Adorama: The Podcast

Michael A. McCoy (@michaelamccoyphotography) is a Washington, DC-based photojournalist who has captured historic moments in the capital. He joins us to talk about 2020, including many headline moments he’s photographed. He talks about his Invisible Wounds project and how two tours in Iraq influenced his photography work and documentary style.

Megan Breukelman (@meganbreukelman) is a Brooklyn-based wedding photographer, podcaster, former magazine editor, and marketer. She joins us to talk about wedding photography, and the changes she’s had to make for 2020, including how she’s adjusted her strategy for targeting. She talks to us about finding clients on instagram, and how she’s secured business by collaborating with other industry pros.

Jenny Jay (@justaskjenny) is a storyteller, photographer, videographer, writer, activist, educator, and above all else, a documentarian. She join us from Toronto and speaks about launching her photography and creative business, building a 6-figure business without generational wealth, and the major — and memorable — career milestones.

Caroline Tran (@carolinetran) is a Los Angeles-based wedding and lifestyle photographer who has captured the major moments in her clients’ lives. She joins us to talk about how she’s adjusted her offerings to her clients — and how 2020 was the first time in 12 years that she shot zero weddings — plus the power of discomfort and how it can help lead to powerful change.

Dinesh Boaz (@beatsbydinesh) is an aerial, landscape, and fine art photographer who has captured the world from new heights. He joins us to speak about what it takes to capture images from a top-down perspective, and how his music background has helped him find sound in his photos.

Kahran and Reg Bethencourt are the star duo behind the successful CreativeSoul Photography (@creativesoulphoto) brand, and have grown their business of powerful visual storytelling over the last decade. They join us to chat about their new book, "GLORY: Magical Visions of Black Beauty", and how it grew from their AfroArt photo series, and their other remarkable viral series that have empowered their young subjects.

Lara Jade (@larajadephotography) has built a career as a fashion and beauty photographer and has now been named one of Canon’s newest Explorers of Light. Lara joins us from New York and chats all about her journey into fashion photography, what it takes to transition and embrace new photography genres and equipment, and how her recent self portraiture project has helped her embrace her roots.

Over the last several month, Brooklyn-based photographer Josh Katz (@joshkatz) has used his time during quarantine to document life. With his camera in-hand, he headed to his building's rooftop and captured the local community during the pandemic in New York City. Now his book, “New York in Quarantine: Rooftop Culture in Crisis” is available on Kickstarter, and details the hope, beauty, and eccentricity of the city. 

Jean Fruth (@jeanfruthimages) is a sports photographer, Grassroots Baseball co-founder, and Sony Artisan who has documented the game of baseball from the backyard to the MLB. She chats all about her journey — from coaching her son’s game to photographing it — as well as the grassroots baseball initiative, making photos across America, and documenting the game in its purest form.

McKenzi Taylor (@cactuscollectiveweddings) is an adventure wedding photographer and business owner, and has crafted a business around sustainable outdoor weddings in the landscape and nature of Nevada. She joins us to chat about micro weddings, and how she’s photographing them during the pandemic, the power of working for local media organizations, and how she’s championing the cause of leave no trace photography.

Caroline Jensen (@carolinej) is a photographic artist, Sony Artisan, image creator, and online workshop educator. She is also the founder of the Creative Photography Network, and an instructor who’s helping younger creatives find their voice. She joins us to chat about finding a visual voice, seeing beauty in the everyday and ordinary, and how she’s brought together a group of talented photographers to share their skills.

Photojournalist and documentary and humanitarian photographer Nancy Borowick (@nancyborowick) has built a career capturing local, personal, and news-worthy moments. She joins us to speak about finding opportunity close to home, documenting personal family moments, and being prepared to jump on assignments at a moment’s notice.

Renan Ozturk is an award-winning expedition climber, landscape artist, and filmmaker, and his love for the mountains has been well-documented, including in the 2015 documentary Meru. Last year, Renan and a team of adventurers, filmmakers, and local guides climbed Mount Everest in an attempt to solve one of mountaineering's biggest mysteries. Listen in on our conversation with Renan to learn more about what it took to prepare for the expedition, the shooting of his documentary "Lost on Everest," and the behind-the-scenes AdoramaTV series, "Shooting for Everest."

Audrey Woulard (@kidsandthecity) is a portrait photographer, specializing in photographing kids and young adults, and is one of the newest Nikon USA Ambassadors. She joins us today to talk all about building a business, curating your offerings, as well as empowering her clients and embracing and chasing chaos.

