Staying In Focus Photography Podcast

Fresh off a hissy fit tantrum, I return with more words for your earholes. Because there was so much clamoring from the masses for new episodes (and new sponsors... I can be bought, boys and girls), I'm back once again, shaking off the rust. This week, I ramble about thievery by some of the well known names in photography, ramming through the photographer's block, and answering an email about what to do when your friend produces low-quality photography work for you. This episode is brought to you by KelbyTraining.com and B&H

Philadelphia commercial and lifestyle photographer Chris Sembrot, chat via technology about how our respective cities have changed, and food, beer, and Guy Fieri. We also discuss how his start as an art buyer led to a successful career, with the inside scoop knowing what art buyers are looking for. There's even some photography talk, believe it or not, with subjects like agencies, how the editorial photography landscape and style has changed overtime, and how to survive it. But definitely hating on Guy Fieri and Emeril. Meanwhile, I try to change my habits and get rid of the distractions to help get creative. This episode is brought to you by Audible.com and B&H.

What's in a name? I ask Marshal Gray… err, Gary Lashmar, how he ended up with that moniker. Plus, we get on about how he got into wedding photography after a career in investment banking, pushing through your comfort zone, and his photography workshop, Dare, which encourages photographers to seek out and discover their own style. Meanwhile, my youngest brouther is graduating, and I don't know how I feel about it. This episode is brought to you by Manfrotto and Audible.

You don't have to be a Belieber to appreciate Mike Lerner, music and concert photographer, and Justin Bieber's photographer for the Believe Tour. We get into how he went from the poker boom to photography and how stumbling upon pre-"I Kissed A Girl" Katy Perry led to the gig of a lifetime, shooting one of the most popular people on the planet. Mike and I also talk about life on tour, where he hopes his career will go from here, and how he's using his fortunate position to provide an awesome learning opportunity for aspiring photographers. Meanwhile, I remind you not to judge a book by its cover. This episode is brought to you by Converse and B&H.

When we're not interrupted by guys named "Blaze", commercial and editorial photographer, and chair of the American Photographic Artists-DC, Matthew Rakola chats with me over a cup of coffee to discuss how wanting to talk to people led to photography, his Learn Project, the difference between photographers, and what differentiates his contribution to photography from others. We even psychoanalyze why I like to drink alone in bars with terrible service. Meanwhile, I recap my experience with the 2013 Warrior Games. This episode is brought to you by Lomography.com and B&H.

Why, hello there! I return from Colorado Springs in the best way possible: with a rant and an awesome chat with Cincinnati's finest, fashion and wedding photographer Shay Nartker. We discuss how one's hometown affects their photography style, juggling multiple projects, life as the significant other of a model, and a LOT more. Meanwhile, I discuss (angrily) the changes and comments coming from the Flickr camp. This episode is sponsored by Converse and B&H.

Basketball, cooking, medicine, financial analysis, music... Marcus Smith was interested in it all. When he finally landed on photography, the sky has been the limit for this sports and lifestyle commercial photographer. The Chicago native and I discuss the moment he realized he wanted to pursue a career in photography to assisting commercial photography great Gary Land and what he learned there, and how he went on to do his own thing. Plus, how he developed his own style and how a personal project led to rubbing elbows with the 2012 Team USA Olympic Men's Basketball Team. Meanwhile, I have lost faith in the people I once deemed my heroes. This episode is sponsored by ProFlowers and B&H.

It's been a crazy week, and there's a lot on my mind as of late. So, taking the opportunity (since I've got a mic and a podcast show), I vent about The Friend and Family Discount, life and art imitating Instagram after learning about new DSLR filters, and internet sleuths. Plus, a bonus segment about lessons from the restaurant industry that have carried over into my photography career. This episode is brought to you by Manfrotto and Shari's Berries.

Straight from Springfield, Missouri, via technology, I chat with wedding and portrait photographer Christian Gideon. We have a phenomenal conversation about his small town roots and how that, along with his hopeless romanticism, plays a major role in each photo and why a romantic point of view is vital to being a great wedding photographer, as well as getting away from the "rockstar photographer" status, the importance of creating friendships with your clients, and classic movies. Meanwhile, I recap my birthday and Coachella, and why I've stopped comparing my photography to others. This episode is sponsored by ProFlowers and Lomography.com.

New Zealand born/England resident/global citizen Adrienne Pitts hangs out with me via technology this week, where we essentially sell stuff to each other. And discuss life in New Zealand. And how she got kicked out of New Zealand by her parents to explore the world... and how that's a normal thing. And how she ended up as the Art Director for Jamie Oliver's magazine, Jamie (who is one of my all-time favorite chef personalities). And life as an art director, especially relating to working with photographers. And how she takes amazing portraits that simply feel relatable with a sense of nostalgia. Meanwhile, I share the importance of doing what you love.

French-American fine art photographer Julie Wolsztynski creates very dark, moody, beautiful works, which made me determined to learn how her style came about. We talk about her turbulent past, our experiences growing up, as well as the differences between American and French culture and youths. We also discuss our impressions of the DC art scene, getting representation for her art, and how the teamwork between her and her camera plays a major role in her photographic process. Meanwhile, I question the importance of equipment in creating photographs, or if it's a case of "you get what you pay for."

I don't know how I do it sometimes, but advertising and editorial photographer, and all-around awesomeness, Chris Crisman chats with me about how his days at the University of Pennsylvania, growing up in a small town, and the javelin all led to a successful and inspiring photography career, as well as the influences that lead to the development of one's photography, how his tastes have changed, and how the camera makes the photographer... or rather, one's relationship with the camera. Plus, we share our opinions on art schools. Meanwhile, I've got a fun and awesome contest for you that I explain!

Trekking to Annapolis, I hang out with wedding and lifestyle photographer and hopeless romantic Natalie Franke, where we get into a SLEW of subjects! We talk about her recent trip to WPPI and the unconventional lessons she learned there - and in life, like when someone stole her photos - as well as the experiences that shape our photographic style and how we measure success. Plus, is she really that naturally chipper? And how has her upbeat and pleasantly positive attitude affected her business and relationships with other photographers? Meanwhile, I'm comfortable in my own skin, which makes me a better photographer.

Jet-lagged and Daylight-Savings-Time-lagged, I sit down in front of the mic and get into my experiences at the Marine Corps Trials - what went down this year, what I did better this go around, what mistakes were made, and what I learned for next time. And after receiving... an interesting "gift" at the Regiment, I share my favorite photography books. Plus, what will be the fate of film photography and why bother with it?

The last time I spoke to Keith Lane on the podcast, he was searching for the next place to go. All of a sudden, he's off to Egypt and heading a fantastic project, Public Space: Cairo and later becomes an Adjunct Professor of Photography at American University in Cairo. I decide to use my show as an excuse to see how he's doing half a world away. We get into deviating from the typical photojournalist coverage and how to find a meaningful story, as well as making roots in a new place and adjusting to a new normal. Meanwhile, it's tax day at PO Photography! I offer tips on keeping you safe from the IRS.