Advertise on podcast: Unfiltered Photography w/ Jason Lanier

Jason Lanier Unfiltered takes a fun and unexpected turn as Jason is joined for the very first time by two very special guests, his mom, Marilyn, and his brother, Sean, to relive their unforgettable family adventure across the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland. From towering waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes to hilarious family moments that could only happen on a road trip, the three share their favorite memories, biggest surprises, and the moments they'd probably rather forget. What was it really like traveling with Jason? According to Marilyn and Sean... it involved a little more excitement than expected. Hear the stories behind Jason's spontaneous off-road adventure in their rental SUV, the unexpected encounter with the Icelandic police after a traffic violation, and the family dynamics that made this trip one they'll be talking about for years. Filled with laughter, honest stories, travel tips, and plenty of family roasting, this is a rare behind-the-scenes look at Jason away from the camera and behind the wheel. If you've ever wondered what it's like to travel with a photographer who's always chasing the next shot, this episode is for you. Real Talk. Raw Stories. No B.S.

Jason and Krystal take you behind the scenes of the Charlotte and Knoxville workshops! From lighting models through the slats of a mule barn with continuous LEDs to transforming a shuttered country bar into a cinematic playground using flash, fans, and modifiers,  This episode is packed with practical photography lessons and unforgettable road stories.  Hear how the MagMod gear helped shape the shoots, how workshop attendees learned to adapt when the "perfect" gear wasn't available, and why turning a monolight into a constant light source can save the day. Along the way, there was an impromptu brake replacement in an AutoZone parking lot, a mosquito-infested posing session in Knoxville, a two-light flash setup that lit up an entire forest, and a nighttime LED shoot in front of the iconic Tennessee Theatre while fending off curious scooter riders determined to get Krystal's attention. The road trip wraps up with great sushi, great memories, and a look ahead to San Francisco, an upcoming Iceland scouting trip, and the next round of Mini Masterclasses coming soon to the Pacific Northwest and beyond.Real Talk. Raw Stories. No B.S.

What if the biggest thing holding your photography back isn't your camera, lens, or lighting—but your ability to read people?In this episode of Jason Lanier Unfiltered, Jason and Krystal recap the first stop of the Mini Masterclass Tour in Pensacola, Florida and dive deep into one of the most overlooked skills in portrait photography: understanding human body language. Too many photographers become obsessed with settings, gear, and technical perfection while completely missing the signals their subjects are sending. Is your subject comfortable? Nervous? Unsure? Losing confidence? The answers are often written all over their face and body long before they ever say a word.Jason and Krystal discuss how learning to read posture, eye contact, facial expressions, movement, and energy can transform an average portrait session into an unforgettable experience. They share real-world examples from the Pensacola workshop, including how to get a shoot started with shy subjects, how to keep momentum flowing, why storytelling creates authentic emotion, and the critical difference between directing a subject and simply asking for permission.The conversation also covers:Why photographers often struggle during the first five minutes of a shoot.How men and women frequently approach portrait sessions differently.Reading confidence versus discomfort in real time.Building trust quickly with subjects.Using communication to create genuine expressions.Why great portrait photographers are often great people readers.Lessons learned while shooting in Pensacola's historic Seville Quarter District.Lighting techniques using the Godox AD300 Pro, LEDs, vintage vehicles, and environmental lighting.If you've ever wondered why some photographers consistently create authentic, emotional portraits while others struggle to get natural expressions, this episode may completely change the way you approach your next shoot.Because the best portrait photographers don't just understand light.They understand people. #JasonLanierUnfiltered #PortraitPhotography #BodyLanguage #PhotographyPodcast #PhotographyEducation #PortraitPhotographer #PhotographerLife #PhotographyWorkshop #MiniMasterclass #PensacolaPhotography #HumanConnection #StorytellingPhotography #PosingTips #PhotographyBusiness #GodoxAD300Pro #PortraitTips #CreativePhotography #PhotographerMindset #PhotographyTraining #FedoraNation

