in a portait session, how you never get to a point in your career where you stop questioning your right to be there, and the advice he gives to others coming up in the world of photography and visual image making. To Learn More About Platon Visit: http://www.platonphoto.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/platon/

Episode #192: Peter Andrew Lusztyk / Photographer / Artist

Fine art and commercial photographer Peter Andrew Lusztyk joins the podcast from his studio in Toronto to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in Ottawa with a desire to create videos like his hometown hero Tom Green, to studying photography, to working as a first assistant in one of the biggest commercial studios in Canada, to venturing out on his own and finding his creative voice in both the commercial world, as well as the fine art world. During our conversation Peter talks about all the ups and downs and self doubt that has persisted through an already successful career, how he found his way into the competitive world of fine art photography and what it's like knowing your pieces are gracing the walls of art collectors, how he continues to maintain a foothold in the commercial photography world and never bought into the idea of "choosing a lane", and the advice he gives to other visual creatives coming up now. To Learn More About Peter Andrew Lusztyk Visit: https://www.peterandrew.ca And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/peter_andrew_lusztyk/

Episode #191: Steve Cosens / Director of Photography / Filmmaker

Award winning cinematographer Steve Cosens joins the podcast to talk about shooting HBO's new original series “Station Eleven” and what it was like trying to create a visually stunning post apocalyptic story that revolves around a pandemic, in the midst of an actual global pandemic, as well as how the story intertwines the message of hope, art, and community. During our conversation Steve talks about growing up in the plains of Alberta and finding his artistic voice in an art class in school, how he went on to study filmmaking at the prestigious Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, how his early job of creating karaoke videos ended up being a great learning experience for working on the fly, and how he created the career and body of work he is known for today. To Learn More About Steve Cosens Visit: https://www.stevecosens.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/cosenssteve/ Check Out the Trailer for Station Eleven: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaAG-SwEa7k&t=37s

Episode #190: Jacob Pritchard/ Photographer

New York based commercial/editorial fashion and lifestyle photographer Jacob Pritchard joins the podcast to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in Denver, CO with a love for the mountains and an early interest in photography, to working as an intern for pulitzer winning newspapers, to attending the Eddie Adams workshop, to moving to New York and sleeping on a stranger's couch, to finally finding his place in the ever growing world of professional photographers and building the body of work he is known for today. During our conversation Jacob talks about his recent project working with Acme Brooklyn on a shoot for Harpers Bazaar Vietnam, how personal work continues to drive most of his commissioned work, how he feels about the current pace of photography and how we both feel about slowing down and shooting for the meditational practice of it, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own photography dreams. To Learn More About Jacob Pritchard Visit: https://www.jacobpritchard.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/jacobpritchard/

Episode #189: Tim Biskup / Artist

Artist Tim Biskup joins the podcast for a beautiful conversation about art and the life he's created around it. You might know Tim's work from features in Juxtapoz Magazine, or from gallery shows he's done around the world, or from his own experiential gallery and book store Face Guts. But on this episode we talk about Tim's early creative inspirations from skateboarding and punk rock to cartoons and monster movies, and how that led to a disillusionment with the world of fine art and how he would set about finding himself as an artist and his own place in the business that surrounded it. During our conversation Tim and I talk about how to find the muse and the resistance that can sometimes come in the search, we discuss our shared love of architecture and our feelings around how our spaces are an extension of our creative selves, what meditation and hiking brings to his art practice, and the advice he gives to others trying to find their own voice in the world of art. To Learn More About Tim Biskup Visit: http://www.timbiskup.com/wop And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/tbiskup/ To Learn More About FaceGuts Visit: http://www.timbiskup.com/face-guts To Listen to Big Butter Visit: https://bigbutter.bandcamp.com

VR Shorts #28: Todd Glaser Returns / Photographer

Friend of the show and amazing surf, lifestyle, and commercial photographer/director Todd Glaser returns to the podcast to catch up on what's been going on since we last spoke. Make sure to check out his original full length biographical episode back on Episode #144. During this conversation we talk about how his world of travel and surf photography was interrupted by Covid and how that encouraged him to shoot commercial projects outside his wheelhouse like Golf. We also talk about trying to keep a beginners state of mind, how running helps us to stay motivated in other struggles in our lives and careers, some of the expectations that social media platforms have introduced into the commercial shot list, the discipline of shooting what's in front of you, and what he's looking forward to shooting as he moves forward with his career. To Learn More About Todd Glaser Visit: http://www.tglaser.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/toddglaser/

Episode #188: Jody MacDonald / Photographer / Adventurer

On this episode of the podcast I'm joined by National Geographic photographer and adventurer Jody MacDonald where we talk about a life well lived, with so much more she still wants to experience. From her early years as a Canadian growing up in Saudi Arabia, to her days as a river guide in Alaska, to the tragic story of losing her boyfriend in a paragliding accident and being reminded of her own impermanence, to sailing around the world twice, to hopping trains in the Sahara Desert, we cover some of the many amazing adventures that are a recurring theme in her life. During our conversation Jody talks about being open and present for where the adventure takes you and how that makes a more compelling photo and story in the long run, what it was like to circumnavigate the globe on a sailboat, how she fell in love with photography and how her career began to take off, the problems she sees with social media creating too much of the same, and the advice she gives to others out there wanting live out their own creative adventures. To Learn More About Jody MacDonald Visit: https://jodymacdonaldphotography.com And Follow Her On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/jodymacdonaldphoto/

Episode #187: Justin Bettman / Photographer / Director

Photographer and director Justin Bettman joins the podcast to talk about how he went from a kid growing up outside the Bay Area with a passion for music and the scene surrounding it would go on to start his own clothing brand in high school, which would slowly lead him to the world of photography and the advertising business around it. During our conversation Justin talks about his early days working in an ad agency and what he learned on all sides of the photo industry, how he came up with the idea to start shooting the personal project "Set in the Street" and how that would help him achieve recognition as well a build an aesthetic and passion for personal projects, where he draws the most creative inspiration from, how he maintains a drive for shooting personal work in the midst of so much paid work, and the advice he gives to others out there chasing their own creative dreams. To Learn More About Justin Bettman Visit: https://www.justinbettman.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/justinbettman/

Episode #186: Alex Gagne / Photographer / Host of The Photo Banter Podcast

Editorial and commercial photographer and host of The Photo Banter Podcast Alex Gagne joins the show to talk about growing up outside of Boston with a love of skateboarding and photography and how he chased that dream to California first before deciding to pursue an eduction in the medium at RIT and slowly start carving out a place for himself in the photo business. During our conversation we talk about all the personal projects that he pursues and maintains and how that has helped him to never burn out on taking photos, what made him start his own podcast and what he's learned from talking to some of the legendary shooters he has had the opportunity to have on his show, what it's like dealing with the roller coaster ride that it can sometimes feel like in the professional photography business, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own dreams. To Learn More About Alex Gagne Visit: https://www.alexgagnephoto.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/alexgagnephoto/ To Listen to the Photo Banter Podcast Visit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-photo-banter/id1315846850?mt=2

Episode #185: Susan Goldberg / National Geographic Editor In Chief

National Geographic Editor In Chief Susan Goldberg joins the show to talk about the beautiful new book "The 21st Century: Photographs from the Image Collection" and the process of trying to visually tell the story of the last 21 years through the stunning photography that National Geographic is known for. During our conversation Susan and I reminisce on some of the iconic images that you find inside the pages of the book and how they marked the passage of time that was sometimes wrought with anxiety. We also talk about the undertaking of trying to narrow down the right images, what it's like to view the physical image archive in DC, how she got her start in journalism and built the career she is known for today, how she feels about the future of print media, and the advice she gives to young photographers, writers, and creatives who dream of one day seeing their work inside the iconic yellow frame. To Get Your Copy of "The 21st Century: Photographs From The Image Collection" Visit: https://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-21st-Century-Photographs/dp/1426222378 To Learn More About National Geographic Visit: https://www.nationalgeographic.com And Follow Susan on Twitter At: https://twitter.com/susanbgoldberg?lang=en

Episode #184: Tyler Shields / Photographer / Director / Artist

Well known and sometimes controversial fine art photographer, director, and visual provocateur Tyler Shields joins the podcast to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in Jacksonville, Florida under the watchful eye of a military father with high expectations of always putting your best foot forward, to becoming a professional in-line skater at age 12, dropping out of middle school to tour the world as a skater, falling in love with making films, shooting music videos for people like Ghostface Killah, booking his first national photo campaign before he actually owned a camera, to finally finding his voice as an artist and his footing in the gallery world he is known for today. During our conversation Tyler talks about the sacrifice and work ethic he was and is still willing to put into chasing his dreams, one of the biggest mistakes some artists make that keeps them from having longevity in the art world, and the advice he gives to others seeking their own creative existence. To Learn More About Tyler Shields Visit: https://www.tylershields.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/thetylershields/

Episode #183: Donald Miralle / Photographer / Videographer

Award winning commercial and editorial sports photographer Donald Miralle joins the podcast to talk about his journey from competitive swimmer to shooting his 10th Olympic Games in Tokyo and how he went about creating a long lasting and successful career as a well known figure in sports photography on both the commercial and editorial sides of the industry. During our conversation Donald talks about his early love of art and the water as a kid, and how both of those passions led him to UCLA where he competed as a collegiate swimmer and eventually found his way to the art side of the campus. We also talk about how he feels he has maintained a true passion for shooting after all these years, some of the practices he has put into place in his life that he feels support that longevity, and the advice he gives to others pursuing their own creative life and careers. To Learn More About Donald Miralle Visit: https://donaldmiralle.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/donaldmiralle/

Episode #182: Dane Deaner / Photographer / Content Creator

Commercial, lifestyle, and travel photographer/videographer and former host of The Darkroom Podcast Dane Deaner joins the show to talk about his early years of chasing a creative life through improv acting, to working as a sound engineer, to finally settling into photography and videography and slowly making a name for himself in the competitive world of image making. During our conversation we talk about how he initially found photography and why he ignored the possibility of it being a career for so long, what it was like to mix the sound for huge Disney/Marvel movies, his brief stint with commercial acting, and how all of that came together to form the creative tool kit he uses today. We also talk about the challenge of trying to balance a busy shooting schedule with recording and managing a podcast, some of what we both do in our daily lives to keep us from burning out, and the advice he gives to other creatives out there trying to make a living out of it. To Learn More About Dan Deaner Visit https://www.danedeaner.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/danedeaner/

Episode 181: Danny Weiss / Photographer

Commercial and editorial photographer Danny Weiss joins the podcast to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in Brooklyn with artist parents, to a competitive swimmer that would end up following in the footsteps of his mother and chase the dream of becoming an actor for a decade of hard work and rejection before finally falling in love with photography and creating the career he's known for today. During our conversation we talk about how endurance sports helped him create a work ethic and a drive that would allow him to never give up in the pursuit of what he's chasing, how the world of acting gave him the thick skin it takes to accept rejection in the creative space without taking it personally, and how he was able to create a thriving wedding studio that continues to generate income before making the switch to commercial and editorial work. Lastly we talk about his newest passion of ocean photography and the joy a new personal project has bought to his career and life. To Learn More About Danny Weiss Visit: http://www.dannywimages.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/dannywimages/

Episode #180: Tyler Ravelle / Photographer

Adventure travel, lifestyle, and action sports photographer Tyler Ravelle joins the podcast to talk about growing up on the west coast of Canada with a love of snowboarding and the adventure the mountains offered, and how he turned that passion into a career as a photographer and content creator after years of trying to juggle a full time job while still chasing his creative dreams. During our conversation Tyler talks about his early days as a sponsored snowboarder and how photography helped him create solid working relationships with outdoor brands, how working construction jobs in the summer time helped fund his winter adventures and created the opportunity to build a beautiful portfolio that would attract clients, the number of amazing mentors that helped guide him to where he is today, and how Covid ended up providing him the opportunity to finally go all in with photography as a full time career. To Learn More About Tyler Ravelle Visit: https://www.tylerravelle.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/tyler_ravelle/

Episode #179: Jackson Tisi / Director / Filmmaker

Award winning film and commercial director Jackson Tisi joins the podcast to tell the story of how he went from a kid growing up outside of Jackson Hole Wyoming with a devotion to competitive freestyle and big mountain skiing to studying filmmaking at NYU, to directing music videos with his creative friends, to working on advertising pieces for some of the biggest named brands in the country while also making beautiful documentary films. During our conversation we talk about how he first got into filmmaking while chasing his younger brother around the mountain with a camera, his early love of New York street photography and how that inspired him to move to the city, how he made the transition into directing commercial and narrative pieces, where he draws the most visual creative inspiration, how he stays motivated in the competitive world of filmmaking, and the advice he gives to others trying to fulfill their own creative dreams. To Learn More About Jackson Tisi Visit: https://www.jacksontisi.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/jacksontisi/

Episode #178: Mark Elzey / Photographer

Fashion and portrait photographer Mark Elzey joins the podcast to talk about how a kid from Bogalusa, Louisiana with an early love of art and music ended up in New York shooting for some of the most respected publications in the world. During our conversation Mark talks about falling in love with photography the moment he held a friend's camera in high school, making the move to San Fransisco at an early age to study photography and how that shaped the way he would pursue his career, how he was able to overcome his shyness and approach strangers on the street to take their portrait, and the way he set about creating a name for himself at New York Fashion Week. We also talk about where he draws the most creative inspiration from, the challenges that people of color can sometimes face in the photography and fashion industry, and the advice he gives to others coming up. To Learn More About Mark Elzey Visit: https://www.markelzey.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/markelzey/

Episode #177: Albert Watson / Photographer

After a short break, the podcast returns with Season 5 and a conversation with the legendary photographer Albert Watson where we discuss how he built an iconic body of work consisting of over 100 covers of Vogue, as well as countless other top tier editorial covers, advertising jobs, world renowned gallery shows, and so much more. From his beginnings in Edinburg, Scotland, to his early love of graphic design and then on to film school, to the move with his wife and children to Los Angeles in 1970 to begin creating a career that would eventually lead him to New York and have PDN call him one of the 20 most influential photographers of all time, we cover the story of his life and work. During our conversation we discuss how Albert began to hone his craft and find his voice as an artist and how he has learned to trust that voice through years of shooting and a true dedication and passion to the craft. We also talk about his latest book "Albert Watson : Creating Photographs", how he's managed to stay so motivated to keep creating after almost 50 years of nonstop shooting, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own creative dreams. To Learn More About Albert Watson Visit: https://www.albertwatson.net And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/albertwatsonphotography/

Episode #176: Mark Seliger / Photographer

Renowned photographer Mark Seliger joins the podcast to talk about his journey from a kid growing up in Texas with a love of the darkroom, to becoming the chief photographer of Rolling Stone Magazine for 10 years, shooting iconic portraits and incredible and sometimes hilarious conceptual ideas, before deciding to move on with his career working with Vanity Fair, GQ, and an amazing list of other clients. During our conversation Mark talks about his newest book and beautiful personal project he worked on during the quarantine lockdown of NYC called "The City That Finally Sleeps" which is currently for sale and can be purchased with the link below. We also talk about some of the behind the scenes moments of iconic images like his portrait of Kurt Cobain or what went into turning Jerry Seinfeld into Elvis. It's an amazing journey that I think you'll enjoy hearing. To Learn More About Mark Seliger Visit: https://www.markseliger.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/markseliger/ To Purchase a Copy of "The City That Finally Sleeps" Visit: https://www.markseliger.com/books

Episode #175: Niles Grey Jeran / Filmmaker / Content Creator

Many of you might know this week's guest Niles Jeran from all his work with Moment and the fun videos he's made alongside Caleb Babcock in their quest to not only promote the brand, but to inspire other creatives out there that they can make something beautiful with the tool that's already in their pocket. But during our conversation, I get the chance to ask Niles about how it all started. From his younger years growing up with artist parents and trying to figure out his place in the world around him, to living as a ski bum in Montana and making shorts films with his newly acquired GoPro, to landing a job with GoPro, to traveling all around the coast as a professional freelance filmmaker, to finally finding a creative home at Moment. Throughout our conversation Niles talks about what continues to inspire him to create and the advice he gives to others chasing their own dreams. To Learn More About Niles Jeran Visit: https://www.nilesontheroad.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/nilesgrey/ To Listen to the Dad Strides Podcast Visit: https://www.instagram.com/dadstrides/?hl=en

VR Shorts #27: Chris Burkard Returns / Photographer / Filmmaker

Chris Burkard returns to the podcast to discuss some of what he's been up to over the last year of passion projects and commercial work, as well as to catch up in general and talk about all the things that continue to inspire him as a creative. If you haven't been following along with all the amazing films and athletic endeavors that Chris has been rolling out lately, you've got some catching up to do. During our conversation we discuss what goes into the juggling act of trying to produce so many beautiful short films like his recent projects "Unnur", "Mylo", "Arc of Aleutia" and so much more, what made him want to tour across the inland of Iceland on fat bikes, what it's like raising alpacas, how he manages to not burn out creatively with so much on his plate, and the advice he gives others out there with big creative dreams. To Learn More About Chris Burkard Visit: https://www.chrisburkard.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburkard/

Episode #174: Dina Litovsky / Photographer

Award winning documentary and editorial photographer Dina Litovsky joins the podcast to talk about how she went from studying pre-med and psychology at NYU to falling in love with photography and earning her masters at SVA and going on to work with everyone from Time to National Geographic. During our conversation Dina talks about what it was like to immigrate to New York at the age of 11, her long time love of music, art, and culture, what made her realize that her interest in psychology and sociology actually intersected with her love of photography, and how she went about building her career. We also talk about how she stayed busy over the last year with her personal project "Dark City" and her fascination with remote portrait work, how her style ended up garnering attention from renowned publications, what it's like to focus on personal projects in the midst of so much editorial work, and the advice she gives to others chasing their own creative dreams. To Learn More About Dina Litovsky Visit: https://dinalitovsky.com And Follow Her On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/dina_litovsky/

Episode #173: Terry Barentsen : Filmmaker/Photographer/YouTuber

On this episode of the podcast I'm joined by filmmaker, photographer, YouTuber, and cycling culture enthusiast Terry Barentsen. Many of you might know him from his "Hot Line" series on YouTube or his live streams from his bike on Twitch, but during our conversation we talk about the story that got him there and everything he's been up to in the world of commercial video production and his different streaming platforms. From his early days growing up in the Bay Area with a love of skateboarding and BMX, to the years he spent enlisted in the Air Force, to finding his voice as a creator in Art School and finally in commercial production, Terry has covered some ground in the creative space. But one thing has been consistent over the years, and that is his love of riding his bike. That passion has translated into his work and helped garner him a following as well as different perspective from behind the camera. To Learn More About Terry Barensten Visit: https://www.terrybarentsen.nyc And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/terrybarentsen/ On YouTube At: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHRUAMAzVUS_Szvxn55GXaQ And on Twitch At: https://www.twitch.tv/terrybarentsen

Episode #172: Robert Clark / Photographer

Renowned photographer and frequent National Geographic contributor Robert Clark joins the podcast to talk about growing up in Hays Kansas and his early love of sports photography that would create a young determined photographer working his way through multiple newspapers on the way to an extremely storied career.  During our conversation Robert talks about how the opportunity to shoot a story on a high school football team in Odessa Texas early on in his career would end up becoming the best selling book by Buzz Bissinger titled Friday Night Lights and help him on his way to creating a name for himself. After moving to New York to pursue a better understanding of lighting and studio work, Robert began to find his place in the industry, working with everyone from Vanity Fair and Time to his long relationship with the Geographic.  Known for his versatility in shooting everything from beautiful still life imagery to photojournalistic storytelling, Robert has gone on to shoot over 50 stories for National Geographic, more magazine covers than you could keep track of, and continues to be inspired by not only his contemporaries, but the young talent he sees coming up. To Learn More About Robert Clark Visit: http://www.robertclark.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/robertclarkphoto/

VR Shorts #26: Michael Clark Returns / Photographer

Award wining commercial and adventure photographer Michael Clark makes his third appearance on the podcast for a fitting May 4th conversation about gear and current technology. Make sure to check out Michael's biographical conversation back on episode #42 to hear the story of his journey into photography. During this conversation we talk about how Covid affected his work and life and some of the projects he was able to be a part of over the last year, what it was like flying with the Red Bull Air Force, his relationship with Fujifilm and his thoughts on the new GFX 100s, how he feels about the future of digital camera equipment, what he sees the most in his younger workshop students, and so much more. To Learn More About Michael Clark Visit: https://www.michaelclarkphoto.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/michaelclarkphoto/

Episode #171: Adam Bove / Director / DP / Photographer

Commercial and lifestyle director, DP, photographer, and fellow Colorado based creative Adam Bove joins the show to talk about how a kid growing up in Cincinnati with an early love of climbing and dreams of road trips out west, ended up suffering through several day jobs before finally taking the steps it took to go out and chase his dreams of creating beautiful visual content for a living. He's since gone on to work with sought after brands across the country on both the video and still photo side, and works closely with his wife and creative partner and their company A Collective US to cover all bases of visual content creation. During our conversation Adam tells me about road trips with his Dad that gave him an early love of adventure and photographic story telling, how he fell in love with climbing and how that led him to Thailand and a stint at trying to make it as a climbing photographer, the string of jobs that kept him from pursuing his true calling, and the advice he gives to others out there chasing their own dreams. To Learn More About Adam Bove Visit: https://www.adambove.us And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/adamnbove/

VR Shorts #25: Andy Mann Returns / Photographer / Director

Photographer, director, and passionate conservationists and storyteller Andy Mann returns to the show after his first appearance 6 years ago on Episode #2 of the podcast. During our conversation we catch up on some of the amazing work he's been a part of and the relationship he has formed with Paul Nicklen and Christina Mittermeier with Sea Legacy and Only One where they are telling visually stunning stories about the sea, our relationship to it, and what we can do to help preserve it. Andy has also gone on to form a family since we last spoke and we talk about the balance between his busy professional life and his role as a husband and father. Lastly, he talks about where he draws the most creative inspiration from, how he keeps from burning out, and the advice he gives to others dreaming of a creative life or their own. To Learn More About Andy Mann Visit: http://www.andymann.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/andy_mann/

VR Shorts #24: Magdalena Wosinska / Photographer / Director

Commercial photographer, director, and all around curator of cool Magdalena Wosinska returns to the podcast to talk about the latest collaborative film from Monster Children that features her, some of the amazing work she does, and the small 1930s adobe home she spent 4 years restoring in the desert and now calls a personal getaway and new location for commercial production. During our conversation we catch up on some of the amazing projects she has been a part of since we last talked, like the recent shoot she did with her friend Dave Grohl for the cover of his new book, the story she shot about the Lakota people of the Two Sprit community of Pine Ridge that finally found a home with a feature in The Guardian, her continued visual story telling of her Mother and her Muse, the two new books she is currently working on, and how she has balanced these personal projects in the midst of a busy commercial schedule. To Learn More About Magdalena Visit: https://www.magdalenawosinska.com And Follow Her on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/magdawosinskastudio/ To Watch the Recent Short Video About Here Check Out: https://vimeo.com/504874821

Episode #170: Gabriel L'Heureux / Photographer / Director / DP

Photographer, Director, and DP Gabriel L'Heureux joins the podcast to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in DC making skateboard videos with his friends, to getting his foot in the door of the ski and snowboard industry as a filmmaker with companies like Matchstick Productions and Mack Dawg, to finally getting the opportunity to work with Burton where he fell in love with the still image and got the chance to start shooting advertising lifestyle campaigns with some of the biggest names in the sport and create a look that would transcend snowboard advertising and help him evolve as an overall creative. During our conversation we talk about his long time relationship with Burton and some of the amazing shoots he has been able to be a part of, what made him switch his focus from shooting 16mm film work to still photography and how that has come full circle in the days of photographers needing to produce all forms of visual content, some of the new projects he has worked on and the creative personal shoots he chased during Covid, and the advice he gives to those following their own artistic endeavors. To Learn More About Gabe Visit: https://gabriellheureux.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/gabe_lheureux/

Episode #169: Jeff Lipsky / Best of Visual Revolutionary

Celebrity and lifestyle photographer Jeff Lipsky joins the podcast to talk about how he went from working as a fly fishing guide in Telluride, CO and trying to see how many days a year he could snowboard, to shooting some of the most well known celebrities in the world and working on ad campaigns for companies like Verizon, Eddie Bauer, Warner Brothers, and many others. Although Jeff was turned on to photography at a fairly early age, it would be his passion for skiing and snowboarding that would get him to move from the east coast to explore the rest of the country. He fell in love with mountain life and spent 10 years in Telluride, CO until photography came calling again and he rekindled his passion for shooting. Before long he moved to LA with big dreams and a drive to make it in the very competitive world of shooting fashion and celebrity work. After putting in his time as an assistant with some of the most well known photographers of the time, he finally took the plunge to try and make it on his own, and the rest is history. Jeff has gone to create an amazing body of work and has given back to the world of photography by teaching with groups like Sante Fe Workshops. During our conversation we talk about the fear of putting yourself out there, the hustle and relationships required to make it in the world of photography, what it looks like behind the scenes of a big celebrity shoot, and the advice his gives to others who have big dreams in the creative world. To Learn More About Jeff Lipsky Visit: https://www.jefflipsky.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/jefflipsky/

Episode #168: Erin Trieb / Photographer / Filmmaker

Award winning photojournalist, conflict photographer, and filmmaker Erin Trieb stops by the studio to talk about how she went from a girl growing up in Dallas Texas with a strong faith, a determination to live life on her own terms, and an early love of photography, to being inspired by the idea of conflict photography and chasing that passion to the middle east, embedding with infantry troops in Afghanistan and covering one of the biggest conflict stories of the time. During our conversation Erin talks about what drew her to the idea of conflict photography at an early age, how she began to gravitate towards stories about women and started to realize some of the behaviors she had ignored in the male dominated world of photojournalism, what it's like to be embedded with troops and even more so to see their return home and witness the effects of war, her newest film project about female Afghan climbers, the way she stays grounded and mindful while currently living on the road, and the advice she gives to other seeking their own creative journey and adventurous lives. To Learn More About Erin Trieb Visit: http://www.erintrieb.com And Follow Her on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/erintrieb/

Episode #167: Sean Tucker / Photographer, Filmmaker, Writer, YouTuber

Photographer, filmmaker, writer, and well known YouTube personality Sean Tucker joins the show to have a beautiful conversation about his journey from a young boy looking for acceptance and love, to becoming an ordained minister in the Anglican Church, to being fired for some of his own questions and doubts over his mission, to finally chasing a passion he had for years which was photography and filmmaking. During our conversation Sean talks about what it was like growing up without a real relationship with a father figure and how it forced him to become independent and determined at an early age, when photography and filmmaking came into his life and how he went about creating a career based around it, what made him decide to start a YouTube channel many years ago, his love of philosophy and how he's intertwined that with his visual art, the book he's currently working on, and the advice he gives to others out there that might be doubting their own journey or abilities. To Learn More About Sean Tucker Visit: https://www.seantucker.photography And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/seantuck/ And Subscribe to his YouTube Channel At: https://www.youtube.com/user/seantuckermerge

Episode #166: Joe Greer / Photographer

Photographer Joe Greer joins the podcast for a beautiful conversation about how he went from the tragic story of a young child losing his mother at age 4, to growing up with his adopted family in Florida with a love of sports and a passion for the community he found around the church, to chasing a possible future in ministry and studying at bible college, to suddenly having the direction of his life altered by getting an iPhone, downloading instagram, and falling in love with photography. It's an incredible story of truly pursuing your calling. During our talk we discuss how he began to develop his style and his voice in the world of photography, when he fell in love with film and the unique possibilities it offered, how he has continued to evolve and never get stuck in just one lane of creativity, the daily rituals that have helped him stay focused and feel more alive, how he is always seeking the right balance to work and life and the sometimes tough relationship he finds with social media, and the advice he gives to other photographers on a similar path. Follow Joe Greer on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/ioegreer/?hl=en

VR Shorts 23: Marc Silber Returns / Photographer / Author / Creative Mentor

Photographer, author, and creative mentor Marc Silber returns to the podcast to talk about his latest book "Create" and what he's learned through so many conversations with other creative people throughout the pandemic, and some of the tools they can use to keep them productive and inspired on a daily basis. Make sure to check out Marc's original full length biographical story back on episode #115. During this conversation we discuss certain daily habits and rituals that can help you stay sane and creative even in challenging times like these, what he's learned from so many conversations with some of the top creative minds out there, and how he's managed to continue to stay so curious and inspired as he gets older. Make Sure to Pick Up a Copy of Marc's Latest Book Create https://www.advancingyourphotography.com

Episode #165: Christopher Malcolm / Photographer / Director

Commercial photographer/director and frequent contributor to the Fstoppers community Christopher Malcolm joins the podcast to talk about his journey from a kid growing up in Los Angeles with a passion for filmmaking and a love of playing football, to working a string of jobs he wasn't happy with, to finally going all in and chasing his true goals of visual story telling. During our conversation Christoper talks about what is was like to try and finally shake the goals and expectations of his parents that can sometimes be holding you back from your own goals and how he finally took the steps to the achieve that. We talk about his own personal weight loss journey and how that inspired him to not only shoot the niche of fitness lifestyle and activewear, but also gave him the belief in himself that anything was possible. And lastly we touch on his thoughts on the current state of the industry and the expectations commercial clients have in today's climate and the advice he gives to others out there trying to follow their own creative path. To Learn More About Christopher Malcolm Visit: https://www.christophermalcolmphotography.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/christophermalcolmphotography/

Episode #164: Lindsey Byrnes / Photographer / Creative Director

Music, lifestyle, and commercial photographer / creative director Lindsey Byrnes joins the podcast to talk about how she went from a kid growing up in Del Mar with a love of surfing and the culture that surrounded it, to working at Thrasher and Juxtapoz Magazines, and finally to taking the step of going all in towards pursuing a creative life of her own, working with musicians like Paramore as both a photographer and a creative director. During our conversation Lindsey talks about her early days in the world of competitive surfing, what it was like to be a part of the underground art scene that Juxtapoz shed light on, the inspiration she found from being around so many creative people in the editorial world, being on tour with Tegan and Sara, how she made the transition into creative direction, and the advice she gives to others. To Learn More About Lindsey Byrnes Visit: https://www.lindseybyrnes.com And Follow Her On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/lindseybyrnes/

