Cort and Luke

We’re back in the studio talking cameras, creativity, and content creation—and this time, we’re digging into the future of filmmaking, photography, and what AI actually means for creative professionals.We kick things off with a failed attempt to keep politics out of the pod, quickly spiraling into a heated (and hilarious) debate on camera stabilization tools—yes, even gimbals on Super 16 film setups. From there, it’s a deep dive into the role of AI in creative workflows: where it helps, where it hurts, and why it still can’t replicate human intuition behind the edit.We unpack the emotional and technical weight of shooting film—what makes it rewarding, why it’s so risky, and why editing it can feel like sacrilege or salvation depending on who you ask. Then we shift gears into a candid discussion on creative tools, branding, and why your thumbnails might be tanking your content if they look too AI-generated.Later in the episode, we answer wild listener questions: what historical moment we’d shoot if we had a time-traveling Leica, the most frustrating client misconceptions we’ve faced, and why “Can I get all the RAWs?” is still the worst question a photographer can hear.From AI masking tools and LED wall setups to underappreciated color grading skills and the myth of “just fix it in post,” this episode is all about the tension between convenience and craftsmanship—and why human creativity still matters more than ever.🔗 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\#photographypodcast #filmisnotdead #contentcreation #creativeworkflow #aidebate #weddingphotography #freelancecreatives #clientexpectations #filmvsdigital #editingworkflow #filmmakinggear #brandidentity

We’re back in the studio talking cameras, creativity, and content creation—and this time, we’re digging into the myths and realities behind professional photography and videography, from overpriced gear to the true value of social skills behind the lens.

We kick things off with a hot take on red carpet photography—spoiler: it’s more about people skills than camera specs. Then we get into beginner videographer pitfalls, from overspending on high-end cameras like the FX3 to skipping the basics of camera settings and color grading. We share our own learning curves, and why shooting in log can either make or break your footage if you don’t know how to grade.

The conversation moves to wedding photography pricing—what’s fair, what’s exploitative, and how to think ethically when charging clients. We share hard numbers on budget breakdowns and unpack why gear like Canon’s RF100-300mm f/2.8 or a Blackmagic Ursa 17K might be more flex than function for most creators.

We also talk about the best cities in the US for creatives right now (hint: it’s not always LA or NYC), our take on Canva vs. Photoshop, and how TikTok’s viral randomness (looking at you, Jason) plays into content culture today.

From underwater housings and drone upgrades to managing burnout and setting client expectations, this episode is a masterclass in navigating the creative hustle with humor, honesty, and a little bit of chaos.

🔗 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

#photographypodcast #gearreview #contentcreation #videographytips #weddingphotography #freelancecreatives #cameraobsession #creativehubs #editingworkflow #filmmakinggear #dronefootage #ethicalpricing

We’re back in the studio talking cameras, creativity, and content creation—and this time, we’re deep-diving into the gear that’s changing the game, the mindset hurdles no one talks about, and why your smartphone might be your best creative tool (yes, seriously).We kick things off with a review of the Panasonic Lumix S1R2—a beast of a camera with a 44.3MP full-frame sensor, 8K video, and buttery smooth stabilization. But it’s not all tech specs and sharpness—we also unpack the confusion around model names, crop sensors, and why choosing the "right" camera can feel so overwhelming.From there, the conversation gets personal. We share our early photography stories, how collaborations shaped our creative paths, and why having supportive people around you makes all the difference—especially when the biggest obstacle is just filming yourself.Tyler joins in to talk smartphone filmmaking, life in Barcelona, and how iPhones are making high-quality storytelling more accessible than ever (despite a few quirks). We also explore how editing older RAW files live might be the most underrated way to show growth.Things get real as we open up about burnout, content strategy, and the pressures of always being “on.” We contrast reactive vs. proactive content creation, share our favorite lightweight gear setups, and talk about keeping creativity fun—even when algorithms are screaming for consistency.Oh—and if you’ve ever wondered about anamorphic lenses, DJI drones with vertical video, or which camera you should buy without breaking the bank (Canon G7X Mark III, anyone?), we’ve got you covered.It’s equal parts tech talk and creative therapy—with plenty of laughs along the way.🔗 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\#photographypodcast #gearreview #creativeburnout #contentcreation #filmmakingtools #iphonevideography #backupworkflow #freelancephotography #dronecinematography #photographytips #creativehustle #communityovercompetition

