B&h Photography Podcast

“Inspiration doesn’t have an age gap… Maybe you've heard it 100 times before, but this time it hits differently. Or this time, it's where it sinks in and you have that ‘aha’ moment.” That’s just one takeaway from our spirited conversation with Grace Mc Nally. From soaking up a passion for photography through an early mentorship program at NYC Salt to her decision to forgo college and continue learning on the job, Grace has forged an impressive path as a creative renaissance woman with a passion for community. As podcast host Derek Fahsbender notes about this chat, “Great advice is all around you. Experience is all around you. But if you're not soaking it in, if you're not learning from it, then it's not going to make you a better photographer. It's not going to make you a better person. You really have to take it and internalize it.” So, sit back and be a sponge for some inspired creative insights!   Guest: Grace Mc Nally Episode Timeline: 2:28: Grace’s photographic beginnings, her father’s influence as a fu

In this episode, we sit down with viral ice cream creator Dylan Lemay to spill the tea on what it really takes to grow as a modern creator. Dylan shares how his content creation journey began, how he built his audience, and the importance of balancing life on and off social media. We also discuss his ultimate tips for going viral in 2025 and get a peak of the ice cream business behind the scenes. Whether you’re a photographer, filmmaker, TikTok star, podcaster, or just starting out, this conversation is full of motivation, insight, and practical advice you can use right now. Guest Bio: Dylan Lemay Title: Content Creator Dylan Lemay, aka the Ice Cream Guy, is a creator and storyteller who blends food, interactive experiences, and creative video, taking you behind the counter to make the world’s most iconic treats. Stay Connected: TikTok Instagram Credits: Host & Creative Producer: Deanna Testa Creative Producer: Elena Maidebura Creative Editor: Larissa Mattei Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein Executive

How often do you think beyond the photos you make to consider the larger purpose they serve—both for yourself and, ideally, for a wider audience? In today’s show, we explore this idea while connecting the dots between picture making, process, and purpose. Our guides for this conversation are nature/landscape photographer and mountaineer Matt Payne, and street photographer, portraitist, and YouTube storyteller Sean Tucker. While Matt and Sean have widely different photographic specialties, they share much in common, from educational backgrounds in psychology to a profound commitment in using photography to find purpose in life. Taking Matt’s 567-mile through-hike of the Colorado Trail as a jumping off point, we explore how balancing such a mammoth feat of endurance with a creative pursuit led him to look inward and see the world around him anew. Beyond the how of making pictures, we discuss the all-important why’s of photography—from being more intentional in your image making to forging connections between le

In this episode we sit down with talented viral creator and musician Peet Montzingo to spill the tea on what it really takes to grow as a modern creator. Peet shares how he got started, how ADHD impacted his journey, the power of family, and his ultimate tips to going viral. Whether you’re a photographer, filmmaker, TikTok star, podcaster, or just starting your creative journey, this conversation is full of motivation, insight, and practical advice. Hit Subscribe and join the B&H Creators community for more unfiltered conversations with the creators shaping today’s culture. Guest Bio: Peet Montzingo Title: Creative Director, Producer, and Creator A multi-faceted artist with a curious and kind heart, whose talents span creating original content, music, literature, and so much more. Through his fascination with mysteries of the world to his deep bond with his family, Peet skyrocketed to fame, boasting millions of followers who find themselves deeply engaged and supportive of his endeavors. Peet often raises

Above Photograph © Patience Ojionuka How do you transition from being simply “a friend with a camera” to landing paid gigs with top fashion brands? All while juggling a budding photo career and the rigors of post graduate study, along with sharing insider tips to inspire your community on the side.  We answer these questions and more in this, our second episode of Next Frame, a monthly podcast series shining a light on rising creative talents.  Today's guest is Patience Ojionuka, a trendsetting creative known for multitasking between enviable photo assignments and working towards a PhD in psychology. We get the low down on her experiences in the power of pitching and the magic of sharing on social media. “There's always projects happening, and I think that is the biggest thing I learned,” she explains. “There's nothing more powerful than sharing your work.” Patience also admits, “I was waiting for the perfect time to start, which reminder to anybody listening, the perfect time to start is right now. I just po

