F-Stop Beyond | with Host Ron Dawson

Episode 95: Anna Kuperberg

cinematicstudios — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:59:49 +0000

Every now and then I get a show where the conversation flows so naturally and is so engrossing, I lose track of time and don’t want to stop. Today’s interview with Anna Kuperberg was such an interview (thus the hour+ long episode). But, don’t let the length scare you. I have no doubt you’ll savor every second of this wonderful interview, in fact, you’ll probably be wanting more.

Anna covers the whole gamut. Born to Polish parents (it was her first language) who emigrated to Houston, TX, then moved to Auburn, AL when she was very young. Eventually moving to the St. Louis, MO area where she attended college. Anna was voted this year by American Photo as one of the top ten wedding photographers in the world, and is by far one of the most successful photographers in the San Francisca Bay Area. Anna talks about what it was like getting a degree in photography but not learning the business side. (That was something she had to learn on her own, which she’s glad she did). We have a wonderful discussion about improvisational jazz as an analogy for photography, which leads to a fun tangent about my stint as a swing dancer (don’t worry, I tie it back into the interview quite nicely). We talk about living in the south, why immigrants make terrific photographers, how she improves her craft, using social media effectively, how the switch to digital has affected her work and business, and her take on the use of Photoshop and other such tools. (You may be surprised at the information she shares). From the funny anecdotes to the insightful advice, this is an interview that will inspire you.

Next week we have a Thanksgiving Day special. Another thoroughly engrossing conversation with a real “rock star” photographer, Gabrielle Geiselman, photographer for such groups as Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, and Marilyn Manson. You definitely do not want to miss what Gabrielle has to say.

Episode 94: Jason Christopher

cinematicstudios — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:59:57 +0000

Today’s guest got a D- in his high school photography class because he didn’t take the kind of pictures he was supposed. He took the pictures he wanted to take. Ever since then L.A. fashion and commercial photographer Jason Christopher has been a rebel. After working as a stand-in in Hollywood and being amazed with the lighting set up, he decided to quite to pursue photography. It was very hard at first. He even went through a time where his utilities were turned off. But he didn’t want to ask his parents, so he hit the streets, going to modeling agencies, doing head shots, etc. He then got the opportunity to work under celebrity photographer Jerry Avenaim and things took off. In this episode, Jason talks about the importance of knowing business, the difference between the industry now and how it was back in the film days and now, the importance of knowing the greats, and the value of sharing.

Next week we have celebrated San Francisco wedding photographer Anna Kuperberg. Don’t miss this one folks!

As usual, you can catch all episodes online at fstopbeyond.tv. And you can follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/fstopbeyond.

Re-run: Deborah D. Lattimore

cinematicstudios — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:23:40 +0000

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. Stay tuned to the blog (fstopbeyond.tv) and Twitter (twitter.com/fstopbeyond).

Re-run: Emilie Sommer

cinematicstudios — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 02:45:00 +0000

A year and a half ago I had the honor to interview Emilie Sommer, photojournalist turned wedding photographer. As someone who has had loved ones touched by breast cancer, Emilie feels very passionate about the topic. So, since this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought it would be great to pull this interview out of the archives. Recorded live at WPPI 2008, this was one of those gems of an interview that’ll make you laugh and cry. From her experiences on the road with US presidents, to her unhappy encounter with Oprah, you’ll be amazed at the experiences this young lady has had: all before the age of thirty (at the time). Enjoy!

Re-run: Annette Biggers

cinematicstudios — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:01:33 +0000

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.

Episode 93: Candice Cunningham

cinematicstudios — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 04:59:41 +0000

A growing trend I’m seeing in the world of professional photography are photographers branching out their businesses to offer products and/or services to fellow photogs. Everything from camera bags and CF card holders to social media network sites have been started by pro photogs. Well. there’s a new player in the game who has a product she hopes will take the photo world “by storm.” Candice Cunningham is a successful wedding and portrait photographer who was literally tired of lugging around her cameras on two separate autonomous straps. So, with necessity being the mother of invention, she created the Camera Slinger. A single, dual-strapped device that allows the photographer to easily carry two bodies, with the weight being evenly distributed across the back. Simple and ingenious. Today we get to learn how Candice started this later endeavor.

But not before we learn about her personal and professional journey. From the challenges or starting her business, to her personal triumph over obesity and dealing with self-esteem issues. Candice shares with us how important it is for you to find what it is holding you back in life, and change it. Own up to that part you play, then change.

But not before we learn about her personal and professional journey. From the challenges or starting her business, to her personal triumph over obesity and dealing with self-esteem issues. We top it off with how in the world she came up with perhaps her craziest idea to date. To photograph a bride and groom…in front of a live tornado, then film a reality TV show about the process. It’s called, “Romancing the Storm“. With celebrity wedding photographer Robert Evans as her partner, they went on a wild and wacky adventure. Today we get to hear about how it almost didn’t happen.

Next week we have L.A. based fashion and commercial photographer Jason Christopher.

Don’t forget that you can catch a new episode each week online at fstopbeyond.tv.