What does it REALLY take to make it as a photographer in the music and entertainment industry?In this episode of Jason Lanier Unfiltered, Jason sits down with renowned hip hop and rap photographer Ramon Piquero of R54 Photos to discuss the realities of building a career photographing some of the biggest names in music. From networking and getting your work in front of the right people, to surviving the feast-or-famine nature of creative industries, this episode is packed with real-world advice for photographers, filmmakers, creatives, and entrepreneurs trying to carve out a lasting career.Jason and Ramon also dive into:• How to break into the music industry as a photographer • Why networking and relationships matter more than ever • Building a business without relying on social media • The importance of mixing corporate and artistic clients for stable income • Why humility and professionalism open more doors than ego ever will • How persistence and consistency can change your entire career • What separates photographers who survive from those who burn out This is an honest conversation about creativity, business, survival, and staying grounded while chasing success in entertainment and the arts.Follow Ramon Piquero / R54 Photos and be sure to subscribe to Jason Lanier Unfiltered for more conversations with photographers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals from around the world.

In November of 2025, I took one of the most unforgettable journeys of my life.  Finally visiting Egypt. From standing in the shadow of the Great Pyramids to photographing ancient temples under the stars, this adventure was so much more than a photography trip. It was a reminder of how small we are in the timeline of humanity, and how powerful it is to experience places that have stood for thousands of years.In this podcast episode, The adventure started with being the Keynote Speaker at the Creo Expo in Alexandria and then moved to the Capital city of Cairo. I’m sharing the highs, the chaos, the moments behind the camera, the lessons learned, and the stories most people never get to hear. Traveling and photographing Egypt challenged me creatively, physically, emotionally, and spiritually in ways I never expected. If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling the world with your camera, stepping outside your comfort zone, or experiencing history in a way books can’t teach you… this episode is for you.Sometimes the greatest photographs come after the greatest adventures. #Egypt #PhotographyPodcast #TravelPhotography #JasonLanier #AdventurePhotography #PyramidsOfGiza #PhotographerLife #BehindTheLens #CreativeJourney #TravelAdventure #StreetPhotography #AncientEgypt #PhotographyEducation #WorldTraveler #PodcastEpisode #PhotographyLife #ExploreTheWorld #VisualStorytelling #TravelStories #Photographers

What happens when you reach the top… and then lose everything? In this episode of Jason Lanier Unfiltered, I sit down with Scott Proposki to talk about something most photographers never hear about—the fall. Scott has worked with giants like HBO, National Geographic, and even the The White House. The kind of résumé most people spend a lifetime chasing. And then… it all went away. This isn’t a highlight reel conversation. This is about reality. About losing momentum, losing opportunities, and facing the brutal question: now what? We dive into what it actually takes to rebuild—not just your business, but your mindset. How do you start over when your identity was tied to your success? How do you push forward when the industry moves on without you? And what separates the people who come back stronger from the ones who disappear? If you’ve ever struggled, doubted yourself, or felt like you’re starting from scratch again… this episode is for you. Because success isn’t about never falling. It’s about what you do when everything you built is gone.

What if the photographer you hired never actually took the photos you booked them for? In this episode, we break down the controversy surrounding Bonphotage—a story that has ignited serious conversations across the photography industry. What began as a single Reddit post quickly turned into a deep investigation by Photo Stealers, uncovering allegations of photo theft, AI-generated wedding imagery, and portfolios that may not reflect real work. We’re diving into: Claims of copyrighted images being used without permissionAI-generated or heavily altered wedding photosThe risks of trusting portfolios at face valueHow this impacts photographers, clients, and the future of the industryThis isn’t just about one company—it’s about a rapidly changing landscape where technology is blurring the line between real and fake. If you’re a photographer, this affects your credibility. If you’re a client, this affects who you trust. And if you care about creative integrity… this conversation matters.

What do you do when the industry you built your career in starts to disappear? In this episode, I sit down with Paul Gero to break down what it really takes to pivot, adapt, and survive as a professional photographer in a rapidly changing world. Paul’s journey began in the high-pressure world of photojournalism at the Chicago Tribune and continued through agencies like Sygma and publications including Arizona Republic, Time, People, and Sports Illustrated, industries that once defined success for photographers, but have since dramatically shifted or declined. Instead of fading with them, Paul reinvented himself. We dive into how he transitioned into wedding photography, built a new business model, authored books like Digital Wedding Photography and Mastering Digital Wedding Photography, and expanded into education and purpose-driven work like The Kids of Orange County, supporting Children's Hospital of Orange County. This episode isn’t just a career retrospective, it’s a blueprint. We talk about recognizing industry decline, leveraging transferable skills, building new revenue streams, and staying relevant when everything around you changes. Whether you’re a photographer facing uncertainty or a creative looking to evolve, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what’s possible.

