The Outspoken Artist

In this AfterHours conversation recorded at ShutterFest 2025 in St. Louis, portrait photographer Stacy Kennedy shares how she’s evolving her work, balancing beauty and branding photography with a seasonal business model in Fargo, ND.We explore how the supportive spirit of ShutterFest keeps her coming back, how authenticity shapes her creative vision, and what it means to grow both personally and p...

Curious how mentors shape emerging creators at ShutterFest? In this AfterHours session, Josh Russell, YouTube mentor and creative guide, opens up about his journey, teaching philosophy, and what it means to truly support other artists. We dive deep on community, creativity under pressure, and the unexpected moments that make ShutterFest unforgettable. EP# 054 is available now, with full video on Y...

What happens when a seasoned photographer walks into her first-ever ShutterFest? In this AfterHours edition recorded at Union Station, Amber Henry shares her take on the community-driven chaos and creative freedom of ShutterFest 2025. We dig into her Renaissance-inspired lighting, teaching philosophy, and the legacy of art that runs through her family—and yes, we even get a duck dinner update. Fro...

Photographer and creative director Jonny Edward joins me for a fast, funny, no-filter AfterHours chat recorded on location at ShutterFest 2025. We get into art direction, posing, career pivots, and the risks and rewards of giving honest feedback in creative spaces. Also: thirst traps and pancakes. Follow this link for full episodes, bonus content, behind-the-scenes clips, and ways to support the s...

Photographers. Business creators. Industry agitators. Sal and Alissa Cincotta don’t hold back—about running multiple businesses, keeping a marriage healthy under pressure, and speaking their minds even when it’s unpopular. From the roots of Shutter Magazine to the future of AI and entrepreneurship, we go deep on leadership, burnout, and building a brand that can withstand criticism. Follow this li...

What does it mean to push past your limits—in business, in fitness, and in art? Performance coach and entrepreneur John Mauro joined us live from Imaging USA 2025 to talk about the connections between high-performance racing and creative entrepreneurship. From peak mindset strategies to running a values-driven business, John brings a grounded, no-BS approach to chasing big goals. Whether you're a...

During a whirlwind week in Dallas for Imaging USA 2025, I had the chance to sit down with Tamara Paskey-Alexander—an award-winning fine art photographer and gifted educator whose work blends visual storytelling with emotional authenticity. We talked about her path from traditional photography into fine art, how she balances teaching with creative output, and why it’s so vital to embrace the messie...

Episode 48 – Avant-garde meets ambition in this globe-spanning conversation with Paulina Gwaltney—Master Photographer, stylist, and creative force. From her roots in Poland to a vibrant career based in New Mexico, Paulina shares what fuels her bold photographic voice, how she sees personal style as a tool for empowerment, and what it means to be an artist beyond the camera. Recorded on-location at...

Recorded live at Imaging USA 2025, this Expo Series episode features Jeff & Connor White—a father-son creative team exploring the intersections of photography, performance, and legacy. Jeff, a seasoned performer and photographer, reflects on a career shaped by authenticity and artistic risk. Connor, bassist for Blue Jay and the Breeze, brings a fresh, multidimensional approach to creative work...

🎙 Welcome to a special After Hours edition of The Outspoken Artist Podcast — recorded live at ShutterFest 2025 at the iconic Union Station in St. Louis, Missouri! In this relaxed, late-night session, I’m joined by two phenomenal photographers from the UK: Gary Hill and Charlie Kaufman. Between the laughs and real talk, we dive into their creative journeys, photography insights, and get a glimpse i...

In this episode of The Outspoken Artist, we sit down with Ashley Lowder, a highly sought-after maternity and newborn photographer from North Alabama. With an incredible eye for detail and a deep passion for storytelling, Ashley has dedicated her career to capturing life’s most precious moments.📸 More than just a photographer, Ashley is an educator and mentor, helping others elevate their craft wh...

In this episode of The Outspoken Artist, we welcome Xavier Jordan—a portrait, headshot, and branding photographer known for his ability to capture authentic moments and turn visions into lasting memories.📸 For Xavier, photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about preserving stories that words can’t always express. From creative portraiture to personal branding, he shares insights on cra...

In this inspiring episode of The Outspoken Artist, we sit down with Rich Johnson—a renowned photographer, Emmy-winning creative, and partner at Spectacle Photo. With over 20 years behind the lens, Rich has mastered the art of visual storytelling, blending creativity with purpose to create award-winning campaigns that spark change.📸 From commercial photography to global social impact, Rich’s work...

In this powerful episode of The Outspoken Artist, we welcome Peter Hurley (  @peter_hurley  ) an internationally acclaimed headshot and portrait photographer, speaker, author, and coach. As the founder of Headshot Crew, Peter has transformed the art of headshots, helping thousands of photographers master the craft while empowering people through the power of facial expression.📸 With his signature...

In this episode of The Outspoken Artist, we welcome Alex Arnett — a former acquisitions analyst turned architectural photographer and the owner of APG Photo and Video. With a deep appreciation for design, structure, and storytelling, Alex specializes in capturing stunning commercial real estate imagery while also indulging in his passion for 35mm film photography.📸 From finance to photography, Al...

In this inspiring episode of The Outspoken Artist, we welcome Johnny Guerrero — a passionate photographer specializing in weddings, portraits, and boudoir photography. As the owner of Magnolia Gruene Photography in New Braunfels, Texas, Johnny has built a reputation for capturing timeless moments with authenticity and artistry.📸 A veteran-owned business leader and creative storyteller, Johnny bel...

In this exclusive episode of The Outspoken Artist, we welcome Jason Marino — a visionary photographer, international photography educator, and the creative force behind Imagine Photography. Known for delivering luxurious, modern photographic experiences, Jason has built a reputation for crafting chic and timeless imagery that resonates with contemporary clients.📸 With years of expertise in high-e...

In this special episode of The Outspoken Artist, we welcome Carl Bott — a seasoned photographer and the Owner of Legacy Photo Company, specializing in schools and youth league photography. With years of experience in the industry, Carl has mastered the art of capturing timeless moments while streamlining photography processes to scale his business effectively.📸 Carl Bott’s expertise lies in under...

Welcome to this special episode recorded live at Imaging USA 2025 (  @ourPPA  ) in Grapevine, TX! 🎤📷 A huge thank you to ⁨  @geekototechnology  for graciously sponsoring this series, allowing us to interview incredible creatives and showcase their top-tier lighting, stands, and audio gear. In this special episode of The Outspoken Artist, we welcome Alain Martinez — an internationally celebrated...

Welcome to this special episode recorded live at Imaging USA 2025 (  @ourPPA  ) in Grapevine, TX! 🎤📷 A huge thank you to  @geekototechnology  for graciously sponsoring this series, allowing us to interview incredible creatives and showcase their top-tier lighting, stands, and audio gear. In this special episode of The Outspoken Artist, we welcome Ragu Musty — an award-winning Live Action Sports...

Welcome to this live episode recorded at Peculiar Conference 2024! 🎉 In this special episode of The Outspoken Artist, we welcome Sophia Barrett — a powerhouse portrait photographer whose work captures more than just images—it captures emotion, strength, and the soul of motherhood.📸 Inspired by her personal journey through infertility, Sophia uses her lens to celebrate the beauty, resilience, and...

Welcome to this live episode recorded at Peculiar Conference 2024! 🎉 In this special episode of The Outspoken Artist, we welcome Kelly Buchanan — a passionate Maternity Photographer who specializes in capturing the raw beauty of postpartum euphoria and the emotional journey into parenthood.📸 As a visual storyteller, Kelly brings a unique perspective to photography by honoring the transition of c...

🚨 New Episode of The Outspoken Artist – Recorded Live at Peculiar Conference 2024! 🚨 ⚠️ Disclaimer: The main camera feed failed during this episode, but I was able to pull footage from my phone while keeping the high-quality recorded audio. I always share when things go perfectly—and when they don’t. No matter what, the conversation was too good not to share! This episode features K. Emmanuel Ma...

Welcome to this live episode recorded at Peculiar Conference 2024! 🎉 In this special episode of The Outspoken Artist, we welcome Kelly Eskelsen—a dedicated USNA Midshipman, High School Senior Portrait Specialist, and Navy Veteran with a passion for capturing moments that last a lifetime.📸 As the owner of Kelly Eskelsen Photography, Kelly blends her military discipline with artistic vision, creat...

Welcome to this special episode recorded live at Imaging USA 2025 (  @ourPPA  ) in Dallas, TX! 🎤📷 A huge thank you to  @geekototechnology  for graciously sponsoring this series, allowing us to interview incredible creatives and showcase their top-tier lighting, stands, and audio gear. In this episode, we sit down with Kersten Luts, host of The  @CameraShake  Podcast, to explore his journey from...