Episode #163: Pete Souza / Photographer

Renowned photojournalist, and former Chief White House photographer for President Obama, Pete Souza joins the show to talk about his journey from a shy and somewhat socially awkward kid growing up in Dartmouth, MA with a passion for sports and a dream of one day writing about that passion, to becoming one of the most well known photographers in the country with 8 years of behind the scenes access and beautiful documentary work of the President of the United States. During our conversation Pete talks about falling in love with photography during his junior year of college at BU and how that would end up shaping the rest of his life. We move through his years in Kansas working for a small town paper, to his time at the Chicago Sun Times, to getting the call to work for Ronald Reagan, to covering the war in Afghanistan, to finally stepping into the position with Barak Obama that would make him a household name. We also talk about the new documentary about his career called "The Way I See It' and the advice he gives to all those out there dreaming of one day documenting history as well. To Learn More About Pete Souza Visit: https://www.petesouza.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/petesouza/

Episode #162: Brantley Gutierrez / Director / Photographer

Director and photographer Brantley Gutierrez joins the podcast to talk about his journey from a kid growing up in Virginia with a love of movies and skateboarding, to chasing his dreams across the country and finally ending up in LA shooting for some of the biggest musicians in the world and forming long lasting relationships with the likes of Paul McCartney and U2. It's an incredible story that involves a little luck and a lot of perseverance and has led to an amazing body of work including music videos, full length films, commercial direction, photographing for everyone from Rolling Stone to corporate campaigns, and continues to evolve and grow. During our conversation Brantley tells me about an accidental encounter with Dave Grohl that would alter the course of his career, what it's like being on tour with U2, how he made the switch into directing motion capture and how that continues to evolve, and the advice he gives to those chasing their own creative dreams. To Learn More About Brantley Gutierrez Visit: https://www.instagram.com/brantleyg/

Episode #161: Brian Bowen Smith / Photographer

On this episode of the show I'm joined by well known commercial, celebrity, and fine art photographer Brian Bowen Smith to talk about his newest coffee table book and amazing quarantine inspired cross country adventure called "DriveBys" where he traveled around in his vintage F150 and took beautiful black and white scenics and portraits of people from all walks of life through the window of his truck. We also talk about his challenging upbringing in Syracuse, and how he went from what he called a dirt bag punk kid, to one of the top collegiate gymnastic athletes, to an inspiring actor living in New York, to a professional rollerblader in LA, to working closely with legendary photographer Herb Ritts, and finally to creating the amazing photography career that most know him for today. It's an amazing journey and story, and during our conversation we talk about the role of luck and where hard work comes in, how he managed to get his foot in the door of the very competitive world of celebrity work, how he constantly tries to grow and evolve as a photographer and stay competitive, what inspired him to create his newest personal project, and so much more. To Buy His Newest Book "DriveBys" Visit: https://www.bbsdrivebys.com To Learn More About Brian Bowen Smith Visit: https://bowensmith.com

Episode #160: Danny Clinch / Photographer/Director

Legendary music photographer and Grammy nominated director Danny Clinch joins the podcast to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in a blue collar family in Toms River, NJ to falling in love with photography and music at an early age, to pursuing an education at the New England School of photography, to working with and assisting Annie Leibovitz, Steven Meisel, Mary Ellen Mark, Timothy White, and others, to finding his own voice as an artist and building an incredible career as one of most sought after photographers in the music business. During our conversation Danny talks about his early days with Spin Magazine, shooting the record cover for Nas's "Illmatic", being on tour with Blind Melon, booking shoots for Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen on the same day, building long lasting relationships and friendships with some of the most well known musicians in the world that has given him a level of access all music fans dream about, and so much more. It's a beautiful conversation on a life well lived. So sit back and enjoy. To Learn More About Danny Clinch Visit: http://www.dannyclinch.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/dannybones64/ To Learn More About the Transparent/Clinch Gallery Visit: https://www.instagram.com/transparentclinchgallery/ To Learn More About the Sea/Hear/Now Festival Visit: https://www.seahearnowfestival.com

Episode #159: Yve Assad / Photographer

On this episode I'm joined by editorial and commercial photographer Yve Assad from her home in Nashville to talk about how she went from growing up in a small town in the south with a love of music and an interest in what was going on in the rest of the world, to studying photojournalism at the University of Georgia, to creating a thesis project based around the characters she found at a biker bar, to working for a small town paper, to finally chasing her dream of going out on her own and photographing the motorcycle culture she fell in love with in college. During our conversion Yve talks about what it was like to travel the country for years photographing the world of flat track motorcycle racing, how that provided her the opportunity to work with brands like Harley Davidson and publications like Iron and Resin, the way she was able to transition into working in the advertising world with everyone from Filson to Ford, and the advice she gives to others out there chasing their own creative dreams. To Learn More About Yve Assad Visit: http://www.yveassad.com And Follow Her on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/yveassad/

Episode #158: Steve West : Photographer / Jewelry Maker / Designer

Photographer, custom jewelry maker, graphic designer, and all around curious creative individual Steve West joins the show to talk about his journey from Asheville, NC, to the Navy, to corporate designer, to creating the successful jewelry company "Silver Piston", to forming a friendship and photography relationship with Killer Mike from Run the Jewels and falling in love with portrait photography and a new calling in life. During our conversation, Steve talks about constantly seeking creative fulfillment through the career path of graphic design in his early years, but realizing that it would be personal projects that would not only scratch that itch, but end up changing his life's goals all together. We also talk about how a 52 year old white guy, with no preexisting knowledge of trap music, suddenly became a sought after photographer for some of Atlanta's rising hip hop talent and found himself frequenting Killer Mike's barbershop and running in circles that would open all kinds of creative doors for him if he was willing to do the work. To Learn More About Steve West Visit: https://stevewestphoto.com To Learn More About Silver Piston Jewelry Visit: https://www.silverpiston.com

Episode #157: Joey L. / Best of Visual Revolutionary

Award winning photographer/director Joey Lawrence (aka Joey L.) joins the show to talk about how he went from photographing his musician friends in high school, to shooting portraits of celebrities like Robert De Niro and Jennifer Lawrence, to traveling the globe extensively in the pursuit of some of the most ambitious personal projects ever discussed on this podcast.  Although he's now old enough to not be the youngest person on his sets anymore, Joey L. is still a young face in the industry, but at age 30 his portfolio is packed with work most older veterans could only dream of. Over the years he has continued to hone his craft and blur the lines between his personal work and his commercial projects, earning him coveted spots like the Lavazza calendar is 2016, previously shot by other top photographers like Annie Leibovitz and Mark Seliger.  Joey gives us an insiders look at what goes into creating his personal work, how he stays organized with his schedule, why he feels "burn out" is no longer an issue for him, and the advice he gives to those veterans out there that think the golden era of photography is over. To Learn More About Joey L. Visit: https://joeyl.com/overview/category/quick-portfolio And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/joeyldotcom/

Episode #156: Lars Schneider: Photographer

On this episode I'm joined by commercial, adventure, travel, and landscape photographer Lars Schneider to talk about how he went from an only child growing up in Hamburg Germany with an adventurous father and a love of nature, to traveling the world as a respected outdoor photographer, working with brands like Patagonia and now teaching his own workshops based around the nordic landscapes he loves. During our conversation Lars tells stories about many of the bike touring adventures he took around the globe while still in his teens, his first published photos at age 15, the guidebooks he worked tirelessly on while trying to make a name for himself, how he went about creating commercial work while traveling with his wife and creative partner, what's it's like to run your own workshops in the Faroe Islands, how he built a relationship with Hasselblad cameras, and the advice he gives to those following their own creative paths. To Learn More About Lars Schneider Visit: https://www.larsschneider.com/ov/ls/ And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/larsschneidervisuals/

Episode #155: Mark O. McInnis / Photographer

Surf and commercial lifestyle and travel photographer Mark O. McInnis joins the podcast to talk about growing up in a small town in Oregon and his love of snowboarding, skateboarding, and later surfing, that would end up pushing him toward the goal of making a career capturing the moments surrounding him. Moving into the Thanksgiving holiday here in the states, it's also a beautiful conversation about loss, adversity, and keeping a since of gratitude in the midst of it all. During our conversation Mark talks about the tragic wildfire that recently burned down his house and all his belongings and his slow rebuilding of life after that, how losing both the amazing men that raised him taught him about chasing his dreams in life and being in the present moment, how he managed to build a career based around the ocean and lifestyle he loved so much, and the advice he gives to those out there trying to live their best lives. To Learn More About Mark Visit: https://www.markmcinnis.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/markomcinnis/

VR Shorts #22: Michael Christopher Brown Returns / Photographer / Documentarian

Respected photojournalist and documentarian Michael Christopher Brown returns to the podcast to talk about his journey in overcoming trauma and PTSD, and the different modalities that have helped him achieve that goal. We also discuss the recent backlash to some of his work on Skid Row for National Geographic and his thoughts on how we need to come together as a creative community and lift each other up instead of promoting more division. Make sure to check out Michael's original full length biographical story (Episode #58) to hear about his journey. During this conversation we have an open and honest discussion about how cancel culture has made it's way into the photography community, the level of civil discourse and communication that is needed today more than ever to truly understand each other's motivations, and the hope he has for this country as we move forward. To Learn More About Michael Christopher Brown Visit: https://michaelchristopherbrown.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/michaelchristopherbrown/

Episode #154: Keena / Photographer / Commercial Director

Commercial lifestyle photographer and director Keena joins me to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in a small town in Massachusetts with a love of skateboarding and music, to slowly creating a name for himself in the world of Boston commercial photography, to traveling across the world multiple times in search of the best natural photographic moments, to moving to San Francisco and finally finding his voice as an artist and an agent and clients who wanted to invest in it, to his move to Colorado to raise his kids and continue to grow his client roster. During our conversation we talk about his most recent shoot for Converse in New York and what the current Covid restrictions looked like and how they have affected his work process, how he continues to stay relevant and inspired in the world of youth culture, what brands are currently looking for in the world of advertising imagery, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own visual dreams. To Learn More About Keena Visit: http://www.keenaphoto.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/keenaphoto/

VR Shorts #21: Michael Grecco Returns / Photographer/Director

Photographer/Director Michael Grecco returns to the show to talk about his new book "Punk Post Punk New Wave.....Onstage, Backstage, In Your Face 1978-1991" where he presents a never before seen archive of his years shooting the exploding punk scene of Boston, and all the familiar faces that made their way in front of his camera. Make sure to check out Michael's original episode of the podcast (back on episode #62) to hear the whole story of his career. During this conversation we talk about what made him finally want to create this book, what it felt like to be a young photographer experiencing a moment of music history, how punk affected the music industry and youth culture for years to come, and the amount of work that went into putting together this beautiful visual presentation. To Learn More About the Book Visit: https://daysofpunk.com/# To Learn More About Michael Grecco Visit: https://michaelgrecco.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/michaelgrecco/

Episode #153: Hannu Salonen & Felix Cramer / Filmmakers

Director Hannu Salonen and Director of Photography Felix Cramer from Netflix's new show "Oktoberfest Beer and Blood" join the podcast to talk about their journey from film students in Germany to building a career in film and television that would lead to working together on this beautiful visual presentation of historical fiction. During our conversation we talk about what they are currently working on and how it's been effected by Covid, how they went about creating some of the amazing long one take shots that help to set Oktoberfest apart from other shows, where they draw creative inspiration from and how they keep from getting burned out, and the advice they give to others hoping to one day tell their own stories. To Learn More About Oktoberfest Beer and Blood Visit: https://www.netflix.com/title/81249469 To Learn More About Hannu Salonen Visit: http://www.hannusalonen.com To Learn More About Felix Cramer Visit: https://www.felixcramer.de

VR Shorts #20: Sinuhe Xavier Returns / Commercial Director / Photographer

Commercial director, filmmaker, photographer, and friend of the show, Sinuhe Xavier returns to make an in person appearance at the Visual Revolutionary studio and have a discussion about why he's made the decision to start splitting up his time in LA to a more personally satisfying existence in the mountains of Colorado, how he's been affected by the current commercial production regulations and protocols, and what he's been up to since we last spoke.  Make sure to check out Sinuhe's full biographical story way back on Episode #11, but during this conversation we talk about his return to a more personal approach to shooting photos, how he continues to stay relevant in an ever changing commercial industry, the changes the pandemic might bring to the way we shoot and where we are based out of, and the advice he gives to others out there trying to re-inspire themselves in uncertain times. To Learn More About Sinuhe Xavier Visit: https://www.sinuhexavier.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/sinuhexavier/

Episode #152: Michael Santiago / Photojournalist

On this episode of the podcast, I'm joined by Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist and Getty images staff photographer Michael Santiago to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in the Dominican Republic with hard working parents to moving to the Bronx at age 7 and falling in love with art and literature, to finally finding photography and a passion for telling visual stories of the world that was around him.  During our conversation Michael tells me about the string of jobs in his 20s that finally lead him back to school where he ended up pursuing a Masters Degree and becoming a passionate photojournalist, the tragic story of Antwon Rose that he covered for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and where he finally found his voice as an artist, why he made the move back to New York and started working with Getty Images, and the advice he gives to others trying to tell their own story. To Learn More About Michael Santiago Visit: https://www.msantiagophotos.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/msantiagophotos/

Episode #151: Jeff Cricco / Ski and Adventure Photographer

An old Vail friend and amazing long time accomplished ski and adventure photographer Jeff Cricco joins the podcast to talk about his move to the mountain town of Vail in the early 90s, the string of resort and restaurant jobs that finally led him to chasing his love of photography, his longtime relationship with Powder Magazine and the unfortunate recent news that they are closing shop, and how he has remained relevant in the young man's game of chasing light in the backcountry for so many years.  During our conversation Jeff and I talk about the "good ole" days of ski resort towns like Vail, how a Grateful Dead show on McNichols arena in 94 ended up inspiring him with the resolve to be a full time photographer, the ups and downs of the life of a ski photographer, his time working as a guide in Alaska, what the future of the adventure photography industry might look like, and the advice he gives to others out there chasing their own dreams of capturing life in the mountains.  Follow Jeff Cricco on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/jeffcricco/?hl=en

VR Shorts #19: Bo Bridges Returns / Advertising & Fine Art Photographer/Director

Advertising and fine art photographer/director, and friend of the show, Bo Bridges returns to make a very impromptu third appearance on the podcast and talk about his recent licensing deal with Marvel to produce a clothing line sold at Target, as well as all the challenges he has faced of being a world traveling photographer due to covid, and how he has continued to be creative in his approach to diversifying his work and his business relationships to be able to weather this storm.  During our conversation we talk about how he has continued to busy himself with personal projects during these challenging times and how some of them have already paid off monetarily, what the future of brick and mortar gallery spaces might look like, how he and his team tried to get creative in their marketing efforts to draw more people towards the prints sales side of the business, and the advice he gives to those in fear of what the future might hold. To Learn More About Bo Bridges Visit: http://www.bobridges.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/bobridges/

Episode #150: Russell Ord / Photographer / Water, Surf, Lifestyle / Fujifilm Ambassador

Surf, water, and lifestyle photographer and Fujifilm Ambassador Russell Ord joins the podcast to talk about his journey from professional rugby player to firefighter to respected surf and water photographer and how he took the steps of building a photography career while maintaining a full-time job and raising a family.  During our conversation we talk about how the discipline it took to become a professional athlete helped him build a photography career, what it's like shooting in the impact zone of some of biggest waves in the world, the documentary film "One Shot" that showcased his life and work, the fear of leaving behind the security of a comfortable income to go all in as a photographer, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own creative dreams.  To Learn More About Russell Ord Visit: https://www.russellordphoto.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/russellordphoto/

Episode #149: Larry Chen / Photographer / Canon Explorer of Light

Commercial automotive and car culture photographer, on camera personality, and Canon Explorer of Light Larry Chen joins the show to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in southern California with a passion for cars, to falling in love with photography, becoming a paparazzi, and finally realizing his dream of being one of most recognizable figures in motorsports photography shooting for everyone from the Hoonigan Crew to Toyota.  During out conversation Larry tells me what it was like chasing Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton around in the heyday of paparazzi work, how that helped him foot the bill to chase his dreams of one day becoming a car photographer, what it takes to try and make a name for yourself in the automotive world, the work ethic he always brings to the table, shooting for 24 hours straight at La Mas, and the advice he give to others who have similar dreams. To Learn More About Larry Chen Visit: https://www.larrychenphoto.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/larry_chen_foto/

Episode 148: David McClister / Photographer / Director / Filmmaker

On this episode of the podcast I'm joined by music, editorial, and commercial photographer/director David McClister to talk about how he went from growing up in Knoxville, TN with a love of skateboarding and punk rock, to trying to make his own feature length film, to directing music videos for some of the top artists coming out of the Nashville scene, to shooting still photography of everyone from Johnny Cash to Chris Cornell.  During our conversation we talk about how he found photography and his creative calling at a young age, what it was like making the transition from motion capture to photography and the creative inspiration he gets from both mediums, the change he's seen come about lately in the business, what it was like shooting the Man in Black, hanging with Tyler Childers at Red Rocks, how he manages to continue to stay inspired, why he might walk away from his amazing archive one day and leave photography behind, and the advice he gives to others coming up. To Learn More About David McClister Visit https://davidmcclister.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcclisterphotography/

Episode 147: Jeff Johnson / Best of Visual Revolutionary Podcast

Back with all new episodes next week, but until then enjoy another one from the archives featuring one of my favorite creatives and human beings Jeff Johnson, where he talks about his early years as a flight attendant and lifeguard on the north shore, what inspired him to want to begin to document the world around him, the trip to Patagonia with Yvon Chouinard that would become the basis of the beautiful travel film "180 Degrees South", and his continued work as a photographer, director, and ambassador for some of the biggest named outdoor brands in the world . To Learn More About Jeff Johnson Visit: http://www.jeffjohnsonstories.com And Follow Him On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffjohnson_beyondandback/

Episode 146: Stephen Wilkes / Best of Visual Revolutionary

This week on the show I turn to the archives for another "Best Of" featuring renowned fine art photographer, documentarian, and true student of time and light, Stephen Wilkes.  Many of you might know Stephen from his beautifully produced series "Day to Night" which he is still traveling the world working on now and has broken the boundaries of how much time you can capture in a single photograph.  That being said, Stephen has had a very storied career that dates back to his early teens and spans an impressive body of work and a list of clients that include some of the most respected curators of photography there are.  As you look through some of his earlier street photography, documentary work, and fine art photographs, you can really understand how it all culminates into the current experiment and study of time, light, place, and human existence that "Day to Night" is.  At age 12 Stephen first started taking pictures, and it wasn't long before he was diving head first into the art form and the business of photography.  But it was a trip to the Met that would really change his life, and the paintings there would become some of his greatest influences.  He would go on to study photography in college and work with some amazing mentors like Jay Maisel, and slowly find his own voice in his work.  During our conversation we get the chance to talk about what he has learned from his constant observation of time, and our relationship to it as we get older, what keeps him inspired to keep creating, the passion you need for the work you do, and the advice he gives to others.  But mostly, we talk about humanity, and what he has learned from years of watching. To Learn More About Stephen Wilkes Visit:  http://www.stephenwilkes.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/stephenwilkes/

Episode #145: Chris Orwig / Photographer / Author / Teacher

Portrait and lifestyle photographer, author, and teacher Chris Orwig joins the show to talk about searching for himself through the eyes of his subjects and how photography saved his life when he needed it most.  As a kid growing up in Northern California with an artist mom and a builder dad, Chris was exposed to a perfect balance of creativity and the legacy of a tangible structure.  Although it took him a while to find his own creative voice and how to express it, once photography came into his life he realized he had something to say.  The rest is history, and Chris has not only gone on to have a successful career as a photographer, but has acted as a teacher and a mentor to many photography students for years.  During out conversation Chris tells me how getting hit by a car ended up introducing him to photography, how he developed his style as a portrait photographer and how empathy and curiosity play into that practice, why he decided to become and teacher and a mentor, and the advice he gives to others, as well as himself, on trying to keep moving forward and staying creative. To Learn More About Chris Orwig Visit: https://chrisorwig.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/chrisorwig/

Episode #144: Todd Glaser / Surf & Commercial Photographer

Respected surf photographer and commercial shooter Todd Glaser joins the podcast to talk about how he went from growing up in Del Mar as a competitive body boarder and shooting pictures of his friends, to traveling all over the world chasing swell for Surfer Magazine and compiling an archive of some of the best wave riders in the world, including his long standing creative relationship with Kelly Slater.  After years of chasing waves as a sponsored body boarder, it felt like a natural transition for Todd as he started holding on to a water housing instead of a body board and learning how to compose beautiful water images of the world he was already very much a part of.  After furthering his education of photography at Brooks Institute, he was offered a staff position for Surfer and began what has already been an amazing career of surf photography.  During our conversation we talk about how he developed his style of shooting both from the water and the land to capture not only the action of surfing, but the lifestyle as well, what it's like to travel and work with one of the most respected and hardworking surfers of all time, his latest book and film project called "Proximity", how the world of surf photography has changed in the new social media landscape, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own creative goals. To Learn More About Todd Glaser Visit: http://www.tglaser.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/toddglaser/

Episode #143: Suzanne Stein / Photographer / Fujifilm Ambassador

Street & Documentary Photographer and Fujifilm Ambassador Suzanne Stein joins the podcast to talk about how she stumbled across photography later in life while traveling around Europe with her son and instantly fell in love with the medium and felt a true calling to shoot the people around her and sometimes the people who have been forgotten by the rest of society.  Growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Suzanne had her share of hardships that isolated her in many ways, but helped strengthen her character and her determination in others.  After a car wreck left her near disabled in her 30s, she began to experiment with art while trying to physically recover.  She was drawn towards figurative art and began trying for find her way in the art world, but as a single mom it was hard to truly devote herself.  A while later, she found herself really fascinated with photography while traveling and witnessing the people and cultures around her.  The rest is history and she has devoted herself to the medium since.  During our conversation Suzanne talks about what attracted her to Skid Row during her earlier days behind the camera and the personal connection she feels with so many people who are otherwise overlooked, how she began to develop her own style of shooting, the challenges she faces as a woman in the competitive world of street photography, and the advice she gives to others following their own creative path.  To Learn More About Suzanne Stein Visit: https://www.suzannesteinphoto.com And Follow Her on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne_stein/

Episode #142: Kevin Zacher / Photographer / Director

Many of you might know Kevin Zacher for his work as one of the top snowboard photographers of the 90s, working as a senior photographer for Transworld and Burton, but he's gone on to shoot and direct commercial campaigns for some of the biggest brands on the planet and continues to constantly try to evolve as a creative around the things that inspire him the most.  On this episode of the podcast I catch up with him to find out about the story that led up to chasing his dreams in the snowboard industry and how he made the switch to becoming a successful commercial photographer and director in LA. During our conversation Kevin tells me what the 80s skate scene was like in Arizona, the zine that him and his friend created that led to an early interest in photography and graphic design, how he was able to carve out a place for himself in the competitive world of snowboard photography, what it's been like lately trying to shoot commercial projects in LA during the pandemic, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own creative dreams. To Learn More About Kevin Zacher Check Out: https://www.kevinzacher.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/kevinzacher/

Episode #141: Murray Wais / Executive Producer/Director / Matchstick Productions

On this episode I'm joined by executive producer/director, and one of the founding members of Matchstick Productions, Murray Wais to talk about their newest film "Huck Yeah" and how he went from a kid growing up in Seattle with a passion for skiing, to dreams of living in a van, chasing storms, and writing, to meeting up with his future business partner Steve Winter and forming one of the most cutting edge and respected ski film companies in the world.  As a kid growing up in the 80s in Seattle, Murray was introduced to the world of big mountains and heavy snow at a very early age.  He fell in love with the lifestyle and some of the characters coming out of the brand new world of snowboarding.  After studying at a ski academy for a bit, he decided to pursue his love of writing at the University of Oregon journalisms school with dreams of one day following a similar path as some of his literary heroes like Jack Kerouac.  But a small detour to Crested Butte to cover a ski competition would set him on a whole new path and the rest is history.  During our conversation Murray tells me how things have changed over the years in the world of making ski and mountain bike movies, the current challenges they face in trying to put together a film tour in the world of Covid restrictions, and the advice he gives to young creatives coming up.  Make Sure to Check out Matchstick and their New Film Trailer At: https://matchstickpro.com And Follow them on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/mspfilms/

Episode #140: Clay Patrick McBride / Photographer / Educator

On this episode of the podcast I'm joined by respected music, sports, editorial, and cultural photographer and professor at Rochester Institute of Technology Clay Patrick McBride to talk about how he went from a kid playing in the woods of upstate New York, to living in the South of France studying art, to becoming a student at SVA, to building a huge body of work featuring some the most recognizable faces in the music industry and an amazing archive of the 90's hip hop scene.  Although Clay was surrounded by a lot of creativity from his older siblings and the music world that he was fascinated by, it wasn't until after several years of running wild in the streets of NYC before he realized he needed to channel his energy into something else.  Luckily someone came along and gave him enough validation that he had a creative side that he found a new passion, and the rest is history.  During our conversation Clay talks about what it was like trying to get his foot in the door of some of the biggest music magazines and record labels on the planet in the 90s, what it was like be on the stage in front of 80,000 fans with one of your favorite bands of all time, the mentors that helped him believe in his work and his dreams, and why he decided to become a teacher and give back to the world of photography that had given him so much.  To Learn More About Clay Patrick McBride Visit: http://www.claypatrickmcbride.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/clay_patrick_mcbride/

Episode #139: Andy Macpherson / Architectural Photographer

Architectural photographer Andy Macpherson joins the podcast to talk about how he went from a young surf kid growing up in Cronulla, New South Wales, to working in marketing and sales for a well known coffee roaster, to finally falling in love with architectural photography and working with clients like Dwell Magazine and a huge list of well known architects and designers.  During our conversation Andy tells me about the first image he saw of a home in Seattle that made him realize the art of architecture and the beauty of trying to photograph it, the kind of gear we both have used to approach the type of work we do as well as the way we go about our post production, what's it like trying to navigate your way though the pricing and politics of this niche, and the advice he gives to others trying to chase their own creative path.  To Learn More About Andy Macpherson Visit: https://andymacpherson.studio And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/andymacpherson.studio/

Episode #138: Anthony Geathers / Photographer / Sports, Lifestyle, and Culture

Sports, music, lifestyle, and culture photographer Anthony Geathers joins the podcast to talk about his most recent personal work, shooting in the streets of New York during the protest, and to tell the story of how he went from a kid growing up in Bed-Stuy, to a Marine, to studying at NYC's famed SVU, to shooting for some of the biggest brands in the world and getting the chance to work with world renowned athletes, musicians, and political figures. Although Anthony had his fair share of challenges while growing up, he was lucky enough to find photography at a very young age and instantly fell in love with the medium.  He attended the High School of Graphic Communication where he began to further hone his skills in photography and video, and then decided to join the Marines after graduation.  After two combat deployments, he came back with a drive to make it in the word of photography and that is what he's been doing ever since. During our conversation Anthony talks about being compelled to try and share the visual story of the things he was most passionate about, how he formed his close relationship with the And1 basketball league, what it was like covering the DNC in 2016, and the discipline and work ethic he took from the Marine Corps and applied to his creative goals.  To Learn More About Anthony Geathers Visit: http://www.anthonygeathersphoto.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/anthonybgeathers/

Episode #137: Joseph Haeberle / Commercial and Editorial Photographer / Rancher

Commercial, fine art, and editorial photographer Joseph Haeberle joins the show to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in rural Wyoming with a love of horses, to suddenly developing a thriving wedding photography business while still a teenager, then making the decision to walk away from it and focus his camera on the lifestyle and the people that he knew best, working with brands like Filson, Stetson, Wrangler, and many more.  Although Joseph was exposed to photography at a pretty early age and quickly became proficient enough with a camera to begin to make a pretty solid living as a wedding photographer, he wasn't satisfied with shooting something he wasn't passionate about.  After trying out city life in Seattle for a while with the idea he would become an outdoor adventure photographer, he found himself with the opportunity to work as a photographer on the professional rodeo circuit and ended up falling in love with all the things he recognized from his own roots of rural western culture.  During our conversation we talk about his recent work with the New York Times, why he continues to work as a ranch hand even though he has a thriving photography career, what it's like to work with heritage brands like Filson and Stetson, and the advice he gives to others to go and tell your unique story.  To Learn More About Joseph Haeberle Visit: http://josephhaeberle.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/josephhaeberle/

Episode #136: Arnhel de Serra / Photographer /Reportage and Documentary

London based reportage and documentary photographer Arnhel De Serra joins the podcast to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in the country outside of Brighton with an affinity for guitar and Carlos Santana, to finding a camera in his hand and a desire to capture the world around him, shooting everything from the mundane to the magnificent.  Although photography began to help shape Arnhel's life in his college years and began to replace the guitar as his favorite creative outlet, it wasn't until he stumbled upon some books by photographers like Larry Clark and Robert Frank that he realized the true power of the medium and what he wanted to do with his life.  He has gone on to have a successful career, working with clients in the editorial and commercial worlds and developing a very unique style.  During our conversation we discuss his somewhat absurdist approach to documenting the world around him and the idea of comedy in the still image, what it's been like for him tying to translate his work to the commercial space, where he draws the most creative inspiration from, and the advice he gives to others trying to pursue a creative existence.  To Learn More About Arnhel De Serra Visit: https://www.arnheldeserra.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/arnheldeserra/

Episode #135: Jamie Schwaberow / Photographer / Head of Clarkson Creative / Director of NCAA Photos

On this episode I'm joined by the head of Clarkson Creative and director of photography for NCAA photos Jamie Schwaberow to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in Ohio with a love of sports and dreams of becoming a journalist, to finding a camera in his hand and covering some of the biggest sporting events in the world.  From an early age Jamie was not only an athlete, but a true fan of the sports world he found himself competing in. When he wasn't playing baseball or basketball he spent a lot of time going through magazines like Sports Illustrated, which led him to the idea of studying journalism in college with the hopes of turning his passion into a career.  But it would  be a chance internship at the olympics in Atlanta that would eventually lead him to chasing a dream of becoming a sports photographer, and later on a meeting with a legendary shooter that would help steer his career into the success story it is today.  During our conversation Jamie tells me how he met Rich Clarkson and ended up taking over the Denver agency he founded, what it's like to be in charge of covering events and providing content for everything from March Madness to the Colorado Rockies season, how he goes about getting ready and organized to cover events, what he looks for in photographers and creatives when he is hiring, and the advice he gives to those out there trying to reach their own creative goals.  To Learn More About Jamie Schwaberow and Clarkson Creative Visit: https://www.clarkson-creative.com/schwaberow-portfolio And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/clarksoncreative/

