Steady Focused: Recent Episodes
Simeon Hendrix
Reach goals, identify weak points, overcome struggles and become the best version of yourself possible! The most important rule - work hard, work smart, love yourself and have fun!
From August to August. A 52 Week Commitment to Self-Improvement. Interviews and self-reflection. We're going to talk addiction, mental health, success, failures...
Fonda White shares openly his previous struggles with mental health, attempted suicide, and how he has found his purpose in life by inspiring hope in others.
Fonda was a collegiate football standout and member of the historic inaugural championship season of Wichita Falls Nighthawks, in which they swept the country by storm.
This episode is profound and I'm honored to have had the opportunity to listen and share with Fonda.
Enrique Infante, Jr. is a United States Air Force veteran, a leader and a competitive strongman/powerlifter. In this episode, we sit down and discuss topics such as a horrible van wreck he caused at 17, serving 14 years in USAF, body weight (and our relationship with food)... plus being strong as hell.
Come along with us on this conversation!
Pioneer belts have become synonymous with unmatched quality and dependability in the powerlifting and weightlifting community. Their belts have been trusted and used by some of the strongest humans on earth during world-record-setting lifts... I'm talking 1,000+ pound squats.
Matt Hadden is the president of Pioneer Belts (General Leathercraft Mfg.), a 3rd generation family-owned and operated business that services lifters around the world - all from their small town in central Texas.
Come behind the scenes with us as we discuss the 40+ year history of Pioneer Belts, how they utilized social media to gain worldwide attention, innovation, hardships, and the importance of putting in the work!
We talk about the invention of the Pioneer Cut Belts as well as the Pioneer Adustable Lever!
Pioneer Belts https://GeneralLeathercraft.com https://www.facebook.com/generalleathercraft https://www.instagram.com/pioneer_fit/
Simeon Hendrix & Steady Focused https://steadyfocused.com/92 https://facebook.com/steadyfocused1 https://facebook.com/simeonhendrix https://instagram.com/simeonhendrix
A look back on November’s conversations, highlighting my biggest takeaways from each.
085 - Ryan Huff – Addiction, Recovery and Self Love
The difference between a normal person and an alcoholic or an addict is that normal people change their behaviors to meet their goals and alcoholics or addicts change their goals to meet their behavior.
Being grateful for our past, in recovery
087 - Drew Hill – Strengthening the Youth
Perseverance – “Almost to the top” – taking a break along the route to the top of Mount Everest and dying - it’s dangerous.
088 - LeLani Lei – Life is All About the People You Meet
Being our authentic self and realizing that people love us for THAT.
Life is about the relationships we make – it’s not about the money, or cars, or things.
089 - Stephen Santellana - Serving Others Through Leadership
Powerful story of having a mental health breakdown just after his first child was born. Recognizing & managing stress. Be well spoken. Feeding our brain.
090 - Mike Battaglino – Stay the Course & Trust the Process
Consistency – 10 years of recording his workouts, and still shows up as a student, humble and hungry. Man’s Search For Meaning. Reminded me that best way to learn is to teach (coaching, mentoring, etc.)
Coming in December
Matt Hadden, President of Pioneer Belts (General Leather Craft) some of the best lifting belts in the entire world that have been worn to set numerous world records. Made right here in Texas.
Enrique Infante, Jr. – Strongman, Mike Battaglino’s training partner, US veteran.
Fonda White former Wichita Falls Nighthawk who has been spreading positive information and sharing openly about his struggles with mental illness. He’s putting out some excellent content and seeking to make a difference in the lives of others.
Mike is a USAF Veteran. He's a competitive strongman who has been documenting his workouts consistently for over 10 years and has his sights set on becoming the United States Strongest Man in the Middle Weight Division. Humble, passionate, empathetic - a student of human connectivity and mental health. Mike Battaglino is the epitome of Steady Focused.
Join us for this candid conversation as Wichita Falls Mayor Stephen Santellana discusses the roads that lead him to become the man he is today. We discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, identifying and managing stress, having fun, fighting for what you believe in, and much more.
Join us as we shine the light on one of the most truly authentic and genuine people I've ever met, Lelani Lei. She's an old soul who was born with a song in her heart. She's lived a nomad's life bouncing all around the USA. She’s a great friend with an awesome story.
Come along with me...
https://steadyfocused.com/88 https://facebook.com/simeonhendrix https://instagram.com/simeonhendrix
Not only has Drew produced several D1, D2 D3 athletes, but he trains individuals as young as 7 years old and instills the basics of proper lifting and body mechanics!
He's an entrepreneur and former assistant strength coach at Midwestern State University that has had several of his papers published in research journals...
Whether I thrash, whether I quit. Whether I sprint, whether I scream. Whether I celebrate, whether I regret. Whether I breathe, whether I focus, whether I exhale, whether I kneel, whether I humble and bathe in gratitude, or whether I walk in ungrateful selfish attitude - the river flows.
In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Mr. Ryan Huff as he courageously pulls the curtain back and openly discusses his addiction and the process of recovery. This is a powerful conversation and I'm so grateful for being able to hear.
Please, if you find any value in this - share with someone you love.
http://steadyfocused.com/85 http://facebook.com/simeonhendrix http://instagram.com/simeonhendrix
Find more about Ryan: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.huff.5496
Yvell’e, a flight attendant from NYC, was the first hospitalized COVID-19 patient in Wichita Falls, Texas. Watch her powerful testimonial as she reflects on the 22 days she was at United Regional. Thank you to all the health care workers who are helping to conquer COVID-19.
I was honored to be able to interview Yvell’e for United Regional and create this recap of her experience.
On this episode of Steady Focused, I sit down with one of my favorite people I regularly talk to, Mr. Ryan Graves. There’s many great things about Ryan: he’s the Director of Patient Experience at United Regional (where he and I both work), he’s a blue belt in Brazilian Jujitsu, he’s a big guy like myself - he and I regularly talk about weight lose / weight gain / food, he’s into lifting weights, he used to own his own gym, and he’s a preacher.
You’ll learn about our struggles and successes with weight loss and weight maintenance. We talk about food, family, God, meditation, staying on the path, getting back on the path, Brazilian Jujitsu, making time for the important things, and just doing the next right thing.
Ryan and I regularly meet up, usually a couple times a week and check in with each other. I wanted to capture the essence of what our weekly jams are like and share them with you.
Michael (Mike) Battaglino is the reigning Texas Strongest Man champion in the Middle Weight division. Today, he travels to Dallas, Texas to defend his title. Watch the documentary: http://steadyfocused.com/82
In this episode, I sit down with Mr. Kingston Hendrix. an 8 year old boy who just so happens to be my son. We talk about the importance of fun, summer time excitement, what it’s like to have divorced parents and I also throw him James Lipton’s questions from Inside the Actor’s Studio. All this and more!
You know what's sad? 80% of us are going to give up on ourselves and our "New Year's Resolutions" by February 1. That's a fact.
You took the time to identify weak points in your life; things that were holding you back. You identified areas you want to excel in. You identified parts of you life that made you feel weak or bad about yourself. You committed to yourself - yes I will make a change... I NEED to make a change!
