Photography Adjacent

In this episode, Tom Trevatt sits down with Christine Goding-Doty, Assistant Professor of Culture and Media at The New School in New York. What starts with oddly satisfying videos turns into a conversation about how digital media shapes what we feel, notice, and value.They explore the rise of slime, ASMR, and AI-generated content, along with the hidden labour, environmental impact, and platform influence behind it all.This is a conversation about images, desire, and the systems quietly shaping how we experience the online world.TAKEAWAYS-“Oddly satisfying” media is designed to create a physical or emotional response, not just entertainment-Slime videos, ASMR, and similar content often aim to calm the body or reduce stress-Many of these trends are driven by adult viewers, even when the creators are children-Slime became a real micro-economy, with kids making and selling it and brands profiting from demand-The materials behind slime are petrochemical-based, raising environmental concerns-Platforms shape what we see, meaning “community” is often controlled by algorithms-ASMR often relies on sounds traditionally seen as “bad audio” like distortion, breath, or friction-Internet aesthetics, like smoothness and “glassiness,” influence product design and visual culture-AI is starting to enter this space, creating uncanny versions of satisfying content-Content creation can involve hidden labour, especially for young creators-There are ethical concerns around children, monetisation, and lack of regulation online-These trends shape how we see ourselves, including beauty standards and identity onlineCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Christine Goding-Doty02:10 Teaching culture, media, and art students05:30 Christine’s path through academia08:20 Why study “oddly satisfying” videos10:15 What makes something “oddly satisfying”13:40 The rise of slime videos and ASMR18:10 The economics behind slime and viral content22:30 Environmental impact of slime production26:00 Who watches this content and why30:15 Internet aesthetics and design trends35:40 ASMR, sound, and “bad audio” becoming normal41:20 The role of platforms and algorithms46:00 Dark sides of content creation and child labour52:30 AI-generated content and the uncanny effect58:40 Photography, identity, and AI images01:05:00 Final thoughts on image-making and riskVISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://www.photographyadjacent.comFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIAHost: Tom Trevatt - https://www.instagram.com/tomtrevatt/CREDITSGuest: Christine Goding-DotyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cgoding/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-goding-doty-7a980b14/PRODUCTIONKeenlii - https://www.instagram.com/keenliico/SUBSCRIBE AND SUPPORTIf you found value in our conversation, please subscribe to our channel for more insightful episodes. Comment and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next.Support Our Podcast:To support our podcast and help us bring you more content, please consider leaving a review on YouTube or sharing this episode with your photography-loving friends.ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY ADJACENTWelcome to Photography Adjacent, a podcast about photography and everything else. Each week on our show, we speak to artists, activists, writers, and the occasional photographer to learn about life through their lens. Discover the Stories Behind the Lens: Join us as we explore more than just the art of photography. This podcast celebrates the voices shaping our understanding of the world—from the creative minds that capture life's moments to the change-makers who challenge our perceptions. Through these conversations, we hope to uncover experiences that inspire artistic and personal growth.

