f/22 - Photographer Interviews by VSCO

In this episode of f/22, Greg Lutze and Zach Hodges sit down with photographer Caziah Franklin in Nashville. He moved to Tennessee to drum, took summer lessons at Trevecca, and enrolled at Belmont. His first time behind a camera was a Canon Rebel T6i borrowed from his school's yearbook adviser for a summer at Lake Arlington in Texas, but he didn't really pick one up until COVID. A trip to Israel in 2020 and a Fuji X100F gave him his first published photos.

In 2021 he deleted every social app for six months. He felt God telling him to log off, and he could see he'd been chasing virality instead of the work. He spent that stretch at a local outdoor shop in Nashville, got into climbing and cycling, and started leading trips in Moab. When he came back online, he posted what he was learning instead of what he'd done.

His first paid work was brand consulting, and campaigns came after. He also spent time vetting the creators who pitched outdoor brands, which is where he learned that the people who get hired already use the gear. About a year and a half of free and traded work early on turned into his largest retainers.

He talks through gifting, passion, and calling as three separate things, why not every skill needs to be monetized, a mentor's question about flipping houses versus keeping renters, and the test he runs on his own why.

This episode explores

• What brands look for before they answer your pitch
• Six months offline and what came back with him
• Turning free and traded work into long-term retainers
• Treating clients like renters instead of flipped houses
• Keeping your gifting, passion, and calling separate
• Testing whether your why holds up

Follow Caziah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caziahfranklin/
Substack: https://caziahfranklin.substack.com/
YouTube: Caziah Franklin (channel URL to confirm)

Chapters:

00:00 Cold open
00:58 Welcome Caziah Franklin
02:03 From drummer to a borrowed Rebel T6i
04:42 An Israel trip and his first published photos
05:58 Family support and the Belmont pivot
08:32 Six months offline in 2021
10:36 Summer camp in Texas and finding his why
13:25 First brand shoot and brand consulting
16:35 Gifting, passion, and calling
23:17 Free work, product, and investing in yourself
27:46 Flipping houses versus having renters
31:17 Planting seeds and what comes next
34:41 Advice for photographers coming up

Big thanks to Harlowe Lights for the lighting of this episode, and Shure Mics for the audio.

Hashtags:

#CaziahFranklin #OutdoorPhotography #CommercialPhotography #NashvillePhotographer #AdventurePhotography #BrandPhotography #Fujifilm #PhotographyBusiness #F22Series #VSCO

In this episode of f/22, Greg Lutze and Zach Hodges sit down with photographer Madison Rensing in Nashville. Her first camera was a cheap pink Canon she got around nine, used for photographing cereal and climbing the tree in her backyard. Her mom later found a used Nikon on Facebook Marketplace for a hundred bucks, and she teared up when she got it. Summers visiting a cousin in Alaska turned into landscape work, and driving thirty minutes into downtown St. Louis turned into portraits of her friends.

The turn came from two photographers she knew only through Instagram. Trevor and Alex met her for coffee at 7am, looked at her work, and told her that if she wanted to do this for the rest of her life, she could. She calls it the light bulb. One of them hired her to shoot his wedding, and that was the first proof she could pay her own way with a camera.

After a year of community college she moved to Nashville and landed in a room full of songwriters. She shot digital for about a year, then found a $20 Minolta at McKay's, a local thrift camera and book store, and converted to film for good. A friend handed her a Yashica Mat 124G, and about two years ago she moved into Contax. Clients started asking for the film work specifically. Now artists send her their unreleased music, and she puts headphones on and writes down what she sees.

She works with people who are not models and have to be in front of a camera anyway, so she builds the shoot around making them feel safe. That approach runs straight into the hardest part of the job, which is deciding what to charge a friend, whether a label-backed artist pays a different rate, and how to say yes below your number without deciding your work is worth less.

This episode explores

• Turning a hobby into a career on the strength of one conversation
• What a $20 thrift store camera changes about how you work
• Building visuals from a song nobody else has heard yet
• Directing artists who have never modeled in their lives
• What to charge when the client is a friend
• Keeping your price and your worth separate

Follow Madison:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisonrensingphotos/
Website: https://madisonrensing.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Cold open
00:37 Welcome to f/22 in Nashville
02:14 Shooting musicians and artists
03:47 A pink Canon at nine and a $100 Nikon
04:35 Alaska summers and shooting friends near St. Louis
08:06 Trevor and Alex find her on Instagram
09:43 You could do this for the rest of your life
11:41 Building a portfolio and shooting her first wedding
13:28 Moving to Nashville and landing in a creative community
17:55 A $20 Minolta at McKay's
20:13 A Yashica Mat and then the Contax
21:45 Pinterest boards instead of shot lists
23:36 Getting the music before it comes out
26:20 Making people who are not models comfortable
27:46 Caring about people while still paying the bills
30:27 Why she does not want to shoot video
34:51 Tours, personal projects, and 2026
38:38 Value yourself more than you think
44:11 Confidence that wavers
46:53 Turning your value into a number
51:52 Where to find Madison

