Cort and Luke

We’re back with another laid-back, wide-ranging conversation diving into the realities of creator life—balancing momentum, gear, editing workflows, and what it really takes to keep making content without burning out.

We kick things off talking about posting schedules and algorithms—how taking a short break from reels impacts engagement and why momentum matters, but maybe not as much as you think. From there, we dive into storage struggles and creative solutions, like repurposing old Xbox hard drives to handle massive media files without breaking the bank.

Then it’s all about editing—why mobile apps like CapCut are dominating reels and shorts, and how they sometimes even outperform Premiere Pro for speed and captions. We break down when to keep it quick on your phone and when a polished desktop workflow still matters.

We also get into technical mastery versus gear obsession—why understanding lighting, exposure, and color grading is way more valuable than constantly chasing the newest camera. We talk myths, like why golden hour isn’t the only magic light and how shooting during blue hour can actually level up your visuals.

Later, we share tips on reaching out to creators and collaborators the right way, including how to avoid vague DMs and make a lasting impression with professionalism and transparency. Plus, we tease an upcoming photo contest with a cash prize, free entry, and a transparent judging process designed to build community and showcase real talent.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Cort & Luke episode without some laughs—gaming stories, memes, and tangents about how fast tech is evolving all make their way into the conversation, keeping it light while still packing in plenty of practical advice for creators at any level.

If you’ve ever struggled with keeping up momentum, juggling gear and storage, or just staying authentic in a noisy creator space, this one’s for you.

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

We’re back with a deep, wide-ranging conversation straight from the heart of creator life—where photography, videography, business, and creative struggles all collide.

We kick things off by breaking down the evolution of camera tech and how it’s shaping the way we shoot today. From early Canon 5D models to the latest R6 Mark II, we talk about usability, image quality, and why having the newest gear doesn’t always mean better work.

Then we dive into the value of film and analog photography and how Polaroids, 35mm, and even Super 8 can transform your creative process. Shooting fewer frames forces intentionality and deeper connection, and we unpack why embracing imperfections often leads to stronger storytelling.

We also get into the realities of gear investment—balancing cost, quality, and workflow needs when choosing between high-end bodies, Sigma lenses, and premium glass. Plus, we share why sometimes smaller, lighter setups are better for both creativity and efficiency.

From there, we shift to audio quality and workflow, breaking down why reliable sound matters just as much as visuals. We talk about the Rode Wireless Pro mics, 32-bit float recording, and how simplifying your audio setup can completely change your production game.

The conversation also dives into the business side of content creation—pricing projects, maintaining client relationships, and setting clear expectations. We share lessons on building trust with clients, guiding subjects through shoots, and why preparation can make or break a session.

Later, we talk about creative approaches to weddings, events, and personal shoots, sharing techniques like flash dragging, string light setups, and finding balance between fulfilling client deliverables and pursuing your own artistic style.

And of course, we tackle some hot topics: podcasting struggles, industry gatekeeping, skepticism about AI in editing, and the growing tension between creative control and emerging tech.

If you’ve ever struggled to balance gear, storytelling, client work, and personal creativity—or wondered how to thrive in an industry that’s always changing—this episode is for you.

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

We’re back with another deep-dive—this time pulling apart the realities of creating content in today’s fast-moving photography and videography world. From gear talk to editing strategy, from storytelling to social media, this one covers it all.

We start with the part no one talks about enough: audio. Why is good audio so often more important than a new lens or camera body? We share how better sound instantly elevates storytelling, makes your videos more watchable, and keeps viewers connected—something most creators completely overlook.

From there, we tackle the platforms themselves. What’s performing on TikTok right now? Shorter videos. And why? Because completion rate wins. We break down why that changes how you should think about editing longer reels versus quick 30-second cuts.

Then, we get into gear—not from a hype perspective, but from a practical one. Do you really need a $3,000 lens to shoot weddings, or is a 24-105 f/4 good enough? We weigh the trade-offs between “ideal” gear and what actually gets the job done. We also dig into medium format cameras, drones, tethered shooting setups, and why some of these tools are game changers while others are just nice-to-haves.

We also talk about what’s holding a lot of photographers back: leaning on trends. From black-and-white edits to film grain overlays to heavy color grading—none of these can save a weak photo. We share why focusing on composition, workflow, and clean capture is more important than any stylistic effect.

And because this is real life, not just Instagram, we dive into the business side of things too—managing costs, staying creative while paying bills, and finding balance in a profession that can burn you out if you let it.

If you care about storytelling, love the craft of photography, and want to get smarter about how you work (not just what gear you own), this one’s going to hit home.

🔗 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 a real one—an honest, wide-ranging dive into the creative and professional world of photography. From gear talk to posing strategies, and industry myths to social media pressure, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it actually takes to thrive as a photographer today.

We kick things off by confronting a common trap: overshooting. Is firing off hundreds of shots without a plan helping or hurting your work? We explore how shooting with intention can sharpen both your portfolio and your client experience. That leads us right into the often overlooked art of posing—and why most photographers need to seriously level up in that department if they want their portraits to stand out.

