Scott Bourne is a nationally recognized leader in the field of photography and technology. His 30 year experience as a pro photographer has covered the entire gamut: fashion; sports; commercial; and yes, even weddings. In the 90s he made it big with the IPO of NetRadio.com (the first online radio network) and then retired. He’s spoken at a number of conferences (e.g. PPA, PMA), has authored four books, produces photography related tutorials on Lynda.com, and co-hosts and/or executive produces about a half-dozen various podcasts, including the hugely popular This Week in Photography. His following is huge. So much so that his decision to switch camera brands generated an incredible amount of buzz (and even garnered him death threats). In our continuing series this month on entrepreneur photographers, we get a peek into the life and mind of this photo luminary and hugely successful businessman.
Next week, don’t miss the inspiring interview with the owner of one of the most successful wedding studios in Southern California, Jim Kennedy.
Today we started post production on what will be the inaugural episode of F-Stop Beyond: In Living Color (aka “F-Stop Beyond TV.”) This first episode(s) has as the guest wedding photographer “Young Gun,” Open Source Photo Founder, and ShowIt Fast CEO David Jay. We spent an entire afternoon with David as he gave us a tour of his awesome Santa Barbara pad and spoke with us about life, love, software, and photography. I guarantee you’ll see and hear a side of David you haven’t before.
We’re actually going to have three parts of this interview:
The traditional “up close and personal” interview that is the F-Stop Beyond hallmark. Expect to see some special guest star appearances that even DJ wasn’t expecting.
A special “MTV Cribs” style tour of DJ’s “Freedom House” (available exclusively to e-mail subscribers of F-Stop Beyond TV. This will be a FREE subscription. Stay tuned for more info).
A special extended interview with DJ (similar to Oprah’s “After the Show”) where DJ will get into more detail about marketing and business. This extended interview will be available exclusively to DJs Freedom Club subscribers.
As you can see from the RangeFinder ad below, the URL for the TV version of the show will be, you guessed it, fstopbeyond.tv. Currently, it points to the “In Living Color” category of this site. But, eventually it will have it’s own home. We’re also considering making the .tv site the home for all F-Stop Beyond content.
We’re very excited about this phase of F-Stop Beyond. Next month we’ll have a special sit-down with two of the biggest names in the industry: Denis Reggie and Joe Buissink.
At the ripe old age of 27-and-a-half, Liana Lehman has accomplished more than many do in their entire life. She’s owned numerous businesses, has been a dancer, a model, is a successful wedding and portrait photographer, speaker, instructor, consultant and an Approved Business Instructor for the PPA. (Of all things, she consults on managerial accounting). From the very young age of 7-ish, she was exercising her entrepreneurial muscles. When other girls her age where playing with dolls, Liana was making over $100 with her neighborhood “fun fairs.” (It’s safe to say she makes a lot more than that now.) In this, our first in a series of interviews with “entrepreneur photographers,” Liana shares with us stories from her youth, some fun anecdotes from her college years, and how she’s dealt with the prejudice she’s faced from some due to her extreme success at such a young age. Sit back and enjoy a side of Liana you’ve never seen (or rather, heard) before.
Next week, we speak with 30 year veteran photographer, tech guru, president of Podango Productions, and co-founder/co-host of the widly popular TWIP website (This Week In Photography) Scott Bourne. You don’t want to miss this one!
Liana was one of the many photographers we recorded at Pictage PartnerCon giving valuable tips. Here’s a the one we reference in the interview: make BHAGS. You can find this and other great tips on Pictage’s blog.
When I first had the idea of doing a “Best of…” show, it was with the intention of knocking out something real quick for the 4th of July holiday. Who would’ve thought that putting together a “Best of…” show would be as much (if not more) work than a regular episode. Hey. We live and learn. But, it was worth it. I really wanted to make sure we had some great stuff for you. And I think we do. I think every episode is great, so picking just the right nuggets from just the right episodes was quite a task. I think the mix I came up with is a good one.
First, I have an excerpt from my interview with “Young Gun” Jesh de Rox talking about the freedom that comes with looking at the world with child-like eyes and how that plays into the work of the creative artist. Second, I had to have an excerpt from one of the most personal stories shared on the show. Me Ra Koh talks about the journey from trial and triumph she underwent surrounding her experience with date rape…at a Christian university no less. Third, and a bit more light-hearted, is an excerpt from my discussion with “Rock Star” wedding photographer Joe Photo. He shares with us how his rock star image was born. Lastly, we end with the powerfully encouraging and inspirational words of wisdom from Winifred Whitfield talking about overcoming the fears that hold you back.
If you’re new to the show and have missed some of the earlier episodes, this will be a special treat. But regardless, I think these four excerpts will brighten your heart, put a smile on your face, and give you gusto to take on the world. Enjoy!
Next week we kick off our series of interviews with entrepreneur photographers: Liana Lehman, then Scott Bourne, Jim Kennedy, and Jared Bauman. Hopefully their stories will further encourage you all in your own entrepreneurial endeavors. Stay tuned.
“This whole blogging thing is new to me. It’s like I don’t have enough to do, now I gotta go blog!” Michele Celentano commenting on starting her new blog.
Michele Celentano’s life is like a Woody Allen movie. Growing up in Brooklyn, New Yawk as an only child, she had an abusive father and her parents divorced when she was young. She’d often play hooky from school to see ticker tape parades or visit the museum (why should she listen to some teacher teach about Van Gogh when she can go and see his work in person). She was a spunky, independent teen who after discovering she didn’t quite have enough talent to become a Broadway star, instead went into photography. She’s still good friends with her ex-husband and his new wife. And wait until you hear how she met her current boyfriend. She lets us in on the secret. The situation behind how it happens is right out of an Allen film.
But, despite her quirky relationships and jubilant personality, there’s a serious side to her as well. In this, our final episode in a series on photographers going above and beyond the call of duty to give back to society, Michele also shares with us about her new organization, I Will Remember You. IWRY plans to go to Africa and other poor nations to take photos of people who otherwise would have no photos of their loves ones. Next week Michele takes her first trip to Uganda to start the mission with Hope 4 Kids. And in keeping with Michele Celentano’s personality, it was humorous to learn her inspiration for starting this organization was watching Idol Gives Back. You rock Michele!
Next week we take a break for the July 4 holiday. After that, we start a new themed series on photographer entrepreneurs. Our scheduled guests will include Scott Bourne, Liana Lehman, Jared Bauman, and Jim Kennedy. The theme will correspond with the premier of our first F-Stop Beyond:In Living Color episode with uber-photographer entrepreneur David Jay. July will be a most exciting month. Stay tuned!
SPECIAL TREAT
Below are links to the three videos I had the pleasure to shoot with Michele. Many of you may have already seen them. But, they’re so funny, it’s always fun to revisit: