Creative Banter

Ben and Cody go head-to-head in this week’s conversation as they discuss how one may see but not perceive, if there are any benefits to deadlines, and how we can unclip the digital leash. Okay, maybe this isn’t as much of a battle of the minds as it could have been. I apologize for the dramatization. LINKS The Mindful Photographer  - Guy Tal Dodge & Burn   iA Writer Alberto Rodriguez-Garcia Br...

After almost a year of attempting to get him on the show, I finally convinced Andrew Baruffi that it may be worthwhile. We had a nice, casual conversation around mental health, our influences, photography book creation, and more. LINKS Heal.  Blemished Copies The Great Wilderness by Alex Nail Ben Lockett Memento Mori  collection  Kyle McDougall — Environmental Portraits with the Mitakon 65mm 1.4 S...

Despite being ninety-nine episodes in, neither Ben nor I have quite figured out what we are doing with this podcast. That’s perfectly okay with us, as we continue to enjoy the various conversations had each week, as well as the connections we have made with listeners.   Our artist of the week is Anna Morgan. LINKS Tim Ferriss on Modern Wisdom Kenny Thatcher Do Nothing by Celeste Headlee Dodge &amp...

Showcasing the dichotomies between life and death is something I am focusing on as I continue to photograph various found bones and skulls. Meanwhile, Ben thinks about new skates and society’s obsession with buying cheap items that are thrown out rather quickly.   Our artist of the week is  Eugene Theron. LINKS David Kingham John Pedersen We Talk Photo Podcast Eugene Theron SUPPORT THE SHOW Join O...

Was it a mistake to turn down a temporary position with decent pay, despite poor gut feelings? Is this dream of mine something that can become a reality, or should I take the money and be like everyone else? Will Ben continue on this plant-based journey? Our artist of the week is  Alex Jones. LINKS The Interior Landscape  - Guy Tal Alex Jones SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Our  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patreon...

In the age of podcasts and streaming services, are introductions to what we watch truly necessary? Or am I wasting my breath by summarizing what you’re about to listen to anyway? Our artist of the week is Mary Brisson. LINKS The Bear Fallout Marc Maron Interviews Steven Yeun Marc Maron Interviews Andrew Garfield Yosemite: Sanctuary in Stone by William Neill Mary Brisson SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Our ...

Pollen is at the front door again, ready to knock me down and stuff me up. That won’t stop Ben and I from discussing the 2024 solar eclipse or the idea that we should give our photographs more time to grow on us, much like we do with redesigned vehicles. We also talk about my recent pursuit of a mentor, to better help me grow as both a photographer and a writer — and, perhaps, as an individual. Ou...

As Ben celebrates four years as a full-time landscape photographer, we discuss the small changes in life that can make a large difference. We pull threads as we contemplate how careers will shift with the introduction of AI, and we ponder the effects of immediate gratification on what tasks we choose to focus upon. Our artist of the week is Sho Hoshino. LINKS Sho Hoshino SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Our ...

The thread which weaves our conversation together this week, is our desire for connecting more deeply with nature. From planes powered by humans to barefoot hiking boots, Ben and I continue to consider how we may better change our lives to be more natural. Further, I contemplate whether recent events are some sort of sign that the path I’m currently taking, is the correct one. Our artist of the we...

Ben’s recent completion of his long awaited century ride leads to a discussion primarily around plant-based eating habits. If you’ve ever wondered what Ben eats in a day, your answer awaits. Though, I wouldn’t be too excited — he eats the same breakfast and lunch every day. In this episode, we also touch on the idea of knowing when a story should end, brought on by a movie I watched the other nigh...

Once again off social media, my mind floats toward the idea of slow productivity, of slow growth - something which has been discussed ad nauseam between Ben and I, but its importance in this world of hustle and bustle cannot be overstated. This brings us to questions such as whether legacy even exists in the modern era, and if the supposedly endless options for making money, are harming rather tha...

My recent interview with Talking Landscape Photography has me thinking about the ways we organize our photographs for presentation, particularly the debate between online galleries and the recent trend of free eBooks. This is especially pertinent as I work to revamp my website, as well as edit through the year-long backlog that has built up. And now that I have the freedom of digital with a system...