But by just 4 weeks after all these dreams and retaliations and commitments - 80% of you will QUIT and GIVE UP. Because it's uncomfortable - because you weren't really doing it for yourself, you were doing it to satiate someone else - because you didn't want to sacrifice. Because it got too uncomfortable.
Is it comfortable laying in bed disgusted with your weight? Is it comfortable working at that job you hate? Is it comfortable refusing to put in the work on that project that keeps nagging at you to complete? Hell no. Nothing about life is easy. Comfort is a lie.
Wake up and STOP MAKING EXCUSES!! 2019 WILL be your year - IF you grab it.
One of the Most Important Men in Texas Music You've Probably Never Heard Of...
Without D.j. Dugan's relentless efforts, the Texas Music landscape would look very very different. And that’s no exaggeration. Hailing from the Ft. Worth Stockyards, Dugan is a creative innovator, a 7th generation entrepreneur, creator and co-owner of Shake Music TV, and marketing / digital distribution manager for Smith Music.
Odds are pretty good – if you’re listening to a Texas artist on Spotify, or buying an album at Buck-ees rest stop – D.j. had a hand in getting in there. He’s done a whole heck of a lot more too…
Watch as we discuss: pitfalls most musicians are making in 2018, online distribution, the importance of marketing, being yourself, becoming a “Music Friendly Community”(LET'S DO THIS WF!) and much much more…
Books recommended by D.j.:– Guerrilla Marketing by Jay Conrad Levinson
For more information about D.j. Dugan: —http://facebook.com/TheRealDJDugan —http://instagram.com/TheRealDJDugan --http://shakemusictv.com —http://smithmusic.com
For more information about Simeon Hendrix: —http://facebook.com/simeonhendrix —http://instagram.com/simeonhendrix —http://steadyfocused.com/78
For those who are suffering today - I feel you. For those who are hating themselves today - I understand. For those who have lost faith in themselves - I've been there and can relate.
Some of us went through horrific events as children that reinforced within our young developing minds - we are incapable of greatness.
Some of us suffered tremendous loss and defeats along our journey that shook our inner self confidence so much that we convinced ourselves we're not worthy, don't deserve or are incapable of love.
Reach inside yourself - kneel down and look eye to eye with the 4, 5, 6, 7 year old version of you. Wrap your arms around them and be the hero in their life and whisper "I love you... I love you... I love you... I love you."
Stop hating yourself. Stop beating yourself down, it's a virus and spills over into the lives of others who love you. Who don't judge you. Who don't think you're worthless. Plus, beating ourselves down is unproductive.
"But Simeon, I can't stop. I don't know how. I want to stop, I want to be a success, I want to love myself but I CAN'T."
- As my friend Joe Cortez IV reminded me - remove the T off of Can't.... then say it again. As my friend Dawn Thompson reminded me "whatever a man think, so shall he be." That which I focus on, I will manifest into reality. That which I consume and ruminate over I will become. Be the hero in your own life.
Start by recognizing, then accepting, then surrendering - then focus on gratitude - consciously remind yourself and the universe and God what you are thankful for. "Count your blessings" is more than just a silly childhood saying - it's a powerful real, hack that not only will rewire our mind but, it will attract more abundance into our life because we are being thankful for what we have. It strengthens us.
Allow me to recommend two books that have made a profound impact on my mental outlook: Unf*ck Yourself by Gary John Bishop and A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. These two books will provide intense personal awareness, if you are willing, if you allow it. Plus, they are easy to digest and follow along.
For those of you suffering today, my heart goes out to you. But I urge you to love yourself, accept yourself and continue to fight like hell for your greatness.
*PS, I do believe there is a time and a place for seeking professional mental help. We all need help from time to time, and sometimes that help is in the form of a trained medical professional. Do what's best for you.
Earlier this week I sat down with Jessica Edwards, co-founder of Frank and Joe's Coffee House in WF, TX. In addition to her role with Frank and Joe’s she has several other business ventures as well as a strong passion for building the community of Wichita Falls.
We dive deep into entrepreneurship, the best advice Jessica has ever received, the importance of having a counselor, crushing it in business with your family members, how to get help growing your businesses and so much more!
I learned a lot in this episode! PLEASE! Share with any of your entrepreneur friends... especially those who are just getting started!
SteadyFocused
In this episode, I sit down with Mr. Joe Cortez IV. He's a serial entrepreneur, a life coach, a gym owner, and also a content creator pushing massive amounts of encouragement. He also spent over a decade touring the country as a professional drummer.
We dive deep in this episode and have a very open and honest conversation about loving ourselves, the power of assumptions, self talk, forgiving ourselves, allowing ourselves peace, allowing ourselves to be thankful and happy.
This is a big episode that I personally recieved a great deal from. I hope you enjoy it as well.
For more information on Joe Cortez IV --http://yojoec.com
For more information on Simeon Hendrix and Steady Focused
http://steadyfocused.com/75 http://facebook.com/simeonhendrix http://instagram.com/simeonhendrix
James Cook is a 20+ year veteran to the music scene. Not only has he been Steady Focused creating and performing his own music, but he's also been a DJ at two of the most popular radio stations in Wichita Falls, Texas.
On the eve of dropping his long awaited full length album "Tall Tales of a Brown Buffalo", James and I sit down for a powerful interview inside the pop-up trailer he'll be touring the region in support of the new release.
James also plays two songs off the brand new album.
I had the privilege of being asked to speak to the multimedia classes at Iowa Park Junior High. It took me into a very reflective state, thinking back to my personal Jr. High days where were very difficult times. I’m thankful I was able to shine a bit of light into their lives.
I sat down and interviewed Dawn Thompson! She's a successful business owner and entrepreneur, a passionate positive thinker, founder of The You're Enough Movement and just a super smart woman.
Some of highlights of this interview? Dream boards, going deep into the Law of Attraction, You're Enough, what drives Dawn, God's time and sooo much more.
SOOO good!! Grab your popcorn and turn it up!
Mike Battaglino, is he's the strongest man in Texas and Oklahoma, literally .. he actually won both the Texas and Oklahoma Strongman Competitions for the 105kg (231.5lb) weight class. Not only is this man very strong - he’s extremely intelligent. You can hear his brain firing off through out the interview.
We talk a lot about nutrition:
-how many calories he takes in a day-carbs are good (and needed)
-how his eating is different when he was competing at 300lb vs 230lb
-his all-time favorite burger
Other key takeaways: -Mike’s long term 7 year goal to be competing as World's Strongest Man
-we all make time for things that are important to us, whether we realize it or not
-dedicate our lives to a “magnificent obsession” (in the words of the great C.T. Fletcher)
-the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive people
-walking away from negative people
- and much much more.
This is one of my favorite interviews to date. It’s filled to the brim with powerful value. Share with a friend who needs to hear this!
More information on Mike Battaglino & Chronos Strength: http://facebook.com/chronosstrength1 https://www.instagram.com/chronosstrength/
More information on Simeon Hendrix & Steady Focused: http://facebook.com/simeonhendrix http://instagram.com/simeonhendrix http://youtube.com/simeonhendrix
http://steadyfocused.com/68
Erick Willis stopped by the studio where I interviewed him, and he played a couple songs!
