Jai Mayhew - Methods and Motives

“I’m so fortunate to have the clients that I do.”

Jai Mayhew discusses her methods, motives, and more.

“I don’t try to assume anyone’s stories.”

0:40 - Empowering + Lifting Clients

4:57 - A Specific Questionnaire

7:35 - Vulnerability

16:30 - The Final Touches

23:16 - Methods + Motives

29:27 - Jai’s Tutorial

“I understand to the bottom of my soul that fear of stepping in front of someone’s lens and having the worst parts of you validated.”

Jai Mayhew is a portrait & fashion photographer currently residing in St. Louis. Her work has been published internationally, featured in galleries and commissioned by public figures. Growing up in Germany, Jai was first introduced to portraiture in the form of romantic paintings and marble statues. This influence has evolved into the style she’s best known for - romantic, sensual and editorial. Jai is PRO EDU’s newest instructor and is excited for the launch of her ‘Luxe Portraiture’ tutorial in March 2021. When she isn’t in the studio, you can find Jai with her beautiful family, in the gym, or mixing an especially dirty martini.

“It’s not just a picture, it’s a representation of you as a woman.”

Cris Duncan - Moving Forward

“Talent will take you where character cannot sustain you.”

Cris Duncan presses on despite the various challenges that come his way.

“Everyday we have a choice, a positive choice and a negative choice.”

0:40 - Mr. President

2:57 - What We Don’t Know

5:53 - The Top Dog

9:06 - Importance of TPPA

16:31 - Image Competition

22:20 - Moving Forward

31:11 - A C+ Student

“I don’t think the chasm is that big between not knowing anything and knowing enough.”

Cris and Deanna Duncan have a passion for people. Their greatest joy comes in seeing others succeed. Cris is often labeled “Mr. CPP” as he is only one of a few PPA (Professional Photographers of America) approved CPP instructors and he often brags about his students’ passage rates. He’s the geek that loves the technical side of photography and his humor, wit and eye for detail have earned him a spot as an International Print Competition (IPC) juror. To balance Cris, Deanna brings the “softer” side of photography, but she geeks out on understanding personalties and bringing them out in front of the camera.

When not traveling the country teaching, Cris and Deanna are at home in Lubbock, Texas operating C j Duncan Photography where they specialize in family, senior and commercial photography. In their 18 year career the Duncan’s have photographed numerous portraits, weddings, commercial assignments and even two Presidents. Cris currently serves at the President of the Texas Professional Photographers Assoc. The Duncans’ are both Master Photographic Craftsmen, CPPs and the founders of Find Your Focus Photographic Education and have one daughter.

“You’re not the only person going through what you’re going through.”

Kahran and Regis Bethencourt - Our Mission

“There are so many other kids out there that are doing amazing things and need to be heard.”

Kahran and Regis Bethencourt are more than just photographers.

“If we were gonna build a business, why would it be one we don’t like?”

0:40 - A Bit of an Agenda

2:40 - Web Designers

10:02 - Taking The Leap

15:47 - Growing The Business Together

20:34 - Complimenting One Another

24:17 - Working With Your Spouse

28:02 - Our Mission

38:45 - Canon Explorers of Light

“Our dreams were bigger than just the U.S.”

World renowned child photographers, Regis and Kahran Bethencourt are a husband and wife duo and the imaginative forces behind CreativeSoul Photography. The pair gained global recognition with their AfroArt series. The collection, which showcases the beauty and versatility of afro hair, was conceived as a way to empower kids of color around the world. The couple recently authored their New York Times best selling coffee table book, “Glory” which brings to life past, present, and future visions of black culture. With more than eleven years of working with hundreds of children, families and brands, they specialize in child and lifestyle photography while incorporating authentic visual storytelling.

“The interesting thing with photography is that even though we both shoot we have our own lanes.”

Spanki Mills - Bold

“I kinda started trying to fit in and do what everyone else did and it felt odd to me.”

Spanki Mills lives life on her own terms.

“I was bold and stepping outside of the rules and shooting what I saw and what I felt.”

0:40 - About Spanki

2:22 - An Entrepreneur

8:07 - Bold

13:02 - Your Brand

17:45 - A Feeling

22:05 - A Mom

28:50 - Midlife Crisis

32:07 - One More Chapter

“I didn’t see the world in portraits or art, I saw the world as moments.”