Though it didn’t seem to go all that well, I finally had a job interview the other day. The last position I interviewed for was in October, for an outdoor retail company, and previous to that was an interview in July for a teaching position. So, maybe I was a bit rusty; or maybe they knew immediately that I wasn’t the right fit. Either way, after a bit of ranting off the air, Ben and I discuss wha...

Ben has returned from his most recent trip to Death Valley, where he experienced a slight existential crisis while photographing glistening mud. This leads to a conversation around anxiety and film photography, as well as the veil of perfection with digital cameras. Once again, I am attempting to replace my large format film kit with digital, this time with the Fuji GFX50s. Will it actually work?...

For the longest time, people have realized there is a certain power to such simple acts as walking, especially when it comes to thought generation. Of course, this doesn’t mean all the ideas we come up with while walking are going to be good ones. What is more important though, is ensuring we maintain a sense of intentionality behind everything we do, whether it’s being on social media or creating...

It’s rainy and somewhat miserable in both California and Pennsylvania as we record this, though Ben has the upper hand with his (slightly) warmer weather. In between a connection outage or two, we talk about the ongoing plant-based experiment and its effects on cycling, as well as the idea of having an emotional attachment to food. We then find ourselves speaking on rapid jump cuts in television s...

Sparked by an hour-long walk, Ben and I discuss the importance of routine and the creation of a daily schedule. Though it may seem odd to plan out your day to the hour, is it really all that different from what we do when we work for someone else? Not to mention, it may actually help us to feel better both mentally and physically, while also becoming a bit more productive. LINKS Netflix Twin Docum...

This week, Ben reveals a super secret trick that will help ensure your YouTube videos look seamless, even if the content was shot several days apart. We also discuss the idea of camouflage as a fashion statement, and how a minimalist wardrobe can be rather beneficial, despite the odd looks you may get from people you work with, like your dogs and cats. Perhaps more pertinent to photography though,...

As Ben and I continue our journeys in landscape photography, we find ourselves with a strong desire to learn more about both the natural world around us and the role nature plays in fueling our bodies. To be an advocate of nature means not only to speak on the importance of environmental protections but, perhaps more importantly, to live a more natural life. What that means, of course, is up for d...

While the information shared via TikTok, Instagram Reels, and social media in general can rarely be trusted, there are times when it connects in such a way that your habits begin to make a bit more sense. Habits such as constantly procrastinating despite enjoying the activities you are avoiding. This week, Ben and I spend a majority of the episode discussing the impact that childhood praise has ha...

With Christmas now behind us, Ben and I finish out the year by discussing what is perhaps the most pivotal part of running a YouTube channel: The negative comments. Sparked by one comment in particular, we discuss how returning to a location time and again can actually be beneficial, making you a better artist, than if you were to travel to exotic locations. Not to mention the knowledge you obtain...

Given the number of spam calls we receive each day, Ben and I ponder whether working at such a call center would be a lucrative career choice. Even if it did bring in a bundle of cash, it wouldn’t likely lead to much growth on a personal or professional level. Perhaps this is much like being an influencer, but that’s something neither Ben nor I are about to find out anytime soon. Regardless, we do...

We start off strong this episode by discussing bladder control, which somehow leads us somewhat nicely into discussing the correlation between motivation and meeting our needs. As we riff on sleep and stress, we chat about deadlines and presentations, as well as Ben’s use of a 100-mile bicycle ride as a reward. And while on the topic of cycling, we talk about how, at the end of the day, we just wa...

What does apple juice, iced tea, and a water wagon — whatever that is, exactly — have in common? About as much as they have to do with photography, which isn’t much. But, that’s the fun of it, right? This week, we’re talking about healthy habits, kayaking, and following rules. We also discuss Ben’s 2023 print portfolios and the release of Nature Vision Magazine’s third issue. And I make the mistak...

Not having a proper introduction last week, that just felt weird. Yeah, it’s a bit more work to include them, but it’s fun to try tying everything together. Speaking of fun, this week we are joined by a very special guest as we discuss the Thanksgiving holiday and how time simply flies by without a care in the world. We talk about social media no longer being all that personal, and how blogging co...