Visual Revolutionary

Today on the podcast we catch up with photographer Chris Burkard as he drives down a highway somewhere in the American West.  Although Chris does not like to be referred to as an instagram photographer, it was his beautiful feed that first led us to his work and his message of getting outdoors and communing with nature.  Chris' early days as an artist and his love of painting come through when you look at his large landscapes that he captures with his camera.  The layers of light, color, and a well placed subject help put you in the places he gets to visit.  Although he still lives in the small Central California beach town that he grew up in, Chris has traveled the world extensively and has a true gift for bringing the viewer with him to amazing remote locations through his photography.  He has an infectious attitude and an amazing work ethic, which has allowed him to become a sought after public speaker, including his own Ted X talk about the joy of surfing in ice cold water.  Chris gave us two different opportunities to sit down and talk with him and we have a bit of a story to tell when it comes to that.  So join in on a road conversation with one of our most requested guests.  We talk about the inspiration that nature can give you, finding your own vision as a self taught photographer, leaving a legacy with your work, finding what you are passionate about shooting, and creating a look you can call your own.  

To Find Out More About Chris Burkard Visit:

http://www.chrisburkard.com

About Visual Revolutionary

http://www.visualrevolutionary.com

Because we are interested in people's story, and not what type of gear they use, we introduce a new much needed podcast in the world of photography and filmmaking.  Featuring in-depth conversations with some of the world's leading photographers, filmmakers, and other visual artists, we are bringing you the backstory on how they got to where they are today.  

National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Ben Horton joins us on the podcast to talk about shooting everything from fashion, to commercial work, to sharks and his newest adventure of starting his own agency Access Network. Ben tells us stories of growing up in Bermuda with his brother and his artist parents and what would become the foundation of a very creative and DIY mindset. His father went from cartoonist to being one of the most respected sculptors in America showing Ben and his brother an ethos of what was possible if you put your mind to it, and what "making it" in the creative industry looks like. Ben's mother, the photographer of the family, gave him a camera at an early age. When his parents moved the family to Colorado and he began becoming attracted to the mountain lifestyle, the camera started becoming a frequently used tool. One summer Ben's parents decided they wanted the brothers to travel the world together in order to build a better bond and soon they were telling stories of adventures in New Zealand, Africa, and many other destinations. During that time Ben started to realize that he wanted to document some of the travesties happening to the planet and before long he was awarded the first ever National Geographic Young Explorers Grant. That would change his life forever and send him on many more adventures with one of the most iconic names you can put on your resume. Today we talk about what it looks like to be a National Geographic Photographer, how many times you have to raise the bar on the goals you set for your career, the ups and downs of the creative life, and looking towards the future of photography and business.

To Learn More About Ben Horton Visit: http://www.benhorton.biz

About Visual Revolutionary

http://www.visualrevolutionary.com

Because we are interested in people's story, and not what type of gear they use, we introduce a new much needed podcast in the world of photography and filmmaking. Featuring in-depth conversations with some of the world's leading photographers, filmmakers, and other visual artists, we are bringing you the backstory on how they got to where they are today.

National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Ben Horton joins us on the podcast to talk about shooting everything from fashion, to commercial work, to sharks and his newest adventure of starting his own agency Access Network.  Ben tells us stories of growing up in Bermuda with his brother and his artist parents and what would become the foundation of a very creative and DIY mindset.  His father went from cartoonist to being one of the most respected sculptors in America showing Ben and his brother an ethos of what was possible if you put your mind to it, and what "making it" in the creative industry looks like.  Ben's mother, the photographer of the family, gave him a camera at an early age.  When his parents moved the family to Colorado and he began becoming attracted to the mountain lifestyle, the camera started becoming a frequently used tool.  One summer Ben's parents decided they wanted the brothers to travel the world together in order to build a better bond and soon they were telling stories of adventures in New Zealand, Africa, and many other destinations.  During that time Ben started to realize that he wanted to document some of the travesties happening to the planet and before long he was awarded the first ever National Geographic Young Explorers Grant.  That would change his life forever and send him on many more adventures with one of the most iconic names you can put on your resume.  Today we talk about what it looks like to be a National Geographic Photographer, how many times you have to raise the bar on the goals you set for your career, the ups and downs of the creative life, and looking towards the future of photography and business.  

To Learn More About Ben Horton Visit: http://www.benhorton.biz

About Visual Revolutionary

http://www.visualrevolutionary.com

Because we are interested in people's story, and not what type of gear they use, we introduce a new much needed podcast in the world of photography and filmmaking.  Featuring in-depth conversations with some of the world's leading photographers, filmmakers, and other visual artists, we are bringing you the backstory on how they got to where they are today.  

National Geographic Photographer and Nikon Ambassador Ami Vitale joins us on the show today, fresh off a return trip from China where she has been working on a project shooting the re-intergration of captive born Pandas to the wild. Although she is not known as a wildlife photographer, she has been thoroughly tested behind the lens and enjoys the pressure of stepping out of her comfort zone and approaching a new subject with an outsider's perspective. Ami grew up in South Florida and had a yearning to get out and see the world at a young age. Even then, she rejected the non stop development of her home town and felt the pull towards protecting the natural environment. After a stint working for the AP News, she finally decided to take the leap and travel the world with a camera in hand and document the human condition. During her extensive travels around the globe to over 90 countries, she has established herself as a presence in the world of photography and built a career that many people dream of. She has shot everything from conflict areas to rhinos and has had the opportunity to speak on many stages to talk about her adventures behind the lens. On this episode we talk about her love of nature, her desire to help tell the true story of the people and places that are so often misrepresented, what helps to keep her inspired to continue to create, and both of our mixed emotions and sometimes strained relationships with managing social media accounts. So enjoy this conversation with an inspiring and adventurous woman that proves that you can create the life you want if you work hard enough at it.

To Learn More About Ami Vitale Visit: http://www.amivitale.com

About Visual Revolutionary

http://www.visualrevolutionary.com

Because we are interested in people's story, and not what type of gear they use, we introduce a new much needed podcast in the world of photography and filmmaking. Featuring in-depth conversations with some of the world's leading photographers, filmmakers, and other visual artists, we are bringing you the backstory on how they got to where they are today.

National Geographic Photographer and Nikon Ambassador Ami Vitale joins us on the show today, fresh off a return trip from China where she has been working on a project shooting the re-intergration of captive born Pandas to the wild.  Although she is not known as a wildlife photographer, she has been thoroughly tested behind the lens and enjoys the pressure of stepping out of her comfort zone and approaching a new subject with an outsider's perspective.  Ami grew up in South Florida and had a yearning to get out and see the world at a young age.  Even then, she rejected the non stop development of her home town and felt the pull towards protecting the natural environment.  After a stint working for the AP News, she finally decided to take the leap and travel the world with a camera in hand and document the human condition.  During her extensive travels around the globe to over 90 countries, she has established herself as a presence in the world of photography and built a career that many people dream of.  She has shot everything from conflict areas to rhinos and has had the opportunity to speak on many stages to talk about her adventures behind the lens.  On this episode we talk about her love of nature, her desire to help tell the true story of the people and places that are so often misrepresented, what helps to keep her inspired to continue to create, and both of our mixed emotions and sometimes strained relationships with managing social media accounts.  So enjoy this conversation with an inspiring and adventurous woman that proves that you can create the life you want if you work hard enough at it.  

To Learn More About Ami Vitale Visit: http://www.amivitale.com

About Visual Revolutionary

http://www.visualrevolutionary.com

Because we are interested in people's story, and not what type of gear they use, we introduce a new much needed podcast in the world of photography and filmmaking.  Featuring in-depth conversations with some of the world's leading photographers, filmmakers, and other visual artists, we are bringing you the backstory on how they got to where they are today.  

When award winning director and producer Kohl Norville first set out to try and create his own commercial on spec, it ended up becoming Heineken's signature piece that they aired during the Olympics. Not bad for a first attempt. After years of working with ad agencies, and a background in graphic design and art direction, Kohl wanted the opportunity to try and get behind the camera and help create video pieces to go along with some of the advertising ideas he had in his head. Once he hit the first one out of the park for Heineken, the doors began to open for the chance to keep trying. Kohl would go on to make many memorable commercial spots for a huge roster of clients and continue to hone his skills not only as a director, but as a collaborator and curator of new rising talent. Recently Kohl was named the director of content for Motive Made Studios and has had the opportunity to help create and direct content for the last three Super Bowls, as well as work on a new documentary series highlighting the effects that fracking and the oil industry has had on California. On this episode we talk to Kohl about what it takes to get in the door with ad agencies, the future of content creation and the platforms it will live, the challenges of balancing family life with a very busy work schedule, and the day to day hustle it takes to be successful in the creative field.

To Learn More About Kohl Norville Visit:

http://www.motivemadestudios.com

To Learn More About "Spotlight California Visit:

https://spotlightcalifornia.com

About Visual Revolutionary

http://www.visualrevolutionary.com

Because we are interested in people's story, and not what type of gear they use, we introduce a new much needed podcast in the world of photography and filmmaking. Featuring in-depth conversations with some of the world's leading photographers, filmmakers, and other visual artists, we are bringing you the backstory on how they got to where they are today.

When award winning director and producer Kohl Norville first set out to try and create his own commercial on spec, it ended up becoming Heineken's signature piece that they aired during the Olympics.  Not bad for a first attempt.  After years of working with ad agencies, and a background in graphic design and art direction, Kohl wanted the opportunity to try and get behind the camera and help create video pieces to go along with some of the advertising ideas he had in his head. Once he hit the first one out of the park for Heineken, the doors began to open for the chance to keep trying.  Kohl would go on to make many memorable commercial spots for a huge roster of clients and continue to hone his skills not only as a director, but as a collaborator and curator of new rising talent.  Recently Kohl was named the director of content for Motive Made Studios and has had the opportunity to help create and direct content for the last three Super Bowls, as well as work on a new documentary series highlighting the effects that fracking and the oil industry has had on California.  On this episode we talk to Kohl about what it takes to get in the door with ad agencies, the future of content creation and the platforms it will live, the challenges of balancing family life with a very busy work schedule, and the day to day hustle it takes to be successful in the creative field.  

To Learn More About Kohl Norville Visit:

http://www.motivemadestudios.com

To Learn More About "Spotlight California Visit:

https://spotlightcalifornia.com

About Visual Revolutionary

http://www.visualrevolutionary.com

Because we are interested in people's story, and not what type of gear they use, we introduce a new much needed podcast in the world of photography and filmmaking.  Featuring in-depth conversations with some of the world's leading photographers, filmmakers, and other visual artists, we are bringing you the backstory on how they got to where they are today.  

Legendary skateboard photographer, editor, and mentor J Grant Brittain joins us on the podcast. Not only do we talk about his history with photography, but we talk about the history of skateboarding as a whole, and his ever-present role as it evolved into an industry. Like a lot of kids who grew up in Southern California, Grant fell in love with surfing at an early age, but when the waves weren't good they would ride skateboards and pretend they were still surfing. After high school he really just wanted to surf and skate, but started taking classes at the local Jr. College and wondered what would come next. It wasn't until he took a job at the newly constructed Del Mar Skate Ranch that his life as we know it now started taking shape. One day he borrowed a friend's camera to try and shoot photos of some of the skaters he knew, and from then on he was hooked. He began to take photography classes at school, and soon was submitting photos to all the skateboard publications he could. This would lead to the opportunity to submit some of his work to the newly formed Transworld Skateboard Magazine and land him the position of Photo Editor and Senior Photograper. Grant would go on to spend 20 years at Transworld and would be there to witness the rise, fall, and rise again of the skateboard industry. From a young prodigy named Tony Hawk changing the world of vert ramps forever, to Mark Gonzales making street skating a work of art, Grant was always present with camera in hand. After his long stint with Transworld, Grant left to help create The Skateboard Mag, where he still is today. At age 60 he's still going strong and remains a large presence in the world of skateboarding.