Hey y’all. I’m just a girl named Spanki. Yep, that’s my real name…long story short, it was a dads nickname (Spanky from the Little Rascals), my mom was clearly so blinded by love she wasn’t thinking and in the end there was a baby girl who looked like her dad… named SPANKI!

I am an ENFP and an enneagram 7…so what does that mean? It means at 40 something I am still trying to figure out who I am..join me on my journey!

I am a mother to four…yes Lord please have mercy on me…FOUR teenagers! Which leads me to express my love and crazy desire to travel…it is how I cope with stress, I fly as far away from it as possible! I am a multifaceted entrepreneur running a few businesses because any smart business owner knows not to put all their eggs in one basket. I am a photographer, an educator in the photography industry, I work on home design and just started offering online design consults. I also work for the leading anti-aging haircare company in the world helping women change the health of their hair while creating financial freedom. My heart hungers for helping women just like you let go of the expectations you put on yourself, I am here to offer a hand to help you crawl out of societies box of the “perfect woman” because believe it or not…you already ARE!

I am so glad you are here to help me journey through the busy life of a creative mind that has more balls in the air than hands to catch them, who has a heart that is so full of love it aches for her growing kids and a sense of humor while navigating her mid-life crisis.

“We all have our own creative fingerprint.”

Sarah Petty - Go Boutique

“Boutique is a business model.”

Sarah Petty lays out the what and the why regarding a boutique business as she plugs her upcoming virtual conference, "Go Boutique Live".

“Our movement is saving people pain.”

0:40 - Doing This Again

2:24 - Why Boutique

7:00 - Boutique Photography Studio

12:58 - Relationships

18:47 - A Disempowering Belief

21:57 - Go Boutique

“Once you know what to say, it takes away from the fear.”

Sarah Petty, MBA, is a highly-acclaimed speaker, best-selling author of Worth Every Penny, and photography business teacher, inspiring thousands to use the boutique model to build their dream business. Her expertise is based on 20+ years of helping build the Coca-Cola brand, meeting client goals at a top regional advertising agency, and building her own photography studio in Springfield, Illinois. PPA named Sarah Petty Photography one of the most profitable studios in the USA (just five years after opening). Sarah has mastered the science and art of making marketing simple, actionable, and fun— without sacrificing time for the most important thing in life: family.

Go Boutique Live is a 3-day virtual spectacular for boutique photographers who want to inject joy, purpose and freedom into their photography businesses (and their families’ lives, too). This event will show you there’s a better way to be a professional portrait photographer, where you can truly make the income you want and still put your family first. Here’s a preview of what you’ll discover at GO Boutique Live: how to shoot for, price and service a $3,000 order; how to sell wall art without being pushy; how to elevate your brand so boutique clients FIND you and INVEST more with you; and so much more! The event is LIVE February 23-25, 2021. Get your tickets at goboutiquelive.com or apply for a scholarship at goboutiquelive.com/scholarship.

“Sell the destination not the airplane.”

Jamie Hayes - Using Fear as a Tool

“Everyday of my life I get to do what thrills me the most and brings me the most peace and joy and happiness.”

How do you use Fear? Jamie Hayes tries to use it as a tool to keep him going every day.

“I have to get a paycheck every month or I have to go get a real job.”

2:13 - About Jamie

4:32 - A Fear Factor

10:18 - Not a Luxury

13:43 - Using Fear as a Tool

18:21 - A Strong Work Ethic

22:04 - 24 Going on 25

26:36 - Mary’s Heart

29:57 - Jamie’s Best Parts

32:28 - Finishing Strong

“(Mary and I) have been through it all.”

Jamie attributes the success of their studio, along with business partner Mary Fisk-Taylor, to their sound management and business skills combined with their love and passion for photography. His commitment to creating priceless portraits, wedding albums and commercial imagery has earned him an extremely loyal clientele as well as a sterling reputation in the state of Virginia. Their business savvy and creative marketing concepts have enabled them to establish an extremely profitable and fulfilling portrait and wedding gallery. As a PPA Approved Business Instructor and PPA Approved Photographic Instructor, Jamie offers informative and motivational programs to working photographers.

Jamie has participated in several state, regional, national and international conferences giving both full-day and week long classes. As an affiliate PPA juror, he has the pleasure to judge several international print competitions throughout the US. He is a proud member of several professional photography organizations, including: Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA), The Society of XXV and the International Society of Portrait Artists.