Erick Willis, a Henrietta, TX native, represents for the Wichita Falls area as he tours across the United States, bringing his soulful, powerful, beautiful, unique Texas Country music to the masses. It's clear to see why his music is moving up the charts.
Listen in as Erick not only plays two of his new songs, but he talks about life on the road, the importance of content creation, how to win as a music artist in 2018, the power in not giving up, songwriting, and why heart breaking music feels so good.
Tag somebody who needs to hear this! Erick is the man! Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to sit down and share with us today.
http://steadyfocused.com/68
Erick Willis: http://ErickWillis.com http://twitter.com/Erick_Willis http://instagram.com/Erick_Willis http://facebook.com/ErickWillis
Simeon Hendrix and Steady Focused: http://steadyfocused http://facebook.com/simeonhendrix http://instagram.com/simeonhendrix
In this episode of Steady Focused, Simeon Hendrix interviews Mr. Don Ward of 3rd Creative. Don Ward is a master studio sports team photographer and Photoshop Wizard. In addition, Don has a very successful business selling his team sports Photoshop templates across the country to other photographers.
Don's story is inspirational and goes from struggling in his garage with DIY lighting, being laughed at by clients, to sitting on the Riverwalk in San Antonio on vacation with his wife and unexpectedly being bombarded with Photoshop template sales, the first weekend his site went live.
For more information about Don Ward and 3rd Creative: http://3rdCreative.net http://facebook.com/3rdCreative http://instagram.com/3rdCreative
For more information about Simeon Hendrix and Steady Focused: http://steadyfocused.com http://instagram.com/simeonhendrix http://facebook.com/simeonhendrix
We just hit 2 years and I'm feeling reflecting. This entire thing started out as a show to document my evolution as a photographer and videographer. It evolved into something much deeper, something I knew in my heart would happen... Steady Focused became an opportunity to shine a light on struggles and difficult subjects that many of us battle with day to day.
I'm honored for all the amazing interviews we captured, the powerful content we produced, all the letters you guys sent in.
My number one take away, hands down, was when my dad told me about the stop watch he was wearing around his neck... "1,000 times a day Simeon, I'm reprograming my brain... 1,000 times a day I'm saying "I love myself"...
Love yourself. Love someone else. Here's to the future...
Landon Watts is infections. He's inspiring. He's larger than life with his 6'4'' chisled stature and elbow long dreadlocks. He's not only one of the hardest working people I know, but he's kind and has a tremendous passion for helping children.
I never thought I would again be back in Iowa Park, TX lifting heavy... but this man and his core team of diehards have inspired me and I love it.
I knew we had to get Landon on the show and talk about the benefits and importance of physical activity to unlocking our full potential.
Share with a friend who needs to hear this.
Wichita Falls Artist Teaches How To Leverage Social Media, Making Money as a Photographer and Building a Personal Brand.
The best way to learn, is to teach. I was honored when up and coming photographer Steven Alex Garcia reached and asked if he could take me to coffee. He wanted to get my thoughts on how to make money as a photographer, building a personal brand, leveraging social media, the law of attraction, and much more.
I turned the cameras on and recorded our lunch date as I knew this would be a valuable conversation.
Key takeaways from our conversation:
02:15 - What made Steven want to reach out to me?
02:45 - How to start? How to actually get something out of our head and put it out there? A: Launch the plane - adjust mid flight.
06:03 - Simeon evaluating the best use of his time for Steady Focused
07:30 - Preparing to go freelance, leaving Hoegger Communications. Accepting foreclosure on his house. Lowering expenses to survive.
08:40 - How did start personal brand? Early years of merchandising.
11:40 - Law of attraction - attracting positivity
13:46 - Using Instagram - Ignore the likes - ignore the views - focus on content - be consistent with what you share
18:45 - Should you use Facebook?
23:00 - Making money as a photographer - How get paid?
40:00 - 5 tips for building a personal brand 1.) Listen to the audience 2.) F*** all the numbers 3.) Show up everyday for two years and don't expect anything 4.) Think long long long game. Focus on the long game 5.) Do it. Fail. Do it. Evaluate. Do it. Adjust it. Keep moving. 6.) Be consistent with what you share 7.) Make the time for it, continually evalute 8.) Have fun
Find Steven Alex Garcia: http://instagram.com/stevenalexphotography
Learn more about Simeon Hendrix & Steady Focused: http://steadyfocused.com/64 http://facebook.com/simeonhendrix http://instagram.com/simeonhendrix
He started playing drums when he was 8. He joined his first band when he was 15 and in the 22 years since then, there's only been a collective year and a half of his life that he was not in a band. Talk about dedication. He loves punk rock, tattoos, Harley's and his family.
Sean Snyder is the guitarist and vocalist for the three piece rock band, It Hurts To Be Dead. His lyrics are haunting and romantic often calling upon relationships of his or his friends. Their music is melodic, beautiful, raw, wild, dark, catchy, sorrowful.
In this episode, Sean walks us through some of the highlights of his career as well as plays three new tracks from their latest album "Old Habbits and Die Hards". Tag a friend and share with your brothers and sisters.
"Music is how I define myself. So, if I don't have music I don't have Brandt Holmes."
In this episode, we set down with Mr. Brandt Holmes, a man who has dedicated his life to rock and roll. We examine the ups and downs of his journey, what inspired him to begin playing, words of advice he would give to a kid considering walking this path and the importance of loving ourselves.
Brandt also plays three brand new songs for us. He's a good friend of mine and I'm honored to shine light on the dedication of this man who is, truly - Steady Focused.
Okay let's do it. Let's have a conversation about failure.
Failure is one of the greatest motivators known to human kind. It will deliver to you, the keys to a great kingdom. Failure is ALSO an abusive monster and it will stop your face into the ground.
So what’s the difference?? Mindset.
Bruce Lee tells us - Do not ask for an easy life, but ask for the strength to endure a difficult one.
The only way to success is through failure. Elon Musk - The man who is literally altering the trajectory of human kind. Projecting us into multi-planet habitation. You know how many setbacks the Tesla company has endured? Do you know how many times Space X’ rockets have failed?
Do you know that this man literally sleeps at manufacturing plants of his companies in order to have a quicker response to problem solving and an quicker way to overcome roadblocks?
Everyday we hit roadblocks. Everyday we have failures. Every day. It’s our perception, it’s our mindset about how we allow those to shape our destiny.
As a child - we don’t know how to talk. We don’t know how to walk. We don’t know how to ask our mother for milk. We are totally innocent. Totally dependent. And yet we learn to walk, care for ourselves, communicate. As a child, we see the evolution through failure as natural. We see the failed attempts at walking as part of the process. We give encouragement. We give boundaries. We give support. Of course he’s not going to know how to talk right off the bat. We love. We nurture. We encourage.
But at some point during our growth, it reaches a point, we automatically expect evolution to just BAM be there. We demand of ourselves instant perfection. We demand of ourselves to totally remove a learning curve. We demand of ourselves so much and many times it can result into abuse over failing.
The alternative - do we want and easy unchallenged life? No. The joy of life is the climb. The challenge, the grind. It’s in the moments of pushing ourselves to the limits. Pushing ourselves beyond the boundaries.
The challenge is what fulfills us. The seeking. It’s about the perspective that we put upon ourselves and others.
