This episode is part two of our two-part series, where we continue exploring the lessons that have defined our photography journeys. We dig into the art of building a unique editing style through fearless experimentation, the importance of harnessing early passion to create momentum, and the value of protecting your mental space with practical tools like managing notifications. We also reflect on the power of surrounding yourself with inspiring individuals who challenge and elevate your craft. With personal stories, actionable insights, and plenty of inspiration, this conversation is perfect for photographers and creatives ready to take their journey to the next level.

Expect to Learn:

• How to develop a unique editing style by letting your preferences guide your work
• the importance of harnessing early passion to build momentum and take on ambitious projects
• Practical ways to manage mental space, like limiting notifications, to enhance focus and creativity
• Why focusing on the process rather than outcomes will automatically bring you success
• the value of surrounding yourself with individuals who elevate your craft and mindset.

Sponsor:

Thanks to Tamron for being our lead sponsor this episode! Explore the 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 lens with $200 USD & $300 CAD off and deals on many more lenses during their for your Sony E-mount, Nikon Z, and FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless cameras by clicking www.tamron-americas.com or by visiting your local Tamron authorized dealer. The Spring Savings event is on now until April 20th, 2025. 

Our Links:

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US


Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography

Support the show

Support the show

In today’s episode, we reflect on our photography journeys, sharing pivotal strategies and mindset shifts that have shaped our growth. We explore the art of building momentum from small gigs, mastering versatility to meet different creative demands, and finding freedom in letting go of rigid expectations. With compelling stories and thoughtful analogies to keep things engaging, this conversation offers plenty of inspiration for photographers and creatives at any level.

Expect to Learn:

• Why broadening your skill set helps you and excel in creative projects
• How to use small success to build momentum towards larger opportunities
• Why networking may be the most important opportunity generator.
• Why focusing on the process rather than outcomes will automatically bring you success
• How to start thinking about "value gained" beyond simply earning money.

Sponsor:

Thanks to Tamron for being our lead sponsor this episode! Explore the 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 lens with $200 USD & $300 CAD off and deals on many more lenses during their for your Sony E-mount, Nikon Z, and FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless cameras by clicking www.tamron-americas.com or by visiting your local Tamron authorized dealer. The Spring Savings event is on now until April 20th, 2025. 

Our Links:

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US


Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography

Support the show

In this episode, we challenged ourselves to create an entire episode without mentioning photography, not even once! What seemed simple at first turned out to be a tough but rewarding experiment. The episode serves as an experiment and demonstration of how it’s okay to take a pause from your duties, even when an audience has come to expect something specific from you. 

This rare break gave us the chance to check in on each other as friends, leading to off the cuff discussions about favorite books, Seth learning Norwegian, Aaron rediscovering his love for music, and much more. We talk about the art of play, toe yoga (yes you read that right), raising a Husky, and how stepping away from your passions can spark new inspiration.

We’ll return to photography-focused episodes next week, but for now, enjoy this refreshing detour. Got a topic for us? Drop a comment in Spotify, DM, or email, and remember to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Expect to Learn:

• Why you should try to do one thing you did as a kid every single day.
• How stepping away from a primary focus can inspire fresh ideas.
• How to create and invite more joyful moments into your life.
• About tons of great books to help you navigate life’s challenges and peak your curiosity. 

Sponsor:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want high-quality prints, with a variety of material options, and who want their work delivered fast in 9 days or less!

You can use the code TPM2025 at checkout for 15% off!
https://www.whitewall.com/


Our Links:

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US


Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

Support the show

Are photography contests worth your time? Can submitting your work really change your creative trajectory or confidence? Seth and Aaron sit down with photographer Neil Dankoff (@neildankoff), VIEWBUG CEO Ori Guttin, and Zach Hodges from VSCO to explore how photography contests go far beyond competing for prizes and likes, offering insight into your work, sharpening your skills, and pushing you to think outside the Instagram bubble.

From judging nuances to personal stories of life-changing wins, the conversation dives deep into what makes a photo stand out in a sea of submissions. Along the way, the guests share behind-the-scenes tips on building a photography career, the value of branching out to specialized communities like VIEWBUG and VSCO, and how contests can motivate you to experiment, grow, and reconnect with why you started creating in the first place.

Expect to Learn:

• Why the best photograph isn’t always the most technically perfect one.
• How contests can inspire you to reevaluate your portfolio and take creative risks.
• Why rejection is necessary feedback and valuable to your growth.
• How platforms designed for photographers differ from mainstream social media.
• Why we often mistake the effort invested in capturing a photograph as a reflection of the image's quality or value.
  
  

How to Enter the "My Best Frame" Photography Competition:
(You do not have to do both, just one!)