We’re back after a whirlwind few weeks—and this one’s all about the chaos behind the camera and in life. From botched gear setups to moving apartments and planning weddings, we’re catching you up and diving deep into what it really takes to keep going as creatives.After addressing some not-so-original critiques of our podcast gear (you tried), we break down a recent filming fail that taught us a lot about exposure, color balance, and why double-checking your camera settings matters more than you think. Then it’s onto real life: moving headaches, wedding planning madness, and what adulthood actually looks like when you’re juggling creative work, bills, and everything in between.We also talk candidly about the creative grind—why communication and problem-solving are the unsung heroes of success, how privilege shapes opportunity, and why we’re looking to bring on guests who can speak to the hustle without a safety net. It’s part personal update, part industry reflection, and all about showing up—even when it’s messy.Whether you're new to the creative field or in the thick of it, this episode is full of lessons, laughs, and some solid reminders that nobody’s got it all figured out.🔗 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#photographypodcast #creativehustle #cameraequipment #contentcreation #selfemployedlife #creativejourney #adultingrealness #weddingplanning #gearfail #communityovercompetition #photographytips #growthmindset

We’re back in the studio and answering YOUR questions in one of our most listener-driven episodes yet—everything from favorite camera gear to burnout, backup strategies, and navigating relationships (yep, we went there).After kicking things off with some lighthearted debate over camera brands and gear loyalty, we dive into the real talk: how to stay creative without losing your mind, what to do when your passion feels more like pressure, and why communication matters just as much behind the camera as it does in your personal life.Cort opens up about texting dynamics and what they really mean in relationships (spoiler: it's deeper than just a late reply), while Luke shares what it's like to find your photography style—and why the tools you use are only part of the story. We also hit on industry trends, photo vs. video workflows, and how to keep your creative spark alive in a world driven by algorithms and fast content.Plus, we break down our backup systems (yes, you need one), debate whether formal education in photography is worth it, and talk about the hustle of freelancing—including why contracts are non-negotiable if you're trying to make a living with your lens.It’s an episode for the creatives, the curious, and the community-minded. Whether you're just getting started or deep in the game, this one’s packed with honesty, humor, and hard-earned advice.🔗 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\#photographypodcast #creativeburnout #gearreview #cameraequipment #freelancephotography #backupyourwork #relationshipadvice #contentcreation #photographytips #creativehustle #photographyeducation #communityovercompetition

We sit down with filmmaker Christian Chambers to unpack his wild journey since moving to LA to chase a career in video production. From working with major creators like Logan Paul and MrBeast to launching fun projects like Lunchley, Christian shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to break into the filmmaking world.

We get real about the early struggles—learning new gear, adapting to unfamiliar camera systems (shoutout to the Canon-to-Sony switch), and the grind of gaining experience, sometimes by working for free. Christian drops wisdom on why being a good hang on set can matter more than being a technical wizard, and why the Sony FX6’s internal audio might just make it one of the best sound recorders out there.

We also dig into creative collaboration, project ideas, and the importance of community when you're building something from the ground up. The episode wraps with stories about shooting weddings and concerts, and why continually honing your craft is key to staying sharp as a filmmaker.

🔗 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

#filmmaking #videoproduction #sonyfx6 #contentcreation #loganpaul #mrbeast #cameraequipment #creativecommunity #cinematography #gearreview #productionlife #weddingfilms #concertvideo #sonyvscanon

We’re back in the studio and diving headfirst into the chaos, creativity, and controversy of the filmmaking world. After a quick (and totally cleared-up) mix-up about Michael Richards’ passing, we set the tone with some laughs before diving into a viral debate that blew up one of our reels—over 600,000 views and thousands of comments later, we’re talking all about lenses, gear snobbery, and the deeper meaning behind what filmmakers choose to shoot with.