Episode #134: Thomas Campbell / Artist / Filmmaker / Photographer

Artist, filmmaker, photographer, and all around creative human being Thomas Campbell joins the podcast to talk about his newest skateboard film "Ye Olde Destruction" as well as how he went from a kid growing up in the 70s skateboard scene, to writing for magazines while he was still in high school, to hitchhiking around the world, to doing a solo art show in Morocco, to creating amazing 16mm films and so much more. Thomas is one of those  individuals who seems to have been able to build a life and career off just being himself and creating whatever it is he feels like at the time.  From his earliest days of working in the skateboard publishing world, to traveling the world and creating art, Thomas has lived a life in pursuit of creativity.  During our conversation Thomas recounts some of the old stories like accidentally becoming Larry Clark's roommate for a month in New York, what the late 70s and early 80s skate and underground art scenes were like, some of his creative inspirations in life, what made him want to spend the last 7 years making a 16mm skate film, and the advice he gives to others who think they dream of living his life.  To Learn More About Thomas Campbell Visit: https://www.thomascampbell-art.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/thomascampbellart/ To Watch "Ye Olde Destruction Visit: https://skateboarding.transworld.net/videos/ye-olde-destruction-full-length-film-thomas-campbell/

Episode #133: Richard Thompson III / Automotive Photographer / Digital Artist

Richard Thompson III, known to some as RVT3, joins the podcast to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in New Orleans with a passion for music, to pursuing an education in the arts at SCAD, to living in LA shooting some of the most luxurious and well designed automobiles on the planet, and forming long lasting working relationships with companies like Mercedes-Benz.  Although he grew up with Art Teacher for a Mom, and was well versed in many mediums at a young age, Richard was inspired mostly by music and the amazing scene around him in his home town of New Orleans.  Even when he left to go further pursue graphic design, and later other forms of media capture in Savanah, he made frequent trips back to work at a music bar and continue to be around the West African inspired funk that New Orleans offered.  But later, while working on a local film set, he realized  that if he really wanted to create his own work it was time for him to move to LA and pursue his passion.  The rest is history, with a long client list to back it up.  During our conversation we talk about how he began to get his foot in the door in the automotive photography industry, the techniques and work ethic that set him apart, how he continues to stay inspired and evolve as an artist, and the daily rituals he used to keep moving forward. To Learn More About Richard Thompson III Visit: https://rvt3.net And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/rvt3/

Episode #132: Martin Ander (aka Mander) / Artist / Illustrator

Martin Ander, better known to some as Mander, joins the show from his studio in Sweden to talk about how skateboarding, graffiti, and music shaped his youth and influenced him as an artist that would go onto to create hundreds of skateboard graphics, design  award wining album artwork, and more recently begin exhibiting his work in galleries.  Although Martin's father was an artist and illustrator as well, and all his earliest memories include the presence of artwork, it wouldn't be until he found his own tribe of skateboarders and graffiti artists that he would begin to realize that he had stumbled into the subcultures that would help shape him into the artist he is today.  During our conversation, Martin tells me what the 90s graffiti scene in Stockholm was like, how he got got hooked up with Flip skateboards, what his creative process looks like, and the advice he gives to others who are following their own creative pursuits and wish to make it a career.  To Learn More About Martin Ander Visit: http://www.mander.nu And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/manderoid/

VR Shorts #18: Sofia Jaramillo / Photographing During Covid 19

Sofia Jaramillo returns to the show after her recent biographical episode to talk about working as a photojournalist and storyteller during the Covid 19 quarantines in Jackson Hole for High Country News and how she chose to follow a story of positivity, showcasing her small mountain community coming together to help each other out and show compassion towards their fellow human beings in a time of need.  During our conversation we discuss how she pitched and executed a portrait project given the current restrictions, she tells some inspiring stories of her subjects and their willingness to give back, and talks about what her take away might be from all of this when things start making a return to some type of normalcy.  To See Sofia's Story for High Country News Visit: https://www.hcn.org/issues/52.5/covid19-jackson-whole-a-community-persists-with-an-uncertain-future To Learn More About Sofia Jaramillo Visit: https://www.sofiajaramillophoto.com

Episode #131: Cath Simard / Landscape Photographer / Sony Ambassador

On this episode of the podcast I sit down with Catherine Simard to talk about how she went from walking the runway as a fashion model, to pursuing a career as a stylist and art director, to walking away from it all to live a life of travel and simplicity and chase her passion to become a landscape photographer.  Cath grew up in Quebec and was scouted at an early age by a model agency.  Before long she was booking work and living the life of a model while continuing to pursue furthering her career in the fashion industry as a stylist.  That all changed however when she met her boyfriend who introduced her to a much simpler life of traveling, working on farms, and exploring nature.  When she set out on her own to travel solo for a while, she fell in love with the Canadian Rockies and the power of the alpine landscape in general.  It inspired her to want to share those feelings with others through visual art and she began a journey she continues today as a landscape photographer.  During our conversation Cath talks about what inspired her to choose landscape photography and the way she developed the aesthetic she is known for, the challenges that women can sometimes face when traveling, the inspiration she pulls from nature an others who chase their own pursuits within it, and the advice she gives to those seeking a creative life with a hunger for travel.  To Learn More About Cath Simard Visit: https://www.cathsimard.com And Follow Her on Instagram At: To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit:

Episode #130: Andy Bardon / Photographer / Director / NatGeo Contributor

Photographer, Director, National Geographic contributor, and now business entrepreneur, Andy Bardon joins the podcast to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in New Jersey with dreams of mountain adventures, to studying social sciences in college in Colorado, to finding himself in the midst of an expedition on Mount Everest and on the cover of National Geographic.  Although Andy was exposed to photography early on in his life, it was mostly always about simple documentation of the adventures that him and his friends found themselves on.  Whether rock climbing, snowboarding, or surfing, Andy was drawn to the life that the outdoors offered and knew that he wanted to spend his time there.  As he focused more on photography, he began realize all of the visual story telling opportunities that were around him and started submitting ideas to publications and gear companies. Before long he would be given the opportunity to document some world renowned athletes and start to evolved into the creative powerhouse he is known as today.  During our conversation we talk about his new Tequila and Spirits company as well as podcast called Wild Common, how he continues to evolve and reinvent himself as a creative, and the advice he gives to others chasing their passions in life.  To Learn More About Andy Bardon Visit: https://andybardon.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/andy_bardon/

Episode #129: Exploredinary / Filmmakers / Photographers / Artists

Daniel Driensky and Sarah Reyes, better known to most as Exploredinary, join the podcast to talk about their recent trip to Nepal, working on a new documentary film, and how two people that grew up in Texas found there way together as a creative couple to work on some beautifully produced short documentary films, photography projects, and art installations.  Although they came from different style parenting and cultural backgrounds, Sarah and Daniel always leaned towards a creative outlook on life, and when their paths finally crossed and they embarked on several road trips across the country together, they realized that what they wanted more then anything was to tell stories, and that together they could create a creative team to do so.  During our conversation they tell me how their relationship with Ilford Film came about, what it was like to co-create a documentary film with Jason Lee, how they almost got stuck in Nepal due to Covid 19, and what keeps them inspired to keep creating in so many visual mediums. To Learn More About Exploredinary Visit: https://www.exploredinary.com And Watch a Retrospective Film About Their Work At: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bJSsCrfPQY&feature=youtu.be And Follow Them On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/exploredinary/

Episode #128: Max Lowe / Director / Photographer / National Geographic Explorer

Director, photographer, and National Geographic Explorer Max Lowe joins the podcast to talk about working on his most recent project and full length film "Torn" that will tell the story of his family and will hopefully be coming out later this year if all goes well. During our conversation Max opens up about what it was like to tragically lose his Father (renowned climber Alex Lowe) at a young age and eventually be adopted by his climbing partner and legendary figure in the outdoor adventure space Conrad Anker.  We discuss how that shaped his life, and how the early exposure to professional adventure athletes, a love for the outdoors, and his mother's own passion for artistic creation helped steer him into the world of visual storytelling, and how working on this film project has helped him unpack and deal with so much from his own life.  From his earliest days of trying to create daily images in college while studying business, to the opportunity that receiving a National Geographic Young Adventurer grant afforded him, Max has always been drawn to telling stories through words, photos, and film and has since gone on to create beautiful pieces in the editorial space and for brands across the globe.  To Learn More About Max Lowe Visit: https://www.maxlowemedia.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/max.lowe/

VR Shorts #17: Ben Moon / Photographer, Filmmaker, Author

Photographer, Filmmaker, and now Author Ben Moon returns to the show to talk about his beautifully written book Denali that recently came out, what he's been up to since we last spoke, and how he's filling his time during the quarantine.  Make sure to check out his story on the full length episode he originally did with me back on Episode #48, and read an even more detailed account of his experiences in his new book by visiting the link below and purchasing a copy.  During our conversation we catch up on what went into writing a book at the same time he was trying to build his home, how he balanced his photo/video work in the midst of all of it, and what might be next on his creative to-do list.  Buy Ben's Book Denali Here: bit.ly/denalibook To Learn More About Ben Moon Visit: https://benmoon.com

Episode #127: Will Saunders / Outdoor Adventure Photographer

On this episode of the podcast I'm joined by outdoor adventure photographer Will Saunders to talk about how he went from a kid working as a white water rafting guide in his high school years wanting to study marine biology in college, to suddenly being influenced to take up the torch of photojournalism and pursue a life in photography.  Growing up in a variety of outdoor influenced areas, Will was always attracted to the life that the mountains and oceans offered.  By the time he ended up in Sisters Oregon, he was ready and open to the outdoor adventures that were presented by the unique high school he attended.  After graduating he set off unsure of what would be next, but the universe offered him a mentor that would change the course of his life.  Once he found photography, his work ethic, creative drive, and world renowned mentors helped him quickly develop his own brand of visual storytelling to offer to the outdoor adventure space.  During our conversation Will talks about how this podcast ended up helping to kickstart his career, what it was like working as Tim Kemple's first assistant and alongside the Camp 4 Collective team, how he continues to creatively push himself and evolve as a photographer, and the advice he gives to others with dreams of becoming an adventure storyteller. To Learn More About Will Saunders Visit: https://www.willsaundersphoto.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/willsaundersphoto/

VR Shorts #16: Andrew Hancock / Sports and Commercial Photographer / Nikon Ambassador

Commercial/editorial sports photographer and Nikon Ambassador Andrew Hancock returns to the podcast to talk about what's going on in his life during the current social and economical shutdown, and how this has effected the specific niche of sports photography, as well the industry itself.  Make sure to check out Andrew's original biographical episode (#86 in the archive) to hear his full story, but during this conversation we talk about how he's biding his time indoors with his family, what things could look like in the coming months for those who make their living from shooting sporting events, how we can use this time wisely to be prepared to hit the ground running when we are all on the other side of it, and what he's been up to over the last year since we last talked.  To Learn More About Andrew Hancock Visit: https://www.andrewhancock.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/hancockphoto/

VR Shorts #15: Covid19 / Mindfulness In The Midst Of Madness

On this episode of Visual Revolutionary Shorts I take a small break from the normal talk of photography, filmmaking, and creativity to address the current situation we all find ourselves in these days and what I feel like a meditation/mindfulness practice can do to help in times of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty.  I'll be back very soon with a new episode, but until then I hope this talk comes in handy to someone out there struggling.  

Episode #126: Sofia Jaramillo / Commercial / Editorial / Adventure Photographer / Filmmaker

Commercial, editorial, and outdoor adventure photographer and filmmaker Sofia Jaramillo joins the podcast to talk about how she went from a kid growing up on the slopes of Sun Valley, Idaho to working as a photojournalist in Mexico City, to living in Jackson Hole Wyoming focusing her camera on the outdoor adventure lifestyle she is surrounded by for brands like the North Face and publications ranging from National Geographic to the New York Times.  Sofia found photography at a young age and instantly fell in love with the idea of having the ability to visually communicate to others the way she saw her surroundings.  Throughout her high school and college years, she focused on her craft and moved towards a future in journalism while studying and working for the Yakima Herald in Washington State. But after a stint as a photojournalist in Mexico City, she decided to move to the mountains of Jackson Hole and focus on the lifestyle and adventures that existed there.  Before long she began to get recognition from her peers, as well as from national publications and outdoor brands and has since begun to make a name for herself in the photography industry.  During our conversation we talk about what is was like to recently have the opportunity to represent National Geographic at the winter X Games in Aspen, CO, how she has transitioned into motion with a new film she is currently working on, what it was like to connect with her Latin routes after growing up in the predominantly white culture of a ski town, and the advice that she gives to others chasing their creative dreams in the mountains. To Learn More About Sofia Jaramillo Visit: http://www.sofiajaramillophoto.com And Follow Her on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/sofia_jaramillo5/

VR Shorts #14: Ibarionex Perrello / Photographer, Author, Educator, and Host of the Candid Frame

Photographer, author, educator, and host of the Candid Frame Podcast Ibarionex Perello joins me on the mics to talk about what he's learned about humanity and about himself from over 25 years of shooting on the streets of downtown Los Angeles, as well as all over the world.  During our conversation I get the chance to ask him what made him want to start his own podcast, what he's learned from over 500 conversations with photographers and filmmakers, what his feelings are about the current state of trying to make a living as a creative, and the advice he gives to those that are. To Learn More About Ibarionex Perello Visit: https://www.ibarionex.net And Follow Him on Instagram At:  https://www.instagram.com/ibarionex/

Episode 125: Demas Rusli / Photographer / Architect / Designer / Content Creator

On this episode of the podcast I'm joined by photographer, architect, designer, and all around content creator Demas Rusli to find out how he went from a kid growing up in Sydney Australia with a fascination for architecture, to picking up a camera, building a loyal instagram following, and shooting for some of the biggest brands in the world like Adidas, Samsung, and more, all the while maintaining a job as a working architect and designer.  It was a conversation I was looking forward to having about what the path of a young talented creative can look like in today's photography world.  Demas tells me what it was like to move from the place of his birth in Jakarta Indonesia to Sydney Australia at a very early age and how that affected his youth, his interests, and the path he would end up taking in life.  While chasing his dreams of becoming an architect, he was introduced to photography and fell in love with the medium and the idea of capturing the world the way he saw it. Although he didn't want to give up his new career in architecture and design, he was quickly building an audience on Instagram and before long companies began approaching him to shoot for them.  During our conversation he tells me what it's like juggling two creative careers, both of which he loves, and how they can sometimes play off each other.  We talk about digital manipulation and post production techniques that has brought photography into a new realm and whether or not it has crossed a line of still being photography or not, how he keeps from getting burned out, the way he stays organized, and the advice he gives to others hoping to fulfill their own creative goals.  To Find out More About Demas Rusli Visit: https://www.demasrusli.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/demas/ Also check out his Podcast 529 at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC66vdXZvc_j0Ee-Z2FzDo_A

Episode 124: Caleb Seales / Director / Cinematographer

Director, cinematographer, and co-founder of the Video Production company OPNSZN, Caleb Seales joins the podcast right off the heels of the newest music video he had the chance to work on with Atlanta's own EarthGang featuring the song "Swivel".  As a young up and coming director, already with a who's who list of top musical artist he's worked with, Caleb tells me what it was like growing up in a small town in Georgia where no one seemed to look at creativity as a way out.  Although he had never given any thought to photography and filmmaking growing up, he decided to buy his first camera during college and it quickly became an obsession.  When he was given the opportunity to shoot Atlanta's A3C Festival, he jumped at the chance, and things started happening quickly for what would become Caleb's future career. During our conversation Caleb tells me how a camera first made it's way into his life, what having positive mentors has meant to his quick rise in an ever expanding career, what goes into creating music videos for artist like J Cole, EarthGang, Cantrell, and many more, and the advice he gives to other young up and coming artists like himself.  To Learn More About Caleb Seales Visit: http://www.calebseales.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/calebseales/

VR Shorts Episode #13: Zach Wolfe / Director / Cinematographer / Photographer

Director, cinematographer, photographer, and friend of the show Zach Wolfe returns to talk about what's going on in the creative world of Atlanta, the changes he's experienced with the commercial filmmaking scene and the budgets they bring, his thoughts on smaller camera systems vs the Red and Arri cinema setups, how we both feel about marketing ourselves and where agents stand in that dynamic, and how to continue to set yourself apart in an ever-growing world of creatives.  Make sure to check out Zach's original episode (#85) to hear his amazing backstory of covering the rise of much of the Atlanta hip hop scene and how that grew into the career he has today. To Learn More About Zach Wolfe Visit: http://zachwolfe.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/zachwolfe/

Episode 123: Vernon Deck / Snowboard Photographer / Sailing Adventurer

Volcom staff snowboard photographer and professional vagabond Vernon Deck joins the podcast to talk how he went from a kid growing up in a small town in New Zealand within the confines of a strict religious community, to traveling the globe, discovering photography, and creating a unique mark of his own on the world of snowboarding.  Although Vernon had an idyllic childhood for the most part, he tragically lost his father at the age of 16 and it changed the direction of his life forever.  He soon found himself backpacking through Australia and Europe trying to figure out what was next when he stumbled across photography.  At first it was just a means to document his life and travels, but when he decided to go check out a snowboarding event in Switzerland, he realized he had found his calling.  Before long Vernon was making a name for himself as a snowboard photographer and was offered a staff position with Volcom.  Since then he has spent the last 14 years traveling the globe, chasing winter, and capturing the sport and culture of snowboarding not only for Volcom, but for other top publications and brands in the industry.  During our conversation Vernon tells me what it's like to be a team photographer in today's constant need of new content, how he found sailing and decided to start taking months off of shooting every year to travel the world by himself on a sailboat, and the advice he gives to others trying to chase their own adventures in life.  Click Here For Vernon Deck’s Website. Click Here for Vernon’s Instagram. Click Here for Vernon’s YouTube Channel.

Episode 122: Ray Barbee / Skateboarder / Photographer / Musician

Ray Barbee is not only one of the most influential street skateboarders in history, he's an amazing photographer, musician, and creative thinker, as well as one of the most frequently requested guests I get from fans of the show.  As a young kid growing up in the 80's in San Jose, CA, Ray was introduced to skateboarding during the heyday of backyard ramps and the vert skating kings that had ruled the era.  But before long, street skating started to take hold and Ray found a more accessible form of skateboarding that he and his friends felt they could mold with their own style.  Ray was quickly noticed by one of the biggest names in the business and joined the legendary Powell Peralta team and started working closely with Stacy Peralta and some of his skateboard heroes.  The rest is history, and he would go on to to have an amazing career as a professional skater that continues to this day.  During those years of traveling the globe, Ray realized he was missing an opportunity to capture the life he was living and embraced the craft of photography, spurred on by so many of his photographer friends he knew through the skate world.  During our conversation we talk about what it was like to tour the world as a professional skateboarder, his early influences in photography, what made him embrace the Leica M6 and black and white film, what it's been like having a relationship with such a legendary camera brand, and the advice he gives to others who yearn for a more creative existence.   Follow Ray Barbee on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/r.barbee/

Episode 121: Brady and Alex from the SV Delos / Filmmakers, Photographers, & Adventures

Brady and Alex take a break from sailing adventures on the SV Delos to join the podcast and talk about what life looks like living on a ship and what all goes into creating a YouTube show and producing original content while in the middle of the ocean. Although Brady and his older brother Brian are 10 years apart in age and didn't spend that much time together growing up, when Brian made the decision to quit his job, buy a boat and sail the world, it would end up bringing them closer than they could ever imagine and grow into a YouTube sensation with a fan base all over the world.  Part of the tradition on the boat has been bringing on fans who want to sail and work, and one of those adventurous souls was Alex Blue, who was no stranger to living on ships, and brought a wealth of knowledge of photography and filmmaking.  Before long, Brady and Alex became inseparable and these days they make up the four person main crew along with Brian and his wife Karin.  During our conversation we talk about how the Delos and the YouTube show came into existence, what it's like being out at sea disconnected from so much of the rest of the world for long periods of time, what it looks like to create each episode, and the advice they give to others looking for a life of adventure and creativity.  To Learn More About The SV Delos Visit: https://svdelos.com And Follow Them on YouTube At: https://www.youtube.com/svdelos

Episode 120: Ben and Erin Chrisman / Photographers

Award winning photography team Ben and Erin Chrisman join the podcast to talk about how they met at a friend's wedding, making the move to San Fransisco, the creation of Chrisman studios that has consistently been named as one of the top 10 wedding photography studios in the world, and their most recent move to Charleston, South Carolina to focus on their newest endeavor King and Fields studio and their 3 year old daughter.  Ben and Erin both come from the world of photojournalism and were heavily influenced by some of the greats.  After establishing themselves individually as wedding photographers they ended up coming together and forming a powerful creative team around the idea of not only applying a photojournalistic style of shooting, but of not being afraid to embrace weirder and more artistic compositions.  They quickly rose to become a very prominent studio, shooting huge destination weddings all over the world, but soon realized that they would love to be able to settle down more and shoot from a home base.  During our conversation we talk about the early days in Northern California and their house in Oakland that served as a creative hang out for so many other photographers, what it was like shooting weddings in some of the most unique locations in the world, and what inspired them to want to move back to the south and create a portrait photography studio. To Learn More About Chrisman Studios Visit: https://www.chrismanstudios.com To Learn More About King and Fields Visit: https://kingandfields.com

Episode 119: Amy Arbus / Photographer / Teacher

Photographer Amy Arbus sits down with me to talk about what it was like growing up surrounded by so much creativity.  As the daughter of one of the most famous and recognizable names in photography, Diane Arbus and her well known photographer/actor father Allan Arbus, Amy had no shortage of inspiration and expectation when she decided to pursue her own creative callings.  She realized she felt a natural pull towards photography and wanted to find her personal voice as an artist. She would go on to create a deep body of work across the fine art, editorial, and commercial worlds, and establish her own legacy as a respected photographer, artist, and teacher.  During our conversation Amy tells me about the tragic loss of her mother and how that effected her at a young age, what it was like studying under Richard Avedon, the 10 years she spent shooting street portraits in the east village of New York for the Village Voice during what many would consider one of the most creative eras ever, and how she's given back to the community by years of teaching at the International Center of Photography.   To Learn More About Amy Arbus Visit: https://www.amyarbus.com And Follow Her on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/amyarbus/

Episode 118: Leif Steiner / Photographer / Creative Director

Photographer, creative director, and entrepreneur Leif Steiner joins the show to talk about how he went from studying biochemistry and running track and cross country at Penn State, to switching his major to graphic design, moving to Colorado, and creating his own very successful ad agency, as well as his most recent decision to walk away from it all and pursue a creative calling to travel the world and photograph some of the last indigenous cultures that have still only had minimal contact by the outside world.  I was recently introduced to Leif's work by a feature and interview with Phase One camera and was instantly fascinated by a lot of his stories and attitude on work, creativity, and travel.  After our long conversation, it is clear to me that Leif has a work ethic and drive that would bring him success in whatever goals he sets for himself.  Leif talks about having children very early in life and how that helped spur him forward to founding and becoming the creative director of Moxie Sozo in Boulder Colorado which would grow to 35 employees and clients worldwide by the time he decided to sell the company.  During our conversation Leif tells me what made him decide to walk away from a lucrative creative career, what it was like hitchhiking across the Pakistan/Afghanistan border, the commonalities and kindness he has experienced in cultures across the world, how he plans to keep photographing different indigenous people, and the advice he gives to those seeking to fulfill their own creative goals. To Learn More About Leif Steiner Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/leif_steiner/

Episode 117: Amy Touchette / Photographer / Writer

Brooklyn based photographer, writer, and educator Amy Touchette joins the podcast to talk about her work as a street and documentary photographer and portraitist, and how tragedy and the reminder of her own mortality is what caused her to reevaluate her life and career in the publishing world and set out to pursue a life dedicated to visual storytelling, as well as living her own truth. Amy was always an artistic kid with a passion for reading, writing, and creating art in general. She continued to pursue that passion studying literature in college with dreams of teaching and writing. After earning her masters degree in San Francisco, she ended up in New York City working in the publishing industry and slowly making her way to a position as a managing editor. Before long however, she was yearning for a more creative outlet and realized that she was building a career she didn't love. She was painting a lot, but felt like she wanted something that would pull her out of her own solitary world and found photography, inspired by the characters of the NYC streets. But it was the tragedy of 9/11 that would give her another reminder that life can sometimes be cut too short, and to not waste anymore time doing things she wasn't passionate about, and she began chasing her creative aspirations with a more focused dedication. During our conversation Amy tells me what inspired her to take on a 4 year long personal project of photographing and living with the burlesque dancer The World Famous Bob and the book "Shoot the Arrow" that would help establish her in the photography world, the inspiration she finds everyday from wandering the streets of New York and the characters that inhabit it, what she's learned about the human condition from years of street interactions, what inspires her to keep moving forward, and the advice she gives to others who want to pursue a more creative lifestyle. To Learn More About Amy Touchette Visit: https://www.amytouchette.com And Follow Her on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/amy_touchette/

Episode 116: Chad Eaton (AKA "Timber") / Painter, Graphic Artist, Element Brand Collaborator

Painter, Graphic Artist, and Element Skateboard Brand Collaborator Chad Eaton, better known to many by one of his more popular art personas "Timber", joins the podcast to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in LA with a rough start on his early family years, to creating a successful art brand of his own as well as working for major clients all over the world. Growing up in southern California in the early 90s, Chad was introduced to skateboarding at an early age and quickly fell in love with the freedom and since of belonging it provided for someone who usually felt on the outside. Although Chad had always been a creative kid, and his mother was an artist herself, it was years later that he found his way back to the therapeutic practice of sketching, painting, and creating in general. After a while he got the opportunity to create some branding for a skate shop that would end up leading him to some of his now famous characters and to the world of Timber the artist. With the arrival of Etsy, he soon found himself in high demand for all of the apparel he was making and it would end up leading him to forming a long lasting relationship with the skateboard company Element. During our conversation we talk about how Chad first created the world and all the characters that live in it he has become known for under the Timber moniker, what it's been like having such a long lasting and successful relationship with a skate brand like Element, the trips he's had all over the world creating murals and doing art tours, and the advice he gives to others who have big creative dreams. To Learn More About Chad and his Timber Brand Visit: https://www.timberps.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/timberps/

VR Shorts 12: Mike Blabac / Skateboard & Commercial Photographer

Renowned skateboard and commercial photographer Mike Blabac returns to the podcast to talk about his new book "Family Portraits...Mike Blabac Photography 1994-2019", as well as the new film by the same name directed by Jacob Rosenberg that follows Mike's storied career, the process of shooting the book, and what skateboarding has meant to his life. Make sure to check out Mike's full biographical episode way back at #14. During this conversation we talk about what inspired him to want to create this book, what goes into the selection process of picking each portrait, the beautifully shot film collaboration with Jacob Rosenberg, working with St Archer Brewing company as a creative partner, how skateboarding and the culture around it preserves his youth, and what he's learned from so many amazing creative people he's been fortunate enough to be surrounded by. Make sure to pick up a copy of his new book at the link below as well as watch the new film. To Pick up Your Copy of "Family Portraits" Visit: https://www.etsy.com/market/mike_blabac To Watch the New Film "Mike Blabac...Family Portraits Visit: https://vimeo.com/370946743 To Learn More About Mike Blabac Visit: https://www.blabacphoto.com

Episode 115: Marc Silber / Photographer, Author, Video Producer, and Educator

Best selling author, photographer, video producer, and educator Marc Silber joins the show to talk about his latest book "Create: Tools from Seriously Talented People to Unleash Your Creative Life", and how he went from an artistic young kid with a camera hanging out around Heigh Ashbury in the late 60s, to the art institute of San Francisco, to teaching mountaineering, to spending years as a business consultant, to finally re-kindling his love of photography, filmmaking, and a creative way of living. Marc grew up in the hills of Menlo Park, CA and was introduced to photography and the darkroom at a very early age. During his high school years he had the opportunity to spend some time in Mexico with his Rolleiflex and created a body of work that still inspires him today and sent him on a path that would lead him to the art institute of San Francisco. Although Marc was always drawn towards visual storytelling, he was also very drawn to the outdoors, and started teaching mountaineering at the National Outdoor Leadership School. It would be those years of early leadership training that would soon lead him back to education in the creative fields he always loved. During our conversation Marc tells me what inspired him to start his YouTube series "Advancing Your Photography" where he interviews some of the top photographers in the world, the daily tools and habits he uses to help him stay motivated, creative, and productive, what he's learned from long conversations with so many successful creatives, and the advice he gives to others struggling to fulfill their creative goals. To Learn More About Marc and To Buy His Book Visit: https://www.silberstudios.com To Watch his YouTube Series Advancing Your Photography Visit: https://www.youtube.com/user/marcsilber

 Episode 114: Reuben Krabbe / Ski and Action Sports Photographer

Award winning ski and action sports photographer Reuben Krabbe joins the podcast to talk about his most recent celestial ski photo and the newly released short film "Nebula" (links below) that traces his journey to capture a skier in front of the Orion Nebula, as well as take you inside some of the creative process on what it looks like to chase after such an elusive photograph. Growing up in Calgary, Rueben was always attracted to the mountains that were so close by and the lifestyle that went with them. But when one of his friends got a hold of his Dad's SLR camera and they started taking pictures of each other on their ski and mountain bike adventures, Reuben began to dream about a future as an action sports photographer, and all the adventures that might entail. Before long, after a short stint in photography school, he was living in a van in Whistler chasing that goal with a drive and work ethic that would soon enough pair him with the right athletes and companies to start making the images he had imagined. After a while his imagination for a ski shot became a little more advantageous which would lead him to creating an image of a skier in front of the northern lights first, and then an even bigger project working with Salomon to try and capture an image of skiers in front of the solar eclipse which would lead to several awards, recognition from the industry, and another short film about the process. With the film Nebula, Reuben sets out to capture what he says is the third and final image of a series of celestial events. During our conversation Reuben tells me what's it like to try and work around getting pigeon holed as the guy who shoots ski images in front of celestial events, how he manages to stay relevant in such a saturated niche of the industry, the way he goes about visualizing and organizing personal projects, and the advice he gives to others coming up in the world of action sports photography. To Watch the new film Nebula Visit: https://www.nebula-film.com To Learn More About Reuben Krabbe Visit: https://reubenkrabbe.com And Follow on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/reubenkrabbe/

Episode 113: Sebastian Meyer / Photojournalist, Documentary Photographer, Filmmaker

Award winning photojournalist, documentary photographer, and filmmaker Sebastian Meyer joins the show to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in New York, to spending ten years living in Kurdistan, co-founding the first Iraqi photography agency, and his beautiful new book that documents the journey and the people called "Under Every Yard of Sky". Although Sebastian had a similar experience as so many others that have been on this show before of getting the chance to learn photography in a high school class, it wouldn't be until years later during college while he was studying abroad in France that he would truly fall in love with it. After seeing some of the photos he was taking during his travels, a friend turned him on to the field of photojournalism and gave him a book on Magnum photographers that would change his life. Soon enough Sebastian was chasing his own dreams as a photojournalist, and even ended up as an intern at the Magnum photography agency. After moving to London to try and establish himself as a photographer there, Sebastian was given the opportunity through a friend to travel to Kurdistan on an assignment. While on assignment, he met who would become his best friend and future business partner Kamaran Najm and the two of them would go on to create something idealistic and amazing in Kurdistan. During our conversation Sebastian tells me what attracted him to life in the middle east and how he ended up calling Kurdistan home for so long, what it was like trying to build a photo agency, the tragic story of his best friend Kamaran, how he feels about the current state of photojournalism, and the advice he gives to others coming up in the field. To Learn More About Sebastian Meyer Visit: https://www.sebmeyer.com To Buy a Copy of Under Every Yard of Sky Visit: https://www.sebmeyer.com/bookstore

VR Shorts 11: Emily Polar / Photographer

My good friend, and bad ass photographer, Emily Polar returns to the show to have an honest conversation about what it looks like to truly value and honor your time, the issues she has with the conventional model of the the role of an advertising photographer, what it was like to live and study in Nepal for the last three years, the influence Buddhism and daily meditation has on her life, how she manages her money and lives with almost no overhead in order to stay on the move, and the plans she has going forward with her career and her personal life. Make sure to check out Episode #4 from the way back machine to hear Emily's first appearance on the show where she discusses her backstory and how she got to where she is today. To Learn More About Emily Polar Visit: https://www.emilypolar.com And Follow Her on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/emilypolar/

Episode 112: Glenna Gordon / Photojournalist, Documentary Photographer, and Teacher

Documentary photographer, respected photojournalist, and educator Glenna Gordon joins the show to talk about how she went from a kid growing up in suburban Orange County, to living in West Africa covering everything from Boko Haram to Muslim women who write romance novels. Although Glenna was raised in a loving home and in a sheltered community, she was no stranger to stories of tragedy and hardship, and she was brought up with the intimate knowledge of what true suffering and sacrifice can look like. She knew from a young age that Irvine was not the place for her and she had dreams of living in New York and seeing what else the world had to offer. After studying art history at UC Berkley and then getting a job that would move her to NYC, she realized that she wasn't creatively satisfied and wanted more than sitting at a desk full of paperwork. She attended journalism school at Columbia and then decided to go visit her older brother who was living and working in Rwanda. On a whim, and full of youthful courage, she somehow managed to talk her way into a Rwandan prison and put together a story about women who were being held there. That story would end up being the catalyst to her chasing her passion of story telling, becoming more dedicated to photography, and falling in love with the people of Africa. During our conversation we talk about what made her decide to move to Uganda at the age of 25 and the transition from being a writer to focusing more on telling stories with her camera, what it was like to create such a viral media piece like her story on the 300 girls kidnapped by Boko Haram, her eventual move back to New York and realizing some of the stories that needed to be told here in the states, and the advice she gives to those dreaming of one day telling their own visual stories. To Learn More About Glenna Gordon Visit: http://www.glennagordon.com And Follow Her on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/glennagordon/

Episode 111: Clay Cook / Fashion, Lifestyle, & Commercial Photographer

Editorial and Commercial fashion/lifestyle photographer and educator Clay Cook joins the podcast from his studio in Louisville, KY to talk about how he went from years on the road as a guitar player in a popular hard rock band, to shooting fashion editorials and commercial campaigns across the country. Although Clay was very influenced by movies at an early age and loved trying to create his own short films, at 16 years old he joined a band that would alter the trajectory of his life and send him out chasing the dream of stardom and touring the country for the next 10 years. Music became everything to him during that time and his band put out an album that attracted the attention of some in the music business and became the foundation of so many of the stories he has from the earlier part of his life. During all those years of touring, Clay started doing graphic design work to supplement his income, which led him to finally picking up a camera in an attempt to create his own stock imagery for design purposes. Before long he became more and more fascinated by figuring out photography and his band began to realize that it might be time to move on with their lives. Clay began to put more of his focus on becoming a better shooter and finding clients and the rest is history. During our conversion Clay talks about the personal project and book that helped launch his career, why he's chosen to keep his studio in a smaller market like Louisville, KY when he is shooting national work, what motivates him to keep creating, some of the positive and negative aspects of getting involved in the online education world of photography, and the advice he gives to others coming up. To Learn More About Clay Cook Visit: https://www.claycookphoto.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/claycookphoto/

Episode 110: Darren McCullough / Anthill Films CoFounder / Filmmaker

Action Sports and Commercial Filmmaker, and one of the co-founders of Anthill Films, Darren McCullough joins the podcast to talk about the crew's latest film "Return to Earth" and how he went from being a kid growing up in the small town of Lions Bay BC to becoming part of a filmmaking team making some of the most cutting edge mountain bike films available. As a kid growing up in a small town with access to both the mountain lifestyle and the ocean, Darren had an early love for skiing and outdoor adventures. So it was only natural that after his older brother started getting him involved in photography and filmmaking in High School, that he had created his first ski film before he even thought about the prospect of college or the future. Because of those early tastes of creative success, and with his older brother's mentorship and encouragement, Darren began to pursue what else could come from what seemed to be a fairly natural eye for shooting. After years of working for others in the commercial realm and continuing his education through a short stint in film school and multiple professional mentorships, Darren realized that he missed being a part of the mountain lifestyle that his first ski film had afforded him. During that time he met a crew of like minded creatives working on a mountain bike film that would soon become the foundation of The Collective, and would go on to produce three full length feature films and after that would form the basis of what makes up Anthill Films and a very impressive list of film titles that are helping to revolutionize what a mountain bike video looks like in today's standards. During our conversation we discuss the amount of time and schedule that goes into making a full length film like "Return to Earth", how they go about juggling commercial work with their passion of making mountain bike movies, how he deals with burnout when it sets in, the democracy of working with a big crew, and the advice he gives to those who dream of one day making their own sports action movies. To Learn More About Anthill Films or buy the movie Visit: https://anthillfilms.com To Rent or Buy the movie "Return To Earth" Visit https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/return-to-earth/id1470555308

Episode 109: Matt Porteous / Photographer and Filmmaker / Portrait, Wedding, & Adventure Lifestyle

On this episode of the podcast Matt Porteous drops in to talk about how he went from creating a successful business as a stone mason to becoming one of the go to portrait photographers for the Royal Family, building his own successful commercial studio, and creating a staggering amount of personal photography and film projects as well as multiple outlets to showcase them in. Matt grew up on the small island of Jersey in the U.K. It was there that he fell in love with the ocean and the culture that surrounded it. He spent most of his days surfing and dreaming of one day traveling the world in search of better waves. At an early age his mother remarried and Matt found himself not only introduced to more disciple in his life, but also to the many new adventures that his stepfather began taking him on that would shape a lot of his adventurous attitude for years to come. Matt had also become fascinated with photography during his younger years thanks to a small underwater camera that he constantly carried around with him, but it would be in his early 20s as he set out to travel through Indonesia, Australia, and other surf locations that the camera became a more important tool that he understood could tell a story. After returning home from his travels he felt it would be a better career move to continue to pursue work in the trades, and formed what would become a fairly successful stone masonry company. As he worked at that business he continued to constantly try and hone his skills in photography, until one day he finally made the decision to chase his dreams of becoming a professional. He walked away from his business and the rest is history. During our conversation Matt talks about how he first began building the portfolio that would help him create a successful wedding photography business, the way he ended up first working with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, how he created enough time to constantly continue to pursue his love of adventure photography, and the advice he gives to those coming up in the creative world trying to decide the right path to take. To Learn More About Matt Porteous Visit: http://thestudiom.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/mattporteous/

Episode 108: Jeff Stockwell / Automotive and Lifestyle Photographer and Director

On this episode of the podcast I sit down with automotive and lifestyle photographer and commercial director Jeff Stockwell to talk about how he turned a professional career as a rollerblader into becoming a sought after photographer working with some of the biggest car companies in the world. Growing up in San Clemente Jeff always felt like an outsider because the things he was most passionate about seemed to be outside the norm of those around him. Although he lived in a beach town, he had little interest in the ocean, and while surrounded by skateboarding, he gravitated more towards rollerblading and quickly began to gain recognition in what was then an exploding sport. Through competing, video parts, and team sponsorships Jeff traveled the world and began to form the foundation of what would later become a visual aesthetic that would serve him well. Although he was one of the top pros in the county, roller blading wasn't quite cutting it for paying the bills and so Jeff stayed close to the industry of his other passion....cars. He worked in a machine shop and continued to learn more and more about the mechanical world and figured that would most likely represent his future. It wasn't until years later when an opportunity arose to assist a busy automotive photographer that Jeff started to realize that he could combine his love of cars with his creative side and became fascinated with the world of photography. Jeff put in his time working his way up in the assisting world, but before long he began to attract the attention of other art directors and decided to set out on his own. The rest is history, and Jeff has proven he has his own vision as an artist and the drive it takes to succeed in a very competitive industry. During our conversation we talk about constantly shooting test work and how that helps you to not only stay sharp, but to remain relevant in the midst of so may other shooters, what it was like making the decision to go out on his own after years of steady work as an assistant, how his love of vintage clothing, architecture, and cars influences his photography, and the advice he gives to others coming up in the creative world. To Learn More About Jeff Stockwell Visit: https://jeff-stockwell.com To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: http://www.visualrevolutionary.com

Episode 107: Sam Jones / Renowned Photographer, Filmmaker, and Host of Off Camera

Renowned celebrity portrait photographer, documentary filmmaker, host of the popular show "Off Camera", and man of many creative pursuits Sam Jones joins the podcast to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in Fullerton, CA with a focus on skateboarding and punk rock, to creating a very successful career as a photographer and filmmaker. During his younger years Sam always had a lot of outlets for creativity. Whether he was playing music in many of the bands he was in, drawing cartoons for his school newspaper, or riding his skateboard, Sam was beginning to shape the way he viewed the world around him. During his third year of college he decided to take a photography class, and with the encouragement of his good friend Neil Blender, start creating images of what was around him. Although music was still the main goal, Sam began to work as a photojournalist for his school paper, which quickly lead him to becoming a stringer for national news outlets. Before long he found himself on a plane to New York to chase the growing dream of creating a life for himself in the world of photography. During our conversation Sam tells me the story of how he created the image of Chris Rock for Vanity Fair that would help launch his career to another level, what it was like learning how to become a documentary filmmaker while actually in the midst of making a film about Wilco, how he juggles all of his creative pursuits and how he feels that keeps him from ever burning out, and the advice he gives to others who want to make a life for themselves in the creative world. Given his background in the DIY world of punk rock and skateboarding, and all is creative pursuits, it's no wonder that Sam is just as comfortable having a long conversation with someone like Robert Downey Jr, as he is taking his portrait. To Learn More About Sam Jones Visit: https://www.samjonespictures.com To Watch or Listen to Off Camera Visit: https://offcamera.com

VR Shorts Episode 10: Krystle Wright / Photographer, Director, Canon Ambassador

Adventure photographer, director, filmmaker, Canon ambassador, and all around bad ass Krystle Wright returns to the podcast to talk about her three most current short films "Chasing Monsters", "In Perpetual Motion", and "A Restless Peace" (Links Below). Make sure to check out Krystle's original appearance on the show back on episode #52 to hear the story of how she got started. During this conversation we discuss what it was like trying to create three new films for Canon over the course of three years, putting together creative teams and knowing how to let them help guide her in expressing her own vision, what it was like chasing storms through "Tornado Ally" with the most recent guest of the show Nick Moir, trying to create films that have more space to breathe and interpret the imagery instead of always needing to let the audience know what you are saying, her thoughts on the current state of "like driven" content on social media, and what's next for her as she continues to evolve as an artist. To Learn More About Krystle Wright Visit: https://krystlewright.com And Follow Her on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/krystlejwright/ **Links to all Three Films** Chasing Mosters https://youtu.be/6cCBfClDGxo In Perpetual Motion https://youtu.be/4tyqnA4Bo5I A Restless Peace https://youtu.be/uy5XHBqEAIQ

Episode 106: Nick Moir / Photojournalist / Storm Chaser

Award winning photojournalist and renowned storm chaser Nick Moir joins the show to talk about what it's like facing down every type of severe weather you could imagine and how he has continued to evolve as a photographer, journalist, and creative after years in the field working with the Sydney Morning Herald. You can get a brief glimpse into what the fast paced world of storm chasing looks like in Krystle Wright's new film "Chasing Monsters" which features Nick and his work. Growing up in Sydney's Blue Mountains, Nick was inspired at an early age by the natural beauty and power of the storms and bushfires that were part of existence in that landscape. As the son of a political cartoonist, art and creative expression were also a part of his young life and soon he would find his voice through the lens of a camera. He became fascinated by the lifestyle of the newspaper photojournalist and began working his way up the ranks. During the early 2000s, he set out with another photographer to document a devastating bushfire and after two years of coverage they had both brought home the prestigious World Press Photo Award. Although he works as a daily news photojournalist, his continued fascination of storms has sent him all over the world from covering devastating tornadoes in America, to the Tsunami in Indonesia, to raging bushfires in his own backyard. During our conversation we talk about what it's like to mentally recover from the power and tragedy that can be involved in what he shoots, how he prepares for shooting in places like the infamous Tornado Ally, and the advice he gives to other out there wanting to brave the severity of mother nature. To Learn More About Nick Moir Visit: http://www.nickmoirphoto.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/nampix/ To Watch Nick in Krystle Wright's New Film Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cCBfClDGxo

Episode 105: Jonathan Mehring / Commercial and Skateboard Photographer / Director / World Traveler

On this episode I sit down with Jonathan Mehring to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in a holler in Virginia in a log home his "return to the land" parents built with no concrete in sight, to a skateboard enthusiast and one of the most well traveled skateboard photographers in the world, and finally the way that would lead him to working with National Geographic on his book "Skate the World" to help spread the global message of skateboard culture. As a kid growing up in a rural town with pretty adventurous and outdoor enthusiastic parents, skateboarding wasn't necessarily the first thing that you would assume would become the driving force of Jonathan's life, but while driving around one day, he got a glimpse of a skater airing it out over a privacy fence of a backyard ramp and that scene would stick with him and alter the direction of his life. Once that passion was paired with a high school photography class, his future was suddenly becoming more clear. He would go on to study photography in college and try to ignore the advice his professors gave him to give up on the idea of photographing something like skateboarding. Before long he proved them wrong by signing on as a photographer with slap magazine. After a long run there, and several trips to Europe, he got the travel bug and an opportunity to work with Skateboarder. It would be at that publication that he would soon birth a mission to go to the most remote skate locals he could imagine and create editorial skate trips like no one else had ever seen. During our conversion we talk about what it was like to ride motorcycles from Hanoi to Saigon looking for skateable terrain, how he convinced a magazine to let him spend months on the Trans Siberian Railroad, what it was like to realize that he had helped get National Geographic interested in skate culture, and the advice he gives to others with big dreams of travel and photography. To Learn More About Jonathan Mehring Visit: http://www.mehringphoto.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/mehringsbearings/

Episode 104: Jussi Grznar / Commercial, Action Sports, and Fine Art Photographer

Commercial, action sports, and fine art photographer Jussi Grznar joins the show to talk about growing up in former Czechoslovakia and watching the fall of communist leadership and repression, and how that led him to chasing his dreams not only for himself, but for his parents that never had the same opportunity. At an early age Jussi's parents always encouraged him and his sister to let themselves be influenced by travel, music, and whatever other culture they could absorb. At age 10, when communism fell, Jussi remembers starting to finally get his hands on skateboard and snowboarding magazines, and hear some of the music that had not been allowed before. It would become the spark of a dream that would eventually lead him to North America and through a ton of random jobs before finally picking up a camera to document the mountain lifestyle he had fallen in love with. While living in Whistler and attending the pro photography showdown, Jussi told his close friend that one day he would stand on that stage. It would be a prophetic statement that would give Jussi a goal that he would chase for years before making it come true and winning best in show and the people's choice at the same competition. During our conversation we discuss the trials and tribulations Jussi dealt with not only getting to Canada, but figuring out how to survive there and get his foot in the door of the competitive world of action sports photography, what it is was like to accomplish his goal of winning at Whistler's renowned pro photographer showdown after putting in years of work, how he made the transition from action sports photographer to commercial lifestyle shooter, and the advice he give to others coming up. To Learn More About Jussi Grznar Visit: https://www.jussigrznar.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/jussi_grznar/

Episode 103: Mike Lewis / Aquatic Sports and Commercial Photographer

Mike Lewis, aka @mike2swim, joins the show to talk about how he went from being a collegiate swimmer, to working at the executive level for the Olympic Canoe/Kayak and Water Polo teams, to finally deciding to focus on photography and find himself back in the pool with the athletes he knew best.  Growing up in southern California, Mike gravitated towards the water at an early age and quickly became an accomplished swimmer.  It would become a sport that would help him have a drive and focus throughout his high school years.  During that time, like so many others that have been on this show, he found photography and fell in love with the process.  Throughout his years as a swimmer, and then later on in his professional life working with olympic athletes, the camera was always close by and gave Mike a meditative and creative outlet that he became more and more focused on becoming proficient at.  When one of his close friends started  Swim Swam, which would become one of the biggest swimming media outlets in the world, Mike found a way to be able to focus on two of his biggest passions, swimming and photography.  Before long Mike created some images that would help launch his career to a new level and provide him opportunities to work with the biggest name swimmers and brands around.  During our conversation Mike talks about how he created a niche portfolio and career dedicated to one of his life's biggest passions, the specific challenges photographers face when photographing aquatic sports, how he tries to bring mindfulness into his daily life and work, and the advice he gives to others coming up in this world.  To Learn More About Mike Lewis Visit: https://olavistaphotography.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/mike2swim/

Episode 102: Joey L. / Photographer / Director

Award winning photographer/director Joey Lawrence (aka Joey L.) joins the show to talk about how he went from photographing his musician friends in high school, to shooting portraits of celebrities like Robert De Niro and Jennifer Lawrence, to traveling the globe extensively in the pursuit of some of the most ambitious personal projects ever discussed on this podcast.  Although he's now old enough to not be the youngest person on his sets anymore, Joey L. is still a young face in the industry, but at age 29 his portfolio is packed with work most older veterans could only dream of.  During our conversation we talk about how Joey found photography and the work ethic and drive that had him shooting professionally at the age of 16, and how he continues to evolve as an artist.  Although Joey has had no shortage of interviews and press throughout his photography career, the true testament to his talents is that he hasn't slowed down a bit.  Over the years he has continued to hone his craft and blur the lines between his personal work and his commercial projects, earning him coveted spots like the Lavazza calendar is 2016, previously shot by other top photographers like Annie Leibovitz and Mark Seliger.  Joey gives us an insiders look at what goes into creating his personal work, how he stays organized with his schedule, why he feels "burn out" is no longer an issue for him, and the advice he gives to those veterans out there that think the golden era of photography is over. To Learn More About Joey L. Visit: https://joeyl.com/overview/category/quick-portfolio And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/joeyldotcom/

Episode 101: Steve Rokks / Filmmaker / Commercial DP / Photographer

Filmmaker, Commercial DP, Photographer, Adventurer, and man of many talents Steve Rokks joins the podcast to talk about how he went from a kid growing up in Long Island with a fascination for jazz drumming, to  dreams of a Navy Seal career, to working as an engineer, to a job in the music industry in Dallas working with labels like Def Jam and artists like Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube, to editing videos on the side for a filmmaker friend, to finally finding himself behind the camera focused on his current career of commercial DP and documentary filmmaker.  From his earliest years that he can remember, Steve was always inspired by the work ethic and DIY attitude of his father.  It's a thread he's taken through his own life of "when a door opens, go through it and see what you can make of it".  He applied it through his younger years of making music, through the opportunity he was presented to work as a sound engineer, and finally to working as a filmmaker.  We talk about what goes into that mind set and where it comes from, and the sometimes random curve balls life throws at you that you can knock out of the park if you are willing to swing at them. During our conversation Steve discusses how he found climbing in high school, when the name Steve Rokks came about, his latest short film "The Art of Living" that was selected as a Vimeo Staff Pick, how he balanced life as a commercial DP with the personal projects he sets out to create, and the advice he gives to other creatives coming up in this world. To Learn More About Steve Rokks Visit: http://steverokks.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/steverokks/

Episode 100: Ric Stovall / My Story / With Special Guest Host Kenna Klosterman

We finally made it to episode 100 of the podcast, and to celebrate I'm joined by special guest host Kenna Klosterman to help lead me through telling my own life story.  You might know Kenna as the host of Creative Live, or from her own great photography podcast "We Are Photographers", so she seemed like the perfect person to come in and take over hosting the Visual Revolutionary Podcast.  Kenna has also been a guest on this show before so make sure to check out Episode 64 to hear her story.  Believe it or not, I've had several requests over the last 99 episodes to tell my own story, so during this episode you get to learn more about me.  Therefore if you are one of the people who have commented that I talk too much, it might not be the episode for you.  During our conversation I tell Kenna about what it was like growing up in a small town in Kentucky, how skateboarding was the impetus of so much creativity and rebellion in my life, what it was like traveling on tour with the Grateful Dead, my stint in life as a purveyor of illegal substances, how many times I had to be threatened by legal troubles before trying to get my act together, my long standing relationship with meditation and the present moment, and what ultimately led me to a life and career in photography.  

VR Shorts Episode #9: Sean Boggs / Commercial Photographer

My good friend Sean Boggs returns to the show to talk about his recent personal project working with the Ninash Foundation, where he traveled through India to document people from all walks of life and captured some of the amazing changes Ninash has made in their lives and the lives of others.  During our conversation we talk about taking on personal projects and giving back by donating your services to non profit organizations, how he went about planning and executing this project, the logistics of creating environmental portraits in all types of situations, and the way others have received the work thus far. To Learn More About Sean Boggs Visit: https://seanfboggs.com To Learn More About the Ninash Foundation Visit: http://www.ninash.org

Episode 99: Jeff Lipsky / Celebrity, Fashion, Lifestyle Photographer

Celebrity and lifestyle photographer Jeff Lipsky joins the podcast to talk about how he went from working as a fly fishing guide in Telluride, CO and trying to see how many days a year he could snowboard, to shooting some of the most well known celebrities in the world and working on ad campaigns for companies like Verizon, Eddie Bauer, Warner Brothers, and many others.  Although Jeff was turned on to photography at a fairly early age, it would be his passion for skiing and snowboarding that would get him to move from the east coast to explore the rest of the country.  He fell in love with mountain life and spent 10 years in Telluride, CO until photography came calling again and he rekindled his passion for shooting.  Before long he moved to LA with big dreams and a drive to make it in the very competitive world of shooting fashion and celebrity work.  After putting in his time as an assistant with some of the most well known photographers of the time, he finally took the plunge to try and make it on his own, and the rest is history.  Jeff has gone to create an amazing body of work and has given back to the world of photography by teaching with groups like Sante Fe Workshops.  During our conversation we talk about the fear of putting yourself out there, the hustle and relationships required to make it in the world of photography, what it looks like behind the scenes of a big celebrity shoot, and the advice his gives to others who have big dreams in the creative world. To Learn More About Jeff Lipsky Visit: https://www.jefflipsky.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/jefflipsky/

Episode 98: Tyler Sharp/Photographer, Director, Writer, & Editor-in-Chief of Modern Huntsman Magazine

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by outdoor photographer, director, writer, creative director and the co-founder/editor-in-chief of Modern Huntsman magazine Tyler Sharp.  Tyler takes us through his story of growing up outside of Austin Texas, studying photography and filmmaking at USC, and how that would eventually lead to him living in Tanzania filming Safari expeditions as his first job out of college.  After developing a taste for travel, expeditions, hunting culture, and an outdoor lifestyle, Tyler continued to pursue work in that field and before long was traveling the world with famed hunter and media personality Jim Shockey, filming a television series for the outdoor network.  Before long however, Tyler found himself back in the states and the grind of daily life expectations and work.  He started to become burned out on shooting before returning to what had generated the most passion in the first place.  Through a creative approach to marketing and networking, he soon found himself working with brands like Filson, Cabellas, Tecovas Boots, and many others.  All of this would soon start to coincide with his most ambitious and personal project ever with Modern Huntsman Magazine.  During our conversation we talk about how he developed his portfolio to attract heritage clients like Filson and others, the way Modern Huntsman Magazine came about, the conversations that need to be had about hunting, public land use, conservation and so much else, and the advice he gives to others coming up trying to make a name for themselves in this world. To Learn More About Tyler Sharp Visit https://www.tylersharp.com To Learn More About Modern Huntsman Visit https://modernhuntsman.com

VR Shorts Episode #8 / Bo Bridges / Renowned Advertising, Actions Sports, and Fine Art Photographer

Renowned action sports, advertising, and fine art photographer/director and friend of the show Bo Bridges returns to the podcast to talk about his recent collaboration with Marvel Comics, what it's like shooting in the impact zone of big wave surfing productions, and the challenges of running a brick and mortar gallery in today's retail climate.  Bo was one of Visual Revolutionary's original guests, so make sure to check out his full biographical story on episode #3 of the podcast.  During this conversation we discuss what the behind the scenes day to day looks like in the busy schedule of juggling a commercial photography career with a gallery business, what some of the specific challenges of big wave surfing photography look like, and how an action sports photographer gets hooked up with Marvel Comics. To Learn More About Bo Bridges Visit: http://www.bobridges.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/bobridges/

Episode 97: Christopher Michel / Photographer / Entrepreneur

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by Christopher Michel to hear about how he went from being a naval flight officer, to working at the Pentagon, to Harvard business school, to creating multiple companies in the tech world, to his current life as a world traveling photographer documenting some of the harshest conditions on the planet and working with everyone from leading publications to research teams along the way.  As we learn on the show, it's hard to pinpoint where Christopher grew up.  He moved around a lot as a kid and, because of that, always felt like an outsider in the new towns he found himself in.  However, it would be that outsider's spirit and the desire to stay on the move that would end up serving him well in his most recent manifestation of work and passion.  He would first find himself moving through multiple careers, finding both success and failure in the high stakes world of tech entrepreneurship, but finally he would decide that his true goal was to continue to travel the world and become a photographer with something to say, and the right tools to say it with.  It's a goal that so many creative people have in life.  To walk away from a career that doesn't bring them fulfillment and chase their passions and their dreams. And on this episode we dive into what that looked like for Christopher.  During our conversion we talk about the steps he took to walk away from what seemed to be a financially rewarding path and go after a passion project instead, the mentors he's had along the way, giving back to the photography world by teaching and speaking, and the advice he gives to others chasing a similar creative dream. To Learn More About Christopher Michel Visit: https://www.christophermichel.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/chris_michel/

Episode 96: Arto Saari / Photographer / Professional Skateboarder

Professional skateboarder, photographer, and frequently requested guest Arto Saari joins the show to talk about how he went from a small rural town in Finland, to leaving the country as a young teenager to go on tour with Danny Way and start an adventure that's continued ever since.  Like many people from a certain generation, Arto had his young mind blown by films like Thrashin', Gleaming the Cube, and even Back to the Future's skate scenes, but it would be an old board left behind by his uncle that would end up changing his life forever.  Although Seinajoki, Finland wasn't known for its abundance of skate-able terrain, Arto and his friends set about taking their skills to the next level by finding old warehouses that would make do as their own personal skate parks.  Before long Arto began to attract global attention when he seemed to come out of no where at the world championships in Germany.  That would lead to an invite to go on tour with Plan B, and the rest is history.  Arto would end up living in southern California and form a life long relationship with Flip Skateboards and a successful career as a professional skateboarder becoming Thrasher's skater of year in 2001.  During his career, he used his close proximity and friendships with many of the industries leading photographers and filmmakers to hone his own skills behind the camera and began to carve out a place for himself in a new profession that he was also passionate about.  He continues to both skate and create beautiful photographs that attract both commercial clients and art buyers alike, and has since taken on the humbling task of learning to surf Hawaii's North Shore.  During our conversation we talk about what made him leave Los Angeles and move to Hawaii, the intersection of skateboarding and photography, his love for Leica cameras, his photojournalist approach to skateboard photography, and the advice he gives to others coming up in the creative world. To Learn More About Arto Saari Visit: http://www.artosaari.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/artofoto/

Episode 95: Matthew Jordan Smith / Renowned Fashion and Celebrity Photographer & Nikon Ambassador

Renowned fashion and celebrity photographer and Nikon ambassador Matthew Jordan Smith joins the show from his home in Tokyo to talk about how he went from the son of a preacher in a small town in the south to a very successful career in photography and the set of America's Next Top Model to work with his friend and frequent collaborator Tyra Banks.  Although Matthew was born in Brooklyn, he moved to the south at the age of 7 when his anesthesiologist father decided he wanted to pursue his passion of preaching and find his flock in a new location.  Feeling like an outsider in a new town he found photography at an early age and it gave him a voice and a way in to the world around him.  He instantly became fascinated with it and decided to go on to study photography.  When he left college early on to move to New York instead however, that's when his real photography education began.  He worked his way up in the world of assisting, and fell in love with fashion photography.  Before long, an agent stepped in and said he would be shooting for him now and the rest is history.  He's gone on to have an amazing career, shooting everyone from the world's most sought after super models to A-list celebrities, yet always kept a humble attitude and a beginners mind approach that would propel him further and further in the industry.  With multiple books to his name, a podcast of his own, and speaking gigs all over the world he has also given back to the world that gave so much to him.  During our conversation Matthew talks about the importance of always working on personal projects, the false narrative that success will bring you happiness that so many get trapped by, how he handles the stress of shooting celebrity work, and the advice he gives to others coming up in the world of photography. To Learn More About Matthew Jordan Smith Visit: https://www.matthewjordansmith.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/matthewjordansmith/

Episode 94: Aaron Rose / Artist, Director, Writer, Curator

Director, artist, writer, and exhibition curator Aaron Rose joins the show to talk about how he found himself in the midst of an amazing group of artists in the early 90s in New York and formed what would become the famed Alleged Gallery in the lower east side, how he set about capturing that era in the documentary film "Beautiful Losers", and the evolution of a long career as a creative working with some of the biggest companies in the world as well as continuing to make films, personal artwork, and gallery shows along the way.  Growing up in southern California, Aaron became attracted to the skateboard and punk scene of the early 80s and the artwork and since of belonging that came with it.  At the age of 19 he moved to New York City and began trying to scrape by, working at a thrift store and slowly meeting like minded people.  When an opportunity arose to move into a store front space, he jumped at the chance.  Before long he began forming a community around parties with artwork hanging on the walls, skateboarding in the streets, 40s in the fridge, and a general sense of chaos in the air.  It wouldn't be long before a lot of other artists wanted to show work there and the word would spread that there was a gallery showing work from the skate and street worlds that were not represented in the New York art scene.  That would become the Alleged Gallery and the rest is part of an amazing story of the rise of some very big names in the art world today.  You can see this story in the film "Beautiful Losers" that Aaron and others spent 5 years putting together and released in 2008.  During our conversation I ask about his work and art leading up to the gallery, the career opportunities that arose after the last days of Alleged and his debut documentary film, how he stays productive and organized working in so many creative outlets, and the advice he gives to others struggling to make it as artists. To Learn More About Aaron Rose Visit: https://www.aaronrose.co And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/aaronroseofficial/

