B&H Photography Podcast

Above photograph © Ashok Sinha How central is your personal drive and unique creative vision to the pictures you make? If these characteristics strike a chord or are traits to which you aspire, then you won’t want to miss our inspiring chats with photographers Ashok Sinha and Anabel DFlux. We caught up with both of these accomplished creatives earlier this year at B&H’s 2023 Depth of Field Conference. We begin with architectural photographer Ashok Sinha, whose personal project to document iconic mid-century structures and classic cars in Southern California resulted in the crowd-pleasing monograph Gas & Glamour, now in its second printing. Sinha offers valuable insights about how channeling his passions and not overthinking the details allowed him to bring his photography career to new heights—resulting in his work being displayed as a massive billboard in downtown LA, released as limited-edition NFTs, and featured in gallery exhibitions in collaboration with an international fashion brand. After the break, professional animal photographer Anabel DFlux describes how she fashioned a personal penchant for pets into a sustainable career path while still a teen. Yet, despite her clear passion for and talent with pets, DFlux reaches beyond a single photographic specialty to cultivate work across multiple niches—including the heady realm of rock and roll. Check out these real-life career examples and walk away with an equal measure of inspiration and practical tips. Guests: Ashok Sinha and Anabel DFlux For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see: blogd7.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podca…-anabel-dflux Stay Connected: Ashok Sinha Website: https://ashoksinha.com Ashok Sinha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashoksinhaphoto Ashok Sinha Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashok.sinha.3720 Ashok Sinha Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashoksinhaphoto Ashok Sinha YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashoksinha2167 Ashok Sinha Gas and Glamour book: https://ashoksinha.com/BOOK/1 Anabel DFlux Website: https://www.deliquesceflux.com Anabel DFlux Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anabeldflux Anabel DFlux Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeliquesceFlux Anabel DFlux YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/anabeldflux Anabel DFlux at Sigma: https://blog.sigmaphoto.com/author/anabel-dflux Pelican Cases Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/Pelican/ci/4457/N/4232860887

Rodney Smith was a photographic visionary, with an allegiance to the image above all else. Long acclaimed for his iconic black-and-white pictures—not to forget his later jewel-like color scenes—Smith captured enchanted worlds full of subtle magic and lighthearted humor. Using only analog film and the aesthetics of natural light, his dream-like photographs are matched in quality by the craft and physical beauty of his prints. Smith died in 2016, yet the enduring precision, elegance, and whimsy of his world view is nowhere more evident than in our conversation with Leslie Smolan, his widow and executive director of his estate; and his long-time assistant, master printer Terence Falk. Listen in as Smolan discusses key aspects of Smith’s career development and describes her recent collaboration with the J. Paul Getty Museum on the book, Rodney Smith: A Leap of Faith. And Falk provides firsthand anecdotes about the unique experience of working on a Rodney Smith shoot—an experience that led one powerful New York executive to call his secretary from a midtown pay phone and exclaim, “I feel like I’m in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off!” As New York Fashion Week ushers in the fall season, we’re looking back on the career of one of the most distinctive photographers to infuse business and fashion with a timeless sense of style and grace. Guests: Leslie Smolan and Terence Falk For more information on our guests and their gear they use, see: The Estate of Rodney Smith Website: rodneysmith.com/ The Estate of Rodney Smith Facebook: www.facebook.com/rodneysmithphotography/ The Estate of Rodney Smith Instagram: www.instagram.com/_rodneysmith/ The Estate of Rodney Smith Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/rodneysmithpics/ Rodney Smith Lecture at the B&H Event Space: www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photog…mith-1970-2016 Conversation about Rodney Smith at FIT Amphitheater: www.fitnyc.edu/museum/events/index.php Rodney Smith Exhibition at Staley Wise Gallery in New York: www.staleywise.com/exhibitions/rodney-smith2 Rodney Smith: A Remembrance with Dr Rebecca Senf: santafeworkshops.com/creativity-con…-rebecca-senf/ Rodney Smith: A Leap of Faith book: shop.getty.edu/products/rodney-s…th-978-1606068465

According to food photographer Mica McCook, the secret sauce is more than simply visual appeal, it’s connecting to how the images make you feel. As McCook likes to say, she creates cravings, one photo at a time.  McCook’s photos are dramatic like telenovelas, embracing the magic of a chef's palate, and delighting in the vibrant flavors that bring dishes to life. Her approach is theatrical and bold, akin to setting the stage for a grand performance. Each element, from the decadent chocolate drizzle to the vibrant pop of a fresh herb, contributes to the culinary drama. For McCook, food is not just about sustenance, it's an experience.  In a world where fast food and quick meals are often the norm, McCook is here to remind us of the richness and pleasure of a well-composed dish, and to celebrate the chefs who create, the farmers who cultivate, and the diners who savor. As an extension of her photography business, McCook launched her biweekly podcast, The Savory Shot, in June 2022, because she is perpetually curious about the food industry and those who dwell within it.   Listen in to hear how a life-altering trip to the Reading Terminal Market, in Pennsylvania, laid the groundwork for McCook’s career transition from people to food, and even inspired her unique business name of Austin Food Guide. We also discuss how her background in theater influences her flavorful photographic approach, the dramatic lighting she favors, as well as her collaborative, community-oriented outlook. McCook was recently accepted into an innovative mentorship program for BIPOC photographers led by Apostrophe Reps. Don’t miss the juicy details about how to apply! Above photograph © Mica McCook Guest: Mica McCook of The Austin Food Guide For more information on our guest and the gear she uses, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/finger-lickin-food-photography-with-mica-mccook-the-austin-food-guide Stay Connected: Mica McCook Website: https://micamccook.com Mica McCook Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mica.mccook Mica McCook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micamccook Austin Food Guide Website: https://austinfoodguide.com Austin Food Guide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinfoodguide Austin Food Guide Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/austinfoodguide Austin Food Guide Twitter: https://twitter.com/ austinfoodguide Austin Food Guide TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@austinfoodguide The Savory Shot Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/savory-shot/id1618801583

Bruce Gilden is a street-photography icon. With summer in full swing and International Street Photography Day (otherwise known as Henry Cartier-Bresson’s birthday) looming on the horizon, what better time to feature a lively chat with the master himself, recorded at B&H’s 2023 Depth of Field Conference, just before the Magnum photographer’s keynote lecture. Gilden’s emotionally fraught depictions of real people up close are an acquired taste, and we address this aspect of his work during our chat, with Allan admitting that Gilden’s work has terrified him in the past. We also touch on a somewhat surprising facet of Gilden’s career—fashion photography—as he discusses making pictures for high-end clients such as Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabana, and Diesel. From the influence of early 20th-century mugshots on Gilden’s aesthetic to the importance of making, and living with, visual choices to keep the photography fresh, our discussion covers a lot of ground. Stay to the end to learn about Gilden’s long held photographic wish—photographing murder in a beautiful way. And for anyone who’s ever fantasized about a taking workshop with Gilden, check out the link below to his upcoming street photography workshop in New York! Above photograph © Bruce Gilden Guest: Magnum photographer Bruce Gilden For more information on our guest and the gear he uses, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/closer-look-bruce-gilden Stay Connected: Bruce Gilden Website: https://www.brucegilden.com Bruce Gilden Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BruceGilden Bruce Gilden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bruce_gilden Bruce Gilden Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/brucegilden Bruce Gilden’s Magnum page: https://www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/bruce-gilden/ Bruce Gilden’s Upcoming New York Workshop: miamistreetphotographyfestival.org/bruce-gilden

At the Depth of Field Conference, two tech wizards, Scott Kelby and Kristina Sherk, discuss the impact of AI on Adobe software. Kelby explores the pros and cons of AI in photography, while Sherk talks about powerful AI selection tools in Lightroom. They also touch on mobile photography, the importance of audio quality, and share experiences from the vibrant event.

