The Photographer Mindset

Ian Jones (@iansjones), is a creative powerhouse from Pittsburgh known for his authentic and impactful photo and video content. With a passion for pushing creative boundaries, Ian has built a reputation for producing work that is both relatable, innovative, and of high quality.

In this episode, Ian dives into the challenges of balancing artistic passion with the realities of content creation in today’s fast-paced world. He shares hi...

Ian Jones (@iansjones), is a creative powerhouse from Pittsburgh known for his authentic and impactful photo and video content. With a passion for pushing creative boundaries, Ian has built a reputation for producing work that is both relatable, innovative, and of high quality.

In this episode, Ian shares how quitting alcohol transformed his life, unlocking newfound clarity, energy, and a relentless drive to create. He dives into th...

Lianna Nixon (@liannanixon) is a polar guide, climate science educator, and storyteller who uses her camera to connect people with the Arctic's fragile beauty and its global significance. With a background in education and a passion for conservation, Lianna has spent years exploring the Arctic, guiding expeditions, and documenting the stories of its wildlife and ecosystems.

In this episode, Lianna shares her journey of becoming...

In this episode, we explore how taking creative risks and embracing repetition can transform your photography journey. From shifting focus to storytelling over quantity, to navigating new challenges like two-camera video interviews, we discuss the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to grow. You'll hear personal stories about overcoming self-doubt, learning to trust your instincts, and finding the balance between ...

Corey Lynn Tucker (@elopewithcorey) is a destination elopement photographer, guide, and storyteller who helps couples create wildly personal, stress-free wedding days in breathtaking natural settings. She has over a decade of experience. 

In this episode, Corey shares her journey of building a photography business rooted in authenticity and sustainability. She discusses the art of curating unforgettable elopements, balancing creativ...

Ian Plant (@ianplantphoto) is a renowned nature, landscape, and wildlife photographer with decades of experience who left his career in law to follow his passion for capturing the beauty of the natural world. 

In this episode, Ian opens up about the challenges and rewards of the creative process, emphasizing the importance of patience, intent, and adaptability in creating meaningful work. He shares his philosophy on balancing artist...

Dalton Johnson (@storiesbydalton) is a photographer, adventurer, and journalist who has collaborated with renowned brands such as Patagonia, Big Agnes, and Rivian.

In this episode, Dalton shares his own experiences in an effort to help photographers understand how they can leverage free work as a tool for growth, the importance of persistence in marketing their craft, and the cyclical process of building a thriving creative career. ...

Eric Bennett (@bennettfilm) is a nature photographer, artist, and storyteller who brings an intentional and deeply personal approach to his craft.

How does a photographer transform the ordinary into the extraordinary? What is the role of creativity in connecting more deeply with the world around us? Eric shares his philosophy on capturing meaningful images, the importance of slowing down and observing, and his thoughts on staying tr...

Justin Haugen (@photowarlock) is a commercial photographer, creative professional, and a father navigating the challenges of balancing career and family life.

What does it take to pivot from a flourishing wedding photography career to the dynamic world of commercial photography? How do you stay creatively fulfilled while facing the realities of parenthood and life’s unexpected changes? Justin’s story is one of evolution, resilience,...

How can free gigs pave the way for a thriving creative career? We dissect the art of turning unpaid work into meaningful opportunities in this episode. From playing the long game and smartly building your portfolio to balancing effort in free projects and leveraging relationships, we break down how to make every opportunity count. This conversation is meant to be your guide to strategically navigating free work and setting yourself...

How do you elevate your creative work when revisiting familiar places or projects? This episode explores how revisiting locations or concepts with fresh eyes can help refine your process and strengthen your portfolio. Aaron and Seth break down the value of intentional shooting, learning from past experiences, and finding balance between capturing the moment and simply enjoying it. From improving your approach to preparation to craf...

In this episode we're joined by photographer and filmmaker Chris Burkard (@chrisburkard) as he shares his insights on storytelling, creative exploration, and balancing ambition with family life. Chris dives into the leap from dreaming to achieving, finding joy in the creative process, and building a meaningful legacy through connection with nature. He opens up about cultivating curiosity, overcoming impostor syndrome, and rede...

Part two is here, and we’re bringing more reflections and lessons learned from our photography journeys. This time, we’re talking about the power of focusing on fewer, impactful goals, finding balance in your social media habits, and navigating the endless tug-of-war with perfectionism. With honest stories, practical advice, and relatable insights, this episode is packed with ideas to help you sharpen your focus and build a creativ...

Everyone makes mistakes, but in this episode, we’re owning them and sharing the valuable lessons they brought us. From pouring too much energy into social media to regretfully underpricing creative work, skipping contracts, and being enticed by the exposure promises of predatory photography sharing platforms, we're breaking down what we got wrong in our photography journeys. We reflect on these missteps with personal stories, ...

This episode dives into the controversial topic of gatekeeping in the photography community, unpacking both sides of the debate on sharing knowledge versus earning it through experience. We explore the role of mentorship, the importance of building meaningful connections, and the true value of learning through experimentation and persistence. With personal anecdotes and actionable advice, this conversation aims to inspire photograp...

This episode is part two of our two-part series, where we continue exploring the lessons that have defined our photography journeys. We dig into the art of building a unique editing style through fearless experimentation, the importance of harnessing early passion to create momentum, and the value of protecting your mental space with practical tools like managing notifications. We also reflect on the power of surrounding yourself w...

In today’s episode, we reflect on our photography journeys, sharing pivotal strategies and mindset shifts that have shaped our growth. We explore the art of building momentum from small gigs, mastering versatility to meet different creative demands, and finding freedom in letting go of rigid expectations. With compelling stories and thoughtful analogies to keep things engaging, this conversation offers plenty of inspiration for pho...

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 chance to check in on each other as f...

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 think outside the Instagram bubble.

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