Generator

In this episode, Maine portrait photographer Matt Stagliano talks with Jessica Malone, a boudoir and fine art photographer in Ohio. Jessica has created a successful portrait business in a very small town and she helps empower her clients by exploring self-discovery, healing and creativity with them. In addition to her work, Jessica has also been creating a series of photographs based on the Tarot and inviting her clients to be the subjects of each "card."

Podcast Title: Generator

Guest: Jessica Malone - Portrait, Boudoir, and Fine Art Photographer

Episode Title: You Are So Much More Than Your Identity

Episode Number: 29

Publish Date: 1 April 2024

Episode Overview

In this episode titled "You Are So Much More Than Your Identity," Matt Stagliano converses with Jessica Malone, a portrait photographer from Ohio. They delve into their similar backgrounds and the unique aspects of operating luxury businesses in small towns. Their discussion spans Jessica's innovative tarot card project, exploring themes of identity and creativity. Jessica shares insights into the significance of genuine connections in her work, the challenges and joys of marketing in a small town, and the profound impact of personal projects like her tarot series on her professional journey and client experiences.

Key Topics and Talking Points

• Small-town business challenges and collaboration.
• Photography business challenges in small towns.
• Creating a tarot deck with a unique blend of traditional and modern elements.
• Creative blocks and marketing struggles in the photography industry.
• Personality tests, creativity, and outsourcing.
• Photography growth and ego checks.
• Embracing multiple passions and overcoming self-imposed limits.
• Personal branding, creativity, and finding balance.
• Creativity, self-doubt, and alignment for working creatives.

Resources and Links

• Website: www.jessicamaloneportrait.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicamaloneportrait/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicamaloneportrait/

Calls to Action

• Website: https://generatorpodcast.com
• Subscribe to Generator: Never miss an episode – subscribe on your favorite podcast app.
• Leave a Review: Head over to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/generator/id1668192673 and leave us a 5 Star review if you liked the show! Help others discover this podcast.
• Follow on Social Media: Connect with us on Instagram or TikTok @generatorpodcast or on YouTube @stonetreecreative

This is another installment of a sub-series of Generator called "Focal Points" where Maine photographer Matt Stagliano speaks with Jonny Edward, a commercial and portrait photographer, as well a top-tier educator based in Denver, Colorado about a variety of topics.

Podcast Title: Generator: Focal Points

Episode Title: The Recap of WPPI 2024 (Part 2)

Episode Number: 028

Publish Date: 26 March 2024

Description: In this episode, Matt & Jonny recount their vastly different experiences at WPPI 2024 in Las Vegas. This is Part 2 of a two part episode.

Keywords: creativity, WPPI, trade show, conference, photography, career, growth, community, podcasting, professional etiquette

Key Topics and Talking Points

• Solving issues in photography shooting bays
• The need for more photography podcasts
• The importance of reading shipping labels
• A last night in Vegas

Resources and Links

• For more on Jonny Edward's photography and educational courses, please visit jonnyedward.com

Calls to Action

• Website: https://generatorpodcast.com
• Subscribe to Generator: Never miss an episode – subscribe on your favorite podcast app.
• Leave a Review: Head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a 5 Star review if you liked the show! Help others discover this podcast.
• Follow on Social Media: Connect with us on Instagram or TikTok @generatorpodcast or on YouTube @stonetreecreative
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Mentioned in this episode:

Cyanide

This is another installment of a sub-series of Generator called "Focal Points" where Maine photographer Matt Stagliano speaks with Jonny Edward, a commercial and portrait photographer, as well a top-tier educator based in Denver, Colorado about a variety of topics.

Podcast Title: Generator: Focal Points

Episode Title: The Recap of WPPI 2024 (Part 1)

Episode Number: 027

Publish Date: 19 March 2024

Description: In this episode, Matt & Jonny recount their vastly different experiences at WPPI 2024 in Las Vegas. This is Part 1 of a two part episode.

Keywords: creativity, WPPI, trade show, conference, photography, career, growth, community, podcasting, professional etiquette

Key Topics and Talking Points

• The aftermath of WPPI
• Are trade shows going extinct?
• The problems with photography shooting bays
• An overview of Jonny's post-show workshop
• Attending a VIP party
• The photographer Code of Conduct

Resources and Links

• For more on Jonny Edward's photography and educational courses, please visit jonnyedward.com

Calls to Action

• Website: https://generatorpodcast.com
• Subscribe to Generator: Never miss an episode – subscribe on your favorite podcast app.
• Leave a Review: Head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a 5 Star review if you liked the show! Help others discover this podcast.
• Follow on Social Media: Connect with us on Instagram or TikTok @generatorpodcast or on YouTube @stonetreecreative

Mentioned in this episode:

Cyanide

In this episode, Maine portrait photographer Matt Stagliano talks with Kristen Lettini.

Kristen is a Business Management Consultant and the host of the Build Your Own Fairytale podcast. She helps simplify and streamline processes so small business owners can do more of what they love, rather than get stuck in their day to day tasks of their business.

Podcast Title: Generator

Episode Title: How to Build Your Own Fairytale

Episode Number: 026

Publish Date: March 3, 2024

Episode Overview

Join us for an inspiring conversation about building a successful business on your own terms. Learn how systems and workflows transform solopreneur ventures, saving time and increasing revenue. Get tips on managing burnout, overcoming imposter syndrome, and optimizing your social media presence. Discover strategies to create work-life balance while pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams. If you're ready to design a fulfilling and successful business, this episode is for you!

Key Topics and Talking Points

• Systems streamline success: Discover how implementing systems and workflows transform businesses, leading to growth and sanity.
• Solopreneur Solutions: Get expert insights on systems specifically tailored for solopreneurs and small business owners.
• Work-Life Balance and Burnout: Learn tips for creating boundaries, avoiding burnout, and achieving a fulfilling life as an entrepreneur.
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Explore strategies to combat imposter syndrome and step confidently into your entrepreneurial role.
• Social Media Strategy: Optimize your social media presence with actionable tips on content planning and audience engagement.

Resources and Links

• https://kristenlettini.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/kristen.lettini/
• https://linktr.ee/kristen.lettini

Calls to Action

• Website: https://generatorpodcast.com
• Subscribe to Generator: Never miss an episode – subscribe on your favorite podcast app.
• Leave a Review: Head over to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/generator/id1668192673 and leave us a 5 Star review if you liked the show! Help others discover this podcast.
• Follow on Social Media: Connect with us on Instagram or TikTok @generatorpodcast or on YouTube @stonetreecreative

Podcast Title: Generator

Episode Title: Nora McCormack: Blazing a Trail to Your Ideal Life

Episode Number: Episode 25

Publish Date: 26 Feb 2024

Episode Overview

• In this episode, Maine portrait photographer Matt Stagliano talks with Nora McCormack, a videographer and entrepreneur based in the Portland, Maine. She is the owner of SP Films which provides wedding video packages, a partner at Maine Studio Works, and the founder of AfterParty - a nonprofit in the wedding industry.

Guest Profile

• Guest Name: Nora McCormack
• Short Bio: Nora is a high end wedding videographer based in Maine. He company, SP Films has been in business for 16 years. After a solo backpacking journey in Southeast Asia and hiking over 2000 miles on the Appalachian Trail, she decided to wind down her successful business and start a non-profit in the wedding industry that is more aligned to her values and beliefs, and her hope is to reduce the wasteful spending she sees in the industry. Nora expresses frustration with the constant advertising and marketing in their business and personal life, and wants to be an agent of change.
• Links: SP Films: https://sp-films.com

Key Topics/Talking Points

• Wedding videography and personal adventures.
• Business struggles and personal growth.
• Hiking the Appalachian Trail and societal class.
• The impact of technology on creativity and contentment during a thru-hike.
• Hiking the Appalachian Trail and its impact on business and mindset.
• Wedding waste and repurposing flowers for charity.
• Sustainable wedding practices and business growth.
• Transitioning from video production to event planning.
• Legacy, customer service, and video production in the wedding industry.

Resources and Links

• SP Films: https://sp-films.com

Calls to Action

• Website: https://generatorpodcast.com
• Subscribe to Generator: Never miss an episode – subscribe on your favorite podcast app.
• Leave a Review: Head over to the Apple Podcasts show page and leave us a 5 Star review if you liked the show! Help others discover this podcast.
• Follow on Social Media: Connect with us on Instagram or TikTok @generatorpodcast or on YouTube @stonetreecreative

wedding, florals, Appalachian trail, business, video, repurpose, videographer

In this episode, Maine portrait photographer Matt Stagliano talks with Caron Shahrestani, a videographer and business coach based in the Bay Area of California. She is also the owner of Caron Modern Media which provides video marketing services and coaching for business owners.

Podcast Title: Generator

Episode Title: Caron Shahrestani: Building a Values Based Business with Video

Episode Number: 24

Publish Date: 19 February 2024

Episode Overview

Join us as we explore the worlds of video marketing, social change, and self-discovery with the insightful Caron Shahrestani. Caron shares her journey from journalism to videography, her experiences confronting cultural inequities, and her mission to empower others through video and coaching. This episode tackles a range of important topics, including the shifting social landscape, women's leadership, and the power of storytelling for impact.

