The Wider Lens: Powered by Focus on Women

Today, Lauren and Traci are talking to Michael James O'Brien, a photographer, teacher, curator, activist, and writer. Michael is an acclaimed photographer and poet known for his wide-ranging work, from still lifes and portraits to commercial and fine art photography. He earned his MFA from Yale University in the 1970s, studying under Walker Evans, and later taught at Kenyon College and the Ne...

Today Lauren and Traci are talking to Keith Gentile and Lynn Kyle of Agency Access!  Keith found his passion for business and marketing early in life. He started at Agency Access as a researcher, where his natural talent quickly became evident. Seeing his potential, the company's owner gave him the opportunity to develop its Sales and Marketing department. In 2000, Keith took a leap and bough...

Today we're talking to Kaylei McGaw! Kaylei is a prop stylist specializing in designing immersive spaces for commercial and editorial projects. She works closely with photographers, art directors, designers, and architects to craft compelling visuals for marketing campaigns, brand portfolios, and editorial spreads. Kaylei’s journey into prop styling began with a background in apparel and text...

Jillian Lenser is a Brooklyn-based beauty and product photographer whose self-taught journey has fueled in her a deep sense of curiosity and intention. She approaches each project with thoughtful precision, asking, What do you notice? What do you wonder? to shape every detail—from lighting to client experience. Her signature style blends vibrant grit with soft tones, capturing both the energy of b...

Caitlin Dooley is a dynamic fashion professional with a diverse background in styling and editing. She began her career as a freelance wardrobe stylist for Anchor Artists, gaining invaluable experience working with a variety of talent and creative projects in Brooklyn, NY. Currently, she leads as the fashion editor for a local company while also running Grace of Grit, her personal styling business...

Today we're talking to recent SCAD graduate Allison Martinek! Allison is a photographer and artist from Cresco, IA. Her work is driven by a passion for body inclusivity and a love for capturing authentic connections through portraiture. Allison’s photography has been featured in multiple exhibitions, including Power and Perspective sponsored by Leica, and published in AAP Magazine . Check out...

Rachael Kershaw is a gifted photographer based in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. Originally from the UK and raised in Switzerland, her love for nature and exploration has profoundly shaped her journey. Rachael crafts captivating images that blend authentic storytelling with a serene, ocean-inspired aesthetic. Specializing in empowering portraits and brand collaborations, she partners with wo...

Dawn Heumann’s upbringing shaped her into the heart-driven storyteller she is today. Raised by a filmmaker father and producer mother, she traveled the world as they created captivating travel films, instilling in her a love for curiosity, resilience, and kindness. With a BA in Philosophy and an MFA in Fine Art Photography, Dawn’s thirst for knowledge and worldly experience remains boundless. Know...

Happy New Year, everyone! Today we're talking to Jigisha Bouverat of Rise Creative Studios! Throughout her 20 years at TBWA\Chiat\Day, she revolutionized the art production industry, managing teams and collaborating with creators to produce iconic campaigns. As the owner of Bouverat Collective, Jigisha built a roster championing diversity, with over 50% women and artists of color. Now, as a p...

This week, we welcome back Jessie-Sierra Ross, the self-taught cook, entertaining expert, and creator of Straight to the Hips, Baby, a blog that inspires confidence in the kitchen with from-scratch recipes and step-by-step guides. Jessie-Sierra first joined us in 2021 to share her journey from the stage to her passion for food photography. Since then, her career has flourished with her debut cookb...

This week’s guest is Alishia Abodunde, a London-based, self-taught photographer whose work captures the authenticity and intimacy of honest storytelling through still imagery. Alishia first discovered her passion during the lockdown, creating her debut series, Locked Down , which documented the daily lives of two young children navigating a global pandemic. Her talent quickly garnered attention, l...

This week, we’re joined by Ayser Salman, a multi-talented producer, editor, comedy writer, and author dedicated to bringing stories of underrepresented voices to the forefront. From her Emmy-nominated and Clio-winning docuseries to her role as a writing instructor at LMU, Ayser has built a career around creating impactful, inclusive content. Her work spans major studios like Miramax Films, Disney,...

