Summary

Mark Stocker is Senior Creative Manager for The Very Group, a collection of high volume retail brands based in Liverpool England. Mark was a speaker at the Henry Stewart Photo Studios Ops Forum back in October of 2021 and we invited him on this episode to discuss how the proverbial pendulum needs to (and is!) swing away from the lowest cost per shot possible, to a true strategic consideration capable of driving revenue in a more direct way. After all, it is the creative teams and the solutions they develop that will change the way we buy and sell digitally. 

Key Takeaways

• If there were a pendulum, with one side being "Profit Center" and the other side was "Cost Center" for Creative Production at any brand or retailer, the pendulum is probably headed to profit center. That means more investment in creative teams  and creative strategy, and moving away from the pursuit of lowest cost per shot.
• The time is now to focus on investing quality of creative.  The pandemic has forced to embrace EXTREME change in our processes and goals. We can save money now with our eyes closed.
• The power of the creative mind doesn't need to actually click the button to create. It will be todays photographers and stylists that will enable the next revolution of media and e-commerce creative.
• Investing in spaces is important to investing increasing quality.

Links & Resources

Mark on LinkedIn

The Very Group on LinkedIn

Credits
Produced by: Creative Force - creativeforce.io
Edited by: Calvin Lanz Sound - clsound.net
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com

Summary

This is episode 64 of the e-commerce content creation podcast and Daniel is unpacking his terrible fear of changing technology with Conrad Sanderson. If there’s anyone who understands the relationship between change and fear, it’s probably Conrad, while he’s not a licensed therapist or anything, his career has spanned many changes in the technology that drives our industry and his job has taken him halfway around the world, moving back and forth across the US, and now across the Atlantic to Germany. We unpack the fears that creep up when we start to talk about what the future holds for creative production teams, and how we can meet them rationally, and see them for what they are, an opportunity.

The instagram account Daniel reference's in the episode belongs to Peter Tarka, @petertarka

Credits
Produced by: Creative Force - creativeforce.io
Edited by: Calvin Lanz Sound - clsound.net
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com

Summary

Matthew Schulert was lead photographer and one of the earliest studio team members at HauteLook, a flash sale site that Nordstrom bought in 2011. Matthew and Daniel talk about the the history of that studio as it grew from just 3 sets, to over 10 times that size across many iterations of studios throughout Southern California. Why is this episode called building the plane in the air? No one really knew exactly how to build a high volume e-comm studio to support a flash sale site back then, so everyone had to figure out as they went, and as we mention during the episode: At that time, no one was talking to each other. 

Credits
Produced by: Creative Force - creativeforce.io
Edited by: Calvin Lanz Sound - clsound.net
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com

Takeaways

• Linnea's early exposure to photography came from her father's hobby and her own experiences with disposable cameras.
• She emphasizes the importance of personal work in developing her artistic style.
• Linnea discusses the challenges and advantages of shooting with digital versus film cameras.
• The use of grain in photography is highlighted as a technique to enhance images and create a film-like quality.
• She shares her journey of finding a niche in photography and the importance of stylistic consistency.
• Linnea's self-portraits emerged from a place of fear but evolved into a significant aspect of her work.
• The conversation touches on the competitive nature of photography and the pressure to be versatile.
• Linnea's commercial work often reflects her personal style, leading to unique client collaborations.
• She reflects on the evolution of her artistic practice and the confidence gained over time.
• The episode concludes with Linnea's thoughts on the creative process and the joy of photography. The pandemic was a turning point for my photography.
• Client expectations often need to be managed carefully.
• Planning for animations requires careful consideration.
• Simplicity in animation can lead to satisfying results.

Credits

This podcast was produced by verybusy.io and co-produced by Daniel Jester

Visit VeryBusy.io/fdf to learn how they can help you streamline your review process and post production communication

Summary

In this episode of the E-commerce Content Creation Podcast, host Daniel Jester speaks with Ryan Lustig, a seasoned photographer who transitioned from skateboarder to professional photographer to studio leader. They discuss the evolution of photography careers, particularly in e-commerce, and how many photographers found their way into the industry through unconventional paths. Ryan shares his personal journey, including his experiences working with various brands and the challenges of moving into leadership roles. The conversation also touches on the importance of maintaining a creative outlet and the future aspirations of photographers in a changing industry.

Summary

In this episode, Daniel Jester and Matt Ware discuss the evolving landscape of creativity within the eCommerce and photography industries. They explore the importance of community, the impact of the pandemic on social connections, and the necessity of fostering creativity in all aspects of work. The conversation highlights practical approaches to encourage creative exploration and collaboration among teams, emphasizing that creativity is not limited to traditional artistic roles but exists in every workplace. In this conversation, Matt Ware and Daniel discuss the significance of creativity and storytelling in branding, the challenges of data-driven marketing, and the evolving landscape of art and photography. They emphasize the importance of internal culture and community in shaping a brand's narrative, while also addressing the need for a balance between creativity and measurable outcomes. The discussion highlights the potential for art to thrive in challenging times and the necessity of valuing photography in a digital age.

Takeaways

• Matt Licari identifies as a portrait photographer at heart.
• Celebrity photography often involves quick, high-pressure situations.
• Building a connection with subjects is crucial for capturing authentic moments.
• Technical preparation is essential for successful shoots with limited time.
• Finding creative expression within constraints can lead to unique results.
• Emotional intelligence is key in high-stress photography environments.
• Photography can serve as a form of unlicensed therapy for subjects. 
• Personal work can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• SEO efforts can pay off years later.
• Trusting your technical skills enhances creativity.
• Fashion photography requires understanding of the industry.
• Lookbooks have evolved with digital trends.
• Technology has streamlined post-production processes.
• Learning from mistakes is crucial in photography.
• Building a conducive workspace enhances focus.
• Influences shape an artist's unique voice.
• Embracing one's journey is vital for growth.

Credits

This podcast was produced by verybusy.io and co-produced by Daniel Jester

Visit VeryBusy.io/fdf to learn how they can help you streamline your review process and post production communication

Summary

This week's episode features Caleb Raynor, taking us back to school for studio economics 101. We talk about the mechanics and metrics that determine the financial success of the photo studio and how you can learn to speak that language fluently when making the business case for more investment in your creative teams. 

Summary

Hello and welcome to this week’s episode of the E-commerce Content Creation Podcast, which happens to be Part II of Daniel's recent conversation with Tony Baker. If you haven’t caught part one yet, that was last week’s episode, episode 162 you might want to give that one a listen because in part II Tony is taking us deeper into how he goes about helping his clients understand their value, and how to use that insight to understand purpose. 

Summary

Daniel is joined by Tony Baker this week. Tony recently launched his new coaching and mentorship program, aimed at helping creative professionals of all stripes understand their value, and how to incorporate that knowledge in their purpose and goals. This is part one of this two part conversation, they discuss the need for authentic connection in the work that we do, in part so we can use that connection to articulate our value and collaborate more effectively.