The Photographer Mindset

Last week, we explored Aaron’s Instagram detox and evaluated some hot takes from photographers on Threads. This week, we’re back for round two! We dive even deeper into the Threads community, breaking down more opinion posts from photographers and creatives. From debates about building a photography style to whether wedding photographers need to "love" their craft, we’re here to evaluate, elaborate, and share our own perspectives.

Expect to Learn:

• Whether you need to "love" a genre of photography to succeed in it
• How to Build and Evolve a Photography Style
• Why finding your community isn’t just about waiting for them to come to you, but about actively participating
• Why black-and-white photography isn’t just for people who "can’t handle color"
• Why opportunities don’t just fall into your lap

Sponsors:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want the highest-quality prints: https://www.whitewall.com/

Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

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

What happens when a photographer quits Instagram? In this episode, we explore Aaron’s decision to step away from social media and how it’s opened up space for creativity and focus. Then, we dive into hot takes from photographers on Threads, evaluating opinions on everything from personal branding to follower counts. This conversation is about redefining productivity, finding meaning, and navigating the ever-changing world of photography.

Expect to Learn:

• Why deactivating Instagram will free up mental space
• The importance of intentionally creating space for deep focus
• Why focusing on your craft matters more than chasing social media follower numbers
• Why you don’t need to travel to exotic locations to take great photos
• Why redefining productivity to include rest, reflection, and intentional downtime leads to better creative output 

Sponsors:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want the highest-quality prints: https://www.whitewall.com/

Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

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

Will Jones is a UK-born carpenter, writer, and author of Cabin, a book that chronicles his journey of building a handcrafted retreat in the Canadian wilderness.

What can a carpenter and writer teach photographers and videographers about creativity? In a world of constant distractions, Will’s story highlights the power of deep focus, resourcefulness, and embracing simplicity to create meaningful work. Whether you’re crafting a cabin or capturing a moment, how do you push past the noise and make something truly your own as an artist?

Expect to Learn:

• How stripping things down to their essentials can lead to more meaningful creations
• How to shift from a mindset of needing more gear to making the most of what you already have
• How stepping away from distractions and immersing yourself in solitude can unlock your best creative work
• how to maintain your artistic integrity while being open to feedback
• Why you should go beyond “good enough” and infuse your work with heart and individuality

Buy Will's book "Cabin" here: https://www.amazon.com/Cabin

Sponsors:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want the highest-quality prints: https://www.whitewall.com/

Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

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

Lily Henry (@lilyhenrycolor) is a professional colorist with a background in photography and a career that spans working on projects for Marvel Studios, Bauer commercials, and even animated hits like Into the Spider-Verse.

What does it take to bring a director’s vision to life through color? How do you balance technical precision with artistic creativity? And what’s the secret to making skin tones, lighting, and mood feel just right on any screen? In a world where every screen is different, how do you ensure your work looks stunning everywhere, from a calibrated studio monitor to an iPhone on public transit?

Expect to Learn:

• How to let your footage and raw photographs guide your editing choices
• How to maintain consistency across a portfolio of images or set of scenes
• How to spot inconsistencies and approach your work with a fresh perspective
• Why you should always aim to be "second best" in your creative or professional circle
• How to reduce eye strain and improve your color perception. 

Sponsors:

Thanks to Tamron for sponsoring this episode! Start the New Year with up to $300 off select lenses during their Winter Savings event, now through February 8, 2026. Save on lenses for Sony E-mount, Nikon Z-mount, and FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless cameras.  Explore here at www.tamron-americas.com

Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

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

Brooke Littlebear (@brookelittlebear) is an incredible wildlife photographer, bear guide, homesteader, and adventurer with a life as unconventional as her career.

From living in a camper on her remote property, complete with baby dolls in trees and elk skulls, to guiding bear expeditions in Alaska, Brooke’s journey is a mix of grit, humor, and wild inspiration. So how does a fiercely independent spirit turn a love for bears, photography, and the outdoors into a fruitful and lucrative life unlike any other?

Expect to Learn:

• How embracing the mindset of "the more you know, the less you know" reignites passion in photography
• How meticulous planning and moments of pure luck both play a role in capturing iconic images
• How to reframe your mindset in a way that eliminates self-doubt 
• How to stay true to what you love while building a sustainable career

Brooke's Website: https://littlebearwildlife.com/

Brooke's Guiding Business Website: https://www.thinkwildexp.com/

Sponsors:

Thanks to Tamron for sponsoring this episode! Kick off the New Year with up to $300 off select lenses during their Winter Savings event, now through February 8, 2026. Upgrade your gear with exceptional lenses for Sony E-mount, Nikon Z-mount, and FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless cameras. Explore here at www.tamron-americas.com

Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

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

Is boredom the secret to creativity? Can slowing down actually make you more productive? And how do you find balance in a world that demands constant hustle? Aaron and Seth dive into the art of intention, the meditative beauty of photography, and why embracing stillness might be your ultimate creative edge.