Hashtags:

#MadisonRensing #FilmPhotography #MusicPhotography #NashvillePhotographer #35mm #MediumFormat #PortraitPhotography #ShootFilm #F22Series #VSCO

In this episode of f/22, Greg Lutze and Zach Hodges sit down with photographer Joe Greer in Nashville. As a broke college student he saved for a month to buy an iPhone 4 just to get on Instagram, then spent every free hour shooting the Pacific Northwest. A curator job at VSCO followed, ten months he still calls his art school, spent studying Alex Webb and William Eggleston and sorting tens of thousands of photographs a day. Then a Portland church cut his position right before Christmas in 2016, and going freelance meant seven months without a single reply.

New York broke it open. Armed with a Leica M6, he got hooked on street photography and kept posting it even as it cost him followers. That way of seeing became his calling card, and brands including Leica, Bandit Running, and Gatorade started hiring him for exactly it while his agent Ernesto handled the business. He walks through NYC I Love You, built from 150 undeveloped rolls when COVID emptied the streets, and India Volume 1, the 156 photos drawn from seven years of trips and designed by Mouthwash Studios. He breaks down critical focus over zone focus, why he takes far more bad photos than good ones, and why he refuses to stay in one lane. No off switch, no plan to retire, and every frame he has ever shared was edited in VSCO.

This episode explores

• Building your own photo education from books, documentaries, and the greats
• Turning personal work into the thing brands hire you for
• What a rep actually does, and why giving up 20% is worth it
• Walking onto a commercial set without a shot list
• Critical focus versus zone focus, and what a real hit rate takes
• Why bad photos and refusing to niche down keep a career alive

Follow Joe:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ioegreer/
Website: https://www.ioe.photography/

Chapters:

00:00 A Florida Kid, an iPhone, and the Leica That Changed Everything
01:40 From Florida to shooting the Pacific Northwest on an iPhone
02:21 Discovering #VSCOcam and falling for photography
04:35 Getting hired at VSCO, his art school
06:53 How curating thousands of photos sharpened his eye
08:13 Teaching yourself from photo books and the greats
10:10 Two desert-island books, Meyerowitz and Robert Frank
11:36 Hunger, hardship, and the drive to go pro
12:47 Let go before Christmas, the leap to freelance
13:53 Moving to NYC and getting hooked on the streets
14:55 The wedding-gift Canon and buying a Leica M6
16:20 Getting repped, what a photo agent actually does
18:48 Turning a street eye into commercial work
22:02 Why he shoots without a shot list
24:49 Taking the risk when street photography wasn't cool
27:06 Books over likes, what makes a great photograph
28:44 NYC I Love You, a love letter on 150 rolls of film
29:56 India, the Google trip that started seven years of work
31:37 The XPan, black and white, and The Art of Devotion
33:01 Sequencing the book and letting go of favorites
35:23 The secret to a high hit rate, critical focus
37:51 Zone focus versus critical focus, explained
39:29 Take more bad photos
42:35 Advice, consistency, sharing, and press publish
45:13 Don't niche down, photograph what you love
47:38 No off switch, no retirement
48:44 Where to find Joe, and why it's all edited in VSCO

#JoeGreer #StreetPhotography #FilmPhotography #LeicaM6 #35mm #PhotoBooks #IndiaPhotography #ShootFilm #F22Series #VSCO

In this episode of f/22, Zach Hodges sits down in Las Vegas with Susan Stripling, a wedding photographer of 24 years who has never had another job. She lives in New York, she is a Canon Explorer of Light and an Adorama ambassador, and she is a grand master at Icon. Ask how she is holding up after 24 years and the answer is caffeine and duct tape.

Susan is blunt about what the accolades actually do. Inside the industry they build relationships and they build a résumé. To a couple choosing a photographer they do nothing, because a prospective client cannot tell an Icon Grand Master from a mom who voted you best photographer in Jersey City.

Much of the conversation is about the business behind the pictures. She runs the studio out of one system, answers every inquiry herself, tracks every referral source, and pulls reports at the end of each year to see where the work came from and where it went. She raises prices in itty-bitty increments, sometimes holding the number and dropping the coverage from ten hours to eight, then waits a couple of bookings to see what it does before moving again. Price yourself too far above your referral sources and the referrals stop.

