Flip Sides are bite-sized bits of advice shot on a bite-sized camera. They are business and creative tips for the visual artist small business owner.

This week is Jim Collins, CEO of Pictage.

Catch a new Flip Side every week on fstopbeyond.tv.

Subscribe in iTunes | F-Stop Beyond TV

A slow tracking dolly shot sweeps past a devastated street. Groups of people crowd around a truck spraying water on the street as children try to wash themselves. An old, weathered man stares into the camera, his visage suggesting he’s either unaware or uncaring of the camera filming him. All the while a haunting music score amplifies the emotional imagery. There is no voice over. No interviews. No “play by play” of the activities. The film is color graded and definitely has a stylized look. The shots are well composed and steady. Is this journalism? Or is it just another, over color-graded, over stylized portfolio piece with no journalistic integrity? That is the topic of today’s show.

Before bringing you “The Business of Hollywood” series, I felt compelled to tackle a topic that came up earlier in the week when world renown DSLR photojournalist Dan Chung pointed out a raging debate on his blog. Seems like this young, cutting edge filmmaker, with more music videos under his belt than ENG pieces, posted a video montage of his trip to Haiti. The filmmaker was Khalid Mohtaseb. There was a barrage of negative comments about Khalid’s piece from readers on the blog. The topic prompted me to do this episode. Part 1 is Dan giving his take on the subject, and part 2 we’ll have Khalid himself. Both give us a history of their background as well. A very inspirational, educational, and insightful interview. Where do YOU chime in on the debate?

The Business of Hollywood: A Special Series Coming to Crossing the 180

This episode is a great introduction to a series we’re starting called “The Business of Hollywood.” So far I’ve interviewed a TV producer/writer, software developers, the production head for Alcon Entertainment (makers of “Book of Eli”) and the co-director of “Eli,” Albert Hughes of the Hughes Brothers fame. You don’t want to miss these episodes.

Bumper music for this show is “Tater City” by Glenn Shambroom, part of the TRUE ROMANCE collection, courtesy of Triple Scoop Music.

SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you like this show and all that we offer, please consider making a donation. For as less than $3/month, you can help keep this amazing program going. Any amount you decide is appreciated.

Dan Chung and Khalid Mohtaseb on “Crossing the 180″

Download MP3 | Subscribe in iTunes | Permalink

Haiti Earthquake Aftermath Montage from Khalid Mohtaseb on Vimeo.

I know that a little over a month ago I announced that I am ending the regular audio episodes of F-Stop Beyond. However, today’s guest was someone we had booked prior to making the announcement. I had originally planned to air it on Good Friday…so I am. Mark Mabry has created a powerfully moving exhibit about the life of Christ called Reflections of Christ. It’s one of those personal artist projects that we all conceive from time to time. That one project that eats at you and drives you to make it, no matter what the cost. Whether or not you celebrate Easter, if you’ve ever had one of those projects or desired to do one, this episode will inspire you.  Despite the financial hardships involved, Mark saw this project through. And he’s a better photographer and better person because of it. Truly amazing.

Bumper music for this show is “Close to You” by Steve Hefter and Friends of Friends, part of the TRUE ROMANCE collection, courtesy of Triple Scoop Music.

Mark Mabry on F-Stop Beyond

Download MP3 | Subscribe in iTunes | Permalink

Listen to today’s episode to get the 411 on what’s going on. But this is the pen-ultimate new episode of F-Stop Beyond. Help me find who will be the guest on the last new episode of the show, the series finale. Below is a poll of suggested guests who I’ve either thought about or who other people have mentioned. Or, if you have another suggestion, write their name in. In the meantime, give us some love and share with us some of your favorite FSB moments, or any comments about what you’ve loved about the show. Stay tuned to my Twitter feed (twitter.com/rondawson) for future update.

The most important talent a visual artist can develop is his or her creativity. It is arguably the essence of any visual artist. So it is with great pleasure that I have as my guests today wedding and portrait photographers Will Jacks of Cleveland, MI and Chris Williams out of the Superbowl-winning New Orleans, LA. These two have embarked upon a rather unique venture. In an industry inundated with workshops, they have started a new one. But this is not a photography workshop. It’s not a filmmakers workshop. It’s a creativity workshop called REBIRTH. When I heard about it and saw what they were doing, I just knew I had to get them on the show. They first tell us a little bit about their respective histories. Will actually started out in the movie industry but was not too fond of the process. He even taught 7th and 8th grade English. Chris thought he’d be a drummer in a band, but hated that life. He fell in love with photography and grew a prominent wedding photography business.

Will describes the workshop more as a retreat. It’s job is not to teach you anything specifically, but is instead designed to help you enhance the creativity that’s already inside of you. You won’t learn how to use a Pocket Wizard, but instead creative ways on finding light. And although there will be a few classes specifically geared towards photography (including a session shooting with film), the bulk of the sessions will be applicable to any visual artist: filmmaker, photographer, or painter. This is a discussion about creativity and how you can boost it and how you can stay passionate about your art.

The workshop is March 30 to April 2 in Will’s hometown. Learn more at rebirthworkshops.com.

Bumper music for this show is “Close to You” by Steve Hefter and Friends of Friends, part of the TRUE ROMANCE collection, courtesy of Triple Scoop Music.

SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you like this show and all that we offer, please consider making a donation. For as less than $3/month, you can help keep this amazing program going. Any amount you decide is appreciated. Also, leave a comment about the show in iTunes.

Will Jacks and Chris Williams on F-Stop Beyond

Download MP3 | Subscribe in iTunes | Permalink

Sports Illustrated photographer and music video director Bill Frakes is a busy, busy man. I had a very slim sliver of a window to grab this interview with him, and I think you’ll be so happy I did. Bill is a photographer’s photographer. He has a deep passion for the art and a profound respect for what it takes to be good. Bill shares with us stories from his early days at the Miami Herald to his current work with Sports Illustrated and his multimedia company Straw Hat Visuals. (I love the story he tells of his very first Hawkeye camera at the age of 7. Are you old enough to remember revolving flashbulb cubes?) He also gives his insight into the world of HD DSLRs (he just finished shooting a music video in Scandinavia using ten of them!) And if you’ve ever wanted to know how to keep your passion alive and creativity fresh, you’ll love his take that topic too. How does one stay inspired doing work they love the most, and make a living at it. Lastly, be sure to check out his multimedia inspirational story about Missy.

Bumper music for this show is “Close to You” by Steve Hefter and Friends of Friends, part of the TRUE ROMANCE collection, courtesy of Triple Scoop Music.

SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you like this show and all that we offer, please consider making a donation. For as less than $3/month, you can help keep this amazing program going. Any amount you decide is appreciated. Also, leave a comment about the show in iTunes.