What does it take to dedicate your life to photographing the wild, and do it with purpose, integrity, and impact? In this episode, I sit down with legendary wildlife photographer Tom Murphy, a Montana-based Yellowstone photographer whose work has not only captured the soul of the natural world, but has now earned the incredible honor of being featured on a United States postage stamp. Tom shares his wild storeis of documenting Girzzly Bears, Bison, Gorillas, and more in his career that has spanned more than 40 years as a professional wildlife photographer.  He was also the first photographer ever to be licensed to teach photography workshops in the National Park system. We dive deep into Tom’s journey—from how he first picked up a camera to building a lifelong career photographing wildlife across the globe. Along the way, we explore the ethics of wildlife photography, what it truly means to respect the animals and environments we photograph, and how to go beyond simply documenting animals to actually revealing who they are through behavior and storytelling. Tom also shares the real truth about making money as a wildlife photographer, how to create lasting value in your work, and what it takes to sustain a career in one of the most challenging genres of photography. We also get personal—talking about lessons learned over decades, what he might do differently if he started over, and the advice he would give photographers chasing a similar path today. This is an inspiring, honest, and deeply insightful conversation about art, responsibility, and the wild places that shape us.

What does it really take to go from shooting weddings on the weekends… to building a full-time photography career? In this episode, Jason Lanier and his assistant Krystal sit down with emerging photography duo Rebecca and Holly for a real, unfiltered mentorship session. Rebecca and Holly have spent years learning, assisting, and growing—but now they’re ready to take their small wedding business to the next level. This episode dives deep into the exact challenges photographers face when trying to transition from a side hustle into a sustainable, full-time career. Together, they break down:How to network effectively in the wedding industry and build relationships that lead to bookingsWhat to consider when adding video services to your photography business (and the challenges that come with it)How to market yourself properly through your website, email outreach, and personal brandingThe mindset shift required to stop being a “weekend warrior” and start thinking like a full-time professionalThey also reflect on shared experiences from past shoots—including their unforgettable time at Six Flags New Orleans in 2024. These moments highlight how powerful real-world experience, community, and mentorship can be in shaping your journey as a photographer. If you’re ready to stop playing small and start building a photography business that can support your life—this episode is for you.

Mother Nature has a way of taking over and laying to waste your best laid plans.... The team showed up. The models were ready. Hair, makeup, and creatives all delivered. And then the environment took over. In this episode, Jason and his assistant Krystal take you deep into the Florida Everglades, where unpredictable weather, intense heat, unstable terrain, and the raw power of nature became the biggest obstacles of the shoot. This wasn’t about unreliable people — this was about adapting when everything around you refuses to cooperate. They break down what it really takes to create in extreme conditions, including: Working through heat, humidity, and rapidly changing weatherNavigating difficult terrain and unpredictable environmentsAdjusting lighting techniques when conditions aren’t idealKeeping your team safe while still pushing for great resultsTurning uncontrollable الظروف into creative opportunitiesThis episode is a raw, honest look at what happens when preparation meets reality — and how the best photographers don’t fight the environment… they learn to work with it. 👉 If you missed Part 1, go back and listen to the Las Vegas episode where the challenge was people. This time, it’s nature. 🎧 Follow the podcast for more real-world insights. 📺 Subscribe on YouTube for full behind-the-scenes footage from the Everglades shoots. 📅 Join an upcoming workshop and experience these challenges firsthand. Because in photography… something will always go wrong. It’s how you respond that defines your work.