Jamie has been honored with many awards on both state and national levels. His achievements include the Kodak Gallery Elite Award of Excellence, numerous Kodak Gallery Awards of Excellence, PPA Loan collections, multiple ASP Regional Medallion Awards, SEPPA Distinguished Awards, Best Wedding Albums VPPA, Best of Category, Fuji Masterpiece Awards and the VPPA Photographer (Highest Print Case) several times as well as one of the Top Ten Photographers for the entire state of Virginia. Jamie earned the distinguished honor of ASP Fellow in January of 2018 as the 122nd photographer in the world to earn this degree. Jamie shares his simple lighting concept applying a down to earth and easy formula for lighting any subject indoors or outdoors.

Accomplishments:

Photographic Craftsmen Degree Master of Photography Degree Imaging Excellence Degree Approved Photographic Instructor Approved Business Instructor Member of The Society of XXV

Scored a perfect 100 in SEPPA competition using film

4 for 4 in PPA Loan Collection (2 wedding albums and 2 prints using film ) Kodak Gallery Elite

Award 1st place

16 Kodak Gallery Awards 14 Fuji Masterpiece Awards

4 VPPA Photographer of the Year Awards 4 ASP State Awards 2 ASP Regional Awards

2 Top 10 PPA Wedding Photographer of the Year Awards 8 PPA Charities Legacy Award PPA Affiliate Juror

PPA Directors Award Recipient

Certification Committee Member

Speaker Selection Committee Member

PPA Charities Dream Studio Giveaway Committee Member PEC Committee Member

VPPA Print Salon Chair

“There must be a great purpose for what we’re doing.”

Lara Jade - No Dream Too Big

“I come from a family of creatives.”

Lara Jade didn’t let anything stop her from realizing her dream of becoming one of the world’s best fashion photographers.

“I think some of the most success artists have had to fight a little bit.”

0:40 - A Unicorn

4:32 - Reverse Ageism

9:10 - Voices Behind You

14:12 - No Dream Too Big

19:10 - The Naysayers

21:16 - Leaving A Legacy

22:46 - A Strong Feminine Woman

29:10 - More About Lara

31:44 - 2020

36:18 - Education Platform

39:22 - Canon Explorer Of Light

40:31 - Helping Others

“I surround myself with very honest people.”

Born in Staffordshire, England, Lara Jade first picked up a camera at the early age of fourteen - influenced by self-portraiture and conceptual photography. Growing up with the rise of social media and digital techniques enabled Lara to see the bigger picture of an international industry. After graduating college she made the move to London, where she naturally felt the transition to fashion photography. A couple of years later - she embarked on her first trip to New York and never looked back.

Lara enjoys creating timeless and emotive imagery. She is inspired by feminine strength, unique beauty and lasting style.

She currently resides in Brooklyn, New York with her husband James and regularly travels for assignments, working between NY, LA and London.

Lara also enjoys teaching & speaking at photography conventions and runs her own photography education business Lara Jade Education. Her love of education has been recognized by some of the largest brands in photography and most recently she was named a Canon Explorer Of Light.

“I am just a photographer who loves what she does.”

An Unforgettable 2020

Well everyone, here we are. 2020 is behind us. And now 2021 lays outstretched before us. We’ve called this episode An Unforgettable 2020…for obvious reasons, I hope. I just wanted to say thanks for listening these past few years. This last one was…well, it was something else. This next one, I hope is much, much better for all of us. We’ve put together some of our best clips from this past year. I hope you enjoy them. Again, thanks for listening. And Happy New Year.

Darren McBurnett - Uncommon Grit

photo credit: Kim McBurnett

“One of my first lessons in the Navy I learned was, work smarter not harder.”

Darren McBurnett “McB” (SEAL) Ret. is a combat veteran, professional photographer, author, corporate speaker, and ambassador. He is the first Navy SEAL to have photographed the rigorous Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL training, which lead to the creation of his book Uncommon Grit.

“The biggest war is between the ears.”

0:40 - Intro

2:05 - About Darren

6:16 - A Deep Question

10:00 - Navy to Navy Seals

16:55 - The War Between The Ears

23:13= - Uncommon Grit

39:01 - Becoming A Photographer + Instructor

49:44 - The Importance of Photography

“You can’t accomplish anything in the comfort zone.”