She is also honest about what wears on her. She gets bored. She gets burnt out. The venue looks the same and the timeline looks the same. What resets her is not a business fix, it is remembering that she has been there a hundred times and her clients have been there once. Her burnout at work tracks her burnout at home, so she goes and fills the rest of her life first.

Her advice for photographers starting out comes in two pieces, and the second one is the part most people skip.

This episode explores

• Why awards build a résumé inside the industry and mean nothing to a prospective client
• Running a wedding business end to end, from the first inquiry to year-end reporting
• Raising prices in itty-bitty increments without pricing yourself out of your referrals
• What changed for photographers starting out now, and why the job takes two skill sets
• A theater background, theatrically motivated light, and the editorial flash resurgence
• Getting bored at a venue you have shot a hundred times, and what actually fixes it
• Why she started scuba diving and refuses to monetize the pictures

Thanks to Harlow Lighting for lighting in this episode.

Follow Susan:
http://susanstripling.com

Chapters:

00:00 Cold open
00:41 Welcome back to f/22 with Susan Stripling
02:07 Whether the awards actually help her business
03:11 Held together by caffeine and duct tape
04:15 A theater background and nodding to modern style
05:44 Word of mouth then, a marketing monster now
06:27 One system running the whole studio
07:53 Letting go of her own editing
08:41 A complicated relationship with AI
09:28 Moving prices in itty bitty increments
10:49 Getting bored at the venue you have shot 100 times
12:50 It's not personal, it's just business

Hashtags:

#SusanStripling #WeddingPhotography #WeddingPhotographer #NewYorkPhotographer #PhotographyBusiness #PhotographyPricing #EditorialLighting #F22Series #VSCO

In this episode of f/22, Greg Lutze and Zach Hodges sit down with world-renowned photographer and artist Jeremy Cowart at his studio in Franklin, Tennessee, to talk about a career built on chasing ideas, embracing risk, and using creativity to help people.

Jeremy traces his unlikely path from painter to graphic designer to celebrity photographer. The journey started with a three-megapixel point-and-shoot and a Hollywood agent who called out of nowhere in 2005. He's candid about faking his way through his first big shoot (10 sets to light for Prison Break, having never used a light before), the imposter syndrome underneath it, and why he's always been drawn to the possibility of failure.

The conversation moves through his signature techniques, the multi-light LED wall rig, custom Capture One code, 60-second shoots, and the stop-motion approach he stumbled into on a Star Trek shoot. It all leads to the work he says matters most, his "If You're Breathing" project, where he makes art alongside people in extreme need and funds their stories through merch. Along the way, Jeremy gets honest about money, the feast-or-famine reality of a creative career, the surprising story of being hired by a global brand specifically to use AI, and why, after 20+ years, obsessive learning is what keeps him relevant.

This episode explores

- How to break into paid work (and landing a rep)

- Why embracing risk and failure beats waiting until you're "ready"

- Building a signature style and a clear creative perspective

- The truth about money and feast-or-famine income

- Using AI as a tool without losing the art

- Why social impact work can be the most fulfilling work of all

Jeremy Cowart

Website: https://www.jeremycowart.com/

Big thanks to @harlowecreators for beautiful lighting for this episode.

Chapters:

00:00 "I Faked My Way Through My First Big Gig"

00:36 Welcome Back to f/22, Franklin, Tennessee

01:40 From Painter to Photographer

03:02 A 3-Megapixel Canon & Shooting Musician Friends

04:46 "I Got a D in Photography"

06:30 How He Started Getting Paid Work

08:04 Landing a Hollywood Agent in 2005

10:12 Imposter Syndrome & Faking the Prison Break Shoot

14:56 The "If You're Breathing" Project

18:07 Projecting a Mother's Words Into Her Daughter's Eye

20:23 Building the Projection & LED Wall Setup

24:22 The 60-Second Photo Shoots

27:26 Discovering Stop Motion on a Star Trek Shoot

29:15 Why Social Impact Work Matters Most

33:42 The Financial Reality, Feast or Famine

35:21 Obsessively Learn, The Carpenter Analogy

38:24 Talking AI, the Good and the Bad

43:04 Hired to Use AI for a Global Brand

45:10 Keep It About the Work, Not the Gear

47:33 Where to Find Jeremy

#JeremyCowart #PhotographyCareer #CelebrityPhotographer #PortraitPhotography #CreativeEntrepreneur #PhotographyBusiness #AIandPhotography #SocialImpact #F22Series #VSCO #PhotographyCommunity

In this episode of f/22, Greg Lutze sits down with Bay Area photographer and filmmaker David Godinez in San Francisco to talk about the realities of turning photography into a career.

David shares how he got started, why photography is just his starting point, and how his work has evolved into video and post-production. The conversation focuses on the often-overlooked side of the craft: business. From pricing your work to shifting your mindset, David breaks down what it actually takes to go from hobbyist to professional.

📌 This episode explores:

• The mindset shift from artist to business owner

• Why pricing your work is so difficult (and so important)

• How to approach the transition into video

• When to hire vs. learn new skills

• Building a sustainable creative career

Follow David:

David Godinez

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidrgoda/

Website: https://www.davidgodinez.com/

⸻

Chapters:

00:00 “You’re Not an Artist, You’re a Business”

00:23 Introduction in San Francisco

01:02 How David Got Into Photography

02:13 Why Photography Is Just the Starting Point

02:16 Early Days of Video & YouTube

03:26 The Shift from Photo to Video

04:47 Should Photographers Take on Video?

05:40 Learning by Hiring People Better Than You

06:22 The Hard Transition to Going Pro

06:36 Why Most Photographers Undervalue Their Work

07:07 Artist vs. Business Mindset

08:03 Why Business Skills Aren’t Taught

08:30 Learning Through Community

09:08 The Reality of Pricing & Overhead

09:29 Why Pricing Transparency Matters

10:31 The Problem with Undercutting

10:54 The “Oakland Strong” Documentary

12:17 From Local Project to Film Festival Run

13:21 Where to Find David’s Work

⸻

Hashtags:

#PhotographyBusiness #FreelancePhotographer #PhotographyCareer #CreativeEntrepreneur #Videography #F22Series #VSCO #PhotographyCommunity

In this episode of f/22, Zach Hodges sits down with Oakland photographers Pablo Circa and Essi Westerman at VSCO headquarters to talk about creating their very first gallery exhibition: Street Stories: Oakland in Focus.

What started as an idea during a lonely season turned into a community-powered show featuring 42 photographers and dozens of handwritten “written portraits” collected from people across Oakland. Pablo and Essi break down the full journey—from concept and open call to curation, printing, framing, and opening night overwhelm.

They share what it actually takes to make a group exhibition happen, how they narrowed 100+ submissions down to 42 images, and why they chose feeling over technical perfection. They also reflect on collaboration as “jazz,” building something rooted in love for their city, and creating space for Oakland to be seen beyond the headlines.

📌 This episode explores:

• How to create your first photography gallery show

• Turning a creative idea into a physical exhibition

• Curating 100+ submissions down to a cohesive body of work

• Pairing photographs with handwritten community stories

• Building connection through art and collaboration

Follow Pablo & Essi:

Pablo Circa

Website: https://www.pablocirca.com/

Essi Westerman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essiwesterman/

————————

Chapters:

00:00 Introducing Street Stories: Oakland in Focus

02:25 The Idea Behind Their First Gallery

05:10 From Injury to Photography

08:54 Building the Concept

12:11 “Follow the Feeling”

15:27 The Open Call & 100+ Submissions

18:02 Curating by Intuition, Not Technical Perfection

22:55 Adding Handwritten Community Stories

29:00 Opening Night in Oakland

34:05 Collaboration as Jazz

36:20 What They’d Do Differently

————————

Hashtags:

#PhotographyExhibition #GalleryShow #Oakland #StreetPhotography #PhotoCommunity #Curation #FirstExhibition #F22Series

In this episode of f/22, Zach Hodges sits down with film portrait photographer Lauren Marcelle at Bild Expo in New York City.

Lauren shares her journey from shooting Polaroid as a kid to working in 4x5 and 8x10 large format film. She talks about why slowing down matters, what it takes to make a single meaningful frame, and why portraiture gives her something street and landscape photography never could: real human connection.

They also dive into Cameras & Coffee, the community meetup she helped bring from the Bay Area to NYC, and why “just showing up” might be the most important step any creative can take.

📌 This episode explores:

• Falling back in love with film

• The discipline of large format photography

• Finding your niche after years of experimentation

• Creating space for connection through portraiture

• Building intentional creative community

Follow Lauren:

Website: https://www.laurenmarcellephotography.com/

VSCO: https://vsco.co/laurenmarcellephoto/gallery

Chapters:

00:00 Slowing Down with Large Format

00:37 Lauren’s Film Photography Journey

02:12 Cameras & Coffee Origins

03:32 What to Expect at a Meetup

04:20 Overcoming Social Anxiety

05:10 Why Community Matters

06:44 Shooting 8x10 Portraits

08:02 The Magic of One Frame

09:08 Finding Her Focus in Portraiture

11:05 Where to See Lauren’s Work

Hashtags:

#LargeFormatPhotography #FilmPhotography #PortraitPhotography #8x10 #Polaroid #PhotographyCommunity #CamerasAndCoffee #F22Series

In this episode of f/22, VSCO co-founder Greg Lutze http://vsco.co/greg/gallery sits down with Bay Area photographer, filmmaker, and Google computational research creative Brandon Ruffin http://vsco.co/ruffdraft/gallery to explore how identity, narrative, and technology intersect in modern image-making. Known for his powerful storytelling and community work through Cameras & Coffee Club, Brandon opens up about the emotional core of photography, how our lived experiences shape what we see, and why every photograph carries a point of view.

