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Stephen Wilkes is an undisputed master at telling stories with images. In this week's podcast, he pinpoints the exact moment he was given free rein to dream up an epic photo project for a major exhibition that would come to redefine photographic printing technology. In the year 2000, he was commissioned to capture the beauty and complexity of America at the turn of the Millennium on large format film, then transform his highly detailed film captures into immersive fine art prints using Epson's groundbreaking printing technology. Twenty-five years later, he's revisiting this project to reveal the continuing advancements of photographic fine art printing while also paying homage to the 250th anniversary of the country's birth. Highlights from Stephen's spirited chat with Derek include his historical assessment of how descriptors such as "Color" and "Digital" have been met with a similar sense of incredulity as photographic technology has evolved and his belief in the power of the camera as a conversation starter, a connector, and a means to a magical exchange of energy. What's more, Stephen's dramatic imitation of a Pentecostal preacher wreathed by hissing snakes had us riveted to his every word, and the lessons he shared from his mentor, Jay Maisel left us inspired to work. Among his favorites was Jay's probing query, "Well, do you like pictures, or do you like the act of photographing? Choose one." As Stephen notes, "That was a great question, and he always posed that to me. But for me, I never had a doubt. I've always loved the act of photographing. I get lost. Whatever it is I'm doing." If you've enjoyed this podcast, please follow us @bhpodcastnetwork and be on the lookout for more inspiring conversations in our new format. Guest: Stephen Wilkes Episode Timeline: 0:00: Stephen Wilkes: America in Detail, Revisited. 0:45: Photography as a storytelling tool. 1:33: Reflecting on the past 25 years and Stephen's America in Detail project with Epson in the year 2000.  3:32: Stephen's interest in being a historian of photography to capture a unique moment in history. 5:42: Stephen describes his exhibitions of immersive digital prints—it's a visceral experience. 9:40: A comeback to creating prints and print media in the digital age. 13:17: Memorable moments from Stephen's America in Detail project.  15:36: Stephen's encounter with Pentecostal minister Pastor Anderson and his snakes. 27:14: Finding a balance between letting go and staying creative despite commercial pressures. 28:44: Gary Greff's Enchanted Highway in Regent, North Dakota 31:13: It's all about the mind's eye—technology that gives us the opportunity to show us things we've never seen before.  32:40: Lesson's learned from Stephen's mentor Jay Maisel—do you like pictures or do you like the act of photographing? 35:11: The camera as a connection—as a conversation starter & energy exchange—positive, negative, and even hidden energy fields.  41:46: Is there any benefit to worry? Plus pushing through rough spots to a positive result.   46:58: Revisiting Stephen's America in Detail project with current printing and processing technology.  52:07: Parting thoughts and another story about Jay Maisel: It all starts with curiosity—Let your curiosity drive your work. Guest Bio: Stephen Wilkes is a photographer and National Geographic Explorer known for his groundbreaking imagery that blends documentary storytelling with fine art. Since opening his studio in New York City in 1983, Wilkes has built a career that spans editorial, commercial and fine art photography, earning a reputation as one of America's most iconic and innovative visual artists.    Stay Connected: Stephen Wilkes Website: https://stephenwilkes.com/ Stephen Wilkes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenwilkes Stephen Wilkes Epson Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHyeJQQVgds America in Detail at Holden Luntz Gallery: https://www.holdenluntz.com/magazine/exhibitions/stephen-wilkes-america-in-detail-jl-modern-gallery/ B&H Podcast Network Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhpodcastnetwork/ B&H Podcast Network Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BHPodcastNetwork  Host: Derek Fahsbender Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman Technical Producer/Video Editor: Peter Maziarz Executive Producer: Dana Glidden

For those who believe the world of elite fashion photography is not within reach—we've got a story for you! In this week's podcast, we explore the career trajectory and core values fueling the rise of fashion & beauty specialist Enrique Vega. Hailing from a small town in Mexico, Enrique built essential skills by assisting a local wedding and event photographer, then set his sights on New York City. After knocking on the door of his sole professional contact, he worked his way from unpaid intern to first assistant—building the kind of confidence that only comes from proving yourself, one shoot at a time, in a setting he compares to "a military school of photography." Enrique's chat with Derek ranges from the realities of breaking into fashion photography as an outsider while combating the dreaded "imposter syndrome" to his belief that endurance and resilience, rather than talent and execution, are what separates photographers who make it in New York. From there, the discussion shifts to the collapse of print media and what comes after magazines, how Enrique is folding AI into his workflow without losing the human element that makes his portraits shine, and the inevitable tightrope between staying an artist and running a business. Ever passionate about his photographs, Enrique sums things up with this candid sentiment: "All the work that I did from the heart, whichever way I wanted to, not because I wanted to be trendy, not because I wanted validation—just what I love—is what has opened many doors for me. It's the work that still lives in my portfolio and people love. The images that actually got me work." If you've enjoyed this podcast, please follow us @bhpodcastnetwork and be on the lookout for more inspiring conversations in our new format. Guest: Enrique Vega Episode Timeline: 0:00: Enrique Vega's Path to Shooting High End Fashion 0:41: Podcasting can help you know yourself from the outside. 3:35: The best part about interviewing people, plus Enrique's early interest in radio and media. 7:25: Enrique's first job in Mexico, assisting a wedding and Quinceañera photographer. 11:48: From intern to first assistant in NYC, plus showing the confidence to do a good job. 16:28: The story of the Archer—pursue the unreachable & aim for the stars. 18:02: The issue of fashion magazines & the world beyond print publications. 23:58: The value of personal human interaction in a digital era.  26:51: Resilience is at the core of success as a photographer in New York. 31:47: Dealing with struggles, constant evolution & industry burn out. 33:22: Riding the evolutionary wave, plus how Enrique uses AI.  46:28: Striking a balance between being an artist and a businessperson 52:22: The human element & finding the person behind the creative. 56:22: Enrique's advice for aspiring photographers: "Talent & execution are not enough." 1:04:00: Final thoughts: "Your success is my success. If I help you, we grow together." Guest Bio: Enrique Vega is a Mexican-born, New York City-based fashion photographer and director, whose fashion and beauty work has been published in the most prestigious fashion magazines worldwide and featured in TV shows like America's Next Top Model. He began his career in photography at age 17 as an assistant to a local photographer in Mexico. After completing a degree in Communication Sciences at the Autonomous University of Baja, California, he continued his studies in portraiture at the Academy of Visual Arts in Mexico City, Spéos School of Photography in Paris, the School of Visual Arts, and the International Center of Photography in New York City. His work is part of the Art + Commerce / Vogue italy / PhotoVogue Collection. In 2019, he was awarded "Photographer of the Year" by the Fashion Group International Mexico for his experience, creativity, and perseverance in fashion photography, both inside and outside the country. He also was the winner of the Kelly Cutroune photo contest organized by TALENTHOUSE to be part of an elite team of photographers working on Mercedez Benz Fashion Week in New York. Most recently, he has added teaching fashion photography to his repertoire.  Stay Connected: Enrique Vega Website: https://www.enrique-vega.com/ Enrique Vega Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enriquevegaphoto/ Enrique Vega Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/enriquevegastudio Enrique Vega YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@enriquevegaphoto Enrique Vega LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enriquevegastudio/ B&H Podcast Network Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhpodcastnetwork/ B&H Podcast Network Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BHPodcastNetwork  Host: Derek Fahsbender Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman Technical Producer/Video Editor: Peter Maziarz Executive Producer: Dana Glidden