Failures have real consequences. Failures have very real consequences. Every failure has a very real consequence. Failures suck. Failures burn. Failures… I lose clients over failures. I can lose a relationship over a failure. I’ve lost materialistic things over a failure. In extreme cases - people will die from our failures. Know that. Accept that.
Failures have very real consequences. Understand that. Know that. Take ownership of that. As we grow and evolve we seek to mitigate the loss, we seek to avoid the failures.
But understand that failures are the building blocks of success. If Edison didn’t fail 10,000 times trying to create the light bulb - he wouldn’t have created it.
Failures are a necessary part of progression and evolution. The difference is “what is my perspective.” - Because I fail, am I a failure? - Ask yourself. I say “hell no.” I will examine this failure. I will own this failure. I will examine why this failure occurred and seek to implement systems and seek to avoid a failure in the future.
I fail. I fail hard. It’s my perspective on how I chose to perceive this failure. How do I react.
If I fail it means I’m in over my head - either out of laziness, ignorance, equipment malfunction.
Fail. Accept it. Take ownership of the failure. Don’t blame others. Do not blame others in a moment failure because I will miss a wonderful opportunity for growth. The situation has happened. Period. I can’t change that. But what I can do is accept it and learn from it. But if I blame someone else for this, then I will rob myself of the evolution of this.
Find more on Steady Focused and Simeon Hendrix: http://steadyfocused.com/61 http://facebook.com/simeonhendrix http://instagram.com/simeonhendrix
Adam Cole is a freelance photographer, videographer, filmmaker and director based out of Dallas, Texas. He has a thirst for continued growth and for delivering his absolute best. I had the privilege of meeting Adam in New Mexico a few months back, while on set for a large commercial project. I was instantly drawn to his personality and his care for quality.
Freelancing is one of the most common subjects I get asked about, and with Adam being in town on a project, it was a great opportunity to have a transparent freelancing conversation.
DISCLAIMER - We're two dudes who make a living with our cameras. We are on the climb and still struggle, just like many of you. We do not have all the answers but, in this episode we attempt to have an open and honest conversation about freelancing.
I hope you find value in this. Thanks for tuning in!
Jackie Hoegger is a successful entrepreneur who has built two companies of her own from the ground up, and has nurtured and influenced hundreds more. She is the founder and CEO of the award winning advertising agency, Hoegger Communications.
She's a philanthropist, a fashionista, a leader. She is someone who so passionately cares about her community. She has an unrelenting work ethic, like no one else I've met in my entire life. She loves Jesus. She loves M&Ms. She loves cows.
She loves to inspire others and help raise them up to reach their dreams and be their best. She is a mother figure to me, as well as a direct mentor. Please, help me give a huge Steady Focused welcome to my friend, Mrs. Jackie Hoegger.
Jeanette Charos is the Marketing Director for Downtown Wichita Falls Development. She's a passionate creative who's only jobs - ever have involved something to do with a camera. From working in a movie theater straight out of
In this episode, I set down with one of my heroes, mentors and dear friends. A man who is as directly responsible for my maturation as an artist as perhaps anyone else in the world. For nearly 5 years I worked intimately alongside Mr. Andrew Bell. Not only is he the powerhouse lead designer for the award winning advertising agency Hoegger Communications, he's also the creator of the adventure / outdoor lifestyle brand AndyB Apparel. He's prolific, humble, determined, intelligent, loving, fierce, a leader, a pillar - he's a master and has influenced and encouraged me tremendously.
Please, help me give a big Steady Focused welcome, to my friend Mr. Andrew Bell.
I’m being led to a reevaluation. How am I spending / consuming / losing energy? Bio-hacking, both the importance and power of the food that is entering my body - the food that’s literally fueling brain.
Coming off these past two episodes of Steady Focused - they were phenomenal and I’m very proud of the results and the high level of creativity and production - but to achieve the energy required to produce those episodes, I turned to sugar and sleep deprivation. That combination isn’t sustainable long term for me. I have to reevaluate this.
I’m thankful for the awareness to look within and audit my desire for powerful energy and personal growth and the desire to do so in a realistically sustainable way.
I’m taking a step back and adjusting my diet. Not because I want to lose weight but because I crave that increased focus, awareness, clarity and productivity. I desire to hack my body to reach my next level. And at this point in my life, I’m ready and willing.
This all ties back to the realization of 'You say you want enlightenment, you say you want to reach the next level, you say you want evolution... but what do your actions say?' Massive goals require massive action.
I’m restudying my man Tim Ferriss, who is a master, at among many other things, hacking his body to achieve superhuman focus and results. I’ve heard him talk for years about a system he’s been using called the ketogenic diet. It’s about eating no sugar, very few carbs, a good amount of protien and large amounts of fats. It’s a diet that I’m very quite naive to, but I’ve researched it and continue to see the “side effects” being increased awareness, clarity, focus.
I’m reevaluating my scheduling - where and how am I spending my time? Where can I improve on this? What areas can be trimmed, what areas can I flex more? What areas do I need to accept what areas do I need to change? Where am I excelling, where am I failing?
I’m reevaluating Steady Focused. What’s important to me. What’s my ultimate goal? What are the specific areas that get me glowing with excitement? What are the ways I can positively impact others? Where are the areas I can trim away? Where are the areas I can focus more on?
Steady Focused is a release, it’s a passion project, it’s a documentation of a quest for excellence and evolution. And more and more I realize, Steady Focused is a mantra much bigger than just a camera - Steady Focused is a lifestyle, it’s a choice, it’s a war cry. Steady Focused is a place I seek to be and I know, because many of you are telling me - Steady Focused is something you are seeking and identify with as well - within your own world with your own creative outlets within your own lives.
Steady Focused is led by a creative, who’s main medium is a photographer and videographer - but the words, the messages, the power spilling down are much more universal.
Many of my most meaningful emails I’ve received from you guys are the ones saying things like “Simeon, you are one of the most open people I know and you don’t realize how much you encourage everyone who watches your videos, listens to your podcast or seens what you write. Even those who you meet in person. You bring out the deep dark secrets we all have and shine light on it and deal with it head on. I love it. You’re an inspiration.”
Thank you all for letting me share out loud. Please, if you have any thoughts, questions, comments you’d like to add - please comment below or shoot me a message. If you’ve found any value in this whatsoever hit like, share and then tell somebody who needs to hear this.
Until next time...
More information: Simeon Hendrix http://steadyfocused.com http://facebook.com/simeonhendrix http://youtube.com/simeonhendrix http://instagram.com/simeonhendrix
Music “Bongo” by KV https://soundcloud.com/kvmusicprod
Three sunset photoshoots, three back-to-back days, three different models, three different locations. It's the 3/3/3/3 Sunset Photography Episode - Steady Focused.
It’s the 3/3/3/3 Sunset episode!
Press play and crank up the music – let’s go all the way tonight.
3 sunset shoots, 3 different locations, 3 different days, 3 different “models”!
Come behind the scenes as we travel through an old abandoned concrete mining area, the alleys of our bustling local shopping mall, and atop a 7 story downtown parking garage.
Many thanks to Brannon Oliver Luscombe, Marcus "Maniac" McGee, Gaya Khmoyan, Taylor Hendrix and Carlos Revilla.
Here's a few of the final images:
For more information:
Simeon Hendrix
http://steadyfocused.com
http://facebook.com/simeonhendrix
http://instagram.com/simeonhendrix
http://youtube.com/simeonhendrix
Brannon Oliver Luscombe
https://boliver.bandcamp.com/
http://instagram.com/thejedigumby
http://facebook.com/brannon.luscombe
Marcus "Maniac" McGee
http://youtube.com/maniacmcgee01
http://instagram.com/maniancmcgee01
http://maniacmcgee01.deviantart.com
Gaya Khmoyan
http://redrabbitcc.com
http://facebook.com/artofgaya
Photocon 2018 Highlight Recap - Featuring Peter Hurley - Steady Focused EP 054
In this episode we travel to OKC for Photocon 2018 presented by Bedford Camera and Video. Wow. What an awesome experience. This was actually my first ever photo conference and I was thrilled.
Bedford brought in master photographers such as Peter Hurley, Dave Black, Liam Doran and Me Ra Koh from around the country to talk and lead classes - . There was also a powerhouse tradeshow, featuring vendors such as: Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fuji, Sigma, Westcott, Rode and many more.
Models were abundant, ready to pose; allowing for experimenting with the high quality equipment that was onsite.
The people were friendly, inviting and lots of sharing of knowledge was happening. It was a great experience. Enjoy the recap!
For more information:
Simeon Hendrix
http://steadyfocused.com/
http://facebook.com/simeonhendrix
http://instagram.com/simeonhendrix
Bedford Camera & Video
http://bedfords.com
Peter Hurley
http://instagram.com/peter_hurley
http://peterhurley.com
Liam Doran
http://instagram.com/liamjski
http://liamdoranphotography.com
Dave Black
http://daveblackphotography.com
http://instagram.com/daveblackphoto
So many times, we sell ourselves short. We chase love, acceptance, approval; chase, chase, chase - becoming the chaser. We hope by collecting their love, their approval, this void inside us will become whole.
Love yourself enough to be honest with yourself. Be honest. Honestly evaluate. Honestly accept. Honestly love yourself.
Love yourself enough to sacrifice. Difficulties are a constant in life - whether we are pursing our ultimate or if we're laying on the couch vegging out. There's always a price to pay. Choose to invest into yourself.
He battled back from a near fatal bout with cancer. He looked death square in the face and within the abyss found a renwed focus on creativity and the importance of life's body of work. He's since gone on to create one of the greatest pieces of work in all photographic history - Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich - Homage To The Masters.
http://steadyfocused.com/51 http://Facebook.com/SimeonHendrix http://Instagram.com/SimeonHendrix
In this episode, let's head to MSU Connect Conference where Simeon Hendrix leads a discussion and asks - Who Hired Your PR Agent and Should You Fire Them?
We are all agents, we are all marketers - and our number one product is ourselves.
Key Takeaways:
Who am I, and why should you care?
My history ....
Everyday we tell our story - the way we talk, the way we dress, the way we present ourselves online.
What are you saying about you? What do you want to be known for? Does anyone know it? What are you projecting?
Curate what you share.
Noise VS building a brand.
Steady Focused - Photography - Videography - Positivity.
Perception is reality.
But does it work?
Long game.
Bryan Myers.
What are you projecting? How are you representing?
Be a human. Love yourself. *@&# hate.
In this episode I sit down with Mr. Torin Halsey. A man who has devoted the past 35+ years of his life to photography. Torin is currently the Chief Photographer at the Wichita Falls Times Record News, a regional newspaper in North Texas. In addition "day job" with the newspaper, he also has grown a strong side business, where he shoots as well.
A few years ago, when I started getting serious about photography and was running into some big roadblocks, it was Torin who I reached out to and asked for help. He's a great man with a strong portfolio that spans decades.
Create the Perfect Headshot - Peter Hurley Interview - Steady Focused EP 049
World renowned headshot and portrait photographer Peter Hurley comes on the show and we discuss his early years, the US Olympic Sailing team, how to find your own directing style... and the importance of "creating that connection" with your subject.
Key takeaways:
- Connection, Composition and Lighting - the three most important elements of a great headshot or portrait.
- Practice your own directing style. Take note of special phrases that have elicited a desired reaction out of your subject, use those phrases over and over.
- It's important to understand your equipment, so you can focus on your subject. And if you need practice, then practice. Get people in front of your camera. Get people in front of your camera!
- Regularly place yourself in front of the camera to understand how your subject feels.
- The human face is one of the most beautiful things on earth, especially with all our varied looks.
For more on Mr. Peter Hurley:
http://PeterHurley.com
http://headshotcrew.com
http://instagram.com/Peter_Hurley
More on Simeon Hendrix & Steady Focused:
http://steadyfocused.com
http://facebook.com/simeonhendrix
http://instagram.com/simeonhendrix
It's been a year since we last had him on the show (Episode 017), and since then he's evolved tremendously. Moving through the ranks of "Team Gary", Gary Vaynerhuk's personal marketing / promotions engine, Tyler Babin has stepped from video editor to art director to most recently switching places with D-Rock and becoming the road traveling videographer / documentarian of Gary Vaynerchuk's life.
In addition, Babin was the lead creative behind the powerful new K-Swiss national campaign, his Instagram is on fire with deep inspiration and community, he's literally been to 20 countries in just the past 5 months, AND, PS... two years ago, he was "just a kid" working at Staples. Mr. Tyler Babin is a powerful example of following your heart, putting in the work and figuring it out along the way.
It's great to catch up with Babin and talk about some of the peaks and valleys of '17 and look ahead to what's in store for 2018.
Grab your favorite beverage and get comfortable. This is a great conversation.
Perhaps you've heard, perhaps you've not. Friday will be my last day with Hoegger Communications. This is something we've been building towards for many months behind the scenes, and yes I'm leaving on a very positive note.
I'm honored to have spent the last 5 1/2 years with Hoegger, helping to grow this company into the National Contender it is today. I'm proud of the team member I've been during my time at Hoegger. I'm proud of the relationships we've grown across the entire country.
So what's next for me? Well, I've had a calling laid upon my heart to take a leap of faith and to be obedient to that... allowing myself the opportunity to explore.
I'll continue to devote time towards Steady Focused. I'll continue to grow VHS Memories I'll continue to advance my life as being the my best photographer / videographer. I'll continue to tell stories. I'll continue to be the best father I can be.
Thank you Mrs. Jackie Hoegger for the opportunity. Thank you to the entire #TeamHoegger for the opportunity. Thank you to all the Hoegger Comm clients I've had the privilege to work and create with.
Here's to the future. Godspeed and Merry Christmas to all.
World traveling freelancer, Mr. Moataz Ahmed comes back on the show to drop some real world tactical advice on how to successfully live as a freelance artist. We get super micro and take a look at actionable steps you and I can take right now that will put us in a place to flourish as a freelancer.
Searching for how to become a freelance artist? This is a great place to start.
Travel with me as we go behind the scenes on a 30 hour trek to St. Louis for an Urban Air Adventure Park Grand Opening.
How to Organize Your Video Files - Steady Focused EP 044
Understanding how to organize your video files in your computer is crucial! Not only will it save you time, but it will save your partners time as well!
