The ARC Creative Podcast: Educating + Inspiring Creatives to Excel as Artists, Entrepreneurs & Humans.

A couple of years ago, Cam MacDougall went on an epic ride of 4,350km through the mountains of Banff all the way to Mexico in 30 days. The trail is called The Great Divide and it's one of the world's longest off-road mountain bike trails. Yet, this wasn't just a physical challenge for Cam, it was a practice in spirituality.  Interview Host: Sachin Khona // November 2020 Listening time: 49 mins Cam MacDougall is an International High-Performance Coach based out of Toronto, CA and Bali, Indonesia. When talking to him, he naturally ebbs and flows between physical and mental practices that set him and the people he works with up for success - and it's a balance of both. In this episode: Dispelling and shedding the “bro” culture of fitness The importance of spiritual practice in physical fitness and Cam's One Mountain The power of mantras to fuel and guide you through challenging moments How your body has a “hidden code” that already knows what you need to do The importance of finding at least 5 minutes just for yourself a day How breath-work helps athletes achieve their goals Quotes 3:21 - “Really tapping into [the] powers that spirituality can give you, it's what conventional fitness seems to miss.” 10:08 - “To have people around you that believe in what you're doing and people that are going to take the torch when you can't carry it to let you recover, and then you take the torch when they can't carry it anymore is to really collaborate and do things as a unit.” 11:45 - I've always used mantras in fitness, especially when I'm going into something really challenging or even just trying to stay consistent. 12:54 - My one mountain right now is my spiritual practice. 14:34 - I'm a firm believer that your body holds all the codes to what you are to do and what you truly want to do, and your mind just complicates the shit out of everything.

Photographer, avid chess player, adventurer, and co-founder of Pixellu and SmartAlbums, Daniel Usenko is no stranger to hardship. At the age of seven, Daniel and his family had to flee his birthplace in the former Soviet Union when a civil war broke out. Growing up displaced and poverty-stricken, Daniel lived for years in poverty until he eventually immigrated to the United States. He has since co-founded one of the most successful photo album building tools and created a new and creatively-fulfilling life for himself.   Daniel's path was never clear and easy, pandemic or not. Yet, he still finds ways to innovate in his work and craft, and he addresses how you can as well.   In this episode:   The importance of empathy in times of hardship The importance of focusing on the practical ends of your photography business Why immersing yourself with business-minded people in different industries will help your business is important The power of failing Finding gratitude in the everyday   6:14 - “How my parents dealt with hardship [...] has really informed me on how I'm dealing with the current situation here.”   11:50 - “My perspective of gratitude comes from an experience of poverty.”   15:03 - “Difficulties make a better person.”   23:21 - “The more you grow, the more you realize how much you don't know.”   25:10 - “[The] number one step is for photographers to invest any time into business education and just running a business.”   25:25 - “I know that as creatives, we don't want to deal with the business. We just want to buy filters and play with Lightroom and Photoshop all day long, but for your business, it is important to have a business education.”   28:22 - “Simply being around people that are thinking business, it's going to already help for you to simply think business.”   28:44 - “Whatever the issues other people are facing, by just listening to them and how they're thinking about their problems, it'll orient your mind toward thinking of yourself and your photography or whatever artist you are as a business as well.”   39:27 - “If a photographer wants to become better, I definitely recommend film because you cannot rely on technology.”   44:33 - “Find what to be grateful for in your life because you cannot change the circumstances around you.” LINKS: Personal work: danielusenko.com Pixellu website: pixellu.com Personal IG: @danielusenko.film Work IG: @smartalbums @smartslides   HOST: Sachin Khona ARC: https://thisisarc.co ARC Masterminds: SEO + Marketing

One of our two keynote speakers at the upcoming ARC Techniques is Benj Haisch, a wedding photographer, father, and teacher. Since shooting his first wedding in 2007 Benj has traveled the world shooting weddings and even spent some time as the Seattle Seahawks official photographer.  Benj is all about being intentional with your photographs, eliminating the conflict and ensuring that the message coming out of a moment is communicated in the work that you are doing. Benj's keynote presentation, Painting The Photo You Meant To Take, and his workshop, is all about imparting tips and tricks to help you brand yourself as a wedding photographer while taking great photos. From weddings in Kenya to elopements in Istanbul, Benj loves diving into other cultures and subcultures through the camera and is passionate about sharing his knowledge on what he has learned along the way.  How do you work to be more intentional with your photography? Share your thoughts with us in the comments on the episode page.    In This Episode The importance of being as intentional as possible when shooting Examining how elopements have changed in concept and execution  A look into balancing family, travel, education and photography How to know and communicate your own personal brand Practical tips for composing photos and keeping the focus on your subjects   Quotes “I definitely have a passion for people and teaching and trying to help people through their processes.” (9:00) “I think a really cool part of this job is being able to just kind of jump into either a new culture or someone else's subculture.” (11:20) “In our work and in our photography, how can I make the moments that are happening and how can I be as prepared as possible and as intentional as possible to communicate whatever I am trying to get out of that photograph or whatever that photograph is speaking?” (21:38) “My clients and I sort of started this entire genre, what we sort of dubbed adventure elopements. And ever since then I've been doing a ton of them.” (27:00) “I am just trying to impart as much of my knowledge and experience as I can.” (32:29)   Links Benj Haisch Website Benj Haisch Backup YouTube Video Experience ARC Techniques   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   Sachin Khona Follow Sachin on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Sara Rogers, Pardeep Singh, and Jan Keck are all about bringing different experiences and techniques to the upcoming ARC Techniques Experience.  Sara Rogers has been dedicated to making the shift to full-time wedding photography from her previous career in interior design and jumped in with two feet to find success and happiness waiting on the other end. Always interested in the business side of things, Sara is here to explain why money isn't a dirty word and help you gain insight into the psychology behind pricing, marketing and how to increase sales and value within your business. Pardeep Singh believes that shooting weddings is a privilege and works to honor the traditions and customs of each individual wedding. Always equipped with a good cup of coffee in hand and ending the night on the dance floor, Pardeep is passionate about self-development, gaining life lessons through creative pursuits and observing how things are changing in the wedding industry. Part of the World Domination Summit, Jan Keck is passionate about creating connections in new and exciting spaces. If you are attending ARC for the first time and are nervous about how to create meaningful and lasting connections with all the new friends you haven't met yet, Jan is here to provide tips and tricks to help you connect with other photographers as well as your subjects.  Who are you most excited to learn from at the upcoming ARC Techniques Experience? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section on the episode page!    In This Episode How to wrap your mind around the business side of the photography industry The importance of calculating your costs of doing business twice a year Why you should view shooting weddings as an honor and a privilege Exploring the rewarding moments of educating new photographers Discovering the power of vulnerability when creating new connections   Quotes “Photography was always something that inspired me a lot more and something that I was really passionate about. So I kind of made it my goal to go full time.” (6:16) – Sara “The business side of photography has been something that from the very beginning I have been very interested in that side of the industry. So I am super interested in the psychology behind pricing and customer service and basically just marketing.” (8:29) - Sara  “To be the photographer at a photographers conference, I was a little bit nervous at first, I will admit that. But it has actually been a great experience.” (17:34) - Pardeep “It's really important for us to remember as photographers, as documenters, as artists, as whatever, that it's kind of a privilege to be there, they are asking you to be part of your wedding.” (19:18) – Pardeep  “When you attend an event by yourself and you don't know anyone, you just believe that all the strangers are just friends you haven't met yet.” (34:15) - Jan “In my presentation, I want to share some tips on how you can connect with your subjects. If it's for video or photo or anything else creative, when you are interviewing someone, you can connect with them before you even turn on the camera. Because I think that is the most important thing.” (35:53) - Jan   Links Experience ARC Techniques NPPA Business Cost Calculator Sara Rodgers Photography Pardeep Singh Photography Jan Keck's website   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   Sachin Khona Follow Sachin on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

