What Makes You Click with Kelvin Bulluck

On this episode of What Makes You Click, Kelvin welcomes John Keatley, an American photographer known for his conceptual fine art and commercial advertising work. John’s interest in creativity began at a very young age. Listen in as he reflects on how his love for photography grew into a successful and impressive career.

 John shares the weird conversation he had with the manager of a photo printing store about his photos and how he took her kind affirmations and ran with them. He talks about how he got his first clients while still in college, how he landed his first celebrity clients, and how his entrepreneurial spirit has evolved throughout his life.

Tune in to learn what it was like to photograph the legend herself, Annie Leibovitz, and to gain insight into his relatable experience with imposter syndrome as a freelance artist. Plus, he speaks on the impacts of therapy, teaching, and his intuition in understanding and refining who he is and what his work represents.

“To be genuine is hard to define but I feel what is genuine when I see it.”                                                                                                                                                                      -   John Keatley

Connect with John Keatley:

Visit his website: www.johnkeatley.com 

Follow him on Instagram: www.instagram.com/johnkeatley 

 
Connect with What Makes You Click:

Visit our website: www.whatmakesyouclick.com 

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatmakesyouclickpodcast 

Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatmakesyouclick 

People + Resources Mentioned:

Chris Buck: www.chrisbuck.com 

Peter Yang: www.peteryang.com 

Annie Leibovitz: www.instagram.com/annieleibovitz 

Portrait referenced of Annie Leibovitz: www.instagram.com/p/BYWaFDLhj4a 

Maren Levinson: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1533748/7810657-maren-levinson

Redeye Reps: www.redeyereps.com 

Gregg Kreutz: www.greggkreutz.com/gallery 

On this episode of What Makes You Click, Kelvin welcomes editorial and commercial photographer and director, Stephanie Diani. Stephanie has overcome so much in her career and in her life as a female artist and she’s here to talk about it all.  

 Stephanie speaks on how her creativity has evolved since her childhood, when her love of photography was sparked by an interest in her brother’s camera. Having been raised by strict and sheltering parents, yet always desiring to travel and explore, Stephanie tells the tumultuous story of why she ended up getting a college degree in classical archaeology and her experience with anxiety and panic attacks. 

 She details how she stubbornly chased success in the photography industry, despite being shot down several times, and speaks on how she’s able to stay determined while battling self-doubt, validation, and criticism. Through it all, she’s truly developed more faith in herself, her unique viewpoint, and her craftsmanship. 

“If I can make a photo that has that ability to make somebody stop and take a look… that’s a huge success to me.”  - Stephanie Diani

Tune in to learn Stephanie’s candid thoughts on keeping up with rapidly changing trends and fads, especially on social media, how she launched and grew a freelance photography career after moving to NYC, and the projects that keep her creative fire burning. Plus, find out what she’s working on creating this year!

About the Guest:

Stephanie Diani is a New York-based photographer who makes portraits of A-list celebrities and others for a cool group of discerning editors, art buyers and creative directors. She uses cinematic light and shadow to capture the subtle nuances of her subjects in moments of contemplation, humor or playfulness. 

Connect with Stephanie Diani:

Visit Her website: www.stephaniediani.com

Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephaniedianiphoto 

Connect with What Makes You Click:

Visit our website: www.whatmakesyouclick.com 

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatmakesyouclickpodcast 

Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatmakesyouclick 

 
People + Resources Mentioned:

Riders Share: www.riders-share.com/welcome/kelvinb+pzk5x 

Twisted Road: https://www.twistedroad.com/ref/X7ZPV

Note: I do receive referral credits when the links above are used to reserve a bike.

Listen to the episode with Kareem Black: www.buzzsprout.com/1533748/7530406 

An Inner Silence: The Portraits of Henri Cartier-Bresson: www.goodreads.com/book/show/72333.An_Inner_Silence

Fromex: www.fromex.com

Richard Avedon: www.avedonfoundation.org/the-work 

Irving Penn: www.irvingpenn.org 

Backstage Magazine: www.backstage.com/magazine 

Faces: www.stephaniediani.com/Galleries/Faces/1/thumbs 

David Roper: www.stephaniediani.com/Galleries/Motion/1/thumbs 

On this episode of What Makes You Click, Kelvin welcomes self-taught, New York-based portrait photographer, Manny Roman. Manny is a storyteller of women and he’s here to talk about the power in knowing your worth and nurturing your network of relationships in the photography industry, as well as the immense joy that women bring to his work.