Bill Frakes on F-Stop Beyond

Download MP3 | Subscribe in iTunes | Permalink

If you’re familiar with my show, you know that my interest is not just in interviewing the photo celebrities the whole world knows about. Of course I know that probably no one would listen to this show if I didn’t interview those photo superstars. But, every now and then I love to have on the show a person who has the true heart of a photographer and has an intriguing story to tell. Whether it’s breast cancer survivor Deborah D. Lattimore, blind photographer Alex de Jong, or today’s guest

Joe Wigfall was the WNYC Street Shots Challenge winner, a contest where every day people who take photos of people and places in NY were asked to submit their best photos. Joe wasn’t typically interested in contests, but he had grown quite a following on Flickr and his comrades their strongly encouraged him to enter. To his shock, he won! I learned about Joe from one of my Twitter followers who tweeted me to check him out. I’m so glad I did. Joe’s charming personality and outlook on life are so infectious. He talks about how he does his “shoot from the hip” photography, his philosophy on being a photographer and artist, what it was like growing up in Harlem, and he of course tells us about his experience with the WNYC contest. I guarantee that this part-time pastor, full time legal assistant, and all-the-time photographer will inspire you.

Bumper music for this show is “Close to You” by Steve Hefter and Friends of Friends, part of the TRUE ROMANCE collection, courtesy of Triple Scoop Music.

SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you like this show and all that we offer, please consider making a donation. For as less than $3/month, you can help keep this amazing program going. Any amount you decide is appreciated.

Here’s the short WNYC video segment about Joe:

Joe Wigfall on F-Stop Beyond

Download MP3 | Subscribe in iTunes | Permalink

Seems like every industry has those young wunderkinds that accomplish more in just a few years at a young age that many professionals do their entire lives. Today’s guest is Joey Lawrence. No, not the 80s teen heart throb, but the young pro photographer from Canada made famous for his work shooting the “Twilight” movie poster. As of the taping of this interview, the dude had just turned 20 a week earlier. In this engaging interview we get up close and personal with Joey. He shares with us how he got into photography, what he likes to shoot and why, how we got into pro photography, and he shares some stories about his travels to Africa that may make you cringe. (NOTE: due to the graphic nature of one of his stories, parental guidance is suggested). He also chimes in on his feelings about using tools like Photoshop. This interview will either inspire you, or piss you off that he’s done so much at a young age. Hopefully, it’ll be the former.

Remember you can catch a new episode each week at fstopbeyond.tv and you can follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/fstopbeyond.

Bumper music for this show is “Close to You” by Steve Hefter and Friends of Friends, part of the “TRUE ROMANCE” collection, courtesy of Triple Scoop Music.

SUPPORT FSB AND GET A GREAT  THANK YOU GIFT

Speaking of Triple Scoop Music, as a sponsor and long-time supporter, they are offering a great gift. As a listener supported show, your donations will help keep our great programming going. You can donate whatever amount you feel comfortable. But, for those of you who donate $20 or more, Triple Scoop Music will give you a song of your choice from their collection of over 5,000 amazing tunes you can use legally in your slideshow or video productions. That’s a $60 value for only a $20 donation. Not bad. Just click the “Donate Now” button below and the rest is self-explanatory. Only while supplies last, so act now.

And now, on with the show.

Download MP3 | Subscribe in iTunes |

A few months ago I get this email from a photographer saying how much she loves the show and that she thinks she’d have a lot of cool things to contribute. I frequently get guest suggestions, but honestly, I don’t tend to give that much weight to people who suggest themselves. But, I took a look at her website and saw her clientele. Rob Zombie. Marilyn Manson. Alice Cooper. Marshall Amplifiers. And other major rock bands. My first thought was “Wow, I’m honored someone who’s been involved with such major bands is that interested in my little show.” But, to be honest, my NEXT thought was, “Do I really want the photographer for Marilyn Manson on my show?” Anyone who knows me well knows I’m more of a David Crowder, Mercy Me, and Fee Band kind of guy. But then I had a third thought, “F-Stop Beyond is about interviewing ALL kinds of photographers, from all walks of life. Let’s do it.” So I wrote her back, invited her to be on the show, and she gladly accepted. I’m so glad I did.

Today’s guest is a real “rock star” photographer. Not only because of her clientele, but because her work does indeed “rock”. Gabrielle Geiselman started her career at the tender age of 12 when she would sneak into L.A. rock clubs and take photos of bands during the early 80s. Yes, I said age 12 (as she puts it, she didn’t, ahem, look 12). Music has always been an important part of her life, so it’s only natural she’d gravitate to taking photos of rock bands. Gabrielle shares all kinds of terrific insights like: how to get good exposures in a dark rock club (answer: become good friends with the lighting designer); why you should shoot with a 50mm 1.4 for a year; what it’s like traveling on the road on a bus with a band when you’re the only girl; surviving and thriving in two male-dominated industries (photography and music) withOUT sleeping to the top; whether or not the personas portrayed by her clients are just for show, or if they are like that in real life; and so much more.

This is another one of those great conversations that I didn’t want to end. I have to admit that I had judged what I thought Gabrielle would be like based on her clientele. Thank you Gabrielle for reminding me that you never know what you’ll find inside an individual until you have the courage to look inside. That’s what this show is all about. It was such a pleasure having you on.

Get code to embed in your blog. Subscribe to this show in iTunes.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Tune in next week for another brand new episode.

Continuing with the Breast Cancer Awareness Month theme, how could I not re-run my interview from earlier this year with Flickr sensation and double mastectomy survivor, Deborah D. Lattimore. Deborah has built up quite a following on Flickr and has used this community and her photography to cope with her cancer and inspire others.

In case you’re wondering, new episodes of FSB will start up again in November. We’ve got some great interviews in “the can,” including one with L.A. fashion photog Jason Christopher and SF Bay Area wedding pro Anna Kuperberg.

Get code to embed in your blog. Subscribe to this show in iTunes.

Sorry this week’s show is late. Last Thursday and Friday I attended a terrific leadership conference called Catalyst. One of the causes supported by the organizers of the conference is the plight of orphaned children throughout the world. Some of the stories I saw moved me.  So, I’m inspired to re-run an interview I did with Orange County photographer Annette Biggers of Triple Cord Photography. In this interview from June of 2008, Annette shares how she got into photography, why she gives away 90% of her income from photography, and the story behind her family’s adoption of two at-risk youth. Be inspired.

Get code to embed in your blog. Subscribe to this show in iTunes.

Be sure to visit Annette’s personal cause, Heart 4 Africa, dedicated to helping orphaned children in Africa.

