Blacklight

This is the finale of the Blacklight Podcast. In this one, we talk about some of the things we've learned over the years, where we've been the past year, and where we're both headed. Much love to everyone who has followed along with us—we are thankful you've joined on this journey with us.

Levi and AD discuss the on ongoing nature of what we continue to do in light of Black Lives Matter, but also working too make forward progress.

In the wake of the riots, protests, and the murder of George Floyd, we speak up and talk about race and racism in America.

This week we talk with Joe Tobiason about keeping spirits high amidst COVID-19. One thing that is happening is Pedro and Tailor (https://www.pedroandtailor.com) is hosting a photography grant to give away $1000 to a photographer. Go out and celebrate a life of wonder.

This week we talk about all the fear surrounding COVID-19 and we talk about what our current responses are.

This week, Levi and AD talk about the coronavirus, COVID-19, and what our response to that should be.

This week, we talk about our Cereal Shack and the idea of who do you shoot and document on a wedding day.

In our kickoff of Season 2, in honor of Black History month, we talk about the racial politics of weddings, particularly tied into Plantations in the South.

This week we have the Editor in Chief of Rangefinder Magazine, Jacqueline Tobin on to discuss all things the magazine. She'll give us a look behind the scenes of the 30 Rising Stars competition, and share her response the culture around wedding photo awards. Happy New Year Folks!

This week we talk with Sam Hurd about Award Culture within the wedding industry. Sam recently made a facebook post that took on a lot of heat for his critique of award culture within the wedding photographer realm. This week, we talk with him about what he thinks needs to be changed in the wedding industry.

AD and Levi discuss the scary things that happen inside of photography. What is the role that we place on danger and incorporating dangerous situations for our clients?

As we move into the booking season, we talk about the things that surround that time of the year.

Levi and AD catch people up on what they've been working on plus have their first session of Camera Talk.

Today we talk with Rachel Havel, a photographer from Colorado Springs, about mindset, focus, and what it takes to continue to run a creative business that stands out. She has put in the time, energy, and work to get noticed and hear about her journey as a photographer to start (and continue!) shooting work she loves.

This week we talk with photographer Benj Haisch about what success means, what it takes to stand out, and we also learn a lot about quicksand! You can see more of Benj's work at: www.benjhaisch.com

This week, we talk about our favorite foods and when that has gone horribly wrong at weddings.

This week, we talk about some things that give us anxiety, the need for advertising (or at least, brand awareness) and then some thoughts on how to actually close in a sale.

Daniel is one of the founders of SmartAlbums—while SmartAlbums is still our absolute favorite software for creating albums, they recently came into a bit of a PR nightmare when they launched SmartAlbums 2019. Daniel discusses this debacle, how they handled it, and also the origins of Pixellu and SmartAlbums. His journey is profound and he has deep insights for so many entrepreneurs today. Also, if you stick around, you'll find a special coupon code ONLY for Blacklight listeners!

Levi and AD talk about what you do when things sometimes don't always go according to plan on a wedding day. At the end of the episode, we talk about the recent shootings in El Paso, TX and Gun Reform.

This week, we talk about the impact of music in the way we present our photography and we also talk about wokeness and what it means for our industry and community.

This week, we talk about fear and happiness. Also, Blacklight is officially one year old! Happy Birthday, Blacklight!

AD is skeptical about the Enneagram, but we talk about what it is and how it impacts our lives. Is it the millennial version of the horoscope? Who's to say?

What do Roommates and 2nd Shooters have in common?

Let's talk about independence! What are your fondest memories of July 4th? Also, what does it mean to work independently?

AD and Levi discuss the meanest things they've done to people over the last few weeks.

Shooting weddings for people you know is always a unique task. This week, we talk about AD photographing his sister's wedding alongside his brother who has a totally different shooting style! We also talk about commercial work and what it takes to jump into it and why so many photographers are scared to make the plunge.

Does everyone having the same website hinder what we're all doing as photographers? Are websites ultimately like a (cheap or) fine wine, where you the content doesn't matter as much as the brand or label?

AD and Levi talk about a moral dilemma that occurs in photography.

This week, Levi released an e-book called Growth (https://www.whiteinrevery.com/growth-book) and AD asks Levi all about the book—what it includes, what it's about, and why he wrote it. Also, stick around for a special discount code only for Blacklight listeners!!!

AD chats about movies to start, but we quickly talk more about the Mafia and how AD almost got robbed. We also talk about gentrification and the way that money, race, and cities change the physical landscape of the way we experience the world.

