Exposing Ourselves

In this episode, Rod & Jodie sit down to have a much needed chat and a giggle with frequent collaborator, and one of the best fashion stylists in the UK: Ian Tod. A true professional that puts in that extra mile to produce stunning work with a unique approach. Ian gives us a very genuine (and always hilarious) insight into what it’s really like to be a top stylist to the big campaigns, commercials and music videos. Also in this episode: hear why Rod can’t wear skinny jeans, why Ian is fed up with modern-day gay clubs and what it really means to dress to feel empowered. (Recorded Pre-lockdown)

The whole world right now is in an extreme state of instability, uncertainty and irregularity. The creative professionals and those offering unique, bespoke services are some of those that have been hit the worst by the Covid-19 pandemic. All upcoming shoots have been cancelled, salons have been shut, budgets have been cut and marketing has been pulled. The challenge is beyond what it ever was before. So, how do we keep progressing, or at least, stay on the right path? We get together (at a safe distance of course) over Zoom and discuss where things are at in their creative worlds, and what steps we can all start taking to get back in the game, prime our minds and our creative souls for whatever opportunities may come at the end of this. You can read the full self-help article for finding your creative Identity during lockdown here on our website: https://www.pennmann.co.uk/pennmann-blog/finding-your-creative-identity-during-lockdown

Jodie sits down with her Powerlifting coach, Kim Wilson, to discuss the recent short film they produced together 'We Are Athena'. “We Are Athena” explores the unique and inspiring female powerlifting movement here in Edinburgh. Founded, developed and nurtured by coach Kim Wilson, the short film is championing female empowerment, community and improving mental health. Taking back control of their minds and bodies through the sport of powerlifting, the Athena Army show how the right environment & support system can be such a positive outlet for so many people. The project came about when the director, Jodie Mann, found strength, self-confidence and an outlet for her battle with Bulimia through her coach’s powerlifting group; the Athena Army. As more lifters joined the group, and the community spirit grew ever stronger, Jodie turned to her passion for storytelling and image-making to bring this movement to the public eye.

Is photography dead, or is it more like Nosferatu, an immortal entity that lives on through mercilessly devouring the life force of the next generation. It's probably neither, but that won't stop us devoting some quality chat time about the subject. Join Jodie and Rod as they expose themselves for a second time on Halloween, for another sinister peak behind the lens and an insight into the terrifying world of trying to make a living from photography in the 21st Century.

In this spooky Halloween special (part 1), We explore creepy encounters in photography and how cameras have been used to capture the existence of the supernatural. But have ghosts really been caught on camera? Can photography prove life beyond our realm? How did two young girls' photos fool one of the greatest literary minds? Turn off the lights, lock the doors, pull the duvet up to your chin, because we're about to expose ourselves...

Are you authentic? Is your work 'authentic'? In this episode, Rod & Jodie explore what it means to show authenticity in your work by exploring the two recently late & great photographers Robert Frank & Peter Lindbergh. Also discussed is a new article that came about arguing whether or not a $120K photography competition prize-winner had 'mis-led' the public with their 'staged' documentary-style image.

Jodie & Rod discuss the wide world of retouching and image-manipulation. "As image-makers, retouching is just part of our job. It can make or break an image, and is a seriously underrated skill for this reason. From our viewpoint, we use it as artistic expression, in the same way any artist would in their own media. It allows us to hone in on our unique voice & style. For us, it is just another part of the creative process, which is why we prefer the term “image-maker” as applied to “photographer”. It essentially lifts away any constraints that are considered within the boundaries of “photography”. However, there also seems to be a growing hard reliance on it for some. A lot of people believe that image manipulation no longer has a place in our modern world, but with the rise of ‘do-it-yourself’ retouching apps, the exact opposite is making its way to our fingertips. The ability to manipulate our frames & faces is no longer limited to the professionals in the retouching suites, it is now available to anyone with a smartphone. With 73% of teenagers now owning a smartphone, we could well have a problem on our hands. It is important that we are educated that most imagery we see today is edited in some form. Tell us your thoughts.

Who on earth are Pennmann? Find out about the duo behind the lens(es).