Today’s guests are two giants in the world of social media and technology. Zoomr founder and Flickr sensation Thomas Hawk, and technology writer extraordinaire Robert “Scobleizer” Scoble. Both also happen to be terrific photographers (although I’m sure Robert would down play his talent). In this information packed episode, we learn about how each got started in photography, how they met and became friends, their take on the changing technological landscape and how it affects photography, and they chime in on the provocative “terms of service” issue. Should you as an artist really be concerned with Facebook’s, Flickr’s, or any other site’s TOS as it relates to the photos and/or video you post there? Speaking of large social media sites, they also give poignant commentary on some sites’ censorship practices and the ramifications of such practices not only for your photography, but society in general. Lastly we find out why they’re such big fans of Friend Feed. I’m sure this is an episode you’ll listen to over again.

Get code to embed in your blog. Subscribe to this show in iTunes.

Today is our last first-run episode for a few weeks. I’ll post some of my favorite re-runs from the past two years to keep your FSB fix alive.

There’s something special about the mother-daughter relationship. Especially when the mother and daughter look alike and work together in the same studio. Today’s guests are the mother-daughter portrait photography team of Kia Bondurant and Sana Antisdel of Antisdels Photography (Sana is the mom). Sana was raised on a dairy farm, then subsequently raised her kids on a farm too. In addition to the standard farm fare like chickens, cows, pigs, etc, they also raised Arabian horses (go figure). Sana, who was trained as a water color artist, took her artistic talent and interest to start the photography business in 1994. Now, just 15 years later, they have one of the most successful family and teen portrait studios in the country, despite the fact they live and work in a littlemid-west town. Both were self-taught. And in the early days Sana had a unique way of teaching Kia a lesson whenever Kia would ruin a roll of film by over or under-exposing it: she’d tie a light meter around her neck and make her wear it all week. Kind of like tying a dead chicken around a dog’s neck to keep it from killing more chickens. If you’re wondering what the heck I’m talking about, just listen.

In addition to sharing with us their unique family experiences, they also pass along some wise insight about the current and future state of the industry, how their studio has grown, advice on breaking into the senior market, and they tell us about SPA (Senior Portrait Artists), the organization they started to help educate senior portrait photographers. This is one of those interviews that is equally fun, educational, and inspirational.

Get code to embed in your blog. Subscribe to this show in iTunes.

Next week we’ll have bi-coastal editorial and wedding photographer Ira Lippke.

SPECIAL BONUS

Here’s the trailer for the SPA Event DVD mentioned in the interview. Enjoy!

Sometime the stars all align for a guy and an innate talent can quickly lead to super stardom. Jeremy Cowart is such an individual. He started his full time commercial and music editorial photography business in April 2005. In December of that year he was photographing music legend Sting (yeah, as in the ex-lead singer of “The Police”. When he was first discovered by his agent, he didn’t even know what an agent was). It’s been all up hill from there. His client list reads like a who’s who of entertainment: Sting, Carrie Underwood, Miley Cirus, Denise Richards, Ryan Seacrest, Kim Kardashian, ABC, E!, Fox, FX, Capitol Records, Island Records, and on and on and on. Last year he was the official photographer for the Christian concert tour Passion (comprised of four of the top bands in the Christian music scene), and he was the official photographer for Britney Spears’ Circus tour (talk about diametrically opposed. Oh, and did I mention he has NO formal photography education? Crazy man!

In this insightful interview, Jeremy tells us the story of his path to success, what life on the road for months at a time is like (hard when you have a wife and two kids waiting at home for you), where he gets his inspiration, and how his faith plays into his work. He also talks about his first foray into video production shooting his first music video for the group Abandon (using a 5D Mark II of course). He mentions on the blog post for that video how he just jumped into it without knowing anything about video (kind of like how he started in photography). I’m confident you’ll find this another inspiring interview.

Next week we have mother/daughter portrait photog sensations Sana Antisdel and Kia Bondurant of Antisdels Photography. Another example of an uber-successful studio in a small town.

“At some point you have to ask yourself, ‘why am I doing this?’…If you’re not familiar with your own subconscious, when it does arrive, it will scare the s#*! out of you.” ~ Gray Scott

I first “discovered” Gray Scott at liveBooks Photographers in Focus video series. His work has a brooding, almost eerie sensibility about it. After watching the short video, I knew that he’d be a terrific guest for the show. His sense as an artist, his talent, and his passion for his work are right up our alley. What’s even more amazing is that he’s gained a great deal of success in the commercial and fashion world after only picking up a camera five years ago. His artistic career started with oil painting as a kid. But somewhere down the line he got into make-up of all things. But, whether it was a desire to be the guy “in charge” (as opposed to just the support staff), or his need to “say something” with his work, he dove into professional photography full time (he was shooting his first editorial only after 3 months).  In this very inspiring and vulnerable interview, Gray shares with us about his career growth, his view as an artist, the pain in his past that has such a profound influence on his work, and how his work has evolved over the years. You get a sense that he’s a man on a quest. For those of you who are passionate artists, Gray’s words will be like honey to your ears. This is quintessential F-Stop Beyond. Enjoy.

Get code to embed in your blog. Subscribe to this show in iTunes.

Next week we return to the world of social media with the woman who actually came up with the name “WordPress.” Wedding and boudoir photographer and social media maven Christine “Big Pink Cookie” Tremoulet.

“You know, the thing that stops everybody is fear…If you don’t swing for the fences and take the risks, you’ll never achieve the dream.” ~ Doug Menuez

When you think of a photographer’s photographer, the kind of guy whose work and viewpoints on life inspire other greats, look no further than today’s guest, Doug Menuez. His 30+ year career has taken him from being a top notch, highly sought-after freelance photojournalist for top periodicals, to forming a multi-million per year commercial photo business working with Fortune 100 companies. Perhaps his most intriguing project to date was the 15 years he spent documenting the world of Silicon Valley. He’s had access to greats like Steve Jobs and John Doerr, and his work on the project was recently purchased by Stanford University for a proposed documentary. He’s even worked with Robert Redford to create a Sundance catalog. He’s had an amazing career. Despite his incredible financial and commercial success, Doug has also maintained his artistic integrity, at times turning down $100,000 (or greater) gigs because the creative wasn’t what he wanted. But, he’s been smart about it, creating a business plan for his career and sticking to it (kind of). No matter what kind of visual artist you are, this is an interview that will ignite your spirit. I’m excited for you all to hear it. This is one of those episodes you should just play on a continuous loop.

Next week due to a number of gigs I have to shoot and prep for, there won’t be time for me to put up a new show. So we’re going to have a re-run of my interview with “Reverie” director Vincent LaForet. Luckily, we were able to get an interview with him before he shot his ground-breaking short film with the pre-released Canon 5D Mark II. If you’re relatively new to the show and haven’t yet heard this interview, you won’t want to miss it.