The time-honored saying "A picture is worth a thousand words" can quickly lose meaning in the intricate tangle of a photographer's lifetime archive. That is unless you take a disciplined approach to organizing your photographs from the start. This essential message is woven throughout this week's podcast with the esteemed photojournalist and filmmaker Ed Kashi. "You need to look at your archive from early on, even before you think you have any critical mass of material," Ed instructs. "This is your memory, this is your history. This is like the essence… Well, for me, this is like the essence of who I am." Derek's chat with Ed spans the full arc of his career of nearly 50 years—from his early in-depth stories for legendary magazines to his current work on ambitious creative projects through Talking Eyes Media, the non-profit he co-founded with his wife Julie Winokur.  Their discussion also covers the many implications of the digital revolution, being accountable for the pictures you make, viewing social media as an opportunity to be your own publisher, Ed's natural reflex to anticipate and react to situations, plus his affinity for capturing "Abandoned Moments," where he's not fully in control of the action in front of his lens.  Yet, while photos are vital building blocks, story reigns supreme. "Here's how I want to end," Ed concludes. "Joan Didion has a great quote, 'We humans live for stories.' Simply put, and so true and so wise. And I feel that I live for stories, whether I'm telling them or whether I'm absorbing them." If you've enjoyed this podcast, please follow us @bhpodcastnetwork and be on the lookout for more inspiring conversations in our new format. Guest: Ed Kashi Episode Timeline: 0:00: Ed Kashi: Anticipate & React 3:16: Ed's reflexes to anticipate and react and not be in control of situations he documents. 5:45: Ed's approach to social media: He can be his own publisher. 9:45: Your archive is the essence of who you are as a photographer. 12:31: Ed's switch to digital photography in 2002.  16:30: An early ambition to be a writer rather than a photographer.  21:33: Ed's Aging in America project and his entry to video. 26:58: Collaborating with his wife Julie Winokur on multimedia projects & knowing how to work together with a partner.  33:08: The importance of a support staff to running his business, plus his Talking Eyes Media nonprofit. 39:04: Finding new ways to fund ambitious creative projects and distribute through major media outlets. 45:38: Ed's theory of Abandoned Moments & capturing the in-between moments not in control. 56:32: Being accountable for the pictures you make & not reinforcing stereotypes. 1:05:14: Ed's most difficult story in Iraq & his first panic attack Guest Bio: Ed Kashi believes in the power of still images to change people's minds. This renowned photojournalist, filmmaker, speaker, and educator has been making images and telling stories for 45 years. As a member of VII Photo, Kashi has been recognized for his complex imagery and its compelling rendering of the human condition. His editorial assignments and personal projects have generated fourteen books and several influential short films, and his award-winning images have been published and exhibited worldwide. Dedicated to the social and political issues that define our times, Ed's restless creativity has continually placed him at the forefront of new approaches to visual storytelling. His embrace of technology has spawned unique ways to combine photography and filmmaking—from creative social media projects to immersive multimedia projections, and beyond. In 2002, Ed, together with his wife, the writer + filmmaker Julie Winokur, founded Talking Eyes Media as a non-profit company focused on producing short films, exhibitions, books, and multimedia pieces that explore significant social issues. Stay Connected: Ed Kashi Website: https://www.edkashi.com Talking Eyes Media Website: https://talkingeyesmedia.org The Enigma Room Website: https://www.enigmaroom.me Ed Kashi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edkashi Talking Eyes Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingeyesmedia/ B&H Podcast Network Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhpodcastnetwork/ B&H Podcast Network Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BHPodcastNetwork   Host: Derek Fahsbender Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman Technical Producer/Video Editor: Peter Maziarz Executive Producer: Dana Glidden

New York City is often considered the center of the universe, especially for photographers and other creative types. Leaving the Big Apple after you've established yourself there can mean "saying goodbye to these chapters of a previous life," according to today's guest. Derek's chat with Sony Artisan Nancy Borowick on this week's podcast is all about looking beyond the environment that launched her professional life and making pivots to balance a successful career with the responsibilities of a growing family, amid other life changes.  As Derek aptly notes, "Pivot means more adapt than it means change. And you can turn out a different end product and it's coming from a different place. But at the end of the day, you're still building the same connections." Nancy and Derek also discuss the value of mentorship, the essential role of human connections, challenges to building community as an outsider in a new setting, and Nancy's recent expansion into family & event photography. Reflecting on the jumble of life and career decisions she's made to this point, Nancy admits, "It calms me to be able to look at all the pivots and all the different chances that I've taken and seen that it's all kind of worked out in the end in some capacity. Like, when you're just starting out, and I was saying yes to everything that came my way because, one, I needed to make money, but also, someone wants to hire me to take photographs?!?" "I thought it was going to be a hobby," she adds. "I didn't realize I could make it into a career. And, little by little this door opened this thing, and this door opened this other thing, and I left New York, and I said goodbye to a lot, but then new doors opened." If you've enjoyed this podcast, please follow us @bhpodcastnetwork and be on the lookout for more inspiring conversations in our new format. Guest: Nancy Borowick Episode Timeline:  0:00: Nancy Borowick: Photography Mentors & Career Pivots. 1:36: Derek stalks Nancy enroute to the recording session. 6:12: Leaving New York for the US Virgin Islands. 10:45: Balancing a career with kids and family. 13:08: Mixing photojournalism & local news stories with family & event shoots. 15:14: Making human connections & being a part of other people's joy. 18:10: Connecting to the local community as an outsider  21:35: Building Nancy's new business: Love City Photos  29:55: A pivot means adapt more than it means change  35:34: The photographic curse behind some of Derek's portraits. 38:40: Nancy's portrait assignment from a B&H Event Space photo walk. 42:04: Photography mentorship & finding the person you want to be.  50:28: The importance of making time for yourself. 58:46: Nancy's advice for finding a mentor.   Guest Bio: Nancy Borowick is an internationally renowned photographer, author, teacher and speaker, bringing her personal story to universities, hospitals, oncology units and community groups world across the globe.  Nancy is a Sony Artisan of Imagery and proud member of the Sony Alpha Female community. She is a graduate of the International Center of Photography and has exhibited her work in more than 100 cities.  Her photos have appeared in newspapers and magazines worldwide, and she has worked regularly with the New York Times since 2013. These intimate stories of people and places have garnered major accolades and awards, including World Press Photo, Pictures of the Year International, and The Arnold Newman Prize. In 2019, Nancy was invited to become a Kickstarter Thought Leader. Most recently, Nancy received the Humanitarian Award from the organization Women That Soar for her photography and recent monograph, The Family Imprint. Nancy currently resides on the island of St. John, USVI with her husband, and two sons.   Stay Connected: Nancy Borowick Website: https://www.nancyborowick.com/ Nancy Borowick Love City Website: https://www.lovecityphoto.com/ Nancy Borowick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancyborowick B&H Podcast Network Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhpodcastnetwork/ B&H Podcast Network Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BHPodcastNetwork   Host: Derek Fahsbender Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman Technical Producer/Video Editor: Peter Maziarz Executive Producer: Dana Glidden

Austin Bell shoots basketball courts—thousands of them—mostly from above. Using a drone and a flat-lay approach, he's documented more than 6,500 courts across 28 countries, including every single example to be found across Hong Kong's variegated landscape. In 2024, Bell's self-described "nonchalant obsession" became Shooting Hoops, an exhibition and monograph that maps the city through color, geometry, and concrete. In today's show—our first full video release in our in-house studio—Austin describes the complex logistics involved in finding and photographing every last court, while also elaborating on his ingenious system for organizing all the data in a color-coded map that he can store on his phone. We also touch on AI, as Austin shares details about the machine-powered analytics that helped him assemble all his New York-area courts into a magnificent rainbow-colored grid. Austin's latest undertaking is to update his collection of "concrete crop circles" across the five boroughs, with a plan to feature the top 10 courts from each borough on a deck of cards. Austin's ultimate goal with this project is to "show people things that they're not going to get to see otherwise. "I think we all struggle with that need to make something uniquely ours as things get easier to produce," he notes. "But I think that drives us forward as artists. Part of creating is not mimicking. You want to go out there and actually create something that is yours." If you've enjoyed this podcast, please follow us @bhpodcastnetwork and be on the lookout for more inspiring conversations in our new format. Guest: Austin Bell Episode Timeline:     1:02: Austin's Shooting Hoops t-shirt & being a basketball fan.   3:32: The flat lay approach to shooting with drones … plus crash stories!   9:06: Shoot logistics and collecting data in a spread sheet.   15:40: Creative aspects to photographing basketball courts.   20:55: Photo editing for Austin's Shooting Hoops book.   24:16: A tour of Hong Kong through its basketball courts.   29:38: Using AI to help with the edit.   33:51: People's personal relationships with their neighborhood courts.   43:10: Revisiting courts and keeping track of their current state.   49:07: The need to create something unique as things get easier to produce.   54:40: Austin's approach to shooting hoops as a very nonchalant obsession.   59:26: What's next for Austin and his Shooting Hoops project?       Guest Bio: Austin Bell is a peripatetic photographer, originally from North Carolina. His work centers around large-scale collections, frequently aerial, of landscapes and architecture that showcase novel perspectives. He seeks to present subjects and places in ways that delight and transport the viewer. In addition to capturing more than 6,600 basketball courts in 28 countries and 19 states—including the 2,549 Hong Kong courts featured in his 2024 book Shooting Hoops—Bell also photographs other types of aerial landscapes and birds. Past publications include a book of bird photography, Birding: The First Two Years, and a non-fiction book, Horse Show Boyfriend, a travelogue and explainer about the world of hunter-jumper horses.       Stay Connected: Austin Bell Website: https://bellaustin.com Austin Bell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinwonderland B&H Podcast Network Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhpodcastnetwork/ B&H Podcast Network Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BHPodcastNetwork

After an extended hiatus, we're stoked to announce that the B&H Photography Podcast is back online with an impressive visual identity and a vibrant new studio space for hosting in-person guests. In this Welcome Back prequel, host Derek Fahsbender elaborates on some of the moving parts involved in our transition from audio-only to a fully-fledged video podcast. He also introduces the show's new technical producer Peter Maziarz, who adds his insights from behind the mixing board. As Derek notes, our recent process in rebooting the podcast is not so different than "a typical day in the life of a photographer—figuring things out." He also shares a deeply personal perspective on his evolution as a photographer by asking, "How has it made me a better person? How does life imitate art and art imitate life? And the two interconnect in a way that as I'm getting better as a photographer, I'm hopefully getting better as a person, and seeing the world in a different light." Take a tour of our new studio space in the photos posted here. And for regular updates and inspiring chats in our new format, follow us on social media @bhpodcastnetwork. Guest: Derek Fahsbender & Peter Maziarz Episode Timeline:     0:19: Taking the leap from audio-only to a video podcast.   1:40: Challenges to building a rapport with guests without visual cues.   3:10: Updating the vision of the original B&H podcast pioneers.   5:42: The ultimate vibe check with our upcoming line-up of guests   9:13: Teasing our first podcast guest—Austin Bell and his Shooting Hoops project.   10:44: How Derek got involved with the podcast & introducing Peter Maziarz.   13:01: Derek's take on a new frontier and a collaborative vision.     15:09: A show with the support of B&H as an industry leader.   16:09: Derek's parting words: "Just go out there, do it, figure it out as you go."   Guest Bios:   Derek Fahsbender is a photographer based in New York City. As Senior Producer for the B&H Event Space team, Derek works with a wide range of tech brands, as well as freelance creatives, and brand ambassadors, to develop content for educational programming. He also serves as host/moderator for the B&H Event Space's live events. Derek is an official Fujifilm Creator, Logitech Ambassador, Oberwerth Ambassador, plus host of the B&H Photography Podcast, part of the B&H Podcast Network. Peter Maziarz is the producer of the B&H Podcast Network and the B&H Photography Podcast. He designed the network's brand new studio and has spent five years at B&H, following several years in video production. He's building the show he'd want to listen to: real conversations with industry leading creatives. Stay Connected:   B&H Podcast Network Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhpodcastnetwork/ B&H Podcast Network Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BHPodcastNetwork

