Artist Spotlight - The Podcast

Join show host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes wildlife conservation photographer Chelsey James to the show. Chelsey has spent the last several years documenting a broad range of wildlife species who face pressure to their existence. Additionally, she works at a zoo where she is tasked with documenting the lives of the resident animals.

As an Ambassador for the non-profit Girls Who Click organization, co-founded by Suzi Eszterhas, Chelsey teaches young girls about photography and gives back to the next generation of image makers. A broad ranging conversation from Chelsey's start in photography, to stories from the field, preferred camera set up and much more.

You can see Chelsey's work on Instragram @conservationchelsey and online www.chelseyrainell.com and learn more about Girls Who Click @girlswhoclick

Join show host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes longtime photography executive and aficionado Kiran Karnani to the show. From her years working with Leica to current work as former Chief Marketing Officer for Harlowe (premium lighting systems) and Co-founder of Fotophase, Kiran has consistently celebrated photography and the artists creating imagery. She is widely recognized as a true jewel in the industry when it comes to insights, advice and creative support. In this episode, Mitch and Kiran discussed her introduction to photography, positive mental benefits of photography and where they see the industry headed. A great uplifting conversation for you to enjoy, You can check out Kiran's work online by visiting harlowe.com and fotophase.org

Join show host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes self-described "road trip" photographer Rob Hann to the show. Rob's decades of work showcases his unique ability to make compelling photos of what may be described as "Americana". Born in London, Rob had a fascination with the American West and the often forgotten and abandoned signs, cars, buildings and other found objects he would discover during his lengthy road trips. Having not picked up a camera until age 31, the former fireman and waiter would be discovered as a model and enjoyed that work during a ten-year span. It was during that time he ventured into photography and his career arch is incredible. To check out Rob's work online it can be seen at www.robhann.com and on Instagram @rob.hann

Join show host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes photojournalist Robert Hanashiro to the podcast. For over 45 years, Bert, as he is affectionately known, has photographed Olympic games, Super Bowls, Oscars and countless major sports and entertainment events. From his early years working in Central California to his decades working with USA Today, his reputation for great talent, professionalism and desire to give back to the photography community is legendary. This conversation is one for all who value and appreciate the joy of photography to enjoy. We talked about his career and early days, stories from the field, techniques and inspiration. You can see Bert's work online with the starting point of his Instagram @kahunabert

Join show host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes Los Angeles based documentary photographer and filmmaker Greg Hatton to the podcast. Greg's work carries his signature style and has featured images made around the world. From the conversation it's evident that travel and his observations and acceptance of people around the world inform his art. In addition to creating images, Greg is a public speaker and photography instructor. His work is frequently exhibited in galleries and is highly collected. You can see more of Greg's work online at www.impaci.com and on Instagram @renaissanceman

Join show host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes France based documentary photographer Jamie Johnson to the show.

Over the years Jamie has built relationships with families and documented their lives with a focus on the children who have grown from quite young into their late teens and older. Her genuine spirit and camera skills have cultivated trust and long-standing rapport with parents and their children.

We discussed her early years in photography, stories from the field, gear choices and ways in which she goes about building trust with her photo subjects. A fun conversation about a niche focus resulting in compelling images.

You can see Jamie's work on Instagram @jamiejohnsonphotography

Join show host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes street photographer Paul O’Malley to the show. Paul’s passion for his craft is evident in his work as he looks for often unseen moments. Divided between color and monochrome images, he shoots with a keen eye towards light, shadow, details and a sense of peering into the subjects own world. We get into his influences, techniques, gear choices and much more. You can check out his work on Instagram @pauldomalley and his virtual gallery featuring his and others work @ankydyn.gallery

Join show host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes photographer Merri Cyr to the show. Merri has focused much of her career photographing musicians with her major break coming after shooting the iconic Jeff Buckley album cover titled Grace. She would go on to photograph many covers and work for decades in the field and her work is ongoing today. We talked about her early years, key moments along the way and her approach in the field. Merri is an absolute pleasure to talk with and her work is definitely worth exploring further. You can see more of it on Instagram @merrifairy and online at merricyr.com

Join show host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes renowned portrait photographer Mark Mann to the podcast.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Mark decided that New York City was the place to make his career goals happen. He surely has reached those lofty goals over 30+ years creating compelling images of a "who's who" in the world of business and celebrity. Images of Robert Redford, Dave Chapelle, Kobe Bryant, Al Pacino, Slash, and multiple US Presidents barely scratches the surface of those he's photographed.

Mark's signature style is distinct and really showcases his subjects in a way that is one of a kind. We had a great conversation about his early years, stories from the field, techniques and so much more. Mark is an amazing photographer with a wonderful sense of humor and a terrific guy in general.