“I always remind everyone I speak with that our origin is of a woman and we need to always remember to celebrate them in every which way or form. My way is through the lens.” - Manny Roman

Manny describes how he became fascinated with the essence of women and beauty at a very young age and how he broke into the photography industry through a modeling agency. He shares insight into what it’s like to break into the London fashion photography scene, how his time in London helped him understand his worth, and how he handles resistance in his career while respectfully maintaining professional boundaries.

Manny speaks wise words on the role Peter Lindbergh had in inspiring his success as a photographer, the ways in which Manny celebrates and shows reverence to women, and how he produces more than just a pretty image. 

Tune in to learn how he started building relationships with the models of America’s Next Top Model, ways the photography industry can manipulate you, and Manny’s perspective on agency representation as a former agent himself.

About the Guest:

Manny Roman is a portrait photographer based in New York. His work has appeared in Vanity Fair, L'Officiel, Cosmopolitan, Harper's Bazaar, and Numéro.

Connect with Manny Roman:

Visit his website: https://bymannyroman.pixieset.com

Follow him on Instagram: www.instagram.com/bymannyroman 

Connect with What Makes You Click:

Visit our website: www.whatmakesyouclick.com

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatmakesyouclickpodcast

Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatmakesyouclick 

People + Resources Mentioned:

Michele Pommier: www.michelepommier.com

Peter Lindbergh: www.peterlindbergh.foundation

Bruce Weber: www.bruceweber.com

Antoine Verglas: www.antoineverglas.com

Riccardo Tinelli: www.instagram.com/riccardotinelliofficial

Aldo Fallai: www.instagram.com/aldofallai

Helmut Newton: www.helmut-newton-foundation.org/en/helmut-newton

Herb Ritts: www.herbritts.com

Chris von Wangenheim: www.instagram.com/cvwangenheimofficial

Grazia: www.graziamagazine.com/us

Premier Model Management: www.premiermodelmanagement.com

Annie Leibovitz: www.instagram.com/annieleibovitz

Pirelli Calendar: https://pirellicalendar.pirelli.com/en/home

Dani Evans: www.instagram.com/p/B5qtNKxFuj-/ 

On this episode of What Makes You Click, Kelvin welcomes Chris Sorensen, self-taught photographer of faces and places. Chris wasn’t interested in photography until later in life, in fact, he worked in finance for 12 years. Listen in as he sheds light on the genesis of his creativity, beginning with a love for reading and writing, continuing with acting and modeling, and eventually leading to photography at the age of 40!

Chris’s willingness to uproot himself, travel, and immerse himself in unique subcultures has certainly influenced his success as a photographer. He explains why he is drawn to portraiture the most and shares his candid thoughts on some of his greatest projects, like Fulton Street and Wife During Quarantine.

“Find what you love to shoot and shoot that. Don’t shoot what other people want to see.”   - Chris Sorensen

Tune in to learn the importance of portfolio reviews, who and what has influenced Chris’s aesthetic, and to hear words of wisdom on authentically pursuing your art. Plus, Chris offers advice on strategically entering photography competitions and talks about how entering contests has impacted his career.

Connect with Chris Sorensen:

Visit his website: www.chris-sorensen.com 

Follow him on Instagram: www.instagram.com/_chris_sorensen 

Connect with What Makes You Click:

Visit our website: www.whatmakesyouclick.com 

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatmakesyouclickpodcast 

Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatmakesyouclick 

People + Resources Mentioned:

Solve Sundsbo: www.solvesundsbo.com

Walter Chin: www.ceruttiandco.com/photographers/walter-chin

Phillip Toledano: http://mrtoledano.com 

Jake Chessum: www.jakechessum.com

In the American West: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/gallery/2017/feb/25/richard-avedon-american-west-texas-in-pictures

Fulton Street Project: www.chris-sorensen.com/fulton-street

The Mermaid Project: www.chris-sorensen.com/the-mermaid-project

NY Pride Project: www.thecut.com/2015/06/body-glitter-and-rainbow-eye-shadow-at-ny-pride.html

Wife During Quarantine Project: www.chris-sorensen.com/home/quarantine 

Strobist: https://strobist.blogspot.com/

Mark Seliger: www.markseliger.com 

Dan Winters: www.danwintersphoto.com

American Photography: www.ai-ap.com

Communication Arts Photo Annual: www.commarts.com/competition/2021-photography 

Lens Culture: www.lensculture.com

Sony Awards: www.rewards.sony.com 

International Photography Awards: www.photoawards.com 

Kareem Black:

On this episode of What Makes You Click, Kelvin welcomes award-winning American photographer and author, best known for the book series My Last Supper, Melanie Dunea.