The B&H Photography Podcast is getting a facelift. After more than a decade of audio-driven chats featuring many of the photo world's most inspiring voices, we're transitioning to a video podcast—in our own dedicated studio! In this short farewell to audio, podcast host Derek Fahsbender reflects on inheriting the mic, pays tribute to the show's founders and colleagues who've helped shape the show, and elaborates on all he's learned from guests who've dedicated their lives to the craft. Most important, we offer you, our listeners, heartfelt thanks for your collective role in making our show the success it is today, and we encourage you to follow along as we embark on our next chapter. Join us @bhpodcastnetwork for the same inspiring conversations in our new format. For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see: www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts Guest: Derek Fahsbender Episode Timeline:   0:35: Derek's early hesitation to step up to the podcast mic. 1:27: Paying tribute to the podcast's founders John, Allan & Jason. 2:55: What Derek learned from a recent family trip to Japan. 3:50: Inspiring thoughts from our episode with Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York. 4:46: The podcast's here and now and looking ahead to the future. Guest Bio: Derek Fahsbender is a photographer based in New York City. As Senior Producer for the B&H Event Space team, Derek works with a wide range of tech brands, as well as freelance creatives, and brand ambassadors, to develop content for educational programming. He also serves as host/moderator for the B&H Event Space's live events. Derek is an official Fujifilm Creator, Logitech Ambassador, Oberwerth Ambassador, plus host of the B&H Photography Podcast, part of the B&H Podcast Network.  Stay Connected: Derek Fahsbender Website: https://www.likeamacheen.com​ Derek Fahsbender Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/likeamacheen B&H Podcast Network Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhpodcastnetwork/ B&H Podcast Network Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BHPodcastNetwork

What does it take to photograph elite athletes pushing their bodies to the point of collapse, or freeze the motion of cars hurtling by at speeds that blur the line between control and catastrophe? Two of our favorite recent podcasts went deep inside those worlds: one with Phil Penman and Kristof Ramon on the brutal beauty of competitive cycling, and the other with Camden Thrasher and Jamey Price on the relentless sensory overload that comes with photographing motor sports. While our video podcast studio gets its finishing touches, we're revisiting our archive for an encore that pairs the best of both sports—from the many stages of suffering baked into professional cycling to the wild mix of visual stimulation and sleep deprivation that comes with shooting a 24-hour endurance race. In each conversation, you'll find sparks of enlightenment that happens when photographers who thrive on adrenaline get a chance to really talk shop. The excerpts here contain the highlights. Yet, the full episodes are also worth your time—links to those are in the timeline below. And make sure to subscribe @BHPodcastNetwork to get our latest updates on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Guests: Phil Penman, Kristof Ramon, Camden Thrasher & Jamey Price Episode Timeline: The Art of Competitive Cycling Photography, with Phil Penman & Kristof Ramon 3:25: Phil Penman's background in competitive cycling and how this informs his photographs of the sport. 5:48: Logistics to shooting competitive cycling and perils of damaging photo gear. 9:21: Creative aspects to competitive cycling photography and how to get impactful shots. 14:00: The many stages of suffering in competitive cycling, and the pride riders take in having this photographed. 20:02: Technical aspects of cycling photography, understanding light, capturing speed, and learning to react intuitively to the action. 25:00: Gaining access and building rapport with athletes and teams. 31:28: The back story to Kristof's book and how he identified suffering as a narrative element. 37:38: Starting out and getting credentials as a competitive cycling photographer. 41:13: Balancing the technical with an emotional response while building in certainties and calculating risk. 50:29: EPISODE BREAK High-Octane Motor Sports Photography, with Camden Thrasher & Jamey Price 53:46: Jamey's start as a jockey, plus comparisons between photographing horse racing and motorsports 55:25: Camden's early years at auto races and exploring the mechanics of his father's film camera. 56:55: The logistics behind working as a motor sports photographer and a race day timeline. 1:10:58: The thrill of endurance racing and how covering these 24-hour races differs from other auto racing events. 1:16:34: Camden and Jamey's go-to gear, and using manual focus for panning shots.  1:23:00: How to capture adverse weather or unique atmospheric conditions for great results.  1:27:15: Camera settings and creative techniques for panning, plus challenges to calculating relative distance combined with speed.  1:33:42: Varied limits to image use, copyright ownership, and licensing images to clients. 1:37:36: Parting advice to fans seeking to become a credentialed motor sport photographer. Guest Bios: British-born, New York-based photographer Phil Penman has documented the ever-changing scene of New York City's streets for more than 25 years. and he has quite a bit of experience in the world of professional cycling himself. In his career as a news and magazine photographer, Phil has photographed major public figures and historical events. His reportage following the 9/11 terrorist attack was featured in major print publications and media broadcasts worldwide, and his work covering New York City's pandemic lockdown is in the collection of the U.S. Library of Congress. In addition to exhibiting at Leica galleries in New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, and London, Phil's signature street photography has appeared in international exhibitions as far afield as Venice, Berlin, and Sydney. He also tours the world teaching photo workshops for Leica Akademie. Phil's books, "Street" published in 2019, and "New York Street Diaries" published in 2023 both became best-sellers and have been featured at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Kristof Ramon is a pro-cycling photographer who covers some of the world's most prestigious races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d' Italia, the Tour of Flanders and Paris Roubaix. Born and raised in Belgium, Kristof discovered photography while attending film school at age 19. He eventually followed his passion for cycling and photography and has focused exclusively on this sport since 2011. Working under the name Kramon, his talent for storytelling and his ability to capture the atmosphere and raw emotion of racing makes his images stand out from typical race photography. Kristof's reputation has earned him the respect and trust of many of the biggest racing teams and riders - which is why he's able to capture such extraordinary in-between moments and behind-the-scenes images. The riders are always his primary focus, as evidenced in his close-up portraits of racers caked in sweat, mud, dust, snow, and grime. Kristof's first book, The Art of Suffering, was released in June 2024 by Laurence King Publishing. Camden Thrasher is a motor sports photographer with a distinctive ability to capture unique scenes of fast action. Growing up in Vancouver, Washington, it was the sound of engines from a nearby racetrack that first drew him to motor sports. After becoming a fixture at the track with his camera during high school, Camden studied automotive design and engineering in college, expecting to work as an engineer or on a pit crew. But the money he was making as a side hustle with his camera convinced him to stick with photography, and he hasn't looked back since. Using a unique slow shutter speed method, perfected over many exposures, Camden revels in showcasing the abstract qualities of gleaming metal, bright lights, and dynamic action that are hallmarks of this sport. Now based out of Atlanta, Georgia, Camden's work has been commissioned by top racing teams and featured in a wide range of media, from print magazines to automotive branding campaigns. Jamey Price is an automotive photographer based in Charlotte, North Carolina, whose motor sports work has taken him to more than 25 countries, and across most of the continental US. Jamey's photography career began while he was competing as a thoroughbred horse racing jockey and exercise rider. During this time, he completed more than 50 races, notching 11 wins in the saddle. His life in horse racing was eventually compiled into the self-published book Chasing: Racing Life in England & Ireland. Yet, in 