Episode 92: Jerry Ghionis

cinematicstudios — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:59:15 +0000

If you’ve been in the wedding and portrait business for any amount of time, you know that Australia seems to have an abundance of the world’s greatest wedding photogs. Every year at WPPI the Aussies seem to steal the show. Today we have one of the brightest stars from down under, the one…the only…Jerry Ghionis. After months of trying to hook up with Jerry to get him on the show, we finally were able to meet up at this past Skip’s Summer School.

In today’s show we learn how Jerry got into the biz. How he worked for another photographer, without pay, when he started. He realized that the value of the education was worth it. Believe or not, this multi award-winning, internationally renown photographer started his career…carrying bags. He then shares with us about his philosophy on finding the best light over finding the best location; how and why he gets his brides to pose during the wedding day in order to accentuate their beauty; the reason for the opulence of his style and studio; he tells us where he gets his inspiration; and he even gives us insight as to why Aussies seem to win so many awards. We learn why Jerry not only is such a phenomenal photographer, but why he’s also such a giving human being.

Next week, “Romancing the Storm” photographer Candice Cunningham tells us why she was crazy enough to shoot an engagement session on the heels of a real tornado.

Remember, you can catch a new episode every week online at http://fstopbeyond.tv, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/fstopbeyond.

Episode 91: Jen Basford

cinematicstudios — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:53:15 +0000

What do you get when you cross a brainiac, with a cheerleader and a photographer. You get the one and only Jen Basford of 3 Girls Photography. Don’t let her barefoot, bouncy, and bubbly personality fool you. This MBA was once ranked #5 in her state in math and worked as a technical consultant at Accenture before starting her portrait photography studio. The meteoric success of her 3-4 year old studio is a clear testament to her marketing smarts and business acumen. In this episode, Jen shares with us her take on what makes a photographer a professional? Which she believes is more important, the photography or the business side? What it was like growing up as an only child and how that influences her as a mom of, you guessed it, three girls. She also shares why she absolutely will not do weddings. Jen has a vibrant outlook on life and an infectious spirit that will keep you smiling throughout the entire interview.

Our next episode guest will be the internationally celebrated and muli award-winning, self-professed metrosexual wedding photog superstar himself, Jerry Ghionis.

Remember, you can catch a new episode each week at http://fstopbeyond.tv. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/fstopbeyond.

Episode 90: Tasra Dawson

cinematicstudios — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 04:12:56 +0000

You may notice that the last name of today’s guest matches my own. I admit it. Today’s episode is nepotism at it’s best. But, there’s a very legitimate and exciting reason I wanted to have my beloved wife on the show today. Her story and journey is one I am confident many of you will find inspiring: from being a single mom for seven years, to writing her first novel, publishing her first book, working for Apple Computer, becoming the creative director for my company, and ultimately, forming her latest career endeavor, Teen Identity Portraits. But, most recently she’s initiated a movement that in just the past two days has really caught fire. Bolstered by the encouragement and sage advice of veteran photographer Scott Bourne, Tasra has initiated the tasra365.com challenge. There are many year-long or “365″ challenges out there related to photography. This one is sort of special, and the huge surge in the people joining is proof positive it’s struck a chord. Learn about how it all came about, then head on over to tasra365.com, click the “Join me” button, and tag along for the ride.

Next week we’ll bring you the bouncy, bubbly, and incredibly brainy Jen Basford of 3 Girls Photography.

Don’t forget that you can catch a new episode each week at fstopbeyond.tv, and follow the show on Twitter at twitter.com/fstopbeyond.

Re-run: Jesh De Rox Part 2

cinematicstudios — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 03:00:29 +0000

Here’s part 2 of the interview with did with Jesh de Rox that originally aired almost two years ago. It still remains one of my favorites. As I continue my conversation with Jesh, he shares with us his thoughts on whether it’s possible to teach a person to have the sense of child-like freedom that allows them to the see the world in a different light. I particularly like his insight on a person’s individualism. That the people who make the most impact on the world, people like Einstein or Picasso, are those people who are most true to themselves. We’ve become a world so into routine, we don’t stop to say why are we doing this. Do you find your photography is like that? I guarantee you’ll walk away from this episode with a whole new outlook on life.

Re-run: Jesh De Rox Part 1

cinematicstudios — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:16:45 +0000

Today’s re-run is part 1 of an interview I did with “Young Gun” Jesh de Rox. Jesh is one of the most amazing talents in the wedding photography biz, as was noted by his sweep of awards at the 2007 WPPI awards night. Since then he’s grown to international acclaim. I particularly chose his interview as a re-run because I love his approach to creativity, and in this episode Jesh talks about his inspiration, the freedom of childhood, and our need to re-embrace that freedom. It coincides perfectly with the “Comparison Kills Creativity” Campaign update I posted on my regular blog (read about it at http://bladeronner.com/?p=751). Next week we’ll have part 2. Then in September we’ll have an all-new episode.