From his Leica M11-D campaign to his upcoming book Migration Patterns, Brandon shares thoughtful insights on personal projects, creative identity, AI’s role in artistry, and the ways photography can connect us to our family histories, our communities, and ourselves. Whether you’re a new photographer or deep into your creative journey, this conversation offers a grounded, inspiring look at what it means to create with intention in an era shaped by both humanity and computation.

Chapters

00:00 — Storytelling, POV, and the artist’s role

01:16 — Brandon’s background, identity, and approach to photography

06:49 — Inside the Leica M11-D campaign & emotional image-making

13:14 — Migration Patterns: family history, memory, and personal projects

26:15 — Social media, “the banger shot,” and rediscovering play in photography

31:18 — Photobooks, sequencing, and trusting the editing process

36:18 — Photography as poetry: narrative, symbolism, and emotional truth

38:00 — AI, creativity, and human-centered tools for artists

41:05 — Hot takes & advice for emerging photographers

47:36 — Building community, collaboration, and sustaining a creative life

#vscocam #photography #photographer #photographytips #portraitphotography #storytelling #filmphotography #artandtechnology #computationalphotography #creativecommunity #photographypodcast #vsco

With nearly two decades of experience behind the camera, Karna Roa has photographed weddings around the world — from the vineyards of California to ceremonies in Tokyo and Morocco. In this episode of f/22, she shares how shooting weddings taught her every aspect of photography, how education through PPA (Professional Photographers of America) shaped her growth, and what she learned from the viral wildfire photo that briefly put her in the spotlight.

📌 In this interview you’ll learn:

• Why weddings are the best training ground for any photographer
• How to build a sustainable career in a demanding industry
• What it’s like to have a photo go viral overnight
• The importance of lighting, preparation, and adaptability
• How community, education, and mentorship can elevate your craft

Chapters:

00:00 – Why weddings make you a better photographer

00:18 – Meet Karna Roa, award-winning wedding photographer

01:03 – Getting started at age 15

02:29 – Building a full-time career and traveling the world

03:23 – Highlights from 17 years of weddings

04:17 – The wildfire wedding and viral photo moment

10:35 – Lessons in lighting and storytelling

11:18 – Staying passionate and emotionally connected

12:36 – Making a long-term creative career sustainable

13:00 – What is PPA and why it matters

16:33 – Earning degrees and recognition through PPA

18:28 – Growth through education and mentorship

19:00 – Leading the Wine Country chapter of PPA

20:09 – Advice for new and aspiring wedding photographers

21:33 – The power of networking and relationships

22:06 – Closing thoughts and where to find Karna’s work

#VSCO #VSCOcam #streetphotography #Photography #ProfessionalPhotographer #PhotographyTips #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer

Greg Lutze, co-founder of VSCO and passionate street photographer, has spent his career blending design, photography, and creativity. In this episode of f/22, Greg opens up about his path from early graphic design work to photography, the origins of VSCO Film, and his ongoing love for capturing life as it really is.

📌 In this interview you’ll learn:

• How Greg went from design to photography (and back again)
• The true origin story of VSCO and its presets
• Why collaboration is the secret ingredient in creative success
• Greg’s philosophy of street photography in the age of social media
• How his new preset (V9) captures timeless film aesthetics
• Why delight, curiosity, and persistence matter more than numbers

⠀

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, Greg’s story is packed with insight, nostalgia, and inspiration.

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro & Greg’s creative beginnings

01:06 – Early design, music, and first band photos

02:22 – Seattle days & creative community

05:00 – Learning by doing vs. technical perfection

06:11 – Nostalgia and seeing time in photos

08:09 – Finding his photographic style

09:41 – Design work & the path toward VSCO

12:16 – Film is dying? The spark for VSCO Film

13:37 – Collaborating to make VSCO real

16:09 – Why collaboration is everything

18:11 – Building VSCO presets & app together

19:04 – Greg’s love for street photography

20:59 – Snapshot or art? Reframing criticism

22:24 – Developing the new WE9 preset

24:10 – The process of creating presets with intent

26:09 – Making work that stands the test of time

27:07 – Presets as a “three listen album”

29:23 – Community, inspiration, and creativity today

31:15 – Advice for new photographers

33:04 – Joy, curiosity, and delight in photography

34:53 – Closing thoughts & where to find Greg’s work

#VSCO #VSCOcam #streetphotography #Photography #ProfessionalPhotographer #PhotographyTips

From photographing World War II veterans to building a career in longevity and celebrity photography, Tom Sanders has carved out a unique niche in the industry. In this episode of f/22, Tom shares the story of how a college assignment led to two published books, long-term client relationships, and a thriving photography business.