Then we zoom out and tackle the dream jobs. Everyone wants to shoot for National Geographic or capture celebrities and concerts, but the behind-the-scenes truth isn’t always glamorous. We break down why some of the most “coveted” roles in photography don’t always lead to creative freedom—or financial stability.

Next, we get technical. From the dangers of bad kit lenses to why you should stop leaning on bokeh to save a photo, we’re sharing how gear choices, aperture decisions, and tripod use actually impact your images. We also dig into the difference a strong composition makes—and why you should probably stop shooting everything from eye level.

Later, we talk client work—everything from managing wardrobe changes to building trust and creating a relaxed shoot environment that makes people feel seen. We share real methods that build rapport fast and keep clients coming back.

And of course, we hit the reality of posting online: how to deal with hate comments, why some content hooks work better than others, and how to stay emotionally resilient in a space that often rewards controversy over quality. We wrap with a reminder that great photography isn’t just about gear—it’s about clarity, consistency, and creativity.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between trying to please clients, grow online, and still love what you’re creating—this one’s for you.

🔗 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 a wide-ranging conversation straight from the heart of creator life—where data loss nightmares, gear obsession, and the fight to stay authentic collide in the fast-paced world of photography, videography, and content creation.

We kick things off with the overlooked reality of data management—how poor archiving practices put creators at risk of losing entire projects, and what we’ve learned from real-world failures. From vanishing SD cards to inconsistent backup systems, we break down why creators need stronger workflows to protect their work.

Then we dive into the creative side, talking vintage lenses, film grain, and imperfections that add character to visual storytelling. We discuss why modern glass can feel too “clinically perfect” and why leaning into flaws—texture, grain, and unique optics—can make your content stand out.

Later, we get into the undervalued art of audio and why sound design matters just as much as visuals. From EQ and mixing to mic placement and ambient sound, we unpack why creators struggle here and how storytelling through audio can elevate your work.

The episode also covers the realities of social media marketing—why it’s a full-time job, why businesses underpay for it, and how fake follower counts are misleading brands and devaluing real creators. We share thoughts on staying authentic while competing against inflated metrics and algorithm-driven trends.

We talk about the wedding photography and videography world, sharing behind-the-scenes insights on family drama, difficult venues, and the constant juggling act between creative control and client expectations. Plus, we unpack collaboration tips, from choosing second shooters to working seamlessly with videographers without stepping on toes.

To wrap up, we look ahead to an upcoming UK trip and tease future episodes featuring client updates, workflow experiments, and yes… reading hate comments.

If you’ve ever wrestled with creative burnout, struggled to balance gear and storytelling, or wondered how to stand out in a noisy, algorithm-driven space—this episode is for you.

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

We’re back with a wide-ranging conversation straight from the heart of creator life—where gear obsession, storytelling, and the struggle to stay authentic collide in the world of photography and videography.We kick things off with a deep dive into the balance between efficiency and creativity. From heavy rigs and stabilization straps to lightweight Fujifilm setups, we break down why sometimes mastering what you already have beats constantly chasing the newest camera body or lens.Then it’s all about storytelling—the secret ingredient behind powerful content. We talk about audio strategy, pre-planning narrative beats, and shaping light to create visuals that actually connect. This isn’t about chasing trendy aesthetics; it’s about building meaning into every frame.Later, we dive into the pressures of social media and the algorithm-driven content grind. Platforms reward quantity and trends, but at what cost? We unpack the tension between growing an audience and staying true to your creative vision—plus why burnout is real when you’re creating just to feed the feed.We also dig into the rise of AI tools, mobile editing workflows, and CapCut shortcuts—what speeds up the process, what holds you back, and why sometimes slower, intentional storytelling still wins. And yes, we get spicy about Leica culture, mediocre workshops, and the false promises of “viral shortcuts.”If you’ve ever felt stuck between your gear bag and your Instagram grid, or wondered how to build meaningful work in a landscape obsessed with trends, this episode is for you.🔗 Website: [https://www.cortandluke.com](https://www.cortandluke.com)📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke](https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke)🎬 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?\_t=8r93xifpxqy&\_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1)Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher

We’re back with a wide-ranging conversation straight from the heart of creator life—where gear choices, financial realities, and the push for authenticity all come crashing together.

We kick things off with the age-old struggle: how do you pack light but still shoot beautiful content when you're traveling, especially across the UK? From Micro Four Thirds to heavy anamorphic setups, we break down what’s worth carrying and what you can leave behind without sacrificing quality.

Then it's all about audio—why mic placement might matter more than your camera, and how sound can make or break your video storytelling. We also get into editing philosophy: cutting to story instead of music beats, and why trusting the voice can make your content hit harder.

