Cort and Luke

DISCORD: https://discord.gg/kVh5eRccK3Website: https://www.cortandluke.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortandlukeTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher#photography #filmmaker #camera

DISCORD: https://discord.gg/kVh5eRccK3Website: https://www.cortandluke.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortandlukeTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher#photography #filmmaker #camera

DISCORD: https://discord.gg/kVh5eRccK3Website: https://www.cortandluke.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortandlukeTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher#photography #filmmaker #camera

DISCORD: https://discord.gg/kVh5eRccK3Website: https://www.cortandluke.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortandlukeTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher#photography #filmmaker #camera

DISCORD: https://discord.gg/kVh5eRccK3Website: https://www.cortandluke.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortandlukeTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher#photography #filmmaker #camera

We’re back with another deep-dive—this time unpacking the painful realities of gear maintenance, the chaos of wedding season, and the business side of being a creative. From ruining expensive cinema lenses to structuring airtight contracts, from mastering harsh lighting to finalizing your folder structures, this one’s full of practical insights (and some expensive lessons).We start with the most expensive mistake we've ever made: ruining lenses with fungus. We talk about the misconception that all high-end glass is weather-sealed and the heartbreaking realization that treating your lenses like "plants"—giving them air and light—is actually crucial. If you think your gear is safe in a dark case, this segment might save you thousands of dollars.From there, we jump into shooting conditions. Shooting a wedding in direct sunlight at noon is a nightmare for most, but we break down how to handle it when your "moody" presets fail. We discuss the essentials of flash photography—why you need to graduate from TTL to manual power, how to bounce light effectively, and why off-camera flash is worth the hassle even for a one-man band.Then it’s time to get technical with data and business. If you don't back up your footage immediately, you aren't just lazy; you're asking for a lawsuit. We share our exact folder hierarchy for video projects to keep editors sane and dive deep into contracts. We explain why you must separate "content creation" from "usage" in your agreements so you get paid for the work you did, even if the client never posts the video.But it’s not just about the tech. We dig into the mindset side too—specifically the debate of "how you do anything is how you do everything." We argue why you should bring your best gear and effort even to low-budget shoots to build consistency, and why relying on electronic shutters or underexposing images by four stops "to be safe" is actually holding you back.We wrap with some hot takes: why owning more than 20 presets is a trap, why the "vintage film" editing phase is inevitable for everyone, and the real definition of a "filmmaker" (hint: it’s about way more than just recording a pretty image).If you’re a beginner looking to avoid costly gear mistakes or a working creative trying to refine your contracts and workflow, this episode is packed with advice that’ll keep you sharp, motivated, and grounded in what really matters.🔗 Website: https://www.cortandluke.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher

We’re back with another deep-dive—this time unpacking the realities of consistent color grading, the shifting landscape of cinematography, and why your favorite modern movies might be driving you crazy visually. From the technical nuances of DaVinci Resolve to the philosophy of content consumption, this one’s full of practical insights.

We start with the technical baseline: exposure. We talk about why hitting the right exposure isn't just about looking good—it’s about algorithm performance. We discuss the grind of weekly color grading, the steep learning curve of switching from Premiere Pro to DaVinci Resolve, and why consistent practice is the only way to look back at your old work and realize how far you've come.

From there, we jump into a heated critique of Wicked Part 2. Is shooting an entire blockbuster wide open actually cinematic, or just annoying on a massive screen? We debate the trends of modern cinematography versus the nostalgia of film, the overuse of shallow depth of field, and why the lack of contrast in high-dynamic-range cameras is changing the way movies feel.

Then it’s time to get into the industry shifts. With YouTube moving to TV screens, is audio becoming more important than visuals? We break down why the listening experience is overtaking the viewing experience, the rise of "bait-and-switch" AI tool ads, and why we’re seeing a resurgence in radio-style consumption even on video platforms.

But it’s not just about the tech. We dig into the culture gap—specifically, why a new generation of creators doesn't know the OGs like Peter McKinnon or Casey Neistat. We discuss the balance between watching tutorials and actually shooting, and why long-form education beats short-form trends when you're trying to actually learn a craft rather than just chasing engagement.

We wrap with some hot takes: the "slow-motion" epidemic (stop shooting everything at 120fps), why APSC sensors are still viable for professional work, and the painful reality that it might finally be time to upgrade your M1 MacBook if you want to keep up with modern 6K codecs.

If you’re a creator trying to decide on your next laptop upgrade or just wondering why movies look different these days, this episode is packed with advice that’ll keep you sharp, motivated, and grounded in what really matters.

🔗 Website: https://www.cortandluke.com

📸 Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke

🎬 TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/Cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1

Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher

We’re back with another deep-dive—this time unpacking the realities of subscription fatigue, client management, and the ever-present debate over gear and skills. From Adobe price hikes to avoiding bad clients, and from the Kit Lens test to off-camera flash, this one’s full of practical and business-focused insights.

We start with the business baseline: subscriptions. We talk about why the $10/month Adobe price increase is infuriating, the concept of subscription fatigue (and why paying annually is superior), and how the photography world needs more open-source editing platforms, mirroring the progress of DIY camera builds.

From there, we jump into client dynamics. We discuss the ultimate red flag: clients who demand the RAW files (and what that says about your editing). We break down why client experience justifies premium pricing (six meetings before the wedding!) and the non-negotiable importance of writing revision limits into every contract to prevent endless editing cycles.