Episode 93: Mark Mann / Celebrity & Advertising Photographer / Leica Ambassador

On this episode of the podcast I catch up with celebrity & advertising photographer and Leica Ambassador Mark Mann in the midst of an insane travel schedule of shooting. We talk about how a chance encounter with a beautiful girl on a train when he was a teenager would make him decide to study photography, what it's like to sit face to face with the President of the United States, and how he formed a relationship with Leica.  Growing up in Glasgow, Mark was always a creative kid, but it wouldn't be until his college years at Manchester Polytechnic that he would focus his attention on learning photography and begin trying to find his voice as an artist.  After moving to New York in the mid 90s, Mark began assisting other well known photographers around the city, but it would be an opportunity to work with The Source magazine and the introduction to hip hop culture that would help to launch his career and develop a book full of celebrity figures.  Since then, Mark has gone on to photograph some of the biggest named celebrities, politicians, and influencers in the world, as well as shoot and direct commercial projects for well known corporate clients.  During our conversation we talk about balancing the passion projects with the ones that pay the bills, not ignoring your immediate surroundings as an artist, what he learned from his recent project of shooting men from age 1 to 80, and the advice he gives to others who dream of one day becoming a photographer. To Learn More About Mark Mann Visit: https://www.markmannphoto.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/markmannphoto/

Episode 92: Justin Rosenberg / Fine Art & Experimental Portrait Photographer

Fine art and experimental portrait photographer Justin Rosenberg joins the podcast to trace how his journey went from chasing a masters degree in evolutionary psychology, to living in a rehab center in LA, to falling in love with photography and using it to reconnect with his new sober self.  Although Justin was born in New York, he spent most of his life in Florida and we talk about what it was like growing up there and his early love for music, the counter culture scene, and eventually drugs. There were several factors that would contribute to the path Justin took in life, but one that would continue to sometimes push him into a darker place was his battle with Crohn's Disease and the complications that would often arise because of it.  In spite of those circumstances, Justin excelled in his undergraduate psychology studies and pursed what appeared would be an inevitable career in the world of evolutionary psychology.  When financial strain over all the medical expenses that were adding up caused him to have to quit his masters pursuit, he found himself working a job he never imagined and sinking further and further into the world of drug abuse.  In 2011 two things would change the course of his life forever.  He had to have his large intestine removed, and he checked himself into a rehab in Los Angeles where his sister lived.  It would be in that rehab center that he would be given an opportunity to work with an "in house" ad agency and began to reconnect with photography that he had once had a passion for in his younger years.  During our conversation we talk about the evolution from shooting commercial projects to the subject matter and aesthetic he is known for today, how he manages to convince models to get nude in the snow, how he found out so much about himself through the photos he shoots, and the advice he gives to others that might be dealing with addiction or just trying to carve out their own place in the world of photography.  To Learn More About Justin Rosenberg Visit: https://www.jsrphotos.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/jsrphotos/

Episode 91: Ed Templeton/ Pro Skateboarder, Photographer, Painter, & Graphic Designer

Ed Templeton joins the podcast to talk about his latest photography book "Tangentially Parenthetical" (link below) and how he from being one of the most influential street skaters of his generation to showcasing his paintings and photography in highly respected galleries and collections.  Although Ed's story has been told many times in some great interviews and documentaries, I get the chance to trace his history of growing up in Orange County in a fairly tough family situation and how that eventually led him to skateboarding.  For those who aren't familiar with Ed Templeton, his influence to the world of skateboarding is undeniable and in 2016 he was inducted into the skateboarding hall of fame.  But this conversation dives into how his skate career led him into the world of painting and photography and some of the early relationships with people like Aaron Rose and Alleged Gallery that would help push him into the national spotlight as an artist.  During our talk I get the chance to ask Ed what attracts him so much to the daily habit of street photography and constantly chasing another image, what he's learned about the human condition after years of closely observing others, what it is about skateboarding that leads so many to a creative life, and the advice he gives to those out there chasing their own dreams of living creatively. So sit back and enjoy this conversation with one of the most requested guests I've had. To Learn More About Ed Templeton Visit: http://ed-templeton.com To Buy A Copy of His Latest Book "Tangentially Parenthetical" Visit: http://umyeaharts.com/books/ts0t7e986ovuxl4l1srjah13zxp1ym And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/ed.templeton/

Episode 90: Samuel Elkins: Lifestyle and Portrait Photographer

Lifestyle and portrait photographer Samuel Elkins joins the show to talk about how, at the age of 22, he's already had years of professional experience shooting for some of the biggest companies in the country and what's next for him as he continues to evolve as an artist and a brand. Sam grew up outside of Seattle Washington.  As someone who is now 6'8, he was always one of the tallest kids in his class and naturally moved towards a love of basketball.  But at the age of 15 he would stumble into photography and by his senior year of high school would quit basketball to put all of his focus on his newest passion.  With opportunities to intern with a local wedding photography business, and using Instagram to meet up with others who shared his love for photography, he quickly began to develop his craft.  Using the pacific Northwest as his backdrop, his aesthetic became a somewhat washed out and high contrast look that earned him a big social media following and soon had companies calling to work with him.  After high school he decided to forgo an art school education and chase his dreams on his own, moving to Portland where things quickly began ramping up with his business.  During our conversation with talk about the motivation and hustle that went into such early success as a photographer and influencer, the aesthetic of the pacific northwest and other areas known for a certain look, surrounding himself with other positive creative people to feed off of, and the advice he gives to others who reach out to him wanting to be the next young success. To Learn More About Samuel Elkins Visit: https://samuelelkins.co And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/samuelelkins/?hl=en

Episode 89: Stuart Palley / Documentary, Fine Art, & Editorial Photographer

Stuart Palley joins the podcast to talk about how he went from a degree in business and finance to chasing some of the biggest wildfires in the history of California and creating beautiful images in the midst of chaos with his project and book "Terra Flamma".  Over the last couple of years Stuart has received a lot of press and recognition for his outstanding wildfire work and we sit down to talk about how it all got started and his plans for the future.  Although Stuart always loved photography, he earned an undergrad degree in business and finance and began interning in the bank world during the tough financial times of 2009.  It was then that he would revaluate what he wanted from life and make the switch to a photojournalism post graduate education in Missouri.  During that time, on trips home to California, he became very interested in what was happening with the climate, and the fires that seemed to be increasing in intensity in his home state.  Combining his love for nighttime imagery and environmental awareness, Stuart created a body of work around wildfires that would bring awareness to him as a photographer.  During our conversation we talk about what inspired him to start taking long exposure images of wildfires early on in his career, the specific challenges and dangers of shooting wildfires, and the advice to those who think they want to be a part of it.  To Learn More About Stuart Palley Visit: https://www.stuartpalley.com/index and Follow him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/stuartpalley/

Episode 88: Dean Blotto Gray / Photographer / Creator/ Burton Principle Photographer

Award winning snowboard and lifestyle photographer and Burton principle shooter for almost 20 years Dean Blotto Gray joins the podcast to talk about how he went from his early years of sponsored snowboarding in Flagstaff to being one of the most recognizable names in snowboard photography.  From his earliest years of bmx racing, to the first time he was turned on to skateboarding, Blotto appreciated the individualism and creativity that came along with those types of scenes.  Inspired by the DIY attitude of skateboarding and punk music, he was trying to figure out what to do after high school until a trip to Flagstaff to go snowboarding that would change the direction of his life forever.   He quickly realized that he didn't have what it took to become a top pro, but wanted to figure out a way to stay in the industry.  When he got the opportunity to work with the newly created company Technine, he picked up a camera and began a life of photography and content creation.  Before long he was offered a position with Burton that would soon lead to becoming the principle photographer, a position that he has continued to fill for almost 20 years, all while also working closely with other companies on content creation and social media story telling.  On this episode we talk about what has changed in the world of snowboard photography, how he has adapted to social media and found a niche of personal story telling and content creation for companies through Instagram stories, why there are not as many avenues for action shooters anymore, and the advice he gives to others coming up in the world of snowboard photography. To Learn More About Dean Blotto Gray Visit: https://deanblottogray.com

Episode 87: Andrew Hancock / Commercial & Editorial Sports Photographer / Nikon Ambassador

Commercial and editorial sports photographer and Nikon Ambassador Andrew Hancock joins the show to talk about how he went from his early years of college soccer to being a sought after photographer with cover images from Sports Illustrated to Time Magazine.  Growing up in Midland Texas, Andrew was surrounded by sports culture.  Although he was a soccer player in a football crazed town, he found a home and success within his sport that would elevate him on to college level competition.  During those years, while taking some down time, he got his first camera and was encouraged to take classes on how to use it.  Before long it was all he wanted to do.  He pursued journalism with a new passion and, after earning his degree, found a job at a small paper in Indiana and began the slow climb up the rungs of the editorial ladder.  After getting the opportunity to attend the Eddy Adams workshop, Andrew made a connection at Sports Illustrated that would soon change the direction of his career and start him on the path that he's known for today.  Before long he would be shooting some of the biggest named athletes in the world and covering events from the Super Bowl to the Kentucky Derby, as well as earn a spot on the original lineup of the Nikon's ambassador program. During our conversation we talk about what it's like shooting a huge sporting event where you only get once chance to accomplish what you need, what goes into the pre-production for those types of shoots, what it's like working as an ambassador for Nikon, how he comes up with his artistic approach to sports and portraiture, and the advice he gives to others coming new to the industry. To Learn More About Andrew Hancock Visit: https://www.andrewhancock.com

Episode 86: Troy Conrad / Comedy Photographer and Producer

Troy Conrad joins the show to talk about how he went from his early years as a stand up comic, to filmmaking, to producing a TV series, to photographing some of the biggest names in comedy and forming a unique relationship with the legendary Comedy Store in LA.  Growing up in Phoenix, Troy was always inspired by the late night comedy of David Letterman, but also had a curious mind on how things worked and became fascinated by his Dad's cameras and slide shows.  Throughout college, while working on his degree, Troy pursued stand up comedy and became a frequent local and touring act.  Before long he made the move to Los Angeles to further chase his dream.  It would be in LA however that Troy would start playing around with filmmaking and create several shorts films that would eventually lead to his role in producing the TV show and live touring act Setlist: Stand Up Without a Net.  During all this time Troy continued to love photography and soon found the opportunity to shoot the new phenomenon of Roast Battle at the Comedy Store which would lead him to a unique opportunity to start shooting many of his long time friends and other comedy heroes inside the famed walls of one of the country's most respected clubs.  During our conversation we talk about some of the unique challenges that come with shooting live comedy, how stand up comedy helped him let go of his fears of failure, how he stays organized and motivated while trying to juggle so many creative pursuits, and the advice he gives to others trying to chase their own dreams. To Learn More About Troy Conrad Visit: https://tcphoto.photoshelter.com/index And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/troyconrads/

Episode 85: Zach Wolfe / Photographer / Cinematographer / ATL Hip Hop Archivist

Photographer, cinematographer, and respected Atlanta hip hop archivist Zach Wolfe joins the podcast to talk about how he managed to go from his small town roots in Iowa to being one of the biggest names in southern hip hop photography.  From a very early age Zach was passionate about rap music and photography.  Thanks to a colombia house records subscription he was able to get his hands on a lot of early hip hop records in his small town, and thanks to the encouragement of a high school photography teacher, he had early dreams of one day becoming a professional photographer.  It wouldn't be until later that he would realize he could combine the two passions and create an amazing body of work around rap music.  After studying photography in Colorado, and a brief stint in LA interning with SmashBox Studios, Zach would make the journey to Atlanta to chase the dream of shooting the bourgeoning southern hip hop scene he had been obssessing over since he first heard OutKast.  He soon realized that the idea that he could actually imbed himself into the local hip hop community might prove harder than he had imagined, until a chance meeting with Lil John' secretary that would change his life forever.  Before long Zach was working with some of the biggest up and coming names in hip hop and establishing himself as the go to sourthern hip hop photographer.  During our conversation we talk about the evolution of his career into motion work and the chance to focus his talent on other niches, what the current state of music photography looks like, the specific challenges he faced in shooting with rappers, and the advice he gives to others coming up in the world he has dedicated his life to. To Learn More About Zach Wolfe Visit: http://zachwolfe.com And Check out the Adobe Creative Feature on him at: https://vimeo.com/277501740

Episode 84: Jon Glassberg / Director / Photographer / Professional Climber

Professional climber, filmmaker, and photographer Jon Glassberg joins the podcast to talk about his production company Louder Than 11 and how he went from getting recognized by his talents on the rock to working behind the camera producing films and content for some of the biggest names in the climbing industry.  Growing up in central Virginia, Jon was introduced to rock climbing at a young age during a summer camp he attended and fell in love with it instantly.  Although photography would also be introduced to him early on in his high school years, Jon's attention during that time was focused solely on the pursuit of climbing.  As he moved through the ranks of competition climbing and also began making a name for himself by sending some of the hardest boulder problems in the country at the time, Jon soon found himself attracting sponsorships and attention from the climbing community.  It would be later in college while studying business and graphic design that Jon would start to plan out the possibility of creating a company that could quickly produce short films of all the adventures they were having.  Over the years that company has evolved into a full fledged filmmaking and content creation studio working closely with brands like Mountain Hardware and USA Climbing.  During our conversation I ask Jon about what it's like trying to balance a career as a creative with the responsibilities of being a sponsored athlete, the type of work he seems to be moving more towards with companies in the outdoor retail space, how he manages to not burn out in such a niche industry, and the advice he gives to others who want to do what he does. To Learn More About Jon Glassberg Visit: http://www.jonglassberg.com To Learn More About Louder Than 11 Visit: https://www.lt11.com

Episode 83: Dave Swift / Renowned Skateboard Photographer and Magazine Editor

Renowned skateboard photographer and magazine editor Dave Swift joins the show to talk about his long history with skateboarding, the early days of the Del Mar Skate Ranch, his many years as editor in chief of Transworld Skateboarding, and cofounding the Skateboard Mag.  Although Dave grew up a short drive from the beaches of San Diego, his small town felt more like a ranching community and his days were filled with baseball and football until the age of 13 when skateboarding entered his life and changed his whole outlook on the future.  He quickly fell in love with not only the act of skating, but the culture that surrounded it and before long became a local fixture at the infamous Del Mar Skate Ranch.  After years of trying to make it as a professional, and a stint as a sponsored skater for Schmitt Stix, he lucked into a position writing and editing for Transworld magazine.  It was there that he would he begin to experiment more with photography and, under the mentorship of people like Grant Brittain, start to hone his craft.  He slowly moved through the ranks of the magazine and before long became the editor in chief, all the while continuing to photograph the scene around him. Although Dave experienced a couple of the slowest years of Skateboarding's history, he also experienced the boom, and in the late 90s and early 2000s, as street skateboarding helped propel the sport back into the spotlight, Dave was there to witness all of it and finally decided to go out with some others and create their own publication.  After 30 years in the industry, Dave continues to love it all, to keep shooting, and most impressive of all to keep skating.  During our conversation we talk about how he feels about social media vs editorial content, the regrets he has of not traveling more in his younger years, what the future of magazines might look like, and the advice he gives to those coming up in this world.   To Learn More About Dave Swift Visit: http://daveswiftphotography.com

Episode 82: Randal Ford / Award Winning Portrait and Commercial Photographer

Award winning portrait and commercial photographer Randal Ford joins the podcast to talk about his new book "Animal Kingdom" and to tell the story of how he went from a business major to quickly establishing himself as an accomplished editorial and advertising photographer at what many would consider a young age.  Although Randal fell in love with photography early on his high school years, he would go to study business at Texas A&M without much consideration of a possible future as a photographer.  During his college years he decided to join the university newspaper as an extra curricular activity, and quickly remember why he loved photography in the first place.  Before long he got his hands on his first digital camera and the learning curve elevated exponentially.  When he graduated, he wrote down a goal of shooting covers for the respected Texas Monthly and began the slow process of trying to form his own aesthetic and create a name for himself.  Before long he accomplished that goal and began rising up the ranks and shooting for much bigger clients all while still in his early 20s.  Known for being a shooter that could achieve a very hyper real look, and crediting influences like Norman Rockwell, Randal would go on to create a very signature look and help companies like L.L. Bean create vintage looking campaigns.  During our conversation we talk about not getting pigeon holed by one look and how he has continued to evolve his style, his aesthetic, and his goals for the future.  We also talk about what it was like trying to take control in the chaos of shooting al the different animals for his latest project, trying to make the transition from commercial photographer to fine art photographer, having a good idea of what you want to do early on in your career, and the advice he gives to others coming up in the world of photography. To Learn More About Randal Ford Visit: https://www.randalford.com . To Purchase his book Animal Kingdom Visit: https://www.rizzolibookstore.com/animal-kingdom-collection-portraits

Episode 81: Joe McNally / Photographer / Director / Educator / Nikon Ambassador

Photographer, director, Nikon ambassador, and educator Joe McNally joins the show to talk about his legendary career, shooting for everyone from National Geographic to being Life Magazine's final staff photographer.  Although Joe says there wasn't much creativity in his early years, he remembers a book of war photography his father gave him that definitely put a seed in his mind of what visual story telling could look like.  He was always fascinated with good story telling and ended up going to college at Syracuse and majoring in journalism with the dreams of one day telling some of his own stories.  During that time he would be required to take photography classes and, soon after seeing his first images come to life in the developer, quickly realized that he would prefer to tell stories with a camera instead of a pen.  Once finishing his education, he would move to New York City and begin chasing his dreams of becoming a photographer, moving up the ranks from a stock boy at a newspaper to shooting for some of the biggest publications in the world.  During our conversation we talk about staying in the present moment while creating a photograph and not becoming distracted by your surroundings, how he feels about the current state of photography and social media, becoming an ambassador for a company like Nikon, what keeps him motivated to keep shooting after all these years, and the advice he gives to those coming up in the world of photography. To Learn More About Joe McNally Visit: https://portfolio.joemcnally.com/index

Episode 80: Dean Bradshaw / Commercial and Lifestyle Photographer and Director

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by commercial and lifestyle photographer and filmmaker Dean Bradshaw who talks about making the career leap from zoologist to photographer/director and how he's continued to evolve his aesthetic as an artist to reflect his own maturing taste and stay relevant in an ever changing industry.  Growing up in Perth Australia, Dean always loved the outdoors and  the vast array of reptiles Australia is famous for.  This interest would soon have him studying zoology and working in the field capturing and collecting data on different species.  Around this same time digital photography was introduced to Dean and he soon became obsessed with the best way to capture and light the reptiles.  Before long he was shooting other subjects and growing more and more interested in photography, lighting, and post production.  His skills eventually led him to LA and a whole new career path.  He quickly became known for being one of the new shooters that could capture and produce the hot new hyperreal look of the time.  Within years he was shooting large advertising campaigns for some of the biggest companies a photographer could want to work with but became dissatisfied with his own style and knew he had to make a change.  That would lead to the look, feel, and subject matter that many currently know Dean for.  During our conversation we talk about stepping past the fear of changing a certain aesthetic that has made you successful to pursue your own changing tastes, how he became involved in filmmaking and how that influenced his photography, the challenges of the current era of photography and content and how young people need to value their own work, and advice he gives to others coming up in this industry. To Learn More About Dean Bradshaw Visit: https://deanbradshaw.com

Episode 79: Joe Salinas / Documentary and Commercial Filmmaker

On this episode of the podcast documentary filmmaker Joe Salinas talks about what it was like growing up as a skateboarder in a small town in Texas, his years as a touring musician, how he ended up working as a corrections officer and in gang intelligence in the prison system for years, and how acting would finally lead him to his current roll as a filmmaker.  Although Joe was influenced at an early age by skateboard films like the Bones Brigade and John Hughes films at his local two screen theater, it wouldn't be until years later that he would find his way into the world of directing and getting behind the camera himself.  He spent his early years chasing the dreams of fame and rock and roll, but when he was forced to mature a bit faster than most by having a child and getting married at a very early age, he soon found himself in a career path he would have never dreamed of.  It would be years later, on the suggestion of a friend, that Joe would give acting a try and suddenly find himself as a character in national commercials and on the sets of films like Machete.  During that time he realize he tended to hang out with the crew more than the actors and became fascinated with filmmaking.  Before long he was directing and filming music videos for some of the musicians he had toured with earlier and getting the chance to even meet some of his heroes to work with them as well.  Since 2014 Joe has been working on a documentary film about the iconic and influential punk band The Big Boys.  During our conversation we get to talk about the process of making that film and when the world will finally get to see it, how he got hooked up with companies like Vans, Black Magic cameras, and Goal Zero, a very honest look at his experience with years of sobriety and advice he gives to to others who might be battling addiction, and how the first step of making a film is to just start doing it.  To Learn More About Joe Salinas Visit: https://www.joesalinasfilms.com

Episode 78: Becca Skinner / Photographer / Writer / National Geographic Explorer

Photographer, writer, conservationist, National Geographic explorer, and many other titles, Becca Skinner joins the podcast to talk about how she went from aspirations of a life in climbing, to chasing adventures behind the lens, to settling down in a sustainable lifestyle in the mountains of Montana.  Growing up in Colorado to a family of climbers, Becca was no stranger to living an outdoor lifestyle and adventures into the mountains, but it was when a tragic accident with her uncle happened and she decided to move to Wyoming to help out her aunt, that her life would really begin to revolve around climbing and the pursuit of adventure.  It would be this life of adventure that would soon lead her to photography and working with companies like the North Face.  After getting accepted for a grant to go document post Katrina New Orleans while still in college, Becca began to settle into a groove of writing and taking pictures and before long was honored to receive a National Geographic young explores grant.  During our conversation we talk about what it's like to be a young creative working with an organization like National Geographic, living a rural sustainable lifestyle and our mutual love for gardening barefoot, the transition from adventure photographer to visually showcasing a more accessible journey, how she became an ambassador for Orvis, and our thoughts on putting too much of your identity into one passion.  To Learn More About Becca Skinner Visit: http://www.beccaskinnerphotography.com And Follow Her on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/beccaskinner/

Episode 77: Troy Plota / Photographer, Entrepreneur, and Creator of the Plotaverse

Photographer, entrepreneur, and mastermind behind the Plotaverse Troy Plota joins the podcast to talk about how he went from being a sought after photographer in the fashion world and running a top dollar studio, to becoming a tech entrepreneur and creating what would become known as the plotagraph.  From his earliest beginnings as a beach kid in Florida, Troy had a love for photography.  After convincing his Dad to give him his camera so he could use it in a school class, Troy fell in love with the creative possibilities that the still image brought him and the access his camera provided.  We talk about how that humble yearbook start grew into a hugely successful photography career, working with magazines like Vanity Fair and GQ and shooting advertising campaigns that many dream of.  Although Troy came up in the professional world of shooting medium format film, he was a quick adopter of the possibilities that the digital format could offer and before long became known as one of the go-to photographers who truly understood digital technology.  He continued to constantly try and evolve as the technology did the same and was soon experimenting with early VR technology which would lead him to finally making the decision to step into his most current roll as a tech entrepreneur.  During our conversation we talk about what the future of photography might look like, the roll that animated motion art might have in commercial work, and the advice he would have given himself all those years ago when he first had the idea of trying to make it as a working photographer. To Learn More About Troy Plota and the Plotaverse Visit: https://www.plotaverse.com

VR Shorts Episode #7 / Meg Loeks / Photographer and Sigma Ambassador

Photographer, instructor, and Sigma ambassador Meg Loeks joins the podcast to talk about how she reinvigorated her passion for photography with the birth of her first child and how as her family grew so did her desire to archive their daily existence and find her voice as a photographer.  It would be her ability to capture those everyday moments in an artful way that would soon lead her to working with companies like Sigma and Profoto and building a loyal social media following.  During our conversation we talk about how to create art out of the everyday moments most tend to overlook, some of the tricks she uses when working with small children, how she manages to stay inspired to want to create so frequently, and the advice she gives to others who want to archive their lives and chase the dream of photography.  To Learn More About Meg Loeks Visit: http://www.megloeks.com/ulim86xgglgiqipoq5zlyjwsib4wqy And Follow Her On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/meg_nlo/

Episode 76: Jake Stangel / Lifestyle and Advertising Photographer

Lifestyle/advertising photographer, and all around nice guy, Jake Stangel joins the podcast to talk about growing up as a creative kid in the suburbs of Maryland and the early influence photography had on his life.  It was an 8th grade general art class that Jake discovered a passion for photography that would set him down a path to enrolling at NYU's Tish school and continuing his education in fine art and photography.  But after growing up in a small town, Jake was overwhelmed by the energy and life that New York City offered and soon realized he was interested in more than just taking pictures.  He switched his studies to focus more on economics and marketing, but after a while found that he needed to find a balance in his life that could also include photography and creativity.  Before long he was working as an assistant and taking the hard earned path that so many before him have traveled, moving up the ranks in the competitive world of photography.  After graduation, he decided he had had enough of New York and needed to re-ground himself closer to nature and moved to Portland where he would begin building the photography career he has become known for today.  During our conversation we get the opportunity to discuss the ever challenging pursuit of finding the right work/life balance, the dangers of comparing yourself to other photographer's images and work ethic, and the importance of establishing and nurturing relationships throughout your career and treating others as you would want to be treated.  To Learn More About Jake Stangel Visit: https://jakestangel.com

Episode 75: Corey Nickols / Award Winning Celebrity & People Photographer

Award winning celebrity and people photographer Corey Nickols joins the show to talk about how he created a name for himself in one of the most competitive genres of photography, while also sharing a very honest and compelling story of overcoming his battle with bipolar disorder and how he continues to nurture a healthy mind with a healthy diet. Growing up in a rural area of California, Corey always felt like an outsider to what was around him.  Although he found photography at a very early age, it would be punk rock that would finally bring him a tribe of his own and the comfort in expressing himself.  That expression would soon lead him to studying photography at Brooks university and chasing the dream of becoming a pro and moving to LA.  Unfortunately graduation came on the heels of the collapse of the economy in 2008 and Corey was forced to get creative in his hustle and how to go about forming his portfolio.  It would be a creative personal project, and a great story of finding models from a retirement home, that would get him noticed by Emmy Magazine and start him on the path of working with some of the biggest name celebrities in the business.  During our conversation we talk about the importance of community, how he feels about the current state of celebrity work and social media, why so many celebrity photographers work with props, and the advice he gives to others chasing their dreams of becoming a professional photographer. To Learn More About Corey Nickols Visit: https://www.coreynickols.com

Episode 74: Quin Schrock / Adventure, Travel, & Lifestyle Photographer

Adventure, Travel, and Lifestyle Photographer Quin Schrock (aka: @everchanginghorizons ) joins the show to talk about the journey that brought him from a soon to be CPA, to traveling the world non stop with a huge Instagram following and an ever expanding photography portfolio.  As we dive through Quin's past, we talk about his desire to want to stand out and go against the grain at an early age and how that would become a lot of the foundation for a future in creative expression and travel.  Although Quin had built a reputation for non conformity, he soon found himself studying business at college and getting married at a fairly early age. When his young marriage didn't work out, he decided to set out on a bucket list trip to Machu Picchu before settling down to work in accounting.  That trip that would change the course of his future.  Before long, Quin was working as a counselor at a wilderness survival camp and met a girl that would set out on an epic road trip with him, introduce photography into his life, and help create the opportunity for Quin to start an inspiring social media feed dedicated to his travels. During our conversation we talk about how he developed his style of photography, the trips and locations that have inspired him the most, the intersection of photography and social media, and how to nurture a relationship with your audience and stay true to your brand.  To Learn More About Quin Schrock Visit:  http://www.everchanginghorizon.com

Episode 73: Blake Jorgenson / Action, Adventure, and Commercial Photographer

Award winning action sports and commercial photographer Blake Jorgenson joins the show to talk about the life of a ski bum in Whistler in the 90s and how that evolved into a successful career in photography.  Growing up in Toronto, Blake was always inspired by art.  Painting and drawing kept him occupied and entertained in a place he didn't draw that much inspiration from.  But at the age of 16, when he went on vacation to British Columbia, he fell in love with the mountains and the lifestyle that existed around them and counted the days until graduation to make that dream a reality.  Blake tells us the story of those early years in Whistler and working as a tuner in the local ski shop and the scene that congregated in it each day. He soon lost the passion for painting and became much more fasciated by the immediate images he could produce with a camera and began documenting the exploding community and beautiful vistas around him.  Before long Blake began getting published and getting calls from companies that wanted to work with him.  But it would be winning the prestigious Pro Photographer's Showdown in Whistler that would quickly catapult him into the spotlight.  During our conversation we talk about the patience and the persistence needed to make it in the world of professional photography, the pitfalls of sometimes finding success before you are ready, how he feels about today's current excesses of visual content, and the advice he gives to others wanting to do what he does.  To Learn More About Blake Jorgenson Visit: https://www.blakejorgenson.com

Episode 72: Drew Gurian / Music, Celebrity, and Lifestyle Photographer

Music, celebrity, and lifestyle photographer Drew Gurian joins the podcast to talk about the evolution of his career and how he went from first assistant under Joe McNally, to building his own successful brand and client base as a photographer.  From an early age Drew was drawn to photography and music, and before long started combining his passions by shooting live shows he was attending as well as playing drums in a band.  While studying photography and graphic design, Drew got the chance to intern with famed music photographer Danny Clinch and then with Joe McNally.  After finishing his undergrad, he became Joe's first assistant and spent the next 5 years traveling the globe and learning the ins and outs of running a successful photography business and dealing with a demanding shooting schedule.  After years of working at what many would consider a dream job, Drew made the decision to finally go out on his own and quickly began making a name for himself shooting with musicians, celebrities, and other movers and shakers.  Currently based out of Brooklyn, New York, Drew talks about taking the leap of going out on his own, how he began to develop his personal aesthic, trying to stand out in the New York market, dealing with some of the challenges of celebrity shoots, and how he hopes to grow as a photographer and businessman.  To Learn More About Drew Gurian Visit: https://www.drewgurian.com