📌 In this interview you’ll learn:

• How a chance encounter with a WWII veteran shaped Tom’s career path
• Why finding a niche can be the most powerful move for a photographer
• Practical marketing strategies for freelancers that actually work
• Why today’s photographers should also be filmmakers
• How personal projects can lead directly to paid opportunities

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your photography business, Tom’s story is packed with inspiration and actionable advice.

00:00 — Intro & Tom’s background

00:55 — Family history: Ernest Hemingway portrait & photography roots

03:02 — First WWII veteran portrait & impact of the project

05:00 — Moving to LA & building a portfolio through veterans

06:14 — The importance of personal projects

07:20 — First big client: Belmont Village & published book

08:10 — Celebrity photography in LA & early big breaks

09:42 — Finding a niche: longevity photography

12:28 — Teaching at Savannah College of Art and Design

13:06 — How photographers actually get consistent work

15:14 — Why photographers today must also be filmmakers

16:23 — Practical marketing: social, ads, cold calls, and promos

20:03 — Email strategy & building client lists

22:03 — Networking, keeping in touch, and the snowball effect

23:05 — Creating personal work to attract clients

25:14 — Balancing business ownership & creativity

26:56 — Money transparency & client work breakdown

28:20 — Why LinkedIn is Tom’s most powerful tool

31:25 — Advice for young photographers starting out

33:11 — Why every photographer should shoot motion

35:07 — Renting your own equipment back to clients

35:49 — Where to find Tom’s work

#vscocam #photography #photographer #photographertips #commercialphotography #portraitphotography #celebrityphotography #freelancephotographer #photographybusiness #creativeentrepreneur #photographypodcast #wwiiveterans #personalprojects

In Part 2 of our interview, Martine Severin pulls back the curtain on the business and strategy of commercial photography. From test shoots and building a team to networking, portfolio reviews, and landing clients, she shares candid insights from 13 years in the industry.

📌 In Part 2, you’ll learn:

• Why commercial photography is a “tightly choreographed dance”
• How to show production value and prove you can lead a team
• The long game of relationships, outreach, and portfolio reviews
• Why being a decent human is as important as your photography

Whether you’re ready to move beyond weddings or want to understand how to thrive in commercial photography, this conversation is packed with wisdom.

00:29 — Building a portfolio through styled shoots

02:19 — Working with modeling agencies & creating lookbooks

04:52 — Showing production value & working with a team

06:20 — Outreach & marketing (24 emails a week)

08:25 — Portfolio reviews & the importance of feedback

10:13 — Building relationships that lead to work

11:02 — The long game: 13 years of growth

11:20 — Advice for aspiring commercial photographers

12:20 — Finding your voice & keeping at it

13:28 — Networking (or just meeting people)

14:20 — Be a decent human — why character matters

15:08 — Closing thoughts & where to find Martine’s work

#vscocam #photography #photographer #photographytips #commercialphotography #photographycareer #photographyjourney #portraitphotography #creativebusiness #photographypodcast #emergingphotographer

From growing up in Haiti to becoming one of Vogue’s top emerging photographers, Martine Severin shares her unlikely journey into photography. In this episode of f/22, Martine talks about falling in love with photography as a child, the role of weddings as a training ground, and the long road to building a professional portfolio.

📌 In Part 1, you’ll learn:

• How Martine discovered photography as a way to connect across distance
• Why weddings can be an incredible training ground for any photographer
• The power of consistency in blogging, posting, and showing up
• Practical steps for creating a portfolio that leads to commercial work

If you’re just starting out or thinking about going pro, this part of Martine’s story is full of inspiration and real-world lessons.