Get code to embed in your blog. Subscribe to this show in iTunes.

WHAT’S AHEAD

We have a plethora of amazing interviews down the pike from all aspects of photography. Scheduled guests include commercial photographer Gray Scott; new media darlings Christine Tremulet and Jack Hollingsworth; Senior Portrait Artist owners (mom and daughter team) Kia Bondurant and Sana Antisdel; photojournalist Ira Lippke; and we have a very special duo planned for June that I can’t say yet. They’re on the calendar, but their schedules are such things might change. But, trust me, when we have them, it’ll be BIG. So, there are many exciting things in the works. Stay tuned my friends.

It’s my goal to have F-Stop Beyond be a place where you can learn not only from the best “professionals” in the world, but also from some passionate photographers who’d you least expect. Today we have a special episode with a photographer who is not a professional photographer by trade, but she has been paid good money for some of her photos. Her name is Deborah D. Lattimore, and she has become somewhat of a sensation on Flickr. She’s gotten news coverage from the likes of San Francisco Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, and Popular Photography, and has given workshops at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and presented her work at the Apple Store.

Deborah will talk about how she got addicted to Flickr and how she’s been paid up to $4,000 in royalties from companies who found her work on Flickr. She’ll talk about some of the tricks of the trade to help your photos get found on Flickr by agencies, and the kind of things you need to be aware of when posting your work.  I think her story will encourage and inspire the artist in you. All the more so when you learn how her love for photography, and the community she found on Flickr, has helped her to cope with breast cancer (discovered just last September). I bet that her story will be one of the most inspiring you’ll hear this year on the show. I’m proud to have had Deborah as a guest.

Get code to embed in your blog. Subscribe to this show in iTunes.

Next week we’ll have Senior Portrait Artist Top New Artist of the Year, Scott Hayne and his wife and partner Adina.

Frederick Egan Castleberry is not exactly conducive to good business card placement. Today, Fred Egan shares with us the evolution of his moniker from just Egan, to Fred, to Fred Egan – Photographer. (I also give some fun tidbits about my own name you may find interesting). Fred, or Egan, is an extremely savvy business person, as well as a talented photographer. We get into one of my favorite topics, branding. I know what you’re thinking. “Isn’t F-Stop Beyond supposed to be beyond business and branding?” Yes, but every now and then, branding is a topic which just happens to be very germane to that particular photographer, like when we interviewed Kevin Swan a couple of weeks ago. Also, as the show evolves, I’ve learned that people like it if I can have a nice balance. But don’t worry, after a great conversation about branding, then whether or not it’s important to improve your craft, and how Fred got into photography, in true F-Stop Beyond fair, we also talk about Fred’s love for music (he tells us what music he’d put on a CD for a crush if he had one), and why he thinks “Slumdog Millionaire” is the best movie ever made.

Before the interview begins, I tell you about a cool contest we’re running. Find our ad in RangeFinder magazine and tweet about it to be entered into a drawing for some great prizes. Go to the April 16 blog post to learn more details. Many thanks to our contest sponsors:

• Fast Track Photographer
• Camera Dojo
• Camera Slingers

You have ’til the end of the month to join in.

Get code to embed in your blog. Subscribe to this show in iTunes.

How many of you would be willing to cut 25% of your revenue so that you could  have a better life for yourself? Today we’ll speak with a couple that did just that—two giants in the world of teen and family portraiture, Kent and Sarah Smith. About 7 years ago at a time when their studio was grossing over $900,000 a year, $250K of that was from weddings. When they were forced to leave a great vacation in Italy in order to get home in time to shoot Saturday weddings, two weddings that involved a lot of stress, it was then and there they decided to quit weddings cold turkey. They’ve since made up that revenue with just their portrait business and life is so much better for them because of it.

Kent and Sarah share with us stories from their 25+ years in the business. A lot of you do same-day slide shows at your weddings. Hah! Kent was doing slide shows at the weddings back in 1982 when he was literally using slides! He’d shoot the weddings on slide film, then develop them in the back of his van and project them later that evening. They comment on leadership, the use (over-use) of Photoshop, we talk about the movie Braveheart, getting paid what you’re worth, and how to keep the passion of your art when running a business has turned your love photography into a “job.” And I get to get back on my soap box about the exploitation of teens in sexually explicit advertising. This is one of those episodes that covers the whole gamut. Don’t miss out.

Get code to embed in your blog. Subscribe to this show in iTunes.

Next week we have on the show wedding photographer, savvy businessman, and music aficionado Fred Egan.

Today is part 1 of our interview with fashion photographer Piper Carter. Piper is the kind of person who tells it like she sees it. As an African American woman in the world of fashion photography, she’s had to grow a thick skin, step up to the plate, and do twice as good as her male counterparts, or Caucasian female counterparts, in order to get to where she is. In this segment of her interview, Piper shares how she started out as a theater major (dancer and performer) and Howard University, before changing her major to photography while a junior. She talks about the importance of being in touch with one’s culture, as well as being exposed to other cultures. And she gives us profound insight on the power of ideas. Be sure to tune in next week for part 2.

As I mention in this intro to this episode, it’s been a while since I’ve broken up an episode into two parts. I want to know from you what you think about doing that routinely. I’m toying with the idea of keeping the podcasts lengths to the 25 to 30 minute range. That would mean making many (if not all) of our episodes 2-parters. Tell me what you think.

Get code to embed in your blog. Subscribe to this show in iTunes.

And be sure to follow me on Twitter to keep up to date with all things F-Stop Beyond…and beyond.

Get ready for a roller coaster ride. This is one of those episodes that goes from one extreme to another. Our guest today is none other than that marketing maven in the world of wedding photography, and co-founder of Kiss Wedding Books, Kevin Swan. Kevin is a man known to state his mind and get into a few heated debates. Whether its whether or not marketing is more important than art in a successful studio (for the record, he admits both are important), or if it’s his conservative political beliefs, Kevin is someone who can both inspire and infuriate. In the first half of the show, you get a Harvard School caliber business course on marketing and branding. Kevin shares how in his first year of business in 2004, he booked 36+/- weddings. Last year in 2008, his profit (not revenue, but profit) on just album sales was almost $100,000. One of my favorite quotes from Kevin in this episode is, “By saying no to some things, you’ll succeed more in the things you say yes to.”

Then, we make a 180 degree turn into the dreaded “F” word territory. That’s right…FAITH. Kevin shares about his faith, how he came into it, and his thoughts on how one’s faith should and shouldn’t be incorporated into your business. For you long-time listeners and fans of the show, this one is a true delight. If you’re one of those people who get offended when people talk about the dreaded “F” word, turn the interview off about 25 minutes in.