ARC is all about creating relationships and connections in the photography world and beyond, and today's guests, Mitchell and Sancia Toth and Amber Hughes are proof of that. This episode highlights the relationship between photographers and videographers, the importance of bringing joy back into your everyday life and why you shouldn't fear the flash. A look into what you can expect from The Toth's and Amber's presentations and a chance to get to know our presenters before the upcoming ARC Techniques, this episode is one you cannot miss. If you want to learn how these masters keep things creative while balancing booming businesses then tune into this episode and get excited about the upcoming ARC techniques experience.  Do you have your ticket to experience ARC Techniques yet? Share which presentation you are most looking forward to in the comments on the episode page.   In This Episode Exploring the role of videography and photography in the wedding industry The importance of communication when dealing with your photographer or videographer Tips to design your schedule so that you do not crash and burn and always find the joy A look into the relationships and connections built at ARC despite geography How to get over your stress around flash both on and off the camera   Quotes “Video, as it is now in the wedding industry, has not been as valued as photos, and that is disappointing for me personally as a photographer.” (9:21) “The presentation is pretty much going to be a little exercise in finding that joy, and I think one of my greatest desires is to kind of reignite that in creatives and people who maybe aren't entrepreneurs but are feeling like things are dull or monotonous or they have lost sight of why they are doing what they are doing.” (16:23) “We were kind of looking to build a relationship and build connections… people have still been so so supportive of us and our work even though we are not necessarily in the Vancouver community.” (24:37) “I became really passionate about teaching myself how to use flash properly off-camera as well as on and it is something I have really poured a lot of myself into.” (28:50)   Links Experience ARC Techniques Amber Hughes Website The Toth's Website   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   Sachin Khona Follow Sachin on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Samm Blake is one of the keynote speakers at the upcoming ARC Techniques workshop and is here today to share her wedding experience with us both behind the camera and as a bride. Sam moved from Australia to New York to pursue her ability to start over in a new place and has since found a passion for elopement photography as well as big weddings and reactive photography.  Today Samm is sharing a sneak peek into her upcoming techniques presentation, How to Stand Out in the Wedding Market, a unique look on how to market yourself in the modern wedding market of 2019/2020. Plus, she is providing tips on how to create a better client experience and opening up about the benefits of finding the right working relationships when it comes to representation.  If you want to learn how to kickstart your business and stay in it for a long time, the benefits of gaining confidence in your own unique photography style and want to know what it is like to train for the New York Marathon while planning a wedding, Samm is the girl you need to hear from.  An expert in reinventing yourself in a new market and making every client experience an amazing one, Samm is a wealth of knowledge that you don't want to miss. Have you got your tickets from the ARC Techniques Experience? Share what topic you are most intrigued to explore deeper in the comments on the episode page.   In This Episode Advice on how to build a representation connection and working relationship The importance of genuine networking when it comes to setting yourself apart How to not spend money on advertising through alternative marketing methods Explore the transition and connections between war zone photography and weddings  A look into the gritty, human and non-perfect side of wedding photography   Quotes “I always thought it was an issue that I wasn't a proactive photographer, and by teaching these workshops it kind of gave me peace in finding that actually my style is fine, and I am good at what I do, so I guess it gave me confidence in that too.” (12:57) “Something had to give in my business, I had to outsource something, and that was the easiest thing to outsource. And there are so many benefits that come with it.” (21:19) “We have the opportunity to give our clients a business class experience every time that they work with us, and not like a subpar experience.” (30:05) “I definitely prefer and enjoy the photojournalistic parts of a wedding day. Where it is all kind of chaotic and messy and actually capturing the behind the scenes side, the nonglamorous parts of weddings.” (37:03)   Links Experience ARC Techniques Samm Blake Website The Wedding Artists Collective Max Pam Photography   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   Sachin Khona Follow Sachin on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

India Earl has been shooting weddings since the age of 15 and has become a master of turning intentions into goals. India values time, intimacy and realness which comes across in both her business mentality and photographs. A fun, intimate and real photographer, India is passionate about diversifying your portfolio and finding ways to stop wasting time. If you are looking for ways to expand your revenue streams or outsourcing the mundane aspects of your work, India is here to provide tips and tricks to accomplish your goals. India believes that the more passion you are able to put into your work the more successful you will be and is sharing all of her nuggets of knowledge on this episode. Everything from skydiving to finding your purpose is covered in this eye-opening interview with India. If you are looking to diversify your income streams, spark creativity or create a community, this is the episode for you. How do you manage your time and ensure you are putting your passion above everything else? Share with us in the comments on the episode page.    In This Episode Ways to harness different income avenues and how to balance them properly Exploring the transition from full-time photographer to educator  Signs that it is time for you to hire an assistant and start outsourcing your work Recommendations to help you when trying to find a mentor How to draw different creative ideas through community    Quotes “Every day since then I have just been trying to slowly improve my photography business on its own so that it can be more of like a passion project where I sometimes get money versus depending on that for my income.” (14:35) “Ultimately my goal besides all the materialistic things is just to have time.” (20:55) “I get to diversify my business by showcasing other peoples talents and skills and it supports them which is really cool and it just honestly helps build a bigger community around me than I ever honestly would have imagined having.” (31:44) “I feel like I am kind of at the point where I have so many options of directions to go, I just don't know which direction to take a step into. And so its a really good problem to have.” (41:24)   Links India Earl Website India Earl Education  Follow India on Instagram  Evernote Note Taking App Jour: Guided Journaling App  You Are A Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   Sachin Khona Follow Sachin on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

After struggling with issues of mental health and a learning disability, Christina Disler realized the power of having a supportive space for entrepreneurs and creatives to come together and be inspired by each other. So she created the Werklab here in Vancouver, BC to act as a spiritual and conscious coworking base for those looking to join a community.  Christina believes in the ability of vulnerability to act as a way to connect, create and innovate and has created a coworking space that preaches an agenda of mindfulness, meditation and slowing down.  Today we are exploring her journey of entrepreneurship, why she believes vulnerability and curiosity are the keys to success and ways to live a meaningful life by taking care of yourself. Christina was intentional with her vision for Werklab and puts the importance of human connection at the root of all of her innovation.  An episode all about tuning into yourself and the experiences of others, Christina is a prime example of the tremendous power of community. What intrigues you most about the Werklab holistic perspective? Share with us in the comments on the episode page.    In This Episode How to create connection and community over the shared human experience Why Christina wanted to have a supportive space in a male-dominated industry  Practices to connect with yourself and take the next step in your career Ways Werklab stays unique in the competitive co-working space industry Simple acts for yourself to encourage curiosity and vulnerability   Quotes “It was like seeking the prescription of what others were telling me versus listening to myself and getting really in tune with what lands true for me.” (8:54) “We are a community of freelancers, of sole proprietors, of business owners, of remote workers, that come together as a collective and work out of the same space.” (18:58) “By creating this space and this room to breathe and actually taking care of myself, I actually started to see things so much clearer. And that's when I really recognized that the space I created for myself I wanted to create for others in the physical sense.” (26:44) “We want to make the world of wellness more aligned with the world of business and our life purpose.” (32:49) “The lows will pass, but also the highs. That's just part of entrepreneurship, there will be a next day. And you will win an award and then what? Or you'll hit a goal and then what? Its all about being adaptive at being mindful in the moment and to enjoy the ride. Because that's really what it is, its a journey, it's not about any destination.” (36:37)   Links Werklab Website Follow Werklab on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter A Mindful Way Through Depression The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz The Artist's Way Morning Pages by Julia Cameron   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   Sachin Khona Follow Sachin on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

You may know Jonathan Canlas as the owner of The Find Lab, his film photography, or other various passion projects. Jon believes in the power of selling prints, quality over quantity, and getting back in touch with your ‘why' behind photography.  Jon has had a 20-year career and is well versed in everything from business and marketing to curation, pricing, digital files, and throat punch images. Today Jon is here to let you into his world and provides tips on how you can sell more prints and become better at your business.  There is no longevity in your career until you have a voice and images that set you apart, and to Jon, the only way to do that is by pointing your camera at things that make you tick, not just pay the bills. Your images have the power to change the world if a print of JPEG is put in front of the right person, and it is only by bettering yourself as a photographer that you can find your voice and become part of something bigger than yourself and the business.  A source of inspiration, great quotes, and a no-bullshit attitude, Jon is a master to learn from and the key to utilizing your own unique access. What do you find most inspirational about Jon's perspective? Join the conversation in the comments on the episode page.    In This Episode The importance of stepping away and looking at your photos with fresh eyes Focusing on the power of walking away with a photo that is worth printing Why you should stop giving away your digital files and how to price accordingly How to start curating and deliver a few select photos instead of too many options Ways to unlock your potential and do more than what you are being paid for   Quotes “I'm constantly trying to document now so that things aren't missed.”  (6:46) “Watching a piece of paper that is blank, and you put it in its water, and within 10 seconds, boom! Like magic, there is an image. I don't know anyone in the world, I don't even care if you are into photography or not If I show that to you you're like ‘Woah that's cool'.” (12:45) “I'm not in the business of being pretty, I am in the business of making money.” (35:30) “There's a reason I have been in business for 20 years. Its because I don't give away the farm, I'm not constantly running a marathon, running from client to client to ‘get a drink'.” (41:54) “It's not our responsibility as photographers to archive for our clients online, for them to be able to just see it. I give it to you and it's your responsibility to do what you are going to do with it afterward. I am not a hosting service, I am a photographer.” (44:18) “If you want to be able to create images that are throat punchers, you have to know what you want to say. And you are not going to figure out what you want to say just by showing up to the same gig over and over again and just repeating it.” (47:40)   Links Jonathan Canlas Photography theFINDlab Website Find Meaning In A Box  Follow Jonathan on Instagram ARC Techniques   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   Sachin Khona Follow Sachin on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

We're turning the tables today to give you all the details about the upcoming ARC Techniques conference being held in Vancouver, BC this November. A ‘mini version' of the ARC Experience, the Techniques conference is all about learning from your fellow creatives while getting a little silly. Joined by my friend Adonye Jaja from the Blacklight Podcast, this episode is all about exploring what makes ARC tick and what to expect from the Techniques conference. Gain insight into this years panel of speakers, what steps are being taken to make Techniques more accessible for all, and even gain a cheeky bonus discount code for those of you who haven't bought tickets yet. Techniques is 70% sold out and is guaranteed to be a great time full of education and fun. What are you waiting for? Grab your ticket for Techniques in the show notes and don't forget that discount code!   In This Episode Exploring Sachin's past life as a teenage nightclub attendee and organizer Learn which workshops and panel speakers Sachin is most excited for this year Gain insight into the format of the Techniques experience and what to expect Understand the importance of technical education and connecting with your clients Score a bonus discount code to use when purchasing your tickets for Techniques   Quotes “I knew that I wanted to bring people together and create a community and create events.” (5:18) “Something that I would personally love to learn as time goes on is just kind of the finer details of relationships with my couples and delivering better service.” (11:32) “I really wanted to bring something to Vancouver this year that kept the community going and had a lot of value too, but wasn't the same as The Experience.” (15:24)   Links Experience ARC Techniques   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   Sachin Khona Follow Sachin on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Thomas DeSchutter has worn many hats, beginning with a professional recording career as a drummer and making a major life change and diving into the world of financial advising. Now Thomas helps his clients find sustainable personal wealth and success by empowering them to become the stewards of their own financial affairs.  Thomas believes in the positive potential of surrounding yourself with those you wish to be like, setting financial goals and using lessons from the Buddha to give power to your thoughts. Learn how to change the language you use around money, how to start creating good sustainable financial habits for yourself, and the importance of building a financial warehouse of wealth for your legacy.  As creatives, the way we deal with saving, spending and everything in between can get a bit messy. Thomas is determined to help others create financial literacy for themselves so that you can shift your subconscious relationship to money.  A no-nonsense talk about what it takes to fire yourself up, create what you love and still be financially stable, Thomas is a wealth of knowledge for new and seasoned entrepreneurs that want to grow smarter.  Are you ready to tune yourself into the financial conversation and create habits that will take care of your needs from the inside out? Share what you learned about wealth mastery in the comments on the episode page.    In This Episode Effective habits to help make you money and keep you thriving for years to come How to develop a healthy conversation, mindset, and language around money  The importance of being true to yourself as an artist first and foremost What you can do right now to start a change in yourself and the rest of the world Day to day apps and software to better manage your personal finance    Quotes “You have to unload the terrible stuff that's in you in order to find the gems. You can't just sit around waiting for ‘oh this is the perfect moment for me to be creative'.” (5:31) “Its a discipline, there are no shortcuts. Yes there is some natural talent involved, but at the end of the day you have to put in the work, you have to put in the hours, you have to learn your craft. And I would say that would apply to any area of your life.” (15:51) “The first part for me around anything to do with finance is what is our thought process, and what are the words we speak out loud and to ourselves? And retraining that. Because that is the starting point for any conversation for anything in your life, especially money.” (22:43) “As a creative person, you need to be feeding, I use the word ‘need' there, you need to be feeding what fires you up. That is what is going to set you apart.” (39:21) “I am sure if I sat down with you we could have an in-depth conversation about photography gear. How it works, why you would do this, how you would light something, everything that you would want to know about photography, chances are you know it already or you are on the path to learning it. That's what it takes in finance.” (48:25) “Building a financial warehouse of wealth if you will, of creating the warehouse of wealth for your legacy, starts with knowing exactly where you are today, everything that is going on, and then building outward from there.” (51:34)   Links Bloom Strategies Website View the Bloom Strategy Tools Here Bloom Your Money, Your Life by Thomas DeSchutter Follow Thomas on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton The Landmark Forum Website Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill  Mint.com  A Course In Miracles by Helen Schucman Experience ARC   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   Sachin Khona Follow Sachin on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

A big believer in bridging the gap between digital and film photography, Kirk Mastin is a legend in the photography world. Now working with his company, Mastin Labs, to provide presets for photographers to help bless their digital images with the unique quality of film, Kirk is here to provide some insight into everything from singularity to the juxtaposition between the future and the past.  If you appreciate the analog version of photography but need some guidance in which camera, film, and settings you should be experimenting with, you are in for a treat. Kirk guides us through the relationship between the contrast and softness to film that exists nowhere else, why film photography increases your hyper-awareness, and what exactly goes into making a successful portrait.  Kirk uses his camera as a way to understand more about an individuals relationship to the world, and has created a hybrid photography style like no other. Film has a bad reputation for being complicated, which couldn't be further from the truth. If you are looking to experience something outside of the attention that digital photography demands, this episode is for you. Have you dipped your toes into the world of film photography? Share what you enjoy most about the look of film, and what development studio you use, in the comments on the episode page.    In This Episode Quick tips for those looking to start dabbling in film or edit their digitals differently The importance of building a ‘Batman and Robin' relationship with your development lab Why you should be treating your career like a bonsai tree  How to sell without selling and maximize your print and digital sales Why Kirk believes that shooting film makes you a better photographer   Quotes “We are living in the future, we are living in a time that I couldn't even comprehend as a child.” (8:36) “I can use the camera to understand the world, understand other cultures, and understand what it is to be human through a camera. And that has never changed. It has changed what kind of work I do, but the underlying principle of understanding the human condition has not changed.” (13:38) “You're gonna let like $14 tops stand between you and discovering an entirely new way of doing photography? That's absurd.” (24:17) “Once you are in the flow, you are in the flow and you know where to be, its like a dance. You have just enough time to get to every position that you need to be because you are so in touch with what is happening.” (40:04) “The theatre of the imagination is so powerful. If you show someone a weak photo, you have ruined that, you have ruined your legendary status by showing someone something that is mediocre, so just don't do it.” (50:01)   Links Mastin Labs Website Photoism Magazine by Mastin Labs Kirk Allen Mastin Website Follow Kirk on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter The Find Lab Utah Richard Photo Lab Canadian Film Lab Indie Film Lab Edward Weston Website In The American West by Richard Avedon and Laura Wilson Experience ARC   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   Sachin Khona Follow Sachin on Facebook | Instagram | Twitt

As creatives, we can often feel drained if we aren't following our passion, but struggle to balance that passion with success. Akeem Pierre is my health and wellness coach and inspirational creative in his own right, who believes in restoring your energy through self-care. Akeem combines the healing power of nutrition, exercise, energy, and movement to create a space of mindfulness and creative awareness. If you are struggling with getting in tune with your creative vision, Akeem provides physical and mental exercises to help you tap into your true spirit. The best way to become more intuitive is to embrace the skills that allow you to add extra intention into your day to day life, and create daily rituals to check in with yourself and stay on track for what is serving you best. Akeem believes that our ability to achieve greatness is directly correlated to our ability to adapt and create without second-guessing ourselves. By recognizing the patterns in your life, tuning into what your spirit truly needs, and fueling our bodies with the appropriate things we can position our brains onto a path of enlightenment. Are you ready to practice mindfulness and enter an engaged state where you are able to go with the flow and create a world for yourself full of harmony and bliss? What do you relate most to Akeems message of self-discovery and self-acceptance? Share what resonated most with you in the comments on the episode page!   In This Episode How to avoid burnout and stay in your flow despite creative setbacks Understanding the role your vocabulary can play in the way you live your life Exploring Irish Sea Moss, Maca and how they can physically benefit you Gaining food tools to utilize when necessary to make yourself feel better Breathing and exercise techniques to help you tune into yourself anywhere   Quotes “I look at tuning in as just being able to listen to the signs that your body and your mind are telling you.” (6:30) “When we are talking about creation and being creative, its all aspects of life. It is not just taking a photo, not just taking videos, it's also being able to look into your mind and scan your mind and replace anything that isn't serving you, replace anything that doesn't make you feel like you can create better.” (13:29) “The best way to become more intuitive is to understand if this helping me and if this is not. You just have to go back to the tuning in and just asking that question, is this helping me, is this serving me?” (30:08) “Words are worlds, so what are you creating?” (35:57) “Our brain is trying to keep us safe, but we got to know when we have to take control and be those creators of our life and of our destiny.” (47:33) “When you listen to that inner voice, it is just allowing you to be yourself in what you really want to do right now.” (57:24)   Links Akeem Pierre Website Follow Akeem on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   Sachin Khona Follow Sachin on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Sean Flanigan is a pioneer of the modern wedding photography industry, creating photos that resonate with people because of their raw quality, grittiness, and real feeling. Named one of the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the world by American Photos, Sean has an impressive portfolio and over a decade's worth of experience in the industry. Sean believes that the most important aspect of wedding photography is gaining complete access to the couple, and being the opposite of a fly on the wall. He takes his love for bike riding, punk rock music, and skateboarding and applies it to his photography brand. Today he discusses the changes he has seen in the industry throughout his career, the importance of relentlessness and willingness to succeed, and how he chooses to embrace the competition to add value to the industry. Wedding photography happens fast, and Sean is using his recipe for success to get the most out of a couples special day. A passionate photographer, world traveler, father and husband, Sean is playing by his own rules and seeing a massive benefit in return. What inspired you most about Sean's take on wedding photography? Share with us in the comments on the episode page!   In This Episode The importance of being physically close to a couple during your time together Why you should be prepared and also embrace the unplanned when shooting How to get several jobs out of one initial client with referrals and happiness Highlighting the differences and changes in the wedding industry in the past decade Words of advice to new photographers and those who want to break the rules   Quotes “Were not photographing wildlife, were photographing a beautiful event. There is probably only one time in peoples lives that they have their best friends and family members all together in one spot, and if you are going to be photographing that from the outside in, you are losing.” (6:03) “It's cool to have an inspiring location, I won't deny that. But I don't think that it's important, and I definitely don't place a premium on it like I do the connection that I have with a couple.” (10:32) “I didn't know how to shoot a wedding, but the most important thing was that I didn't care what the rules were.” (22:14) “You are either unwilling or you are willing to do the work, and the people that are willing to do the work are going to have success. So it is about being relentless and being willing, and that's all it is.” (29:00) “I just want to take good pictures and have enough money to eat food, its just simple.” (39:03)   Links A Fist Full of Bolts Website Follow Sean on Facebook | Instagram   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   Sachin Khona Follow Sachin on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

Jared Matthew Weiss is on a mission to create safety and security when it comes to relationships and sex. The founder of Touchpoint Townhall, a podcast and social experiment taking place in New York City, JMW is all about creating a safe space to discuss what you are experiencing and exploring with your sexuality. As creatives, when we feel empowered to create the things that are in our heart, we feel free, and the same goes when we are in bed with another person. JMW creates a space where people can express their thoughts and feelings and create an intentional and conscious decision to explore ongoing conversations with your partner. On this episode, we explore the paradox between safety between partners and exploring the unknown, embracing your spontaneity while still finding security, and which questions to ask when defining your relationship. When you are able to talk openly about what you and your partner are experiencing and exploring, you can transcend your physical identity and hold space for yourself and others. It is possible to gain permission to be whoever you want to be by finding a place where you are able to listen to other people. By opening these conversations you can explore who you truly are in bed, understand how you express yourself and learn what is true to you. It is time to harness your self-expression into sexual freedom with the help of JMW. How does his vision of sexuality relate to how you express yourself? Share with us in the comments section on the episode page!   In This Episode Embracing the unknown and the spontaneous while still finding safety and security Learn how to talk about what you are experiencing and exploring sexually Exploring the relationship and self-esteem to orgasm, meditation, and gratitude Finding out what is normal in sexual exploration and relationship structure How to create a sacred space with your partner for ongoing consensual conversations   Quotes “It's just been an incredible journey where I have been able to listen and learn really from just real people, about what they are exploring, what they are experiencing people on the intersections of all things… and its really been an amazing journey.” (8:59) “When we hear other people get vulnerable, and more specifically when we hear other people confess that they are just like us, it gives us permission to be who we are.” (14:31) “The point of a relationship is not to just be in a relationship and it's certainly not to just be in something that doesn't end. It is to serve us in a physical or spiritual or emotional way, its to promote our personal growth and the personal growth of our partners.” (25:44) “There is a whole spectrum of things we can talk about, from the mundane to the existential, but ultimately how do we create that container where we can have an ongoing conversation because that is exactly what a relationship is.” (27:43) “We need emotional safety to show up fully as ourselves in bed, in love, and in life.” (36:46)   Links Touchpoint Townhall Website Touchpoint Townhall Podcast Follow Touchpoint on Facebook | Instagram | Medium | Twitter Urban Tantra Book by Barbara Carrellas Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel The Book of Forgiving by Desmond Tutu She Wants It by Jill Soloway Attached by Dr. Amir Levine and Rachel Heller This Is ARC Website   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   Sachin Khona Follow Sachin on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