To Learn More About J Grant Brittain Visit:

http://www.jgrantbrittain.com

To Learn More About The Skateboard Mag Visit:

http://theskateboardmag.com

About Visual Revolutionary

http://www.visualrevolutionary.com

Because we are interested in people's story, and not what type of gear they use, we introduce a new much needed podcast in the world of photography and filmmaking. Featuring in-depth conversations with some of the world's leading photographers, filmmakers, and other visual artists, we are bringing you the backstory on how they got to where they are today.

Legendary skateboard photographer, editor, and mentor J Grant Brittain joins us on the podcast.  Not only do we talk about his history with photography, but we talk about the history of skateboarding as a whole, and his ever-present role as it evolved into an industry.  Like a lot of kids who grew up in Southern California, Grant fell in love with surfing at an early age, but when the waves weren't good they would ride skateboards and pretend they were still surfing.  After high school he really just wanted to surf and skate, but started taking classes at the local Jr. College and wondered what would come next.  It wasn't until he took a job at the newly constructed Del Mar Skate Ranch that his life as we know it now started taking shape.  One day he borrowed a friend's camera to try and shoot photos of some of the skaters he knew, and from then on he was hooked.  He began to take photography classes at school, and soon was submitting photos to all the skateboard publications he could. This would lead to the opportunity to submit some of his work to the newly formed Transworld Skateboard Magazine and land him the position of Photo Editor and Senior Photograper.  Grant would go on to spend 20 years at Transworld and would be there to witness the rise, fall, and rise again of the skateboard industry.  From a young prodigy named Tony Hawk changing the world of vert ramps forever, to Mark Gonzales making street skating a work of art, Grant was always present with camera in hand. After his long stint with Transworld, Grant left to help create The Skateboard Mag, where he still is today.  At age 60 he's still going strong and remains a large presence in the world of skateboarding.  

To Learn More About J Grant Brittain Visit:

http://www.jgrantbrittain.com

To Learn More About The Skateboard Mag Visit:

http://theskateboardmag.com

About Visual Revolutionary

http://www.visualrevolutionary.com

Because we are interested in people's story, and not what type of gear they use, we introduce a new much needed podcast in the world of photography and filmmaking.  Featuring in-depth conversations with some of the world's leading photographers, filmmakers, and other visual artists, we are bringing you the backstory on how they got to where they are today.  

Photographer and Director Embry Rucker joins us on the podcast today. We talk about growing up on a farm in Kentucky and his love for exploring the world around him at an early age. Whether he was riding a horse or his dirt bike, he would roam around their 20 acres with endless possibilities of adventure. When he was in middle school, a teacher turned him on to rock climbing and quickly he found himself scouring the pages of climbing publications and dreaming of the Rocky Mountains. After graduating High School he was fulfilling that dream and living in Wyoming, studying English Literature. He would spend his free time snowboarding and mountain biking and pretty soon fell in love with photography and decided he was done spending so much time trying to figure out what Steinbeck was trying to say. Before long, and after a couple more moves, he found himself in Oregon shooting photos of the friends around him in the snowboarding community. It was those early snowboard photos that would lead him into the successful career he has today. After years of snowboarding photography, and even a stint as the photo editor at Transworld Snowboard Magazine, he soon began experimenting with incorporating more portrait work and lighting scenarios into his assignments and before long bigger companies were calling for commercial work. Today we talk about maintaining a drive to want to shoot, social media challenges, balancing work life with family life, and sometimes needing to check out and enjoy some "me" time.

To Learn More About Embry Rucker Visit:

http://www.embryrucker.com

About Visual Revolutionary

http://www.visualrevolutionary.com

Because we are interested in people's story, and not what type of gear they use, we introduce a new much needed podcast in the world of photography and filmmaking. Featuring in-depth conversations with some of the world's leading photographers, filmmakers, and other visual artists, we are bringing you the backstory on how they got to where they are today.