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In this inspiring episode of the BLACKRAPID Podcast, host Ron Henry sits down with visual storyteller Zai (@zaitoldme) — a fine-art photographer and cinematographer whose work blends raw emotion, cultural truth, and beautiful accidents. Zai shares how he broke into the art world the old-fashioned way — with hustle. He took his photos, printed them, and walked around events like Art Basel with his work in hand. That same hustle and authenticity still defines everything he creates today. https://youtu.be/yKJUE0Fo498 He opens up about his legendary 4-month cross-country project documenting a runner, where he learned to embrace "beautiful accidents," stay flexible, and let the images speak for themselves. He also reveals his ambitious 6-year Hair Project — a sweeping body of work exploring Black American hair history from the 16th century to today. The project serves as both a living history book and a powerful call to support the Crown Act (2022 legislation that protects Black and brown people from discrimination based on their natural hair textures in schools, workplaces, and public spaces). Zai shares deeply personal stories: growing up in Texas barber shops where hair was celebrated and transformative ("leaving feeling like kings") versus being asked to cut his hair or leave environments because it "didn't fit the box America wanted to put us in." We also dive into: His early project "Black Boys Lie" (inspired by Kendrick Lamar's "Black Boy Fly") and why storytelling gives people a glimpse of hope Transitioning from film to stills and the unexpected lessons weddings taught him Documentary work, voiceover narration, and the boxing project His black-and-white photography that makes images feel rather than just look beautiful The spiritual foundation behind his art — power of attraction, frequencies, and staying connected to a higher vibration Why independent artists are thriving right now and how to own your style without copying anyone If you're a photographer, filmmaker, or creative who believes in authentic storytelling, cultural impact, and doing things your own way, this conversation will move you. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Zai's world lately 15:49 – The 4-month runner project & embracing beautiful accidents 21:35 – Life after the project & going with the flow 27:40 – Spirituality, frequencies & the power of attraction 29:35 – "Free, untethered comfort at ease" explained 36:45 – Ron's story: launching BLACKRAPID in 2008 during the crash 38:53 – Film work, documentaries & voiceover (boxing project) 46:58 – Lessons from wedding photography "boot camp" 52:12 – The 6-Year Hair Project & the Crown Act (powerful personal stories) 57:35 – Growing up in Texas barber shops & experiences with discrimination 1:00:56 – Following your dreams & not taking opportunities for granted 1:01:33 – "Black Boys Lie" project & Kendrick Lamar inspiration 1:03:12 – Final thoughts & Zai as a role model Watch until the end for Zai's closing wisdom. Drop a comment: What's one project you've been working on for years that means the most to you? Subscribe for more real conversations with photographers who are changing the game. Guest: Zai Host: Ron Henry of BLACKRAPID Producer: Bry Cox of BryCox.com Links Zai's Website – zaitoldme.com Zai's Instagram – @zaitoldme BLACKRAPID Camera Straps – blackrapid.com BLACKRAPID Media – blackrapidmedia.com Subscribe for more inspiring photography conversations! #BLACKRAPIDPodcast #ZaiPhotography #CrownAct #HairProject #BlackHair #DocumentaryPhotography #BlackAndWhitePhotography #PowerOfAttraction #CulturalStorytelling #Zaitoldme #ArtBasel

Australian travel portrait photographer Glynn Lavender joins the show to share his wild adventures leading photo tours in India, Bangladesh, and beyond. From dodging elephants and driving through fire on detours, to getting a gun held to his head in a Delhi mosque (and still getting the shot), Glynn's stories are equal parts thrilling and hilarious. He opens up about facilitating life-changing experiences for keen amateurs on his workshops—handling loose itineraries in chaotic places, approaching strangers for authentic portraits, and why connection beats perfection. Glynn also explains how BLACKRAPID straps keep him shooting pain-free after 35+ years, his pragmatic gear choices (Tamron lenses, two cameras always ready), and timeless advice: don't pre-visualize—go with the flow and capture what's in front of you. A must-listen for photographers, travelers, and anyone who loves real, human stories from off-the-beaten-path places. Guest: Glynn Lavender Host: Ron Henry of BLACKRAPID Links: Glynn's Photo Tours Website – creativephotoworkshops.com.au Glynn's Instagram – @glynnlavender BLACKRAPID Camera Straps – https://www.blackrapid.com BLACKRAPID Media – https://www.blackrapidmedia.com Subscribe for more inspiring photography conversations!

Ron of BLACKRAPID chats with Matthew Bergsma, a wildlife and birder photographer. Hear how Matthew uses his outdoor time to both escape from the world while also becoming more connected with the wildlife around him. Hear his stories of photographing and watching owls in a river and observing their patterns, and hear his approaches and philosophies to connecting with the wildlife he photographs. Matthew also shares his screen to show some work and explain his process in this episode. Matthew Bergsma's Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/matthew.bergsma/ BLACKRAPID Camera Straps https://www.blackrapid.com BLACKRAPID Media https://www.blackrapidmedia.com

Kevin Wilson is a New York City photographer who moves between music (rock, metal, Live Nation), the New York Fire Department, breaking news, crime scenes, and corporate work — often in the same week. In this episode, Kevin talks about how he got his start shooting concerts through industry connections, the unexpected path that led him to becoming a contract photographer for the FDNY (including funerals and major fires), and how he stays ready with a constantly packed go-bag. He also shares the story behind his successful hot sauce side business and why he believes versatility is essential for surviving in today's photography industry. Kevin is a long-time BLACKRAPID user (Double Strap) and speaks highly of the durability of the straps after thousands of events. A high-energy conversation about hustle, pivoting, and building a career that doesn't fit in one box. Kevin Wilson, a rock and concert photographer in New York. Ron Henry (founder of BLACKRAPID) and Kevin talk about Kevin's line of custom hot sauce, shooting rock bands and nailing the timing of an image on stage, plus photographing fires for the NY fire department, and Kevin's camera gear load-out for events in New York.   Kevin's portfolio https://www.kevinrcwilson.com   Kevin's Unsellable Hot Sauce https://www.unsellablehotsauce.com   BLACKRAPID Camera Straps https://www.blackrapid.com   BLACKRAPID Media https://www.blackrapidmedia.com

Jasin Boland is a global motion picture stills photographer who works on massive action franchises, such as the Matrix, Bond, and Bourne. Ron Henry of BlackRapid talks with Jasin Boland about their philosophies of creating an image, authenticity and the dangers of AI in photography, personal photography growth, dreams, the art of creation, finding great angles and seeing differently, not to mention their collaboration on a new camera strap. BlackRapid – https://www.blackrapidmedia.com Jasin Boland Website – https://jasinboland.com Jasin Boland Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jasinboland/ Jasin Boland YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/JasinBoland/

Jasin Boland is a global motion picture stills photographer who works on massive action franchises, such as the Matrix, Bond, and Bourne. Ron Henry of BlackRapid talks with Jasin Boland about the dangers of photographing action movies, whether to use long or wide lenses, the beauty of imperfections, how enthusiasts are the heart of photography, and more.  BlackRapid – https://www.blackrapidmedia.com Jasin Boland Website – https://jasinboland.com Jasin Boland Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jasinboland/ Jasin Boland YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/JasinBoland/featured

In this episode of the BLACKRAPID Podcast, Ron sits down with Bry Cox, a Utah-based professional photographer known for clean, polished celebrity, politician, and news-team headshots. Bry shares how he built a long career that started in a photo lab, moved into portraits and weddings, and eventually expanded into teaching workshops around the world. He talks about the realities of working fast with high-profile clients, developing your own style, knowing your strengths (and when to hire help), and the "hierarchy of threes" he uses in his workshops. The conversation also covers practical business advice for photographers just starting out, the shift in the industry during COVID, and how the profession continues to change with social media, trade shows, and client expectations. A solid episode for anyone who shoots portraits or is building a photography business. Ron Henry and Bry Cox talk about creativity, style, adding emotion to images, commercial photography, lighting, adapting during Covid – and motorcycles of course. Bry Cox is a Gold Medalist out of 25,000 international photographers, has owned a studio in Utah for over 25 years. He teaches workshops throughout the US and abroad, is an Adobe Software Evangelist, is a PPA Master/Craftsman about 13 times over. Ron Henry and Bry Cox talk creativity, style, adding emotion to images, commercial photography, adapting during Covid, and motorcycles.  BlackRapid Media – https://www.blackrapidmedia.com Bry Cox's Portrait Site – https://BryCox.com Bry Cox's Commercial Site – https://BryCoxPro.com Bry Cox's Training Site – https://BryCoxWorkshops.com Instagram – https://Instagram.com/BryCoxStudio