In this episode of Photography Adjacent, Tom Trevatt sits down with David Shoukry, a portrait photographer known for his clean, carefully composed style. David shares how he moved from a 20-year career in music into photography, and how that transition slowly shaped the way he works today.What begins as a story about changing careers becomes a wider conversation about finding your place in a creative field. David reflects on trial and error, building a style over time, and the reality of making a living through photography. There is a lot here for anyone trying to navigate their own path in a creative industry.This conversation offers a grounded look at what it actually takes to build something sustainable. It highlights the role of consistency, relationships, and patience, and shows that most careers are built quietly over time rather than all at once.TAKEAWAYS-Career changes rarely happen in a straight line and often involve uncertainty-Trying different types of work is part of finding what suits you-Style develops over time through repetition, not instant clarity-Many unsuccessful ideas and experiments sit behind polished portfolios-Knowing your preferences helps shape a consistent body of work-Client experience matters just as much as the final images-Preparation, especially around wardrobe and set design, is key to strong results-Relationships and trust often matter more than technical skill in getting work-There is no single path into editorial photography-Teaching and sharing knowledge can become a meaningful part of a creative career-Work often comes through a mix of word of mouth, social media, and existing networks-Consistency and reliability help build long-term opportunitiesCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to David Shoukry01:30 From music to photography05:20 Living and working in Southeast Asia08:40 Learning photography through practice12:10 Starting over and early challenges16:00 Finding a style through trial and error20:30 Developing a consistent visual approach25:10 Balancing client needs and personal work30:00 Who David’s clients are today34:20 Portfolio vs service-based websites38:30 How work actually comes in42:00 Education, workshops, and teaching47:30 Branding and moving away from English Photo Works52:00 One-to-one training and workshops57:00 Studio space and working environment01:02:00 Set design, backdrops, and process01:08:00 Gear, medium format, and workflow01:14:00 Advice for getting started01:18:00 Where to find DavidVISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://www.photographyadjacent.comFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram Tom Trevatt: https://www.instagram.com/tomtrevatt/CREDITSGuest: David ShoukryIG: https://www.instagram.com/epwphoto/Portfolio: https://www.davidshoukry.comEducation: https://www.createwithdavid.comPRODUCTIONKeenliiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/keenliico/SUBSCRIBE AND SUPPORTIf you found value in our conversation, please subscribe to our channel for more insightful episodes. Comment and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next.Support Our Podcast:To support our podcast and help us bring you more content, please consider leaving a review on YouTube or sharing this episode with your photography-loving friends.ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY ADJACENTWelcome to Photography Adjacent, a podcast about photography and everything else. Each week on our show, we speak to artists, activists, writers, and the occasional photographer to learn about life through their lens. Discover the Stories Behind the Lens: Join us as we explore more than just the art of photography. This podcast celebrates the voices shaping our understanding of the world—from the creative minds that capture life's moments to the change-makers who challenge our perceptions. Through these conversations, we hope to uncover experiences that inspire artistic and personal growth.

In this episode, Sissela Johansson shares her journey from building a successful photography business in the U.S. to walking away from hustle culture and rebuilding her life in Scandinavia.What looked like success on paper came at a cost—and eventually forced a complete reset. This conversation explores burnout, pressure, creative identity, and the tension between building a profitable business and staying true to yourself.It also dives into the reality of education in the creative industry—what it teaches, what it misses, and why so many people feel stuck chasing “more.”We also talk about something new we’ve been working on behind the scenes…If you’ve ever questioned the path you’re on, this one will hit.TAKEAWAYS-Success in photography is personal, not a fixed number-Hustle culture can push creatives into burnout-More clients doesn’t always mean better work-Alignment matters more than growth for its own sake-Education often teaches how, not what you want-Community can shape your career more than courses-Slowing down can improve both your work and life-Clients value connection, not just polished images-You don’t need to follow someone else’s business model-Real conversations beat forced networking-Working for free can still lead to paid opportunities-The best growth often comes from shared experiencesCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Photography Adjacent01:24 Cisla Johansson: A Journey in Portrait Photography02:56 The Hustle Culture Experience06:19 Burnout and the Need for Change09:35 Finding Peace in Nature11:51 Staying True to Artistic Vision19:30 The Role of Education in Photography25:38 Navigating the Hustle vs. Values in Business31:03 Community and the Value of Shared Experiences39:23 The Power of Community in Photography42:44 Planning a Transformative Retreat57:28 Aligning Values for Success01:01:10 Networking and Building RelationshipsVISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://www.photographyadjacent.comFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram Tom Trevatt: https://www.instagram.com/tomtrevatt/CREDITSGuest: Sissela JohanssonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sissela.johanssonWebsite: https://www.sisselajohansson.comPRODUCTIONKeenliiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/keenliico/SUBSCRIBE AND SUPPORTIf you found value in our conversation, please subscribe to our channel for more insightful episodes. Comment and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next.Support Our Podcast:To support our podcast and help us bring you more content, please consider leaving a review on YouTube or sharing this episode with your photography-loving friends.ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY ADJACENTWelcome to Photography Adjacent, a podcast about photography and everything else. Each week on our show, we speak to artists, activists, writers, and the occasional photographer to learn about life through their lens. Discover the Stories Behind the Lens: Join us as we explore more than just the art of photography. This podcast celebrates the voices shaping our understanding of the world—from the creative minds that capture life's moments to the change-makers who challenge our perceptions. Through these conversations, we hope to uncover experiences that inspire artistic and personal growth.