Episode 89: David Bean

cinematicstudios — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 09:26:25 +0000

I don’t know what it is about Nashville, but it seems like they have a knack of churning out amazing pro photographers in a short period of time. A few weeks ago we had celebrity portrait photographer Jeremy Cowart who started out as a graphic designer, then switched to commercial photography, and now after only about 4 short years, he’s photographed the likes of Sting, a bunch of other celebrities, and was the official photographer of Britney Spears’ Circus tour. Today, we have a good friend of Jeremy and a wildly successful photographer in his own right. David Bean is also in Nashville, started out as a graphic designer, switched to photography, and now only about five years into this business is a sought-after celebrity portrait and commercial photographer. My wife discovered his website and brought it to my attention when she read a blog post of his where he decided to take a sabbatical from self promotion. After reading that, I knew I had to have him on the show.

David story is such an inspiring one. He talks about how he got his start, how his faith and morals play into his business (in one year he turned down $90,000 from two jobs), how sharing and building relationships have helped him, and ironically how a month after his sabbatical from self-promotion, he made more money in one month than he’s ever made in his life. I think you’ll find both David’s passion, experience, and advice very enlightening. (Oh, and you’re going to love the story he tells near the end of the interview about the “grumpy” old-school guy who sent David a seething email after David invited him to a workshop.) Enjoy.

Due to some travel and work, the next two weeks we’re going to have re-runs. Then in September we’re back with all new episodes, starting off with the bright and energetic portrait photographer Jen Basford of 3 Girls Photography.

Episode 88: David Wittig

cinematicstudios — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:00:42 +0000

In late June of this year I wrote a post on my regular blog (bladeronner.com) about the future of portrait photography. It painted the picture of a “Debbie Digital” type photographer succeeding amazingly due to technological achievements and a savvy marketing sense. It stirred quite a response on my blog and on some photography forums. One of the most “vocal” repliers to the post was today’s guest, fine art and wedding photographer David Wittig. David is a seasoned pro whose images have almost an otherworldly feel to them. (I love his use of tilt shift lenses in some of his wedding work). He’s respected in the industry and is a frequent and value contributor to a number of pro photography forums. I was very intrigued with the passion in his posts as he challenged some of my writings. I invited him on the show so that we could discuss this engrossing topic mano-a-mano. We talk about the different types of photographers in the world: from photo snobs who believe you must have a formal education to be considered a real photographer; to doe-eyed newbies with a passion for the craft but just don’t have the knowledge of the history. We delve into what really makes a “photographer.” I think you will find this a very engaging and interview. The result is a wonderful interview that gets into the past, present, and future of the industry.

Next week we have advertising and lifestyle photographer David Bean.

Remember, you can catch all our various audio and video shows online at fstopbeyond.tv.

Re-run: Skip Cohen and Carey Schumacher

cinematicstudios — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:45:10 +0000

Last year, Marketing Essentials International president Skip Cohen, and San Diego based wedding and portrait photographer Carey Schumacher had a BBQ Smackdown contest a la “Iron Chef” to raise money for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. In this re-run of episode 51, Carey and Skip talk about the contest as well as the importance of cause marketing.

Next week we have a brand new episode as I have a profound and engaging discussion with fine art and wedding photographer David Wittig about the future of photography. Don’t miss it!

Re-run: Scott Bourne

cinematicstudios — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:35:19 +0000

This week we continue our re-run of the “Photog Entrpreneur” series from last year about this time with Scott Bourne. Scott is a nationally recognized leader in the field of photography and technology. His 30 year experience as a pro photographer has covered the entire gamut: fashion; sports; commercial; and yes, even weddings. In the 90s he made it big with the IPO of NetRadio.com (the first online radio network) and then retired. He was co-founder of the popular podcast This Week in Photography, and he is currently the producer and host for the photography podcast Photo Focus. To give you an idea of how big Scott’s following is, when Photo Focus launched a couple of months ago, it immediately rose to the #1 technology podcast on the iTunes store.

Scott has written numerous books and is an avid teacher. He has recently been added to the speaking docket for the highly anticipated Skip’s Summer School occurring this August 16-19 in Las Vegas.

Re-run: Jim Kennedy

cinematicstudios — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:00:58 +0000

Last year I did a series of interviews with entrepreneurial photographers who have created businesses above and beyond their photography. One of my favorite episodes from that series was with Orange County wedding photographer Jim Kennedy. Jim has an amazing, true to life “rags to riches” story. Early in his career he was penniless, barely making ends meet. His first marriage suffered under the strain leaving him a single dad to boot. Now he is happily remarried to a wonderful woman and business partner. And his business Jim Kennedy Photographers is probably the most successful wedding studio you may never have heard of. I say that only because Jim is a low key, under the radar kind of photographer, not seeking fame and prominence. His friends and colleagues, other Orange County, CA photogs like Becker, Dane Sanders, Jasmine Star, and his mentor Joe Photo, are in many ways household names in the world of wedding photography. Yet, none has an “empire” quite like Jim’s. From living paycheck to paycheck, to running a million dollar plus studio that does well over 300 weddings a year, to now co-owning and running Stephanie James Couture, a retro chic wedding clothing store with his wife Stephane, Jim is living the American dream. Bust out the pen and paper. You’re going to want to take notes on this one.

Episode 87: Thomas Hawk and Robert Scoble

cinematicstudios — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:27:10 +0000

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.

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.

Remember, you can catch all original audio and video programming online at fstopbeyond.tv.

