FOUR CREATIVES: Recent Episodes
Megan
This is the podcast "Four" Creatives- backed by Photographer and Entrepreneur Megan Francis of Four Percent Photo and the Creative Youth Foundation. To learn more about the meaning behind the name be sure to listen to episode 2 from season 1. I cant wait to connect with fellow creatives from all over the world. Share their story and their perspective on some topics that we all want to hear about! This laid back conversational style pod is for anyone interested in bringing life to their own creative career or if you're simply curious about a sneak peek behind the scenes from some of the internets most creative peeps!
https://www.myhumandesign.com/get-your-chart/
check out your human design and discover a new perspective :)
Article referred to about kids & their love languages :)))
https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/love-languages-of-children/
follow us on IG https://www.instagram.com/beingthatmompodcast/
Leave a review on Apple Podcast <3
Instagram http://www.instagram.com/beingthatmompodcast
Connect with Cristal & get on the wait list for Goddess Retreat 2.0 !!!
https://www.cristaljacobo.com/thesoulcollectiveretreats
https://instagram.com/jettsetwithana?igshid=h5rk89o3pg80
https://romanoanalucia.wixsite.com/jettsetwithana
https://instagram.com/goldenanchorgoods?igshid=3rx9abicmh89
https://www.etsy.com/shop/goldenanchorgoods
JOIN THE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR ALL THE INSIDE SCOOP ON WHATS TO COME!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/launchphotobiz
JOIN THE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR ALL THE INSIDE SCOOP ON WHATS TO COME!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/launchphotobiz
https://instagram.com/alyssamarieephoto?igshid=12wiuknjueinq
https://alyssamarieephoto.com/
https://www.devinboveephotography.com/
https://instagram.com/devin_bovee_photography?igshid=11gitof2eyn8o
https://kayceemaye.com/
https://instagram.com/kcmaye?igshid=rpxeq0ntp9zr
show notes coming soon
Kelsey Burnett Photography- Instagram
One on One Mentoring- Click HERE
Show Notes Coming Soon
https://instagram.com/angieleahphotography?igshid=17z8jn04i9hq0
https://angieleah.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/483536589247392/?ref=share
Introduction
Hello everyone, first and foremost thank you guys for tuning in! Today we have the pleasure of having DJ Watson. He is a videographer & photographer whom I've known since highschool! He’s here to share some good stuff with us along with his photography story! So let’s go back to the college days, DJ Watson went to Cal State San Bernardino, initially wanting to be a nutritionist then realized marketing was calling him so like many of us in college, changed his major! In the course of his college journey, he randomly bought a camera! (THE camera) At the time DJ explains he didn’t know anything about photography, he watched “Kai W” on youtube who reviewed the camera, from there DJ was photographing all day everyday, and started doing free work, including photos & videos for restaurants. Afterwards his friend offered him an opportunity to work with his agency as a photographer & DJ went for it! Ever since he’s been shooting food for restaurants! I was really interested in knowing his way of approaching restaurants & getting gigs, so I asked him how he goes about that, he just goes up to them & asks, he says “just approaching clients door to door is the best way to get work, feeling the vibe. Showing your work face to face is best” He explains his point of view, stating “you have nothing to lose especially in the beginning”
The branding -
I was curious to know how he established his brand, “did it come naturally?” I ask, he thinks it came naturally because he has the ability to see things visually, he tries to replicate shots which is totally okay when it comes to branding, especially when starting out. As far as food photography, he expresses that every restaurant is different with totally different styles, for example he’s done shoots for vintage diners which has a totally different vibe than an LA edgy new restaurant where the shoots feature models, bright lighting, & plants. He says that the best part of food photography for him is getting to eat the food after, YUMM!!!!
