Advertise on podcast: The Outspoken Artist

This AfterHours episode of The Outspoken Artist was recorded during the Imaging USA 2026 After Party, the night after Evoto AI released its AI headshot generator and the community reaction hit full volume.I sat down with Mark Wallace and Kersten Luts for a real conversation. No agenda. No talking points. Just three people who care deeply about photography, education, and the direction this industry is moving.Mark shares his perspective as Evoto’s Brand Ambassador of Education, and it’s important to be clear: Evoto did not ask him to speak. This is his personal viewpoint, shared openly in a moment when a lot of emotions were still very raw.This isn’t a debate or a takedown. It’s a fair, peer-to-peer conversation about AI, trust, responsibility, and what happens when technology moves faster than people are ready for.📍 Recorded at the Imaging USA 2026 After Party🎙 January 13, 2025🔥 In response to events from January 12, 2025🎙 GuestsMark Wallace – Mark Wallace Photography (@jmarkwallace)Kersten Luts – Camera Shake Podcast (@camerashakepodcast)🎧 Full episode available on Spotify and all major platforms#OutspokenArtist #AfterHours #ImagingUSA2026 #EvotoAI #PhotographyCommunity #AIandPhotography #HonestConversation

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From photo student to legal leader, Thomas Maddrey’s path has taken him through nearly every creative corridor of the industry. As Chief Legal Officer and Head of National Content & Education at the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), he now champions the rights of artists navigating copyright law, contracts, and emerging tech like generative AI. This episode breaks down the dual mission of ASMP, must-know legal protections for photographers, and what it really means to advocate for yourself in a shifting industry. From real-world perks (like media badges) to deep insight on undervaluation and ownership, Thomas offers actionable advice for every stage of your career. EP 075 of The Outspoken Artist PodcastFollow this link for full episodes, behind-the-scenes content, bonus clips, and ways to support the show.Also available on YouTube.

Filmmaker and creator Josh Yeo (Make.Art.Now) joins the podcast at Bild Expo 2025 to talk about storytelling, fatherhood, and embracing emotional honesty through creative work. From building his YouTube channel with a cinematic, introspective style to challenging the trend-driven model of content creation, Josh shares how authenticity has shaped every part of his journey. We explore the personal side of his work—including a deeply moving AI-assisted documentary project that recorded 30 days of his family’s life, revealing themes of love, struggle, and connection. Whether you’re a creator, a parent, or someone reflecting on your own evolution, this conversation offers a powerful perspective on documenting life with purpose. Follow this link for full episodes, behind-the-scenes content, bonus clips, and ways to support the show.Full video also available on YouTube.

EP# 071 — Francisco Joel Hernandez joins us live from Bild Expo 2025 for a short but striking conversation packed with gear talk, creative origin stories, and the heart behind his editorial style. Though only the first 8 minutes were captured due to technical issues, this mini-episode still delivers. Francisco shares his thoughts on the just-released Viltrox 85mm f/1.4 Pro, opens up about how photography became his passport to the world, and reflects on being an “extroverted introvert” navigating the creative space. Get a glimpse of his humor, hustle, and insight—even in a snippet. Follow this link→ Access full episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, bonus content, and ways to support the show. Also available on YouTube.

At Bild Expo 2025, commercial and product photographer Jillian Lenser brings the laughs, the lessons, and the leadership. From photographing pantsless thigh straps in the “dark e-com days” to stepping into her role as VP of ASMP NY, Jillian shares her journey of growth, advocacy, and creative purpose. We explore the evolution of ASMP, her approach to lighting and intentional brand alignment, and how she’s helping reshape professional photography communities for a more inclusive, tech-aware future. This one’s a gem for anyone balancing artistry with leadership—and learning to trust the weird, winding road. Also available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.Follow this link for full episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, bonus content, and support options.

From rebuilding a six-figure business in a brand-new city to elevating portraits into immersive experiences, Ray Alvarez opens up live at Bild Expo 2025 about the hustle, heart, and vision behind his work. He shares what it took to leave NYC for Orlando, how he and his wife K. Alvarez craft each shoot as a creative duo, and why humility and client care remain his north star. Ray gets candid about AI in photography, managing creative pivots, and the deep personal motivation behind his visual storytelling. It's part pep talk, part business masterclass, and 100% inspiration for artists building something real. Also available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.Follow this link for full episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, bonus content, and support options.