Mike Ridinger has been running a photography studio in Lewiston, Idaho for decades — in the same building his business has occupied for generations of clients. In this conversation, Mike and Ron talk about starting in the film era of the 1980s, the transition to digital, and what it takes to build lasting relationships in a smaller market. Mike shares how his business has evolved from seniors and weddings into multi-generational clients who keep coming back for decades. They also discuss teaching, the changes he's seen in the wedding industry, the rise of female wedding photographers, street photography, and the simple joy of carrying a camera on motorcycle rides using a BLACKRAPID sling. A grounded, real-world look at sustaining a photography business over the long haul. Mike Ridinger has been a full time photographer for over 35 years and is based in Lewiston, Idaho. He has spoken at PPA Imaging, SYNC, After Dark, Light Pro Expo, and several state affiliates. Mike (or Dinger as he is known) has a knack for teaching in a way that is easy to understand and is a popular instructor everywhere he goes. Mike has 2 sons, Keaton and Cade. He received his PPA Craftsman Degree in 2014. Follow Mike Ridinger Website: https://www.ridingers.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ridingersphotography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dinger57

Rock photographer, Robert Knight, creator of "Brotherhood Of The Guitar," and featured in the rock documentary, "Rock Prophesies," talks with Ron Henry of BlackRapid Podcast. They chat about picking up Led Zeppelin from the Hawaii airport, photographing various rock stars, positive thinking, synchronicity, and removing the noise from thoughts and moving forward with intention.  https://www.blackrapidmedia.com https://www.knightbilhamphoto.com http://brotherhoodoftheguitar.com

Mark Doyle is a concert and music photographer. He's photographed Metallica, Iron Maiden, Rush, Alice in Chains, Kiss, Phil Collins, Billy Joel, Elvis Costello, Jennifer Lopez, Bon Jovi among many others. He's currently the house photographer for the Manhattan Center / Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC.  In this podcast Mark and Ron talk about music photography during the Covid shutdown.  https://www.blackrapidmedia.com Instagram – instagram.com/photosbydoyle Facebook – facebook.com/photosbydoyle  Website – markdoylephoto.com

Koury Angelo is an award-winning Rock & Roll and celebrity portrait photographer based in Los Angeles, California. Koury's work has been featured on the covers of Billboard, People, The Hollywood Reporter and more. His other clients include Apple, Rolling Stone, Red Bull, Netflix, Hilton, AMEX, Spotify, Converse, Adidas, Bacardi, Bud Light, Calvin Klein, Chevy and Facebook, to name a few. https://www.blackrapidmedia.com Koury's Spotlight on BlackRapid https://www.blackrapid.com/blackrapid-guest-post-by-koury-angelo-photography/ Koury's Website https://www.kouryangelo.com/ Instagram @kouryangelo Facebook @kouryangelophotography

Joe Endy is a 56 year old photographer from Pennsylvania who got into photography after back problems and surgery. Since then he's become a prolific wildlife photographer. In this episode, Joe talks about photographing Bald Eagles at the Conowingo Dam in Maryland, along with his creative process, and how he's able to create images with his spine injury.  https://www.blackrapidmedia.com Follow Joe Endy Website –joeendy.wixsite.com/photography Instagram – instagram.com/photos_by_joe_endy Facebook – facebook.com/photosbyjoeendy

Hopper Stone is a movie stills photographer known for photographing movies like "Captain Phillips," "Ghostbusters", "Hidden Figures", and TV shows like "Modern Family." He's also a professional voice actor for audio books. From his Winnebago studio, Ron Henry interviews artists about their creative process and journey. https://www.blackrapidmedia.com Follow Hopper Stone Website – stonefoto.com Instagram – @hopper_stone Black Rapid Spotlight on Hopper Stone – https://www.blackrapid.com/blackrapid-spotlight-hopper-stone/

Henry Diltz and his friend Rich Horowitz together own the Morrison Hotel Gallery, a fine art music photography art gallery with locations in New York, Maui, Los Angeles, and online. From his Winnebago studio, Ron Henry interviews artists about their creative process and journey. https://www.blackrapidmedia.com Follow Henry Diltz & Rich Horowitz Photography Website – HenryDiltz.com Gallery Website – MorrisonHotelGallery.com Henry Diltz Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/henrydiltz/ Morrison Hotel Gallery Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/morrisonhotelgallery/ Original Podcast with Ron Henry, Henry Diltz, and Rich Horowitz

Musician, motorcyclist, and filmmaker William "Billy" McCarthy talks with BlackRapid's founder, Ron Henry. From his Winnebago studio, Ron Henry interviews artists about their creative process and journey. https://www.blackrapidmedia.com Follow Billy McCarthy Website – https://www.williammccarthy.org Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thewilliammccarthy/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/williamjmccarthy/