Episode 71: Matthew Jones / Lifestyle, Motorcycle, & Automotive Photographer

Lifestyle, motorcycle, and automotive photographer Matthew Jones joins the podcast to talk about how he managed to create a recognizable aesthetic and grow a brand for himself by shooting what he was most passionate about.  He's become known for his editorial work with niche magazines like Iron and Air, as well as shooting big commercial projects with companies ranging from Harley Davidson to Infiniti USA. Growing up in Florida, Matt found photography at an early age through the world of skateboarding, but later in life it would help him escape some trouble he felt he was sinking into with a move to Georgia to study at Savanah College of Art and Design.  It was there that he would be begin to get a better grasp of photography and, against some of the advice of his professors, pursue the world of shooting automotive work.  After a quick whirlwind tour of the country with editorial jobs, a stint in LA, and a ton of well lit pictures of cars, Matt found the world of motorcycles and began to refine the overall look and feel of his work.  Since then, Matt has gone on to shoot commercial campaigns and editorial work and create a look that has set him apart in a very saturated world.  During our conversation we talk about how Matt sees his work continuing to evolve in the future, the love/hate relationship he has with social media, steps he takes on getting in the door with ad agencies and brands looking to hire the right photographer, and the advice he gives on shooting what you love. To Learn More About Matthew Jones Visit: http://www.matthewjonesphoto.com

Episode 70: Sandro Miller / Renowned Photographer / Director / & Nikon Ambassador

Renowned photographer/director and Nikon ambassador Sandro Miller joins the podcast to talk about a storied career in photography and filmmaking, and the odds he overcame and sacrifices he made along the way to create a legendary body of work.  As a child growing up in Illinois, Sandro lost his father at the early age of four years old and was forced to grow up quicker than most and take on responsibilities that other kids didn't have to deal with.  Although this caused him to act out in many ways and start heading down a path that could have led him far away from where he is now, it was an early love of photography that would help keep him motivated to push forward towards a dream of one day joining the legendary names he looked up to.  After years of assisting, Sandro created a very successful product photography company based out of Chicago, but it would be what he did next that would shape the rest of his life.  Even with the heavy responsibilities of a single of parent, he walked away from a lucrative career to chase his passion of shooting people.  He would go on to be one of the most sought after photographers in the world, shooting A-list celebrities, musicians, social influencers, and continuing to produce an amazing body of personal work.  During our conversation we talk about continuing to constantly evolve and create as a photographer, what went into creating one of the most impressive personal photography projects ever with John Malkovich, how he transitioned into motion work, and the advice he gives to others who want to make a career out of photography. To Learn More About Sandro Visit: http://www.sandrofilm.com

Episode 69: Jay Blakesberg / Renowned Music Photographer

Renowned music photographer Jay Blakesberg joins the podcast to talk about  40 years of music photography, photographing everything from years with the Grateful Dead to the birth of Alternative Rock. Raised in New Jersey, Jay was a product of the 70s youth culture, spending his time partying with his friends and seeing concerts. But it was when he borrowed his Dad's camera at age 16 to shoot pictures at a Grateful Dead show that he would get a glimpse into what the future would hold.  Combining a love for photography and the Grateful Dead, Jay set out on tour and began cataloging a huge archive of photography of the band, the fans, and the scene that evolved around both.  Although Jay had run-ins with the law, and some questionable decisions at an early age that could have derailed his dreams, he stayed focused on his passion of photography and music.  Jay is probably best known for his work with the Grateful Dead, but he has had a career that spans years of shooting almost every musical genre you could think of, includes countless work and covers with Rolling Stone Magazine, more album photography credits than could be listed here, and intimate shoots and stories with Rock Royalty.  During our conversation we get the chance to hear how it all started for Jay, what's changed in the world of Rock photography, how he created his own publishing company, and what's in store as he moves forward. To Learn More About Jay Blakesberg Visit:  http://www.blakesberg.com/html/index.html

Episode 68: Jason M Peterson / Photographer / Chief Creative Officer

Photographer, chief creative officer, and advertising master mind Jason M. Peterson joins the show for an interesting conversation about where advertising is heading and what that means for creators of all types.  You might know Jason from his popular Instagram account where he showcases some of his beautiful black and white compositions, but he's had a long career in the creative world dating back to his early days in a punk band and leading to a successful run in the ad world.  Growing up most of his life in Arizona after his parents were divorced, Jason found the hard core punk scene. He not only fell in love with the music, but the DIY ethic and art surrounding the community that would resurface in the next chapter of his life as an art director in New York.  Years later, on a bet with his friends, Jason joined Instagram and created an account that has attracted over a million followers and earned him praise from much of the photo world.  Jason has worked on, and created, many memorable ad spots over the years, but has now focused his energies on where he feels the future of that world is headed and begun incorporating his own skills behind the camera into the package.  During our conversation we talk about what he looks for in emerging talent as a hiring creative director, how established photographers and filmmakers have to adapt to the budgets and faster moving workflow of social media, and the advice he gives to those coming up in the world.   To Learn More About Jason M Peterson Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/jasonmpeterson/

VR Shorts Episode #6: Sean Boggs / Commercial Photographer

My friend and fellow local commercial photographer Sean Boggs stops by on this episode of the podcast to talk about building a business and a brand in a small market.  Although I might need to get rid of the word "shorts" in this new series, as I have trouble not ending up talking for almost an hour anyway, I enjoyed this conversation where Sean and I dove in to a topic that rarely gets explored.  We discuss the difference in a small town market compared to a larger market and how he went about building what would become a national identity as a photographer.  During our conversation we talk about whether or not to be a specialist in a certain genre, creating a sustainable price structure, saying no to low paying work, and being willing to learn and evolve from criticism.  To Learn More About Sean Boggs Visit: http://seanfboggs.com   To Help Him Achieve his Goal of Working with and helping the Ninash School Go To: https://www.gofundme.com/seanfboggs-india

VR Shorts Episode #5: Scott Serfas / Snowboard & Action Sports Photographer

Snowboard and action sports photographer Scott Serfas comes back on the podcast to talk about issues he has faced with clients not wanting to pay advertising rates for social media images, what that might mean for the future of his niche in photography, and where we go from here.  Make sure to check out Scott's original biographical episode to hear his backstory (Episode #36).  During this conversation we talk about what we've both seen with clients wanting to use images for free on their social media platforms, factoring in a future archive when you are shooting what is around you, and what the future of making a living as a snowboard photographer might look like.  To Learn More About Scott Serfas Visit: https://www.scottserfas.com/index

Episode 67: Dano Pendygrasse/ Photographer / Creative Director / 90s-2000s Snowboard Photographer

Photographer and Creative Director Dano Pendygrasse joins the show to talk about a successful career as a snowboard photographer in what many would consider the golden age of snowboarding (the 90s and early 2000s), and his eventual transition into more of a creative director's role.  Growing up in Vancouver as a skateboard kid and ski racer, the transition to snowboarding during the early years of the sport was a no-brainer.  After graduating high school and moving to Whistler, Dano found himself at the center of a bourgeoning scene that would soon become one of the epicenters of the snowboard world.  Although he had sponsors as a snowboarder and dreams of writing, Dano took the advice of an editor at Snowboarder Magazine to start taking pictures.  He quickly realized that the camera was his tool of choice.  He landed a job as a senior photographer for Snowboarder and before long found himself shooting with the biggest pros in the business.  Over the next couple of decades Dano continued to thrive as a photographer in the snowboarding industry, but soon started to realize he was burning out and needed a new direction.  We discuss that transition and what it's meant for his photography.  During our conversation we not only get to trace Dano's career, but we get the chance to explore some of the history of the Whistler snowboarding scene in the 90s and the explosion of the snowboard business that he was very much a part of.  We also talk about facing burn out, reinvigorating a love for photography, and making a new career transition in a later stage of your life.  To Learn More About Dano Pendygrasse Visit: https://danopendygrasse.photoshelter.com/index   To Learn More About Perennial Plan Visit: https://www.perennialplan.com  

VR Shorts #4: Michael Clark / Adventure Sports, Travel, & Landscape Photographer

Adventure sports, travel, and landscape photographer Michael Clark returns to the show to talk about gear and the future of photography that new technology might be leading us towards.  Although it's rare I ever bring up equipment on the podcast, I wanted to bring Michael back on to talk about the current state of photography gear because of his background in physics and his early career working with some of the tech that lead to where we are in digital photography today. During our conversation we discuss some of the positive and negative aspects of what is most likely on the radar and how that might effect the world of professional photography careers. Make sure to check out Michael's original biographical episode as well to hear his whole backstory (Episode #42)  To Learn More About Michael Clark Visit: https://www.michaelclarkphoto.com

Episode 66: Jeremy Cowart / Photographer / Humanitarian / Entrepreneur

Photographer, humanitarian, entrepreneur, and all around inspiring guy Jeremy Cowart joins the show this week to talk about a successful career as a celebrity and commercial photographer, what inspired him to step into the world of humanitarian work, and his newest endeavor of starting a chain of boutique hotels with a message of purpose.  Growing up in Nashville, Jeremy became an unfortunately common statistic of a child that was not operating well within the confines of the traditional educational system.  His grades suffered and he really didn't see a future in what others seemed to think was the right career trajectory.  He knew he loved art though, and with his parent's advice to maybe study graphic design, he pursued an education in design that would slowly lead him to finally picking up a camera.  After walking away from a design firm he had built to pursue photography full-time, Jeremy had a fairly quick rise to what many would call rock star status.  He has worked with some of biggest named celebrities in the world, was named by Huffington Post as The Most Influential Photographer on the Internet, recognized by Ad Week as 10 Visual Artist who are changing the way we see the world, and even nominated for an Emmy for best commercial campaign.  During our conversation we talk about stepping into your fears and chasing your dreams and goals, the practices he uses to avoid burn out, and the advice he gives to those coming in the current era of photography. To Learn More About Jeremy Cowart Visit: https://www.jeremycowart.com To Learn More About The Purpose Hotel Visit: https://www.thepurposehotel.com

VR Shorts #3 / Alex Strohl / Adventure Photographer / Filmmaker

Adventure photographer Alex Strohl returns to the show to talk about his new photography workshop course, how to set yourself apart and find your own point of view as a photographer, using other photographer's presets, pre-production planning in the world of adventure travel photography, and what it means to be a brand as a photographer today.  Make sure to check out Alex's original full length biographical episode (#50 of the podcast) to hear his complete backstory.  But for now enjoy this shorter conversation exploring some topics that many of you need to hear.  To Buy Alex's new Adventure Photography Workshop Visit: https://workshop.alexstrohl.com ** Use the discount code VISUALREV at checkout for $100 off

VR Shorts Episode #2 / David Alan Harvey / Legendary Magnum Photographer

Legendary magnum photographer, teacher, and friend of the show David Alan Harvey returns to talk about not overlooking the surroundings of your own local environment while you wait to photograph dream destinations, dealing with gear acquisition syndrome aka G.A.S., and how he's managed to keep a child like wonderment of photography after all these years.  Make sure to check out David's original biographical conversation (episode #38 of the podcast) to hear the complete backstory of his career, which has remained one of the most popular episodes to date.  During this shorter conversation David continues to push the message of having something to say with your photography, sometimes simplifying your gear and getting out of your own way, and some of the common mistakes he sees younger photographers making.  Check out David's work at https://www.davidalanharvey.com

Episode 65: Fred Mortagne (AKA French Fred) Photographer/Filmmaker

Skateboard photographer and filmmaker Fred Mortagne, better known to many as French Fred, joins the show to talk about what it was like growing up in Lyon France, the early European skate scene, and developing a still photography aesthetic that would set him apart in an ever growing industry.  Like many people that have been on this podcast, Fred fell in love with skateboarding at an early age and was creatively inspired by the scene around him.  He realized that no one was really capturing the French skateboard community and he set out to make skateboard films of what was going on around him in Lyon.  He was quickly recognized by companies like 411 and Etnies, and soon found himself traveling to the states and around the world to shoot the thing he loved the most.  Although many might know Fred's skateboard films like Menikmati,  it's his ability to capture skateboarding so uniquely in a still photograph that made me want to talk to him the most.  Through his years of filming, Fred carried a still camera with him as well and would use small windows of time to shoot a very personal side of skateboarding that he felt wasn't represented and probably wasn't very commercial.  After many years of dedicating himself to that vision, Fred has compiled a body of work that is timeless, unique, and visually stunning.  During our conversation, we discuss what it's like to spend years developing a personal project, remaining true to your vision as an artist, and his beautiful book Attraper Au Vol.  To Check out Fred's Work Visit:  http://frenchfred.com

VR Shorts Episode #1 / Grant Brittain / Legendary Skateboard Photographer

Legendary skate photographer Grant Brittain returns to the show for the first installment of Visual Revolutionary Shorts to discuss managing and monetizing a photography archive, and if there is such thing as retirement from photography and the skateboard industry. Make sure to check out Grant's original episode to hear his whole story, but during this conversation we talk about the general disorder his slide and print archive is in, still dressing like a young skater in your 60s, and not waiting too late to start organizing your archive.  Check out Grant's work at http://www.jgrantbrittain.com 

Episode 64: Kenna Klosterman / Photographer / Creative Live Host

Photographer and Creative Live Host Kenna Klosterman joins the podcast to share her inspirational story of walking away from an unfulfilled life full of depression and anxiety in the corporate world, to living her dream as a working photographer, Cuba travel guide,  and host of a company helping to unlock the creative in us all.  Kenna grew up in LA, found photography at an early age, and knew instantly that she wanted to pursue the art form.  Yet after graduating from Berkley and deciding to work as an assistant for two photographers who were constantly struggling to pay the bills, Kenna decided to try and pursue a more financially rewarding life with an MBA from the prestigious Wharton School.  After graduating, she began to chase a career from one corporation to the next, wondering why she could not seem to find happiness and sinking more and more into a state of depression.  After deciding to take time to travel the world with her friends, Kenna found a new company called creative live that was offering free photography classes that would alter the course of her life and finally help her begin to make the changes she had been dreaming about all along.  During our conversation we talk about being willing to chase your dreams, dealing with depression and the meditation practice that helped her through some of the hardest times, and always cultivating personal projects throughout your career.  To Learn More About Kenna Visit: https://www.kennakphoto.com Check her out on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/kennaklosterman/

Episode 63: Blair Bunting / Commercial Photographer / Hasselblad Ambassador

Hasselblad ambassador and award winning commercial and advertising photographer Blair Bunting joins us on this episode of the podcast to talk about everything from the importance of our legacy as photographers, to mental health, to what it's like working with some of the biggest brands in the world.  Although his father introduced him to photography at an early age, it would take the loss of a close friend in high school, and the depression that set in afterwards, that would finally send Blair back to the camera as a tool to re-connect with the social world and with himself.  He became fascinated with the ability to show others the world through his eyes, and knew the future would revolve around the art of photography.  Choosing to study business and sociology in college instead of an arts degree, Blair bet on the idea that he would need a background in understanding business practices and the people around him and chose to teach himself photography.  Before long however, he received an opportunity of a lifetime to become mentored by a master and was able to get a crash course in the world of lighting and photography.  Before he was even done with college, Blair would already have representation and a client base that many established pros would be jealous of.  Blair has gone on to to shoot advertising campaigns all over the world and has become known for a signature look and an ability well beyond his years.  During our conversation we get the chance to talk about what it's like to be an ambassador for such a well respected legacy brand like Hasselblad, the challenges of dealing with anxiety and panic on commercial shoots, and the advice he gives to others on leaving a legacy and respecting the ones that came first. To Learn More About Blair Bunting Visit: https://www.blairbunting.com

Episode 62: Michael Grecco / Renowned Commercial Photographer and Director

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by renowned commercial photographer and director Michael Grecco. Although best known for his iconic celebrity portraits, Michael has a body of work that spans everything from fine art to filmmaking, and has had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest named clients in the world. He's given back to the photography community as well, with multiple books and talks on lighting technique, copyright protection, business strategies, and more. During our conversation Michael tells us about growing up outside of New York City in the 70s and his early creative inspiration from childhood trips to the Museum of Modern Art and the International Center of Photography. After learning how to develop film at a summer camp program, Michael was hooked. He knew that one day he wanted to be a professional photographer. Although he chased the world of photojournalism in Boston at first, Michael soon realized that his early artistic heroes had helped him create an eye that was better suited for creating photos than just capturing them. He soon found himself in LA, working with People magazine and, before long, creating a look and lighting style that would kick-start a legendary career. Through it all, Michael has continued to evolve as an artist and share with others what years in the business has taught him. We get to discuss some of those ideas during this show, like how to protect your copyrights, what it's like to work in the world of celebrity photography, the way in which the photography business seems to be changing, and the advice he gives to those crazy enough to want to try and make it their career.  To Learn More About Michael Grecco Visit: http://www.michaelgrecco.com

Episode 61: KC Armstrong / Celebrity, Sports, & Advertising Photographer

KC Armstrong joins the podcast for this episode to talk about growing up in Alberta in the shadows of the Canadian Rockies, establishing himself as a sought after photographer in Toronto, and slowly breaking into the LA scene as a celebrity shooter.  KC's life was that of the normal 70s/80s suburban kid.  Getting lost on skateboards and BMX bikes, and venturing into the mountains to snowboard whenever he got the chance.  But the world of punk rock, and the creative sub culture it bought with it, would soon change his outlook on life  and send him in a trajectory of playing in bands and finally finding a true passion for photography.  After several years of working at a grocery store after high school, and wondering what would be next in his life, KC decided to enroll at the Alberta College of Art and Design and began carving out a path that would lead him to a move to Toronto and the beginnings of a commercial photography client base.  Over the years KC has worked with everyone from top professional athletes, to celebrities, to personal projects like his current "Skate Legends" series that showcases beautiful portraits of very familiar faces from the world of skateboarding.  During our conversation we get the chance to explore where he thinks the current state of the photography business is headed, the trials of breaking into the small world of LA celebrity shooters, spreading the word to others to not give away your copyrights, and always raising the bar on your future ambitions.  To Learn More About KC Armstrong Visit: https://www.kcarmstrong.net

Episode 60: Dave Lehl / Action Sports, Lifestyle, & Advertising Photographer

Action Sports, lifestyle, and advertising photographer Dave Lehl joins us on this episode of the podcast to talk about his current life on the road in his new fifth wheel home, and the evolution of his work and client base.  Although best known for his cutting edge snowboard photography for editorial clients like Transworld and Future magazine, and as the team photographer for Rome Snowboards, Dave has continued to evolve his look and reach as a photographer and incorporate the worlds of all sports. Dave talks about growing up in Pueblo, Colorado and his constant missions into the mountains with his family to explore on dirt bikes, snowboards, and skateboards.  It was that early lifestyle that would keep Dave in the mountains even though his original dream was shooting fashion in New York.  It was the mountains that Dave understood and it was his ability to translate that into an image that began to finally get him traction as a photographer.  Dave has since gone on to work with some of the biggest editorial and advertising clients in the world, and created a style that has set him apart from others.  During our conversation we talk about constantly growing as an artist, the benefits of assisting seasoned professionals in your early career, what it feels like to question your decision to be a photographer, and how he continues to attract a new commercial client base.  So enjoy this conversation with Dave Lehl.  To Learn More About Dave Lehl Visit: https://www.davelehl.com

Episode 59: Jill Greenberg / Renowned Photographer / Director

On this episode of the podcast we sit down with renowned photographer Jill Greenberg to talk about what most would consider to be a very successful career in photography, all while remaining true to herself and her ideals as an artist.  Although best known for creating a very recognizable look with her "End Times" series in 2005, Jill has a career that stretches over decades and involves shoots with some of the biggest name celebrities, musicians, politicians, and other social influencers. Jill has been credited with helping to usher in multiple new looks that have been replicated by many. She was born in Montreal, but moved to Detroit at an early age where she would begin to develop her artistic path while attending Cranbrook Elementary School, studying everything from photography to animation.  Jill continued to pursue her artistic passion as she grew up, but was encouraged by one of her professors to focus on photography.  After graduating from Rhode Island School of Design, Jill began to carve out her own niche in the competitive world of photography.  During our conversation I get the chance to ask Jill how she built her career and how she's remained relevant in a world becoming more and more saturated with imagery.  We discuss what it's like being "pigeon holed" by one look, how her career was effected by some of the controversy she found herself involved in, and the advice she gives to others coming up in the world of photography.  To Learn More About Jill Greenberg Visit:  https://www.jillgreenberg.com

Episode 58: Michael Christopher Brown / Documentarian and Conflict Photographer

Photographer and Documentarian Michael Christopher Brown joins us on the show today for a heartfelt conversation about what it means to truly be present to humanity, and if we are able to do that at the same time as looking through a viewfinder.  Many of you might know Michael from his most recent book "Libyan Sugar" and his amazing ability to capture the wide range of human emotions in conflict zones from Benghazi to the Congo.  He's a regular contributing photographer to some of the most prestigious outlets in the world like Time, National Geographic, and The New York Times, and has covered some of the most historical events of the last 20 years.  During the time many would refer to as the Arab Spring, Michael went to Libya to experience the uprising and to document what would happen when people decided to take back the power.  It was there that Michael would be faced with many near death experiences, including a well documented mortar attack that killed one of his good friends and colleagues.  It was those moments, in the long run, that would make Michael question what it was he was doing there and what it meant to be a photographer and fellow human being.  During this conversation, I get the chance to explore those topics with Michael and talk about facing your own traumatic experiences after returning home from a conflict zone, finding true meaning and happiness within the chaos, and the advice he gives to others who want to travel the world and document the human existence.  So join us as we explore some of what it means to be a person and a photographer.  To Learn More About Micheal Visit:ttp://michaelchristopherbrown.com  To Buy his book "Libyan Sugar" Visit: https://twinpalms.com/books-artists/libyan-sugar/

Episode 57: Lindsey Ross / AKA The Alchemistress / Fine Art Wet Plate Photographer

This week we sit down with the Alchemistress herself Lindsey Ross to talk about wet plate photography and the hustle of making a living in a sped up digital era with a slowed down vintage process. Lindsey talks about growing up in Ohio and the influence that an early education in art and photography had on the outcome of her life.  Although she walked away from it to study religion in college, it soon caught up to her again as she traveled west and found a new life and calling in the mountains working as a photojournalist.  Lindsey tells  stories of living on an idyllic ranch with her boyfriend and his parents and the eventual move to Wyoming that would kickstart her photographic career.  She would later relocate to California to attend Brooks institute and earn her MFA.  It was there that she would meet her mentor and become fascinated with the wet plate collodion process.  During this conversation I get to ask how Lindsey has carved out a living for herself in this digital dominated industry with such an old technique, what's it like preparing a body of work for a gallery show, shooting portraits with a slow and cumbersome camera, the music that keeps her going in the studio, and the inspiration she finds in nature.  So enjoy this conversation with Lindsey Ross.   To Learn More About Lindsey Ross Visit: http://www.lindseyrossphoto.com

Episode 56: Chris Buck / Celebrity, Editorial, & Advertising Photographer / Director

This week on the podcast we are joined by photographer Chris Buck to talk about working with everyone from the President of the United States to A-List celebrities, and his newest book "Uneasy" which features a 30 year retrospective of his images.  Although Canadian born and raised, Chris has called New York City home for most of his life and many of his images reflect the edge and grit that the city is known for.  Growing up with a father who worked for Kodak and a mother that loved artwork, Chris always gravitated towards a creative life, but it was a high school class in mass media that would give him a glimpse into what he would pursue and what it was called.  Through high school and college Chris spent time in the music scene, managing a band and working with a local publication.  But his lifelong fascination with pop culture would find it's way back in after moving to New York where he quickly found himself shooting celebrities as well as musicians.  He has gone on to work with some of the biggest names in the business, and has created a look and work ethic that sets him apart from others.  He has garnered respect from his peers as well as a huge roster of clients and was awarded the first Arnold Newman Portrait Prize in 2007.  During our conversation, we talk about Chris's thoughts on the current state of digital media and photography, how we see ourselves in the people we shoot, why it's important to write down goals, and pursuing photography for the sake of art and not money.  So enjoy this conversation with someone who has definitely paid their dues.  To Learn More About Chris Buck Visit: http://www.chrisbuck.com  To Purchase Chris's Book Uneasy Visit: https://www.chrisbuckuneasy.com/buy-now/

Episode 55: Chris McPherson / Advertising, Editorial, & Lifestyle Photographer & Director

On this episode of the Visual Revolutionary Podcast we sit down with well known advertising and editorial photographer Chris McPherson to talk about what's it like brainstorming shoot ideas with Lbron James,  trying to convince celebrities that it's in their best interest to get a good shot, and all the things they don't tell you in school about getting your work in front of the right people.  Although Chris had many influences and mentors in his life, it was his third grade teacher that first put a camera in his hand for a school newspaper assignment and helped change the way he would see the world for good.  Growing up in Phoenix, Chris was inspired by the moto, bmx, and skateboard worlds around him.  And with an older stepbrother like Todd Swank (professional skateboarder and skateboard photographer) to help show him that you could carve your own path, it wasn't long before he was committing himself to photography.  Working first for a high end Phoenix studio, and then moving to LA to assist some of the biggest names in photography, Chris moved through the ranks and built his own book, eventually building a huge roster of clients.  During our conversation we talk about the importance of mentorship, the trappings of assistant work, the need for face to face meetings in a digital world, and what it means to build a brand in today's photography world.  So enjoy this conversation with Chris McPherson.  To Learn More About Chris McPherson Visit: http://www.chrismcpherson.com

Episode 54: Art Streiber / Renowned Celebrity, Portrait, and Advertising Photographer

After a long unplanned hiatus, Visual Revolutionary is back, featuring a new conversation with renowned celebrity, portrait, and advertising photographer Art Streiber.  Named by American Photo Magazine as one of the 100 most important people in photography, Art's body of work is as vast as the list of celebrities, musicians, athletes, and movers and shakers he has worked with.  On this episode, we get the chance to hear about Art's upbringing in Pacific Palisades and the Canon AE1 his grandfather sold him for eight dollars that would inevitably change his life.  As a child growing up around the family business of magazine and newspaper distribution, Art was surrounded by editorial inspiration, but it wasn't until he saw the magic of photography unfold in the darkroom that he fell in love with the whole process of capturing an image, and knew what he would do for the rest of his life.  During our conversation Art tells us about how that young passion for photography turned into a very successful career in the business and how he felt he was able to separate himself as not only a photographer, but a problem solver for the industry.  So sit back and get ready for some inspiration as Art breaks down the way he works, how he stays inspired, keeping an organized studio, dealing with celebrities on set, and the advice he gives to those coming up in the business.  To Learn More About Art Streiber Visit: http://www.artstreiber.com

Episode 53: Magdalena Wosinska / Commercial/Lifestyle Photographer and Motion Maker

This week on the podcast we sit down with commercial lifestyle photographer Magdalena Wosinska.  Although many might know Magda from her popular Instagram account "The Magdalena Experience Volume 1" featuring her beautifully crafted nude self portraits, she has a very long history with photography that stretches back to her early teens and a client list that includes some of the top brands in the world.  Magda, a polish immigrant, moved to this country when she was 8 years old with her parents who were both respected psychology professors.  Although the land of opportunity seemed amazing at first, she quickly started dealing with the pressures of being a young girl in a new country who couldn't speak the language.  She began to feel alienated, but in her early teen years she finally found her voice in the world of skateboarding.  It would be skateboarding that would truly introduce her to the freedom of this country and the characters that come along with it.  And it would be skateboarding that would lead her to a very early career in photography.  Shooting her first overseas assignment at the age of 16, Magda began to slowly carve out a name for herself as one of the few female photographers shooting skateboarding. It would later be a chance to work with legendary photographer Art Streiber where she truly began to tune her craft and the see the potential of photography work outside the world of skateboarding.  On this episode we ask Magda how she manages to convey the freedom and angst of youth culture in photographs, what made her get in front of the lens with her nude self portrait project, what it was like being in a metal band with professional skateboarder Ethan Fowler, and what keeps her driven to always be moving forward.  So enjoy this fun conversation with Magdalena Wosinska.  To Learn More About Magdalena Wosinska Visit: http://magdalenawosinska.com

Episode 52: Krystle Wright / Adventure Sports and Travel Photographer and Filmmaker

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by adventure sports and travel photographer and filmmaker Krystle Wright.  Recently featured on the other side of the camera on Netflix's original series "Tales by Light", Krystle tells us what it's really like to chase a shot, and the misery involved when it sometimes fails.  She's become a gypsy in her own right, sometimes living out of her car and on other people's couches as she constantly stays on the move and travels from one country to another in search of the next adventure.  During our conversation, she opens up about the pitfalls of that existence and how hard it is to be a solo female always showing up in new locations and trying to carve out a living in a male dominated field.  Although an Australian by birth, Krystle spends a ton of time in the US and has made a name for herself with her beautifully crafted images of rock climbing, free diving, base jumping, skiing, and every other action sport she can get the chance to put her camera in front of.  Throughout our talk, we had the opportunity to chat about how she grew up, when the camera made it's way into her life, her early mentors in photography, and some of the first jobs that would provide the stepping stones of building a photography career that would include some amazing editorial assignments and sponsors from some of the biggest brands in the business.  Although she's still fairly recent to the motion world, she has been a part of multiple filmmaking opportunities and recently debuted her newest film "Where the Wild Things Play" at the Five Points Film Festival.  So sit back and enjoy what Krystle has to say about the trials and tribulations of becoming an adventure photographer, some of the tired stereotypes of female athletes that she is trying to help change with her latest project, and the advice she gives to others setting out on the road with a dream to travel and shoot. To Learn More About Krystle Wright Visit: http://krystlewright.com

Episode 51: Stephen Wilkes / Renowned Fine Art and Documentary Photographer

This week on the show we had the honor of sitting down with renowned fine art photographer, documentarian, and true student of time and light, Stephen Wilkes.  Many of you might know Stephen from his beautifully produced series "Day to Night" which he is still traveling the world working on now and has broken the boundaries of how much time you can capture in a single photograph.  That being said, Stephen has had a very storied career that dates back to his early teens and spans an impressive body of work and a list of clients that include some of the most respected curators of photography there are.  As you look through some of his earlier street photography, documentary work, and fine art photographs, you can really understand how it all culminates into the current experiment and study of time, light, place, and human existence that "Day to Night" is.  At age 12 Stephen first started taking pictures, and it wasn't long before he was diving head first into the art form and the business of photography.  But it was a trip to the Met that would really change his life, and the paintings there would become some of his greatest influences.  He would go on to study photography in college and work with some amazing mentors like Jay Maisel, and slowly find his own voice in his work.  During our conversation we get the chance to talk about what he has learned from his constant observation of time, and our relationship to it as we get older.  We talk about what keeps him inspired to keep creating and the passion you need for the work you do, and he gives parting words of wisdom to our listeners.  But mostly, we talk about humanity, and what he has learned from years of watching. So enjoy this inspiring conversation with Stephen Wilkes.  To Learn More About Stephen Wilkes Visit: http://www.stephenwilkes.com

Episode 50: Alex Strohl / Travel and Lifestyle Photographer and Filmmaker / Co-Founder of Stay and Wander

On this episode of the podcast we sit down with photographer, filmmaker, and adventure traveler, Alex Strohl.  We often get emails from fans of the show requesting to have younger shooters on who have found success in the world of photography and filmmaking at an earlier age.  Alex Strohl definitely fits that bill.  With almost 2 million very active instagram followers, a beautiful "globe-spanning" portfolio, his own content production agency, a well received book, and a list of clients that would make most older veterans jealous, Alex has established himself as a force in this industry no matter what his age is.  Alex grew up in Spain and France with parents who were passionate about life, and a nature loving father who told him stories of travel and adventure in far away places.  It was this upbringing that instilled in him a desire to see the world and to experience what else was out there.  While still in high school, Alex found one of his dad's old Olympus cameras and began to experiment with the medium that would end up being his ticket to the travel he dreamed of.  At age 19, Alex left France and moved to Montreal to study graphic design.  It was there that he met Andrea, his future wife, and together they began to create the type of adventures that Alex would build his portfolio from.  After years on the road shooting and traveling, Alex and Andrea have begun to put down roots in Montana, all the while Alex continues to pursue his own passions and nurtures relationships with clients that many dream of working with.  During this conversation we get the chance to ask Alex how it all started, what it's like creating social media campaigns for others, why he chose Montana to put down roots, what keeps him inspired to create, and what advice he gives to other young shooters coming up in this industry.  So enjoy this conversation with Alex Strohl.  To learn more about Alex Strohl Visit:  http://www.alexstrohl.com. To learn more about Stay and Wander Visit: http://www.stayandwander.com

Episode 49: Lucas Gilman / Adventure & Travel Photographer & Filmmaker / Nikon Ambassador

On this episode of the podcast we sit down with Nikon Ambassador and adventure travel photographer and filmmaker Lucas Gilman to hear his story of growing up in the mountains of western Colorado and turning his life long passion for the outdoors into an amazing body of work and a successful career as a photographer and filmmaker.  Fresh off a whirlwind trip through Hawaii, Tahiti, and Iceland, Lucas tells us about a new 8K film project he is working on and what it's like to test outproducts for a company like Nikon. Although Lucas was always inspired by the mountains, it was his father, a fly fishing guide, that gave him his first lessons on making a living by doing what you love.  During his college years at University of Colorado at Boulder, Lucas studied journalism and was soon shooting as a stringer for a large newspaper.  But it wasn't long before the mountains were calling him back to his first love and he started shooting the sports that he had grown up around.  He began building a portfolio of skiing, climbing, and kayaking and forming relationships with some of the top athletes in the world who would eventually help propel him into the spotlight as a respected adventure sports shooter.  Lucas has gone on to work with a huge roster of commercial and editorial clients,  shooting everything from surfing to luxury cars.  During our conversation we get the chance to talk about what Lucas feels is the key to forming long lasting client relationships, what's it like to be a Nikon Ambassador, balancing family life with the hectic schedule of a travel photographer, staying current with the newest trends in photography, and how he stays motivated to keep pushing forward.  So enjoy this conversation and insight into the industry with a photographer who will inspire you to keep growing as an artist.  To Learn More About Lucas Gilman Visit: http://www.lucasgilman.com

Episode 48: Ben Moon / Travel and Adventure Lifestyle Photographer and Filmmaker

On this episode of the podcast we have the opportunity to sit down for an inspiring conversation with photographer, filmmaker, adventure lover, and cancer survivor Ben Moon.  Many of you know Ben from his heartfelt short film "Denali", that chronicled the last days of his dog that had been with him through so much of his life, and became a viral sensation and an award winning piece on the film festival circuit.  Although that film definitely helped push Ben onto the national stage, he had already built a career and a lifestyle that many would admire, working with companies like Patagonia and shooting music videos and photos for several well known musicians.  Growing up in a small Michigan town with a father who preferred to do things his own way, Ben learned the value of self sustainability at an early age and was taught how to live off the land, hunt, and farm for food, and build the things he needed.  Although Ben spent plenty of time in the woods as a kid, it wasn't until his college years that he would began to realize his athletic abilities and a love for rock climbing.  It was through climbing that Ben would decide to make the move out west, freshly married and ready to start a new life.  He settled in Portland and began trying to figure out what the next chapter of his life would look like, but sometimes it's tragedy that sends us in the direction we need.  It would be a fairly heartbreaking divorce that would end up being the driving force for Ben's next chapter and the catalyst to picking up a camera and start a new life.  Ben's early photos were of the things he loved most, and he was fortunate enough to have some good mentors along the way.  Before long he was getting published and formed a relationship with Patagonia that has lived on to this day.  During our talk we get the chance to ask Ben what it was like creating a film that dealt with so many personal issues, how he created his newest piece "Off Season" for Yeti, featuring his road trip with MLB pitcher and fellow photography lover Daniel Norris, and hear about his battle with cancer and how he stayed positive and motivated to beat the odds and return to the life of adventure he loved.  So sit back, listen, and be ready to be inspired from our conversation with Ben Moon.  To Learn More About Ben Moon Visit: https://www.benmoon.com To Watch "Denali" Visit: https://vimeo.com/122375452 To Watch "The Off Season" Visit: https://vimeo.com/165478850

Episode 47: Dan Winters / Renowned Portrait Photographer, Illustrator, Writer, and Filmmaker

On this episode of the podcast we sit down with renowned portrait photographer, illustrator, writer, and category defying creative, Dan Winters.  Although you might know Dan from his critically acclaimed portraits of iconic celebrities, musicians, and cultural influencers, he has built a reputation for his ability to capture a broad range of subjects, and has produced a dizzying amount of work across an array of genres.  Whether shooting the last shuttle launches for NASA or a portrait of the President, Dan has an ability to interpret the subject at hand with a very unique eye that has been influenced by years of curiosity.  Growing up in a small agricultural town in Southern California, Dan's life could have easily gone in a number of directions.  He was fascinated by entomology as a young kid and learned to raise bees as a member of the local 4-H club.  It was also there that he would first study photography and the darkroom process.  Although photography would stay a part of his life, he seemed to be on a fast track to working in the motion picture industry when he secured a full time job working in miniature construction and design while still in high school for John Dykstra's newly created Apogee Inc.  After a while though, Dan's love of photography won over his attention and he went to college to pursue photojournalism.  Dan started his career shooting for the local news chronicle in Ventura County, but before long he had the opportunity to move to New York and the rest is history.  Dan would go on to be a regular contributor for magazines like Esquire, GQ, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, Wired, and many more, and rack up over 100 national and international awards.  During our conversation with Dan we get the chance to ask him how to properly show diversity in your portfolio, which images he remembers being milestones to his successful career, why he left LA for Austin, TX, and how he manages to juggle so many creative projects.  So sit back and enjoy our conversation with a true legend in the industry. To Learn More About Dan Winters Visit:

Episode 46: Ian Ruhter / Photographer / Alchemist / Wet Plate Collodion Pioneer

On this episode of the podcast we get the chance to talk to photographer, alchemist, wet plate collodion pioneer, and all around inspirational figure Ian Ruhter.  Although many know Ian from the short film "Silver and Light" that instantly burst him onto the public stage, he was a very accomplished shooter years before that.  Ian had created a solid reputation as a talented snowboard photographer with a career trajectory that seemed to be moving quicker than he could have ever anticipated.  He was pushing the limits, and became one of the shooters helping to elevate snowboard photography to a world of complicated lighting schematics and big sets.  The work was fun, the money kept coming, and it seemed inevitable that he would most likely head towards the world of fashion and lifestyle photography.  In the midst of what most would consider "success" however, Ian had an unsettling feeling of dissatisfaction.  He began to lose interest in what he was shooting and started to question the rampant consumerism that he was helping promote.  He then did what most could never imagine doing.  He walked away from all of it and set out on a mission that some told him was impossible.  He built the largest wet plate collodion camera the world had ever seen, that was housed inside a truck, and began touring the country with a reinvigorated passion for photography.  During our conversation we get the chance to ask him what it was like walking away from a career many would kill to have, how he continued to believe in his vision in the midst of so much doubt, what it's like to shoot portraits that sometimes take hours for each plate, how inspiring it was to work closely with actor Gary Oldman teaching him the process of wet plate photography, and what the next chapter holds for Ian and the crew.  So join us for a great story with an amazing "underdog" message of following your dreams.  To Learn More About Ian Ruhter Visit: http://www.ianruhter.com   Check out their Latest Film "The Carnival of Dreams"  https://vimeo.com/198070852

Episode 45: Bruce Gilden / Renowned Street Photographer / Magnum Member

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by renowned street photographer and Magnum member Bruce Gilden. Have you ever found yourself walking down a busy street, looking into the faces of those who walk by, wondering to yourself what they are thinking, or projecting your own emotions or stories into their life? That’s what Bruce has made a living doing. Although some critics have accused his work of being exploitive, after almost two hours of talking and laughing with him, I can say with a fair amount of confidence that the only thing he is exploiting is himself. Whether he sees the family figures he grew up with, the old characters of the streets he used to play in, or the pain and suffering of his own journey and struggles, he connects with faces at a very emotional and gut level. He sees a glimpse of himself and tries to capture it. Growing up in Brooklyn, Bruce used to look out the windows and watch the characters of the city go by. His father was a tough character in his own right and someone Bruce feels like he has photographed over and over again. When Bruce found sports, he started to find his own voice. He excelled in basketball and baseball, but he always wanted to box. Although his father would never allow him to get into boxing, Bruce ended up developing an aggressive one two punch with his style of street photography that he would become famous for. Today we talk about his legendary career and how it all started. We get the chance to hear about some of his favorite places he’s been, what he feels like is a common thread in the people he shoots all over the world, and what’s kept him going for all these years. So sit back and enjoy this conversation about characters from a true character. To Learn More About Bruce Gilden          Visit: http://www.brucegilden.com

Episode 44: Jeff Johnson / Travel and Adventure Photographer / Director /  Creative Brand Agent for Patagonia

On this episode of the podcast we get the chance to sit down with Patagonia's own photographer, director, and creative brand agent Jeff Johnson.  Although he's currently pretty busy with his newest adventure of being a father to his 15 month old daughter, he's best known for documenting amazing trips around the world as a writer, photographer, surfer, climber, and all around interesting guy.  At a very early age, growing up in a small town in California, Jeff's father would take him on trips into the mountains of Tahoe to go skiing.  It was during this time that the seeds of adventure were planted.  When skateboarding and surfing came into Jeff's life as an early teen, he finally felt like he had found his calling, and the trajectory of what his future would hold took a turn that would lead him to living in Hawaii right after high school.  It was there, on the North Shore of Oahu, that Jeff started to meet some of the characters that would provide an abundance of stories to tell, and the confidence to tell his own.  As he tried to make a living as a flight attendant and a life guard on the North Shore, he started to document his surroundings and trips into his journal, and soon began to incorporate the camera as well.  After one of these documented trips was published by the Surfers Journal, Jeff began to get a little more recognition and soon met the man that would give him the chance of a lifetime, Yvon Chouinard.  Jeff moved to Ventura to work with Patagonia.  During this time, he was introduced to a story about Yvon and Doug Tompkins and he started planning the trip of a lifetime to recreate one of their legendary adventures.  That trip became the documentary 180% South, and the rest is history. Jeff has continued to work with Patagonia and has created a beautiful body of work, becoming an ambassador for Leica in the process.  So sit back and listen to our conversation with Jeff Johnson, and get ready to be inspired to get your maps out and start planning your own epic journey.  To Learn More About Jeff Johnson Visit: http://www.jeffjohnsonstories.com

Episode 43: Brian Bielmann / Legendary Surf Photographer

For our first show of 2017, we get the chance to sit down with one of the most legendary surf photographers in the business, Brian Bielmann.  Although Brian can't say he picked up the camera at an early age and knew he wanted to be a photographer like some of our past guests, he did know from a very early age that all he wanted to do was surf.  From there, he made the fairly logical decision that he would be more likely to make it as a surf photographer than a surfer.  To say he won that gamble would be an understatement.  With over 150 magazine covers to his name, a client list full of some of the biggest brands in the world, and close friendships with almost every superstar surfer you could think of, Brian has made his name known in the world of surfing.  Growing up in Virginia, and looking up to his older brother who was already surfing, Brian would take any chance he could to make the drive to surf the Outerbanks of North Carolina.  Once he graduated High School, he immediately made the journey to the North Shore of Oahu to join his brother and finally get a chance to surf the waves he had been dreaming about as a kid.  It was in Hawaii that Brian made the decision he wanted to be a surf photographer.  He began purchasing equipment and telling others of his plans for his new career.  However, it wasn't until an accident that almost killed him and sidelined him from the water that he began to really take the craft of photography seriously.  Before long he began getting his first publications, and the rest, as they say, is history.  On this episode we get the chance to talk music and vinyl collections, what it's like swimming Pipeline at age 59, how hard it is to make money in the current world of surf photography, and how he stays relevant in a young man's game.  So join us in a fun conversation with a guy who has definitely got some stories to tell.  To Learn More About Brian Beilmann Visit: https://www.brianbielmann.com

Episode 42: Michael Clark / Renowned Adventure Sports, Travel, & Landscape Photographer

On this week's episode of the podcast, we sit down with photographer, author, teacher, and all around nice guy Michael Clark.  He's become one of the most respected adventure sports photographers around, working with huge clients like Red Bull, Nikon, and Adobe, as well as almost every sports brand and publication you can think of.  But photography wasn't always his first choice.  Although he showed early promise as a talented artist, Michael chose to study physics in college and pursued a career in science right out of school.  Rock climbing had also come into his life around this time however, and before long he realized that his true calling was to travel and climb. He quit his job in the university physics department and took off on a road trip that would last years.  During that time, the camera became a familiar appendage to capture the adventures that were now ruling his life.  Climbing photography would be what propelled Michael into the world of professional photography, but his science background would have him constantly looking to deepen his knowledge of photography, and soon he found himself immersed in the world of adventure sports in general.  Michael would go on to travel the globe, working with a huge list of editorial and corporate clients.  He also began to teach others how he achieved the looks he was known for in several published books.  During our conversation, we get the chance to ask Michael how adventure sports photography might lead to flow states of consciousness, how the pressure of "getting the shot" gets amplified when athletes are putting their lives on the line, and how he continues to evolve as a photographer after all these years of shooting.  So enjoy our conversation with Michael Clark.  To Learn More About Michael Clark Visit: http://www.michaelclarkphoto.com      

Episode 41: Glen E. Friedman / Renowned Music and Skateboard Photographer / Artist

On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with renowned photographer Glen E. Friedman.  To take a look through some of Friedman's archive is like stepping back into time and getting the chance to live through the subcultures he was there to bare witness to.  He created images that would help define a generation.  From the Dogtown Days of skateboarding with Tony Alva and Jay Adams, to the raw energy of punk with Black Flag and Minor Threat, to the early days of hip hop with the Beastie Boys and Run DMC, Friedman was there with a camera in hand.  The list of recognizable names and artists that he helped visually introduce to the world goes on and on and stands as a testament to his own taste in what he thought was important to photograph.  From a very early age, Glen E. Friedman was attracted to photography and began to realize that some of the people that were shooting the culture he was a part of didn't seem to know how to approach it.  By the age of 15 he was getting published in Skateboarder magazine, and a few years later he was shooting the punk bands that had begun to become the soundtrack of his own rebellious attitude.  After venturing into a new endeavor of managing and producing an album for Suicidal Tendencies, Friedman started to get turned on to some of the new sounds of hip hop coming out of New York.  It wasn't long before he became friends with Rick Ruben and Russell Simmons and started shooting some of the iconic album covers that those of us that lived through the 80s and early 90s will definitely remember.  Through it all, Friedman always stayed passionate about photography, and tried to only shoot the things that he was moved by.  During our conversation we get the chance to ask Friedman what he thinks the next youth movement will be, what it's like to work with some of the biggest names in music, and the advice he gives to others about following their passion.  So enjoy our conversation with Glen E. Friedman.  To Learn More About Glen E. Friedman Visit: http://burningflags.com/home/

Episode 40: Joel Grimes / Commercial Photographer / Canon Explorer of Light / Teacher

On this episode of the podcast we sit down with Commercial Photographer, Canon Explorer of Light, and Teacher Joel Grimes.  As a kid, Joel was always creative, but it wasn't until his freshman year in high school that Joel finally picked up a camera and knew that he had found the art form he was looking for.  Although Joel had some early success in the world of photography and was building a national client base, it wasn't until he decided to completely reinvent himself, and his overall look, that he suddenly burst on to the scene as a recognizable name.  Using a three light setup, composites, and somewhat of a grunge look, Joel became a very sought after commercial shooter.  Soon he began teaching others how he created the look and realized that he really enjoyed teaching. After several public speaking events, he created a video tutorial system and started teaching his own personal workshops across the country.  Joel has gone onto to shoot some of world's top athletes, worked on huge ad campaigns, and continued to help others to realize their own dreams in photography.  During this conversation we get the chance to ask Joel what has kept him excited about photography for all of these years, how he deals with sometimes being "pigeonholed" for a certain aesthetic, the amount of personal projects he tries to challenge himself with every year, and the advice he gives to others on building a portfolio.  So enjoy this talk with Joel Grimes.  To Learn More About Joel Grimes Visit:  http://www.joelgrimes.com To Learn More About Joel's Workshops Visit: http://www.joelgrimesworkshops.com

Episode 39: Pete McBride / National Geographic Photographer / Filmmaker / Writer / Speaker

On this episode of the podcast we get the opportunity to speak with National Geographic photographer, filmmaker, and writer Pete McBride.  Pete tells us about growing up on a ranch outside of Aspen, Colorado and the first time he remembers picking up a camera.  From his early days as a kid helping his dad herd cattle, to all the days he spent skiing in the mountains, he felt a calling to study land management and the environment around him.  It was this interest, and trying to write for publications on those topics, that finally led him to photography.  Pete quickly gravitated towards travel, adventure, and expedition work.  He wanted to take photos of the far away places and people he had always dreamed about, but he soon began to become disenfranchised with what he would call "adventure porn" and realized there was a story in his own back yard.  Although he had grown up around the Colorado River, Pete realized how little he really understood about it's history and it's destination.  He soon set out to produce a story about the river which would lead him on a path to becoming what National Geographic would call a "freshwater hero".  Since then, Pete has continued to document rivers, people, places, and the story of the planet, and has inspired many others to look at the world around them a little closer.  During this conversation we got the chance to ask Pete what keeps him from getting burned out, how to present a story and not just photography, why he stayed in Colorado after all the years of travel, and what advice he gives to those dreaming of one day working for National Geographic.  So enjoy our conversation with someone out there helping to tell the stories that need to be told.  To Learn More About Pete McBride Visit: http://www.petemcbride.com

Episode 38: David Alan Harvey / Legendary Magnum Photographer and Teacher

On this episode of the podcast we get the chance to sit down with legendary Magnum photographer David Alan Harvey and talk about the universal language of photography and those who have risen to the level of poets.  His love for this language started at a very early age.  As a child, stricken with polio and confined to hospital wards, David spent a lot of time looking through books and magazines, experiencing what was going on in the outside world through photographs. He also had a lot of time to search the depths of his developing personality and passions and get a head start on knowing who he was and what he wanted to be.  It wasn't until later though, while on a camping trip at the age of 12, that David looked out of his tent one morning and wondered why he didn't have a camera to capture the beautiful scene he was staring at.  From that moment on, David would pursue the art of photography and would stop at nothing less than achieving the dreams he had started to envision.  From his early days as a newspaper photographer, working under another legend in the photo world Rich Clarkson, to his 7 years as a staff photographer with National Geographic, to finally finding his home with Magnum, David has traveled the world many times over trying to tell the human story.  He's won countless awards, published a huge list of books, and has been featured in galleries around the world, but he's still not satisfied and he's definitely not done. We talk about what has kept him inspired and motivated for all these years, what advice he gives to others about creating work that matters, and where he pulls the most inspiration from.  So enjoy our conversation with a photography icon.  To Learn More About David Alan Harvey Visit: http://www.davidalanharvey.com   To Learn More About Burn Magazine Visit:  http://www.burnmagazine.org

Episode 37:  Jason Lee / Photographer / Actor / Skateboarder

This week on the show we get the chance to talk with Actor, Skateboarder, Entrepreneur, and, most important to this show, avid film photographer Jason Lee.  Whether you know him from his days as a cutting edge professional street skater, his cult classic character Brodie in "Mall Rats", the lead singer of Stillwater in "Almost Famous", or everyone's favorite apologist Earl Hickey, you definitely know him.  What you might not have known, is that Jason Lee has spent the last 16 years devouring everything he could learn about film photography and creating a beautiful body of work with an amazing collection of vintage cameras.  Recently he partnered up with Refueled Magazine to create a limited addition coffee table book of his peel apart polaroid work that features images from his travels across the American West.  They are currently working on the second edition and Jason has plans on returning to the road in his old truck to continue shooting.  On this episode we talk about the early days of street skating, the influence that Mark Gonzales had on him, what made him want to be an actor, working with directors like Kevin Smith and Cameron Crowe, and what made him pick up a camera in the first place.  Jason has gone on to help inspire others to have a passion for film photography by starting Film Photographic, an online curated forum for people to show their work, with more plans coming soon.  To Learn More About Jason Lee's Photography Visit: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlee  To Learn More About his Book with Refueled Magazine Visit: http://www.refueledmagazine.com

Episode 36: Scott Serfas / Renowned Snowboard & Action Sports Photographer

We're back!! And since winter is in the air, we thought it would be appropriate to kick off Season 2 of the podcast with someone who is definitely familiar with winter, and has been providing us with some inspirational snowboard photos for years.  On this episode of the podcast we talk to Snowboard and Action Sports Photographer Scott Serfas.  He tells us about growing up in the suburbs of Vancouver and the event that would have him trading in his dreams of being a proffesional skier for a snowboard and never looking back.  It was his love of the mountains, and his desire to figure out a way to stay in them, that finally led him to try his hand at photography after walking away from a job in the trades as a plumber.  Although his parents weren't too excited about seeing their son leave a good paying job, it wasn't long before he had landed several publications and started getting some of the validation he needed to think maybe it might work.  Since those early published photos, Scott has gone on to be one of Transworld Snow's most veteran senior photographers and has had the opportunity to shoot all over the world for companies like Red Bull and Brain Farm Media.  During our conversation we got the chance to ask Scott how he stays motivated to keep shooting, how he balances his family life with a professional life of travel, how he stays relevant in the world of action sports, what it's like to have to be the old guy in the room surrounded by young athletes, and what motivated him to partner up in other ventures like his own snowboard company.  It was a fun conversation that we think you'll enjoy and hopefully have you out there looking for adventures of your own.  To Learn More About Scott Serfas Visit:  http://www.scottserfas.com

Episode 35: David Carson / World Renowned Graphic Designer / Art Director

David Carson is considered by many to be one of the most influential graphic designers in the world.  From his early days with Transworld Skateboard Magazine, to his days at Ray Gun Magazine, to the work he's done for some of the biggest corporations in the world, David has always been leading the charge to push the limits of design.  On this episode of the podcast we get the opportunity to sit down with the legendary designer and talk about growing up in California, his pro surfing career, and what made him leave a secure teaching job to become a graphic designer.   Whether you think you know David's work or not, you've most likely been around it and even influenced by it.  It was his cutting edge typography  and "out of the box" ideas on design that began to create the graphic aesthetic that would come to represent skateboarding and so much of the southern Californian culture and would go on to find it's way in branding all over the world.  David grew up surfing at a young age and soon found he had what it took at the time to become a nationally ranked pro on the competition circuit.  After graduating from college with a degree in Sociology, David went on to work jobs in the surf industry before settling down as a teacher at a prestigious school.  But it would be a chance encounter with a graphic design seminar that would end up changing his life and pointing him down the path towards a creative career.  On this episode we talk abouthow he approaches each design job, what it takes to make it in the creative world, what he feels sets a good photographer's work apart from others, and what he thinks of the current state of design.  So sit back and enjoy this two hour conversation with David Carson.  To Learn More About David Carson Visit: http://www.davidcarsondesign.com

Episode 34: Dylan Gordon / Travel and Surf Photographer

Photographer, surfer, and intrepid traveler Dylan Gordon joins us on the podcast fresh off a trip from Cuba to talk about his current success as a young shooter who has quickly created a client list that many would dream of.  Already, at age 24, he has had the opportunity to travel the world many times over in search of a good composition. Dylan tells us about growing up on a horse ranch in California and the early inspiration he would receive from his very talented father who passed away while Dylan was still in college.  It was during that time that Dylan would realize that one of the greatest gifts his dad had given him was a work ethic and drive that kept him pushing towards his goals of becoming a photographer during a difficult time in his life.  After getting the opportunity to intern with another one of our guests Chris Burkard, and really seeing some of the hustle that went into production and going after clients, Dylan set out on his own and soon got the opportunity to work with Surfer magazine.  With each new milestone he accomplished, Dylan continued to shoot more subject matter, inspired to tell the story of the interesting people around him.  Whether he was shooting motorcycle culture for the clothing company Iron and Resin in his new hometown of Ventura, or travel images of the people of Mongolia, Dylan approached each assignment with a fresh look and genuine interest in the subject and people involved.  Although Dylan is one of the youngest guests we've had on the show, he has already produced a beautiful body of work and has become a sought after shooter by many companies.  He's a prime example of what we have always argued that there are plenty of hard workers and hustlers coming out the younger generation.  So sit back and get inspired to take an epic vacation by listening to our conversation with Dylan Gordon.  To Learn More About Dylan Gordon Visit: http://www.dylangordon.com

Episode 33: Atiba Jefferson / Renowned Skateboard Photographer and Entrepreneur

What other photographer can say they were a character in a video game?  That's a great jumping off point to start talking about the storied career of photographer Atiba Jefferson. Although he's had the opportunity to shoot everything from the NBA to celebrity portraiture, it was the world of skateboarding that changed Atiba's life and helped create the amazing body of work he has today.  On this episode of the podcast we talk about his humble beginnings in a small town in Colorado with his single mom and twin brother, and his early passion for skateboarding and the culture that surrounded it.  It was the bad luck of a broken hand that first put a camera in front of Atiba, but once he started seeing the black and white film come to life in the solution, he knew what he wanted to do with his life.  Through a series of "right time / right place" circumstances, and the hustlers mentality and work ethic that comes from being raised by a single mom, Atiba went on to head to Southern California and chase his dream of being a skateboard photographer.  He quickly began to move through the ranks and soon found himself working with the top pros in the industry and publishing with the magazines he had read as a kid.  We talk about what Atiba thinks it took to get his foot in the door and how that evolved into shooting some of the biggest names in the NBA and the music industry.  We also talk about the business opportunities outside of photography that he has gone on to be a part of, including opening several bars, a coconut water company, and helping to create the Skate Board Mag.  After years of shooting, and what most would call a lot of success in the industry, Atiba has some thoughts and advice on how to stay creative, not get burnt out, and keep making great work.  To Learn More About Atiba Jefferson Visit:  http://www.atibaphoto.com

Episode 32: Tim Kemple / Photographer / Director / Camp 4 Collective

Photographer, Director, and Co-Founder of Camp 4 Collective Tim Kemple sits down with us for this episode of the podcast to talk about some of his many adventures in the world of photography and filmmaking.  Kemple tells us about his early childhood in New Hampshire and the influence that came from his family.  His father loved climbing and the outdoors and they would often load up the Dodge Caravan for long road trips out west to explore places like Rocky Mountain National Park.  It was only fitting then, at age 17 when his other friends were taking vacations to Hampton Beach, that Kemple took the path less traveled and set out on his own road trip with a group of friends to experience the world of climbing that they had read about in magazines.  It was this trip where the camera started to become a tool to document his travels, but it would be later during his college years that he really started to see the potential.  After landing some editorial assignments, Tim started to think that he could possibly make a career out of shooting.  After graduating with a Microbiology degree, he set out on a "dirt bag" adventure in a newly purchased RV that would eventually lead him to a home in Salt Lake City.  It would be there that he would set up base for what would become Camp 4 Collective, a media company that would go on to shoot amazing photography and cinematography for a huge list of clients and produce some jaw dropping content that showcased some of the word's most beautiful destinations. So join in on our conversation where we talk about everything from what it takes to create a look of your own in the world of photography, to his daily routines and exercise that help him chase some of the most elite athletes into the mountains. To Learn More About Tim Kemple Visit: http://www.kemplemedia.com   To Learn More About Camp 4 Collective Visit:  http://www.camp4collective.com

Episode 31: Chris Burkard / Photographer / Creative Director / Speaker / Author

Today on the podcast we catch up with photographer Chris Burkard as he drives down a highway somewhere in the American West.  Although Chris does not like to be referred to as an instagram photographer, it was his beautiful feed that first led us to his work and his message of getting outdoors and communing with nature.  Chris' early days as an artist and his love of painting come through when you look at his large landscapes that he captures with his camera.  The layers of light, color, and a well placed subject help put you in the places he gets to visit.  Although he still lives in the small Central California beach town that he grew up in, Chris has traveled the world extensively and has a true gift for bringing the viewer with him to amazing remote locations through his photography.  He has an infectious attitude and an amazing work ethic, which has allowed him to become a sought after public speaker, including his own Ted X talk about the joy of surfing in ice cold water.  Chris gave us two different opportunities to sit down and talk with him and we have a bit of a story to tell when it comes to that.  So join in on a road conversation with one of our most requested guests.  We talk about the inspiration that nature can give you, finding your own vision as a self taught photographer, leaving a legacy with your work, finding what you are passionate about shooting, and creating a look you can call your own.  To Find Out More About Chris Burkard Visit: http://www.chrisburkard.com