Do you have questions about establishing your photography business and legally protecting yourself and your images? From setting up a business entity to drafting client contracts to key terms in a model release, we cover these points and much, much more, during an in-depth discussion with intellectual property attorney Rachel Brenke. Listen in and learn about the value of contracts as the center point in any sort of business transaction. You’ll also discover how the legal tripod of a business entity, attorney-drafted contracts, and liability insurance can create a powerful force field of protection. During the show’s second half we explore various infringement scenarios, and even take the plunge into potential legal implications in the wake of AI technology and other current trends. Guest: Rachel Brenke For more information on our guest and the gear she uses, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/legal-matters-for-photographers-with-rachel-brenke-thelawtog Stay Connected: Rachel Brenke Website: https://rachelbrenke.com TheLawTog® Website: https://www.thelawtog.com Eden Law Website: https://eden-law.com Rachel Brenke Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelbrenke TheLawTog® Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelawtog TheLawTog® Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelawtog TheLawTog® Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thelawtog Audio-Technica Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/Audio-Technica/ci/15748/N/4232861079

Like good acting—and skilled retouching—masterful lighting is an accomplished skill that should remain mostly unseen. This is the takeaway from our conversations with two great lighting whisperers, Canon technical advisor Eric Stoner and Nikon Ambassador Joe McNally. We sat down with both of these experts earlier this year at B&H’s 2023 Depth of Field Conference.   Our first guest is Eric Stoner, a Canon technical advisor who specializes in creating portraits with Speedlites and colored gels. He offers insights about the high degree of control these tools provide, describing how adding colored gels boosts creative improvisation and heightens impact. We also discuss the technological advances of the past 20 years, while reflecting on how great photography still hinges on learning the craft and connecting with your subjects.   After a break, Nikon Ambassador Joe McNally discusses his mission to light photographs in a way that provides an unfettered experience for the viewer. In addition, we explore his long and successful career as a working professional, from his formative years as a LIFE magazine staff photographer to the recent exhibition of those very same images in a fine art gallery. Stay to the end to learn about his latest book The Real Deal, which he wrote during COVID, and hear about his busy schedule of international workshops.  Guests: Eric Stoner & Joe McNally For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/lighting-whisperers Above photograph © Joe McNally Stay Connected: Eric Stoner Website: https://www.mystonegallery.net/ Eric Stoner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericstonerphoto Joe McNally Website: https://joemcnally.com Joe McNally Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joemcnallyphoto Joe McNally Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joemcnallyphoto Joe McNally YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/joemcnallyphoto Joe McNally Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeMcNallyPhoto Joe McNally Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/joemcnallyphoto

“To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.” There is no better role model for this Thomas Edison quote than Steve Sasson, the electrical engineer fresh out of grad school who was hired to work in a Kodak research lab, in 1973. With a passion for scavenging parts and a penchant for invention, he developed the world’s first self-contained digital camera just two years after his arrival in the lab. In honor of National Camera Day, we invited Sasson to the podcast for an in-depth discussion about his invention of this revolutionary device. Listen in to hear about the surprising reception Sasson’s prototype received from Kodak executives during early demonstrations of its use, the complicated mix of cultural and business factors confronting a company in the throes of innovation, the many years that elapsed before Sasson was allowed to speak publicly about the camera, and much, much more.   In addition to being a storyline worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, our conversation offers rare insight into the inner workings of a long-established, successful company that knows a lot about the problem but doesn’t like the answer. Stay to the end to hear Sasson make a comparison to a groundbreaking technological development in the corporate world today. Guest: Steve Sasson For more information on our guest and the gear he uses, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/invention-of-digital-camera Above photograph © Courtesy of the George Eastman MuseumStay Connected Steve Sasson Profile at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: https://eng.rpi.edu/about/alumni-achievements/steven-j-sasson Steve Sasson at the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame: https://www.invent.org/inductees/steven-sasson Steve Sasson at the National Science & Technology Medals Foundation: https://nationalmedals.org/laureate/steven-sasson/ The George Eastman Museum: https://www.eastman.org