As creatives, we can often get caught up in turning our work into a business and lose the direction that we started out with. Pennylane Shen is an artist consultant, curator, and educator who assists over 500 artists a year to help them find their audience, simplify their vision and grow their business. Today Pennylane is here to help guide you towards asking the right questions so you can figure out what is working for your creative business, and what is not. A self-described mix between a financial planner, football coach and therapist, Pennylane is all about setting the record straight and helping artists become as financially and creatively successful as possible. We dive into what it is like to curate a large scale outdoor mural festival, acknowledge the common problems she sees in most artists development process, and explore ways to hone into your craft and be unique regardless of the competition. With an open mind, acceptance of change and a willingness to know that your creativity is a process, Pennylane provides tips on how to narrow into what you do best, play to your strengths, set yourself apart and get your art in front of your ideal clientele. Learn why you absolutely need to have an artists statement, how to increase your ‘bankable time', and much more.  Pennylane has an abundance of knowledge and shares what she knows with us today to help you build new ideas and approach your art uniquely. How does Pennylane's perspective on communicating an artists vision, maintaining creativity and accepting the good and bad days fit into your creative process? Share with us in the comments section.   In This Episode Finding a balance between making art for the sake of art and paying the bills Common mistakes artist make and good habits that you should start forming Finding a balance between your organic creative spirit and monetizing your work Tips to help you better access your creativity and inspiration on a daily basis Exercises to narrow into your creative strengths without getting repetitive   Quotes “Having anywhere from a week to seventeen days to create an extremely intricate piece on a giant wall, its really really about time management.” (6:23) “Art is in fact at the end of the day, incredibly subjective, and we know that. And one thing can be approached in so many different ways, and there hasn't been a shortcut to figuring that out.” (14:14) “I find that many times artists are swayed in a direction because it is trendy to be x, y or z when really they should be playing to their strengths.” (17:13) “Artists are weird, right? They're oddballs, they are misfits and that's what makes them awesome.” (32:11) “Repetition is fantastic up until a certain point, until you are drowning in it. You don't want it to get to that level, so find another way to support your financial costs because you need to create new work!” (48:29)   Links Dazed & Confucius Website Pennylane Shen at PechaKucha Night Vol. 43 How It Sounds Seminar Information Follow Pennylane on Instagram A Big Important Art Book (Now With Women) by Daniella Krysa   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   Sachin Khona Follow Sachin on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

Although we all love to take beautiful images, it takes a bit more strategy and work to get your photos out there where they can be seen. Catalina Jean has taken to the algorithm science of SEO targeting to increase her reach and is constantly booked up for weddings every year because of it. Based out of Portland, Oregon, Catalina takes artistic portraits paired with unique storytelling moments to produce natural wedding photography. She is constantly shooting and practicing with light, is inspired by anime and virtual reality, and knows how to optimize your website with keywords to potentially bring you business. Catalina is walking us through what exactly SEO is, how you should be using it, and why. Learn how to use SEO to maximize opportunities in your geographical area, how to properly filter keywords and compete with domain authority, and more. SEO can take some time to absorb, but can be an incredibly important step in boosting your marketing and getting rid of the things you may not even know are killing your website. Google isn't going anywhere anytime soon, so its best to learn how you could be expanding your reach and meeting the clients you want. Have you used SEO to target potential clients and get your voice heard? Share your SEO experiences in the comments on the episode page!   In This Episode Why you should be using various marketing tactics and not just Instagram What is SEO and why you should care about it Insights into how to better optimize your next post How frequently you should be putting out online content Using virtual reality as an immersive experience into other cultures   Quotes “It's one thing to tell a story or show a video, but there's something, I don't know, you're really like removing that separation when you're able to be immersive in it.” (11:12) “You don't need to know everything about SEO… but here's what's going to get you business, because I think that's what business owners care about.” (22:00) “I see each blog post as sort of an arrow to a target, and I think you first have to define your target.” (23:59) “If you get enough of those sort of fishing lines thrown out then you can break into a new area and change things up.” (29:07) “You're actually able to analyze and strategize on your own, beyond the rules, when you understand the targeting and the strategy and goals.” (33:50)   Links We'd absolutely love for you to join us at The Experience! Catalina Jean Website Follow Catalina on Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook Charity Water IBM Watson Scott's Cheap Flights Laura Babb Photo   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   Sachin Khona Follow Sachin on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

João Guedes has lived and traveled all over the world, and brings his passion for culture and new experiences to his photography. Inspired by anything related to cinematography, João developed his skills behind the camera as a way to work from anywhere in the world. Today he is sharing with us which cities and films have most inspired him, how to find your personal voice and key lessons he has learned along the way. João's latest project, The Diaries, is his perception on a woman's intimate world, and was created out of curiosity to express his viewpoint. By focusing on the motive behind an image, and taking technical and slow steps to create the perfect scene, João has mastered the line between composition and creativity. How do you feel about the vulnerability and mise-en-scene João creates in his photos? Let us know your thoughts in regards to his creative process in the comments on the episode page!   In This Episode How João is inspired by the way stories are told through movies The pros and cons of storyboarding Ways to enhance your images through deeper mood connection The gear and workflow process behind The Diaries Three elements you must master in order to transform your composition into something unique   Quotes “I think working with anything in cinematography or like photography movies, would be a dream for sure.” (6:00) “People are just people, and even though you feel like you are in different cultures, in the end, we are all very similar.” (10:23) “I think my connections to movies is a lot bigger than my connection to photography itself” (18:06) “If I'm doing personal work, I'm definitely shooting with someone that at least shows on some level, that they see something in my work that they want to be a part of” (29:23) “You tell the story you want to tell, it doesn't really matter, the truth. You tell your truth, right.” (33:02)   Links The Experience João Guedes Photography Follow João on Instagram | Facebook | Behance   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   Sachin Khona Follow Sachin on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

A tad unconventional, Fer Juaristi works to remind his clients that ‘their wedding is an experiment' to try and scare away as many traditional couples as possible. Inspired by cinematographers, tattoo artists, and anyone else who is unconventionally artistic themselves, Fer takes his photos with a critical eye and a creative heart, and today shares some of that process with us. Fer Juaristi is a Mexican Wedding Photographer who has cultivated his passion for photography into a fulfilling career. He focuses on remaining true to his artistic form and thinks about the psychology behind the shot. Fer is sharing how he connects his shooting to emotions, the importance of nostalgia, and why it is important to create a community in which to learn from each other. As a wedding photographer you get to choose what couples, a task that Fer does not take lightly. By anticipating the moment, thinking fast, and acting slow, Fer wants to inspire others to fulfill their passions and chase their dreams. What do you think of Fer's unorthodox approach to wedding photography? Let us know in the comments on the episode page.   IN THIS EPISODE How to balance between family, education, and photography How to finding and define your niche Getting over those missed moments and trusting your gut The importance of finding your own style of curation Steps you can take to view your weddings as more dreamlike   QUOTES “I just feel so lucky to be part of this industry, where everybody is so humble and willing to share their knowledge.” (5:36) “For me, weddings are more like dreams, more subtle. But for me, my personal stuff is to break my rules that I don't follow in weddings.” (10:08) “I love being the underdog. Once they see their slideshow they are going to be like ‘Holy mother of God, I didn't know this kind of photography was possible during a wedding'.” (17:50) “It doesn't matter if you have been shooting weddings for 10 years or 10 days, you can learn from the older guys and the newer guys.” (31:45) “I always just react man, I am a freaking animal. So I just react to whatever happens in front of me, and I go crazy.” (36:35)   LINKS Fer Juaristi Website Follow Fer on Facebook | Instagram An Audience of One by Robin Dellabough and Srinivas Rao Follow Canadian Cinematographer on Instagram Unmistakable Creative Podcast Make Good Art by Neil Gaiman Ex Machina Official Trailer Fer's Patreon Page   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter   Sachin Khona Follow Sachin on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

The tables have turned on today's episode as this week, I (Sachin) am taking my turn in the interviewee hotseat. My good friend, and producer of this podcast, Jeremy Enns is asking the tough questions today, and we're digging into my journey from the financial world of London, England, to becoming a full time creative in Vancouver, Canada. After moving countries, a complete career change and a major health crisis, I was forced to looking inward at the life I was creating for myself. We dig into how learning to honor my body and mind through yoga and meditation has played a huge roll in my transformation as a person and creative, and how I was able to move from one of the most uncreative careers imaginable to full-time creative work. We also talk about ‘living life with no regrets' and the importance of finding gratitude in your daily life. On the photography side of things, we discuss how travel and street photography influence my wedding work, and how I've managed to get established as a photographer. What was the most surprising answer you heard from the show today? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!   IN THIS EPISODE Dealing with the disconnect between the corporate and creative worlds The role street photography can play in day to day life and in weddings Advice on how to gain the confidence to get your name out there The importance of highlighting minority voices in the creative industries What Sachin is most excited for during this year's upcoming ARC Experience conference   QUOTES “It just made a lot of sense to create something like this, where I could dive a bit deeper into the mind of the creative.” (6:56) “I believe thoughts become things, what you focus on is where your energy goes and what ends up manifesting in your life” (18:51) “I just love the fact that I can be like a guest at a wedding day, and combine the documentary feel of how I love to capture the streets, letting things unfold naturally, shooting that, but then creating some beautiful portraits around that and delivering that to a couple” (34:11) “When you are truly in the moment there are no worries, there's no regrets or anything, you're just fully in that moment” (40:23) “We wanna see more representation and more diversity in our community. If you have something to share and people are asking, then just go for it” (51:05)   LINKS Find out everything you need to know about The Experience here! Sachin Khona Photography Follow Sachin on Instagram | Twitter World Domination Summit That Creative Life Russell Brand Podcast The Obstacle is The Way Book Jeremy's Podcast Company, Counterweight Creative   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Do you have systems set up in your business? Do you feel as creatively capable as possible? Brian Morrow explains how it's often the un-sexy things like business systems that help us consistently be our most creatively activated. Brian is the Founder and Creative Director of Shark Pig, a full-service video production company in Los Angeles. He recently helped produce a feature-length documentary called Hal, about filmmaker Hal Ashby which showed at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and is premiering around the US now. Today he talks to us about how he was able to balance (or not) between documentary work and work for clients. He also talks to us about the power of the human mind and the importance of keeping different aspects of living in balance. What do you think of balance in the unique way Brian talks about it? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!   IN THIS EPISODE Balancing the business work and the documentary work The importance of the un-sexy business things like systems The power of being fueled by something bigger than paying rent The connection between different areas of our lives and the importance of balance   QUOTES “There's the art of it and the business side of it. The logistics of it, or the structure of it. And those things have equal weight.” (17:02) "Don't waste the amazing power of your brain on things that you can just make a decision and then act underneath the umbrella of that decision potentially for years in a row. Or if you want you can just think about it every week." (25:30) "When I'm operating at my lowest, it's when I'm too stressed out. And too stressed out is not a high functioning thing. It means that it's out of balance." (43:08) “If you feel like sh** in your body, it's not rocket science, it doesn't take Sigmund Freud and a whole bag of cocaine to figure out that it's probably going to have an effect on what's happening in your brain." (40:58)   LINKS Find out everything you need to know about The Experience here! Shark Pig Shark Pig Weddings  Hal the movie Follow Shark Pig on Facebook | Instagram Follow Shark Pig Weddings on Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Vimeo Follow Hal on Facebook | Twitter    Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