Behind the scenes
Another thing I was curious about was the behind the scenes, what a styled shoot looks like. DJ says “I think it’s fascinating”,he explains how it starts with pre-production, finding the vibe; Flash, dark? His personal favorite is natural light, but if it's a more focused product food shoot, he says they plan ahead of time determining what colors they want to pop out, if it goes better wood background, if they want marble. He does research ahead of time. I ask if it goes by quickly? He says it definitely does but it’s not as stressful as photographing people because you have more control over posing the food BUT you do have a certain time frame because things melt, you have to get the perfect shot.
Tips for anybody going in that route?
For anyone wanting to go into food photography & building your portfolio, DJ advices to “make your favorite dish, bring a table next to your window, add some kind of backdrop, & shoot away with it, shoot different angles, get different moves, learn lighting first because it's what matters the most, highlight the ingredients, make colors pop, you want to keep in mind to make it look as pretty as possible, no crumbs on the side, a clean plate” I think this was such a great answer because it’s super detailed and while listening to his response I imagined myself setting something up in my own house. He shares his experience about a photoshoot outside and everything went great but there was a fly on the burger in one of the shots, he says always review your work after. I definitely thought this was great great advice especially because there are so many genres of photography.
Videography
I asked DJ about his videography style, he says “I like doing everything, i like shooting wed
Introduction
Hello you guys! Thank you for tuning in today. I am so excited to have the one & only Kayla Esparza! Kayla is a photographer in California and she is here to tell us about her story, leveling up your photo business & so much more! So stay tuned for this fun & unique episode!
The day 1
Kayla’s photography journey started like many of ours, with a camera, THE camera! When Kayla was 12 she was assigned to learn how to use a camera that was given to her dad, she started capturing her grass, the bugs, & just looking at photography as a hobby that she grew to love! Through Jr High & highschool she was taking photography classes & was even part of the yearbook group! She eventually became the friend who took the pictures, you know you have that friend, or you are that friend HAHA! Kayla talks about her first actual gig in highschool she says, “my heart just burst open the second i got finished with that event”, she realized she loved being a part of the couples elopement. Kayla also shared an interesting fact about herself, she comes from a long line of entrepreneurs, she shares her experiences catering weddings for her dad, how she would follow the photographer & would just watch them shoot and interact with the couple.
Finding her passion
If you guys know my photography journey, Kayla’s story sounds very similar! After high school she was expected to go to college & graduate & find a job in that field, like many of us. So she did it, she went to college, wanted to be a teacher & planned to always do the photography thing as a side hustle (sound familiar? HAHA) Kayla eventually came to a point where she realized she needed a break, she was not passionate about school so she took a year off to find her true self. Then, she made an amazing & BOLD move! She moved to California with her hubby!! Kayla then tells us about her photography journey after moving to California, she was a barista at starbucks and did photography part time. With no mentor, no resources, no instagram she really struggled in the beginning, constantly being super hard on herself, comparing her work to others, feeling unworthy of booking strangers. She says something that totally resonates with me and it’s “you can’t compare your own beginnings to someone's middle or end” she says “keep pressing on until you absolutely love your work”. The moment she got a mentor, things changed for her, she learned so much more & went FULL TIME. Amazing right? Amazing how things can change the moment we invest in ourselves & our business, I love this interview!!
That mom life
Kayla is definitely a huge inspiration to me when it comes to photography, I wanted to touch on how she takes her son to photoshoots and how he does so well, I definitely aspire to take my daughter with me to shoot! She opens up about how she got a lot of backlash at 27 weeks pregnant because she flew to Iceland to shoot a wedding with her mentor. She tells all moms, whether you're a new mom or aspire to be a mom soon, when you have a baby your baby should adapt to your life & not really adapt your life to the babys, and so she practiced what she preached. At 2 months old Liam, her son, was on his first flight with Kayla! Now he can sit through road trips and does an amazing job when she does take him with her to shoots, he adapted to her life & it so worked out! We also speak about how her husband & Kayla collaborate for weddings. They started a film company called Honesty Films, and she does the photography while he does the filming, it works out so much better when they work together because they know exactly how to communicate. In my opinion forming a company with your significant other is definitely a goal many of us desire, I think it’s such an amazing idea
Personal & Landscape
https://instagram.com/victoriaandreozzi?igshid=txki164tld8z
Wedding & Portraits
https://instagram.com/vandreozziphotography?igshid=z654br8j0u3m
Row for Good (Go Fund Me Page)
https://www.gofundme.com/f/row-for-good?utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link
Row for Good Article
https://www.jamestownpress.com/articles/block-island-bound/
Personal & Landscape
https://instagram.com/victoriaandreozzi?igshid=txki164tld8z
Wedding & Portraits
https://instagram.com/vandreozziphotography?igshid=z654br8j0u3m
Get direct insight on a bride's perspective when booking a wedding photographer. Take a listen to Karina's personal experience being a 2020 covid bride and her new wedding plans!