Melanie sheds light on the beginning of her interest in photography and writing, as well as the evolution of her career, having grown up with a mother who owned a bookstore and a grandfather who was a newspaper editor. 

 She tells the story of deciding to shoot her shot at being a fabulous photojournalist in Paris before “failing” and going to college back in the states. She shares her candid thoughts on majoring in photography versus being self-taught, as well as what it felt like to realize she wasn’t going to be successful in Paris. 

“How I learned was knowing what I wanted and figuring out how to get there. You don’t need a fancy camera… you need to know what you want.”    -   Melanie Dunea

Melanie then highlights the power of listening to people’s feedback and following your gut, while speaking on how she used the Don’t Play With Your Food series to prove her skills to herself. She reflects on some of her favorite projects and opportunities, her opinions on seeking agency representation, and how the pandemic has shifted everyone’s perspective and presence in life.

“There are moments when you do need to stop and look at what is happening and see if there is room for you to grow and push… there are moments to also not push, those are hard.”   - Melanie Dunea

Tune in to learn the inspiration and creative process behind My Last Supper, the power in giving back, and the key to building and leveraging your network to reach your potential.

Connect with Melanie Dunea:

Visit her website: www.melaniedunea.com 

Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/melaniedunea 

Connect with her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/melaniedunea 

Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/melaniedunea 

Connect with What Makes You Click:

Visit our website: www.whatmakesyouclick.com 

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatmakesyouclickpodcast 

Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatmakesyouclick 

People + Resources Mentioned:

Don’t Play With Your Food: www.melaniedunea.com/subpage-of-arts

Melanie Dunea’s Pandemic Diaries: www.melaniedunea.com/shop?category=The+Year+in+Photos+%7C+2020 

Photographs by Annie Leibovitz: www.amazon.com/gp/product/0394725972/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i5 

Yousuf Karsh of Ottowa: www.karsh.org 

Sex by Madonna: www.goodreads.com/book/show/302236.Sex

Richard Avedon: www.avedonfoundation.org

Industria: www.industrianyc.com 

Peggy Sirota: www.peggysirota.com 

Mary Ellen Mark: www.maryellenmark.com 

James Beard Foundation: www.jamesbeard.org 

On this episode of What Makes You Click, Kelvin welcomes fashion, commercial, and celebrity photographer, James Anthony. James talks about the power in being fully invested in pursuing opportunities and passions, how to effectively network and confidently pitch your talent, and how he moved through low points in his life to speak his dreams into existence. He also shares the three attributes that have empowered him to become the successful entrepreneur and artist he is today.

James has been chasing the hustle ever since he was a kid, dancing on the NYC subway for dollars and coins. He describes his love for theater and track, along with how his mother’s life and profession as a mortician has deeply impacted his outlook on life, surprisingly in the most positive of ways.  

“Put everything you have into the things you love to do and you’ll reap those rewards.”                    -   James Anthony 

James then speaks on how his education in mass communications and film production fostered a safe space for experimenting with photography and how he made money and gained traction in the photography industry after moving to Atlanta post-college.

Tune in to learn James’ biggest photography inspirations, the origin story of his award-winning short film, Crossroads, and the next big project he’s working on. 

“You can’t run from what you’re meant to do.”   - James Anthony

About the Guest:

While living in Atlanta, James Anthony cultivated his photography skills shooting fashion spreads and cover shoots for magazines. His photographs are "clean" and alluring, which has led to his growing success in the photography and fashion/entertainment world.

His works have been showcased in publications domestically as well internationally. James Anthony can usually be found traveling across the world shooting beautiful scenic locations, models, celebrities and campaigns.

James Anthony is currently based in Los Angeles and travels everywhere in between for work.

Connect with James Anthony:

Visit his website: www.jamesanthonyphotos.com 

Follow him on Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamjamesanthony 

#jamesshootsanddraws

Connect with What Makes You Click:

Visit our website: www.whatmakesyouclick.com 

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatmakesyouclickpodcast 

Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatmakesyouclick 

People + Resources Mentioned:

Vibe: www.vibe.com

Voyage ATL: http://voyageatl.com/interview/meet-james-anthony-james-anthony-photography-roswell/

Clubhouse: www.joinclubhouse.com

Jerris Madison: www.jerrismadison.com

Crossroads: www.imdb.com/title/tt12683044

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: www.goodreads.com/book/show/18144590-the-alchemist 

On this episode of What Makes You Click, Kelvin welcomes Maren Levinson, Founder and Artist Representative at Redeye Representatives. Redeye is a creative agency representing contemporary photographers, illustrators and set designers to ad agencies, design firms, magazines and businesses of any size. Maren talks about the nitty gritty of what it’s like to find representation as a photographer and to be represented by a creative agency. 