Darren McBurnett “McB” (SEAL) Ret. is a combat veteran, professional photographer, author, corporate speaker, and ambassador. His 24-year SEAL career included numerous combat zone deployments for which he earned 53 individual, unit, and campaign honors, including a Bronze Star. During his time as a military free fall instructor, he taught himself photography. His professional portfolio now includes images for NIKE, National Geographic, Fox and Friends, Rolling Stone, and the movie “Act of Valor.” He is the first Navy SEAL to have photographed the rigorous Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL training, which lead to the creation of his book Uncommon Grit.

Be sure to check out McB on Instagram @mcteams3842

“What does panicking solve? Nothing.”

Peter Hurley - Walking the Walk

“If I say I’m going to do something then I do it.”

In his pursuit to become a better human, Peter Hurley does more than just talk the talk.

“I’m competitive against myself.”

0:40 - Becoming A Better Human

8:27 - Peter’s World

13:26 - What do you want?

19:49 - What motivates you?

27:59 - Teaching Photographers

33:06 - Celebrities

41:57 - Laser Master

49:35 - Following Peter

“My thing is I try to push everybody to do more, be more.”

Peter Hurley’s haphazard way of moving through life has had him cruising the seven seas on a sailboat while training for the Olympics, thrown him in front of a camera modeling for the likes of Polo, Hanes, Wrangler, and Abercrombie, and had him recognized as the premier headshot photographer in the world after having over 30,000 faces 3 feet in front of his lens. His prowess as a lensman fueled his desire to educate. He has spoken at Google, Apple, Microsoft, and TEDx on the subject of how to be your most photogenic self. His unique ideas on the subject have propelled his YouTube videos to over 8 million views. Canon took notice and brought Peter under their wing by honoring him as one of their coveted Explorers of Light.

When he’s not taking pictures, Peter spends much of his time educating as the founder of the Headshot Crew, a photographer network that is now home to the largest and most talented group of headshot specialists in the world. Although he never anticipated adding author to his list of accolades, his book, The Headshot, jumped to the bestseller list in photography immediately after its highly anticipated release. While he still believes that the twists and turns of his life continue to make it a most interesting journey, he couldn’t be more grateful to have picked up a camera along the way. He calls New York City his home where he lives with his beautiful wife and precious twin daughters.

“So much of what we do is based on belief in ourselves.”

Clay Blackmore - Batting 1.000

“You have to love yourself, love your industry, love your customers.”

Clay Blackmore was blessed to have worked with a photographic legend in Monte Zucker and one of the things he learned was how to bat 1.000 with his clients.

“I learned more in three months with Monte than I did in three years at school.”

0:41 - About Clay

2:19 - Monte Zucker

14:09 - Batting 1.000

22:46 - When Things Get Rough

27:47 - The Next Year

30:03 - Monte’s Advice

“The longest road is from the head to the heart. When you can work from the heart, people feel it.”

Clay Blackmore is an enthusiastic leader in the photographic industry. Not only is he revered for his development of innovative lighting and portrait techniques, but he is highly sought after as an instructor and considered one of the most passionate photographers working in the country today.

Clay meticulously developed his photographic, teaching, and business skills during his 25-year association with Monte Zucker, first as an assistant, then as a co-educator and business partner. His clientele has included celebrities such as Tiger Woods, Forest Whitaker, Jenna Elfman, Maria Sharapova, and many of Washington D.C.’s top families.

Clay is a champion of innovation and growth in the photography industry, pushing the boundaries of storytelling with the latest innovations in technology. In addition to his mastery of lighting and classic portraiture, Clay was among the first to test and evaluate new products for photography and HD-DSLR cinematography.

As a Distinguished Canon Print Master, Clay has been part of the Canon team for over 20 years. In 2018, he received the Tom McDonald Award from the Professional Photographers of America for supporting photographic education. He is also part of the Westcott Pro Team, a member of the elite Cameracraftsmen of America. His Rockville, Maryland, studio supports a team of passionate photographers and filmmakers working with the most cutting-edge technologies in the field.

In addition, Clay is active in ministry and his local community, volunteering his time to help others through photography. He believes that the best way to teach is by example. “Confidence comes from success, and success comes from practice,” he says.

“Everyone that comes through my door, I want to give them a lasting impression on how I can make them happy through photography.”

David Campli - Business Gets Personal

“We’re on a really great stride now.”

David Campli has been in business for more than 30 years. He runs a studio with his wife and daughter. He wears a lot of hats and he chooses to promote positivity as much as he can.

“You need an outlet. You always need an outlet.”

