The Evolution of the Best Camera Mantra

In this episode, I share how putting your creative work into the world—no matter how small—can lead to massive, unexpected impact. I open up about my early days as a self-taught photographer, the pain and joy of learning through film, and how a backpacking trip with my wife turned into the start of an unconventional creative career.

This is a syndicate episode from the B&H Photography Podcast, where I sit down with Derek, Jill, and Mike to trace the arc of my journey—from building the Best Camera app and pioneering mobile photography, to founding CreativeLive and finding purpose through community. We talk about the cost of taking creative risks, the billion-dollar idea that got away, and the deeper why behind making and sharing your art. If you’ve ever doubted whether your creative voice matters, this episode is for you.

Some highlights we explore:

• • Why you only need 20 people to support your work and make a living.

• WThe emotional cost—and wisdom—of losing out on the Instagram moment.
• What “the best camera is the one that’s with you” really means.
• The key mindset shift: You’re not promoting, you’re connecting people to something they need.

Enjoy!