In this episode, Shelly is joined by Stephanie Swane, the publisher of Modernist Cuisine. With over 25 years in publishing, Stephanie has helmed numerous projects that dive into the science and art of cooking, leading global research trips focused on bread, pastries, and pizza. Her expertise is rooted in deep collaborations with baking experts and industry leaders to bring a comprehensive understa...

In this episode, we're talking with Jen Schmitz, an artist agent with REDEYE, an agency known for supporting voice-driven, art-focused work, blending commercial projects with the freedom for artists to pursue personal creative visions. Jen shares how her diverse career path—from political science to administration—has shaped her approach as an agent and how every experience can lead to realiz...

Say hello to Tori Spadaro Weintraub, a photographer, creative director, and producer for photoshoots and music video shoots! Tori's passion lies in crafting content that sparks wonder and captures authentic emotion. Her dynamic approach allows her to create visually compelling stories that resonate deeply with audiences.   After initially pursuing a career in nursing, Tori found her true call...

Today Shelly is chatting with Hollie Fraser, an award-winning multidisciplinary Creative Director with over 15 years of experience developing compelling concepts, repositioning brands, and garnering media attention for clients. Known for her ability to craft modern, talkable ideas that earn attention in today's media landscape, Hollie's work has been recognized by prestigious awards incl...

Today we're talking with Iri Greco,  a photographer and video producer whose journey into photography began after spending over a decade working as a chef and food stylist. From her time in restaurant kitchens and bartending to styling for TV shows like Martha Stewart and Food Network, Iri brings a deep understanding of food and the people who create it. Now the co-owner of BrakeThrough Media...

In this episode, we’re joined by Helynn Ospina, a photographer, artist, and storyteller. Born in Colombia and raised in the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant, Helynn’s journey has been shaped by the search for identity. Her path has been anything but conventional, from serving in the U.S. Marines to working in scientific research, all while her passion for photography quietly grew. Helynn’s work r...

Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Sandy Grigsby! Sandy started as a commercial model for major brands like T-Mobile, Apple, and Cadillac, and later transitioned into designing celebrity websites with top photographers in LA. Despite her success, Sandy faced her own struggles with self-image, but everything changed when she embraced photography. She discovered a talent for capturing stunn...

In this episode, Lauren is chatting with Katie Marble, a California native and lifelong creative with over 15 years of experience in both agency and freelance work. Katie’s passion for storytelling, style, and attention to detail brings a fresh perspective to everything she shoots. Her journey in photography began when her uncle invited her to sit behind the scenes of a TV show set, where the magi...

In this episode, we're joined by Allie LeFevere, the Creative Director and Co-founder of Obedient, a humor-driven branding agency that transforms businesses into unforgettable, bold brands. Allie, alongside her best friend and business partner Lyndsay Sanders, uses humor and creativity to craft product launches and campaigns that grab attention and stand out in the marketplace. With over a de...

Lisa Sylvester is the co-owner of Interrobang Design Collaborative, an award-winning and internationally published strategic brand development and graphic design studio based in Vermont. Known for her calm, steady approach and positive attitude, she helps guide clients through complex projects with ease. Lisa’s individualized and thoughtful process creates brand strategies and design solutions tha...

In this episode, we’re joined by Erika Bierman, whose story begins in a small Hungarian town, where she developed a deep connection to nature and sustainable living. Growing up, she spent her days biking through fields, learning the art of winemaking, and nurturing a love for simplicity. Although she initially pursued economics, Erika’s passion for fashion led her to start a modeling career at jus...

In this episode, we’re joined by Brehan Todd, a creative force with over two decades of experience in the fashion industry. Brehan's unique perspective has shaped her career as a designer, stylist, art director, and creative producer, allowing her to lead creative teams and drive the art direction and styling of content creation. Known for her bubbly personality, humble attitude, and commitme...

You might remember Neysa's amazing story from back in Season 19. Neysa is a multi-skilled life coach, entrepreneur, author, and podcast host dedicated to helping others show up authentically and boldly. As a co-owner of Ginger and Carrot Productions, an LA-based production agency, Neysa uses her creative talents to inspire, uplift, and encourage people to color outside the lines through docum...