Check out his work online at MarkMannPhoto.com and on Instagram @markmannphoto

Join show host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes third generation photographer and visual storyteller Vincent Caruso to the show. Having known Vincent for a few years now I’ve always been impressed by his keen photographic eye and perspectives on the craft. We spoke about his upbringing around photography shaped by his father, legendary movie and television still photographer, Phil Caruso. Vincent has effectively carved out his own niche in street photography and creating music videos. A fun conversation for sure. You can check out his work on Instagram @Vincentkcaruso

Join host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes wildlife photographer, author, tour leader and conservationist Suzi Eszterhas to the show. Suzi's work is nothing short of incredible and her love of animals has led her all over the world making beautiful images. Her work has appeared on the pages of National Geographic Kids, Popular Photography, TIME, BBC Wildlife and many more. Suzi's life is the subject of an upcoming documentary titled, "My Wild Life". We discussed the origins of her interest in wildlife, career path, planning for a photographic trip and stories from her extensive time spent in the field. You can check out more of Suzi's work online at suzieszterhas.com and on Instagram @suzieszterhas. Information about her wildlife photographic safaris is available at suziswildlifesafaris.com.

Join podcast host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes sports photographer and Director of Photography Alex Trautwig to the show. Alex's lengthy career has seen him evolve from a photo intern after college to working with some of the best-known companies in the photography business such as Getty Images and Major League Baseball.

As an advocate for photographers, Alex co-founded the Professional Baseball Photographers Association in 2023. His work has adorned the cover of Sports Illustrated and pages of GQ, ESPN and the New York Times.

We covered a lot from his early years discovering photography to paying dues and learning the skills needed to become a sought after lensman. You can see more of Alex's work online at alextrautwig.com and Instagram @atraut

Join show host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes fine art photographer and film director Mark de Paola to the podcast. Mark’s style over decades of work has placed him in the upper echelon of today’s creatives. Having been a photographer since his pre-teen years, Mark evolved his work creating stunning portraits and advertising campaigns for major brands. He’s also added film director to his list accomplishments in both advertising and feature films. Throughout his still and motion imagery, Mark’s signature style is evident. This episode is a must-listen. You can check out his work on Instagram @depaolapictures and watch the trailer for his upcoming film release @astabatheaven

Join host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes New York City based street photographer Daniel Featherstone to the show. Daniel's work presents the quirky side of the city and its residents from their expressions to their style. His keen eye recognizes the distinct and notable, and he artfully captures beautiful images. We had a great conversation about his early years as a graffiti artist and the role rap music had in his decision to move to the United States. So many great insights are shared, as are stories from working with his camera on the street. You can check out Daniel's work on Instagram @danielfeatherstonephoto.

Join host Mitch Stringer recorded while in Morocco with renowned photographer Art Wolfe as they travel across the vast country of Morocco. Art and Mitch discuss what they’ve been seeing there in cities like Fes, Marrakech and several others. Additionally, thoughts on pre-trip gear choices and the types of images that can be made during such a trip.

Join show host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes Los Angeles based photographer Stephen Vanasco to the show. Stephen's journey to becoming one of the most talented, versatile photographers today is nothing short of fascinating and inspiring. When talent meets a tenacious work ethic, this is what you get. He spent his early days as a skateboarder later photographing the sport, working in the adult video business and then forming his own clothing and skateboard line (visualskateboards.com) along with commercial and self-assignments. We covered so much during our conversation, and you'll really enjoy checking it out. You can see more of Stephen's work on Instagram @stephenvanasco and online at stephenvanasco.com

Join show host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes acclaimed movie and television still photographer Phil Caruso to the podcast. Phil's beautiful work has spanned more than four decades through which he became the go-to still photographer for such legends as Robert DeNiro, Ron Howard and Martin Scorcese to name a few. During that time these images have been used on movie posters and to promote the movies and TV shows on many different platforms. His credits include productions such as Forrest Gump, Backdraft, Cape Fear, Casino, and too many others to mention. You can check out his work on Instagram @phil.caruso and on his website http://www.PhillipCaruso.net

Join podcast host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes Washington, DC based editorial and portrait photographer Cheriss May to the show. A graduate of Howard University, Cheriss embarked upon a career in graphic art before transitioning into photography. But her love of the medium began as a young girl where she showed an interest and supportive parents recognized that talent and encouraged her early development. Since turning pro, her years of experience building rapport with subjects has resulted in compelling images. The quality of those images caught the notice of several major brands such as Leica and Adobe where she collaborates and teaches classes. This was a very insightful conversation that I encourage you to check out. You can follow Cheriss' work on Instagram @cherissmay and online cherissmay.com.

Join show host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes New York City based dance, street and commercial photographer Omar Z Robles to the podcast.

Omar's incomparable images of dancers worldwide showcase his keen eye for capturing peak moments of performance on the streets. His early years studying as a mime taught him valuable lessons about using the body to convey action, emotion and intensity. That firsthand knowledge gives him a unique, compelling perspective that we discuss during the episode along with hearing about his origins, mindset, techniques and experiences along the way.

Omar's recently launched "Calling BS" video series on his Instagram (@omarzrobles) is both hilarious and filled with meaningful insights. He is also active on YouTube and you can can check out his website online at omarzrobles.com

John host Mitch Stringer as he welcomes Hanoi, Vietnam based editorial and commercial photographer, educator and YouTube host Justin Mott to the podcast.

Justin's storytelling images and videos have long been seen on the pages of The New York Times and other leading editorial entities. His commercial work spans various brands including Leica, Restoration Hardware, Nike, IHG Resorts to name a few. This podcast covers so much from technique, to creating storytelling images to planning for travel photography.

You can check out Justin's work online at JustinMott.com, on Instagram @askMott and his commercial work online at mottvisuals.com..