2011, Jamey's photography career switched from horses to horse-power. Since he began chasing race cars, his images have been published worldwide in magazines, distributed by sports imagery wire services, and featured by top commercial clients. Additionally, Jamey is a LEXAR Elite Artist, since 2014. Stay Connected: Phil Penman Website: https://www.philpenman.com Phil Penman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philpenman/ Phil Penman Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philpenmanphotography/ Phil Penman Twitter: https://x.com/Penmanphoto Phil Penman Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Penman Kristof Ramon Website: https://kramon.be/ Kristof Ramon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kramon_velophoto Kristof Ramon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kramon/ Kristof Ramon Twitter: https://x.com/kristoframon Kristof Ramon Photoshelter: https://kramon.photoshelter.com/ Kristof Ramon Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kristoframon/ Kristof Ramon at Lawrence King Publishing:  https://us.laurenceking.com/products/the-art-of-suffering Camden Thrasher Website: https://www.camdenthrasher.com/ Camden Thrasher Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camdenthrasher/ Camden Thrasher Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTimages/ Camden Thrasher Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cthrash/  Jamey Price Website: https://www.jameypricephoto.com/ Jamey Price Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameypricephoto/ Jamey Price Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jameypricephoto/ Jamey Price Twitter: https://x.com/jameypricephoto/ Jamey Price YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jameypricephoto Jamey Price TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jameypricephoto/ Jamey Price Lexar: https://americas.lexar.com/lexar-elite-team/jamey-price/  For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see: www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts

Music photography has always been a listener favorite, and through the years we've gathered countless stories from legendary photographers about what it takes to document all aspects of the music scene. As we temporarily pause in recording new episodes while we build out a studio for video podcasts, we decided to take a trip down memory lane and feature some noteworthy clips from our 10-year archive. This compilation of favorite moments celebrates the intersection of photographic mastery and music history, with talents spanning from Lynn Goldsmith to Mick Rock, Jeanette Beckman to Graham Nash, among the many other dedicated music photographers we've had the pleasure to interview.  If you'd like to take a deeper dive into any of the original episodes, you'll find links in our episode timeline below. Most important, please subscribe to @BHPodcastNetwork to get our latest updates on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Featured Photograph © Jim Marshall, from the new book The Beatles By Jim Marshall: Live At Candlestick Park, in bookstores June 2, 2026 Episode Timeline:   0:58: Excerpt from The Markers of Our Bliss—Lynn Goldsmith and Rock 'n' Roll 4:22: Excerpt from Mick Rock: The Name Says It All 6:59: Excerpt from Master Blaster Charles Daniels Reveals his Unseen '60s Era Photo Archive 12:06: Excerpt from 'Scuse Me While I Kiss the Sky - Rock Photography of the 1960s 15:55: Excerpt from Jazz Photography and "Harlem 1958" by Art Kane 20:38: Excerpt from Hip-Hop Fellini—Anniversary of "The Greatest Day in Hip-Hop," by Gordon Parks, featuring Michael Gonzales, Sheena Lester & Vikki Tobak. 29:24: Episode Break 30:06: Excerpt from A History of Hip-Hop Photography, featuring Vikki Tobak, Jeanette Beckman & Eric Johnson 37:20: Excerpt from Mixing Music with Pictures, with Bootsy Holler & Chris Ortiz 42:41: Excerpt from The Ninja—Concert Photography, with Christie Goodwin  48:45: Excerpt from Graham Nash, Ace Photographer, Digital Printing Pioneer, Music Legend Stay Connected: Lynn Goldsmith Website: https://lynngoldsmith.com/wordpress/ Mick Rock Website: https://www.mickrock.com/ Charles Daniels Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Charles-Daniels-Photography-100088252000625/ Jim Marshall Website: https://www.jimmarshallphotographyllc.com/ Art Kane Website: https://www.artkane.com/ Gordon Parks Website: https://www.gordonparksfoundation.org/ Vikki Tobak Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vikkitobak Jeanette Beckman Website: https://janettebeckman.com/ Eric Johnson Website: https://cargocollective.com/upstairsaterics Chris Ortiz Website: https://www.chris-ortiz.com/ Christie Goodwin Website: https://christiegoodwin.com/ Graham Nash Website: https://grahamnash.com/

"Live From New York, it's Saturday Night!" That single sentence has become a catchphrase for devotees of comedy and popular culture for more than 50 years—generations of fans who willingly turn their attentions from the height of weekend revelry to the televised antics of Saturday Night Live.  As this illustrious broadcast wraps its 51st season, we're releasing an encore of our 2025 chat with SNL's photographer-in-residence Mary Ellen Matthews, while we busy ourselves backstage to bring you some exciting changes and an upcoming new look to our own show. Week in, week out for more than two decades, Mary Ellen has conjured visual magic behind the scenes, creating inventive and irreverent portraits that air for three seconds each as so-called "bumpers" that transition to and from the show's commercial breaks.  During our spirited chat about what is arguably the world's best photo gig, we follow Mary Ellen from a fateful 1993 phone call, inviting her to assist the show's founding photographer Edie Baskin, through her journey from mentee to team leader. Along the way, we pull back the curtain on the creation of some iconic images and learn what it takes to be "in the driver's seat [with] a whole busload of very important people to take care of." "My job is to make this easy and fast," she notes. "And I don't want anyone to be overthinking anything because they've got enough to worry about with all the sketches and all the pre-tapes and their responsibilities to the rest of the show, which is the most important thing." Episode Timeline:  3:00: Living the dream as SNL's resident photographer while being creative under stressful deadline pressure. 4:44: Mary Ellen's early immersion in photography, at the side of her hobbyist father. 6:56: Arriving in NYC, early work for a record label, and the call to assist SNL's founding photographer in residence, Edie Baskin. 11:55: SNL's transition from film to digital, plus the cameras Mary Ellen shoots with today.  15:37: Conceptualizing the weekly portrait shoots and collaborating with subjects. 20:31: Behind-the-scenes of a dicey photo shoot, plus SNL's weekly production timeline. 27:25: Episode Break 28:12: Beyond portraits, the images Mary Ellen shoots as props for SNL sketches—sometimes with a 4x5.  33:11: The scheduling of SNL portrait shoots and getting portrait subjects to have fun. 36:34: Testing for shoots, the atmosphere on-set, and flying by the seat of your pants.  40:06: Communicating with a celebrity's team to get everyone on the same page about shoots and concepts. 42:30: The general workflow of SNL portrait sessions: from shoot preparation to editing and post-production. 45:07: Advice for emerging photographers looking for work or applying for an internship.   Guest Bio: As a top entertainment portrait photographer, Mary Ellen Matthews is specialized in creating iconic images of well-known personalities—from pop stars to sports legends to rock gods. Since 1999, she has been photographer-in-residence at Saturday Night Live, where she's responsible for creating the distinctive look of the show's still images. Through her exuberant presence that puts subjects at ease, her creative and playful styling on set and intensive fine-tuning in post, Matthews produces unique and recognizable portraits under the manic deadlines of live TV. What's more, in 2010, she began directing SNL's video clips, including the show's opening title sequence.   Recent clients include Peacock, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Studios, and Prime Video, as well as publications such as Variety, Rolling Stone, Marie Claire, and the Spanish edition of Harper's Bazaar. Most notably, in March 2025, Matthews's first book, The Art of the SNL Portrait, was released to mark the 50th anniversary of this revolution in late night TV. S

Photography has plenty of different specialty areas—portraits, sports, fashion, food, still life—to name just a few. In today's show we're going to investigate a specialty that involves all these subjects, while calling for a photographer who is technically precise, emotionally intuitive, and practically invisible, all at once. It's a corner of the industry people rarely consider, but one that holds massive influence over our cultural lives. This is the domain of the Unit Set Photographer: the person responsible for the pictures that sell a film or a show before anyone else has seen a frame of it.  During a spirited conversation with photographers Myles Aronowitz and Cara Howe, we pull back the curtain on what it really feels like to toil on set, build trust with talent, and come away with great images under conditions that are rarely in your favor.  In addition to learning the origin stories to their intense, multifaceted careers, we distinguish between work on feature films and tv productions, reveal the secret superpowers of stealth and stillness essential for success on set, describe how to build alliances across an film entire crew, and talk about value of the global shutter to combat banding with LED lights. Or, as Myles sums things up in a nutshell, "One of the great things about being a still photographer on set is you're basically observing everything. I think of it as a learning experience every day." Episode Timeline: 3:26: Defining the role of a unit set photographer and how it fits into a larger film or tv production. 8:24: How Myles first got into photographing stills for movie sets in the analog days.  11:22: Cara's career path to working on films, joining the union, and becoming a unit set photographer. 16:54: Digging deeper into the multifaced role of still photographer on movie sets. 20:50: Does your work on a film set affect how you experience the finished production? 22:28: Making distinctions between work on a feature film set vs a tv production. 35:40: The importance of relationships with other crew members, from the assistant director to the lighting crew to the sound department.  40:35: Episode Break 41:22: The sound blimp days of working with film and DSLRs before the switch to mirrorless.  52:37: The cameras and lenses Myles & Cara work with on set. 57:12: Booking gigs, work schedules & downtime between jobs in both feature films and tv productions. 1:00:03: Post-production and turn-around time for delivering files. 1:02:41: Pathways for joining the Cinematographers Guild—IATSE Local 600. 1:05:53: Myles's post-retirement life and the importance of personal work as part of his vision. 1:10:28: Cara's personal projects and connections to the Hudson Valley art community. Stay Connected: Myles Aronowitz Website: https://mylesaronowitz.com/ Myles Aronowitz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mylesaronowitz Myles Aronowitz Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/mylesaronowitz?fl=pl&fe=po Myles Aronowitz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myles-aronowitz-0779499/ Myles Aronowitz on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0036938/ Cara Howe Unit Stills Website: http://carahowephoto.com/ Cara Howe Personal Website: https://www.carahowecreative/ Cara Howe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carahowephoto/ Cara Howe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carahowe/ Cara Howe on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1244868/

Sports photography hinges on freezing peak action—transforming a high-speed blur into a dramatic portrayal of human effort. When you combine that with the unyielding drive of elite athletes on the world stage, the pressure to nail the shot provides an incredible adrenaline rush. In today's podcast, we discuss the unique challenges of documenting history in the making and unpacking stories from the Winter Games with renowned sports photographer Jean Fruth, recently back from her first Olympics.  From a hectic scramble on arrival in Milan—getting to the arena and gearing up as her first game was already in progress—to the detailed planning and creative insights she brought to every second of the ensuing competition, Jean shares her front row seat at the Games. We also follow her behind the scenes and learn how she negotiated a special request for access and her diplomatic response that transformed an unqualified maybe into a yes.  As she notes during our chat, "My Olympics was an intense women's hockey Olympics. It was—I have a chance to make something special, something different. I have two and three games per day. I'm here for almost three weeks. I have a chance to make all kinds of pictures. So, I'm not going to play it safe." Episode Timeline: 2:24: Jean's shift from baseball to hockey to promote women's sports, plus her path to photographing hockey at her first Olympics.  13:11: The high-pressure logistics behind Jean's arrival in Milan with her first game already in progress.   21:52: Photographing day two and connecting with her photography heroes.  24:30: Jean's creative approach to photographing hockey at the Games, plus the challenge of shooting through plexiglass. 28:07: Chasing the story behind Women's Olympic hockey games and the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). 30:02: The ask to shoot behind-the-scenes and Jean's approach to dealing with a maybe.  35:06: Episode Break 35:51: Jean talks about her gear and the tools available to photographers in the media center.  44:21: Lugging her gear to a prime Opening Ceremonies vantage point despite wrong directions, plus the pizza delivery service that sustained her during overnight editing sessions.  50:57: Derek and Jean talk lighting, camera settings, and using a preset to pan with action shots. 54:26: The challenges of shooting through plexiglass, plus getting creative with different elements to keep it interesting—from panning techniques to playing with colors. 1:01:24: The dream moments at the end of the competition, and how Jean hustled to capture both the view from above and a central position for the team shot with medals.  1:04:25: Jean's biggest take away from the Olympics—the collaborative aspect of performing at the highest level. It felt good to be nervous and then overcome it. 1:07:14: Jean's parting advice—you belong here, having confidence in yourself, and being prepared to shift. Guest Bio: Jean Fruth does more than take pictures of sports; she tells stories of vibrant personalities and local cultures. As a Sony Artisan of Imagery, Jean has covered nearly every sport, though baseball remains her specialty. After helping to build the archive of the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, she co-founded the Grassroots Baseball non-profit in 2019 to celebrate the amateur game worldwide.  Jean is also a filmmaker and the author of three books. Her latest project See Her Be Her includes a documentary film, a book, and a non-profit aimed at shining an overdue spotlight on women athletes, or "unsung sheroes," as she calls them.  Jean's work is regularly featured in prestige media and has been exhibited in major institutions from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum to the Smithsonian to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Most recently, she was honored with the 2025 United Nations International Photographic Council Achievement Award.  For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see: www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts

Above Photograph © Donald Pettit, NASA At its best, photography draws from both science and art, to give resulting images a dual purpose—aesthetic innovation and scientific merit. And when that photography happens from the windows of the International Space Station, capturing star trails, city lights, and our blue planet against the void of space, it becomes something truly transcendent.  In today's show, we're privileged to chat with NASA Astronaut Donald Pettit, a scientist, inventor, and photographer who has spent nearly two years living, working, and making pictures in orbit. Some fun take aways from our chat include:  How photographing in a microgravity environment can turn a traditional group portrait      into bodies scattering like bowling pins when the photographer tries to join the shot. The vast perspective when viewing out a window of the ISS—on the order of half a continent—rather than a 50-to-100-kilometer horizon on earth. The stratospheric volume of imagery captured during a mission, and the discerning Lightroom workflow Don uses to retrieve individual photos from his archive at home.  The importance of a humble synch cord to connect two cameras and render the "many decades of brightness" on an EV scale as a single HDR image to illustrate the rapid transition from day to night that occurs in orbit.  And, finally, how Don has taken the concept of synchronized imagery to a cosmic level by pairing the same phenomena he captures from orbit with a complementary view recorded from earth, in collaboration with astrophotographer Babak Tafreshi. As Don explains towards the end of our chat, "I'm a big proponent of the concept of a frontier. My frontier happens to be space, but there are frontiers all around us." He then shares this parting advice: "So just explore the frontiers that present themselves to you, the frontiers that you're motivated to go to. And just open your eyes and collect data, and then record or write about it, because you could make an observation and if you don't somehow share that with others through publications or imagery, it's almost as if it's never been done." Guest: NASA Astronaut Donald Pettit Episode Timeline: 2:06: Donald Pettit's introduction to photography, plus connections between his love of science and his creative vision. 5:51: Don's first space flight in 2002 - 2003, using both film and digital cameras, plus the learning curve on the ground to prepare for photographing in space.  10:36: The success rate when shooting with film and challenges to photographing in orbit. 13:42: From photographing with a barn-door tracker to Don's recent use of an orbital sidereal tracker. 19:07: Advances in digital camera technology, Don's relationship with NASA photo trainers, and challenges to capturing group shots in microgravity. 23:43: Don's most memorable photos from space, the advantages of pro-level camera technology, plus his personal everyday camera—the Nikon Z9. 29:38: Episode Break 30:33: The benefits to fast glass for nighttime images, plus Don's reluctant transition to mirrorless technology.  33:57: Capturing the colors of city lights, plus the spread of cosmic fireflies—commonly known as Starlink satellites 37:54: Changes on Earth that affect a view from space, plus the extra gear list for Don's next flight. 42:10: The volume of images captured during a mission, Don's Lightroom workflow at home, plus taking notes on the ISS for future reference on Earth.  49:32: Don's Antarctic expedition to hunt for meteorites, and the creative potential of a frontier environment. 53:17: Don's project From Above and Below with astrophotographer Babak Tafreshi, plus the unicorns in space he hopes to capture on future missions. 57:52: Parting advice about chasing your dreams—Explore the frontiers that present themselves, open your eyes, record your observations, and share them with others. Guest Bio:  Donald Pettit is NASA astronaut and a veteran of four spaceflights, logging more than 590 days in space, primarily on the International Space Station. Currently NASA's oldest active astronaut, Don's missions have focused on scientific research into topics that include microgravity, 3D printing, water purification, and plant growth. He's also known for his remarkable in-space inventions, stunning astrophotography, and engaging educational content that makes space science engaging and fun.  A native of Silverton, Oregon, Pettit was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1996. He holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Oregon State University and a doctorate in the same field from the University of Arizona. Prior to joining NASA, Pettit worked as a staff scientist at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.  Stay Connected: Donald Pettit on the NASA Website: https://www.nasa.gov/people/donald-r-pettit/ Donald Pettit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astro_pettit/ Donald Pettit on X: https://x.com/astro_Pettit Donald Pettit's Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Pettit# Host: Derek Fahsbender Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman Senior Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein Executive Producer: Richard Stevens

One of the most polarizing questions in the mind of any photographer is "Should—or shouldn't I—get an agent?"  The role of an agent in a photographer's career is often misunderstood, leading hungry creatives to think that securing representation is their number one key to success. In truth, the relationship between a photographer and agent is far more nuanced than simply booking more assignments. In today's podcast, we take a deep dive into this complex alliance in a discussion with two generations of top agents, whose combined careers span from the film-era to the latest in media buys.  Listen in for a behind-the-scenes look at the many details involved, from the four P's Jennifer (JP) Perlmutter looks for in a photographer's work to Michael Ash's skill in editing a portfolio to allow a photographer's individual vision and passion to shine. Our experts also shed light on critical topics such as branding, while making distinctions between a physical and emotional brand. Get fresh insights about standing out in an oversaturated marketplace and the matter of seeing ahead of the curve on trends. As JP notes, "You don't have to hop on the current trend. You don't need to create the new trend. You need to create what's true to you, what's true to your vision, and then know that there are enough people out there—that there is your niche. There are the people who are going to love what you're doing." Guests: Jennifer Perlmutter & Michael Ash Episode Timeline: 3:16: Is there a difference between the terms agent and rep? 4:11: Michael Ash on his start as an agent in late 1970's New York. 7:46: Jennifer Perlmutter talks about her beginnings at the dawn of social media. 12:25: Having a good eye for talent, plus the qualifications and skillsets needed to be a rep.  16:54: Producing as part of an agent's role, plus a peek inside relationships between photographers and a rep. 20:16: Navigating connections between clients, photographers, and reps—plus contracts. 27:34: An agent's role in protecting a photographer's interests, plus their skill in editing and curating the work. 35:46: JP describes the Four P's—what she looks for in a photographer's work. 43:14: Episode Break 44:36: To brand or not to brand, plus distinctions between physical and emotional branding.  47:28: How do you stand out in an oversaturated marketplace and hone a unique vision? 53:29: The current trend for nostalgia and harkening back to the analog world.  57:56: Michael and JP discuss today's advertising marketplace and usage rates.  1:01:08: The matter of taste vs analytics in today's commercial marketplace. 