Family portraits have come a long way since the heyday of department-store setups. In this episode of the B&H Photography Podcast, we examine business and creative factors at work in this constantly evolving field, recorded on location at B&H’s 2023 Depth of Field Conference. Listen in for fresh insights on family portraiture from two specialists serving very different market segments. Above photograph © Monica Sigmon, Sigmon Taylor Photography Our first guest is Michele Celentano, a serial entrepreneur who’s shifted from weddings to families to her latest focus on the big business of school and sports portraits. After getting the scoop on her career trajectory, Celentano describes how she’s modernizing and redefining this very lucrative market.  After a break, we chat with Monica Sigmon about the central role that formal family portraits can play in establishing a visual legacy and building self-worth among your clients, while she also elaborates on the complex economic factors involved in pricing your work. Guests: Michele Celentano & Monica Sigmon For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see: https://blogd7.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/business-family-portraits-michele-celentano-monica-sigmon Top shot © Monica Sigmon, Sigmon Taylor Photography Episode Timeline: 3:37: Celentano’s early mentors, professional groups that helped coach her in business, and early advice she received. 9:55: Reinventing yourself, from weddings to portraits to school and sports photography. 14:25: Adapting a business to the volume market for school sports portraits. 16:52: Differentiating between school sports portraits and senior portrait styles and modernizing the approach to deliver a clean contemporary look. 19:28: Believing in the work you do to manifest a value-based experience for your clients. 24:58: Episode Break 26:14: The power of a family portrait to change the way that children and families see themselves, and the value of formal printed portraits that lock in time as part of family history. 34:14: The shrinking of the family portrait specialty as a full-time career. 36:00: Sigmon’s Black Label portrait series as a premium style of formal portrait. 37:42: Explaining a family portrait shoot to kids to get them on board with the concept, while minimizing studio clutter and props to keep the focus on the portrait session. 44:25: The importance of taking control of the shoot and the experience. You are hired for being an expert in what you do. Guest Bios: Michele Celentano has enjoyed a professional photography career of more than 30-years, from her start photographing weddings in New York City, through a shift to newborn, children, and family portraiture to her recent focus on the school and sports portrait market. Widely known as the "Queen of Group Posing,” Celentano has a passion for teaching and giving back to the photographic community. Her artwork has been published in numerous books and in a wide range of professional photography magazines.   Monica Sigmon is on a mission to revitalize family portraiture. After opening her Williamsburg, Virginia, photography studio, in 2000, she quickly built a successful business with a reputation for excellence and cutting-edge imagery. The recipient of two prestigious degrees from the Professional Photographers of America, she is a popular speaker, traveling nationwide to offer entertaining programs on marketing, building your brand and running a luxury studio with authenticity. Sigmon is also co-host of The f-Stops Here podcast. Stay Connected: Michele Celentano Website: https://www.michelecelentano.com/ Michele Celentano Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelecelentanophotographer/ Michele Celentano Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MicheleCelentano.photographer/ Michele Celentano Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michcelentano/   Monica Sigmon Website: https://www.sigmontaylor.com/ Monica Sigmon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sigmontaylor/ Monica Sigmon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SigmonTaylorPhotography Monica Sigmon Twitter: https://twitter.com/monicaandmike Monica Sigmon Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/monica_sigmon/