As much as we all love what we do as photographers and creatives, if we're not careful, our dream jobs can end up feeling a lot like, well, jobs. Today, Jacob Loafman shares how he keeps himself inspired, curious, engaged in his work, and avoiding burnout. Jacob is a creative wedding photographer based out of St. Louis and a former keynote speaker at last years ARC's photography conference, The Experience. Jacob is here to discuss his exciting new Instagram project, what it means for him to be able to do personal work, and how he goes from inaction to action right away. We are discussing everything from the juxtaposition between photography styles and personalities to why Jacob thinks you should always be kind, plus so much more. Listen in as we reminisce over last year's conference (and after party stories), why you shouldn't care what other photographers think of your work, and how St. Louis public parks are inspiring Jacob's latest photos. What do you think about Jacob's creative approach to photography? How do you keep yourself inspired? Let us know in the comments below!   In This Episode Why pushing yourself to try, is important in photography The benefit of using yourself as the subject of self-portraits How Jacob's tattoo came to be the best part of his morning routine Which speaker Jacob is looking forward to seeing the most at this year's conference The importance of making time to let yourself play   Quotes “I said, ‘well, I can make a book out of this', and I can just call it, you know I wanted to focus on the sports that are available to the public in public parks. So it's free right, so I'm just gonna create a different character and focus on every sport that is offered in the public parks here in St. Louis. And just create an interesting photo series where it's not even about being like active with the sport, it's interesting poses, its unusual poses, very still, but very colourful and just very interesting.” (5:45) “So I told myself when I jumped full time, you need to push yourself so that you never even approach the burnt out stage. Try everything, use different light, shoot different things, shoot everything you can, so I pushed myself to keep myself on that path. (6:42) “It sounds like a simple answer but its because it is. You just go do. We always get these little thoughts that hold us back from why you should do this, right. Like our brains are designed to keep us comfortable, so if its something we're not used to doing, our brain is gonna tell us like ‘oh no you usually don't do this'. But the truth is you have a few seconds to say like ‘okay ya I'm gonna do this', and then your brain is only on that path of ‘okay we're doing this.'” (11:18) “My presentation was just about how lucky I truly do feel to get to do this for a living, one. And two, how important it is to create for yourself. You know I polled the crowd and asked them who they created for and the majority of the people that answer said for their clients. I'm a firm believer of ‘that's great I create for my clients as well', but what do you actually get out of that? I want to create art for my clients, that's what I want to provide them with because then everybody wins, it's a win-win for everyone. (18:57) “I have always been like the class clown type. And it's not that I do it for the attention, I want to make sure people are having a good time. So if I can inspire people to like let loose a little bit, ill do it.” (26:13)   Links Jacob Loafman Website Follow Jacob on Facebook | Instagram RGG EDU Maria Svarbova __loafy__ Instagram Page Hamish Purdy CreativeMornings Talk   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Do you ever find yourself struggling to find stories worth documenting and sharing through your photography? It can often feel like we need to travel to exotic places at the far reaches of the Earth to find captivating stories to tell. As Niki Boon shows us today, however, often the greatest, most intimate and heartfelt stories are right in front of our eyes. A documentary family photographer, Niki uses the medium of black and white photography as a way to document the journey of her four children growing up in Marlborough, New Zealand. With her camera acting as a visual diary, she strives to tell a deeper story in a picture using light and the uniqueness of her family life. Inspired by her children and rural lifestyle, Niki takes advantage of the unstructured days of her children's lives to dive deeper into how children live and think. Today she is sharing what she has learned about the Earth and nature through her children's eyes and how photography has enabled her to take a step back and breathe. Niki believes in opening people's eyes to the stories that are right in front of them by following your creativity and getting back down to basics. Have you ever tried a long-term documentary photography project? What was it about and what did you learn? Let us know how it went in the comments below!   IN THIS EPISODE What it's like to raise your children in a rural environment How to humbly reconnect with nature Capturing a child's freedom through photography What Niki's kids have taught her about photography and life Combining inspiration and problem solving to unlock creativity   QUOTES “That's one thing that being outside in nature really can do is make you stop and make you think about the world and not the material.” (14:09) “I'm somebody who wants to be in it, I'm very much a doer. Like let's do this and let's do that, but that's actually taught me to sit back and to just let things unfold. And the photography has helped me with that too, just to sit back and watch things unfold." (19:14) “Where my photography is at, at the moment, has all been sparked by my kids. I am curious about what it is to live a life that they live, with very little ‘have to's' and conformity. That I am very curious about, that is largely what inspires me in terms of my photography. (25:28) “I've taken pictures of my kids and I think that the pictures are a gift to me, they are a gift to them. And I've taken pictures for others and it's just such an amazing gift to give. You have this ability to make phenomenal pictures and show people how amazing their lives are and how amazing they are as people, and I think that that is the gift. And I think it's pretty special.” (28:09)   LINKS Find out everything you need to know about The Experience here! Niki Boon Niki Boon LensCulture Website Follow Niki on Instagram Niki's previous ARC interview    Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Do you ever find yourself drying out, creatively speaking? It can be hard to feel inspired to shoot when you've been in the photography business for years and years. As Hugh Whitaker shares, what you need is a method for re-discovering your original reason for photographing in the first place. Hugh is an extremely talented photographer who's been in the industry for over 15 years. A Junebug award winner and a Rangefinder Rising Star, Hugh also co-founder of the Refresh Workshop, which helps photographers re-find creativity in their art when they're feeling uninspired. He also spoke at the ARC Experience last year, and will be a keynote speaker this year. Today, we talk about how inspiration can be stimulated and manufactured, rather than waiting for it to strike, as well as how his wedding photography, stock photography, and personal work all interplay, and the difference between stock photography and other types of photography. We also talk about some of the places that Hugh has looked to for inspiration, and - hilariously - some big mistakes he made when he first started out. Have you ever felt yourself stagnate in your photography? What did you do to bust out of that rut?   IN THIS EPISODE Ways to find your own inspiration How wedding work, stock photography, and personal work interplay How carrying a camera with him at all times has inspired him Finding composition inspiration in movies The difference between stock photography and other work The biggest mistakes he made starting out as a wedding photographer   QUOTES “You have to find your own inspiration. You can't be inspired by my inspiration. You can't be inspired by someone else's inspiration” (14:28) “[With stock photography] you have to get into the psychology of what someone is interested in as opposed to the need to create a beautiful image.” (43:58) “With ARC, it's such a community of people, and all the different members of the community are so supportive. It's an environment where you can walk straight into it and just feel right at home.” (52:30)   LINKS Hugh Whitaker Follow him on Instagram | Facebook The Refresh Workshop  Larry Fink on Composition and Improvisation book A Single Man movie Nocturnal Animals movie   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

We all have areas in both our art and businesses that we know don't measure up to the areas in which we shine. Often we try to cover up and hide those weaknesses, but as Angela Ruscheinski shares with us today, what we should really be doing with those is turning them into strengths. Angela is the creator of Blush Photography, based in Vancouver, BC. After life as a server left her unfulfilled she picked up a camera and has been crushing the industry for the past 5 years. Always in constant competition with herself, she is making a huge mark in the BC photography game and is the keynote speaker at The Experience coming up this October in Vancouver. Focusing on a wide range of shoots including family, boudoir and weddings, Angela knew she would always work in the art industry. Angela shares her philosophy behind education and inspiration in photography, how to say no to the couples that don't suit your style, and how holding out for her ideal niche clients has helped increase her happiness, and portfolio.   Have you ever had a weakness that later became a strength for you? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!   IN THIS EPISODE Angela's sync or swim mentality Saying no to the couples who don't suit your style Turning your weaknesses into strength The connection between yoga, visualization and photography How to avoid burnout by setting goals   QUOTES  “I used to think that success for me was shooting these big lavish blog-worthy ballroom weddings with you know, a wedding cake that's taller than me. But what I have learned is that most of the time those don't make me happy, there's a lot of stress, a lot of attention to details that really don't matter to me.” (6:02) “I'm going to talk a lot about sort of how I've come through photography, and what my day to day life is, and burnout because I experience a lot of that, and how I have found balance.” (10:57) “I am not the most technically perfect photographer, I don't create these incredibly interesting compositions, but I think my niche is in pulling out those intimate, playful, connected images.” (20:24)   LINKS: Take your craft to the next level at The Experience in Vancouver this October     Blush Photography Website Follow Angela on Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

How clear is the intention behind your photography? How about the intention behind your life? As Levi Tijerina shares today, while it's important to be in the moment while creating art, it's maybe more important to have a vision of where you're guiding your art, business and life.    After finding a passion for photography while living in Europe, Levi relocated to Denver, Colorado, and begun photographing international weddings. Six years later he is a force in the industry and is always on the cutting edge of creativity. Offering tips on how to promote your location, ways to get out of your comfort zone and the importance of subtly in art, Levi is a wealth of knowledge and we are thrilled to have him on today's show. Motivated by keeping his images timeless and creating a lasting legacy, Levi definitely knows how to take more than just a pretty picture. Inspired by travel, the couples he works with and the intention of photography, What's the guiding intention behind your work? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!   IN THIS EPISODE: How travel inspired Levi The difference between wedding photography in Europe and the US Why you need to take risks to improve your portfolio Using Instagram as a medium to make a statement The importance of being intentional about where you take your work and life QUOTES: “One of the biggest things I took away was the ability to take risks, and that things aren't so linear.” (2:18) “Although the photos were pretty terrible, they were my photos, and kind of my way of experiencing another culture. And for me it was a kind of an anthropology experience documenting what I thought was important, and then maybe coming to find out what I had thought was important maybe wasn't as important as I imagined it to be.” (7:49) “I feel like art is the most powerful when its most subtle. So, what I am really trying to do is be really mindful about how I include subtleties in my art that speak for themselves, that aren't necessarily in your face about what I am trying to communicate, but that also don't shy away from things I want to talk about.” (16:06) “I think for a lot of us we just aim too low with those intentions, we say we want to travel or make x amount of money or have a certain type of freedom or opportunity. And those things are usually pretty attainable to some point and so when we get there it's like ‘what happens next?'” (21:07)   LINKS: Take your craft to the next level at The Experience in Vancouver this October Levi Tijerina Photography Website Follow Levi on Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