Jide Alakija (@alakijastudios) is a wedding, documentary, and editorial photographer who has traveled the world capturing stories and memories. He’s also one of the newest members of the Nikon Ambassador family. He joins us to chat about his 15+ year career in photography, how he’s still searching for his passion, and how a simplicity vs. simplistic approach has shaped his photography vision.

Lindsay Adler (@lindsayadler_photo) is a fashion and portrait photographer, a Canon Explorer of Light and a Profoto Legend of Light. She’s an educator and host, and found her passion for photography at the young age of 15. She joins us to chat all about what it means to “find your style,” how to define it, problem solving on shoots, and gives us a first-hand review of the Canon EOS R5. 

Steven Pierce is a director, executive producer, writer, and owner of Framework Productions. He joins us to speak about his experience in production — including his years was an editor at Saturday Night Live and his recent project editing a video with the cast of Hamilton — and his newly-launched podcast, the Independent Filmmaker's Guide. From his insights on finding your craft to how companies and creators can approach returning to work, he sheds light on all things production.   

Canon Explorer of Light Vanessa Joy joins us to chat all about the latest gear release from Canon , including the powerful       EOS R5, EOS R6, four RF lenses , and so many more accessories. From the 8K RAW powers of the R5 to the headline-grabbing auto focusing capabilities of both cameras, she breaks down exactly what the specs mean and how it’d level-up your creativity. 

Prasenjeet Yadav (@prasen.yadav) is a natural history and science photographer (as well as a former molecular biologist) who has recently spent 2.5 years photographing snow leopards on as a National Geographic Explorer. He joins us to speak all about the expedition, how he’s used his passion for conservation to tell the stores of species, and how one of his most famous photos — the “Green Meteor” — came about through luck, and many, many years of work and talent. 

Chris Gunn (@thelightandthelens) has been photographing for NASA for 20 years, and has spent the last 10 capturing the James Webb Space Telescope. He was recently awarded NASA Photographer of the Year for his work photographing Webb, and he joins us to talk about  how he's captured some of the most striking images of the telescope, the selection process for releasing photos, and the advice he has for new photographers developing their craft.

Emily Chow (@celtis_) is an illustrator, digital artist, and a live streamer. She joins us to chat all about how she began creating art, how she found ways to turn it into a successful career, and how she continues to build collaborations and commissions for her work. She also chats all about the #CreateNoMatterWhat challenge and how you can share your illustration of “hope” to win a Wacom prize package worth more than $3,000! 

Erin Babnik is known internationally as a leading photographic artist, educator, author, and speaker. She is a Canon Explorer of Light, a member of the Photo Cascadia team, and a former art historian. She joins us to chat all about her background and how that’s influenced her wilderness photography, the difference between locations and landscapes, and the keys to knowing when a photo is ready for release. Learn more about Erin and check out Photo Cascadia’s new book, "Oregon, My Oregon”, available for pre-order now. 

Mark Monchek is an thought leader, speaker, the Chief Opportunity Officer at the Opportunity Lab, and the author of Culture of Opportunity: How to Grow Your Business in an Age of Disruption. He joins us to speak about virtual communications, how to optimize our moments with our coworkers, and how we should see times of disruption as opportunities for sustainable growth.

Sprout Studio is a studio management system built for photographers. As a photographer himself (and as the host of The Business of Photography Podcast), Bryan's been compiling resources and information for photographers on how they can best manage their business during a time of crisis. He joins us to chat all about improving customer communications, getting your digital house in order, and how he sees the future of the business adjusting to current developments

Martin Edström (@martinedstrom) has traveled the world and created immersive experiences that take viewers to far-away places. Using technology, and merging with journalism, his stories are fully-enveloping tales. He joins us to chat about the projects he’s working on during quarantine, how he’s created his style of 360-degree storytelling, and how VR can help us understand and visit the world.

Rob Hall (@robhallphoto) is a Michigan-baased editorial, commercial, and wedding photographer, plus he’s an educator, YouTuber and the co-host of the new High ISO podcast. He joins us to chat all about his business plans and how they were upended by the current pandemic, how he’s focusing his attention on creating useful content around his lighting YouTube channel, and how he’s grown a community around the gear he loves.

The model-photographer pair of Victoria Yore and Terrence Drysdale are known together as @FollowMeAway, where they log all of their fine art photography creations. They join us to chat all about how they found their craft and each other, how their careers and plans have been impacted by the pandemic, and how honesty and transparency in travel photography is more important than ever.

Olivia Bee (@oliviabee) has been called a prodigy, a wunderkind, and a precocious young photography when she got her start at 15 with her first commissioned job. Now, a decade into her career, her dreamy documentary style of work has brought her many more clients, personal projects, a published book, and more. She joins us to chat about finding her style, the milestones of her career, and how she’s slowing down and finding moments of creativity at peace at this time.

Whether you’re a small business owner or a full-time freelance creative, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all and impacted our careers and projects. In this episode, we’re joined by Natalie Franke, a former freelance photographer and the current Head of Community at Honeybook, to speak all about the support available to creatives impacted by the coronavirus. Natalie details what you need to do to protect yourself and your clients, the language you should add to your contracts, and how to do the legwork now to create workflows for future success. For more details and to see all resources discussed in the episode, head to the Coronavirus Resource Hub at honeybook.com/risingtide, and stay informed. 

If you've lost work or contracts because of the coronavirus pandemic or need information about how to seek federal aid, we're speaking with Rafael Espinal, the president of the Freelancers Union, to learn more. As the president of the organization, Espinal has been advocating for freelancers' rights and support, and informing the community of independent workers nationwide about what they can do to seek relief and maintain economic and financial well-being. He joins us to speak about unemployment insurance, grants and programs available to freelancers, and where you can go now for assistance.

Photographer and educator Rick Sammon has been working from home for 30 years. As we all adjust to a new style of working, he joins us to talk about how he structures his days, practices time management (including his go-to PomoDone App), and prepares for professional video conference calls to keep his business growing. Tune in to get Sammon's tried-and-true tips and inspiration and make this time at home productive and successful. 

As most of us work from home and practice social distancing, connection is more important than ever. For this second special episode, we're bringing you tips from three creatives — Prince McClinton (@wonderboyprince), Anya Anti (@anya_anti_art), and Ted Chin (@tedslittledream) — on how they're managing to keep themselves motivated creatively, spiritually, and socially. 

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) impacts the world, creatives everywhere are facing unprecedented challenges. Many of us are adjusting to working from home, or are finding ourselves with much more free time on our hands, and learning to navigate these unexpected times. In this special episode, we’ve asked professional photographers to give us updates on how they’re adjusting, how they’re spending their time while social distancing, and what we can all do to collectively stay creative and productive. Tune in to this episode to hear from Vanessa Joy (@vanessajoy), Garrett King (@shortstache), Nathan Allen (@nathanleeallen), Nastasia Yakoub (@nastasiaspassport), Chris Ngu (@thetechcreative @streetleaks and @trappingtones), and Gavin Hoey (@thegavinhoey). 

Aaron Anderson (@aaronandersonvisuals), is a portrait, sports, and commercial photographer. He joins us from the west coast to chat all about how he’s navigated 5-plus years of being a full-time freelance photographer, how he’s balanced mental health and fortitude throughout everything, and how his latest decision, to sell his house and moved into an RV full time with his family will make 2020 the year of mobile adventures. 

John Bozinov (@johnbozinov) is a New Zealand-based polar expedition photographer, educator, and conservationist. Through his photography, he's captured all kinds of landscapes and animals, including penguins, and puffins, and pinnipeds of all types. He joins us to chat about how he got into the polar photography space, how he’s figured out the perfect gear packing system for his months-long expeditions, and his upcoming adventure photographing a penguin colony.

Dani Diamond (@danidiamondphotography) is a fashion and portrait photographer, a woodworker, and an educator, and joins us to chat all about the realities of a professional photography career. He tells us all about the difference between ambition and talent (and which one has helped him achieve his goals), improving his signature style, and why he's joined TIKTOK, and why you should too.   

Jennifer O’Brien (@jenniferscamera) is a photographer, writer, and now the host of a brand new podcast, "NYC Local Guides.” She’s also the founder of @thetravelwomen and has started a community of traveling creatives all over the world. She joins us in the studio to talk about all things podcasting — what it means to start and produce your own show — as well as why you should embrace new opportunities, including TikTok. 

Keren Sachs (@kerensachs) founded The Luupe (@theluupe), to serve as a connector between talented female photographers and brands around the world. In its first year as a company, it's done exactly that. The Luupe has brought impressive artists to brands that need custom creative content. She joins us to chat all about the goals of the company, how photographs are getting connected, and how creatives can stand out and showcase their work.

