In this episode, Michael is joined by co-host Sydney Marie for a thoughtful and honest conversation about the summer stretch—that point in the busy season where creativity, energy, and authenticity are tested. From the pressure of back-to-back sessions to the rituals that keep us grounded, this episode blends real-world experience with practical advice for sustaining yourself through your busiest months.

We talk about:

• What the busy season really feels like for photographers

• The signs of burnout and how to recognize them early

• The tension between authenticity and autopilot in client work

• Systems and workflows that make the load lighter

• Rest days, boundaries, and permission to say no

• Rituals and recovery practices that restore creativity

• Why community support is essential during the grind

Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the thick of weddings or someone navigating your first packed season, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone—and that taking care of yourself is just as much a part of the work as caring for your clients.

👤 Co-Host: Sydney Marie 📸 Instagram: @sydneymariephotography 🌐 Website: sydneymariephotography.com

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🎧 New episodes drop every 1st and 3rd Monday. Subscribe & stay connected: → Join Focus Circle → Facebook Group → Instagram

In this episode, Michael is joined by portrait and underwater photographer Chelsea Erwin for a conversation that dives beneath the surface—literally and creatively. From gear and light to trust and direction, this episode explores how underwater photography pushes us to communicate clearly, shoot with intention, and create work that feels emotionally alive.

We talk about:

How Chelsea’s surf photography background led to underwater portraits

What it really takes to protect your gear (and your peace of mind) underwater

How to communicate with clients when words don’t work

Why relaxation is the secret to strong underwater images

Creative advantages of “anti-gravity” posing and fluid movement

The emotional depth water brings to maternity and couples sessions

Whether you're curious about shooting underwater or just want to improve how you direct and connect with clients, this episode offers practical insight with a healthy dose of wonder.

👤 Guest: Chelsea Erwin 🌊 Instagram: @chelseaerwinphotography 🌐 Website: chelseaerwin.com

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🎧 New episodes drop every 1st and 3rd Monday. Subscribe & stay connected: → Join Focus Circle → Facebook Group → Instagram

In this episode, Michael is joined by co-host Katy Weaver for a deep and practical conversation about golden hour, blue hour, and everything in between. From lighting logistics to emotional presence, this episode offers a blend of creative reflection and hands-on tips for portrait and wedding photographers alike.

We talk about:

• What golden hour really is—and why it feels different in the morning vs. the evening

• How personal boundaries and client education shape shoot timing

• What to do when the weather doesn’t cooperate

• How light evolves across an evening session

• Breath work, slowing down, and the emotional potential of blue hour

• Common mistakes when shooting or editing golden hour sessions (and how to avoid them)

Whether you’re a full-time pro or just learning to chase the light, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired to bring more intentionality (and maybe a little more softness) into your work.

👤 Co-Host: Katy Weaver 🌊 Instagram: @katyweaverphotography and @katyweaverportraits 🌐 Website: katyweaver.com

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🎧 New episodes drop every 1st and 3rd Monday. Subscribe & stay connected: → Join Focus Circle → Facebook Group → Instagram

In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend and fellow Northern Michigan photographer Jessie Zevalkink. We dive into the theme of water - not just how to photograph it, but what it means as a creative metaphor. From calm lakes at sunset to unpredictable waves during body brave sessions, we explore how water shows up in our work, how it shapes our process, and how it teaches us to adapt.

Jessie also shares stories from her sailing adventures (including a full boat capsize!) and how being near, or in, water changes the energy of a shoot. We talk about the balance between movement and stillness, the gear we trust, the light we chase, and the quiet moments that anchor our best work.

Creative Prompt for This Episode: Photograph water in any form, literal or abstract. Think puddles, waves, bath time, rain, dew, even coffee or drinking glasses. Tag @ourphotoclub on Instagram or share in the Facebook group.

👤 Co-Host: Jessie Zevalkink 🌊 Instagram: @j.zevalkink 🌐 Website: www.jzevalkink.com

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🎧 New episodes drop every 1st and 3rd Monday. Subscribe & stay connected: → Join Focus Circle → Facebook Group → Instagram

Welcome to the very first episode of the Photo Club Community Podcast!

This is Episode Zero — a soft launch to introduce the vision behind the show, and to ask a big question: Why do we take photos, especially when we're not trying to go pro?

Host Michael Stewart Patrick Kent reflects on the creative impulse to document our world, and shares stories of personal photo rituals, community conversations, and how photography can be an act of purpose — even without an audience.

🎧 New episodes drop every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, each focused on a creative theme.

✨ Join the community: → Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ourphotoclub   → Get email updates & prompts: https://ourphotoclub.co/focus-circle-photography-newsletter

Our Good Humans Season 2! Sarah Schade. From Sarah Schade Photography

Sarah is a talented photographer, but part of what makes this episode interesting is that she is pretty new the the business side of things. So, like photo club as a whole, we can learn not just for the veteran photographers around us, but the ones that are coming into the industry with fresh eyes.

We talk about photo as a business, as an art and craft, the pros and cons of art school, and some human stuff as well.

So, sit back and enjoy this episode, but also please DO let us know how we are doing with things. We want to make this as valuable for our community as possible.

Welcome to the Our Good Humans podcast, part of the Photo Club community. 

Twyla Jones is a legit master of emotional/emotive photography. With her distinct editing style, her deeply touching photos, and her Emotional Storytelling class and facebook group, she is an utter wealth of knowledge on the deeper sides of the photography craft. In the war between boring and beautiful images, Twyla is one of our greatest champions.

We discussed:

• Finding your editing style
• Creating life-work balance
• Family photography as a focus