Episode 86: Patrick and Amina Moreau

cinematicstudios — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:59:06 +0000

As we enter this 4th of July weekend, it seems only natural that we have guests this week from…Canada? Few people have made such a wave in the world of visual arts as it pertains to the wedding industry as our guests today, Patrick and Amina Moreau of StillMotion in Toronto, Canada. As the name suggests, their studio offers both wedding photography and cinematography and they (along with their fellow artists Michael Y. Wong and Konrad Czystowski) have literally become international superstars, giving workshops around the world on how they do what they do. Patrick is one of my fellow EventDV Top 25 video producers and what’s amazing is that he only first picked up a camera about five years ago while in college (er, I mean “university”). What you may find even more interesting is that they both were psychology majors.

In this interview we find out how they each got into their respective arts, how they eventually fell in love (or as Amina puts it, “infected each other”), their philosophy on the importance of “telling stories,” and we get to hear their take on a subject that is particularly related to them: inspiration vs. imitation. Because StillMotion’s work is so incredible, there are many other studios who attempt to emulate their style. Some have even had the audacity to actually download StilMotion videos and re-edit the credits to pass it off as their own. We’ll hear what they think about all that. And they weigh in on the topic of mixed media and “fusion.” Whether you’re a photographer or a filmmaker, this is an interview you won’t want to miss.

Next week we have an amazing treat. We get to hear from two giants in the world of technology and social media, who also happen to be terrific photographers: Robert Scoble and Flickr superstar Thomas Hawk. You absolutely WON’T want to miss it!

As always, you can catch all F-Stop Beyond related audio and video programs online at http://fstopbeyond.tv.

Episode 85: Ira Lippke

cinematicstudios — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:59:14 +0000

Ira Lippke is a documentary photographer with a passion for capturing truth and reality. He has undergone one of the most unique documentary projects I’ve seen. He’s re-created his childhood in a “documentary” series of photos called “Lore”–a collection of photographs depicting what it was like for him and his brother living in the woods with this “hippie” parents (at one point they did upgrade to a school bus.) As Ira puts it, he wants this series to be “true” rather than exact. He’s hired actors to star as his mother, himself as a kid, and his brother as a kid, and his real brother stars as their dad. This idea of uncovering these memories and revealing what is true is part of what we’ll discuss in today’s insightful interview.

Ira’s a man whose work takes him to vastly divergent parts of the world. Ira also comments on what it’s like to be documenting poverty and despair in 3rd world country one day, then literally shooting a swank Beverly Hills wedding the next.He also straddles two coasts with a studio in Manhatten and in southern California. This is an interview that I think will open your eyes to the possibilities of stretching your eyes and your heart with respect to your art.

Next week we chat with the husband and wife photo and cinema team Patrick and Amina Moreau of StillMotion in Toronto, Canada.

Catch all or our original audio and video programming online at http://fstopbeyond.tv.

Episode 84: Kia Bondurant/Sana Antisdel

cinematicstudios — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:44:42 +0000

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 little mid-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.

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

Remember you can catch all audio and video podcasts of the show online at http://fstopbeyond.tv

Episode 83: Jeremy Cowart

cinematicstudios — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:44:11 +0000

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”). 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.

Remember, you can catch all the F-Stop Beyond related programming (audio and video) online at fstopbeyond.tv.

Episode 82: Christine Tremoulet

cinematicstudios — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 13:21:32 +0000

My favorite blogging program is WordPress (the blog you’re reading is a WordPress blog). So, I was excited and surprised to learn that today’s guest, Christine Tremoulet (weddidng and boudoir photographer, and a self-admitted geek) is the person who came up with the name WordPress. Christine is a good friend of Matt Mullinweg (the lead developer of the platform) and at the time he was developing it, she suggested the name (she’s even mentioned in Wikipedia under her maiden name Selleck). At the time she had owned her own blog hosting company and was active in the whole internet developer scene. But ever since high school she was in love with taking pictures. She just never thought she could make money at it. So, after selling her blog hosting company, she determined that was the best time to pursue her passion.

Today’s show is a fun and enlightening look at Christine’s life and the world of Web 2.0. As someone with almost 3,900 Twitter followers, she has a thing or two to say about the topic. She talks about the importance of blogging, Twitter, Facebook, and how they all give her clients a sense of comfort and who she is. She even gives us her take on how the proliferation of digital photos on Facebook is affecting the photography world. If you’re wondering if all this talk about blogs and Twitter are worth it in your photography business, this interview will put you at ease. But perhaps the most amazing thing we learn in this interview is that despite being a geek, until only a few years Christine did not know that Luke and Leia were twins. (Scary!) You’ll have a lot of fun (and learn a bunch too) with this one.

Next week we have celebrity music and commercial photographer Jeremy Cowart. Just nine months after starting his commercial photography business, he got to interview Sting. ‘Nuff said. Don’t miss it

Remember, you can catch all F-Stop Beyond audio and video shows online at http://fstopbeyond.tv.

Episode 81: Gray Scott

cinematicstudios — Fri, 29 May 2009 07:59:03 +0000

“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.

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” Tremulet.

Remember, you can hear all the audio podcast and watch the video podcasts online at fstopbeyond.tv.