Episode 30: Ben Horton / National Geographic Explorer & Photographer

National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Ben Horton joins us on the podcast to talk about shooting everything from fashion, to commercial work, to sharks and his newest adventure of starting his own agency Access Network.  Ben tells us stories of growing up in Bermuda with his brother and his artist parents and what would become the foundation of a very creative and DIY mindset.  His father went from cartoonist to being one of the most respected sculptors in America showing Ben and his brother an ethos of what was possible if you put your mind to it, and what "making it" in the creative industry looks like.  Ben's mother, the photographer of the family, gave him a camera at an early age.  When his parents moved the family to Colorado and he began becoming attracted to the mountain lifestyle, the camera started becoming a frequently used tool.  One summer Ben's parents decided they wanted the brothers to travel the world together in order to build a better bond and soon they were telling stories of adventures in New Zealand, Africa, and many other destinations.  During that time Ben started to realize that he wanted to document some of the travesties happening to the planet and before long he was awarded the first ever National Geographic Young Explorers Grant.  That would change his life forever and send him on many more adventures with one of the most iconic names you can put on your resume.  Today we talk about what it looks like to be a National Geographic Photographer, how many times you have to raise the bar on the goals you set for your career, the ups and downs of the creative life, and looking towards the future of photography and business.  To Learn More About Ben Horton Visit: http://www.benhorton.biz

Episode 29: Ami Vitale / National Geographic Photographer & Nikon Ambassador

National Geographic Photographer and Nikon Ambassador Ami Vitale joins us on the show today, fresh off a return trip from China where she has been working on a project shooting the re-intergration of captive born Pandas to the wild.  Although she is not known as a wildlife photographer, she has been thoroughly tested behind the lens and enjoys the pressure of stepping out of her comfort zone and approaching a new subject with an outsider's perspective.  Ami grew up in South Florida and had a yearning to get out and see the world at a young age.  Even then, she rejected the non stop development of her home town and felt the pull towards protecting the natural environment.  After a stint working for the AP News, she finally decided to take the leap and travel the world with a camera in hand and document the human condition.  During her extensive travels around the globe to over 90 countries, she has established herself as a presence in the world of photography and built a career that many people dream of.  She has shot everything from conflict areas to rhinos and has had the opportunity to speak on many stages to talk about her adventures behind the lens.  On this episode we talk about her love of nature, her desire to help tell the true story of the people and places that are so often misrepresented, what helps to keep her inspired to continue to create, and both of our mixed emotions and sometimes strained relationships with managing social media accounts.  So enjoy this conversation with an inspiring and adventurous woman that proves that you can create the life you want if you work hard enough at it.  To Learn More About Ami Vitale Visit: http://www.amivitale.com

Episode 28:  Kohl Norville / Award Winning Director & Producer / Director of Content for Motive Made Studios

When award winning director and producer Kohl Norville first set out to try and create his own commercial on spec, it ended up becoming Heineken's signature piece that they aired during the Olympics.  Not bad for a first attempt.  After years of working with ad agencies, and a background in graphic design and art direction, Kohl wanted the opportunity to try and get behind the camera and help create video pieces to go along with some of the advertising ideas he had in his head. Once he hit the first one out of the park for Heineken, the doors began to open for the chance to keep trying.  Kohl would go on to make many memorable commercial spots for a huge roster of clients and continue to hone his skills not only as a director, but as a collaborator and curator of new rising talent.  Recently Kohl was named the director of content for Motive Made Studios and has had the opportunity to help create and direct content for the last three Super Bowls, as well as work on a new documentary series highlighting the effects that fracking and the oil industry has had on California.  On this episode we talk to Kohl about what it takes to get in the door with ad agencies, the future of content creation and the platforms it will live, the challenges of balancing family life with a very busy work schedule, and the day to day hustle it takes to be successful in the creative field.  To Learn More About Kohl Norville Visit: http://www.motivemadestudios.com To Learn More About "Spotlight California Visit https://spotlightcalifornia.com

Episode 27:  J Grant Brittain / Legendary Skateboard Photographer and Editor

Legendary skateboard photographer, editor, and mentor J Grant Brittain joins us on the podcast.  Not only do we talk about his history with photography, but we talk about the history of skateboarding as a whole, and his ever-present role as it evolved into an industry.  Like a lot of kids who grew up in Southern California, Grant fell in love with surfing at an early age, but when the waves weren't good they would ride skateboards and pretend they were still surfing.  After high school he really just wanted to surf and skate, but started taking classes at the local Jr. College and wondered what would come next.  It wasn't until he took a job at the newly constructed Del Mar Skate Ranch that his life as we know it now started taking shape.  One day he borrowed a friend's camera to try and shoot photos of some of the skaters he knew, and from then on he was hooked.  He began to take photography classes at school, and soon was submitting photos to all the skateboard publications he could. This would lead to the opportunity to submit some of his work to the newly formed Transworld Skateboard Magazine and land him the position of Photo Editor and Senior Photograper.  Grant would go on to spend 20 years at Transworld and would be there to witness the rise, fall, and rise again of the skateboard industry.  From a young prodigy named Tony Hawk changing the world of vert ramps forever, to Mark Gonzales making street skating a work of art, Grant was always present with camera in hand. After his long stint with Transworld, Grant left to help create The Skateboard Mag, where he still is today.  At age 60 he's still going strong and remains a large presence in the world of skateboarding.  To Learn More About J Grant Brittain Visit: http://www.jgrantbrittain.com   To Learn More About The Skateboard Mag Visit:  http://theskateboardmag.com

Episode 26: Embry Rucker / Adventure Lifestyle and Commercial Photographer

Photographer and Director Embry Rucker joins us on the podcast today.  We talk about growing up on a farm in Kentucky and his love for exploring the world around him at an early age.  Whether he was riding a horse or his dirt bike, he would roam around their 20 acres with endless possibilities of adventure.  When he was in middle school, a teacher turned him on to rock climbing and quickly he found himself scouring the pages of climbing publications and dreaming of the Rocky Mountains.  After graduating High School he was fulfilling that dream and living in Wyoming, studying English Literature.  He would spend his free time snowboarding and mountain biking and pretty soon fell in love with photography and decided he was done spending so much time trying to figure out what Steinbeck was trying to say.  Before long, and after a couple more moves, he found himself in Oregon shooting photos of the friends around him in the snowboarding community.  It was those early snowboard photos that would lead him into the successful career he has today.  After years of snowboarding photography, and even a stint as the photo editor at Transworld Snowboard Magazine, he soon began experimenting with incorporating more portrait work and lighting scenarios into his assignments and before long bigger companies were calling for commercial work.  Today we talk about maintaining a drive to want to shoot, social media challenges, balancing work life with family life, and sometimes needing to check out and enjoy some "me" time.  To Learn More About Embry Rucker Visit: http://www.embryrucker.com

Episode 25: Joseph Victor Stefanchik / Commercial Photographer / Personal Photo Coach

Commercial photographer and mentor Joseph Victor Stefanchick (aka JVS) has been around the block in the world of photography.  From his early years growing up in New Jersey shooting skateboarding, to his many years working as a freelance photojournalist for the Washington Post, he's tried a bit of it all and isn't done experimenting yet.  Whether he was shooting sports, world politics, weddings, or food, Joseph always tried to keep a clean consistent look and embrace the new world around him while listening to what those that would become his mentors had to say.  It was this positive attitude and willingness to learn that led him to work with a large list of editorial and commercial clients.  Throughout all the incarnations of his career, he has managed to never fall out of love with photography and has now devoted a lot of his time to helping others develop their own skills through his company Personal Photo Coach.  In the last ten years, he's had the opportunity to teach seminars all over the world and work with organization like WPPI.  Today we talk about how he got turned on to photography at an early age, the inspiration that skateboarding can have on living a creative lifestyle, trying to keep a consistent look while being inundated with other people's styles, and what has helped him stay busy and focused after many years of professional photography.  Joseph has a great outlook on the business of photography in today's day and age and helps put a positive spin on what some might see as negative aspects of the current trends.  To Learn More About Joseph Victor Stefanchick Visit: http://www.jvsstudios.com  To Learn More About Personal Photo Coach Visit:  http://personalphotocoach.com

Episode 24: Aaron Brimhall / Commercial Lifestyle and Travel Photographer

Photographer, traveler, and motorcycle enthusiast Aaron Brimhall has one of those instagram feeds that makes you want to step into his shoes for a bit as you look through the images.  Although he might be a little sick of being referred to as a "motorcycle photographer", it was those early motorcycle images and overall aesthetic that first got us turned on to his work and had us wanting to leave the studio early for the day and go ride.  He grew up in Salt Lake City and had early inspirations of making it as a snowboarder.  After meeting his girlfriend, and future wife, who got him started with photography, he started carrying a camera and trying to document the sport and lifestyle surrounding him.  A couple of years after graduating High School, the two of them decided to move to Guam.  Aaron began surfing and shooting constantly and soon became the personal photographer of the governor.  After a while, they decided to come back to Utah, but the travel bug was there and soon they were off on their next adventure.  After many trips, and a ton of images, Aaron has developed a reconizable style of his own and has begun to attract the attention of commercial and editorial clients alike. Today we talk about the competitive nature of photography as a young person, the inspiration that comes from traveling the world, and what helps to keep Aaron working so hard towards his goals.  To Learn More About Aaron Brimhall Visit:  http://www.aaronbrimhall.com

Episode 23: Lee Morris / Fstoppers Co-Founder / Photographer

One of the first things I noticed while talking with Fstoppers Co-Founder and Photographer Lee Morris, was that he is brutally honest with himself about his abilities, level of talent, and the validity of any goals he might have set for himself.  He's always been creative, but it took him a little while to figure out where that creativity would lead him.  At an early age, while growing up in the south, he had dreams of being an animator.  When he had the opportunity to pursue that dream however, he made one of his earliest self critiques, and decided that he didn't have the level of talent that some of the other young artists had.  This attitude would continue through several endeavors until he found himself armed with a camera, taking headshots on the college campus.  That soon led him to the world of wedding photography and the slow build of creating a business and an easy going lifestyle based around it.  One day while talking to his good friend and fellow wedding photographer Patrick Hall, the two of them decided it would be a good idea to try and start a website devoted to teaching some of the techniques they wished they could have learned sooner.  That website would become Fstoppers and it would go on to become a very well known online photography community and education platform.  On this episode of the podcast we sit down with Lee to talk about the future of online education, what he feels like is the best way to deal with commercial clients, and what he says is a guaranteed way to succeed in the world of photography.  To Learn More About Lee Morris Visit:  https://fstoppers.com

Episode 22: Jeff Curtes / Renowned Snowboard and Commercial Lifestyle Photographer

If you were a fan of snowboarding during the 90s, then you are already familiar with Jeff Curtes' work.  During that time he dominated the pages of Transworld Snowboarding and signed with Burton Snowboards as the principle photographer.  He would go on to produce some of the most iconic images of Burton's elite team of riders for the next 20 years.  He was there to watch as the small sport of snowboarding became an industry and children like Shaun White grew up to be dominate athletes and business men.   Through it all, Curtes was a steady presence of consistent work with an easy going attitude based around the fact that he was just trying to have fun as well.  On this episode of the podcast we sit down and talk about growing up in a small town outside of Milwaukee and, together with his younger brother Joe, falling in love with snowboarding at an early age.  When his brother began to start winning all the competitions, and the sport began to take notice, Jeff decided to focus on documenting the world of snowboarders he was surrounded by.  Before long he was being published and the rest is history.  After many years of being totally immersed in the world of snowboarding, Jeff has moved on with other commercial and adventure lifestyle work, and is looking at what the next phase of his career might hold.  He currently shares space on RXR's very impressive roster of photographers, filmmakers, and athletes.  It's a great conversation about doing what you love and having fun while you do it.  To Learn More About Jeff Curtes Visit:  http://jeffcurtes.com

Episode 21: Corey Rich / Nikon Ambassador / Adventure Photographer and Filmmaker

When Nikon Ambassador and Adventure Photographer and Filmmaker Corey Rich was in middle school, he won a contest for the most pull ups a student could do with a whopping number of 35.  After seeing this, one of the teachers at the school put the idea in his head that he should try rock climbing.  Shortly after, he went on a trip to try climbing for the first time and it changed his life forever.  Corey was hooked, and he began climbing whenever he possibly could.  Pretty soon he decided he would take his dad's camera out on a trip to try and capture some visual proof of what he was up to. That's when the two passions that would shape his future and his career came together.  Corey would go on to build a huge portfolio as a climbing photographer first, which would eventually lead him it create an ever-growing list of commercial and editorial clients.  As an early adopter of SLR video capabilities, Corey became fascinated with adding motion work to his abilities and soon became just as busy as a filmmaker as he was a photographer.  He is currently on Nikon's prestigious list of ambassadors and travels all over the world.  Today, we sit down with Corey to talk about growing up in a small California town, and about his recent Ted Talk on embracing discomfort.  This a great conversation in which we really dive deep into battling some of your own demons, and where Corey gives advice on what he feels like helps you be successful and stay creative.  To learn More About Corey Rich Visit:  http://www.coreyrich.com

Episode 20: Dixie Dixon / Nikon Ambassador / Commercial Photographer

From an early age Dixie Dixon loved taking pictures and using the darkroom in her parents home.  She had been exposed to photography by her father and it had been somewhat of a tradition passed down in the family.  She split her creative time between a love of photography and a love of music.  She played in a lot of bands growing up, giving her an opportunity to perfect her performance chops that would later come in handy as a public speaker.  Once she went to college, she opted to focus most of her attention on business in an entrepreneur program, but continued to study art and photography as well.  On a whim, she decided to try and apply for a study abroad program in Europe.  She ended up assisting a fashion photographer and learning a lot about lighting, as well as the interaction between the photographer and the model.  Many more opportunities would arise, and soon Dixie found herself in demand and shooting for a TV show that had her traveling the world.  Dixie has gone on to have a very successful career for such a young commercial photographer.  She has an ever-growing list of high profile clients and the honor of calling herself a Nikon Ambassador.  To Learn More About Dixie Dixon Visit: http://www.dixiedixon.com

Episode 19: Anson Fogel / Director / Camp 4 Collective

From a very early age Anson Fogel realized he had a passion for film.  He was a creative kid, living in rural areas of the Rocky Mountains, and sometimes sought refuge in movies and art.  He loved creating things and soon found himself trying to make short videos with his friends in Middle School.  Although that love never went away, Fogel pursued business and engineering for a while and ended up heading a successful company.  It was not until the money started coming in that he realized that it wasn't just "success" that he was chasing after all and he returned to his original love of filmmaking.  He slowly worked his way through the ranks on commercial film sets, from AC to DP to his current role as a Director.  After winning the grand prize at the Banff Film Festival in 2011, he began to meet a lot of people in the outdoor/adventure community and would soon end up partnering with some of them in the formation of Camp 4 Collective.  With his expertise in making TV commercials and his love of narrative story telling, Fogel began creating a look and feel that is very unique and quickly started working with an elite roster of clients.  He has some opinions on why he thinks he was able to create a career for himself in such a competitive industry and he shares that with our listeners on this episode of the podcast.  So sit back and enjoy our conversation.......To Learn More About Anson Fogel Visit: 

Episode 18: Peter Hurely / Renowned Headshot Photographer and Public Speaker

Peter Hurley has some stories to tell and an infectious personality that keeps you wanting more. From his early days as a competitive sailor on the US team, to his years as a model working with legendary photographers like Bruce Weber, to his current status as one of the country's leading headshot photographers, he's lived a full life and he's not close to being done yet.  Although Hurley definitely had a few lucky rolls of the dice, and some amazing mentors that would come into his life, he has made a career for himself through a serious work ethic and a hunger to keep learning and growing as an artist and an entrepreneur.  Peter gives us a behind the scenes look into the life of a busy photographer and businessman. He has not only had success behind the lens, but has created the largest network of headshot and portrait photographers in the world with The Headshot Crew, and has become a leading voice in photography education.  His honesty and insight into what he feels like has made him successful make this a "must listen" episode of the podcast.  To Learn More About Peter Hurley Visit: https://peterhurley.com    To Learn More About the Headshot Crew Visit:  https://headshotcrew.com

Episode 17: Rich Clarkson / Legendary Photographer / Founder and President of Clarkson Creative

American Photo Magazine once named Rich Clarkson as one of the top 50 most influential individuals in American Photography.  After talking with him for an hour, we definitely understand why.  From his early years behind the lens, shooting what would become some very iconic images for Sport Illustrated, to his position as the Director of Photography for National Geographic, Rich has had a storied career spanning 7 decades and still going strong.  He currently heads up Clarkson Creative, the company he founded, and leads workshop retreats all over the country featuring some of today's top shooters.  He has seen the photography world grow and change from the early days of film, to the current state of digital technology, and has somehow continued to stay on top of the game and be a relevant voice to a younger generation.  To say the man has some stories would be an understatement.  It's like hanging out with your grandpa, if your grandpa was once shooting black and white portraits of a college aged Wilt Chamberlain when he played for the Kansas Jayhawks.  This is by far the most veteran photographer we have had on the show, and it will be hard to set the bar any higher.  So sit back and enjoy our conversation with a legend of the industry.  To Learn More About Rich Clarkson Visit:  http://www.clarkson-creative.com

Episode 16:  Melissa Rodwell / Fashion Photographer / Co-Founder of Breed and Alice Magazine NYC

At an early age, Melissa Rodwell found herself flipping through the pages of her Mom's copies of Harper's Bazaar and Vogue Magazine.  She quickly became fascinated by fashion and inspired with the culture that surrounded it.  After having the opportunity to see a Helmut Newton exhibition in Paris at the age of 17, she saw the possibility of combining a love of fashion with her new love of photography.   Melissa studied at the prestigious Art Center in California and started learning the craft that would soon take her all over the world.  During that time she found a lot of inspiration from her true love of Rock 'n' Roll Music and the burgeoning punk scene happening in LA during the 80s.  She would go on to take that aesthetic and create a look that would put her into the very pages of the magazines she loved as a child.  After years of shooting, she decided to take a hiatus and ended up stumbling into the world of blogging. This would eventually lead her to create her company Breed, that provides online education and insider information to people in the world of Fashion Photography.  Melissa continues to create beautiful fashion work and has returned to her original love of rock music to create her newest project Alice Magazine, which combines fashion, music, and the rock aesthetic.  Join us as we hear an in-depth version of this story and some inspiring advice from Melissa Rodwell.  To Learn More About Melissa Rodwell Visit: http://melissarodwell.com

**This Episode is brought to you by Breed http://jointhebreed.com providing you with online education and an insider's view into the world of Fashion Photography and the business surrounding it.  Use the promo code visualrevolutionary at check out to receive $50.00 off any online class download.   To Learn More About Alice Magazine Visit: http://alicemagazine.nyc

Episode 15: Rob Frost / Adventure and Documentary Filmmaker

Adventure and documentary filmmaker / photographer Rob Frost hobbled into our studio recently after going through an experimental new surgery to help rebuild his shattered heel after a climbing accident.  Although his mood was hopeful and positive about the recovery ahead, we got a chance to dive into some of the darkness that exists when you are sidelined from an injury and not able to do the work you love and forced to reevaluate the things you hold dear.  Rob tells us about growing up a young rambunctious kid in the northeast and pushing the limits with his friends even then.  He was a ski racer at a young age, but soon fell in love with rock climbing.  After college, he found himself working as a climbing guide but started to work on a small movie about the local climbing scene that would quickly change his life.  After the movie found it's way to the Banff Film Festival and helped Rob launch a new career path, he quickly began to attract the attention of others and began to travel the world shooting the adventures he loved.  Rob has had the opportunity to shoot for a huge roster of clients, cover the world famous Iditarod dog sled race for years, and was nominated for an Emmy for the work he did for 60 minutes filming a piece about the free soloist climber Alex Honnald.  We wish Rob the best of luck and the speediest of recoveries and hope to see him hanging from a rope soon doing what he loves best.  Learn More About Rob Frost At: http://www.robfrostmedia.com

Episode 14: Mike Blabac / Renowned Skateboard & Action Sports Photographer

When Mike Blabac was called upon to be the photographer to document Danny Way jumping his skateboard over The Great Wall of China, there was no doubt in his mind that he had what it took to get the right shot.  He had literally prepared most of his life for this type of pressure. From the ripe old age of 11 years old, Blabac was shooting with his first DSLR camera and developing his own photos in the darkroom.   The only passion that was bigger, and more time consuming, was his love of skateboarding.  At age 20, Blabac moved out to San Francisco to pursue skateboarding.  Before long his two passions finally intersected, and he found himself shooting photos for some of the sponsored skateboarders he was hanging out with.  The rest, as they say, is history.  He would go on to become the head photographer for DC Shoe Company and have his fingerprints on some of the most iconic skate and action sports photos in the last 20 years.  He has worked with some of the biggest names in actions sports, as well getting the opportunity to produce commercial work for a "whose who" roster of corporate clients.  Through all of it, Blabac has kept a very humble attitude, and continues to have a deep love for photography and the access to interesting people and great adventures that it provides.  Learn More About Mike Blabac at http://www.blabacphoto.com

Episode 13: Nick Rosen / Writer/Director/Producer / Sender Films

Although Nick Rosen isn't quite sure how much he remembers of his earliest years of life as the son of "Back to the Land" hippies on a rural commune style farm in Quebec, there is no doubt that some of their radical ideas and behavior rubbed off on him and helped shaped the idealistic foundation that would have Nick traveling the world looking for a revolution of his own.  Nick tells us about living with the Zapatistas in Mexico, about seeing the world trade center go down from the apartment he was living in, about sailing with friends and rock climbing in different areas around the world, and about finally re-uniting with his long time friend Pete Mortimer to help build what would become Sender Films.  After years of writing, Nick would become a very integral part of the storytelling side of things of a film company that was quickly earning respect.  Nick helped to craft character development and story arcs as they documented the climbing world around them, which you can see a great example of in their more recent and acclaimed film "Valley Uprising" that explores the history of rock climbing in the Yosemite Valley through a host of characters both past and present.  To Learn More about Nick Rosen go to http://senderfilms.com

Episode 12: The Angry Millennial Podcast Hosts / Photographers Jose Rosado and Stevie Chris

Photographers and Fellow Podcasters Jose Rosado and Stevie Chris have a lot to say when it comes to the younger generation, the lackluster job market, and trying to carve out a spot in the world of photography in an ever growing sea of content.  After failed attempts at trying to sustain a career path, or in Stevie's case, growing road weary after years in a hard core band, they both decided to re-emmerse themselves in the world of photography and to start their own podcast "The Angry Millennial Show".   We talk about some of the trials and tribulations of coming up in the current state of the industry, how to stay current and keep creative with so much competition, and even have the chance to talk a little "inside baseball" on podcasting and being inspired by the people on our shows. Learn more about The Angry Millennial Show at http://www.theangrymillennialshow.com  Learn More About Jose Rosado at http://www.joserosadophoto.com  Learn more about Stevie Chris at http://www.steviechris.com

Episode 11: Sinuhe Xavier / Award Winning Director / Photographer

Upon first look at the very impressive body of work from Commercial Director and Photographer Sinuhe Xavier, it's hard to believe that he didn't even pursue a career in directing films until 2003.  He is a self taught photographer and filmmaker with a huge roster of clients like Ford, Toyota, Gillette, and many others.  After years on the other side of the lens as a proffesional skier for the North Face team, and a couple of attempts at normal jobs, Sinuhe picked up a camera and started down the path that would lead him to what most would call a successful career and a growing list of high profile clients.  Sinuhe tells the story of growing up in Bozeman, Montana, having a big half pipe in his yard that would become the local hot spot and even attract Tony Hawk to come skate it, and traveling the world as an athlete for The North Face.  Sinuhe has gone on to direct a big list of commercial spots, worked on more personal documentary films, and traveled through Columbia on a motorcycle. He is recently back from Alaska after directing a short film for the new Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, and has an inspiring story of someone who had the right determination to make it in an industry that doesn't let many in.  Learn more about Sinuhe Xavier at http://www.sinuhexavier.com

Episode 10: Pete Mortimer / Producer / Founder and President of Sender Films

If you were lucky enough to get to see the recently released documentary film "Valley Uprising" about the history of climbing in the Yosemite Valley, broadcast on The Discovery Channel and now available online, than you are already aware of Producer/Filmmaker and President of Sender Films Pete Mortimer.   This week we get the chance to sit down with Pete in his Boulder Studio and hear about growing up in Colorado in the 70s and 80s and his early foray into rock climbing and making funny videos with his friends during his high school years.  After graduating from Colorado College, which seems to be producing some of worlds top climbers, photographers, and filmmakers, Pete set out on a journey that would have him in New York for several years, Film School in California, and adventures all over the globe, before he would finally settle back in Boulder to try and carve out his own place in the world of adventure film companies.  Many films and many years later, Pete has succeeded in making a name for himself in the world of documentary film making with his company Sender Films and his own film tour "The Reel Rock Film Festival".  Enjoy this conversation with someone who proves that you can create a company on your own terms.......Learn more about Pete Mortimer at http://senderfilms.com

Episode 9: Tyler Stableford / Canon Explorer of Light / Photographer Director

Photographer, Director, and Canon Explorer of Light, Tyler Stableford sits down with us to tell us about growing up as a mountain kid in Vermont and his early days of wanting to be a writer.  After attempts at incorporating pictures into some of his stories, Tyler became fascinated with photography and started down the path that would end up having Men's Journal Magazine name him "One of the Seven Greatest Adventure Photographers", as well as becoming one of Canon's prestigious "Explores of Light".  He's had the chance to work with clients all over the world and has created a signature commercial look, all the while continuing to pursue personal work in the form of documentary films and helping out with NGOs.  So sit back and enjoy Tyler's story.   Learn More about Tyler Stableford at:  http://www.stablefordstudios.com

Episode 8: Cory Richards / National Geographic Photographer/Filmmaker

We get a chance to sit down with photographer, filmmaker, and athlete Cory Richards (Named National Geographic Explorer of the Year in 2012) and talk about growing up the son of a Ski Patroller in Salt Lake City Utah and his early days exploring the mountains.  We learn about Cory's somewhat troubled youth that led him to dropping out of high school at an early age and his first experiences as an alpinist that would inevitably lead him further into the mountains and towards becoming a sponsored climber.  As he continued traveling and climbing, Cory found himself with camera in hand and began work on what would become an already storied career exploring the globe and shooting for some of the most respected publications in the world.  This is definitely an inspiring conversation that you don't want to miss.........Learn out more about Cory Richards at http://www.coryrichards.com

Episode 7: Dave Black / Legendary Sports Photographer/Nikon Ambassador

Legendary sports photographer and Nikon Ambassador Dave Black joins us to talk about his early days as a competitive gymnast and coach, and what led to a surprise phone call asking him to become the photographer for the U.S. Gymnastics team.  After years behind the lens, shooting everything from the olympics to the NFL to the Kentucky Derby, Dave sits down to reflect on a successful career, and how he feels like he has stayed relevant in an ever more competitive field.  Not only is Dave an amazing shooter with a very deep body of work, but he has gone on to mentor many of the world leading sports shooters today and brings his level of expertise as a shooter, teacher, and businessman to the show.  Learn more about Dave Black at http://www.daveblackphotography.com

Episode 6: David Clifford / Photographer/Filmmaker

Adventure Lifestyle and Commercial Photographer and Filmmaker David Clifford sits down with us to talk about growing up outside of Boston, studying photography in college, dropping out and becoming a ski bum, and his early hustle in the photography industry.  He did his time in his younger years working for others as he tried getting his foot in the door, but ended up being a gatekeeper himself as the photo editor of national publications Rock & Ice Magazine and Trail Runner Magazine.  During his time as an editor, he had the opportunity to work with, and mentor, others that would become world renowned shooters in their own right.  He has since gone on to re-focus his energy on his own career as a freelance shooter and has worked for some big clients shooting all over the world.   Learn more about David Clifford at http://www.davidcliffordphotography.com

Episode 5.5 More With Photographer/Filmmaker Keith Ladzinski (On being a fan of photography)

We had a crazy production schedule this week and didn't have time to release a full episode, but wanted to take this chance to give you a little more of National Geographic photographer, and founding partner of 3 Strings Productions, Keith Ladzinski as he talks about being a true fan of photography, cheering on the success of his peers, and continuing to grow as an artist.  We'll be back soon with another full epidose, but for now enjoy this tidbit that shows what we love so much about Keith's attitude.  Learn More About Keith Ladzinski at http://www.ladzinski.com or http://www.3stringspro.com

Episode 5: Photographer/Filmmaker Keith Ladzinski

National Geographic Photographer and Filmmaker, and founding partner of 3 Strings Productions, Keith Ladzinski tells us about growing up in Colorado and his early days of skateboarding and how he ended up in a pawn shop with his big brother looking for what would become his first camera.  From his early inspiration inside the pages of a skateboard zine, to the mysterious teacher that would become one of his first editors, Keith tells a tale of self motivation and determination that leads to working with some of the biggest clients in the world.  From National Geographic to The New York Times, Keith has had his byline stamped in the pages of publications some will only dream about, and he breaks down what he feels got him there.  Learn More About Keith Ladzinski:http://www.ladzinski.com http://www.3stringspro.com

*Episode 4: Photographer Emily Polar

Adventure, Lifestyle, and Travel Photographer Emily Polar tells us about growing up in a small town in Wisconsin and her first trip outside of the country that made her want to pick up a camera and document the experience.  After deciding to leave a career in tabletop photography, Emily dedicated herself to capturing a lifestyle and began traveling the globe in the name of photography.  She has shot for clients like Patagonia and Reebok  and continues to make a name for herself in a very competive field of photography.  We catch up with Emily freshly back from a 6 month trip to India and some new inspiration. Learn More about Emily Polar: http://www.emilypolar.com

Episode 3: Photographer/Filmmaker Bo Bridges

World Renowned Sports and Lifestyle Photographer Bo Bridges tells us about growing up in Florida and Switzerland and his early days with camera in hand trying to figure out how to carve out a living in a competivie industry.  We catch up with Bo while he is on a shoot for Sony and talk about the early hustle and what inspired him to go towards the world of action sports and how that led to working with clients and celebrities all over the world.  Bo's story not only captures the essense of how someone ended up shooting with a giant roster of commercial clients, but the attitude, drive and hustle it takes to run a successful business.  It's an inspriging converstaion about getting it done.......Learn More about Bo Bridges: http://www.bobridges.com

*Episode 2: Photographer/Filmmaker Andy Mann

National Geographic Photographer and Filmmaker and founding partner of 3 Strings Productions Andy Mann tells us about growing up on a farm in rural Virginia, learning to shit in the woods, getting his first guitar, and his early attempts at taking pictures.  His vagabond lifestyle of playing music and climbing provide the foundation of an inspiring story that culminates  into his current status of shooting for one of the most respected photo agencies in the world.  Check him out at http://www.andymann.com

*Episode 1: Photographer Jack Affleck

The man behind all of Vail Resorts' Photography, as well as national campaigns and editorial work across the country, Jack Affleck sits down to tell us about Denver in the 70s, his first Alto Sax Solos, and what becomes a very sought after career of working with the biggest Ski Company in the world.  Check him out at www.jackafflecphotography.com