00:00 — Intro & Martine’s Background

01:06 — Falling in love with photography as a child

03:22 — Growing up in Haiti & connecting through photos

05:05 — From street photography to Vogue’s “Top Emerging Photographers”

06:16 — Why weddings are the best training ground

07:57 — The early days of blogging & street style photography

09:38 — The power of consistency (posting every week)

10:49 — Balancing grad school with photography

12:34 — Moving to London & committing to photography full time

13:50 — The importance of taking small steps

15:14 — Wedding photography vs. commercial photography

#vscocam #photography #photographer #photographytips #photographycareer #photographyjourney #portraitphotography #weddingphotography #streetphotography #emergingphotographer #voguephotographer #photographypodcast

In this episode of f/22, host Zach Hodges follows along cityscape, landscape, portrait, and concert photographer Kris Kuganathan for a golden hour and night photoshoot through the urban scenes of Downtown Los Angeles. From capturing striking portraits to timing light trails, Kris shares his tips on lighting, composition, and storytelling to inspire your own creativity.

0:28 — Intro

0:51 — About Kris Kuganathan

1:34 — Kris’s Photography Style

2:10 — Shooting Golden Hour Portraits in the Street

2:31 — Using Composition for Storytelling With a Set of Photos

5:09 — Kris’s Approach to Exposure, Shadows, & Highlights

7:14 — Importance of Knowing a Camera’s Dual Native ISO

8:26 — Golden Hour Tip

8:47 — Reflecting on Kris’s Favorite Photo Captured With a Telephoto Lens

11:14 — Using Urban Elements as Natural Frames

13:10 — Waiting for the Perfect Shot to Capture Long Exposure

14:17 — Shooting Reflections & Starbursts

15:40 — Outro

#vscocam #photography #photographer #photographertips #photographycareer #portraitphotography #cityscapephotography #photographypodcast

From self-taught beginnings to a decision to pursue photography full time, join Zach Hodges in this episode of f/22 as he sits down with portrait photographer and visual artist John Baloy to discuss his creative journey. Known for his artistic portraits, John reveals how he leans into his distinct editing style and eye for photography to bring some of his most memorable work to life. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or seasoned artist, John’s story offers inspiration and practical insights that you can apply to your own craft.

0:05 — Intro

0:28 — About John Baloy

1:17 — Start of John’s Career as a Full-Time Photographer

4:30 — How John Captured His Favorite Portrait Photography

12:00 — Making of John’s We The Creators Preset on VSCO (WE2)

12:21 — Approach to Editing & Color Grading Photos

17:17 — Finding Inspiration From Nature in Photography

18:41 — Balancing Commercial Work & Artistic Vision

22:52 — Shooting on Film to Retain Highlights in Photos

24:12 — John’s Camera Gear (Pentax 67 & Fuji XH1)

25:42 — Battling Creative Burnout as a Photographer

27:50 — Building Community Over Following Commercial Standards

30:39 — Advice for Younger Self & Emerging Creatives

33:07 — Outro

#vscocam #photography #photographer #photographertips #photographycareer #photographyjourney #portraitphotography #photographypodcast

In this episode of f/22, Zach from the VSCO team sits down with Atlanta photographer Branden May to discuss his street and architecture photography work. From his unique light and shadow techniques to creative influences, Branden shares valuable photography insights around finding your style, gaining exposure, overcoming self-doubt, and more.

0:00 — Intro

1:08 — About Branden May

1:35 — Start of Branden’s Photography Career

2:23 — Meaning Behind Branden’s Photography Alias “Bamtog”

3:13 — Finding Inspiration From Photographers Like Fan Ho

3:54 — Developing a Unique Photography Style

6:06 — How Branden Captured His Favorite Street & Architecture Photography

16:03 — Best Time to Shoot Shadows in Street & Architecture Photography

17:18 — Location Scouting For Street & Architecture Photography

19:31 — Branden’s Favorite Camera Gear (Nikon & Canon)

21:50 — Auto vs. Manual Camera Modes

22:55 — Editing Shadows, Highlights, & Colors on VSCO & Lightroom

24:05 — Using VSCO, Galleries, & More to Get Exposure For Photography

28:28 — Dealing With Imposter Syndrome as a Photographer

29:11 — Advice For Aspiring Photographers

30:12 — Outro

#vscocam #photography #photographer #photographertips #photographycareer #photographyjourney #streetphotography #streetphotographer #atlantaphotographer #photographypodcast

In this episode of f/22, Zach from the VSCO team is joined by Bay Area photographer, videographer, and marketer Omeez Jones. Discover an insightful conversation where Omeez shares his journey from starting as a self-taught photographer to becoming a sought-after name working with notable clients such as Kevin Durant and Apple. Learn what it takes to break into photography, get your work in galleries, work with top-tier brands, and more to help elevate your photography career.