This week, we talk about the hierarchy of weddings, or—who's who if you were to compare wedding (vendors) to a game of Chess. We know it's all fun and games, but this will probably spark at least a bit of controversy. Also, we talk about our faith and the way it relates to our worldview. It might stir the pot a bit, but we don't want to shy away from hard things, so we talk about some things that matter to us and the complexity of living in a very gray world, despite being raised in very black-and-white homes.

We're putting out a special mini-episode this week and we talk about a lot of stuff! Tune on in!

This week, we talk all about our hobbies—the things we love outside of photography—and how they inform the way we see the world, the way we shoot, and everything in between.

This week we talk about cinema and art. First, Levi throws shade at superhero movies. Secondly, we talk about the things that instigate change in the realm of art. Is a film enough to inspire you to be different? How should our photography change the way we interact with the world? This week, we talk about it all.

This week we talk with Kyla Fear, a portrait, boudoir, and wedding photographer in Denver. Kyla shares her journey with photography as well as her approach to boudoir photography. AD also shares his first (and only) experience with boudoir photography. Kyla's journey will inspire you as she shares her personal connection to her art and why she thinks empowerment is a pivotal issue behind photography.

This week we deep-dive into money and investing with our friend Andrew Baker, who runs Trailhead Event Co. Andrew is like, a space engineer, so you know he's really smart and stuff. He shares his tips on saving money, the basics of investing, and things entrepreneurs should think about when they run their own businesses. DISCLAIMER: Consult a professional about your money, we're just three nuts who talk on a podcast and do different kinds of jobs.

Let's be honest, we talk about Colonial Weddings. Like, when your wedding is THEMED as a colonial wedding. Yeah...come listen to this episode to find out why that's a bad idea (but spoiler alert, you should probably already know). Also, we talk a lot about elopements in this episode, so get ready to learn about the world of elopements!

Sachin Khona from Arc talks with us about meditation, creating a conference, and everything in between! Hear about the things that inspire him, what pushes him to be a stronger creative, and hear more about the next iteration of ARC! On another note, this episode is also very sad and talks about Levi and their family dog. Life sucks sometimes. https://thisisarc.co https://www.sachinkhona.com

Latest episode of Blacklight

Sometimes, when you see something that moves you, you just want to talk about it with others and get up and shout...even in a movie theatre. Today we dive into the differences between the way we see the world (as unique cultures), some of our first jobs, and we also talk about whether or not the wedding industry is male-led...is it?

We talk about tips, white elephants, and a special surprise performance by AD!

Camera Chatter? You know, the nonsensical things you say when you are behind the camera, talking to your clients, AND directing them? That's what we start with this week. Tell us about your camera chatter!

This is the time of year when you have to do everything. Get weddings out the door, edit photos, plan your business, field inquiries. AND still try to be a normal human. It's not always easy. How do you manage all the stress? Also, has anyone else noticed that making friends as an adult is kind of weird? There is an odd currency around friendship that makes it hard to always be vulnerable. Of course, we talk about this.

What should you wear to a wedding? What role does class, style, and elegance have in promoting and putting out your brand? We talk about what we wear (and drive) to weddings. Do you think it matters?

We're all heading to New York it seems. Here are some of our favorite things. Also, AD hates potatoes, which would be a terrible thing to say on a first date because, obviously, potatoes are the best thing ever.

Today we talk with special guests and ARC // The Experience attendees: Amber Hughes, Lynnsey Phillips, Sharalee Prang, and Ben Blood and the offer insights into a handful of things that we need to expose within the wedding industry. Lastly some farewells, and hopefully some ways that we can bring the goodness of ARC to the rest of the world (or at least Denver).

Day Two of The Experience! We talk about our anxiety about giving presentations, food in Vancouver, and some of the things we've learned from Day Two at ARC. Also, Levi made a stupid decision that you get to hear all about it. Levi also beat AD in Ping Pong, so, that's pretty awesome.

We out here in Vancouver! Day One of Arc is in the books--here are a few things we took away from the day and some thoughts from some of our favorite presentations, courtesy of Mastin Labs, Truvelle, and Junebug Weddings

Hey Arc! We out here! Come say "hey" and we're looking forward to having an awesome time with ya'll out here in Vancouver this week.

Oh man, this is one of our heaviest episodes yet. We're talking about transracial adoption today. We're dealing with white supremacy, the eradication of Black Culture, what it means to be Black in America, and how to celebrate our heritage in a way that builds up growth and healing. Sit back with this one, it's going to be a ride. We also talk about family photos and free photography. That's the light stuff, it's at the end if you don't like to deal with hard things.

This week, things get REAL raw. Levi and AD speak candidly (and possibly controversially) about past topics (race and #metoo) but also talk about virtue signaling. Lastly: what's your thought on photo manipulation? When it comes to editing photos, how far is too far? Let us know your thoughts—there's a lot to talk about this week!