Then it’s time to get technical with gear and mindset. We talk about the Kit Lens Test ("If you can't shoot a good photo on a kit lens, you can't shoot a good photo") and how TFP (Time for Prints) is the ultimate free solution for overcoming creative humps and building a better portfolio. We also weigh in on the controversial topic of off-camera flash in daylight, defending its use in street photography when done correctly.

But it’s not just about the tech. We dig into the social side too—specifically, why posing clients like mannequins doesn't work. We discuss the importance of prompting movement and conversation to capture authentic smiles, and share a hot take: bringing a friend to a photoshoot often results in the best, most relaxed photos.

We wrap with some gear hot takes: the true importance of weather sealing (only if you live by the beach), why you should fear your shutter speed (because it's the one thing that can't be fixed), and the timeless truth that a cheap tripod will eventually fail you (and your camera).

If you’re a creative trying to escape the subscription trap, refine your contracts, or just need the motivation to shoot with the gear you already own, this episode is packed with advice that’ll keep you sharp, safe, and grounded in what really matters.

🔗 Website: https://www.cortandluke.com

📸 Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke

🎬 TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/Cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1

Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher

We’re back with another hot-take episode—this time coping with the grief of selling our favorite cameras, breaking down the specs of the Canon R6 Mark III, and delivering some controversial opinions on gear.

We start with the emotional side of being a photographer: the grief of selling an old workhorse like the R6 (Luke compares it to putting a kid up for foster care). This leads straight into the hype for the R6 Mark III ($2,800), which we call the "perfect camera" for bringing back C-Log 2, 7K open gate, and 4K120 with audio. We question why Canon dropped this killer camera without major fanfare.

Then, we dive into the ultimate hot take: Your camera settings don't matter if your lighting sucks. We discuss the importance of professional lighting and how you can get away with "terrible buns cameras" (like the M50) if you light a set properly. This segues into a debate on technical truth—like the fact that most major TV shows are shot at F 5.6 (or its T-stop equivalent).

Next up is the gear advice for beginners. We defend the classic Shure SM58 as the best mic of all time and roast creators who switch to the SM7B for "status." For new video shooters, we recommend the Sony A6700 paired with the 18-105 F4 or, for a killer budget build, the R50V with Sigma RF lenses. We also explain our anti-Tamron bias due to their history of plastic lenses.

Finally, we hit the essential truths about accessories:

• Flash: You don't need a new flash; you need to master manual flash. We recommend the Godox AD200 for off-camera work and the MagMod system for better light quality.

• Filters: We defend creative filters like Glimmer Glass and Pro Mist for adding character and functionality, and urge everyone to buy a Polar Pro UV Haze Filter to protect their front element from dust and oxygen.

• Viewfinders: Essential for photo, but not video.

If you're upgrading to the Mark III, trying to get better color out of C-Log 3, or just need the motivation to prioritize lighting over gear, this episode is packed with the raw, honest advice you need.

🔗 Website: https://www.cortandluke.com

📸 Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke

🎬 TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/Cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1

Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher

What else can I help you format or find information about?

We’re back with another deep-dive—this time unpacking the painful realities of selling sentimental gear, the latest Canon R6 Mark III hype, and the business side of being a creative. From arguing about ISO placement to mastering hard light, from the tyranny of black-and-white editing to the necessity of good lighting, this one’s full of practical insights (and some controversial hot takes).

We start with the most emotional moment: the grief of selling your beloved workhorse camera, which Luke compares to putting a "kid up in foster care." This leads immediately into the specs of the newly dropped Canon R6 Mark III ($2,800), which we call the "perfect camera" for its return of C-Log 2, 7K open gate, and 4K120.

From there, we jump into technical fundamentals. We break down our biggest hot take: Your camera settings don't matter if your lighting sucks. We debate the proper use of ISO—it's noise control, not brightness—and discuss how you can shoot with "terrible buns cameras" if you light the scene correctly. This segues into a debate about dynamic range and why some photographers overexpose to maximize highlight recovery.

Then it’s time to get technical with gear and mindset. We argue against the beginner urge to buy a gimbal and defend Shure SM58s over the popular, often-misused SM7B. We tackle composition by arguing that the Rule of Thirds is meant to be broken and that you should prioritize balancing the visual weight of your image. We also address the ultimate gear hot take: Any camera made after 2010 is good enough for photography today.

But it’s not just about the tech. We dig into the editing side too—specifically the debate between Lightroom Classic vs. Lightroom Mobile (we defend Classic as flying a "plane" versus riding a "scooter"). We argue that you must know how to shoot manual to be a professional, even if you sometimes use Aperture Priority. We also stress that not enough photographers know how to edit black and white properly; you must manually adjust the luminance of individual colors instead of using the one-click button.

We wrap with some gear hot takes: the true importance of UV Haze Filters (to protect your lens), why shooting in One Shot drive mode at concerts is guaranteed to get closed eyes, and the ultimate worst client feedback: "Change the song."

If you’re a creative trying to avoid gear regret, decide on your next Canon body, or just need the motivation to prioritize lighting and fundamental skills, this episode is packed with advice that’ll keep you sharp, safe, and grounded in what really matters.

🔗 Website: https://www.cortandluke.com

📸 Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke

🎬 TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/Cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1

Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher