How Sharing Your Work Can Change Lives Including Your Own
Apr 30, 2025
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Derek Fassbender, the host of the B&H Photography Podcast, joins for an enlightening discussion on the power of sharing creative work. He reflects on his journey from self-taught photographer to mobile photography pioneer and founder of CreativeLive. The conversation dives into the emotional costs of creative risks, the wisdom of connecting rather than promoting, and the significance of a supportive community. Derek's insights challenge listeners to embrace their artistic voice, emphasizing that even small contributions can lead to monumental impacts.
Sharing your creative work can lead to unexpected opportunities, underscoring the significant impact art can have on lives.
The evolution of the Best Camera app illustrates how innovation can democratize creativity and reshape the way we share art.
True success lies in meaningful connections and personal authenticity, rather than conforming to societal standards or expectations.
Deep dives
The Unpredictable Journey of Art
Art has the potential to lead you to unexpected opportunities and outcomes, showcasing the unpredictable nature of creativity. The podcast emphasizes the notion that the art you share with the world can bring about significant positive change, even in ways you might not foresee. The host reflects on personal experiences where his own creative endeavors unfolded into fruitful opportunities throughout his career. This sentiment encourages artists to embrace the unknown pathways that their work may create, urging them to not shy away from sharing their creativity.
A 15-Year Career Overview
The discussion sheds light on the evolution of a 15-year arc in the host's career, detailing key milestones from his early days in photography to founding significant ventures like CreativeLive. Listeners gain insights into the journey of developing the innovative Best Camera app, which became notable for enabling users to share images seamlessly on social media. The podcast captures the essence of each phase in his career, including challenges faced and triumphs celebrated along the way, portraying a rich tapestry of experiences in the arts and entrepreneurship. This narrative serves to inspire others on their own creative journeys, emphasizing the lessons learned throughout ups and downs.
Learning Through Passion
The host recounts his self-taught journey in photography, connecting his initial interest to experiences as an athlete and how this influenced his artistic perspective. He elaborates on the unconventional methods he employed in learning fundamental techniques, including experimenting with film and utilizing darkrooms at community colleges. This narrative highlights the perseverance required in mastering a craft, emphasizing the value of hands-on experience and the importance of a strong work ethic. His story serves as a reminder that passion fuels creativity, and practical learning often outweighs formal education.
Transforming Photographic Education
The podcast discusses the groundbreaking impact of CreativeLive in making creative education accessible to a global audience. By broadcasting live classes for free, the platform democratized learning and opened doors for individuals who may not have had access to traditional educational resources. The host explains how this innovative model enabled millions to learn from top instructors, reshaping how creativity is taught and shared. This transformation in the educational landscape not only reflects changing technologies but also underscores the importance of community and support in learning.
The Role of AI in Creativity
A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to discussing the potential impact of artificial intelligence on creative fields and employment. The host believes that while AI can outperform humans in many technical tasks, the uniquely human ability to generate original ideas and emotional connections remains irreplaceable. He warns that the next decade could bring profound changes, with AI fundamentally reshaping how we approach creativity and work. This insight prompts listeners to focus on nurturing their creative instincts while leveraging AI as a tool for enhancement, rather than a replacement.
Defining Personal Success
As the conversation wraps up, the host reflects on what success means to him at this stage of life, emphasizing simplicity and meaningful connections over conventional measures. He candidly discusses the challenges faced during the entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the necessity of aligning one's values with professional goals. This perspective encourages listeners to evaluate their definitions of success based on fulfillment and purpose, rather than societal expectations. The host’s experiences serve as an inspiring reminder of the importance of personal authenticity in pursuing one’s passions.
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!
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