You can scout the perfect location. You can plan every shot. You can build the dream team. …but what happens when the people you’re counting on don’t show up, show up late, or don’t deliver? In Part 1 of this 2-part series, Jason and his assistant Krystal break down the real challenges of producing large-scale photo shoots when the human element becomes the biggest obstacle. Drawing from their intense 4-day Las Vegas experience, they share what it’s like dealing with unreliable talent, shifting dynamics on set, and the pressure of keeping everything moving when things start falling apart. This episode dives deep into: Managing no-shows, lateness, and communication breakdownsKeeping your shoot alive when key people fail youLeadership under pressure and making fast decisionsHow to adapt creatively when your original vision isn’t possibleWhy your core team matters more than anythingThis isn’t theory — this is real-world, behind-the-scenes insight from photographers who’ve lived it. If you’re planning workshops, styled shoots, or large productions… this episode might save your next shoot. 👉 Be sure to FOLLOW the podcast so you don’t miss Part 2, where everything goes right with the people… but the environment turns against us in the Florida Everglades. For more information about Jason Lanier Unfiltered Podcast please visit: www.jasonlanier.com/podcast 📺 Subscribe on YouTube for full behind-the-scenes footage. 📅 Check out upcoming workshops and come experience it for yourself.

Photography expos and conventions can be game-changing experiences,  but only if you know how to approach them. In this episode, Jason and his assistant Krystal share behind-the-scenes stories and lessons from their recent travels speaking, networking, and creating at major photography events. They discuss the mindset needed to transition from attendee to presenter, how to build a personal brand that attracts speaking opportunities, and the importance of delivering value to everyone involved — from sponsors and event organizers to the photographers sitting in the audience. You’ll learn practical strategies for: ✨ Getting invited to speak at expos and conventions ✨ Building relationships with brands in an authentic and professional way ✨ Designing presentations that educate, inspire, and create lasting impact ✨ Making the most of networking opportunities on and off the expo floor ✨ Standing out in a crowded industry through consistency and purpose Whether you’re new to conventions or ready to step onto the stage yourself, this conversation will help you navigate the expo world with confidence and clarity.

In this episode of Jason Lanier Unfiltered, Jason and his assistant Krystal dive into the behind-the-scenes story of their latest video filmed in New Orleans, where Jason tested Godox LED lights for the very first time after more than a decade of exclusively using Rotolight. Jason shares the full story about why he stopped using Rotolight, how his relationship with Godox began, and what it was like putting the new Godox lights to the test in a real-world shooting environment. The shoot took place in two iconic New Orleans locations—during the day in front of the abandoned power plant in the Warehouse District, and later that night in the French Quarter surrounded by the energy, crowds, and atmosphere of the city. Using nothing more than LED lighting and a modifier, Jason walks through how the lights performed in both daylight and nighttime conditions, and whether they’ve earned a place in his workflow. Jason and Krystal also discuss their recent trip to WPPI in Las Vegas, tease an upcoming podcast where they’ll recap that experience, and talk about Jason’s upcoming speaking appearance at the AVC Expo in Miami on March 13–14. They also hint at new photography workshops coming soon, so stay tuned. If you’re a photographer interested in LED lighting, off-camera lighting techniques, or real-world photo shoot breakdowns, this episode is packed with insight.

In this episode, photographer Jason Lanier and his Model Assistant/Muse pull back the curtain on an unforgettable rain-soaked shoot in the legendary Muir Woods National Park. What happens when the skies open up in one of the most iconic redwood forests in the world? Instead of packing up, you lean in. Jason breaks down how he used the Godox AD300 as his off-camera flash to cut through the mist and sculpt dramatic light in a dim, rain-drenched environment. Together, they discuss the real behind-the-scenes moments—the adjustments, the laughter, the challenges, and the magic that happens when preparation meets opportunity. Inside this episode:🌧️ How to confidently handle a photoshoot in the rain⚡ Using off-camera flash to create depth and separation in low-light forest conditions🎭 Posing and storytelling techniques in challenging outdoor environments🎒 Protecting your camera gear and lighting equipment during wet shoots🌟 Turning unpredictable conditions into creative advantage💡 Mindset shifts that help you succeed as a creative when things don’t go as plannedThis isn’t just about photography—it’s about resilience, adaptability, and making the most of every opportunity that crosses your path. If you’ve ever wondered whether to cancel or create when conditions get tough… this episode is your answer.