Today’s outro music is courtesy of Triple Scoop Music.

Get code to embed in your blog. Subscribe to this show in iTunes.

Next week, we’ll have Trevor Brucki, co-founder of Il Foto, a triumvirate of Winnipeg, Canada wedding photographers committed to fighting Breast Cancer.

Twenty-four photographers. Twenty-four hours. Two teams. But there can be only ONE winner.

It’s been a long journey for our “heroes,” but I’m finally proud to present “The Longest Day Big Reveal.” In this finale episode, we recap everything that has led us up to this point. Then, we reveal the teams’ videos.

THIS WEEK’S DRAWING WINNERS

Every week we pick a name from those who left comments on a “Longest Day” episode to win a free Triple Scoop Music song (a $60 value). This week, I’ve decided to pick THREE WINNERS. And they are Jasmine Marie of San Diego, CA; Riz Crescini or Norfolk, VA (or Japan), and Michelle Kane of Sheridan, Wyoming. Congratulations!

LEAVE A COMMENT IN ITUNES FOR CHANCE TO WIN DVD SET OF SHOW!

It’s official, we will be producing a DVD set of the series which will include all the episodes, the team videos, deleted scenes, and a bonus feature: the photographer’s summit meeting held the following morning.  Please take a moment to leave a comment about the show in iTunes, and at the end of the 10-episode run, we’ll conduct a drawing for FIVE free Triple Scoop Music songs from those who’ve left comments in the iTunes store. (That’s five people will each win a song). In addition, one lucky winner will win a the GRAND PRIZE.  Click here to access the show’s iTunes page.

FREEBIE TO WPPI 2010

Remember, if you post the video on your blog AND link that post back to WPPI, you’ll get a freebie pass to WPPI 2010. You must fill out the “freebie” form at the top of this blog to qualify. To get the embed code, click on the second icon in the bottom right-hand portion of the player. Then click on the “Embed” tab to access the code.

SPECIAL SPONSOR DISCOUNTS

In episodes 4-9, there is a 5-digit discount code in the end sponsor credits. If you use that code with these participating sponsors, you can get some great discounts.

• Microsoft Expression Media 2:  Use the code for a 50% savings on the “Better Together” software bundle of Capture One 4 and Microsoft Expression Media 2 (a $100 savings). Available for both Windows and Mac, Capture One 4 and Microsoft Expression Media 2 provide photographers with an accelerated, intuitive, and flexible RAW processing work flow solution. Excellent color and tonal values, easy photo asset management. Better Together… Click here.
• Triple Scoop Music: enter the 5-digit code at check out and get 10% off world class music. Log on to TripleScoopMusic.com.
• Photographer’s Edit: For a limited time, Photographer’s Edit is excited to offer “The Longest Day” viewers a one-time 15% discount on its processing services! Photographer’s Edit specializes in the processing of weddings, and we think you’ll love our Effortless approach. Click here.
• Loktah: In celebration of launching our new products, Loktah is going to offer something very special for all “The Longest Day” viewers.  Loktah will be offering a 15% off coupon which will be good for anything in our online store, which includes our new album/image portfolio boxes, photo-folios, and double and single dvd/cd cases. Just look for the discount code while watching “The Longest Day”.  Our new products are still 100% eco-friendly and you and your clients will find them to be a beautiful and unique way to present your product.
  

Please take some time to visit the sites of our sponsors.

Microsoft Expression Media 2 • WPPI • Asuka Book • Kubota Image Tools • Triple Scoop Music
Photographer’s Edit • Loktah • Mike Colón Photographers

Congratulations to Team A for their win. Their long hours of deliberation paid off. Thirst Relif will earn $3,000 as a result of their win. But don’t feel bad for the other team’s charity. Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep is a “winner” too. They will receive $2,000.

This week we continue our tribute to the ONE conference with a re-run of episode 54 with Zack Arias. Zack gives a very personal account of the consequences running a studio can have on a marriage. Zack is an editorial and press photographer specializing in the music industry. In five years he’s photographed over 350 bands and indie artists in the fields of rock and hip-hip (including Big Boi, half of the hip-hop team Outkast). He’s funny, insightful, an insanely talented photographer (check out his One Light DVD and workshop), and an all around great guy (don’t let the tattoo’s and ZZ Top-style beard scare you).  Enjoy!

Stay tuned every week as we have some terrific new interviews upcoming, including: Parker Pfister, Trevor Brucki, Kevin Swan, Marc Silber, Piper Carter, Chris and Katie Humphrey, and the mother/daughter team of SPA, Kia Bondurant and Sana Antisdel.

Get code to embed in your blog. Subscribe to this show in iTunes.

A TRIPLE DOSE OF TLD

If you’re a fan of the show, today is your lucky day. We have not one, not two, but THREE episodes for your viewing enjoyment:

• Ep. 7: Team A continues filming in Robert Evans’ studio. Meanwhile, Team B is granted access to another famous studio, Westlake Studios, where such artists as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and No Doubt have recorded albums. The fun and mayhem continue.
• Episode 8: As the night drags on, some members of Team A get antsy as Dane, DJ, and Becker go on a practical joke rampage (not even the executive producer of the show can escape their antics). Meanwhile, after their food fight in Carl’s Jr. and recording in the world famous Westlake Studios, Team B hits the streets of Hollywood.
• Episode 9: It’s the penultimate episode. Both teams shoot their PSA, Team A starts shoot a SECOND video (in addition to their PSA), and finally, the editing begins. Special guest appearances by Rachel and Andrew Niesen of LaCour, Skip Cohen (president of WPPI/RangeFinder Publishin) and his side kick, Molly the Wonder Dog, and Arlene Evans (WPPI Ops manager).

THIS WEEK’S DRAWING WINNERS

Every week we pick a name from those who left comments on a “Longest Day” episode to win a free Triple Scoop Music song (a $60 value). Now we’re picking TWO winners. This week’s winner are Mitch Hong of I Do Photography in Capetown, South African, and Mike Steelman located I think in somewhere near Monterey, CA. Congratulations gentlemen.

LEAVE A COMMENT IN ITUNES FOR CHANCE TO WIN DVD SET OF SHOW!

It’s official, we will be producing a DVD set of the series which will include all the episodes, the team videos, deleted scenes, and a bonus feature: the photographer’s summit meeting held the following morning.  Please take a moment to leave a comment about the show in iTunes,  and at the end of the 10-episode run, we’ll conduct a drawing for FIVE free Triple Scoop Music songs from those who’ve left comments in the iTunes store. (That’s five people will each win a song). In addition, one lucky winner will win a the GRAND PRIZE.  Click here to access the show’s iTunes page.