From DZO Film budget lenses to people flexing their high-end glass on social media, we break down why gear doesn't define your work—and why understanding your tools, not just owning them, actually matters. We talk autofocus vs. manual focus, photography vs. video setups, and critique the trap of investing in expensive gear without putting in the reps to master your craft.

Along the way, we share personal stories of gear that let us down (RIP to that 50mm), reflect on camera choices and cinematography styles, and debate the art and science behind frame rates. We also open up about the impact of social media, the ethics of content creation, and whether it’s better to be a jack-of-all-trades or a master of one.

As always, we emphasize creativity, collaboration, and character—why being a solid teammate matters more than being the best technician in the room. We wrap the episode with gratitude for our community and a reminder to focus less on competition and more on lifting each other up.

🔗 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

#filmmaking #videoproduction #gearreview #DZOfilm #sony #cameraequipment #cinematography #creativecommunity #contentcreation #manualfocus #autofocus #frameRates #filmmakerlife #socialmediaethics #collaborationovercompetition

We dive into the wild world of video production and client work, recounting a podcast shoot gone wrong when Luke accidentally dropped an SM7B mic onto a client’s tablet—shattering the screen mid-shoot. From owning up to the mistake to buying a replacement and salvaging the shoot, we walk through the chaos with some laughs and honest reflection.Beyond the mishap, we explore the technical side of filmmaking—touching on the importance of audio quality, camera preferences, and navigating lighting challenges on set. We also compare brands like Sony, Canon, and Nikon, and talk about what really matters when choosing gear for professional shoots.We share insights from our own journey transitioning from videographers to cinematographers, discussing gear rentals, learning curves, and the unspoken pressures of creating polished client work. Plus, Luke shares a funny story from a recent trip to the casino, and we reflect on using humor to handle stress in creative careers.🔗 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#videoproduction #podcastlife #filmmaking #clientwork #SM7B #gearreview #cinematography #cameraequipment #contentcreation #creativeprocess #productionfail #Sony #Canon #Nikon

We dive into a fun, chaotic, and refreshingly honest conversation about filmmaking, social media, and the highs and lows of content creation. Things kick off with a laugh as we roast our own lighting mistakes from past episodes—underexposed frames, questionable setups, and some hilarious viewer comments. We own it all and reflect on what we’ve learned.

Our longtime friend Bradley joins us for the ride, and the nostalgia hits hard. From childhood memories to fast food jobs and service industry struggles, we keep things light while sharing stories from the early days. Bradley also talks about his transition from beginner Nikon gear to more advanced setups, reinforcing the importance of learning through doing.

As the episode unfolds, we dig into the deeper side of social media—how it shapes our creativity, the pressure to perform online, and the mental toll that comes with constantly creating. We get real about screen time, social media addiction, and the fine line between chasing engagement and staying true to your creative voice.

We reflect on why authenticity matters more than trends, and how creators can find meaning and fulfillment in their work—beyond just the metrics. To wrap it up, we chat about some of our favorite films, the evolution of modern filmmaking, and why original storytelling still matters in a world full of remakes.

🔗 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

#filmmaking #videoproduction #lightingfail #nikon #contentcreation #authenticity #creativeprocess #socialmediaethics #mentalhealth #behindthescenes #filmtalk #originalstorytelling #creativecommunity #podcastlife

We dive into the world of photography and filmmaking, sharing our thoughts on the latest camera releases and the ongoing debate of lenses vs. camera bodies. We explore the Canon PowerShot V1, a compact vlogging powerhouse, while also critiquing RED and Sony cameras, weighing their performance against their hefty price tags. Additionally, we discuss the challenges of editing with Da Vinci vs. Premiere, offering insights into the pros and cons of each software.

Beyond gear talk, we reflect on the creative process of writing and producing short films, sharing experiences with character development, scripting struggles, and the delicate balance between storytelling depth and production limitations. We also dive into the realities of content creation, offering practical tips alongside some humorous industry banter.

🔗 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

#photography #filmmaking #camera #contentcreation #CanonPowerShotV1 #REDcamera #SonyCineAlta #DaVinciResolve #PremierePro #ShortFilmProduction