SHOTLIST

In this episode of the Shotlist Podcast, we explore the world of Taylor Burk, an Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Photographer who has over a decade of dedicated experience in the Photography Industry. We explore his unique path, from being a blue-collar worker to becoming a professional photographer, and how Instagram played an important role in shaping the career of his dreams, now having a multi-six-figure following.

In the podcast, Taylor also shares how he shifted from using Instagram solely to expanding his services which include Commercial Photography, Directing, and Social Media Promotion, among others. Join us in this conversation with Taylor as he shares his humble and caring advice with the next generation of photographers.

Episode Highlights

2:31 The Beginning of Taylor Burk's Journey 13:02 Journey using Instagram 23:19 Shifting from Instagram to Offering Other Services 31:01 Aside from Social Media, How Can Photographers Market Themselves? 36:37 Building Relationships with People You Want to Work With 39:00 Money's Role in the Photography Business 42:44 Insights when Buying Gear 45:17 Balancing Lifestyle and Work 48:37 Adapting Around the Changes in the Industry 52:00 Systems and Processes 55:06 Future Projects 1:02:21 Workshop and Mentorship

🔗 CONNECT WITH Taylor Burk

In this episode of the Shotlist Podcast, we dive into the world of a seasoned professional, Blake, a Photographer, Director, and Producer. Starting his photography journey in the pre-digital age, Blake recounts his early days of breaking into the industry by getting his first image published in Powder Magazine at just 19. His initial success was just the beginning, setting off a career dedicated to creating still and motion work for many of North America’s leading outdoor, active, and automotive brands.

Throughout the podcast, Blake offers a wealth of advice for both new and established photographers. He shares the critical importance of building trust with clients, the evolution of his business model in today’s digital world, and the strategies for introverted photographers to build meaningful industry relationships, and he also walks us through his project bidding process. Let’s dive into this insightful conversation with Blake, and hear about his impressive 25-year journey in the photography business!

Episode Highlights

1:29 Blake, the Photography Veteran

7:38 Exploring Blake's Journey as a Photographer

12:15 Monetizing Photography in the Early Days

16:23 Blake's Profitable Business Models in Today's Photography Industry

18:22 Building Relationships as an Introverted Photographer

19:29 Key Factors in Building Client Trust

24:16 What sets apart individuals charging $2,000 versus those charging $200,000

30:51 Representation for Photographers

35:15 Revenue Streams in the Photography Business

44:05 Insight into Blake's Bidding Process

48:18 Making the Jump from Working 5 Days a Week to 1 Day a Month

51:24 Separating Personal Projects with Client Work

🔗 CONNECT WITH Blake Jorgenson

In this episode, Marshal speaks with Active Lifestyle and Action Sports Photographer Guy Fattal. Guy's lifelong dream was to become a Photographer, and this aspiration led him to win an action sports photography competition despite joining at the eleventh hour and being the youngest contestant.

However, Guy's journey hasn't been without challenges as he shares the sacrifices he made to finance his passion, including working various odd jobs. He also discusses the winning formula on how you can start and build connections as a newcomer. Ultimately, he stresses how important it is to be active in creating personal works that you're truly passionate about to any up-and-coming photographer, videographer, or artist. Make sure to stay tuned until the end to know the exact formula Guy took to kickstart his career — let’s dive in.

Episode Highlights

1:24 Getting to know Guy Fattal 6:30 The Start of Everything 12:43 Making a Living Out of Photography 18:04 How to Sustain Yourself Financially while Following Your Passion 23:32 Formula to Building Relationships in the Industry 40:30 Art of Connecting with Other People 51:26 Where does the Money come from in Action Sports Photography? 1:01:06 Processes and Systems

🔗 CONNECT WITH Guy Fattal

In this episode, Marshal speaks with director duo Paul Reid and Nick Taylor, owners of Taylor Reid Creative. This dynamic pair boasts an impressive portfolio, having collaborated with renowned brands such as Ford, Subaru, and Air Canada, among others.

This conversation caters to individuals aspiring to enter the film industry and those considering a collaborative business partner. Then Paul and Nick provided invaluable insights into their journey, detailing their initial steps, collaborative strategies, and effective networking approaches. Moreover, they shed light on challenges filmmakers face, such as uncertain income streams, and offer advice on balancing passion projects while handling a production company.

Don't miss out on this fun and fruitful conversation with Paul and Nick!

Episode Highlights

1:47 Meet Paul and Nick 14:13 Advice on How to Start Your Career in Film 18:54 Dealing with Having No Guaranteed Income 22:01 Working on Passion Projects 27:58 What Makes this DUO Different from the Rest? 31:00 How to Build a Solid Crew of Team Members 37:31 Art vs. Business 41:44 How to Build and Maintain Relationships in the Industry 47:56 Purchasing vs. Renting from a Business Perspective 53:51 Systems, Software, and Workflows

🔗 CONNECT WITH TAYLOR REID CREATIVE - DIRECTOR DUO

In this episode, host and cinematographer Marshal Chupa discusses the process of making logical decisions when buying camera equipment for your creative business. Marshal shares some practical advice on understanding logical costs, opportunity costs, and creative costs when buying equipment and discusses different purchasing methods like cash versus leasing. He also talks about his personal experiences about purchasing equipment and how factors like perceived value, professional level, and equipment availability can play an essential role in these decisions.

