Paul Seibert on Photography, Faith, and Grit

SummaryPaul Seibert is a door-off-the-chopper aerial photographer. But he didn’t start there. He started as a jazz saxophonist. Then a landscaper. Then a guy with a camera who couldn't not take pictures. In this episode, we talk about how purpose creeps up on you. We dig into his strengths, his leap into full-time photography, and how he’s navigating a creative industry in the age of AI. Paul’s story is a masterclass in betting on yourself, doing the reps, and building a life that’s yours. Not easy. Yours.About Paul SeibertPhotographer Paul Seibert has over 15 years experience in the field of photography. Paul’sareas of photography span many genres, but he is most widely known for his aerialphotography. Although he has contributed to multiple photo publications, Paul’s first solopublication with Rizzoli Books “New York From The Air” is was released in 2022. Along withbeing a full time creator, Paul has also run large social media accounts, created, directed,produced and hosted Youtube series. Paul has worked with brands such as Canon USA, NewYork Road Runners, Tropicana, Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation, New York or Nowhere,National Parks Conservation Assoc., and Empire State Realty Trust. Community and educationare two passion areas of Paul’s creative life, and supporting young creatives is an extremelyimportant part of Paul’s life outside of his creative activities.Top 5 CliftonStrengths:Strategic – Paul sees routes others miss.Ideation – Creativity isn’t a flair. It’s a frequency.Learner – He’ll teach himself whatever the moment demands.Achiever – Not flashy. Just gets it done.Futuristic – Vision-led. Outcome-driven.Follow his work on:YoutubeInstagramTakeawaysDon’t wait for clarity. Walk into it.Community isn’t a bonus. It’s fuel.Start with joy. Let discipline carry it.Frame defines focus—in photos and in life.Faith, consistency, and small bets compound.Sound Bites“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”“I wasn’t insecure—I just didn’t advertise it yet.”“You can’t dream in a bubble if you’re in relationship.”“Arrival is a fallacy. You’ll need a vision past success.”“Frame it. Then shoot. That’s how clarity works.”Chapters00:00 – Cold open: Who is Paul Seibert?02:00 – From jazz sax to Santa Fe sunsets06:00 – Landscaper by day, photographer by instinct10:00 – Strengths, strategy, and seeing what others miss17:00 – Community makes you better, faster24:00 – Making the leap: from winter chainsaws to full-time creator35:00 – Helicopters, high vantage points, and betting on wonder46:00 – Arrival fallacy and the danger of chasing the next thing54:00 – AI, creativity, and staying human01:00:00 – Advice to younger self: Don’t get comfortable01:07:00 – Closing thoughts on longevity and gritAbout Paul SeibertTakeawaysSound BitesChapters