Elizabeth Gadd (@elizabethgadd) is a self-portrait landscape photographer, Sony collective member, and a creative who has documented her vision through a series of adventurous, nature-filled images. She joins us to chat about how it all started with a 365 project and taking a self portrait every single day for a year, what it means to go in front of the camera, and how creative ruts can turn into something even more powerful.

Tobi Shinobi (@tobishinobi) is a London-born photographer whose architectural shots and symmetry-filled photography have captivated thousands of viewers. He joins us to chat about making the jump from law to photography, why breaks are really opportunities, and how he's venturing past photography in the coming year.

Deborah Ory and Ken Browar are the husband-and-wife duo behind the viral project and Instagram account, @NYCDanceProject. They have photographed dancers of all types, fusing together the ideas of movement and fashion and photography. They join us in studio to chat about their new book, "The Style of Movement," how they show emotion through motion, and how the highs and lows of the past year are making space for new ideas.

Crissibeth (@crissibeth) is a photographer, a blogger, an influencer, and overall content creator who is speaking with us all about the photography industry and impact of influencer marketing. She joins us to chat about the current landscape of the business, what influencers (current and aspiring) can do to find success, and what you need to know before launching your career.

Paul Zizka (@paulzizkaphoto) is a mountain, travel, and landscape photographer based in Banff, Alberta, as well as an author, one of the founders of OFFBEAT, and an educator who is helping photographers find their own creative pursuit. We chat about chasing streams of income, the tricks to balancing your creative projects, and how you should schedule your creative time. Check out Paul's "Business of Photography" course at businessofphotography (dot) ca, and use code "adorama" for $50 off.

Patrick Janelle — also known as A Guy Named Patrick (@aguynamedpatrick) — has developed a style, eye, and sense for everything stylish and creative. He's a business owner, influencer, and creative director behind his own brand and many more. He joins us to talk about the ups and downs of Instagram, how he's decided to venture out onto a new platform (YouTube!), and the power of vulnerability in collaboration and creating impactful work.

Angela Popplewell and Lydia Billings are the CEO/Co-Founder and Director of Programs, respectively, of 100Cameras, and have set out to provide kids who have experienced challenges, with cameras to help teach processing and storytelling through photography. They join us to chat about their organization, what it takes to implement these programs, the importance of local leadership, bringing empowerment to local communities, and how local leaders can help bring change and support to kids in your area.

Bella Kotak has loved art, fashion and architecture from an early age, and now combines all of her passions to create surrealist and fairytale-inspired works of art. She joins us to chat about her transition into photography and art, the process of creating her composites, and what it takes to tell stories through single images. 

Temi Coker (@temi.coker) has launched a career in digital art, graphic design, and photography, combining his work of culture and education into a creative business. He joins us to chat about what he took away from teaching high school students, accountability with his “a poster a day” project, and his biggest challenges in finding his creative voice. 

Chris Orwig (@chrisorwig) has built a career from his portrait photography, books, and teaching, and has shared it with students and budding photographers. He joins us to chat about his upcoming book, “Authentic Portraits: Searching for Soul, Significance, and Depth,” what it means to find your own style (and why it’s so tough), and the fine line of mastering vs. pursuing a craft. 

Taylor Freesolo Rees (@taylorfreesolo) has journeyed the Earth in a pursuit to tell meaningful stories. As a documentary director and photojournalist — as well as an activist and adventurer — Rees has captured ongoing environmental and humanitarian issues through personal and emotional stories. She joins us to talk about what it means to pursue visual storytelling professionally, how she discovered her own creative independence, and what it takes to find the joy in documenting stories.

Onne van der Wal (@onnevanderwal) has photographed the majesty and power of the seas for decades, and has become one of the world’s most sought-after nautical and marine photographers. He joins us to chat about his work on the water, from fishing to photography, the trials and benefits of setting up your own business, and how he’s worked to create a decades-long career. 

Rick Sammon has not only photographed the world; he’s also written about it and most recently, released his 40th book. This new book, however, features none of his photographs, and is entirely about the power of photography. Titled “Photo Therapy Motivation and Wisdom: Discovering the Power of Pictures,” Rick joins us to chat about the importance of group photo therapy, emotional intelligence, and leaves us with missions to continue our own journeys.