So if you’re a photographer, cinematographer, or a videographer who is looking to figure out how and when to purchase or upgrade their gear, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in!

Episode Highlights 01:08 Breaking Down the Decision-Making Categories 01:35 Understanding Logistical Costs 11:08 The Importance of Opportunity Costs 17:01 The Role of Creative Costs 18:47 The Pros and Cons of Leasing Equipment 27:48 Recap and Conclusion

🔗 CONNECT WITH MARSHAL

In this episode, Marshal speakers with the multi-faceted Matty Manhire. Matty is not only a director and photographer, but he is also an innovator and a strong advocate for the innovative XR (extended reality) wall technology.

In this conversation, Matty talks about his fascinating journey from installing mechanical dinosaurs to carving out a successful career as a director and photographer. He shares how his genuine curiosity about others and understanding of the business side of creativity have been key to their success in the creative industry, how the XR wall technology has made the creation of commercials more engaging and thrilling for him, and how establishing relationships in the industry is very important.

So if you are curious about XR wall technology, or if you want to know more about how you can thrive in the creative industry through your authenticity, then this episode is definitely for you. Let’s dive in!

Episode Highlights

01:12 Getting to Know Matty Manhire

01:38 Discussing the XR Wall and Advertising

06:29 Career Beginnings and Evolution

11:18 The Importance of Authenticity in Art

26:48 Building Relationships in the Industry

35:08 Balancing Creativity and Career

37:13 The Challenges of Pitching

46:25 The Role of Organization in Creativity

50:48 Finding Fulfillment and Purpose

55:33 A Rollercoaster of a Creative Career

🔗 CONNECT WITH Matty Manhire

In this episode, Marshal speaks with photographer, Adam Blasberg.

Throughout this conversation, Adam generously shares his tips on building an impressive portfolio, nurturing client relationships, and discovering one's unique style. He also emphasizes the importance of personal projects, highlighting why they hold as much weight as the paid projects, and revealing how he successfully juggles his career with family commitments.

So, if you are struggling to balance your career, passion, and family, then you will definitely gain valuable insights from this conversation. Let’s dive in!

Episode Highlights

1:57 Getting to know Adam Blasberg

5:31 Growing as a Photographer by Doing instead of Studying

12:30 Managing and Developing Client Relationships

20:27 The Transition from Assisting to Paid Work

26:44 Building Relationships with Agencies

37:30 The Importance of Personal Projects

42:45 Balancing a Creative Career and a Family

59:23 Connect with Adam and Checkout his Work

🔗 CONNECT WITH ADAM BLASBERG

In this episode, Marshal speaks with Christina Force, a consultant and mentor to photographers, about the business practices and mindset that sets apart average photographers from successful ones. She shares about the importance of discovering your why and emphasizes that one’s best work is who they really are. Christina walks Marshal through the process of discovering one's why by sharing the guide questions and prompts she asks the photographers she works with. Lastly, they also took a deep dive into money mindsets that beginner photographers must employ to grow as creatives. If you’re on the journey of trying to level up or break through a ceiling as an image-based creative, Christina’s knowledge and wisdom will surely resonate with and motivate you— let’s dive in.

Episode Highlights

(4:30) Get to know Christina Force

(15:56) Transitioning to coaching and consulting

(20:52) Deep diving into the process of discovering one’s “Why”

(30:25) Rescuing photographers by encouraging personal work

(36:51) What separates a 2k photographer from a 200k photographer

(41:13) Knowing your worth, and other money mindsets

(59:36) Building and nurturing relationships

(1:09:19) Some things to think about in your creative journey

🔗 CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA

In this episode DP Byron Kopman discusses the importance of building relationships, the benefits and drawbacks of having an agent, and the best equipment that makes a return on your investment while. Byron opens up to Marshal about the process of obtaining his US Visa, recounting the frustrating experience and the steps he took to obtaining and renew it. He emphasizes the value of shorthand in the industry and his appreciation for crew members who share his strong work ethic. If you’re looking to build your portfolio, invest in gear, and grow your network as a freelance creative, Byron has a lot of nuggets of wisdom for you —  let’s dive in.

Episode Highlights

(7:26) Get to know Byron Kopman

(10:29) Learning while getting paid

(13:44) Going job to job vs. a consistent income

(22:30) Pros and cons for working with agents

(27:22) Getting a US Working Visa

(32:10) The gear rabbit hole, the most-rewarding pieces

(45:52) The importance of crew

(48:59) Lighting diagrams and staying true your vision

🔗 CONNECT WITH BYRON

In this episode, Marshal speaks with Filmmaker, Evan Bourcier on topics such as how he found his way into making a living with a camera, learning from other people in the industry by watching them work, the importance of being emotionally intelligent to thrive in this industry, knowing how to connect to your work, and learning to manage the fluctuating income that comes with being a freelance creative. If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, listen in and learn from his journey — let’s dive in. 