Episode 80: Jack Hollingsworth

cinematicstudios — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:16:20 +0000

Social Media has become a huge part of the professional photographer’s online marketing and networking strategy. From blogging to Facebook to Twitter and everything in between, they’ve proven to be a terrific avenue for education, finding help, promoting your services, or just making new friends. On today’s episode we speak with Jack Hollingsworth (Twitter hand @photojack). Jack talks to us today about the power and importance of social media and it’s affect on the industry. If you’ve every wondered whether it made sense to join Twitter, today’s interview will help shed some light on the topic for you. Between his Photographer Makeover and his weekly “Toginars” (Twitter speak for “photographers” and “seminar”), Jack is quickly growing an online social media empire. He also shares with us about his 30-year career in work as a commercial stock photographer, and why he is so optimistic about life and business despite a depressed economy.

On the next episode, we have a very eye-opening and profound conversation with fashion/commercial photographer Gray Scott. You won’t want to miss that one!

Re-run: Vincent Laforet

cinematicstudios — Fri, 15 May 2009 07:59:53 +0000

Last year around this time I had the pleasure of having editorial photojournalist Vincent Laforet. It was during a series on “giving back” to the community and Vincent talked extensively about his work documenting the Katrina damage, as well as his amazing career. If you’re relatively new to the show, this will be a special treat.

Next week we have comercial stock image producer and new media master Jack Hollingsworth.

Episode 79: Doug Menuez

cinematicstudios — Fri, 08 May 2009 06:14:17 +0000

“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.

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.

Remember, you can hear and/or watch all F-Stop Beyond related original programming online at fstopbeyond.tv.

Episode 78: Scott and Adina Hayne

cinematicstudios — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:13:49 +0000

A little over two years ago, Scott Hayne was running a small courier business that lost a major contract forcing him into “unemployment.” His wife Adina lost her job as well. Yet, Scott had a gift for photography, and in the midst of those job losses, they took a leap of faith and invested $10,000 in camera gear and other equipment to start their photography business. Well, their investment paid off. This year at the Annual Senior Portrait Artist event, he was named both Senior Portrait Artist of the Year and Top New Artist of the Year. Scott and Adina seem to be doing everything right. They’ve gathered over 2,500 Facebook friends (half of which are clients or potential clients), have a decent Twitter following, and his meteoric rise to success has prompted other photographers to ask, “How’d you do it?” So, they started their “No Rules “Workshop” to share the what worked and didn’t work for them.

In this interview, Scott and Adina tell us how it all began, the scary start of borrowing the money to start the business, how Facebook has benefited their business, how they went from 4 weddings to 37 in one year, finding one’s “style,” and what it’s like working together as a husband and wife team. In today’s trying economic times, it’s encouraging stories like this that remind you anything is possible!

We also announce the winners of the “Find our ad in RangeFinder Magazine” contest. Congrats to Lydia Takeoka, Rich Mattingly, Patrick Farrington, and George Williams. If you want to bypass the contest winner announcement, the interview starts at 5:36.

Episode 77: Deborah D. Lattimore

cinematicstudios — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:27:46 +0000

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.

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

Episode 76: Fred Egan

cinematicstudios — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 07:59:22 +0000

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 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 on the website fstopbeyond.tv. 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:

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

Episode 75: Kent and Sarah Smith

cinematicstudios — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 05:51:58 +0000

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

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

Don’t forget, you can catch this, and all F-Stop Beyond original programming online at fstopbeyond.tv.

Episode 74: Chris and Katie Humphreys

cinematicstudios — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:39:49 +0000

At a relatively young age, and in just five short years, Chris and Katie Humphreys have become rising stars in the world of wedding photography. They are speakers at Pictage, give webinars for liveBooks, are writing for ProPhotoResource.com, and all around genuine people. Theirs is another inspiring story of two people who kind of fell into photography and bloomed. After failing miserably as a camp counselor for little kids, Chris (who was a music major of all things) asked the camp owners if there was another job he could do. There was: taking photos. He fell in love with photography. He sought a job at the college paper as a photographer, and one fateful day, in a very funny way, he met David Jay (who at the time had recently started his own wedding photography business, and is now world renown instructor and CEO of ShowItFast). David hired Chris as an assistant, and soon encouraged him to “leave the nest.” He later “dragged” his then girlfriend Katie into the business, and the rest as they say is history.

In this fun interview, Chris and Katie fill in the details of how they got started and how they met. They share how the differences in their personalities actually helps them in their business and staying sane as married couples who work together.

Next week we have another married couple, this time at the other end of the age spectrum, Kent and Sarah Smith, 20+ year veterans and leaders in the world of family and senior portraiture.

Log on to fstopbeyond.tv to see and hear all of our original photography programming.

Episode 73: Piper Carter - Part 1

cinematicstudios — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:59:15 +0000

Today we continue our discussion with fashion and editorial photographer Piper Carter. As an African American female, making it in the world of the high stakes, high pressure world of fashion photography has its challenges. Piper shares what it was like in her career coming up through the ranks as an assistant (often times the only African American and/or the only female), and the trials that entailed. Or the interesting comments she gets now when she meets with ADs and other potential clients who didn’t know she was African American ahead of time. As we continue the discussion of African American themes, I get Piper’s take on the controversy surrounding the stereotypes in Tyler Perry’s films. Lastly, before I let her go, I ask her what’s the deal with soft-porn style ads of teen age girls in magazines like Teen Vogue. No matter who you are, I’m confident you’ll appreciate her take on these various issues, particularly he insight into Hollywood.

Next week, we’ll have husband and wife team Chris and Katie Humphreys discussing how their differences help them in both their marriage and business.

Episode 072: Piper Carter Part 1

cinematicstudios — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 07:51:12 +0000

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. Log on to today’s blog post and take the poll question.

And be sure to follow me on Twitter (http://twitter.com/rondawson) to keep up to date with all things F-Stop Beyond…and beyond.

Episode 71: Trevor Brucki

cinematicstudios — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 07:59:09 +0000

Today we get to spend time with one of our photog friends to the north. Trevor Brucki of Winnipeg, Canada is a very talented photographer and savvy business person as well (he was recently featured on an episode of Becker’s B-School blog). Like last week’s guest Kevin Swan, Trevor is a guy who has had no formal photo school training, but has taken his artistic skill and combined it with a keen business sense, to be one of the most successful wedding photographers in his area. Trevor shares with us today about his thoughts on the importance of being a great people person in this business, what the economic climate is like in Canada, and he gives us a Canadian social studies lesson…kind of. (If you ever wanted to know what the political make up is like in Canada, this is the show for you). He also talks about competition, clients, and how he feels when he loses a gig vis a vis when one of his competitors does. It’s a great insight into the psyche of competition.

Most importantly, Trevor talks about IL-FOTO (an organization he started with his two biggest competitors, Joel Ross and Manuel Sousa) that is committed to the fight against breast cancer. Essentially, they join forces to offer a combined wedding package (worth $20,000 of photography) and donates the proceeds. This is a fun, insightful, and educational interview you won’t want to miss.

Next week, we interview rising star in the world of fashion photography, and recent contestant on VH1’s “The Shot,” Piper Carter.

Episode 70: Kevin Swan

cinematicstudios — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 07:59:51 +0000

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.

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

Episode 69: Marc Silber

cinematicstudios — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 07:59:48 +0000

One popular request we’ve gotten from our loyal listeners is for us to interview photographers from a wider variety of industries. We aim to please. I’m really excited about the list of guests we have on the show in the upcoming weeks (many masters from the portrait world, some up and coming commercial photogs, and more). And what better way to start off our newest first-run episode than with fine art photographer Marc Silber.

Marc has an amazing background in the photography world. As and educator and professional, he has a passion for passing on the craft, which he does through workshops, and his own video podcast. Marc has a close relationship with both the Ansel Adams family as well as with world renown photographer Annie Leibovitz (he Annie attended the San Francisco Arts Institute during the same time). He even has a one degree separation from Henri Cartier Bresson himself (known as the father of photojournalism). Marc comments on what he’s learned from these three giants in the world of photography, including what it takes to become a “giant” in the industry. If you have a genuine love and passion for the art, you don’t want to miss this episode.

Next week, we get a crash course in marketing, as well as tackle some pretty provocative topics, with master marketing photographer, and co-founder of Kiss Wedding Books, Kevin Swan.

Re-run: Matthew Jordan Smith

cinematicstudios — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:01:50 +0000

As I am about to go to the airport to return home from a fulfilling week at WPPI, this week’s episode of the show is a re-run with Microsoft Icon of Imaging, celebrity portrait and fashion photographer, some times guest judge on “Amercia’s Next Top Model,” the man, the myth, Matthew Jordan Smith. Enjoy!

Episode 68: The Longest Day Post Mortem

cinematicstudios — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:39:13 +0000

If you’ve been a fan of the online reality TV series “The Longest Day”, you’ll love today’s episode of F-Stop Beyond. The series involved twenty-four of the top wedding and portrait wedding photographers from around North America. They were divided into two teams and given just twenty-four hours to write, shoot, and edit an original short film. The reality TV show involved the behind-the-scenes making of the two teams’ films. The drama. The antics. The mayhem. If you haven’t already seen it, you can check out the season recap (as well as the two final videos) at thelongestday.tv.

Today, we have three of the cast members from the show: Jules Bianchi from Team A, and the two team creative consultants, Loyd Calomay and David Robin. Jules, Loyd, and David share with us the inside scoop of what happened that day that we didn’t see in the show. We answer questions like: why did Jim Garner and Bambi Cantrell of Team B already have a film idea sorted out? What happened in Team A’s room that caused the horror story idea go south? How Loyd and David did the editing “magic” they did for the videos? What was it like for Loyd and David coming into a mix of such big names in the photo industry?

Today’s outro music is, of course, “The Longest Day” theme music, “Morning Prayer” by Lianna Klassen, courtesy of Triple Scoop Music. Next week we’ll have another re-run as I’ll be at the annual WPPI Convention in Las Vegas.

As a special treat for you today, we have a surprise unveiling. If you recall, Team A’s original idea was a horror story spoof about a cursed camera that would kill you within 24 hours if your picture was taken with it. At my ever so gentle suggestion, Team A actually filmed this video after they finished filming their main video. Unfortunately, they didn’t have time to finish it that night. Well, considering that today is Friday the 13th, I thought it apropos to unveil that video for you. Log on to today’s blog post to find out how to view the video.

FSB Re-run: Zack Arias

cinematicstudios — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 06:00:53 +0000

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.

Re-run: Jeff Julia Woods, The Bebbs, and Dane Sanders

cinematicstudios — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:02:29 +0000

Last year, Jeff and Julia Woods of Portrait Life hosted the first annual ONE Conference: a unique seminar geared towards small studios where one or more of the owners are married. It is designed to deal with and face the issues associated with keeping a healthy marriage, while at the same time running a small (or large) studio. Registration has opened up again for this year’s conference, and in honor of that, I’m replaying the special episode we recorded last August with guests Jeff and Julia Woods, Jen and Steve Bebb, and Dane Sanders. It’s a must-listen episode if you’re married (or thinking about it) and run a small studio.

Next week, I continue the ONE series with a re-run of our interview with music industry photographer (and now fellow Atlantian) Zack Arias.

We have a slew of great interviews lined up for you, with wedding, portrait, and commercial photographers, 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. And I hope to grab some interviews while at WPPI too. Are you ready to be inspired!

Episode 67: Curt Apanovich

cinematicstudios — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 06:00:55 +0000

For almost fifteen years, Curt Apanovich has led a very successful video production career. What started out as a pro audio business grew into a major production house with such heavy hitter clients as Disney, NBC, and Warner Bros. to name a few. But about four years ago, Curt’s passion for still photography lead him to get into it as a pro. How fortunate for him, that the other tenant in the building where his studio was located was none other than celebrity photographer Robert Evans. The two became friends and Curt became a “mentee.” In this episode of the show, Curt (who was my co-producer on “The Longest Day”) talks about the evolution of his career, what it’s like working with Robert, the origin of their venture PhotographyMentor.com, and we get into a very thought-provoking conversation about the “fusion” of video and still photography. Is it just hype? How will it effect the photography and videography industries? Who (if anyone) should be worried? This is a must-listen interview for photographers and video producers alike.

Today’s musical outro is, appropriately, “Ready” by Will Thomas, courtesy of Triple Scoop Music.

Next week, we chat with Trevor Brucki of Winnipeg, Canada.

Episode 66: Chase Jarvis

cinematicstudios — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:00:29 +0000

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.

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

Episode 65: David Beckstead

cinematicstudios — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:00:52 +0000

David Beckstead is a super star in the world of professional wedding photography. He has shot weddings and teaches all over the world, from Greece to Asia. He was named by American Photo as one of the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the world. He can command top rates and his work is an inspiration to many. Oh, did I mention he has NO formal photography training? His career in photography started out of a 12 year stint as a forest fire fighter. He was given an opportunity to be flown around the country photographing forest fires, but the deal fell through. It was then that he decided to pursue his passion for art. The first three years in business were hard, but once he figured out the business aspect of it, the rest, as they say is history.

From forest fires to family matters, David Beckstead reveals it all. He even gives us his secret for a 17 year marriage that is just as exciting now as it was at the beginning. He calls it his 80/20 rule. You HAVE to hear it!

Today’s musical outro is “Father Figure” by Shotgun Radio courtesy of Triple Scoop Music.

Next week, we have commercial photographer, and the youngest person to be named both a Nikon and Hasselblad Master, Chase Jarvis. (Chase is the guy Nikon had test drive the video making capabilities of of the Nikon D90 when it first came out.)

Re-run: Jules Bianchi

cinematicstudios — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 09:58:20 +0000

For those of you who follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you may be aware the we’ve recently moved to the Atlanta, GA area a few weeks ago. We love it here. However, we had a less than reputable moving company and to make a long story short, we only just got our belongs and furniture on New Year’s Day. After three weeks living in an empty house, it’s nice to have furniture again. So, what does all of this have to do with today’s episode of FSB. Nothing. Except, between the holidays and moving my belonging into my house, there was no time to prep a brand new episode. So, we have one final re-run. This time it’s Jules Bianchi. (our third ever guest on the show, from September ‘07).

If you’ve been paying close attention, all the recent FSB re-runs have been players on the reality TV show “The Longest Day.” Jules is a perfect for today because in the next and following episodes of the show, Jules plays a crucial role in the Team A drama.

Next week we’ll finally have the David Beckstead interview I keep promising. Then we’ll have superstar commercial photographer Chase Jarvis.

Re-run: Jim and Katarina Garner

cinematicstudios — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 21:10:28 +0000

Due to the holiday season, this week’s F-Stop Beyond radio interview is a re-run of our show with Jim Garner and his wife Katarina. This show originally aired back on May 8. Jim was a member of “Team B” from “The Longest Day” (premiering soon). Enjoy.

Our next “new” show will be with David Beckstead. Stay tuned.

Episode 64: Dane Sanders

cinematicstudios — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:00:28 +0000

The inaugural episode of F-Stop Beyond had two guests: Jasmine Star and today’s guest, Dane Sanders. But, back then, we only had him on for about ten minutes. Since Dane was a guest for the very first show, it seems apropos to have him on this first episode of the show on the F-Stop Beyond: EXPERIENCE website (www.fstopbeyond.tv).

Dane has been a leader and visionary in the wedding and portrait photography world for a number of years now. He was a trailblazer of photography video podcasts with his Simple Photo Minute (later to become Dane’s Photo Minute); he created what was affectionately referred to as “YouTube for Photographers” with his CutFrameTV (now part of PhotographyMentor.com); and he’s the author of the very well received book Fast Track Photographer. This episode is chocked full of amazing info. Dane shares about his thoughts on the controversy of selling the photograPHER vs. the photograPHY. He also talks about the challenges he faced as the leader of Team A for the reality TV show “The Longest Day” (premiering here on the F-Stop Beyond Experience shortly); his take on social networking and the terrible faux pas he did adding his wife Tami to Twitter without her permission (note to husbands. Don’t do that!); and speaking of Tami, we get to learn about “the Tami Factor.” He even shares about how he feels about the loss of his dad at a very young age. A moving interview you don’t want to miss. There’s just too much to write here. You gotta listen.

(Note: 33 minutes into the interview, we switch from Skype-to-Skype to Skype-to-phone, so there’s a noticeable change in how Dane sounds).

Today’s musical outro is “To Show You My Love” by Mike Schmid courtesy of Triple Scoop Music. Next week, we have the one…the only…David Beckstead.

Re-run: Michele Celentano

cinematicstudios — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 06:00:58 +0000

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 interivew.

Re-run: Robert Evans

cinematicstudios — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 06:00:48 +0000

Hi folks. As I write this, I’m on the road as we make our big move to the Atlanta, GA metro area. There is so much in the works, I don’t have time to go into detail. Because of the move, I’m going to have to play some re-runs over the next couple of weeks. Since we recently launched the trailers for the original reality TV mini series I created, “The Longest Day,” I thought it would be nice to re-run some fun interviews of photographers who are part of the cast. This week, I’m re-running one of the earliest shows we did, episode #8 with Robert Evans, famed celebrity photographer for Tom-Kat as wells as Brad Pitt’s second marriage (the one to Jennifer Aniston). Enjoy!

Episode 63: Justin and Mary Marantz

cinematicstudios — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:00:57 +0000

He is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology who worked a little in the design world. She’s a Yale Law School graduate whose love for exclamation marks prompted her to give up her legal career. In a relatively short amount of time, Justin and Mary Marantz have grown a very successful wedding and portrait studio in the New England area. This week they share with us details of their personal and professional lives that will bring a smile to your face, and maybe even a tear or two. We learn about Mary’s humble beginnings and how her childhood helped give her an appreciation for all she has now. They give us some great advice on balancing business with married life. And speaking of married life, we learn how they met in the first place. And pershaps my favorite part of the interview is surprising Mary with a deeply philosophical question about Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I love this job! Enjoy!

This week’s musical outro is “I’ll Always Be Around” by Zach Romanoff courtesy of Triple Scoop Music.

Next week we bring back “Fast Track Photographer” author Dane Sanders. You won’t want to miss this one!

Episode 62: Matt and Krystal Radlinski

cinematicstudios — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:19:47 +0000

A few months ago I put out a call to my listeners to invite photographers of different faiths to come on and share. In response to that, I received an interesting reply from today’s guest, Matt Radlinski. He and his wife Krystal are atheists, and as he put it “if you’re looking for somebody for whom God had absolutely nothing to do with their success, and also aren’t terrible, maybe we could help you out.” I only had to visit their website for a little bit before I knew they’d be great guests. Despite being Godless heathens, they are indeed two terrific and fun people (I’m TOTALLY KIDDING!…About the Godless heathens part, not the totally terrific people part. 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.

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

Episode 61: Chenin and Doug Boutwell

cinematicstudios — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:00:22 +0000

Beware. Today’s podcast is totally bitchin’! That’s right. I said bitchin’! If that introduction takes you aback, imagine the brides who come to Chenin Boutwell’s home page and read a similar warning. What I love about Chenin and Doug Boutwell is that they are true to themselves right through to the copy on their website. Fun. Pointed. A little rough around the edges. But always, “totally rad!” Today, the Boutwells talk about being truly “you,” unapologetically. We hear how Chenin turned her back on a potential legal career to pursue her passion of photography. We learn why Doug left the greatest universtity in the world (go Bears!) to be closer to his high school sweetheart (yes, that would be Chenin). And how he made the transition out of the wedding photography business to focus on what he truly loves: actions (while dabbling in fashion photography). And we get the inside scoop on their pending foray into parenthood. Are you ready for a bitchin’ interview?

Today’s musical outro is “Amplify the Sun” by Echofission, courtesy of Triple Scoop Music.

Next week we have another “rad” couple—PPA Master Photographers-elect, Matt and Krystal Radlinsky. This one’s a hoot as we introduce the first official F-Stop Beyond drinking game. Tune in.

Episode 60: Jay Lawrence Goldman

cinematicstudios — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:05:28 +0000

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.

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.