Generator

In this episode, Matt Stagliano speaks with Sarah Rocca, a retoucher, fine art photographer, and drone-assisted self portrait artist located in New Hampshire. Sarah has defined a incredibly innovative voice in aerial self portraits and she talks about her process, her techniques, and what to expect when laying naked in firepits. The conversation also covers mental health, muscle cars, and traveling to desolate places all over the world.

To see more of Sarah's work please visit sarahjphotography.com

For the full video version, please visit the YouTube playlist.

In this episode, viewers will hear from Maine-based portrait photographer, Matt Stagliano, as he interviews Brian Simpson of Definitive Brewing Co. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Brian has worked as a Food & Beverage Director in Boston, NYC, and several locations in Maine.

From the Plaza Hotel in NYC, to the Roger Smith Hotel, to Newbury Street in Boston to Definitive Brewing Company, Brian has an incredible wealth of experience and is as down to earth as you can get.

He is also a long time social media specialist and discusses the very early days of Twitter and how he has used social media to create an exceptional experience for all of his guests for over 15 years. The conversation covers his views on creating community, setting expectations with customers, and all of the comparisons between the world of Hospitality and Social Media.

You're going to love this conversation.

(This is also the first "kitchen episode" with an in-person guest.)

For the full video version, please visit the YouTube playlist.

In this episode, Matt Stagliano speaks with Carrie Roseman, a high-end portrait photographer and educator located in CT and NYC area. Carrie is an energetic force of nature and has built her business around creating an unforgettable luxury experience for her successful clients. The conversation covers manifestation, becoming your authentic self, outsourcing work to stay in your "zone of genius" and creating engaging content to drive non-stop bookings. It's a high energy conversation and one that you are sure to enjoy.

To see more of Carrie's work please visit carrieroseman.com

For the full video version, please visit the YouTube playlist.

In this special episode, join me as I review my experience at the WPPI 2023 Conference and Trade Show, the premier event for wedding and portrait photographers. In this video, I'll give you an overview of the conference tracks and sessions, share some highlights from the keynote speeches, take you on a tour of the trade show floor, and give you my overall impressions of the event.

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this review will give you a comprehensive look at one of the most important events in the photography industry. So join me for my review of the WPPI 2023 Conference and Trade Show!

Full Video Version Can Be Found On YouTube

In this episode, Matt Stagliano speaks with Shannon K Dougherty, a highly published Intimate Portrait photographer and educator located in St Louis, MO. Shannon has defined her own unique style in the Intimate world and her images are instantly recognizable. The discussion ranges from styling clients, to authentic connection, to work/life balance, and the importance of The Office.

To see more of Shannon's work please visit shannonkdougherty.com

In this episode, Matt Stagliano speaks with Sissela Johansson, an editorial portrait photographer located in Monroe, CT and she explains the benefits of authenticity in her business, reinventing herself, setting boundaries with clients, and the pitfalls of social media.

To see more of Sissela's work please visit bysissela.com

For the video of this interview, just head on over to my YouTube channel!

Parker Pfister is not your average photographer. In a chat with Matt Stagliano, Parker dives into the whimsical world of photography that prioritizes childlike wonder over technical perfection. This episode highlights Parker's belief that the camera should never hinder creativity; instead, it should be an extension of one's vision. Unlike traditional workshops that focus heavily on settings and gear, Parker encourages exploration, experimentation, and even a bit of chaos. He shares how he often finds himself in unusual situations while traveling, making it clear that the essence of photography comes from genuine human connection rather than just the right lens or lighting. Through anecdotes of his travels, Parker illustrates how curiosity can lead to unexpected and beautiful results—be it a striking portrait or an unusual encounter that turns into a lifelong friendship. So, if you're looking to break free from the rigid constraints of conventional photography and embrace a more spontaneous, organic approach, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you to look at your craft in a new light.

Takeaways:

• Parker Pfister emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike wonder in photography, encouraging us to view the world with fresh eyes and curiosity rather than getting bogged down by technical details.
• Unlike traditional workshops that focus heavily on gear and settings, Parker's approach promotes self-discovery and experimentation, allowing students to explore their unique creative voice.
• He believes that there’s no single 'correct' image in photography; instead, what matters is how the image resonates with you and your feelings about it.
• Parker's teaching style is rooted in the idea that the art of photography is as much about the process and the stories behind the images as it is about the final product.
• During their conversation, Matt and Parker highlight the significance of connection and storytelling in photography, with Parker sharing anecdotes about how he engages with strangers to create meaningful portraits.
• The podcast dives deep into Parker's love for alternative processes in photography, showcasing his unconventional methods that challenge the norms of the photographic community.

To see more of Parker's work please visit parkerpfister.com

Matt Stagliano chats with Erica Manning, a senior photographer who's not just snapping pics of high school seniors but is also slaying the competition scene. With accolades like being a fellow at the Portrait Masters and consistently landing her work in the top ranks of competitions, Erica is a force to be reckoned with. We delve into her unique approach to photo competitions, how she plays with lighting to create jaw-dropping images, and the importance of finding your own voice in the creative world. Plus, if you've ever wondered how to elevate your portrait game from standard to spectacular, Erica's got you covered.

Takeaways:

• Erica Manning emphasizes the importance of storytelling in photography, especially for senior portraits, transforming them into character-driven narratives.
• Lighting techniques play a crucial role in Erica's photography, enabling her to create dramatic effects that enhance the emotional impact of her portraits.
• Competing in photography has taught Erica that every submission is a learning opportunity, and she approaches each competition with a growth mindset.
• Erica shares her journey of evolving her style from standard senior portraits to artistic, conceptual works that reflect deeper stories and emotions.

Links referenced in this episode:

• ericamanningphoto.com

In this episode, Matt Stagliano speaks with Nina Covington, a photographer, model, filmmaker, and activist about her process.

To see more of Nina's work, head over to her website: http://www.ninacovington.net/

For more articles and podcasts from The Artist's Forge, please visit https://theartistsforge.com