Episode Highlights

(4:15) Get to know Evan Bourcier

(11:39) The journey to creating professional videos

(20:04) Watch and learn from the people in the industry

(28:20) Being intentional and emotionally intelligent

(37:35) Having a life outside of filmmaking

(41:27) The financial side of the rollercoaster

(56:11) Designing better systems 

🔗 CONNECT WITH EVAN

In this episode, Marshal speaks with Photographer and Director, Christian Tisdale about his journey to making it in the industry as a commercial photographer. Being in an increasingly saturated market, Christian shares his experience on how he is able to set himself apart. He also talks about the importance of having personal projects, the differences between photographers at different price points, and a 3-step system to create and keep momentum with his work and clients. You’ll find so much inspiration from Christian’s story, and I’m excited to share our conversation with you. Let’s dive in!

Episode Highlights

(0:00:00) - Getting to know Christian Tisdale (0:06:51) - Committing to a Creative Focus (0:22:24) - Build Client Relationships in Your Niche (0:30:52) - Photography as Conversation and Collaboration (0:34:16) - The Evolution of Photography and Directing (0:38:35) - Pricing and Creative Fees in Photography (0:43:49) - Pricing and Mindset in Photography Business (0:53:54) - Sharing Work and Personalized Communication

🔗 CONNECT WITH CHRISTIAN

As a director, RJ's ability to hold the end vision in mind while navigating all the challenges of the filmmaking process is a true testament to his talent. In this episode, Marshal speaks with director and writer, RJ Sauer about the creative process and the responsibility of creating a film. RJ talks about the key aspects of his workflow, his journey in building relationships and finding work, as well as navigating the ups and downs of the freelance creative world. Most importantly, he shares about his story and how it shapes not only his work life but also his personal life. I’m excited to share this conversation with you, so let's dive in!

Episode Highlights

(01:23) Getting to know RJ Sauer

(08:23) Building relationships and finding opportunities in the industry

(26:57) Managing clients, teams, and the politics involved in filmmaking

(28:59) Key aspects of RJ’s creative process

(39:52) Qualities of people RJ loves to work with

(50:55) Navigating the ups and downs of the freelance creative world

(57:49) Taking personal adventures

(1:11:17) Focusing on the journey

🔗 CONNECT WITH RJ SAUER

In this episode, Marshal speaks with photographer, author, educator, and intuitive healer, Chris Orwig. Chris talks about the creative process behind his book, The Creative Fight, which offers guidance on creating meaningful work that aligns with your values and lifestyle. He also shares about the importance of intention in building a successful career, advice on developing an impactful portfolio and building strong relationships, and what success means and how it should shape our career paths. If you want to go deep, then this episode's for you. Let's dive in!

Episode Highlights

02:12 - Writing the book Creative Flight

07:40 - How it all Started for Chris

18:03 - Building relationships behind the lens

43:31 - What does success mean?

50:51 - Finding your “Why”

🔗 CONNECT WITH CHRIS ORWIG

In this episode, Marshal speaks with executive producer and partner at Dear Friend, Garth Collins as they delve into the dynamic world of executive producing. Garth provides valuable insights into the significance of communication and relationship-building in the creative industry, emphasizing how these elements can serve as seeds that grow into long-term value and opportunities. He also provides an inside look into his role in balancing business with creativity, in dealing with the highs and lows of a creative career, and reveals his team's main processes and systems that drive their work forward. If you're a creative looking to jump into this crazy but exciting career path, don't miss out on this conversation — let’s dive in.

Episode Highlights

(01:47) Get to know Garth Collins

(11:47) How to find clients and what to look for in a client

(19:17) The main skills of an executive producer

(36:40) Balancing business and creativity

(49:16) Dealing with the highs and lows of a creative career path

(58:54) Parting words for fellow creatives

🔗 CONNECT WITH Garth Collins

In this episode, Marshal speaks with Jacob Crawford, a young and hungry producer / executive producer making a name for himself and company inside the film industry. Jacob talks about how a fateful drone crash sparked his interest in filmmaking, his three-step system for building meaningful relationships, and how he built and leads his team of eight internal employees while working on 50 - 100 person set productions. Whether you're just starting out in the industry or looking to take your career to the next level, Jacob's insights and experiences are sure to inspire and inform — let’s dive in.

🔗 CONNECT WITH JACOB

In this episode, Marshal speaks with director and producer Mark Milburn exploring his unique journey into commercial directing and producing. Formerly an athlete and business owner, Mark shares how he began building relationships and finding ways to add value to his clients' lives. We also discuss the delicate balance of being a director and producer simultaneously and explore what an OTT platform is, and how it could change the game for creators. Mark's passion for helping others succeed shines through in this conversation, making it a must-listen for both newcomers and veterans in the creative industry. Be sure to tune in until the end and gain insights for your freelance journey — let’s dive in.