“A lot of photographers think that they need to impress an agent, but the best place to be to get an agent is to have agents trying to impress you. You should make yourself into the kind of artist that agents are clamoring to represent.”        - Maren Levinson

 Maren also shares the story of her photography journey, from finding inspiration in words, pictures, and architecture as a child to exploring editorial photography and founding Redeye Representatives. She speaks on how her vision of having a gallery morphed into the creation of Redeye and what it’s like to work in and build a creative agency’s team. 

Then, Maren talks about what she looks for in artists, the importance of being clear on your distinct style and voice, and what it costs financially to be represented, noting the commission agencies receive from their artists’ revenues. She speaks on the effects of systemic racism on the photography industry and why Redeye strives to be of service to humanity by, for example, offering free BIPOC portfolio review.

Tune in to hear powerful advice on pursuing your creative dreams and to learn which photography trends have been appearing prior to and during the pandemic.

“Photograph towards your dream.”        - Maren Levinson

About the Guest:

Maren Levinson is the Founder and Artist Representative at Redeye Representatives. 

Connect with Maren Levinson and Redeye:

Visit their website: www.redeyereps.com
Follow Redeye: www.instagram.com/redeyereps
Connect with Maren on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/maren-levinson-61b7242 

Connect with What Makes You Click:

Visit our website: www.whatmakesyouclick.com
Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatmakesyouclickpodcast
Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatmakesyouclick 

People + Resources Mentioned:

Mother Jones: www.motherjones.com
Dwell: www.dwell.com
Elena Dorfman: www.elenadorfman.com
Peggy Sirota: www.instagram.com/peggysirota
East 100th Street by Bruce Davidson: www.goodreads.com/book/show/899951.East_100th_Street
William Eggleston Art Foundation: www.egglestonartfoundation.org
Martin Parr: www.martinparr.com
Olivier Laude: www.olivierlaude.com
PDN: www.pdnonline.com
Diversify Photo: www.diversify.photo
Video of Maren Discussing Photography Trends: https://youtu.be/tkEttiJxJr4
John Keatley: www.johnkeatley.com 

On this episode of What Makes You Click, Kelvin welcomes Douglas Sonders, an LA-based commercial photographer, filmmaker and producer, among other creative pursuits. Douglas shares his unique experience growing up with an entrepreneurial father, hustling his way into the photography industry as a college student, and the many people who have inspired his relationship with photography throughout his career.

 Douglas shares how photography gave his shy, young self the confidence to go against his parents’ wishes for him to attend business school. He speaks on his photography side hustle he developed as a teenager, while noting why he decided to get a degree in advertising photography at RIT. He shares his candid thoughts on the benefits of going to photography school, touching on the most inspiring class he ever took, and whether you need to go to school to become a successful photographer.

 Douglas talks about the challenges of becoming and staying an artist while exploring new areas of life, along with what has helped him stick with creating art and playing with innovation. He emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency, daring partnerships, never stopping working towards your dreams, and never living life with regret.

Tune in to learn what’s next on Douglas Sonders’ ‘to achieve’ list!

Connect with Douglas Sonders:
Visit his website: www.sondersphotography.com
Follow him on Instagram: www.instagram.com/douglassonders
The reel of Douglas’s work that Kelvin references: https://www.sondersphotography.com/Behind-The-Scenes/Montage-About-My-Work/1

Connect with What Makes You Click:
Visit our website: www.whatmakesyouclick.com
Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatmakesyouclickpodcast
Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatmakesyouclick 

 People + Resources Mentioned:
Annie Leibovitz: www.artnet.com/artists/annie-leibovitz
Mark Seliger: www.markseliger.com
Denis Defibaugh: www.denisdefibaughphotography.com
Chad Griffith: www.chadgriffith.com
Michael Turek: www.michaelturek.com
Steve Giralt: www.instagram.com/stevegiralt
Luke Pearsall: www.lukepearsall.com
Platon: www.platonphoto.com
Abstract: The Art of Design: www.netflix.com/title/80057883
Elliot O’Donovan: www.elliottodonovan.com
David Goggins: www.davidgoggins.com
Elon Musk’s biography: www.amazon.com/Elon-Musk-SpaceX-Fantastic-Future/dp/006230125X
A Promised Land  by Barack Obama: https://obamabook.com/
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shoe-dog-phil-knight/1123427012 

On this episode of What Makes You Click, Kelvin welcomes Carmen Chan, an editorial and commercial photographer who has taken a unique and unconventional route to the photography industry. 