Expect to Learn:

• Why crafting a strong narrative is essential for elevating your work and standing out as a creator
• How slowing down and embracing intentionality can help creators struggling to manage multiple projects
• How to reconnect with your craft and find joy in the process
• How focusing on one task at a time with clear purpose improves your creative output
• Why reducing reliance on social media and other hyper-stimulating activities will reset your brain and make creative work more fulfilling

Sponsors:

Thanks to Tamron for sponsoring this episode! Start the New Year with up to $300 off select lenses during their Winter Savings event, now through February 8, 2026. Save on lenses for Sony E-mount, Nikon Z-mount, and FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless cameras.  Explore here at www.tamron-americas.com

Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

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

Dave Sandford (@davesandford) is a renowned wildlife photographer and polar bear guide.

What happens when a celebrated photographer steps out from behind the lens and into a new role? In this episode, Dave shares his journey through a 30-year career, from capturing stunning images of polar bears to navigating the evolving photography industry. We discuss imposter syndrome, the power of storytelling, and finding joy in guiding others to connect with nature. How do we adapt, stay inspired, and remain true to our creative passions?

Expect to Learn:

• The importance of focusing on creating fewer, high-quality images
• How to navigate shifts in the photography industry and make yourself more competitive
• How even seasoned professionals deal with self-doubt and push through it
• How stepping into adjacent roles can open new doors in your creative career
• How to identify what makes your perspective or skills unique

Dave's Website: https://www.davesandfordphotos.com/

Sponsors:

Thanks to Tamron for sponsoring this episode! Kick off the New Year with up to $300 off select lenses during their Winter Savings event, now through February 8, 2026. Upgrade your gear with exceptional lenses for Sony E-mount, Nikon Z-mount, and FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless cameras. Explore here at www.tamron-americas.com

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our secondary sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want the highest-quality prints: https://www.whitewall.com/

Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

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

It’s the start of 2026, and Aaron is following Seth's episode with a solo episode of his own reflecting on the win, challenges, and takeaways of 2025 for him.

Expect to hear Aaron dive into the art of slowing down, the importance of listening to your body, and how a year of "settling in" brought clarity and peace. He shares insights on balancing creativity with consistency, the joy of fostering meaningful relationships, and why happiness truly comes from within. Plus, Aaron opens up about the challenges of running injuries, the lessons learned from back surgery, and how rekindling his love for music became a full-circle moment. This episode is packed with honesty, humor, and a whole lot of life lessons.

Expect to Learn:

• How embracing stillness and being present can lead to deeper self-awareness and fulfillment
• The importance of recognizing and addressing physical red flags before they escalate into bigger issues
• Why true happiness isn’t outsourced to external validation
• Insights on maintaining steady work, fostering client relationships, and finding joy in creative endeavors
• How fostering close relationships and spending time with loved ones can be the most rewarding investment of time

Sponsors:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want the highest-quality prints: https://www.whitewall.com/

Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

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

It’s the start of 2026, and I’m (Seth) kicking things off with a solo episode reflecting on the highs, lows, and lessons of 2025.

Expect to learn how I balanced the artistic mind with the business mind, why stepping away from social media made me a more fulfilled creator, the surprising productivity of stillness and boredom, and how I found deeper meaning in my video work. I’ll also share lessons from running injuries, the joy of teaching my niece and nephew about nature, and why my dog learning to swim became an unexpected highlight of 2025 along with much, much more....

Expect to Learn:

• Why you should set three challenging goals each year that have a 50% chance of failure
• How to identify and finish incomplete tasks or projects to reduce mental clutter
• Why eliminating social media can improve your creative output
• How dedicating 20-30 minutes to complete stillness will help you come up with solutions to problems
• How to apply the "3-2-1 system" to structure your day for ultimate productivity and eliminate the non-essential

Sponsors:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want the highest-quality prints! https://www.whitewall.com/

Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

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

Ian Jones (@iansjones) is a Pittsburgh-based commercial photographer and creative strategist known for crafting bold, story-driven visuals for brands and businesses, with a focus on content that connects, performs, and stands out.

Expect to Learn:

•  How to tactfully ask potential clients about their current marketing efforts
• The importance of educating clients about what they’re missing from or overpaying to social/marketing agencies
• How to create mock-up ads or showcase relevant portfolio work that demonstrates your capabilities
• How being a local creator can give you an edge over large marketing agencies
• How explaining your process can help win over clients who may feel jaded by previous experiences.

Ian's Website: https://www.isjdesigns.com/

Sponsors:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want the highest-quality prints! Use the code TPM2025 at checkout for 15% off: https://www.whitewall.com/

Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

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