0:40 - About David

1:30 - A Family Team

7:17 - Getting Slammed

10:45 - Silver Linings

15:03 - Forecasting

20:48 - Be Positive, Test Negative

24:11 - Versatility

29:36 - Work Ethic

31:52 - Finding Campli Photo

“I try to be the cheerleader when I can.”

Campli photography was born in 1990 to become a leader in the neighborhood. Today the studio handles family portraits, weddings, seniors and commercial accounts. The studio is a brick and mortar operation with client service at the forefront. With a staff of 3 in the studio, and 3 additional part time photographers, this busy place is still the place on main street to stop by for a coffee and good conversation. Even with a mask.

David is the man behind the vision. Though he is the head photographer, his vision stretches far beyond the scope of a lens. David not only has years of experience behind the camera, but also as a business owner. His technical training makes the camera an extension of his personality. Working with people young and old, individuals and large groups, are what he enjoys the most about portrait photography. He is a family man at heart, holding those values true in his work. His ideals give his images a certain aura of authenticity. From his home to his studio, family is what fuels his art form.

“Relationships have been key to me to continue to drive the business.”

Aaron Bean - Community is Built Not Found

“I do what I do because I love creating.”

It’s great when your passion becomes your career but if you don’t fuel that passion, eventually it’s just going to die. Aaron Bean believes your community is very similar in that it’s built, not found. It needs to be constructed and nurtured and cared for…not merely discovered or stumbled upon.

“It’s great when your passion becomes your career.”

3:02 - About Aaron

6:31 - Fueling The Passion

9:28 - Community is Built Not Found

13:02 - Handling Conflict

16:39 - Advice to An Introvert

19:02 - Friday The 13th

24:09 - Expanding Your Community

31:14 - Finding Aaron

“If you don’t fuel that passion, eventually it’s just going to die.”

From Aaron: I love Jesus, live concerts, playing drums, coffee, and anything that puts joy in people’s lives.

I shoot Wedding Photography and Cinematography. I love telling stories through photos and videos.

I’m fun, energetic, and passionate about capturing people’s stories. I want to show off how fun you are, how beautiful you are, and how important your story is.

“It’s not someone else’s responsibility to make you feel included.”

Lance Sullivan - Be You

“Be different and be you.”

Lance Sullivan talks about the importance of being yourself when building a business and a brand.

“Your ego is not your amigo.”

3:03 - About Lance

8:56 - Blending Business Models

16:32 - Getting Over Yourself

18:39 - Your Service

23:55 - Gearing Up

29:24 - Handling Changing Times

35:14 - Diversification

38:33 - Your Strengths

45:26 - Marketing Everyday

46:58 - Finding Lance

“Get involved in your community.”

FROM LANCE: This is where I’m supposed to talk about myself, let you know who I am and what I love. I am a father, and I’m a daydreamer with my head in the clouds! I love homemade popcorn, sunshine, flip flops, white sand beneath my feet and my mountain bike. Old Volkswagens, cars & hotrods bring a huge smile to my face. I love watches, Vans shoes, hoodies and as I get older, I love last minute adventures with no plan - thanks to my family and friends. I love a good movie, and a great book, especially if its a book on being human, good self care or self development. There is nothing so great as a good cup of coffee, and I love a fantastic breakfast on a day off with my family. And finally - I love helping others in their business. I am passionate about a great start up!

“I always have my brand on.”

Marcus Bell - Reinvigorated

“I learn a lot through my own buying experiences.”

Marcus Bell has seen a lot and despite the challenges of 2020, he feels reinvigorated and ready for what's next.

“We’re listening more to our clients…to what they want.”

2:13 - Conflicted

8:29 - Taking Risks

13:16 - Educating Clients

16:31 - Integrating New Ideas

26:29 - Something Lost

34:57 - Conveying Information

41:38 - Fear

43:51 - Finding Marcus

“By playing it safe I’ve been damaging myself.”

Marcus Bell is a multi-award winning and highly acclaimed photographer. Best known for his wedding photography, Marcus’ original passion for the grandeur of landscapes and story-telling of documentary photography saw Marcus defy scope and created something that had never been done before; placing couples in expansive, dramatic landscapes, shooting breathtaking frames that experimented with the element of scale (a style now dubbed “weddingscapes”). Pushing the boundaries with fearless originality, his documentarian approach together with his iconic landscape shots went global, propelling Marcus into the international space. American Photo Magazine listed Marcus as one of the top 10 wedding photographers in the world. In Australia he was the youngest photographer ever to be awarded the title “Grand Master” by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP), the highest photography accolade in the country. He has been honoured with a Fellowship in the United Kingdom and granted his Masters with WPPI in America. Marcus is an international speaker and author of “Masters Guide to Wedding Photography”. Marcus’ natural ability to capture the spirit and character of the people and places he photographs is very much influenced by his own life experiences, moments that have shaped who he is as a person. His work is powerful, dramatic, emotive and speaks to human connections – connections to nature, to each other and to our own histories and human spirit.