Using this easy to follow folder system will keep all your video file assets organized and easy to locate.
Stepping off a bridge into the deep water. Sink or swim. If you don't do something, you will suffer some extremely difficult circumstances.
Ignoring your calling does not equal an easy life. No one gets a free pass. Whether you choose to follow your heart and take a chance on yourself or whether you choose to stay in bed and pull the blankets over your head... there's no easy way out. None of it is easy.
So why not take a chance on yourself? Why not love yourself? Why not be an inspiration and make a difference in your own life?
Put yourself into an action required situation.
A friend of mine recently asked me why I post so much positivity. It got me thinking. And it brought forth a passionate response. It's because it's a straight up war.
It's because I'm talking to myself. I'm calming myself down. My default is frantic and fret and fear. The reason I'm putting out so much positivity is because I have to put myself in a mindset where I stranglehold and suffocate negativity. It's a straight up - man on man war. If I don't destroy the negativity, it WILL DESTROY me.
seanwes 2017 recap - Austin, Texas. Steady Focused EP 041
Travel with me to Austin, Texas for seanwes 2017; a world wide gathering of creative entrepreneurs who are driven to make a living with their passion.
Live from the rooftop of seanwes conference 2017 in downtown Austin, Tx! In this episode I sit with filmmaker / videographer Cory McCabe and video marketer / digital creative nathan Allotey for a value packed interview.
We discuss the power of seanwes community, goals, struggles, what drives us, what we're most excited about in the future of video and much much more!
Hotter'n Hell Hundred 2017 Highlight Video / Mini-Documentary - Steady Focused EP 038
Hotter'n Hell Hundred is one of the premiere cycling events in the entire world, and it's held right here in the city I call home, Wichita Falls, Texas!
Come with me and relive this incredible once a year event!
Journey with me to New York City's Times Square as we capture night time long exposure (light trails) photography, time-lapses and cinematic video!
How To Make Your Own Free 4K Light Leaks - Steady Focused EP 037
Learn how to easily create your own, free 4K light leaks with this quick behind the scenes walk through tutorial!
Just a message to say, keep your head up. I'm in the trenches with you. I'm struggling mentally at times. I'm succeeding mentally at times. We're all moving forward. Keep your head up my friend.
http://steadyfocused.com/36 http://facebook.com/simeonhendrix http://instagram.com/simeonhendrix
Menu Photography 101 - Behind The Scenes Walk Through - Steady Focused EP 035
Menu Photography 101
How to photography menu items such as coffee, iced coffee, cold brew, lattes, coolers, doppio, espresso shots, etc.
Our good friends at Frank & Joe's Coffee House came to us to photograph an entire new menu for their amazing coffee shop! This is a behind the scenes look at photographing all their amazing drinks!
Photography shot with:
Panasonic GH4
Olympus 12-40mm Lens
Cowboy Studio Softbox Constant Lights
Big thanks to co-owners Jessica & Carol for the opportunity! Also big shout out to Mr. Patrick Riordan and Mitchell for help with set up!
Whew, I drank a bunch of coffee, cold brew coffee, iced lattes, coolers and more. Every drink we photographed, I drank. :)
Menu Photography 101 - Steady Focused Ep 035
Menu Photography 101 - Steady Focused EP 035
Menu Photography 101 - Steady Focused Ep 035
Is iPhone 7 & iPhone 7 Plus REALLY water proof? Real World Review - Steady Focused 034
Is the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus really waterproof? It's time to settle this age old discussion once and for all.
We drove down to Port Aransas, Texas to put the iPhone 7 Plus to an ultimate real world test by jumping straight into the Gulf of Mexico while spapping photos and running video.
iPhone 7 Plus. Port Aransas, Tx. From "Is the iPhone 7 Really Water Proof" - Steady Focused
iPhone 7 Plus. Port Aransas, Tx. From "Is the iPhone 7 Really Water Proof" - Steady Focused
Selfie standing in Gulf of Mexico. iPhone 7 Plus. From "Is iPhone 7 Really Waterproof?" Steady Focused Ep 034
iPhone 7 Plus, Port Aransas, Tx (Gulf of Mexico Beach). From "Is iPhone 7 Really Water Proof?" Steady Focused EP 034
What Other People's Success Says About You - Steady Focused EP 033
Stay positive and celebratory when other's succeed
Stay motivated during other's success
"How do you not get discouraged by the success of others?"
How to Battle Feelings of Insecurity
1.) Remember your roots
2.) Examine your day to day, where are you spending your time. Are you doing everything in your power to reach your ultimate? What areas are you slacking? Take time to rest, but look at your life... are you doing what it realistically takes to get to where you want to be?
3.) What are you doing to take yourself to the next level? Education, execution, production...
4.) Identify your WHY. Why are you driven to reach whatever goals you have laid out. What is your why? Why do you want to do what you do? What do you do what you do?
5.) Keep your nose down and work. Don't worry about number of likes, number of followers, number of plays. Listen to your audience, what is resonating with them? Focus on that, adapt, adjust and continue to work.
6.) Keep your nose down and work. What things has your "hero" "friend" enemy" done right that has put them in the place of success? What areas are they being consistent? No, I'm serious take a moment and analyze what they are doing right.
7.) We are all here on earth for our own specific journey. Our own unique version of earth told and lived through our eyes and our actions. Two people that do exactly the same things, in the exact same way, most likely will end up on two different paths... that's life.
8.) Embrace your unique YOU. There's never been another YOU on earth, ever. There's never been another person or being on this planet with your DNA makeup. You have a unique history, a unique voice, a unique walk. Embrace that.
9.) Keep your nose down and do the work. Exam where you've spent your time over the past 24 hours, past week, past month. Is the areas your putting your time, are those areas aligning with your WHY? Are you doing the best you can?
10.) Identify weak points, surround yourself with strength to encourage you during times of weakness.
11.) Love yourself. Accept who you are. Look honestly into the mirror and own your strengths, weaknesses, obstacles and threats. S.W.O.T
Thanks so much,
simeon
http://steadyfocused.com/33
http://facebook.com/simeonhendrix
http://instagram.com/simeonhendrix
http://youtube.com/simeonhendrix
In this episode, I sit down with my partner, Mr. Matt Hamilton. He talks about his evolution as a filmmaker, the power of growing up in a musical home, hanging with Mr. Belding (from Saved by the Bell), hanging with Keanu, Robocop and the importance of just STARTING.
http://steadyfocused.com/32 http://facebook.com/simeonhendrix http://instagram.com/simeonhendrix
Jeff Finley was one of the most influential graphic artists in the country, a partner at Go Media, arguably one of the most elite design firms around. He created and was the main energy behind Weapons of Mass Creation Fest (WMC Fest), which became the blueprint for design conferences that have sprung up all across the country. He was on top of the world, or so it appeared from the outside looking in.
Then one day, he stepped away from it all. Divorced, Resigned from Go Media, stepped away from WMC Fest, packed up all his things and hit the road on a journey of self exploration.
http://steadyfocused.com
We sit down with friend Mr. Moataz Ahmed. He went from obese, depressed dentistry major to a hand lettering graphic artist who travels the world freelancing, lending his skills to organizations that make a positive impact on the world. Oh ya, and for fun he learns new languages.
