The Photographer Mindset

In this episode, we challenged ourselves to create an entire episode without mentioning photography, not even once! What seemed simple at first turned out to be a tough but rewarding experiment. The episode serves as an experiment and demonstration of how it’s okay to take a pause from your duties, even when an audience has come to expect something specific from you.  This rare break gave us the c...

Are photography contests worth your time? Can submitting your work really change your creative trajectory or confidence? Seth and Aaron sit down with photographer Neil Dankoff (@neildankoff) , VIEWBUG CEO Ori Guttin, and Zach Hodges from VSCO to explore how photography contests go far beyond competing for prizes and likes, offering insight into your work, sharpening your skills, and pushing you to...

When faced with the question " If everything is meaningless, why bother? " how do we push forward as creatives and start or resume sharing our work again? Seth and Aaron explore what it means to create in a world that often feels saturated, overwhelming, and cosmically insignificant. They reflect on their own experiences of creative nihilism, the creeping sense that no creative act reall...

In this episode, we chat with Eric Yang (@yangez) , CEO of Topaz Labs (@topazlabs) , about the future of photo and video creation over the next 5 to 10 years. Eric shares how advancements in AI and creative tools are set to make high-production-value visuals nearly effortless, shifting the focus from technical skills to the art of authentic storytelling. We explore how these innovations will redef...

Why do our creative journeys twist and turn in unexpected ways? This episode opens with a nostalgic throwback to one of the first times Aaron and Seth met during an Instagram Live exchange five years ago. Taking inspiration from a listener’s suggestion, we reflect on how we met, got started, earned our first dollar behind the camera, and how our motivations as creators have evolved over time. We u...

Why does hard work sometimes fall short of delivering the results we expect? In this episode, we uncover the non-linear relationship between effort and success, challenging the idea that rewards are always proportional to the work we put in. Through self reflections, we discuss the frustration around fairness, the role of external validation, and the power of self-auditing to find your "fifth...

In this episode we chat with Ryan Peters (@ryanpeterspgh) a.k.a "Peter's Pasta", a Pittsburgh-based chef and pasta enthusiast whose viral TikTok and Instagram videos have captivated millions. Ryan shares his inspiring story of transitioning from the demanding restaurant world to becoming a full-time content creator and pasta entrepreneur, all fuelled by a 64-day obsession with perfe...

In this episode, we chat with Vaughn Ridley (@vaughnridley) , NBA team photographer for the Toronto Raptors and Getty Images photographer, about his journey into sports photography and what it takes to capture the raw emotion and intensity of professional basketball. Vaughn shares his process for balancing instinct with preparation during fast-paced events. He reflects on memorable moments with th...

In this episode, we talk with Canadians Eric Paré (@ericparephoto) and Kim Henry (@kimhenry.dance) , a creative duo known for blending art, movement, and technology in mesmerizing ways. Their work redefines photography as a performance, combining Eric’s mastery of light painting and innovative bullet time techniques with Kim’s expertise in contemporary dance and intentional movement. Together, the...

In this episode, we chat with Ken Landry (@varsityoverland), an emerging creator who has successfully turned his passion for overlanding into compelling content on social media and YouTube. Ken’s success challenges the common misconception that you need huge numbers to collaborate with brands, proving the power of authenticity and quality storytelling over production value. We discuss how photogra...

In this episode, we explore how creators can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world by learning to integrate new technology instead of resisting it. We examine the natural fear of change, breaking down why it happens and how to tackle it with an open, curious mindset. By "swimming with the whales," we uncover the value of observing successful creators—not to imitate, but to learn f...

In this episode, we build upon last week's discussion about concepts we'll have at the forefront of our brains as we move through life and photography in 2025, mainly focusing on how to live and create with more intention. We explore the power of essentialism, that is doing fewer things but doing them deeply and more intensely, and the challenges of showing up as your true self both onli...

In this episode, we take a moment to reflect on 2024, exploring both our mindset principles and growth as photographers. We then shift our focus to the key areas we plan to actively improve in 2025. Expect to learn: - How to tell if you need less hustle and more downtime. - how to "close loops" and why open loops should be priority - the continued importance of being more than just a pho...

Ian Jones (@iansjones) , a frequent guest on the show, is a highly skilled photographer and content creator known for managing demanding workloads and transforming ideas into high-quality finished products with speed and precision. By day, he excels as a marketing director, serves as a Tamron Americas ambassador, and collaborates with diverse companies across industries to create exceptional conte...

Mark Smith (@mark.smith.photography) is a renowned photographer and videographer celebrated for his mesmerizing wildlife photography and storytelling. With over 2.1 million Instagram followers and 1.8 million YouTube subscribers, he has captivated audiences worldwide through breathtaking footage and a unique ability to bring the wonders of the natural world to life. In this episode, Mark opens up...

In this episode, we unpack the crucial lesson we wish we’d learned earlier in our photography careers, charging not only for our time but also for the rights to use the assets we create. Too often, photographers hand over images or videos, unknowingly leaving clients free to profit while missing out on fair compensation. We dig into the art of licensing, attempting to simply explain how fees vary...

Bret Blakely (@bretblakely) , our very first guest on the genesis episode of this podcast, returns to share his inspiring journey back to photography after a long hiatus. Driven by renewed passion, Bret talks about overcoming guilt for stepping away, rediscovering joy in his craft, and how his communication skills elevate his photography. Bret is also the co-founder of "Oncore Golf", a s...

This episode dives into the story of a listener who’s feeling uninspired by wedding photography, despite its financial success. We explore how creative challenges and mild stress can reignite that lost spark, along with the unique fulfillment of seeing your work printed and displayed, rather than just scrolled past online. We also discuss our personal experiences with galleries—how to choose photo...

In this episode, we focus on empowering introverted photographers to enhance their communication skills, transforming their interactions from hesitant whispers to confident exchanges. We dive into redefining "fake it till you make it," encouraging people to recognize that "faking" something unfamiliar isn't faking at all. It's a paradox because at that moment you&apos...

Today we're joined by Hannah Rheaume (@hannahrheaume) , a Seattle-based content creative and photographer with over seven years of experience, specializing in storytelling, editing, and producing authentic and impactful content for brands and destinations. Her work is heavily inspired by nature and her global travels, focusing on the intersection of culture, landscapes, and history. Expect to...

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Mike Nuchereno (@nuch10) , who expanded from a dedicated wildlife photographer into the lead photographer and videographer for the renowned band Goose. We explore how Mike expertly leverages his Instagram page, initially focused on wildlife, as a powerful portfolio to secure diverse gigs beyond his original genre. His story exemplifies the imp...

In this episode, we delve into the concept of decentralizing social media, advocating for a shift where the quality of content and genuine subscriptions take precedence over algorithm-driven engagement. We discuss the dilemma photographers face with Instagram, exploring viable alternatives that could meet their needs for attention, income, and connection outside centralized platforms. We question...

In this episode, we tackle modern photography's challenges, highlighting how social media often values lifestyle over true artistry, threatening the human touch. We debunk the myth that success requires leaving stable jobs, emphasizing excellence is possible with a traditional life. We also explore if conventional living could outshine bohemian trends and reflect on photography's bitters...

In this episode, we delve into the nuanced art of self-assessment in photography by the kinds of questions you ask, helping you gauge whether you're skilled or unskilled. This is useful to track progress. We explore the bold choice of diverging from mainstream photography trends, capturing images that defy the current hype and celebrate individuality. We discuss the importance of aligning you...

In this episode, we dive into the debate over whether photographers should "niche down" or embrace a broader approach. We explore the potential pitfalls of being overly niche, including the risks to your creative freedom and how it might inadvertently cost you business if your diverse skills go unnoticed. We talk about how to naturally transition your portfolio to a more expansive aesthe...