The full extent of Marcus’ work goes way beyond wedding photography, inviting you to move beyond sometimes superficial person to person connections and explore connectedness through the feelings invoked by the natural beauty of the world in which we exist.

“Sometimes I think we can put limitations on ourselves.”

Zabrina Deng - Persevering

“It’s no longer about myself anymore.”

This episode is called “Persevering” because that’s the word that comes to Zabrina Deng’s mind when thinking about how she wants her kids perceive her. She wants them to see that she fought and continued to grind through difficult times.

“I want (my kids) to remember, mommy did this.”

2:47 - Spill The Beans

5:15 - Persevering

10:35 - Overcoming Obstacles

14:21 -An Entourage of Supporters

16:40 - Your Calling

17:59 - Last Three Months

21:34 - Rest of This Year

26:21 - A Message

“I’m a mommy first. That is my identity.”

Zabrina is the soul of JeZa Photography and is based in California. She travels the world to do wedding, engagement & portrait photography. She is a SONY Artisan of Imagery and a holder of WPPI master photographer. A processor for over 60 international award winning photos, Zabrina is one of the world’s Top 50 World’s Best Destination Wedding photographers from Junebug Weddings and has been featured on RangeFinder Magazine’s 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography.

She has accumulated six 1st place winners and two International Image of the Year awards from WPPI since 2011. Her work has been published in international Master Photographer Vol 1, Vanity Fair (USA), Town & Country (Thailand), Cosmopolitan Bride (China), Elle (Hong Kong), Stuff Magazine (UK), Vogue Italia’s PhotoVogue. Zabrina has also photographed the Grammy Award winner R&B band All-4-One for their 20th anniversary album CD cover. Zabrina is also a popular speaker for major photographic conferences across America & Asia to train professional photographers taking their craft to the next level.

“I have to remind myself about my original spark.”

Booray Perry - The Fear of Fading

photo credit: Kira Derryberry

“I made my living trying to be interesting.”

Booray Perry is an excellent photographer/podcaster/educator from Tampa, FL with a broad skillset and a tender heart.

“I am putting up walls hoping you will break through them.”

2:52 - No Perspective

11:38 - The Fear of Fading

20:12 - Stage Three and Four

22:34 - The Unknown

26:29 - Tender

33:47 - Million Dollar Question

44:14 - This Conversation

47:58 - The Levels

53:12 - What is Jed Afraid of?

1:00:00 - Stage Four’s Arrival

1:06:50 - Finding Booray

“I am a guy who wants to be loved, but doesn’t want to ask for it.”

Booray Perry wasn’t always a professional photographer. He spent 20 years as a radio personality, entertaining people worldwide on satellite radio while performing weekends as a comedian in Dallas, TX. After retiring from radio, he launched Booray Perry Photography (he had a darkroom when he was 14 years old). Now he lives and works in Tampa, FL shooting everything under the sun from headshots to weddings and Bar Mitzvahs.

In addition to being a full-time portrait and event photographer, Booray also travels and teaches at workshops and conventions every year like Imaging USA and WPPI. He hosts “Imaging USA LIVE” during Imaging USA and was host of “ICP LIVE” during the International Photographic Competition for 4 years. He is co-host of a popular photography podcast, “Photobomb,” available wherever podcasts are found.

He is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photography Craftsman, Master Photographer, PPA Councilor, husband and father of two wonderful girls.

“It takes me a really long time to reach a point where I believe I am worthy of something.”

Jared Platt - The Process of Improvement

“At some point, everybody was terrible.”

Jared Platt has no interest in softening the edges around the fact that at some point, everybody is bad at something even when they think they are good; but he’s also more than willing to unpack what it takes to be great.

“The essence of greatness is enough humility to recognize that you have to practice intensely to get great at what you’re doing.”