“If you look very intensely and slowly things will happen that you never dreamed of before.” This Aaron Siskind quote neatly sums up the deeply contemplative discussion we had with landscape photographers John Paul Caponigro and Joel Simpson in this week’s podcast. Siskind’s name is mentioned several times in our chat—as are many other 20th century photography legends—making this show both an exploration of photo history and an exercise in a holistic way to envision and record the world around us. Our focus on landscape quickly diverges from realistic depictions in favor of terrain that celebrates abstraction and metaphor. Follow along as we unpack the unwieldy term Pareiolia—the tendency to see familiar things in otherwise random patterns—and discover unique pathways to relate to the natural world. As John Paul Caponigro aptly points out, “I think of every exposure that I make as having a conversation with the subject and myself. I think of every move that I make in Photoshop as having a conversation with th

We’re kicking off the B&H Creators Green Room with the very talented Shuang Hu. Shuang is a renowned actress, writer, director, producer, and viral content creator with over 12 million followers. Tune in to learn about her creative journey, inspiration, and what it takes to grow as a modern creator.   Guest Bio: Shuang Hu is a talented Chinese-Australian actress, writer, director, producer, and content creator who has gained over 12 million followers since starting her online content in March 2020. Her YouTube channel, THEONESHU, was listed as one of the top 50 most viewed US channels by Tubefilter.com, and her most viral short-form video has received over 298 million views. Shuang has appeared in various TV shows, films, and plays. She also co-wrote, co-created, produced, and starred in Amazon Prime's first original feature film, "Five Blind Dates," launched in February 2024, and she aims to continue sharing engaging stories across different platforms.   Stay Connected   TikTok  Instagram YouTube   Cre

The photo world is filled with remarkable young and up-and-coming talents. They often don’t get the visibility they deserve, so we created Next Frame—a new monthly series aiming to shine a light their way. These bite-sized episodes are equally inspired by the guests we speak with and the invaluable contributions of local creative arts programs that have played a key role in their development. We’re launching this series with photographer, filmmaker, and boxing & music aficionado Josh Nass, an alumnus of Baltimore’s Wide Angle Youth Media programs. From nailing his Photoshop skills while still in middle school to trading in his boxing gloves for a camera during college and beyond, Josh regales us with practical tips about both the successes and challenges all young creatives must face as they transition from trading pictures for access to molding media skills into a profitable career. Looking back on his early days chasing both music and fashion scenes, Josh notes, “Your main role as a photographer—especia

Above Photograph © Matt Emond Summertime is the season for travel. With that theme in mind, in today’s show, we’re taking you on a short trip around the block to revisit a few of our favorite encounters from B&H’s 2025 Bild Expo. During two days in June, we engaged with the many thousands of Expo attendees who converged at New York’s Jacob Javits Center for the show. From our sleek podcast console/recording station adjacent to the Bild stages, we shared our favorite listens and offered advice to the many inquisitive creatives wanting to start up a podcast of their own. Amid all the noise and excitement, we also found the chance to record short interviews with a few of our visitors who had inspiring stories to tell, three of which we’re presenting today. So, sit back and enjoy these conversations with Philadelphia-based photographer, entrepreneur, and community organizer CJ Wolfe; New York-based filmmaker, producer, and podcaster Maria Clinton; and Canadian-born, globetrotting visual engineer and environme

“That which unites us is far greater than what divides us.” The first four words of this sentence are subtitle, and subtext, for “Path of Liberty,” an immersive outdoor photo and media experience on view through fall 2025 at Freedom Plaza on Manhattan’s east side. The creative groundwork for this project was a mammoth effort involving an extensive crew both on the road and behind the scenes. In today’s podcast, we catch up with two principals of this project’s creative team—creative director Daniella Vale and director of photography, Scott Beardslee—to learn more about their daily lives during two months spent traversing the country by van to interview a broad group of everyday Americans. From the founding idea of capturing the diversity of people across America to the curiosity and resilience of the crew when working on the road to the complexities of orchestrating the many sensory elements for an immersive experience in exhibition, our discussion is rich with creative insight. As Daniella shares during our

