Take & Talk Pics

Today’s featured guest is Kevin Kuster. Kevin is not only a photographer but an educator and entrepreneur as well. Kevin thrives on the opportunities social media offers and as the CEO of #jj, the largest Instagram community with over 640k followers, he has proven his methods. He is also a contributing writer for TheAppWhisperer.com and has been featured at iPhone Photographyschool, DPconnect, Passion Passport, and Instagramers.com just to name a few. Equal Parts: Director, Photographer, Producer and Social Media Consultant. Currently, Kevin Kuster is the Chief Creative Director for Watts of Love, a global solar lighting non-profit dedicated to providing lights to the poorest of the poor in the darkest area of the world. Prior to joining Watts of Love, Kevin was employed at Playboy Magazine for 18 years. Kevin served as the Senior Photography Editor for Playboy Magazine and Managing Content Director for Playboy Digital. While at Playboy, he was responsible for producing some of the largest pictorials in Playb

Today's Monday Message is about working from home and the challenges we face. We need to make changes and avoid distractions. Change leads to growth and success. Being your own boss may be a great feeling If what you are doing isn’t working you need to take the steps to make it work! You need to change – for the better. A great quote by Chris Voss is “When you blame others you give up your power to change. Take responsibility for your future!” The way I look at it is: If you aren’t happy with where you are at… Change. If your business is so much work the pleasure of being a photographer is slowly drifting away… Change. If the list of things to do feels so overwhelming you’ll never catch up… Change. There are ways around all of these feelings and misconceptions about our businesses and ourselves. So many people I know or meet out there tell me they are unhappy these days. Forget photography for a second. I hear it from a ton of people from all walks of life. The same excuses: “I don’t have enough money.” “I do

Today’s featured guest is Juan Pons.   Juan is a nature and wildlife photographer based in Bangor, Main - who is passionate about the conservation of our wildlife habitats and is member to multiple organizations with that same focus. With over 20 years of experience you can easily see the skills in his imagery is driven by the passion to conserve his subjects and their homes. Juan donates his work to non-profit organizations with the preservation mission. Lastly, Juan has been published in countless magazines such as Sierra Magazine, American Photo, and The Independent just to name a few. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Juan is a nature and wildlife photographer, whose passion is photographing our worlds magnificent wildlife and natural features. Juan is a strong supporter of wildlife and natural habitat conservation and is a member of several conservation organizations. Though private individuals purchase photos directly from him, Juan donates his images to non-profit organizations with nature and

Both Mike and Jamie are part of the Olympus Visionary Program. Aside from their photographic works Mike and Jamie run a weekly podcast and blog called Mirrorless Minutes. As you may have guessed Mirrorless Minutes is a photographers online resource specifically focused on the use of Mirrorless cameras. As the Mirrorless camera gains more attention so does the need to learn better photography with it and that is where Mike and Jamie come in providing their visitors with information and inspiration. Jamie: Olympus Trailblazer Jamie MacDonald is a nature and stock photographer living in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Jamie is the founder of the Mirrorless Minutes website and podcast, as well as a contributor the several popular photography blogs such as the Borrowlenses.com blog and SteveHuffPhoto.com. Jamie’s work has been featured in several international ad campaigns for Olympus Imaging North America, and can be seen on popular websites such as Phobolographer.com and the 500px blog. When Jamie is not out shootin

Why Schooling: ·         Everything is on a manageable timeline ·         Community/network ·         Multiple perspectives ·         Work opportunities ·         Low pressure practice ·         Regular critiques ·         Build a portfolio Schooling isn’t for everyone… in fact I have a blog post titled: Why Schooling is the best thing you can do for your photography/Why assisting is the best thing you can do for your photography. We are all on our own paths as image makers and some forks in the road take different photographers different directions. None of it is right or wrong it is just about finding out what is right for you...

Today’s featured guest is Angie McMonigal.  Angie is an award winning fine art photographer based out of Chicago IL. Her work has been internationally exhibited and she has been published in Rfoto Folio, Stark-Magazine, F-stop Magazine, and National Geographic’s just to name a few.   After growing up in a small town in central Wisconsin, Angie has enjoyed calling Chicago her “hometown” for the past 15 years. She strives to combine her love of the bustling big city, its architecture and her childhood roots in nature to create meditative, contemplative imagery out of the broader urban landscape. She frequently works one-on-one with private collectors, but also collaborates with art consultants, designers, and architectural firms to provide distinctive imagery to complement their brands and meet their needs. She is available for commissioned, one-of-a-kind projects by both private and corporate collectors. By creating images that draw out the organic interplay between design, structure, environment, and society,

Today’s featured guest is Mike Moats. Mike is an award winning photographer who specializes in macro photography. His company, Tiny Landscapes, is based in Sterling Heights, Michigan. What started as a hobby in 2001 quickly turned to a full time business. Aside from his stunning images Mike is a writer for Tamron’s blog, has images published in countless magazines, offers workshops, and has published two books on macro photography.

Episode 28 Breaking down the #1 easiest step to take for better success in your photography business. I would like to break down 1 thing that has come up in several interviews so far and I imagine it will come up many more interviews to come. It is a simple quote I have on my wall in my office, it is the title of a book I often recommend, and it is the one thing that will make an enormous difference between those who are successful in their business and those who are struggling. First off we should define success. Now my definition may be wildly different from yours when it comes to success, but the basis is similar for all of us. It usually lines up with financial stability, ability to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, health and happiness for your family, and satisfaction or happiness on a personal level. Again this is open ended and will change from person to person but whatever the ideal definition of success you have those common themes tend to overlap for most.   So what is this mystery topic? Wh

Today’s featured guest is Skip Cohen. Skip is the president and founder of Skip Cohen University. His approach to education in business, marketing, social media, and networking influences the ability to “thrive not just survive” in one’s own photography business. SCU is a radical difference from your typical educational options. The site alone has a rich saturation of information through their blog, videos, podcast, and the Skip Cohen University community at large. Skip Cohen is President/Founder of Marketing Essentials International, a marketing consulting firm specializing in projects dedicated to education, primarily in photography, along with social media support across a variety of different marketing/business platforms. He’s been actively involved in the photographic industry his entire career and previously served as President of Rangefinder/WPPI and earlier, Hasselblad USA. He founded SkipCohenUniversity.com in January, 2013. It’s considered one of the fastest growing educational sites and blogs in pr

Today’s featured guests are Tim Ryon & Sarah Lockhart of Ryon Lockhart Photography. These two lovebirds found one another despite growing up a world apart. Their shared passion for photography just adds to their love story and this could be the very influence that allows for their wedding photography to be so beautiful. Tim and Sarah bounce between LA and NY but they travel everywhere between and beyond capturing newlyweds. Sarah and Tim are an easygoing, travel-addicted, animal loving husband/wife team! With extensive backgrounds in wedding and commercial photography, we bring a sense of ease and professionalism to every wedding, keeping things natural and fun! Our goal is to tell your story through timeless images full of laughter and love.

Today’s featured guest is Jared Polin. Jared is a Philadelphia based Photographer, YouTube guru, Blogger, Podcaster, and Marketing wiz. In 2010 Jared founded FroKnowsPhoto.com. He has had millions of views on his YouTube channel and aside from his “Fro” he has branded the ever popular “I Shoot RAW” catch phrase and merchandise. Jared’s photographs have been published in Rolling Stone, Spin Magazine, and countless other international titles. With his YouTube channel, RAW Talk Podcast, and FroKnowsPhoto.com Jared brings information and leadership from unboxing videos to photo news and all stops in between. Resources: livevideoinc tubefilter I Shoot RAW store RAW Talk Podcast w: froknowsphoto.com jaredpolin.com

Today’s featured guest is Jim Harmer. Jim is a photographer based in Caldwell, Idaho. In 2011 Jim founded Improve Photography.com. The site has grown to be one of the largest internet resources for photographers today. Jim also runs a YouTube channel, hosts the weekly Improve Photography Podcast, and holds free workshops around the world; as well as being an author of multiple books, presentations, and video courses. Jim Harmer founded Improve Photography.com in 2011 and it has grown to one of the largest photography sites on the internet.  He quit working as an attorney to follow his dream of building Improve Photography and now hosts the weekly Improve Photography Podcast, runs a YouTube channel, and holds completely free photography workshops all around the world to thank the readers of the site for their support.  He has authored multiple books, presentations, and video courses.  His works have been published in many of the largest traditional and online publications.  He lives in Caldwell, Idaho with his

Today’s featured guest is Abby Grace Springman. Abby is a Washington DC-based wedding and anniversary photographer who specializes in old-school chic couples where she documents authentic love. The majority of Abby’s work is far from posed and those candid moments show the love her clients share in their most true form. Simply put… her images are Real! Abby Grace is a DC-based photographer who specializes in anniversaries and weddings for the old-school-chic couple in love! Her work has brought her across the world, from California to Chianti, Italy, and she makes a point to keep travel a constant theme in her work. An educator, speaker, and lover of all things Harry Potter-related, she spends her free time with her husband, their two rescue pups, and a recently-acquired hive of honeybees!

Today’s featured guest is Miles Boone.   Miles is a Commercial photographer based out of Downers Grove IL and does work throughout the Chicago area. He has worked for clients such as:  closet works, dow chemical, fermilab, James Hardie, keystone capital, and Nicor just to name a few. Miles is also a part time photography instructor.

Today’s featured guest is Natalie Probst. Natalie is a professional wedding and editorial photographer based in Chicago. She has been published in local magazines and on multiple blogs. Natalie’s editorial style shines through her wedding work and creates a mood that is truly captivating. “So, what do you want to be when you grow up?” As a child my answers ranged from dancer to architect to veterinarian. But, things changed in the fifth grade, when my mother gave me a Kodak Pocket Instamatic Camera to take on a school camping trip. I was fascinated to discover I could capture every present moment. Now, 15 years later, I've learned to appreciate how these moments become lifetime memories through photography. I’m driven by the excitement of exploring life through my lens, and I have to admit, I have a lot of fun doing it! A note from Rob: Our discussion seemed to be centered around the value of Networking. Getting out there and shaking hands with those you look up to or admire in some way. I like to shake hands

Lee Morris on Take & Talk Pics Photography Podcast Today’s featured guest is Lee Morris. Lee is a commercial wedding photographer from Charleston, South Carolina. Lee’s wedding photography wasn't his first pick, but he slowly fell in love with weddings after being asked by friends to capture their day and the word of mouth spread rapidly. Along side photographer Patrick Hall, Lee is the co-founder of Fstoppers.com. An online community aimed at educating and inspiring photographers, videographers, and creative professionals. I am not a normal wedding photographer. Although most weekends I am heading out of the state to shoot a wedding, my weekday photoshoots are everything but wedding related. When I began taking pictures 8 years ago I was all about my commercial work (editorial, advertising, fashion). I slowly fell into wedding photography as friends told friends about me and it has now become the biggest part of my business. A few years ago I never thought I could have this much fun shooting weddings; I

Leigh is from Overland Park, Kansas. However, her photography keeps her jumping from KS to CA and back again. As a wedding and lifestyle photographer of 11 years, Leigh has a lightness to her work, but never sacrificing the crisp emotion and gently timed moments that shine throughout her work. Learn Photography Free Online with the Take & Talk Pics Photography Podcast with Rob Krueger

Today’s featured guest is Cris Duncan. Cris is based in Lubbock TX, Where he specializes in people. Families, babies, seniors (both high school and college), children, weddings, and commercial work. It may sound like he is a jack of all trades, but when you see the work Cris produces, there is continuity throughout his style and approach to capturing his subjects.   Learn photography Free online with the Take & Talk Pics Photography Podcast with Rob Krueger

Today’s featured guest is Berit Bizjak owner of Images by Berit.     Berit is an award winning wedding photographer, whose work has been featured in publications such as: Inside Weddings, The Knot Magazine, Style Me Pretty, and Brides Magazine. Her so far, 17 years, as a wedding photographer shines through in each image captured. Berit’s portfolio reflects her refined skill and ability in seeing as a true talent in the world of wedding photography.

Today’s featured guest is Emilia Jane Schobeiri.   Emilia is a wedding photographer who has captured couples in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Texas, and even Paris. Bouncing mostly between Chicago and New York, Emilia’s weddings have an honest quality and they flow with the emotion being captured. Learn Photography Free Online with Rob Krueger and the Take & Talk Pics Photography Podcast http://www.takeandtalkpics.com