1:04:21: How do you see ahead of the curve or know which trends are worth jumping on? Where do we go from here? 1:11:14: Apostrophe's mentorship program, advice for young creatives, and some thoughts on AI. Guest Bios: Michael Ash is a photographers' agent and creative consultant who began representing photographers in 1979, after failing to get drafted into Major League Baseball. Born in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and raised on the streets of New York, Michael founded and led a successful agency in New York City from 1979 to 2016, focused on guiding the careers of more than 40 photographers from around the globe. He introduced this international talent to the world of commercial photography through representation, creative direction, and mentorship. Michael is an expert in contract negotiation, editorial curation, and client development. Most importantly, he has a lifelong dedication to nurturing artistic vision and unique creativity. Jennifer "JP" Perlmutter is currently a senior photo and motion rep at Apostrophe, with nearly two decades of experience representing and producing for photographers and directors across commercial and editorial realms. A 2006 graduate of Emerson College, where she studied advertising and visual arts, JP fell in love with photography early on and built a career at the intersection of creativity and commerce. She's known for her collaborative approach, sharp production insight, and deep commitment to artist development, especially when it comes to mentoring emerging talent. Possessing a robust skill set that includes artist representation, marketing strategy, photography, print production, social media and more, JP has built meaningful connections between artists, agencies, and brands, helping creatives collaborate authentically and thrive. She's passionate about championing visual storytellers and creating space for new voices in an ever-evolving industry. Stay Connected: Michael Ash on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelash_original/  Michael Ash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelash2/  Jennifer Perlmutter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jnperl/  Jennifer Perlmutter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jperlmutter/  Apostrophe Reps Website: https://apostrophe.is/  Apostrophe Reps on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apostrophereps/  Credits: Host: Derek Fahsbender Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman Senior Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein Executive Producer: Dana Glidden

While its origin is murky, the adage "Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time," is at the heart of this wide-ranging discussion about ethical practices in wildlife photography. From exotic safaris to local birding expeditions, interest in this subject matter has grown tremendously in recent years. Ever advancing camera technologies and increasing ease of use make stunning pictures more accessible than ever, but when these advantages combine with an unbridled enthusiasm for getting the shot, it can often put wildlife at risk. After defining conservation photography as an act that extends beyond image capture to effect a change in the world, we delve into questionable practices that can threaten animal safety and compromise natural behaviors. From avoiding obvious red flags of baiting an animal with food or using audio lures to trigger photogenic results, to more subtle actions of approaching too quickly, getting too close, or staying too long—our guests shed light on alternative methods for ethical behavior in the field. As Melissa states, "You just have to become a part of the landscape and feel yourself within this community of other beings whose voices and whose messages are as filled with meaning as ours are, but we really have yet to tap into it." Guests: Melissa Groo & Bobby Stormer Episode Timeline: 3:56: Defining the term conservation photographer and making a distinction with the term wildlife photographer. 5:25: Melissa's career shift to focus on animal research and her early days photographing wildlife. 12:15: Bobby's expansion from fine art to photography, his shift to photographing animals, plus his passion for local wildlife & animal rescue. 16:49: Bobby's rescue of a fox and her kits, and his work with rehabbers to rehabilitate animals in need. 20:04: The ethics of photographing wildlife, best practices to consider, and mistakes photographers can make that cross ethical lines. 28:59: An increased awareness of wildlife ethics and the importance of sharing best practices in photographing animals to help educate one another. 36:04: Truth in image captioning and the question of sharing detailed location details, plus the distressing truth behind wildlife game farms. 44:42: Episode Break 46:24: The cameras, lenses, and related photo gear Melissa and Bobby pack, plus their camera set-ups. 56:09: Bobby and Melissa talk focusing, aperture, shutter speed, ISO and other considerations for settings. 102:45: Ethical considerations beyond baiting animals and staging wildlife photo-ops at a time when nature and animal photography has gained huge traction. 1:05:57: Concerns related to captive animal photography, plus distinctions between various facilities—from zoos to sanctuaries to animal havens to wildlife game farms. 1:11:08: Wildlife rescue, the path to becoming a licensed animal rehabber, plus discussing the upsurge in interest in wildlife photography during the pandemic. 1:25:45: Advice for anyone seeking to become a professional wildlife or conservation photographer.              Guest Bios: Melissa Groo is a photographer, writer, and conservationist dedicated to telling stories of the natural world. As a leading voice and consultant on ethics in wildlife photography, it's her mission to inspire conservation of the animals she's privileged to witness, and the habitat crucial to their survival. A Sony Artisan of Imagery since 2024, Melissa also serves as an Associate Fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers, an advisor to the National Audubon Society, and a contributing editor for Audubon magazine. In 2023, Melissa received the "Jay N. Ding Darling Memorial Award for Wildlife Stewardship Through Art," from The Wildlife Society. In 2017, she received NANPA's Vision Award, in recognition of early career excellence, vision and inspiration to others in nature photography, conservation, and education. Her award-winning fine art prints are widely exhibited and featured in both personal and corporate collections. Additionally, Melissa has served as a juror for numerous competitions—from the Audubon Photography Awards to Wildlife Photographer of the Year and beyond. As an ambassador for Project Coyote, Melissa is equally invested in the importance of carnivores in our landscapes, continually advocating for co-existence with, and appreciation of, these animals.. She also serves on the Advisory Council for Wyoming Untrapped, the Board of Directors for The Little Egg Foundation, and as a volunteer photographer at the Cornell Wildlife Hospital, near her home in Ithaca, New York. Bobby Stormer first picked up a camera in 2010, transitioning from traditional art to photography as a new creative outlet. Born and raised just outside New York City, his early work focused on urban exploration and automotive shoots, but everything changed six years ago when he took a deep dive into wildlife photography. Shaped by both cityscapes and suburban ecosystems, Bobby developed a unique approach to capturing local wildlife, from foxes and owls to black bears, often within minutes of home. His mission is to show others the beauty hidden in their own backyards and foster a sense of coexistence with the wild. But what truly sets Bobby apart is his hands-on commitment to animal welfare. Apart from the image making, he's helped rescue and rehabilitate hundreds of animals. For Bobby, the photo is just a keepsake, his real reward is the moment itself, while letting empathy and respect guide his every frame.   Stay Connected: Melissa Groo Website: https://www.melissagroo.com/ Melissa Groo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissagroo/ Melissa Groo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.groo Melissa Groo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-groo-23252324/ Melissa Groo Linktree: https://linktr.ee/melgroo   Bobby Stormer Website: https://robertstormer.smugmug.com/ Bobby Stormer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.stormer/ Bobby Stormer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobby.stormer/ Bobby Stormer Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bobby_stormer32/   National Audubon Guide to Ethical Bird Photography: https://www.audubon.org/photography/awards/audubons-guide-ethical-bird-photography-and-videography Melissa's Rolling Stone article on Game Farms: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/photography-game-farms-exploiting-wild-animals-1235002275/ B&H Explora article on the Ethics of Wildlife Photography: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/the-ethics-of-wildlife-photography   Credits: Host: Derek Fahsbender Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman Senior Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein Executive Producer: Richard Stevens