It's a great show. We talk about how to get $50,000 clients, turning $7,000 into $300,000, getting lost in the middle of the desert, the seanwes community, the importance of learning about other cultures and always doing the right thing.
For more information: --Motizzy.com --SteadyFocused.com
Clay Cook, high-end fashion and lifestyle photographer, has recently returned from an assignment in Iraq where he and his team were tasked to document the return of several families to their homes for the first time in over two years. It's a small town of as they return to their homes after being pushed out by ISIS over two years ago.
Complete real world, Lightroom and Photoshop walk through! In this episode, we're going to pull the curtain back and set you in the front seat while I edit photos from a recent shoot. Come with me as we go from raw files on a memory card to uploading, importing, editing, and saving as high resolution .jpgs, ready for framing!
NOTE - This is the workflow I know... If you notice that I'm using the programs in an archaic way, and you notice something I could do different to maximize my efficiency, please let me know! I'm all about learning and evolving. :)
Did you find value in this episode? What would you like to see covered in an upcoming epsiode? Keep the two way conversation going, I want to hear from ya!
Until next time...
--Simeon
Emmy award winning cinematographer, director and editor, Zack Morris has become a staple of the Texas Country Music scene, but he doesn't play music, at all. Instead, he creates masterful music videos and powerful concert highlights. Hailing from Waco, Texas, he's making a huge splash with his unique vision and unmatched persistence.
I'm thrilled to have Zack on the show. We talk gear, reality TV, music videos, cold calling and the power of persistence and setting goals.
How to easily achieve perfect white background - High Key Lighting. Steady Focused EP 026.
Example of high key photography from a recent photoshoot for a regional bank and trust. To learn how I did this, enjoy Steady Focused EP 026!
High Key Lighting, high key photography, high key video equals totally blown out, totally white, over exposed background. It's an awesome look that generates high quality professional results.
You can easily achieve this! I break down the complete how-to in the episode, but just remember these few quick tips:
Example of high key photography from a recent mother's day photoshoot. To learn how I did this, enjoy Steady Focused EP 026!
1.) Have a white background.
This can be a door, a scrim, a diffuser, a sheet or a backdrop.
2.) Light the background.
You can light your background with constant lights, a flash, the sun, a flashlight... just remember to light it independently of your subject.
3.) Overexpose your background.
Within the settings in your camera, overexpose your background to give it the blow out, totally white look we are seeking.
Example of high key photography from a recent spring / summer clothing photoshoot. To learn how I did this, enjoy Steady Focused EP 026!
4.) Place and light subject.
With an additional light (again this can be a flash, a constant light, the sun, etc.), light your subject and expose for the subjects skin.
Make sure to watch the episode for more details!
Enjoy! Make sure to email me if you've any more questions!
http://steadyfocused.com/26
http://facebook.com/simeonhendrix
http://instagram.com/simeonhendrix
Passion can wain. Life gets busy. Schedules become overloaded. It's easy to get overwhelmed and lose focus.
In order to better serve you and in spirit of long game viability, starting this week, I will begin to implement "small scale sabbaticals" (as my friend Sean McCabe calls it). What does that mean for the show? Every four weeks, I'll take a required week off from episodes.
Why? Listen to find out. Thanks guys!
In Spring of 1980, while I was just along for the ride inside my mother's womb, probably somewhere in an orange packing plant in Central California; Rex Larsen was 3 years into his professional photography career. He landed one of the most special assignments anyone could ask for; travel to Deer Lake Pennsylvania and spend a week with one of the world's most charismatic figures, of all time... the great Muhammad Ali. Ali was training for his come back match against Larry Holmes and Rex Larsen along with his writer from the Grand Rapids Michigan newspaper, were alone given the opportunity of embedding into the camp.
Using a camera slider is a powerful and easy way to add cinematic movement to your videos and films. In this how to tutorial, we're going to examine several different ways to use the camera slider to create almost "magical" depth within your shots.
You've probably seen these movements used in most of your favorite movies. It's a "simple" technique that adds tremendous dynamic interest.
Check it out and let me know your thoughts!
“Through the eyes of a child, the world is full of opportunity, excitement and adventure. Joyful ambition abounds. Totally emerged within imagination. Pure, innocent. No judgements. Living fully, within the moment.”
This past weekend my son and I explored the downtown streets of Wichita Falls. As he played, I played and experimented with the camera. I was exploring new ways to utilize the slider to produce cinematic, interesting shots. The result of our day became the follow up to the short feel we created in August of 2016.
Shot mostly at 720, 60fps on the Canon T3i with a 50mm 1.8 lens. I shot both handheld and with the Kamrar slider on a tripod. There are also some shots from the GH4 as well as a wide angle lens on the T3i. Color graded and edited in Premiere Pro.
Thank you for the opportunity to share. Please, comment below any questions.
This week on Steady Focused, we're on the line with Mr. John Gress, a 16+ year veteran to the craft of photography. His body of work is the stuff of dreams. Clients from NFL to NBA, to Best Buy to Hyundai, Lexus, New York Times, Washington Post, Time Magazine... Some of his assignments include the 2008 presidential election of Barack Obama, 2006 Super Bowl and the 2010 Stanley Cup. High fashion, high commercial, super models, film stars and much much more.
Strap on your seat belt, we're keeping the pedal on the gas. John brings soooo much value!!
President Obama. Photography ©John Gress Photography
Key Takeaways:
02:00 - John gives a brief overview of his history. Age 14 picks up moms camera, 18 starts freelancing for AP, then picked up by Reuters
06:00 - Full circle - collecting trading cards as a kid - shooting photographs for NFL, NBA rookie trading cards as a 40 year old.
07:00 - How handle being with celebrities? Ever star-struck?
08:45 - What's set up looking like for NFL / NBA trading card shoots?
Pocket Wizard, Speed Cycler, 10 light set up. Alternative "scenes" from same lighting set up. Take two photos in a row, lights automatically toggle on/off to create twice as many "scenes" at the same time, without having to manually switch or adjust lights.
NFL Miami Dolphins Rookie Photograph. © John Gress Photography
12:53 - Hardest thing with having a career as freelance artist?
Inevitably you will have a great client you love to work with, but something will happen and you won't have that client anymore. People will move on, budgets will change. Recognize change is inevitable, but you're going to be okay. Doors close and doors open. Sometimes, things seem bad but they are really going to be okay. Don't sweat things.
16:00 - How important is putting in the work, to being successful?
For about two years, two photo shoots a week on models, for free. Getting the experience. It allowed me to develop my lighting technique. Or at the very least be able to see a photo and understand how to recreate it.
18:35 - Cheating yourself by having two different set ups, two different approaches for different paying shoots. There's a time where I would have clients who would pay me $600 for a portrait but the newspaper would pay me $250 for a portrait.
22:00 - Communicate, prepare, set up early. Protecting yourself. Setting yourself up for success.
24:00 - Does amazing lighting have to cost a ton of money? - No.
