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 dedication 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
Or check him out on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/frenchfred/
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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
To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: http://www.visualrevolutionary.com
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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/
Learn More About Visual Revolutionary At: http://www.visualrevolutionary.com
And Follow Us on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/
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
To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: http://www.visualrevolutionary.com
Follow Visual Revolutionary on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/
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:
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