0:00 — Intro

0:36 — About Omeez Jones

2:26 — Start of Omeez’s Photography Career

3:33 — Favorite Photography Clients & Projects

4:12 — Building a Network to Secure Major Photography Clients

5:32 — Omeez’s Photo Editing Workflow on VSCO

6:46 — Tips From a Gallery Owner for Getting Work Shown in a Gallery

7:42 — Impact of Community on Omeez’s Photography Journey

8:58 — Tips for Getting Photography Exposure With Brands

10:16 — How Omeez Captures Wide-Angle Shots in Photography

10:48 — Advice for Aspiring Photographers

12:21 — Challenges of Getting Started in Photography

13:21 — Photography Rule Omeez Likes to Break

14:00 — Unpopular Opinion Around Film & Digital Photography

14:35 — Biggest Myth About Being a Professional Photographer

15:29 — Outro

#vscocam #photography #photographer #photographertips #photographycareer #photographyjourney #photographyportfolio #careeradvice #sportsphotographer #sportsphotography #bayareaphotographer

In Part 2 of this f/22 episode, Zach from the VSCO team continues discussing multi-disciplinary creator Liza Gershman’s success as a seasoned photographer who has worked with major brands such as Williams Sonoma and Restoration Hardware. With 20 years of experience across diverse genres, Liza offers invaluable advice on maintaining quality work, building strong networking relationships, getting hired for photography jobs, and more. Dive into a conversation filled with practical tips and insightful wisdom to inspire your next steps in photography.

Watch Part 1 of Liza’s f/22 interview to learn about getting your photography exhibited in art galleries.

0:00 — Intro

1:19 — Liza’s Reflection on Her 20-Year Photography Career

3:55 — Staying Relevant Throughout a Lifelong Photography Career

8:09 — Learnings From Wedding Photography, Mentors, & Darkroom Experience

10:25 — Career Advice for Emerging Photographers

13:40 — Quality Photography Work vs. Quality Network

19:19 — Value of Professional Portfolio Reviews (Palm Springs Photo Festival, NYCFotoWorks, PPA)

21:18 — Finding Inspiration From Different Mediums of Art

23:28 — Networking Tips for Maintaining Contacts, Social Media, & More

32:45 — Advice on Navigating Failure & Earning Respect as a Photographer

36:06 — Importance of Tenacity & Perseverance

38:27 — Outro

#vscocam #photography #photographer #photographertips #photographycareer #photographyjourney #photographyportfolio #careeradvice

In Part 1 of this f/22 episode, Zach from the VSCO team sits down with multi-disciplinary creator Liza Gershman to explore the VSCO Gallery at SCOPE Art Show during Miami Art Week. Liza offers a behind-the-scenes look at the SCOPE Art Show experience, the process of curating a gallery, and the power of collaboration and networking in the creative industry. Whether you’re starting your journey or a seasoned photographer, get inspired by Liza’s 20-year career insights and creative spirit as you consider exhibiting your work in an art show. Learn more about VSCO’s Gallery, The Modern Contrast of the American Identity, at SCOPE Art Show - https://www.vsco.co/scope.

0:00 — Intro

1:10 — About Liza Gershman

2:47 — Miami Art Week, SCOPE Art Show, & Miami Art Basel Overview

3:55 — Designing VSCO’s Gallery at SCOPE Art Show

5:53 — SCOPE Art Show Attendees (Buyers, Gallery Owners, Collectors, Students)

7:17 — Process of Creating VSCO’s Gallery at SCOPE Art Show

8:32 — Partnering With Level Frames, Bay Photo Lab, & Nørdikka Collective

13:50 — Curating Photographs From the VSCO Community For the Exhibit

16:21 — Preview of VSCO’s Gallery, “The Modern Contrast of the American Identity”

17:10 — About the Photography Exhibited in VSCO’s Gallery

20:45 — Feedback From Attendees of VSCO’s Gallery

22:22 — Opportunities For Photographers After SCOPE Art Show

Discover the additional photographers featured in VSCO’s Gallery at SCOPE Art Show:

Tom Sanders – https://vsco.co/tomsandersphoto/gallery

Jake Myers – https://vsco.co/jakemyers/gallery

Will Foerster – https://vsco.co/willfoerster/gallery

Emily Jahr – https://vsco.co/emilyjahrco/gallery

Weston Applegate – https://vsco.co/westonapplegate/gallery

Kyla Rys – https://vsco.co/kylarysphoto/gallery

Martine Séverin – https://vsco.co/martineseverin/gallery

Dulce Bautista – https://vsco.co/dulcebautistafotos/gallery

Special thanks to Level Frames, Bay Photo Lab, and Nørdikka Collective for being supporting partners of the exhibit.

#VSCO #VSCOcam #photography #professionalphotographer #photographytips #artgallery #artexhibit #miamiartweek #artbaselmiamibeach #scopeartshow #artshows