24:00 - Art Streiber - Photek Soft Lighter - 10 sided umbrella with sock - Photek Soft Lighter - $89
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42419-REG/Photek_SL_5000_Umbrella_Softlighter_II.html
26:15 - CheetahStand 48'' RiceBowl 16 sided softbox - $150
http://www.cheetahstand.com/product-p/rb-120.htm
NBA Sacramento Kings Photography. © John Gress Photography.
29:00 - Buy on eBay
30:15 - Biggest struggle in career to get to point where are now?
"Every creative person, has been told they should stop doing what they are doing and find a real job. And at the same time they've also been told, they are God's gift to whatever..." The trick is to live somewhere in the middle. Be humble, keep your head down.
32:40 - Go deep with relationships. Build, grow, connect.
35:15 - What's a most common mistake you see photographers make? Finding one thing and executing that one thing over and over and over, getting comfortable and not trying new methods.
Corporate group photo. © John Gress Photography
37:30 - The power of experimenting. Discovering new ways to do the same things.
38:45 - Mentoring. Sharing what you know.
41:30 - Practice. Practice. Try stuff. Develop the depth, so that when you do come across the opportunity that is a solid paying gig, you will be ready for it.
43:00 - As long as you're making a living, doing what you love, that's all that matters.
44:00 - Photographing Barrak Obama
46:45 - #FamousBTSMag #iso1200 - Awesome behind the scenes Instagram accounts you should follow
http://instagram.com/johngressmedia
http://johngress.com
In this episode of Steady Focused, we're traveling to Sugar Land, Texas - a suburb of Houston to document the grand opening of an Urban Air Adventure Park. We explore there are many ways we can make a living with our camera. Heck, it's possible to make a living with your iPhone. The important thing is to follow your passion. Go all in. 1 million percent. Push all the chips to the center of the table and bet big on your passions. Follow them. What we are passionate about, is where we will be successful.
Tonight we have on the show the man, the myth the legend. Mr. Jared Polin, Fro Knows Photo. Not only is this man a world renowned photographer, but this man is the epitome of long game consistent content creation. He has been consistently putting out a video, not every month, not every week, but every day. He's accumulated over 600,000 subscribers, 89 Million views and has literally shaped the landscape of photography in our world. Come along with me... this is going to be epic
Tyler Babin travels the world, documenting Gary Vaynerchuck's life. He is a videographer and editor of Gary Vee's docuemntary series / vlog DailyVee. In this episode, Tyler talks with us about how he went from big dreams in Florida, to New York City, riding in the back seat of a car, with Gary Vaynerchuk looking directly in his eyes, telling him "don't fuck this (opportunity) up."
“So you’ve heard the term Neutral Density (ND) Filter before... but what exactly is it? And how can you use it to add dynamic interest to your shots?”
A neutral density (ND) filter is like sunglasses for your lens. And just like with our eyes, wearing an ND filter on your lens directly affects the pupil size - or - the aperture size.
Why does that matter? Well, remember what we learned in Ep 004 (Demystifying the Exposure Triangle) - the wider your aperture (or f-stop), the more light that comes in, and the smaller your focus area (shallow depth of field.)
The smaller your aperture, the less light that comes in... but you now much larger focus area.
Follow along through this video and we'll explore how you can harness the power of an ND filter to shoot a very dynamic shallow depth of field image or scene - in the middle of the bright sunny day, shooting straight toward the sun.
He’s an after effects wizard that specializes in, but not limited to,animating hand lettered pieces. He’s wildly popular on Instagram, his pieces are almost magical in the way the smoothly move around the screen.
Come with me behind the scenes on a photoshoot for 2R Wellborn Ranch. They came to Hoegger Communications to document the incredible Ranch Life that flourishes just North of Henrietta, Tx.
Cattle branding, herding, cowgirls, cowboys, roping... this is epic!
In this episode, we take a look back at the year that was 2016 and excitedly look forward to the year of potential 2017 has in store. I unveil my big stretch goal to earn $25,000 in side hustle money.
Caleb Wojcik is a world traveling videographer with over 1,000,000 total YouTube views. He is a teacher, a podcaster, an entrepreneur and a hustler.
Shoot dynamic outdoor portraits during the day by using a flash (speedlite) - Steady Focused EP 011
“Introducing lights into your scene is one of the easiest ways to separate yourself from 90% of all other photographers.”
— Unknown
Let's take a look at how to create some dynamic and awesome family portraits by taking our flash (speedlite) outside! Taking your inside lights, outside during the day opens an entire new world of possibilities.
"Introducing lights into your scene is one of the easiest ways to separate yourself from 90% of all other photographers." I read that somewhere and it's stuck with me. I'm proud of myself for reaching this level of understanding. I'm overlowing that I can share this with you.
Thank you.
Camera - GH4 | Cactus V6 Flash Transmitter | Cactus rf60 flash
I challenged myself to recreate a photograph or scene from a movie. I searched for famous self portrait photography and ran accross the Life Magazine amazing photo by Andreas Feininger, 1941.
Barn doors allow us the ability to manipulate, shape, curve the light and the shadows. This fun video is an easy to follow guide on how to add heat resistant cardboard barn doors to canister shop lights.
Night photography can be one of the most awesome experiences a human can go through. Perhaps you've fallen in love with the photographs of the milky way night sky - the celestial stars, time lapses or the long light trails following cars. It's easy to take a bad photo at night, the good news is, it's easy to take an awesome photo at night as well.
Fashion, advertising and editorial photographer, Clay Cook has shaped creative projects with: NFL, Redbull, ESPN, USA Today. We talk about the need to be unique, climbing to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and being your own worst enemy.
We are all artists. We have something placed on our heart to create, produce, go after. It's doesn't take a $1,000+ camera to become a photographer, filmmaker or documentarian. Creativity WILL overcome financial roadblocks. It's not about what equipment you have. It's not about where you live. Get to work.
Transitioning to video from photography and need a few quick tips? You've come to the right place! We live in an incredible time in history and our digital cameras are powerful production tools capable of capturing amazing still photos AND super high quality HD videos. It's all within that little black body sitting on your shelf. Let's examine 10 quick tips to make moving into video from photography smooth and enjoyable!
Today, we break down exposure into easily digestible, memorable chunks. We will remove all fear and leave you standing tall among the pros! You ARE capable of understanding shutter speed, aperture, light meters and exposure! Come along with me!
As humans we are creatures of habit. Systems and routines allow our brain to efficiently master a task and then stop thinking about it. This allows us to shift our focus and reach higher levels of achievement. This process is called automatic recall or muscle memory, and we do it naturally with common tasks. Our mind is built to create and identify patterns for maximum performance. Let's examine how we can harness our brains natural tendencies to unlock our most creative potential!
I've often said (and thought many more times) that photography and filmmaking is so much more than just understanding the technicals of how to operate a camera and all the complimenting equipment. Don't get me wrong, understanding your equipment is paramount, but there's more to it than just that. There's one sure way to stand out above all the rest and most importantly, stay calm and make your subject feel comfortable and relaxed. That's with a genuinely attractable demeanor when you are shooting. Let's dive deeper.
There are many different places we could have started for episode one, but the basis of everything, is light and the absence of light in regards to capturing an image. How do we capture that light? How do we use the light to set the mood and reinforce our narrative? What about shadows? Do we need to bring in external lights or can we use the available ambient light? These are questions we will ask ourselves and examine.