Our Photo Club Community Podcast

In this episode, Michael talks with Northern Michigan photographer and longtime friend  Jessie Zevalkink about the shifting balance between adventure and routine — especially once parenthood enters the picture. They explore how creative careers evolve over time, the emotional push-and-pull between craving adventure and embracing stability, and how structure can actually support better art. The con...

In Episode 9, Michael Kent breaks down The Art of Adaptability — how problem solving builds confidence and creativity. From last-minute pivots at weddings to learning new tools on the fly, Michael shares stories from the field and lessons about resilience, curiosity, and flexibility in creative work. Topics include: Why adaptability matters more than perfection Building confidence through problem...

Michael Kent sits down with photographer Marcela for a heartfelt conversation about gratitude, growth, and what it means to stay grounded as a creative. They unpack how their paths shaped their relationship to work, family, and purpose—and how gratitude can be both a grounding force and a catalyst for change. Topics include: Why proposal photography is booming and what it says about the new genera...

As the summer fades and the quiet months begin, host Michael Kent invites you into the woods behind his studio for a thoughtful reflection on embracing slower seasons — both in photography and in life. In this episode of The Photo Club Community Podcast , Michael shares his personal rituals for closing out the busy season, resetting his creative energy, and preparing for growth. You'll hear how he...

What does it really mean to evolve as a photographer? In this conversation, Michael Kent and Katie Weaver unpack the natural cycles of creativity and the importance of balancing artistic growth with client trust. We cover: The phases of inspiration, growth, productivity, stagnation, and renewal Why trends aren't bad — if you adapt them into your style How client relationships evolve alongside your...

In this solo episode, Michael Kent shares how shooting in black and white has transformed the way he sees light, shape, and emotion in his photography. From daily practice with his Fuji X100F to using black and white as a creative ritual, Michael explains why stripping away color can sharpen our vision and deepen our connection to the world around us. You'll hear stories about how this approach sh...

In this episode, Michael is joined by co-host Sydney Marie for a thoughtful and honest conversation about the summer stretch —that point in the busy season where creativity, energy, and authenticity are tested. From the pressure of back-to-back sessions to the rituals that keep us grounded, this episode blends real-world experience with practical advice for sustaining yourself through your busiest...

In this episode, Michael is joined by portrait and underwater photographer Chelsea Erwin for a conversation that dives beneath the surface—literally and creatively. From gear and light to trust and direction, this episode explores how underwater photography pushes us to communicate clearly, shoot with intention, and create work that feels emotionally alive. We talk about: How Chelsea's surf photog...

In this episode, Michael is joined by co-host Katy Weaver for a deep and practical conversation about golden hour, blue hour, and everything in between. From lighting logistics to emotional presence, this episode offers a blend of creative reflection and hands-on tips for portrait and wedding photographers alike. We talk about: What golden hour really is—and why it feels different in the morning v...

In this episode, I'm joined by my good friend and fellow Northern Michigan photographer Jessie Zevalkink . We dive into the theme of water - not just how to photograph it, but what it means as a creative metaphor. From calm lakes at sunset to unpredictable waves during body brave sessions, we explore how water shows up in our work, how it shapes our process, and how it teaches us to adapt. Jessie...

Welcome to the very first episode of the Photo Club Community Podcast! This is Episode Zero — a soft launch to introduce the vision behind the show, and to ask a big question: Why do we take photos, especially when we're not trying to go pro? Host Michael Stewart Patrick Kent reflects on the creative impulse to document our world, and shares stories of personal photo rituals, community conversatio...