1. Visit the contest page on VIEWBUG: https://www.viewbug.com/contests/my-best-frame-photo-contest
   
   
2. Post your work on VSCO with the hashtag #MyBestFrame. Learn how here: https://vsco.co/vsco/journal/win-the-serengeti-trip-of-a-lifetime 

Contest Parameters:

• How to Enter: Submit your photo via VIEWBUG or post it on VSCO with the hashtag #MyBestFrame.
• Deadline: Submissions close on March 30th, 2025.
• Genres Allowed: Open to ALL genres.
• Number of Entries: Unlimited submissions allowed.
• Grand Prize: A 7-day luxury Serengeti safari for two valued at $20,000 courtesy of Elewana Lodge.
• Runner-Up Prizes: Annual VSCO Pro or VIEWBUG Platinum memberships for 10 runners-up on each platform.
• Ownership Rights: You keep all rights to your photos.

Our Links:

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US


Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

Support the show

When faced with the question "If everything is meaningless, why bother?" how do we push forward as creatives and start or resume sharing our work again?

Seth and Aaron explore what it means to create in a world that often feels saturated, overwhelming, and cosmically insignificant. They reflect on their own experiences of creative nihilism, the creeping sense that no creative act really matters in the grand scheme of things, and how they’ve worked to overcome the detachment that can stem from that feeling.

What starts as a discussion about social media and the challenges of sharing work evolves into an exploration of purpose, authenticity, and how to reframe the act of creating. From letting go of perfectionism to finding joy in absurdity, Seth and Aaron remind us that the antidote to the despair of meaninglessness is to make your own meaning, however small or silly it may seem.

Expect to Learn:

- How meaninglessness can be an opportunity to create your own purpose.
- How to get to a place where you don't feel like you're "ego sharing" your work
- To combat nihilism by experimenting with absurd or whimsical ideas.
- How to view "sharing your work" as the final stage in the creative process.
- To reconnect with people when you're detached and struggling to relate.

Sponsor:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want high-quality prints, with a variety of material options, and who want their work delivered fast in 9 days or less!

You can use the code TPM2025 at checkout for 15% off!
https://www.whitewall.com/


Our Links:

Book a one time virtual 30 minute 1-on-1 session with Aaron or Seth entirely for FREE by using the code "FREETRIAL" at checkout: https://thephotographermindset.com/products/60-minute-virtual-1-on-1-session

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US


Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

Support the show

Support the show

In this episode, we chat with Eric Yang (@yangez) , CEO of Topaz Labs (@topazlabs), about the future of photo and video creation over the next 5 to 10 years. Eric shares how advancements in AI and creative tools are set to make high-production-value visuals nearly effortless, shifting the focus from technical skills to the art of authentic storytelling. We explore how these innovations will redefine what it means to be a creator, placing creativity and originality at the forefront. With a behind-the-scenes look at Topaz Labs’ role in driving this evolution, Eric offers invaluable insights for filmmakers, content creators, and anyone passionate about the future of media.

Expect to Learn:

- How AI tools democratize high fidelity content creation, rivalling big productions
- Why being a great storyteller will be more valuable than ever
- If your current technical photography and videography skills will remain relevant
- What the landscape of the photo/video landscape looks like 5-10 years from now
- How to integrate AI into your workflow and avoid being left behind

Our Links:

Check out our 2025 TPM Alaskan Photography Retreat itinerary and secure 1 of 2 spots left: https://thephotographermindset.com/products/2025-tpm-annual-retreat-alaska

Book a one time virtual 30 minute 1-on-1 session with Aaron or Seth entirely for FREE by using the code "FREETRIAL" at checkout: https://thephotographermindset.com/products/60-minute-virtual-1-on-1-session

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US


Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography

Support the show

Why do our creative journeys twist and turn in unexpected ways?

This episode opens with a nostalgic throwback to one of the first times Aaron and Seth met during an Instagram Live exchange five years ago. Taking inspiration from a listener’s suggestion, we reflect on how we met, got started, earned our first dollar behind the camera, and how our motivations as creators have evolved over time.

We unpack early successes, setbacks, and key lessons that continue to shape our creative journeys. Along the way, we explore staying motivated, maintaining balance, and pivoting when necessary—all while staying true to passion and purpose.

Expect to learn:

• Why early creative "success" can sometimes feel deceiving
• How to identify when your motivations are shifting and why that's okay
• The value of creating for yourself versus external validation
• How to gamify tasks and stay motivated long-term
• Why letting go of certain identities can spark self-growth

Sponsor:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want high-quality prints, with a variety of material options, and who want their work delivered fast in 9 days or less!

You can use the code TPM2025 at checkout for 15% off!
https://www.whitewall.com/


Our Links:

Book a one time virtual 30 minute 1-on-1 session with Aaron or Seth entirely for FREE by using the code "FREETRIAL" at checkout: https://thephotographermindset.com/products/60-minute-virtual-1-on-1-session

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US


Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

Support the show

Why does hard work sometimes fall short of delivering the results we expect? In this episode, we uncover the non-linear relationship between effort and success, challenging the idea that rewards are always proportional to the work we put in. Through self reflections, we discuss the frustration around fairness, the role of external validation, and the power of self-auditing to find your "fifth gear" without burning out. By asking tough questions about our motivations—why we create, what truly matters, and how to align effort with purpose—this conversation aims to inspire a more intentional, fulfilling approach to chasing your creative goals.

Expect to learn:

-Why success isn’t always proportional to effort
-How to spot diminishing returns in your work
-The importance of peeling back the layers of your "why"
-How external validation can derail your creative process and what to do instead
-Why fairness is an illusion and how accepting this can help you focus on you

Sponsor:

Thanks to Tamron for being our lead sponsor this episode! Explore the 35-150mm f/2.0-2.8 G2 lens with $200 USD & $300 CAD off and deals on many more lenses for your Sony E-mount, Nikon Z, and FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless cameras by clicking www.tamron-americas.com or by visiting your local Tamron authorized dealer.

Our Links:

Check out our 2025 TPM Alaskan Photography Retreat itinerary and secure 1 of 2 spots left: https://thephotographermindset.com/products/2025-tpm-annual-retreat-alaska

Book a one time virtual 30 minute 1-on-1 session with Aaron or Seth entirely for FREE by using the code "FREETRIAL" at checkout: https://thephotographermindset.com/products/60-minute-virtual-1-on-1-session

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US


Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography

Support the show

In this episode we chat with Ryan Peters (@ryanpeterspgh) a.k.a "Peter's Pasta", a Pittsburgh-based chef and pasta enthusiast whose viral TikTok and Instagram videos have captivated millions. Ryan shares his inspiring story of transitioning from the demanding restaurant world to becoming a full-time content creator and pasta entrepreneur, all fuelled by a 64-day obsession with perfecting his craft. Discover how he blends creativity with tradition to make pasta fun and approachable and the bold steps he took to turn his passion into a thriving career. From working with major brands and professional sports teams to collaborating with internet sensations like Mr. Beast, Ryan reveals the lessons he's learned.

Expect to Learn:

- When to take a leap of faith and leave a stable job to pursue content creation
- The importance of consistency and storytelling to build a strong niche brand
- The challenges of balancing creativity with managing a growing business
- Insights into creating viral content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram
- Tips on recognizing opportunity and capitalizing on moments of momentum

Ryan's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/PetersPasta
Ryan's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@peterspasta
Ryan's Website: https://www.peterspastapgh.com/ryan
Ryan's Podcast: @kneadtoknow

Sponsor:

Thanks to Tamron for being our lead sponsor this episode! Explore the 35-150mm f/2.0-2.8 G2 lens with $200 USD & $300 CAD off and deals on many more lenses for your Sony E-mount, Nikon Z, and FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless cameras by clicking www.tamron-americas.com or by visiting your local Tamron authorized dealer.

Our Links:

Check out our 2025 TPM Alaskan Photography Retreat itinerary and secure 1 of 2 spots left: https://thephotographermindset.com/products/2025-tpm-annual-retreat-alaska

Book a one time virtual 30 minute 1-on-1 session with Aaron or Seth entirely for FREE by using the code "FREETRIAL" at checkout: https://thephotographermindset.com/products/60-minute-virtual-1-on-1-session

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US


Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography

Support the show

Support the show

In this episode, we chat with Vaughn Ridley (@vaughnridley), NBA team photographer for the Toronto Raptors and Getty Images photographer, about his journey into sports photography and what it takes to capture the raw emotion and intensity of professional basketball. Vaughn shares his process for balancing instinct with preparation during fast-paced events. He reflects on memorable moments with the Raptors and operating in high-pressure environments. Vaughn also reveals how his ultra running pursuits have shaped his mental fortitude, offering invaluable insights for aspiring photographers and creatives in any field.

Expect to Learn:

- How to harness resilience when making significant career shifts
- Strategies for balancing creativity and consistency in high-pressure situations
- How building strong professional relationships opens doors to new opportunities
- How setbacks can lead to personal and professional growth
- Techniques for managing lighting and equipment in tough settings

Sponsor:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want high-quality prints, with a variety of material options, and who want their work delivered fast in 9 days or less!

You can use the code TPM2025 at checkout for 15% off!
https://www.whitewall.com/


Our Links:

Book a one time virtual 30 minute 1-on-1 session with Aaron or Seth entirely for FREE by using the code "FREETRIAL" at checkout: https://thephotographermindset.com/products/60-minute-virtual-1-on-1-session

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US


Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

Support the show