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:
To Help Him Achieve his Goal of Working with and helping the Ninash School Go To:
https://www.gofundme.com/seanfboggs-india
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Snowboard and action sports photographer Scott Serfas comes back on the podcast to talk about the 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
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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:
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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
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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:
To Learn More About The Purpose Hotel Visit:
https://www.thepurposehotel.com
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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
Learn More About Visual Revolutionary At:
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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
To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: http://www.visualrevolutionary.com
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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/
To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: http://www.visualrevolutionary.com
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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
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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
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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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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:
Visit Visual Revolutionary At:
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or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/
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:
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