“Live From New York, it’s Saturday Night!” That single sentence has become a catchphrase for devotees of comedy and popular culture over the past 50 years—generations of fans who willingly turn their attentions from the height of weekend revelry to the televised antics of Saturday Night Live. Week in, week out for more than two decades, a single photographer has conjured visual magic behind the scenes, creating inventive and irreverent portraits that air for three seconds each as so-called “bumpers” that transition to and from the show’s commercial breaks. In this week’s podcast, SNL’s photographer in residence Mary Ellen Matthews regales us with details about what’s undoubtedly the world’s best photo gig—a position she’s held for 25 years. From the fateful phone call she got in 1993, inviting her to assist the show’s founding photographer, Mary Ellen offers candid insights into her journey from mentee to team leader. Along the way, we pull back the curtain on the creation of some iconic images and learn what

Industrial expansion has left an indelible mark on our natural world, fundamentally altering landscapes and ecosystems for the sake of material progress and modern convenience. This transformation has created an environmental challenge of unprecedented scale. In today’s show, we’ll connect the dots between the raw materials that make up our planet and the industrial forces visually altering our contemporary landscape in a chat with a photographer who’s documented these profound global changes firsthand for the past 50 years. Applying visual principals rooted in abstract expressionist painting, Edward Burtynsky has explored a wide range of photographic tools in his image making—from large format film to high-res digital cameras mounted to the most sophisticated of drones. Included among our many discussion topics are his distinctive approach to translating a 3-D landscape to the flat plane of a photograph; his various methods for capturing aerials using either a helicopter, fixed wing aircraft, or various type

Every photographer dreams of publishing a book of their photographs. But what exactly does that entail? In today’s show, we’re going to peek behind the scenes of this complex and daunting process in a chat with two complementary figures who’ve spent their respective careers helping to redefine what a photo book can be. Starting with three basic questions—Why a book? Why now? And what is the role of a book in your career at this time?—our discussion expands to cover a broad range of concerns. From distinguishing between the many different publishing models available today, to insights on sponsorship and publishing contracts, to tips about marketing and getting people onboard with your project, you’ll come away with inventive strategies for publishing your work in book form. We’ve envisioned this show as an impromptu master class, so get ready to take some notes! Guests: Mary Virginia Swanson & Rick Smolan Episode Timeline: 4:45: Mary Virginia Swanson’s basic advice to photographers interested in publishin

In a world of perpetual motion, there exists a realm of profound stillness—where light doesn’t simply illuminate, it transforms. Far from home amid Earth’s frozen tundras, time itself seems suspended in crystalline air. In today’s podcast, we’ll visit these places where time hangs in the balance, and we’ll explore the intrepid mix of endurance, patience, and vision it takes to make pictures there. Joining us for this conversation are polar photography specialists Acacia Johnson and Jonas Paurell. From making distinctions between Arctic and Antarctic regions, to learning about the unique challenges involved with photographing there, our polar experts share many valuable insights. In addition to tips about packing and safeguarding camera gear in cold weather climates, we also discuss the importance of managing expectations during such trips, especially when faced with a long wait to see wildlife amid the barren stillness. As Alaskan photographer Acacia Johnson puts it, “… I think going into a trip with kind of

When it comes to his iconic street portraits, Jamel Shabazz is all about building relationships and spreading joy. Yet, beyond the rich tapestry created with both the neighbors and strangers, friends and rivals he’s encountered across New York’s five boroughs, Jamel’s most meaningful role might be that of a street teacher, touching the lives of the people in front of his lens and inviting them to mark their place in history. In today’s podcast, we learn from the master while tracing his career path, from early observational learning at the side of his father—a professional photographer in his own right—to his first street portraits of classmates and friends. Jamel also shares how his singular vision was shaped by outside forces, including three years overseas in the Army and 20 years as a New York City corrections officer.  Incredibly, Jamel was able to take his camera along inside, and he describes the fine line he walked in our chat. “So, it was illegal,” he admits, “but I was known to have done it througho