FREEBIE TO WPPI 2010

Remember, if you post the video on your blog AND link that post back to WPPI, you’ll get a freebie pass to WPPI 2010. You must fill out the “freebie” form at the top of this blog to qualify. To get the embed code, click on the second icon in the bottom right-hand portion of the player. Then click on the “Embed” tab to access the code.

SPECIAL SPONSOR DISCOUNTS

In this episode of the show, there is a 5-digit discount code in the end sponsor credits. If you use that code with these participating sponsors, you can get some great discounts.

• Microsoft Expression Media 2:  Use the code for a 50% savings on the “Better Together” software bundle of Capture One 4 and Microsoft Expression Media 2 (a $100 savings). Available for both Windows and Mac, Capture One 4 and Microsoft Expression Media 2 provide photographers with an accelerated, intuitive, and flexible RAW processing workflow solution. Excellent color and tonal values, easy photo asset management. Better Together… Click here.
• Triple Scoop Music: enter the 5-digit code at check out and get 10% off world class music. Log on to TripleScoopMusic.com.
• Photographer’s Edit: For a limited time, Photographer’s Edit is excited to offer “The Longest Day” viewers a one-time 15% discount on its processing services! Photographer’s Edit specializes in the processing of weddings, and we think you’ll love our Effortless approach. Click here.
• Loktah: In celebration of launching our new products, Loktah is going to offer something very special for all “The Longest Day” viewers.  Loktah will be offering a 15% off coupon which will be good for anything in our online store, which includes our new album/image portfolio boxes, photo-folios, and double and single dvd/cd cases. Just look for the discount code while watching “The Longest Day”.  Our new products are still 100% eco-friendly and you and your clients will find them to be a beautiful and unique way to present your product.
  

Please take some time to visit the sites of our sponsors.

Microsoft Expression Media 2 • WPPI • Asuka Book • Kubota Image Tools • Triple Scoop Music
Photographer’s Edit • Loktah • Mike Colón Photographers

NOW, ON WITH THE SHOWS

Episode 7

Subscribe to show in iTunes

Episode 8

Subscribe to show in iTunes

Episode 9

Subscribe to show in iTunes

A DOUBLE DOSE OF TLD

We’re getting down to the wire. With only three weeks before WPPI, and six episodes left, we’re going to post two episodes a week! Can you even stand it?! This week we have:

• Ep. 1-4 Recap: In case you’re just joining us, this post has a recap of the first 4 episodes. In 7.5 minutes we get you all caught up and ready to watch episodes 5 and 6.
• Episode 5: it’s not common for reality TV producers to get involved with the goings-on of the contestants. But, the situation gets so bad in Team A’s board room, I’m called in to help mitigate. Will they finally decide on an idea? Meanwhile, Team B is getting all dressed up for their video.
• Episode 6: don’t want to give this away. You’ll just have to watch episode 5, then move on to 6.

THIS WEEK’S DRAWING WINNERS

Every week we pick a name from those who left comments on a “Longest Day” episode to win a free Triple Scoop Music song (a $60 value). Now we’re picking TWO winners. This week’s winner are Ben Reugers from XSight Photography and Video (one of our friends down unda), and Anna Jarske all the way from Helsinki, Finland. Wow! Congrats Anna and Ben. So cool to we have fans around the world!

Leave a Comment in iTunes to get a chance to win GRAND PRIZE

Please take a moment to leave a comment about the show in iTunes. At the end of the 10-episode run, we’ll also conduct a drawing for FIVE free Triple Scoop Music songs from those who’ve left comments in the iTunes store. (That’s five people will each win a song). In addition, one lucky winner will win a GRAND PRIZE. Can’t say what it is yet, but it will be very cool! Click here to access the show’s iTunes page.

FREEBIE TO WPPI 2010

Remember, if you post the video on your blog AND link that post back to WPPI, you’ll get a freebie pass to WPPI 2010. You must fill out the “freebie” form at the top of this blog to qualify. To get the embed code, click on the second icon in the bottom right-hand portion of the player. Then click on the “Embed” tab to access the code.

SPECIAL SPONSOR DISCOUNTS

In this episode of the show, there is a 5-digit discount code in the end sponsor credits. If you use that code with these participating sponsors, you can get some great discounts.

• Microsoft Expression Media 2:  Use the code for a 50% savings on the “Better Together” software bundle of Capture One 4 and Microsoft Expression Media 2 (a $100 savings). Available for both Windows and Mac, Capture One 4 and Microsoft Expression Media 2 provide photographers with an accelerated, intuitive, and flexible RAW processing workflow solution. Excellent color and tonal values, easy photo asset management. Better Together… Click here.
• Triple Scoop Music: enter the 5-digit code at check out and get 10% off world class music. Log on to TripleScoopMusic.com.
• Photographer’s Edit: For a limited time, Photographer’s Edit is excited to offer “The Longest Day” viewers a one-time 15% discount on its processing services! Photographer’s Edit specializes in the processing of weddings, and we think you’ll love our Effortless approach. Click here.
• Loktah: In celebration of launching our new products, Loktah is going to offer something very special for all “The Longest Day” viewers.  Loktah will be offering a 15% off coupon which will be good for anything in our online store, which includes our new album/image portfolio boxes, photo-folios, and double and single dvd/cd cases. Just look for the discount code while watching “The Longest Day”.  Our new products are still 100% eco-friendly and you and your clients will find them to be a beautiful and unique way to present your product.
  

Please take some time to visit the sites of our sponsors.

Microsoft Expression Media 2 • WPPI • Asuka Book • Kubota Image Tools • Triple Scoop Music
Photographer’s Edit • Loktah • Mike Colón Photographers

NOW, ON WITH THE SHOWS

Here’s a short recap to bring you up to speed.

Subscribe to show in iTunes

Episode 5

Subscribe to show in iTunes

Episode 6
Start getting a glimpse of each team’s final project.

Subscribe to show in iTunes

In case you haven’t been following, here’s a recap of the key events leading up to episode 5 (the midway point). Episodes 5 AND 6, will go online this Monday, January 26. With only three weeks left until WPPI, we gotta double up on the episodes to get through them all.

SPECIAL SPONSOR DISCOUNTS

In the last episode of the show, there is a 5-digit discount code in the end sponsor credits. If you use that code with these participating sponsors, you can get some great discounts.

• Microsoft Expression Media 2:  Use the code for a 50% savings on the “Better Together” software bundle of Capture One 4 and Microsoft Expression Media 2 (a $100 savings). Available for both Windows and Mac, Capture One 4 and Microsoft Expression Media 2 provide photographers with an accelerated, intuitive, and flexible RAW processing workflow solution. Excellent color and tonal values, easy photo asset management. Better Together… Click here.
• Triple Scoop Music: enter the 5-digit code at check out and get 10% off world class music. Log on to TripleScoopMusic.com.
• Photographer’s Edit: For a limited time, Photographer’s Edit is excited to offer “The Longest Day” viewers a one-time 15% discount on its processing services! Photographer’s Edit specializes in the processing of weddings, and we think you’ll love our Effortless approach. Click here.

Please take some time to visit the sites of our sponsors.

Microsoft Expression Media 2 • WPPI • Asuka Book • Kubota Image Tools • Triple Scoop Music
Photographer’s Edit • Loktah • Mike Colón Photographers

NOW, ON WITH THE SHOW

Here’s a short recap to bring you up to speed.

Subscribe to show in iTunes

Just when you think Team A is making progress, they hit a snag. Will they ever make it out of that board room? Meanwhile, Team B is still on the hunt for the perfect costumes.

THIS WEEK’S DRAWING WINNER
TWO WINNERS WILL BE PICKED NEXT WEEK

Every week we pick a name from those who left comments on a “Longest Day” episode to win a free Triple Scoop Music song (a $60 value). This week’s winner is Vitaliy of Prokopets Studio. Congratulations!

Thanks to the generosity of Triple Scoop Music, next week we will pick TWO winners to win a free song. So enter now, and you have twice as much a chance to win! Good luck.

LEAVE A COMMENT IN iTUNES FOR MORE CHANCES TO WIN

If you haven’t already noticed, you can download the show in iTunes. Click here to access the show’s iTunes page. Please take a moment to leave a comment about the show in iTunes. At the end of the 10-episode run, we’ll also conduct a drawing for FIVE free Triple Scoop Music songs from those who’ve left comments in the iTunes store. (That’s five people will each win a song). We’ll have more opportunities to win later, so stay tuned and read the blog (don’t just skip down to the episode.

FREEBIE TO WPPI 2010

Remember, if you post the video on your blog AND link that post back to WPPI, you’ll get a freebie pass to WPPI 2010. You must fill out the “freebie” form at the top of this blog to qualify. To get the embed code, click on the second icon in the bottom right-hand portion of the player. Then click on the “Embed” tab to access the code.

SPECIAL SPONSOR DISCOUNTS

In this week’s episode of the show, there is a 5-digit discount code in the end sponsor credits. If you use that code with these participating sponsors, you can get some great discounts.

• Microsoft Expression Media 2:  Use the code for a 50% savings on the “Better Together” software bundle of Capture One 4 and Microsoft Expression Media 2 (a $100 savings). Available for both Windows and Mac, Capture One 4 and Microsoft Expression Media 2 provide photographers with an accelerated, intuitive, and flexible RAW processing workflow solution. Excellent color and tonal values, easy photo asset management. Better Together… Click here.
• Triple Scoop Music: enter the 5-digit code at check out and get 10% off world class music. Log on to TripleScoopMusic.com.
• Photographer’s Edit: For a limited time, Photographer’s Edit is excited to offer “The Longest Day” viewers a one-time 15% discount on its processing services! Photographer’s Edit specializes in the processing of weddings, and we think you’ll love our Effortless approach. Click here.

Please take some time to visit the sites of our sponsors.

Microsoft Expression Media 2 • WPPI • Asuka Book • Kubota Image Tools • Triple Scoop Music
Photographer’s Edit • Loktah • Mike Colón Photographers

NOW, ON WITH THE SHOW

The stress level is rising in the Team A board room. Let’s join them and see what’ up!

Subscribe to show in iTunes

Chase Jarvis is hot! (I mean that from the standpoint of his place in the industry, although he is a good looking guy too.) Chase is the youngest photographer to be named both a Nikon and Hasselblad Master. He was the guy Nikon hired to launch the D90 when it first came out. His commercial clientele have included Volvo, Reebok, REI, Helly Hanson, Windows Vista, and too many more for me to name. He’s also a motion picture and music video director, and has a passion for philosophy. In fact, he was getting a PH.D. in philosophy when he decided he wanted to pursue his artistic passion rather than continue to learn about dead white men (his words, not mine.) Prior to his pursuit of philosophy, he was about to go to medical school. He actually got up and walked out of his interview for medical school because it dawned on him right then he didn’t want to be a doctor.

Chase’s very first gig pursuing photography was a commercial one. He bypassed the traditional routes to commercial shooting. He was pad $500 for taking ski photos. Now he has a staff of five, travels the world, works with Fortune 500 companies, and directs film and videos. And, just like last week’s guest, Chase is 100% self taught. I am confident you will find this one of our more inspirational interviews. Chase covers everything from his take on appreciating the masters, the influence of philosophers and twentieth century artists on his work, how his love for art history and philosophy informs his work with art directors, the convergence of video and stills (he actually think the whole movie is UNDER-hyped), how one can make a move into the commercial world, and his disdain for the caste system in the photography industry (he gives much props to you wedding photographers out there.) Enjoy!

Today’s musical outro is Ten O Four by Trip Throttle, courtesy of Triple Scoop Music.

Get the code to embed in your blog. Subscribe to the show in iTunes.

Next week, video producer/photographer Curt Apanovich of PhotographyMentor.com chimes in on his take about the fusion of video and stills.

Team B is off and running as Amber Holritz, Jessica Claire, Joe Photo, Jasmine Star, and Catherine Hall are sent out to get costumes for the team (if they don’t get lost first). Meanwhile, Team A tries to rent a vehicle to get them all to Las Vegas. The fun is just beginning!

FREE TRIPLE SCOOP MUSIC WINNER

For each episode, anyone who leaves a comment will be entered into a drawing to win a free Triple Scoop Music song (a $60 value). Congratulations to Ayrica Bishop of Ayrica Bishop Images in western Kentucky for being this week’s winner. Remember, you must leave your comment before the next episode posts to be entered. And the episodes will eventually be more than one a week. If you do the math, we got 7 more episodes to post, and only about 5 weeks till WPPI.

LEAVE A COMMENT IN iTUNES FOR MORE CHANCES TO WIN

If you haven’t already noticed, you can download the show in iTunes. Click here to access the show’s iTunes page. Please take a moment to leave a comment about the show in iTunes. At the end of the 10-episode run, we’ll also conduct a drawing for five free Triple Scoop Music songs from those who’ve left comments in the iTunes store. (That’s five people will each win a song). We’ll have more opportunities to win later, so stay tuned and read the blog (don’t just skip down to the episode.

FREEBIE TO WPPI 2010

Remember, if you post the video on your blog, you’ll get a freebie pass to WPPI 2010. You must fill out the “freebie” form at the top of this blog to qualify. To get the embed code, click on the second icon in the bottom right-hand portion of the player. Then click on the “Embed” tab to access the code.

OUR SPONSORS

Please take some time to visit the sites of our sponsors. Also, be on the look out for some special discounts and savings from our sponsors.

Microsoft Expression Media 2 • WPPI • Asuka Book • Kubota Image Tools • Triple Scoop Music
Photographer’s Edit • Loktah • Mike Colón Photographers

NOW, ON WITH THE SHOW

Will Team A make it to Vegas? Will Joe Photo play Jessica’s little games? Let’s find out!

Subscribe to show in iTunes

It’s been a long time in the making, but it’s  finally here. The premiere episode of the first online reality TV show for and about professional photographers, “The Longest Day,” this year’s buzz-building videos series for WPPI 2009.

The premise is simple: get 24 of the hottest professional photographers in the country (and Canada), bring them all to southern California armed only with the knowledge that they would be split into two teams and given an assignment to complete in just 24 hours. Once they arrive, they find out their assignment is to write, shoot, and edit an original short film about photography, AND an original PSA about the respective charity for which they are playing: ThirstRelief and Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.

Over a series of ten episodes, you’ll see the drama; the comedy; and the battle for the best video and PSA as voted on by YOU. That’s right, as we lead up to WPPI (February 14-19) we’ll air the episodes. Then, about a week before, we’ll show the final short films and PSAs by both teams. You will then have an opportunity to vote for the videos you like the best. Thanks to our sponsors, the winning team will win $3,000 for their charity. The other charity will earn $2,000. (In this episode you’ll hear me mention $1,000 and $500 as the respective prizes. The ante got upped since the taping of this show).

EARN VALUABLE PRIZES
As we did last year, we’re offering some valuable prizes for those of you who participate in the viewing and sharing of the video series. First, anyone who adds any TLD video to their website or blog will get free admission to WPPI 2010 (note: that’s NEXT YEAR’S WPPI, not the upcoming one in 2009). Just get the embed code from the show player, then add to your blog/website. Once added, copy the URL for the specific post, then go to the “WPPI 2010 Freebie Form” at the top of this blog and fill it out. It’s that simple.

Also, for each episode we’ll have a drawing for a free song download from show sponsor Triple Scoop Music (A $60 value). You must leave a comment for that episode to be entered into the drawing. The deadline for each episode’s drawing is the post for the next episode (which will vary from 3-7 days).

OUR SPONSORS

Please take some time to visit the sites of our sponsors:

Microsoft Expression Media 2 • WPPI • Asuka Book • Kubota Image Tools • Triple Scoop Music
Photographer’s Edit • Loktah • Mike Colón Photographers

NOW ON WITH THE SHOW

Okay, now that all the business is taken care of, watch and enjoy episode 1. The teams are picked. The battle lines are drawn. Let the games begin! (Remember, leave a comment and be entered into the drawing. Add this episode to your blog for free admission to next year’s WPPI).

CREDIT CORRECTION

In the music credits, the credit for “A Girl Named Jaen” were incorrectly listed as “jean.” My apologies to the artist.

In early October 2008, Brooks Institute hosted a very special F-Stop Beyond: In Living Color, which we produced in partnership with PhotographyMentor.com. A live webcast was held. Renown celebrity wedding and lifestyle photographer Mike ColĂłn took almost three hours of his busy schedule to share his personal and professional take on life and the industry. In this episode, Mike shares how he gave up his pursuit of electrical engineering (after finishing four years of a 5-year program), to pursue his passion. Even if it meant shooting university graduating shots on a hot afternoon for only thirty-five bucks. Enjoy this “Inside the Actors Studio” style interview.

Subscribe to this show in iTunes

Sponsored in part by

Special Thanks to

As I continue my trek to Atlanta, I have another re-run for you. In honor of her nuptials, this week I’m re-running the episode we did this past summer with Michele Celentano. In it we hear about her childhood in NY, how she got into photography, and she shares with us about her relationship and it’s very curious connection to her ex. You’ll love this fun and insightful interview.

To listen to this show, go to our iTunes page.

When we resume new episodes (hopefully next week), we’ll have a brand new episode with past guest and author, Dane Sanders. Stay tuned.

I only had to visit their website for a little bit before I knew Matt and Krystal would be great guests. You’ll notice that today’s show is all about being silly and having fun.

In today’s episode, we actually don’t talk about faith (or a lack of it) at all. Instead, we talk about their career path into photography. He was an electrical engineer, and she was in the U.S. army for nine years. Today, they are PPA Master Photographers (well, as of January ‘09 anyway), instructors, and successful wedding and portrait photographers. We learn how they hooked up on a blind date after a mutual friend lied to both of them. (Luckily, they liked each other enough for a second date). And Matt gives us his take on the state of photography today. That ironically, because of digital technology, bad photography today is worse than it’s ever been, but good photography is better than it’s every been. (Quite a quandary).  Oh, and only with the Radlinskis would we have the first ever F-Stop Beyond drinking game. Listen and play along (NOTE: I am in no way endorsing drunkenness, so no complaining e-mails please!

Today’s musical outro is “Alone Tonight” by Castella courtesy of Triple Scoop Music.

Get code to embed in blog.

Next week we have both an inspirational and touching interview with Justin and Mary Marantz.

Prince. Led Zeppelin. Wayne’s World. Purple Rain. Favorite guitar influences. These are not necessarily the topics you’d expect to hear on a photography podcast. Unless that podcast is F-Stop Beyond. Today’s interview with commercial, wedding, portrait, and product photographer Jay Lawrence Goldman is one of the most fun I can remember. Jay’s love for music leads us into a discussions about the aforementioned topics. (In fact, Jay wrote the outro music for today). We also talk about generation gaps, family, the movie “Cars” (according to Jay did you know “Cars” was Paul Newman’s largest grossing film), and much more. And don’t worry, we also get some sage advice from this 20 year veteran of the industry as he shares with us his take on newbies in the business, giving physical proofs in a digital world, editing your own job, what it was like for him when he first started, and the impetus for his homage to Avedon’s “The American West.” I think you’ll have a lot of fun with this one.

As I mentioned earlier, Jay was kind enough to compose an original song for this week’s outro. I want to hear from you listeners what you think: should I replace the current opening song for FSB and make this the new official show opening tune? Leave a comment on our blog fstopbeyond.com and let me know. Or, send an email to feedback@fstopbeyond.com.

Get code to embed in your blog

Next week we have two Totally Rad photographers, Chenin and Doug Boutwell. Don’t miss it.

Lastly, I want to than listener Alex Maldonado for giving me the tip about adding album art to the mp3 files. If you download the show now, you’ll notice I’ve added the photographer’s photo. Thanks for the tip Alex, and thanks for listening.