Later, we dig into color grading—the invisible craft that quietly elevates your footage—and share why older cameras like the Canon 70D (especially with Magic Lantern) still have a serious place in your workflow. If you’ve been chasing new gear just to keep up, this one’s your permission to stop.

It wouldn’t be a real conversation without some financial transparency. We open up about credit cards, debt culture, and how smart money moves are just as essential as knowing how to light an interview.

Toward the end, things get a bit spicy with critiques of AI content, TikTok Shop, mediocre photography workshops, and the pressure to always be posting. We talk about what creators actually need—real skills, real tools, and real voices in a space full of noise.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between your gear bag and your bank account, or wondered how to stay authentic in a world of filters and affiliate links—this one’s for you.

🔗 Website: https://www.cortandluke.com (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 in the studio with a conversation that might be our most *real* yet—where weddings, camera firmware hacks, and the chaos of creative life all collide.We kick things off with the balancing act: flying drones, gaming, running social accounts, and still showing up creatively while building a marriage and a life. From there, we dive headfirst into Magic Lantern and how it’s breathed new life into old Canon DSLRs—giving us raw video, waveform monitors, and a reminder that gear doesn’t have to be new to be powerful.This one gets into the gritty realities of wedding filmmaking too—what it’s like working with vendors, why being early isn’t optional, and how professionalism often trumps technical talent. We also talk about the mess (and magic) of mixing Sony, Nikon, Canon, and Panasonic cameras on the same job, and what that means for color grading and sanity in post.Later, we take a look at how content is actually being made right now—spoiler: it’s more CapCut than Premiere. We unpack what’s working on social, what’s not, and why personality-driven content is winning over polished, “perfect” posts (yes, even for lawyers).Then comes the nerdy gear talk—Canon vs Sony vs Nikon vs Hasselblad, and the strange cultural identities each brand has built. We even break down why vertical video might just be a phase, and what the future of multi-format content could look like in a world of LED walls and AR glasses.If you're into camera ecosystems, wedding hot takes, or just need some permission to love your old gear again—this one’s for you.🔗 Website: [https://www.cortandluke.com](https://www.cortandluke.com)📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke](https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke)🎬 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?\_t=8r93xifpxqy&\_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1)Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher

We’re back in the studio and diving into one of our most personal and wide-ranging episodes yet—where photography, tech, and real life all collide.We kick things off with a hard truth about the creative industry: reliability beats raw skill, every time. From there, we unpack underwater shoots in Costa Rica, the weird joy of shooting Polaroids again, and why passion projects are often the key to staying in love with your craft long-term.We also get into the music that’s been fueling our edits lately—specifically Jonn Bellion’s new album—and how collaboration and fatherhood influence the kind of art we want to make. There's a surprisingly honest detour into what it means to be a “provider” in creative work, and how marriage, mortgages, and building a home studio shift your drive and your focus in the best way.Then it gets nerdy. Real nerdy. We’re talking dynamic range, built-in NDs, color profiles, and why learning your camera is still the best “upgrade” you can make. We break down ISO myths, talk about full-frame vs APS-C (again), and vent a little about Leica cult vibes and Netflix’s ridiculous gear restrictions.Later in the episode, we dig into TikTok’s “300 view jail,” what actually makes a video hook work, and why chasing algorithm trends is a creativity killer if you don’t know your audience. We also open up about wedding filmmaking realities, the cinematic crutches we’re trying to ditch, and how AI fits—or doesn’t—into the future of photography and video editing.We close it out with some thoughts on street photography, analog prints, and the value of making something physical in a digital world. If you're feeling burnt out, creatively stuck, or just want to nerd out about cameras *and* life—this one’s for you.🔗 Website: [https://www.cortandluke.com](https://www.cortandluke.com)📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke](https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke)🎬 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?\_t=8r93xifpxqy&\_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1)Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher

We’re back in the studio talking cameras, chaos, and creative reality checks—and this time, we’re diving deep into the gear that breaks, the workflows that save us, and the industry myths that just won’t die.

We kick things off with a weirdly passionate take on bottled water branding (yes, Kirkland is goated) before spiraling into a story about gear getting wrecked mid-shoot. From there, it’s a gear-heavy breakdown of our current camera setups—side handles, base plates, sketchy power rigs—and why small upgrades make all the difference in high-pressure shoots.

Then we dig into dynamic range, log shooting, and what makes cameras like the Alexa 35 a beast for modern cinematography. We also unpack our full editing process, from building a selects timeline to finishing polished cuts fast—and why skipping that step slows you down more than you think.

Later in the episode, we debate whether mirrorless cameras have killed the craft, why drone footage feels tired, and if gear obsession really gets in the way of storytelling. There’s also a raw look at the subscription fatigue hitting creators hard, the weird ethics of AI-driven monetization, and why filmmaking isn’t the glamorous job people think it is.

We close it out with gear horror stories, DIY fixes, and real talk about what it takes to make a living as a visual creative in 2025. If you’ve ever watched your expensive light tip over in slow motion, this one’s for you.

🔗 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