Blacklight
By Levi Tijerina & Adonye Jaja
BlacklightSep 05, 2019
The Last One
This is the finale of the Blacklight Podcast. In this one, we talk about some of the things we've learned over the years, where we've been the past year, and where we're both headed. Much love to everyone who has followed along with us—we are thankful you've joined on this journey with us.
4th Times the Charm (Where do we go from here?)
Levi and AD discuss the on ongoing nature of what we continue to do in light of Black Lives Matter, but also working too make forward progress.
Who do you call when the police murder?
In the wake of the riots, protests, and the murder of George Floyd, we speak up and talk about race and racism in America.
Bad Days Made Good (Ft. Joe Tobiason)
This week we talk with Joe Tobiason about keeping spirits high amidst COVID-19.
One thing that is happening is Pedro and Tailor (https://www.pedroandtailor.com) is hosting a photography grant to give away $1000 to a photographer. Go out and celebrate a life of wonder.
Fear and Uncertainty
This week we talk about all the fear surrounding COVID-19 and we talk about what our current responses are.
What should our response to COVID-19 be?
This week, Levi and AD talk about the coronavirus, COVID-19, and what our response to that should be.
Who do you Shoot?
This week, we talk about our Cereal Shack and the idea of who do you shoot and document on a wedding day.
The Plantation
In our kickoff of Season 2, in honor of Black History month, we talk about the racial politics of weddings, particularly tied into Plantations in the South.
51. Rangefinder Magazine & 30 Rising Stars (With Jacqueline Tobin)
This week we have the Editor in Chief of Rangefinder Magazine, Jacqueline Tobin on to discuss all things the magazine. She'll give us a look behind the scenes of the 30 Rising Stars competition, and share her response the culture around wedding photo awards. Happy New Year Folks!
50. Award Culture (with Sam Hurd)
This week we talk with Sam Hurd about Award Culture within the wedding industry. Sam recently made a facebook post that took on a lot of heat for his critique of award culture within the wedding photographer realm. This week, we talk with him about what he thinks needs to be changed in the wedding industry.
49. Spooky Time
AD and Levi discuss the scary things that happen inside of photography. What is the role that we place on danger and incorporating dangerous situations for our clients?
48. The Season of Booking
As we move into the booking season, we talk about the things that surround that time of the year.
47. New Things + Camera Talk
Levi and AD catch people up on what they've been working on plus have their first session of Camera Talk.
46. Changing your Mindset (with Rachel Havel)
Today we talk with Rachel Havel, a photographer from Colorado Springs, about mindset, focus, and what it takes to continue to run a creative business that stands out. She has put in the time, energy, and work to get noticed and hear about her journey as a photographer to start (and continue!) shooting work she loves.
45. Redefining Success (with Benj Haisch)
This week we talk with photographer Benj Haisch about what success means, what it takes to stand out, and we also learn a lot about quicksand!
You can see more of Benj's work at: www.benjhaisch.com
44. One for the Meal
This week, we talk about our favorite foods and when that has gone horribly wrong at weddings.
43. Anxiety, Advertising, and Sales
This week, we talk about some things that give us anxiety, the need for advertising (or at least, brand awareness) and then some thoughts on how to actually close in a sale.
42. The Story of SmartAlbums (with Daniel Usenko)
Daniel is one of the founders of SmartAlbums—while SmartAlbums is still our absolute favorite software for creating albums, they recently came into a bit of a PR nightmare when they launched SmartAlbums 2019. Daniel discusses this debacle, how they handled it, and also the origins of Pixellu and SmartAlbums. His journey is profound and he has deep insights for so many entrepreneurs today. Also, if you stick around, you'll find a special coupon code ONLY for Blacklight listeners!
41. When Things Go South
Levi and AD talk about what you do when things sometimes don't always go according to plan on a wedding day. At the end of the episode, we talk about the recent shootings in El Paso, TX and Gun Reform.
40. The Affect of Music (Are you too woke for MJ?)
This week, we talk about the impact of music in the way we present our photography and we also talk about wokeness and what it means for our industry and community.
39. What are you Afraid Of?
This week, we talk about fear and happiness. Also, Blacklight is officially one year old! Happy Birthday, Blacklight!
38. Enneagram
AD is skeptical about the Enneagram, but we talk about what it is and how it impacts our lives. Is it the millennial version of the horoscope? Who's to say?
37. Roommates
What do Roommates and 2nd Shooters have in common?
36. Independence (as a Country and an Artist)
Let's talk about independence! What are your fondest memories of July 4th? Also, what does it mean to work independently?