1:09 - Other Options

3:00 - Talk Three

5:43 - 10-Second Versions

7:39 - Zion, Lebron, and Larry

11:36 - The Essence

13:41 - 6 years

16:26 - Useless Emotions

20:53 - Cabel and Thomas

23:30 - Taking Stock and a Story

27:45 - Accepting Rejection and Criticism

31:01 - Self-Deception

33:48 - Rising Up

39:22 - Overcompensation

49:08 - What Makes Being Great Special

53:02 - A Commendation

56:58 - Knowing and Doing

“Someone can actually become great at something only when they know they’re not.”

Jared Platt is an international wedding, lifestyle and portrait photographer and photographic lecturer.  Jared began his studies in photography in documentary and landscapes, but today you will find his images are a perfect blend of the three genres, landscape, documentary, and portraiture.  You can find him teaching photography, lighting and photo editing at online and at International photo conferences around the globe.  Jared has been teaching photography and consulting photographers and the industry for over 20 years and has been a working photographer for the last quarter century.  Jared will change your understanding of photography and put you on the path to your very best work.  Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from him whenever you get the chance.

“When you try to do stuff on your own, you don’t get very far very fast.”

Jason Hsiao Turns the Tables

“If it weren’t for your craziness and persistence, who knows where we’d be?”

Animoto President and Co-Founder, Jason Hsaio turns the tables and interviews This Conversation host, Jed Taufer.

“I’ll bet that most people don’t know that much about you.”

1:39 - A Bit of History

6:34 - Get to Know Jed

8:06 - A Midwest Guy

19:09 - What Would Vicki Say?

14:40 - What Would the Kids Say?

16:48 - A Better Dad

18:56 - What Would WHCC Say?

21:49 - The Secret

29:08 - A Big Realization

34:29 - What Has Stuck

36:50 - That Just Goes Away

38:55 - The Human Element

42:28 - One Last Super Important Question

“I really enjoy talking to people.”

Every year at WPPI in Las Vegas, I have dinner with Jason Hsiao. This past year was maybe our 10th or 11th time. I’ve really lost count. I cannot say enough about how much I admire Jason. Yes, he is the one of the founders and president of Animoto…a successful tech company in New York City. But he’s a million things more than that. He’s a good man in every sense of those words. I’ve wanted to interview him since day one of this show’s inception. But the night before, we had our annual WPPI dinner and he said that he had an idea. That idea turned out to be that he wanted to Turn the Tables and interview me. And so that’s just what we did. Thank you, Jason. You are one of the best friends I’ve ever had and one of the best men I’ve ever known.

“I have discovered that being honest is easier than not.”

Brant Menswar - Black Sheep Values

“Most of our personal core values are developed by our early 20’s.”

Brant Menswar encourages people to discover their “Black Sheep Values” and move forward with deliberate intention. Check out his new book, Black Sheep Values.

“Our black sheep values pull us back to where we need to be.”

0:40 - A Venn Diagram

7:31 - Black Sheep Values

13:45 - Jed’s Black Sheep Values

19:07 - A Reflection

25:59 - Forged Values

33:00 - The Book

“I thought being a black sheep was a bad thing.”

Brant Menswar is one of the country’s “Top 10 Motivational Speakers,” a critically acclaimed author, award-winning musician, podcast host, and the CEO and founder of Rock Star Impact, a boutique agency that teaches people and organizations how to cultivate values-based leadership.

His innovative work has changed what’s possible for industry-leading organizations like Netflix, Verizon, SunTrust, Microsoft, ESPN, Hilton, Sony Pictures, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and dozens more.

Passionate, engaging and transformational, Brant encourages audiences to discover their “Black Sheep Values” and move forward with deliberate intention. His interactive and entertaining techniques of defining what matters most compels audiences to dive deeper into their lives and start living on purpose.

“Our idea of what a black sheep is…was born out of a lie.”

Eric Floberg - What Makes You Different

“If you want your voice to be different you need to have something different about what you do.”

Eric Floberg is a creative genius who inspires others to create.

“What are you gonna do to keep them (your audience) engaged?”

0:00 - Meet Eric

4:13 - Crash and Burn

8:28 - Unhealthy and Obsessed

10:21 - Spinning Plates

12:33 - YouTube 101

22:21 - Things to Avoid

28:44 - More Eric

“You never arrive.”

Eric Floberg is a Photographer, Filmmaker, and Content Creator based out of Chicago, IL. He’s accompanied there by his wife and three children. Eric is passionate about serving his clients, empowering other creatives through online education, and is always finding ways to lean in to what makes him different.

“I feel like a YouTube page is always in a growing place.”