Madelyn and I had the opportunity to chat about so much! We discussed how she started her photography career, and how transitioning into mom life has been for her. I asked all the details about Oregon and she listed a few of her favorite spots to take photos. She shared in full detail about her staged shoot that she coordinated before traveling to Dublin, Ireland and some resources you should take advantage of if you're trying to build your portfolio while traveling to another state or country. Then we discussed where she wants to take her business and how new photographers can be successful in the industry too.
Check this girl out here is her info below
photography IG https://instagram.com/madelynmayphotography?igshid=1biz1hg2rnxul
Clothing Line https://instagram.com/mountain_supply_co?igshid=lt393m7oyrfz
Facebook group to connect with people traveling "Expats in Italy" is the specific group Madelyn used for her travels.
How to be More Inclusive - Featuring LGBTQ Wedding Photographer Michelle Gunn
We discuss how any business can be more inclusive to LGBTQ+ Couples, Unique Weddings, Branding Photography, Attending Workshops and so much more!
Enjoy!
https://www.gunnshotphoto.com/meet-michi
Introduction
Hello my people! Today we have the pleasure of having our very first guest, Toni G Photo! Toni is a wedding and elopement photographer based out of Fresno, California. Toni shares her journey & gives us all the deets that got her to where she is now!
How it all started
Toni went to college at Fresno State for business management & entrepreneurship! She tells me about her senior year in college, when she told her professor she wanted to start a photography business but quickly got turned down and was told to choose something else. (How many of us have heard that before?) Toni went on to working a 9-5 job she was really good at and even reached a management position but was not in love with her job. After quitting & going through a very hard time in her life, Toni attended her first photography meetup & was HOOKED. After the workshop, Toni got started on her portfolio by taking pictures of her close friends for free! She got so creative with her shoots that she even went to Yosemite with her sister for a bridal shoot! She started a community called#Fresnophotogs, which I myself am a part of & I absolutely love! We are both definitely all about community over competition. I asked Toni what the story behind #FresnoPhotogs was and she tells me it came from her own experience, when she was starting out she was discouraged by local big photographers. She then met up with smaller local photographers, with time opening up their meetups to the public which resulted in more people showing up. It is now such a big, beautiful & inspiring community.
The elephant in the Room
A fun little question that I got to ask Toni, was what’s something she would not be caught doing now that she is more experienced, she tells us to learn our camera before taking pictures of others! I totally agree and actually have a course teaching others just because learning your camera is SO IMPORTANT. We address the elephant in the room (COVID) and I asked how it affected her business, she says she feels mostly bad for the brides, some have postponed their special day and some went through with it but of course with precautions. Thankfully her clients have supported her through this time! She gives some advice for other photographers, and it's to work on the things you never have time for, update your websites and clean your work up to be able to come back stronger, which I think is such great advice!
Q&A’s
We wrapped up the episode with some super fun questions & got our brain working! Favorite Color? Starbucks Drink? 3 Words you want people to think of when they see your work? If you had no choice but to switch careers what would you do? Photography pet-peeves? Your favorite part about your job?