At first glance, photographers Chris Orwig and Aaron Anderson seem an unlikely pairing—with the natural light and high key palette of Chris’s portraits forming a sharp contrast to the cinematic lighting and film noir aura featured in Aaron’s work. Yet, their heartfelt discussion about creative reinvention in today’s podcast celebrates the notion that opposites attract. Adding to our core topic of reshaping skills at every stage of your career, we’ll also delve into keeping abreast of creative trends and remaining relevant as a creator in an increasingly competitive commercial marketplace. Beginning with the premise that it’s the teacher who learns the most in the room, Chris and Aaron describe their respective career paths, highlighting the importance of trusting the process that leads to creative growth. As Aaron points out, “that's when I think a lot of the magic happens, because you're learning to trust the part of you that is creating. And it's a really fun thing to see that come to life, because the more

Nothing beats the thundering energy and human drama that unfolds across the surface of an automotive racetrack. Photographers who specialize in this adrenaline-fueled niche are best served by nerves of steel and the high endurance to lug multiple cameras and the long lenses needed to freeze the action. In today’s show, we plunge headfirst into what it takes to cover the many facets of auto racing with two of the finest professionals in the field, photographers Camden Thrasher and Jamey Price. From stories of unexpected hurdles to access when scouting an unfamiliar course to the mix of visual stimulation and extreme exhaustion that accompanies a 24-hour endurance race, our chat is full of real-world insights. We also discuss the gear these photographers rely on and the wear and tear that comes with hard core use.   And for listeners who’ve always wanted to try their hand at motor sports photography, Jamey Price shares some parting advice. “You don't build a portfolio by getting credentials,” he says. “Yo

As any established photographer will tell you, forging a career can be a long and arduous journey, with no instruction manual to guide you through the process. The lofty world of top-notch pros is often shrouded in mystery and full of things they don’t teach in photo school. In today’s show, we get to peek behind the scenes of this complex, and often chaotic environment in a chat with two colleagues who’ve found a way to balance their freelance careers as independent creators with lucrative work assisting in a high-profile photo studio. Listen in, to learn how a casual job application through LinkedIn landed Mike Foley an interview, ultimately resulting in a salaried role as first assistant to a world-class portrait photographer. While technical mastery counts for a lot, we discuss the critical importance of soft skills like personality and work ethic to success in such environments. We also distinguish between salaried full-time work and more common freelance roles, and the juggling required to coordinate th

Above Photograph © Chase Jarvis We’ve all heard the saying “The best camera is the one that’s with you.” But do you know how this catch phrase ended up as a mantra of the mobile economy? In today’s show, we speak with Chase Jarvis, the man behind Best Camera—the wildly successful photo sharing app that predated Instagram—to get an inside look at his wild ride.  A born entrepreneur and self-made photographer with a hunger that always worked against the grain, Chase’s meteoric rise in action sports/lifestyle photography dovetailed with the dawn of the sharing economy, leading him to a moonshot idea. The ensuing saga of Best Camera’s viral success, subsequent demise, and Chase’s quick pivot into his next visionary business model—Creative Live—is both a cautionary tale and a redemption story. All told, you’ll gain fascinating insights into the nexus of creative innovation and big business at the highest levels.  When asked about his biggest take away from Best Camera given the benefit of hindsight, Chase doesn’t

Photographers often react instinctively against artificial intelligence, typically focusing on controversial generative AI. Meanwhile, a different branch of AI technology—machine learning systems—has been making remarkable progress helping photographers manage overwhelming image workflows under tight deadlines.   In today's show, we explore this trending topic in a discussion with Justin Benson and Sam Hurd, both accomplished wedding photographers and tech entrepreneurs.   Justin begins by clarifying the distinction between machine learning and generative AI before taking us behind the scenes of Aftershoot, the workflow tool he co-founded. He highlights the key advantages of culling and editing images locally rather than using cloud-based alternatives.   We also explore the question of trusting automated workflows and discuss how aesthetics factor in, particularly since machine learning systems adapt to a photographer's culling and editing preferences over time.   Our conversation naturally addresses the ethi