Kay Eskridge - Choose to Fight

“This is kind of an opportunity, a clean slate.”

Kay Eskridge opens up about her challenges in business and in life.

“There is still business to be had and money to be made.”

2:00 - Meet Kay

3:05 - Hope

7:52 - Going Back

16:01 - Commitment

23:05 - Choose To Fight

“I’m done giving myself excuses.”

Combining her passion for photography and her love of people, Kay Eskridge’s studio, Images by Kay & Co. has earned a sterling reputation for high-quality lifestyle portraiture. Kay takes great pride in not only the imagery she creates but also the high level of customer service she provides. Specializing as a lifestyle portrait artist, Kay’s clientele has come to rely on her to capture images from all of life’s special events, from maternity to newborns, tots to ‘tweens’, High School Seniors to summer family vacations and even intimate images captured through the CelebrateSexy division of her studio. Her focus on relationships, creative approach to portraiture, unique perspective on customer service and clear vision about business has provided her with much success doing something she loves. Kay is a member and Past President of the Arizona Professional Photography Association is one of Kodak-Alaris’ Approved Speakers and on the WHCC Speaker Team. She is a PPA Certified, a Master-Photographic Craftsman and holds numerous awards, including the National Award, the Arizona Photographer of the Year, the Kodak Gallery Elite Award, the Phoenix Portrait Photographer of the Year, and the Arizona Illustrative Photographer of the Year.

“I’m coming out fighting.”

Jason Vinson - Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

“It’s hard to build an adequate business when you’re not 100% in it.”

Jason Vinson talks about how he’s learned to be comfortable when he’s in an uncomfortable situation.

“I just started to value the experience photography brought me.”

1:51 - Introduction

2:46 - Corporate Safety Net

7:35 - Before and After Kids

9:51 - Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

15:09 - Planning and Improvising

20:32 - Family Documentary

26:48 - Finding Jason

“There has to be one thing that pushes you over the edge.”

Jason Vinson is one half of a husband and wife team. Based in Northwest Arkansas, Vinson Images is known primarily for their wedding and documentary photography. Ranked as one of the top 100 wedding photographers in the world, they are drawn to real moments and dramatic images.

“A busy photographer is a seeing photographer.”

Ryan Joseph - Victory Over Victimhood

“I’ve been that guy. I’ve been the victim.”

Ryan Joseph discovered that he was playing the victim. It was the first step of many in choosing victory over victimhood by asking, “What else can be true?”

“‘Why’ has always been the big question for me.”

1:28 - A Lot of Ways

4:58 - What Else Could Be True

9:21 - My Own Worst Critic

11:41 - Seeing Things Differently

14:02 - George Costanza, Jeff Woods, and Dan Tocchini

18:20 - A Month Before 50

23:19 - The Beauty

28:28 - Problems and Perspective

33:55 - Transparency for Better or Worse

“I wanted to be relevant because I was good at what I did.”

Heavily influenced by the masters of the 30’s and 40’s, Ryan Joseph combines today’s digital technology with traditional techniques to create award-winning imagery, that are not only contemporary, but timeless, as well.

Ryan’s passion for photography ignited while attending Ohio University’s prestigious Fine Art Photography program. He is sought after in both the photographic community and wedding industry alike, for his amazing imagery, professionalism & experience. His knowledge of film and dark room editing gives his work an unmistakable quality that has him ranked among the very best in the country. His vintage, yet contemporary style of photography has awarded him with the accolade of being a Top 10 Wedding Photographer in the World by American Photo Magazine. Ryan’s work is often published in prestigious print and online wedding blogs such as Grace Ormonde blog, Grace Ormonde’s ‘Love Never Goes Out of Style book’, Style Me Pretty, Weddings Unveiled, as well as other print magazines and numerous online wedding blogs.

Experience? In a word, Absolutely! Celebrating his 20th year as one of the countries elite visual artists, Ryan has been commissioned by some of the most influential people in the sports, political and social worlds.

Ryan continues to call the Tampa Bay area his home, but travels throughout the world for speaking engagements or he is often traveling for his clients. He is an International Destination Wedding Photographer and Artist and can be called upon to photograph just about anywhere! You can find him during the summer months in Italy photographing both Americans marrying abroad and local Italian citizens.

Ryan continues to believe in giving back to the community, so look for his philanthropic work in our newsletter. He will be organizing a new event in the near future. To those who supported his Uganda work, we continue to thank you dearly. There is more work to do & there are more places to document.

“My mind works different now.”