Advice for new photographers who are a little intimidated? Her advice for new photographers is “practice makes perfect, get those things down ahead of time, take photos of your friends until you find your style, people will eventually book you it’s just a matter of time”. Woow, this was such a beautiful interview with a beautiful soul! Thank you guys for joining us and listening today! If you loved this episode make sure to leave a review, it would be grtaly appreciated! ♡
Links
ToniGPhoto’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonigphoto/?hl=en
#FresnoPhotogs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fresnophotogs/?hl=en
Toni’s Website:
https://tonigphoto.com/insta
My photography Instagram: https://www.instagram
Make Pretty Stuff with Julie
Introduction
Hello! Hello my people!! So today we have our first full episode along with our first guest! This guest has personally inspired me for the longest! Julie from Make Pretty Stuff is joining me today! Julie is here to share her story, current projects, and personal tips & tricks so her followers can make pretty stuff too! Stay tuned, I am so excited to hear Julie's story with you guys!
Tuning in to her creative self
Julie classifies herself as a Lifestyle DIY Blogger, she specializes in DIY’s, ideas, tips for your home business and life! I wanted to know how she started her whole journey & she shares she always wanted to go into a creative field, & is finally doing what she wants. I’m sure many of us can relate when she states that it was hard for her to accept that she wanted to be a blogger because of people's perspective of it, her thoughts were that people would think she was doing it for followers, but it totally was not just about that. Julie mentions she was always interested in media production & actually majored in that field. We talk about how over the summers she would travel from Wisconsin to California for different internships such as Darling Magazine, The Stylist, and even VH1! After college she decided to move to California & landed a job with a very well known fashion designer named Jenni Kayne, which to me is one, AMAZING and two BOLD, I love the fact that she followed her dreams, Kudos to Julie! 💕
The now
Julie has been working for herself for about 5 years now, doing creative direction, photography, social media consulting & says she has learned so much! I was so curious to know where or how Julie gets her creativity for her amazing selfies!! Her 3 tips to getting creative are 1. ask yourself how you can portray everyday things in a creative way, 2. Google image random words, 3. Imagine that your phone is a fancy camera & get creative with what you have. She mentions she’s a big advocate of not spending too much money on equipment when starting out.
Q&A’s
I asked Julie what she uses now & it is a Cannon G7x, if you guys love her content & want to look into her camera I will link it down below! I wanted to know how she edits her pictures & she tells me she uses lightroom, she mentions she sells her own presets and learned how to create them by buying others presets. I asked if she considers herself a multitasker and she said no because she’s not good at doing many things at once. Julie states that she started getting into home decor because she is a renter, like many of us, had to get creative, then realized how much she actually loves home decor which actually led to her getting jobs in that area! I had to ask about how she gets clients & she tells me the key is to NETWORK, share what you want to get hired for & engage with people and it will come to you!
Monetizing her Youtube Channel
I really wanted to touch on how she got monetized on youtube, I know many creatives who love youtube & want to start youtube but aren’t really sure how. Julie recently got her first paycheck from youtube after posting consistently for one year, but she was posting inconsistently the year before that, which is just a reminder that anything we want we can have, we just have to stay consistent. Julie shares the requirements to get paid from youtube which is having at least 1,000 subscribers & 4,000 hours of watchtime in one year. When talking about Ads & youtube I got curious and wanted to know how she collabs with brands, she says she pitches herself & has an E-book on that goes more in depth. Her tip to anyone who wants to work with brands is to offer the brand som
Finally some solid clarification for anyone who wants to learn more about the meaning and mission behind Four Percent Photography ! Thank you for listening, check out the website for more info and ways you can support the creative youth!
https://fourpercentphotography.com
WELCOME!
In this episode you'll get a few minuets of nervousness as this is my very first time recording for my podcast! BUT- stick it out and you'll get to hear me share a piece of my heart as I open up about my personal story with how I got started in photography.
Done is better than perfect, so stick around while I get used to this whole podcasting thing which will DEFINITELY include some equipment updates!
Find me on all social media at Four Percent Photography
Megan <3
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