Humans and pets have shared a deep bond for centuries, yet our animal companions are now considered more a part of the family than ever. So, it’s no surprise that pet photography is a blossoming niche, and a perfect subject for this week’s podcast—especially since it’s National Pet Month! Above photograph © Nancy Borowick We start by chatting with pet photographer Karen Hoglund, who alerted us to her work in response to Allan’s musing about using the hashtag “kittens” to generate traffic on social media. After noting that #kittens only yields a 20 percent bump over #photographer, Hoglund offers advice on the dos and don’ts of posing pets, and picking up on their non-verbal signs of anxiety or stress. After a break, we switch gears from posed pet portraits to learn about Sony Artisan Nancy Borowick’s candid editorial-style coverage of the Westminster Dog Show, and her long-term project, “Part of the Pack.” Primarily known for telling intimate stories about people, Nancy explains how an invitation to photograph the dog show helped her process the loss of both her parents to cancer. She talks about the challenges of covering the show’s frenetic atmosphere, describing how she maintains focus by seeking out telling details.  As we all agree, pets are truly a gift in our daily lives, and learning how to capture their unique personalities in pictures can only deepen this bond and enrich our experience. Guests: Karen Hoglund & Nancy Borowick For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see: https://blogd7.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/kittens-picturing-pets-karen-hoglund-nancy-borowick Top shot © Nancy Borowick Episode Timeline:  2:06: Does #Kittens or pictures of cute pets help to drive traffic on social media?  4:28: How to recognize signs of stress and anxiety in pets, and tips for posing pets during a photo session. 7:48: Giving treats to a pet so they’ll behave during a photo shoot and behavior differences to keep in mind when photographing dogs or cats. 16:06: Tips for photographing groups of pets and people, plus advice for photographing darker-colored pets. 21:32: Hoglund’s pet photography gear bag and her thoughts on using mirrorless cameras and lenses. 25:57: Episode Break 27:04: Nancy Borowick’s love of the Westminster Dog show and the challenges of working in such a fast-paced, frenetic environment. 36:11: Difficult breeds to photograph, the benefits of real-time eye autofocus for animals in Sony lenses, and Borowick’s favorite dog breed. 39:25: Borowick’s love for close-up details as storytelling tools, and her favorite lens: a Sony G series 85mm f/1.4. 42:30: Evolution from photographing at the dog show to Borowick’s long-term project “Part of the Pack,” and the differences between dogs and owners at a top competition setting and in a home environment 54:30: Final thoughts from Borowick and Hoglund about owning pets today. Guest Bios: Karen Hoglund started out as a graphic designer, art-directing photo shoots for ad agencies and commercial clients. After honing her camera skills by photographing children and families, she shifted focus to her true love—dogs and cats. After starting a pet photography business in 2012, she hasn’t looked back, working from her home base in Denver, Colorado with a squeaky toy in one hand, a camera in the other, and fur all over her clothes. Nancy Borowick is an internationally renowned photographer, author, teacher, and speaker. A graduate of the International Center of Photography, she is a Sony Artisan of Imagery and a Kickstarter Thought Leader. Working regularly with the New York Times since 2013, Borowick has told intimate stories of people, places, and pets from every corner of the globe. Her break-out project about her two parents in parallel treatment for stage-four cancer has received major accolades and awards such as The Arnold Newman Prize and the Humanitarian Award from the organization Women That Soar. This project was published in 2018 as the monograph The Family Imprint. Borowick currently resides on the island of St. John, USVI with her husband, two sons, and her dog, Einstein. Stay Connected: Karen Hoglund Website: https://karenhoglundphotography.com Karen Hoglund Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenhoglundphoto Karen Hoglund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenHoglundPhotography Karen Hoglund Twitter: https://twitter.com/khoglund_photo Karen Hoglund Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/khoglund/ Karen Hoglund YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karenhoglundphotography/ Karen Hoglund TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karenhoglundphoto   Nancy Borowick Website: https://www.nancyborowick.com Nancy Borowick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancyborowick/ Nancy Borowick Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancy.borowick/ Nancy Borowick Twitter: https://twitter.com/nancyborowick