For most of us as freelancers or small studios, we often get so caught up chasing clients that we forget to put any time into building up our businesses. As today's guests, Carrie and Nicole of Junebug Weddings share, however, creating a strong, unique and recognizable brand is something we all can - and should - be striving towards.  Carrie Schwab and Nicole Seligman are the co-editors of Junebug Weddings, the essential guide to planning a stylish wedding, offering utility tips, wedding inspiration, and vendor relations. Junebug weddings goal is to help couples plan the wedding they have always been dreaming about. Once their business began to thrive, Carrie and Nicole, realized they needed to be more selective in the bigger picture of their brand to raise their quality standards. By putting the best of the best out there for the wedding world, Junebug weddings has gained a large following on social media and has set themselves up as a beacon of wedding photography. Listen in on their tips for how to understand a company's vibe, how to get your portfolio to a higher quality and how to master the art of social media marketing. What do you do to build up a brand around your work? What characterizes your brand? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!   IN THIS EPISODE: A day to day look at the operations behind Junebug Weddings How to create your own unique brand How to up the quality of your portfolio Mastering social media marketing How you can increase the value of your photography business QUOTES: “One of the most fulfilling parts of our jobs is getting to work with such talented people all around the world, planners in Italy and photographers in Vancouver, and being able to connect those people with the readers that are coming to our site.” (8:24) “There are no rules anymore when it comes to weddings, it can be exactly what you want it to be, and that gets me so jazzed to come to work every single day.” (10:33) “We want people to take away from this talk is to use your content to your advantage. Market your business with your content, figure out how to get your content funnel or your marketing funnel in place, to have a long-lasting impact on your business that lasts longer than an Instagram post.” (23:44) “We are storytellers too. And when we receive a wedding and we can't tell what order it happens it's really hard for us to imagine our own feature because we can see the story being told.” (38:40)   LINKS: Take your craft to the next level at The Experience in Vancouver this October Junebug Weddings Follow Junebug Weddings on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Do you ever feel like there's just not enough time in the day to deliver to your clients, hone your craft, and grow your creative business? Yeah, me too. As Mike Vardy explains, the problem might not be that we have too little time, but that we're not using the time we have effectively. Mike is an expert in personal productivity and time management, and is ready to help us get our productivity back on track. He is the founder of Productivityist, the creator of TimeCrafting and a renowned author and public speaker.  Before joining us at The Experience this October in Vancouver BC, Mike is bringing his wealth of knowledge to the studio to simplify the process of being a more productive and attentive person. By using his background in comedy as a way to stay both entertaining and informative, Mike helps people all over the world ‘define their days, funnel their focus and make every moment count.'  Tackling topics like your to-do list, evening and morning routines and the importance of which app you interact with, today's episode is necessary for anyone looking to improve their time management. Have you tried any of Mike's productivity tips? What helps you maximize your daily productivity? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!   IN THIS EPISODE: Money and time – the currency of life Easy tips to be more productive in everything you do Why you should write everything down How daily journaling can help you live a more productive life How to pick the right app for your photography Why morning and evening routines can be a key to productivity   QUOTES: “Slowly I went away from being the parody of productivity into an actual pundit and even a philosopher. Which is what I have become, I've gone from being a productivity enthusiast to a specialist to a strategist and now, even more, a philosopher.” (5:24) “Time management is a really dry topic, it just is! So by making it more human, and one of the best ways to make something more human is to bring the humor to it, I think that makes it more accessible.” (10:00) “The app is not the important thing, it's the framework, it's the skill, it's the intention, don't worry about the app because the app comes secondary. Instead, focus on the app within first.” (18:50) “It's about creating boundaries for yourself, it's about knowing yourself first, saying ‘hey this is what I've seen' creating boundaries so that you work within that data that you have, and then respecting boundaries, which is the hardest part.” (33:22)  “It's all about awareness. And in order to be truly aware you have to be honest with yourself, and sometimes that can be painful.” (35:23)   RESOURCES: Take your craft to the next level at The Experience in Vancouver this October Productivityist Getting Things Done Follow the Productivityist on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Todoist App Asana App 5 Minute Journal   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

For many of us looking to get established in the photography, or really any creative industry, two of the biggest struggles are finding enough time to hone our craft while balancing the rest of our lives, and knowing when the time is right to make the leap into full-time creative work.   LA wedding and lifestyle photographer Caroline Tran began as a physics teacher, and after years of being creatively drained, she decided to make the switch to photographer. Her work can be seen internationally in print and online, and is centered around passion and playfulness. Juggling kids, starting and maintaining a business and staying sane can be a juggling act, one that Caroline knows well and is more than qualified to share some tips and advice on. Caroline gives us some insight into how to transition from a 9-5 by setting concrete goals, playing off your individuality and educating your clients. She focuses on building a business to fit into your lifestyle, not the other way around. By starting your business from within and marketing yourself in the right way, Caroline helps remind us of the passion for photography that we all share. Are you currently trying to make the transition into full-time creative work? What's holding you back? If you already have made the leap, how did you know when the time was right to do so? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!   IN THIS EPISODE: How to create hype around your products Marketing yourself as ‘one of a kind' Lessons for anyone in their first few years of their photography business The importance of passion and exclusivity   QUOTES: “If you market yourself as the artist there will never be any other competition, you are the only one.” 7:30 “When I started this business the first thing I did was [figure out] who my target audience is, what I was trying to do, how I was trying to market myself. And I think I just had a lot clearer vision coming into this business.” 13:15 “One of the most liberating things as an artist is to remind yourself that you don't have to please everybody. The quickest way to not please anybody is by trying to please everybody. Because you are not going to be able to please everybody, so once you give yourself permission to not have to please everybody you can start creating without fear.” 18:36 “Each milestone in your life demands of you a little bit differently. So being realistic about that and setting your yearly goals for that purpose [is key]” 30:19   RESOURCES: Caroline Tran's Website Follow Caroline on Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook   Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Join us for The Experience In Vancouver

Do you ever feel that little impulse to take a shot that doesn't make sense, and it pays off in the end? That little twinge of excitement informs a lot of today's guest's philosophies on photography and creativity, which he generously shares with us today. Ross Harvey has been shooting weddings for over 8 years, and his career is founded in his research on happiness and creativity in psychology and philosophy. He was awarded Best Photographer in England in 2013 and 2014, and has been a judge for that competition since 2015. He's UK's Number 1 Fearless Photographer from 2013-2016, and was recently added to Harper's Bazaar's list of Top Wedding Photographers in the World. Today he talks to us about street photography, as well as his thoughts on intuition and following your excitement as an artist. We also discuss managing your mindset and emotional state and how that impacts your work. He talks about his experience at the ARC Experience last year and gives a couple of tips on branding and pricing from his upcoming talk at this year's conference. Have you brought street photography skills into your wedding photography work? Do you have any stories about following your creative impulses? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!   IN THIS EPISODE: The role of street photography in developing Ross's creativity How to bring street photography skills into wedding photography work How to follow your intuition and align with your excitement as a photographer The importance of optimizing your mindset and “mind mechanics” in your photography Some tips on raising your rates   QUOTES: “It's easy to pick the technically best pictures, but they're not always the best pictures because they might lack in emotion or substance.” 5:29 “Imperfections can actually lead to a style, which sets you out from everybody else.” 11:29 “Your excitement is like a compass, and it pulls you in a certain direction. And when you walk or run in that direction, life seems to just align itself, and you will also find yourself happy, because you're doing something that you're aligned with.” 13:07 “Every time I look back on my life, no matter what I've done, I can't remember a single time that I've ever been let down by following my intuition. Not once.” 24:01   RESOURCES: Ross's Website  Follow Ross on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram  Train with Ross    Check out the full show notes page here Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Join us for The Experience In Vancouver

In this short episode, we break down what to expect from the ARC Creative Podcast, including topics, future guests, and an introduction to your host, wedding + street photographer and founder of The ARC Experience conference, Sachin Khona.    RESOURCES: Keep up with everything ARC here Follow ARC on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Join us for The Experience In Vancouver