Guest Profile

Caron Shahrestani is a videographer, coach, and founder of Caron Modern Media. Based in Silicon Valley, she helps businesses navigate the evolving video landscape with compelling storytelling and authentic marketing strategies. Corona is passionate about breaking down societal barriers and fostering a more inclusive and equitable world.

Key Topics and Talking Points

• Video marketing strategies and trends
• The importance of storytelling in marketing
• Confronting cultural inequities (gender inequality, racism, LGBTQ+ bias)
• Female leadership and empowerment
• Personal growth and transformation
• Balancing authenticity and audience targeting in a divided society

Resources and Links

• Caron Modern Media: https://caronmodernmedia.com/

Calls to Action

• Website: Explore Caron's work and offerings at https://caronmodernmedia.com/
• Schedule a Strategy Call: Book a complimentary call with Caron at https://calendly.com/caronmodmedia/45-minute-strategy-session-ext
• Subscribe to Generator: Never miss an episode – subscribe on your favorite podcast app.
• Leave a Review: Share your feedback and help others discover this podcast.
• Follow on Social Media: Connect with us on Instagram or TikTok @generatorpodcast or on YouTube @stonetreecreative

This is the first episode in a sub-series of Generator called "Focal Points" where Maine photographer Matt Stagliano speaks with Jonny Edward, a commercial and portrait photographer, as well a top-tier educator based in Denver, Colorado about a variety of topics.

"Jonny and I always have long deep conversations when we get together and we decided to start recording more of them. In this first Focal Point, we wanted to say the quiet parts out loud, and talk about struggles as a creative and occasionally feeling lost or uninspired. This is just the two of us working out our emotions and perspectives in real time. Totally unscripted and without a defined end point. It was wonderful to just sit down and talk this through"

Podcast Title: Generator - A podcast about creativity

Episode Title: Saying The Quiet Part Out Loud

Host: Matt Stagliano

CoHost: Jonny Edward

Description: Join Matt Stagliano and Jonny Edward as they delve into the raw struggles of facing creative blocks, self-doubt, and overcoming fears. They discuss feeling creatively lost and stuck, the challenges of defining success, and how personal growth intertwines with creative pursuits. If you're searching for ways to unlock your creativity and tap into your purpose, this honest and thought-provoking episode is for you.

Keywords: creativity, creative blocks, fear, self-doubt, career, growth, community, photography, podcasting, mental health

Topics Covered:

• Overcoming creative insecurity and feeling lost
• Exploring creative identities and purpose
• Balancing pursuing new directions with existing passions
• Fears holding back creative growth
• Connecting with others while battling feelings of isolation
• Self-belief, inner struggle, and personal growth
• Tattoo experiences and community
• Dealing with stillness and self-care
• Importance of finding joy in creativity

Call to Action:

• Find us on our website: generatorpodcast.com
• Connect with us on Instagram: @generatorpodcast 
• Follow us on TikTok: @generatorpodcast: 
• Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/stonetreecreative

For more on Jonny Edward's photography and educational courses, please visit jonnyedward.com

In this short bonus episode, Matt goes over some personal and professional highlights from the year, as well as a peek into 2024.

In this episode, Maine portrait photographer Matt Stagliano talks with Cat Ford-Coates: photographer, educator, coach, and founder of The Studio Takeover.

Cat has been a powerhouse in the portrait photography world since 2015 and is one of the primary mentors in The Portrait System. She worked closely with Sue Bryce for years, using those methods to build a profitable and sustainable portrait studio in Asheville, NC.

With her own approach built on experience, Cat has taught thousands of students over the years, and has recently created The Studio takeover, a full featured online education platform catering to photographers that want to level up their business. She is a keynote speaker at events like The Portrait Masters and WPPI.

For more information or to see her work, you can find Cat online at https://thestudiotakeover.online, or on social @thestudiotakeover

Mentioned in this episode:

Cyanide

In this episode, Maine portrait photographer Matt Stagliano talks with Pratik Naik, one of the world's foremost commercial retouchers and educators.

Pratik is also the founder of the Infinite Color Panel and co-founder of Future of Photo. Starting with Photoshop in 1999, his background in photo manipulation led to a natural transition into retouching through photography. His work has been featured in Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and other high-end publications, showcasing over 15 years of experience in the editorial and commercial realms.

Pratik's distinctive style is marked by a non-destructive and concise approach, focusing on bringing photographers' visions to life. Beyond his artistic endeavors, he is dedicated to empowering creatives through education and resource development. His ability to collaborate across various styles stems from his history as a photographer, providing a comprehensive understanding of the industry from both creative and technical perspectives.

You can find Pratik's retouching work online at https://www.solsticeretouch.com/, or on social @solsticeretouch

For his Future of Photo course, you can find that at https://www.futureofphoto.com/ and his discussions about AI can be found on Instagram at @futurist.ai

Mentioned in this episode:

Cyanide