35. The Meanest Thing
AD and Levi discuss the meanest things they've done to people over the last few weeks.
34. Shooting for People you Know and Love
Shooting weddings for people you know is always a unique task. This week, we talk about AD photographing his sister's wedding alongside his brother who has a totally different shooting style! We also talk about commercial work and what it takes to jump into it and why so many photographers are scared to make the plunge.
33. Website Sulfites
Does everyone having the same website hinder what we're all doing as photographers? Are websites ultimately like a (cheap or) fine wine, where you the content doesn't matter as much as the brand or label?
32. A Moral Dilemma
AD and Levi talk about a moral dilemma that occurs in photography.
31. The Monarch
This week, Levi released an e-book called Growth (https://www.whiteinrevery.com/growth-book) and AD asks Levi all about the book—what it includes, what it's about, and why he wrote it. Also, stick around for a special discount code only for Blacklight listeners!!!
30. A Front for the Creative Mafia
AD chats about movies to start, but we quickly talk more about the Mafia and how AD almost got robbed. We also talk about gentrification and the way that money, race, and cities change the physical landscape of the way we experience the world.
29. The Hierarchy
This week, we talk about the hierarchy of weddings, or—who's who if you were to compare wedding (vendors) to a game of Chess. We know it's all fun and games, but this will probably spark at least a bit of controversy.
Also, we talk about our faith and the way it relates to our worldview. It might stir the pot a bit, but we don't want to shy away from hard things, so we talk about some things that matter to us and the complexity of living in a very gray world, despite being raised in very black-and-white homes.
28. Are there Bad Wedding Photographers?
We're putting out a special mini-episode this week and we talk about a lot of stuff! Tune on in!
27. Gardening, Swing Dancing, and Why They Matter
This week, we talk all about our hobbies—the things we love outside of photography—and how they inform the way we see the world, the way we shoot, and everything in between.
26. Cinema that Sparks Action
This week we talk about cinema and art. First, Levi throws shade at superhero movies. Secondly, we talk about the things that instigate change in the realm of art. Is a film enough to inspire you to be different? How should our photography change the way we interact with the world? This week, we talk about it all.
25. The Security of Happiness (with Kyla Fear)
This week we talk with Kyla Fear, a portrait, boudoir, and wedding photographer in Denver. Kyla shares her journey with photography as well as her approach to boudoir photography. AD also shares his first (and only) experience with boudoir photography. Kyla's journey will inspire you as she shares her personal connection to her art and why she thinks empowerment is a pivotal issue behind photography.
24. Show Me the Money 101 (With Andrew Baker | Trailhead Event Co)
This week we deep-dive into money and investing with our friend Andrew Baker, who runs Trailhead Event Co. Andrew is like, a space engineer, so you know he's really smart and stuff. He shares his tips on saving money, the basics of investing, and things entrepreneurs should think about when they run their own businesses.
DISCLAIMER: Consult a professional about your money, we're just three nuts who talk on a podcast and do different kinds of jobs.
23. The Colonial Wedding (And why you shouldn't have one)
22. The Image Graveyard (with Sachin Khona)
Sachin Khona from Arc talks with us about meditation, creating a conference, and everything in between! Hear about the things that inspire him, what pushes him to be a stronger creative, and hear more about the next iteration of ARC!
On another note, this episode is also very sad and talks about Levi and their family dog. Life sucks sometimes.
https://thisisarc.co
https://www.sachinkhona.com
21. Rapping in the South (with Erik Clausen)
20. How Much Excitement is Too Much?
Sometimes, when you see something that moves you, you just want to talk about it with others and get up and shout...even in a movie theatre. Today we dive into the differences between the way we see the world (as unique cultures), some of our first jobs, and we also talk about whether or not the wedding industry is male-led...is it?
19. The Truth about Tips (and AD plays the Banjo)
18. Just a Little Bit of Camera Chatter
17. 'Tis the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (To Edit Photos)
Also, has anyone else noticed that making friends as an adult is kind of weird? There is an odd currency around friendship that makes it hard to always be vulnerable. Of course, we talk about this.
16. AD and Levi are Fashion Boys!
15. An Ode to New York
ARC - Minisode - 03. Voice of Attendees & Farewells
ARC - Minisode - 02. Elevator Surprises
ARC - Minisode - 1. Is Levi George Costanza?
ARC - Minisode 0. - Lullaby
14. Transracial Adoption (with Jared Wilson)
We also talk about family photos and free photography. That's the light stuff, it's at the end if you don't like to deal with hard things.