 Carmen and Kelvin discuss why she pivoted from the taxing industry of film production, after learning how to use a point and shoot camera, to a more liberating career in photography. She sheds light on the highs and lows of pursuing a creative career, the uncertainty of the photography industry, and what keeps her motivated and dedicated to her art. 

 Carmen talks about her immigrant parents’ thoughts on her career path, how she transitioned from assisting in LA to working full-time in China, and what it’s like to land jobs and build a professional network in a country you just moved to. Kelvin and Carmen also share their thoughts on how race and gender have impacted their growth and their journeys in the photography industry. 

Curious what it’s like to be represented by an agency?

Carmen shares what it’s really like to work with an agency as a photographer, when the right time to be represented by an agency is, and why she chose to work with Redeye Reps.

“I think the expectation is like, “When I get an agent, I’m gonna get all these jobs,” but it’s actually the opposite. You need to be getting enough jobs, you need to be getting your own jobs, building up your portfolio, working on bigger and bigger jobs, and then bring that to an agent to prove to them what you’re able to do on your own and what you’re capable of.”                                                                                                                                                                        -   Carmen Chan

 Tune in to learn Carmen’s experience with imposter syndrome as a growing photographer and what she does to help relieve the feelings of imposter syndrome. 

About the Guest:

Carmen Chan is a Los Angeles-based photographer and director who is passionate about supporting talent from underrepresented communities in art, culture, and design. 

Connect with Carmen Chan:

Visit her website: www.carmen-chan.com 

Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/carmenchan

Her book, Exposure: www.carmen-chan.com/books 

Connect with What Makes You Click:

Visit our website: www.whatmakesyouclick.com 

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatmakesyouclickpodcast 

Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatmakesyouclick 

People + Resources Mentioned:

Photoville: www.photoville.com 

Diversify Photo: www.diversify.photo

Colette de Barros: www.colettedebarros.com 

Erik Asla: www.instagram.com/erikasla 

Herb Ritts: www.herbritts.com 

Redeye Reps: www.redeyereps.com 

On this episode of What Makes You Click, Kelvin welcomes Kareem Black, an American portrait, celebrity and lifestyle photographer based in New York City, to speak on his experience in the photography industry. Kareem talks about how his upbringing inspired the evolution of his creative career, divulging the subject matter of his teenage portfolio that got him into The Philadelphia High School for the Creative Performing Arts, a school that many iconic musicians have attended.

He touches on how he got into the worlds of painting and photography at a young age and what led him to go to the School of Visual Arts in NYC. He emphasizes the importance of having mentors, building relationships with your peers, and utilizing the unique facilities at your school. 

 Kareem then breaks down how he interpreted and applied the phrase “shoot what you love” as a photography student, noting the perpetual refining process that artists go through in life and even noting what he doesn’t love to shoot. He shares his candid thoughts on becoming a successful photographer without going to college and speaks on what his career was like after he graduated, including the effects of the tech boom (and subsequent bust) of the early 2000s and the economic crash of 2008. Kareem also talks about the psychological game of instigation in photography and how he copes with needing multiple surgeries on his eyes. 

 Tune in to learn Kareem’s biggest inspirations, how he leveraged simple marketing and business tactics to grow his presence, and the story behind his first major campaign with Verizon. Stick around for his thought-provoking take on race being a factor in the opportunities people are faced with in creative industries.

“Race is super interesting in this industry. We need to be in the room. I think that getting in the room… is the first step, but that’s not the only step… once you’re in the room, can you have a conversation.”                                                                         -   Kareem Black

About the Guest:

Kareem Black is an American portrait, celebrity and lifestyle photographer based in New York City. He’s a Star Trek fan, chess player, ex-skater and karaoke aficionado. Kareem thrives on energy on set and he always tries to have that kinetic intensity come through in his work!

Connect with Kareem Black:

Visit his website: www.kareemblack.com

Follow him on Instagram: www.instagram.com/kareemblack

Connect with What Makes You Click:

Visit our website: www.whatmakesyouclick.com

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatmakesyouclickpodcast

Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatmakesyouclick

People + Resources Mentioned:

Caravaggio Foundation: www.caravaggio-foundation.org

Tony Ward: www.tonyward.com/about

Matthew Jordan Smith: www.matthewjordansmith.com

Kwaku Alston: www.kwakualston.com

Julian Alexander – Creative Director: www.slanginc.com

Matthew Salacuse: www.salacuse.com

www.kareemblack.com/HOME/FEELSGOODLETSGO/thumbs