Recorded at Bild Expo 2025, this high-energy conversation with Sony Artisan and world-class educator Scott Robert Lim explores everything from early mirrorless adoption to the deep value of mentorship. Scott breaks down the beauty-driven mindset behind his style, why AI will challenge creatives to level up, and how personal transformation fuels powerful art. We dive into his journey from college dropout to global speaker, his artistic lineage, and what it really takes to thrive in a constantly evolving industry—plus, some seriously fun behind-the-scenes expo stories. Also available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.Follow this link for full episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, bonus content, and support options.

He’s back—and this time with stories that stretch far beyond the headshot world. In this lively episode recorded at ShutterFest 2025, Peter Hurley shares 24 years of work with the Vilcek Foundation, the high-stakes Baryshnikov shoot that followed Annie Leibovitz, and what happens when you trade the studio for environmental portraits of Michelin-star chefs. From unexpected creative turns to personal milestones, Peter opens up about the mindset shifts that keep him evolving. Plus: why skiing almost derailed it all, the joy of rediscovery, and a spotlight on a photographer he says the world needs to know. Also available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.Follow this link for full episodes, bonus content, behind-the-scenes clips, and support options.

From the expo floor of ShutterFest 2025, author, business owner, and speaker Katrina Cross shares how she’s helping creatives think differently about income and sustainability. We talk about her new book 101 Side Hustles, the myths of “passive” income, and how to choose the right supplemental paths that align with your core creative work. Katrina brings clarity, humor, and hard-earned wisdom to the table—plus actionable ideas for photographers and artists ready to diversify without burning out. Also available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.Follow this link for full episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, bonus content, and support options.

Photographer Veronica Benson joins us live at ShutterFest 2025 for an inspiring look at her evolving creative voice—from shooting in Peru to making her mark on the U.S. photography scene. We talk style shifts, cultural identity, and how Veronica balances family life and artistic growth while staying true to her roots. This conversation is conducted entirely in Spanish.Also available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.Follow this link for full episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, bonus content, and support options. Desde el piso de ShutterFest 2025, la fotógrafa peruana Veronica Benson comparte su evolución creativa y personal. Hablamos sobre sus raíces, el cambio de estilo al trabajar en EE. UU., cómo equilibra la vida familiar con el arte, y su conexión con la cultura latina dentro del mundo visual. Una charla sincera y enriquecedora para cualquier artista en transición o redefinición.También disponible en YouTube y en todas las plataformas principales de podcast.Follow this link para ver episodios completos, contenido exclusivo, clips detrás de cámaras y más.

EP 065 of the Outspoken Artist Podcast features a powerhouse conversation with Sal Cincotta—entrepreneur, photographer, and founder of ShutterFest. Recorded on-location at ShutterFest 2025, this episode digs into the grit and guts it takes to build a truly original creative event. We explore the origin story of ShutterFest, its iconic “Rent-a-Human” model program, and why a late-night, hands-on culture still matters. Sal opens up about his mother’s sacrifices, the discipline of military school, and what authenticity means in a brand-driven world. Plus, unexpected moments—like chocolate, cooking, and stories that go way beyond photography. Available now on all platforms, including YouTube.Follow this link for full episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, exclusive merch, and ways to support the show.

Charlie Kaufman—founder of Click Backdrops and longtime industry innovator—joins us live at ShutterFest 2025 for a smart, funny, and no-holds-barred conversation about studio work, personal service, AI in photography, and why staying artist-owned still matters. He dives into Click’s origin story, how their premium backdrops became a go-to across the U.S., and how the new ProFold line is changing the game for portable studio gear. With insights on photography, entrepreneurship, and the quirks between the U.S. and UK creative markets, this episode delivers real talk, real laughs, and real value for any working artist. Also available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.Follow this link for full episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, bonus content, and support options.

Photographer and creative director Alissa Cincotta brings bold energy and clarity to every project—and every conversation. From the floor of ShutterFest 2025, she opens up about trusting her instincts, stepping into leadership, and the real work of building something lasting in a shifting industry. Also available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.Follow this link for full episodes, bonus content, behind-the-scenes clips, and support options.

Photographer and educator Ning Wong has spent 15 years navigating the creative highs and hurdles of building a career around human connection. Recorded on the floor of ShutterFest 2025, this conversation captures his energy, humor, and unfiltered advice for artists who want to build something of their own—without losing themselves along the way. Available on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.Follow this link for full episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, bonus content, and support options.