In the latest episode of our podcast, we spoke with ⁠Kezi Husseyin a gifted photographer known for weaving engaging narratives through her lens.  Kezi's work is often untraditional, capturing moments others would otherwise overlook. Whether it's a simple family breakfast or things on the floor, there are stories behind these moments. During our conversation, Kezi shared insights into her creative process, highlighting her penchant for capturing the muck of everyday life. This approach isn't about creating picture-perfect scenes but focuses on authenticity and the beauty of imperfection.  Tune in for a great conversation on our 10th episode and the end of Season 1 of Photography Adjacent. Visit Our Website photographyadjacent.com Follow Us on InstagramHost:⁠ Tom Trevatt - ⁠@tomtrevatt⁠⁠   Connect with our guest: Kezi Husseyin Production:⁠ ⁠@Keenliico Subscribe and Engage If you found value in our conversation, please subscribe to our channel for more insightful episodes. Comment and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next. Support Our Podcast: To support our podcast and help us bring you more content, please consider leaving a review on YouTube or sharing this episode with your photography-loving friends. About Photography Adjacent Welcome to Photography Adjacent, a podcast about photography and everything else. Each week on our show, we speak to artists, activists, writers, and the occasional photographer to learn about life through their lens. Discover the Stories Behind the Lens: Join us as we explore more than just the art of photography. This podcast celebrates the voices shaping our understanding of the world—from the creative minds that capture life's moments to the change-makers who challenge our perceptions. Through these conversations, we hope to uncover experiences that inspire artistic and personal growth.

Welcome back to Photography Adjacent. This week, we sit down with Tom Wright, a UK-based photographer whose career has evolved from wedding photography to commercial photography and now to coaching and training. Tom also hosts the podcast About Creative Experience.   What We Explore: Developing a unique visual identity is crucial for photographers to stand out in the industry. Photographers should strive to avoid trends and find their own artistic expression. Understanding oneself as a photographer and finding a balance between technical skills and artistic vision is essential. Education should focus on encouraging individuals to think critically and discover their own way of thinking or making. Personal branding photography should go beyond the standard 'thigh-up' shots and consider the client's unique needs and values. Fair compensation is essential in the photography industry to ensure a sustainable and ethical business model. Episode Chapters (Approx) 00:00 Introduction and Early Career 06:21 Helping Photographers Develop Their Visual Identity 09:38 Understanding One's Place in the Photography Tradition 13:11 The Importance of Uniqueness and Market Fit 15:58 Trends and Diversity in the Photography Industry 28:03 The Benefits of Having a Coach 32:31 Building a Life as a Photographer and Family Man 36:12 Living and Working in the North of England 37:19 Living in the North: Lifestyle and Opportunities 39:26 The Challenges and Rewards of Being an Interviewer 43:31 Going Beyond the 'Thigh Up' Shots in Personal Branding Photography 48:53 The Pitfalls of Gatekeeping in the Photography Industry 55:47 Understanding Licensing and Usage Rights in Photography 59:02 The Importance of Fair Compensation in the Photography Industry Tune In: Visit Our Website photographyadjacent.com Follow Us on Instagram| Host:⁠ ⁠@tomtrevatt⁠⁠   Guest: @⁠bytomw⁠ Production:⁠ ⁠@Keenliico Subscribe and Engage If you found value in our conversation, please subscribe to our channel for more insightful episodes. Comment and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next. Support Our Podcast: To support our podcast and help us bring more content to you, please consider leaving a review on YouTube or sharing this episode with your photography-loving friends. About Photography Adjacent Welcome to Photography Adjacent, a podcast about photography and everything else. Each week on our show, we speak to artists, activists, writers, and the occasional photographer to learn about life through their lens. Discover the Stories Behind the Lens: Join us as we explore more than just the art of photography. This podcast celebrates the voices shaping our understanding of the world—from the creative minds that capture life's moments to the change-makers who challenge our perceptions. Through these conversations, we hope to uncover experiences that inspire artistic and personal growth.

This week, on Photography Adjacent, we spoke to Jonny Edward, known on Instagram as Jonny Creative. His photography career isn't just a journey but more a series of life-altering events pushing him towards his true calling. Despite a terrifying near-death experience, Jonny shows us that his creativity knows no bounds and that he is relentless in his pursuits. It was a humbling, inspiring, and personal conversation with an amazingly talented photographer. What We Explore: Art: Jonny finds healing and self-discovery in photography, exploring deeply personal themes. DEATH: His recovery from a near-fatal stabbing deepened his engagement with life and his art. Authentic Connections: His work aims to uncover the hidden aspects of his subjects, reflecting his quest for authenticity. LIFE: Jonny’s approach to photography is defined by humility, exploration, and a continuous journey towards growth. And more… Visit Our Website photographyadjacent.com https://www.instagram.com/tomtrevatt/ Follow Us on InstagramHost:⁠ ⁠@tomtrevatt⁠⁠   Connect with our guest: Guest: Jonny Edwards @jonnycreative Production:⁠⁠ ⁠@Keenliico⁠ Subscribe and Engage If you found value in our conversation, please subscribe to our channel for more insightful episodes. Comment and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next. Support Our Podcast: To support our podcast and help us bring more content to you, please consider leaving a review on YouTube or sharing this episode with your photography-loving friends. About Photography Adjacent Welcome to Photography Adjacent, a podcast about photography and everything else. Each week on our show, we speak to artists, activists, writers, and the occasional photographer to learn about life through their lens. Discover the Stories Behind the Lens: Join us as we explore more than just the art of photography. This podcast celebrates the voices shaping our understanding of the world—from the creative minds that capture life's moments to the change-makers who challenge our perceptions. Through these conversations, we hope to uncover experiences that inspire artistic and personal growth.

This week, Neal Haddaway takes us on a journey from the heart of environmental science to the frontline of photojournalism. Through stories captured across the globe, from the agricultural fields of Almería, Spain, to the academic halls of London, Neal's narrative unfolds as a powerful call to action against environmental degradation. What We Explore From Science to Storytelling: How Neal's environmental research background enriches his photojournalist perspective, merging evidence with emotion. Unveiling Almería: A deep dive into Neal's impactful project in Spain, highlighting the unseen consequences of industrial farming on people and the planet. Visual Advocacy: The transformative power of photography in raising awareness and driving social and environmental change. Empathy and Engagement: Neal's approach to storytelling emphasizes the importance of connecting with audiences on a personal level to inspire action. And more… Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:43 Transition to Photography and Environmental Science 04:04 Academia and Photography 04:59 Photojournalism and Documentary Photography 07:29 Photographing Agricultural Systems 09:49 The Power of Photography in Storytelling 11:15 Photography as a Tool for Change 20:02 The Role of Organization in Political Change 22:44 The Power of Storytelling and Image Selection 26:10 The Influence of Political Fear 27:45 Continuing to Tell Stories 27:59 Defining Stories 28:34 The Power of Storytelling 30:16 Empathy and Solidarity 32:12 Sympathy vs Empathy 35:00 The Role of Beauty in Photography 37:44 Photography Practices 45:40 The Sublime and Perception Visit Our Website photographyadjacent.com https://www.instagram.com/tomtrevatt/ Neal Haddaway Guest: @nealhaddaway.photography Follow Us on InstagramHost:⁠ ⁠@tomtrevatt⁠⁠   Connect with our guest: Neal’s work: ⁠https://linktr.ee/nealhaddaway⁠ Production:⁠ ⁠@Keenliico Subscribe and Engage If you found value in our conversation, please subscribe to our channel for more insightful episodes. Comment and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next. Support Our Podcast To support our podcast and help us bring more content to you, please consider leaving a review on YouTube or sharing this episode with your photography-loving friends. About Photography Adjacent Welcome to Photography Adjacent, a podcast about photography and everything else. Each week on our show, we speak to artists, activists, writers, and the occasional photographer to learn about life through their lens. Discover the Stories Behind the Lens: Join us as we explore more than just the art of photography. This podcast celebrates the voices shaping our understanding of the world—from the creative minds that capture life's moments to the change-makers who challenge our perceptions. Through these conversations, we hope to uncover experiences that inspire artistic and personal growth.

This week's conversation with Robyn Davie unveils the story of a journey that crosses continents and career milestones. From her initial days in Los Angeles to establishing Fin Studios in Johannesburg and adapting to life in Hamburg, Robyn's tale is a testament to the evolution of a passionate photographer into a formidable entrepreneur within the global landscape. What We Talk About Passion to Profession: Early experiences, even those less than perfect, lay the groundwork for a rewarding career in photography. Brand Evolution: Meticulous development and leadership can transform a personal passion into a recognized, award-winning brand. Community Over Competition: A foundational belief in nurturing a supportive environment catalyzes creativity and shared success within the industry. Global Perspective: Embracing change and new opportunities underscores the belief that creativity and business know no geographical limits. And more… Episode Chapters 00:00Introduction 00:45Starting a Photography Business 04:02Opening a Natural Light Studio 05:24Pivoting During the Pandemic 07:09Creating a Strong Personal Brand 09:06Building a Supportive Team 10:21Ethos of Fin Studios 12:17Collaboration Over Competition 14:57Client Base and Services 15:26Online Courses and Photography Education 18:09Teaching and Mentorship 20:03Importance of Business Education for Photographers 21:27Learning the Business Side of Photography 23:21Transitioning from academia to photography 24:18Starting a photography business 25:38The importance of dedication and support 27:30The value of always having a camera 28:29The power of self-portraits and storytelling 30:55The role of narrative in marketing 34:56Navigating the future 36:39Balancing creativity and business 40:24Advice for a younger self 44:18The importance of sustainability in business Visit Our Website photographyadjacent.com Follow Us on InstagramHost: ⁠@tomtrevatt⁠   Connect with our guest: Robyn Davies @robyndavie Fynn Studio - @fynn_studio https://www.robyndavie.com/links Production: ⁠@Keenliico Subscribe and Engage If you found value in our conversation, please subscribe to our channel for more insightful episodes. Comment and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next. Support Our Podcast: To support our podcast and help us bring more content to you, please consider leaving a review on YouTube or sharing this episode with your photography-loving friends. About Photography Adjacent Welcome to Photography Adjacent, a podcast about photography and everything else. Each week on our show, we speak to artists, activists, writers, and the occasional photographer to learn about life through their lens. Discover the Stories Behind the Lens: Join us as we explore more than just the art of photography. This podcast celebrates the voices shaping our understanding of the world—from the creative minds that capture life's moments to the change-makers who challenge our perceptions. Through these conversations, we hope to uncover experiences that inspire artistic and personal growth.

Join us in this engaging episode of "Photography Adjacent" as we explore the transformative journey of Ami Robertson, aka The Wolf and the Wild Thing. From their beginnings in the world of photography to a radical shift towards self-discovery and embracing their non-binary identity, Ami's story is a testament to the power of embracing one's true self. What We Talk About: Self-discovery and therapy can help individuals understand their behaviours and emotions. Embodiment and somatic work can reconnect individuals with their bodies and intuition. Businesses can prioritize sustainability, community care, and sharing resources. Capitalism places value on productivity, but true fulfillment comes from connection, love, and well-being. Reading books can provide valuable insights and perspectives on personal growth and social issues. Hear Ami's candid discussion on breaking free from traditional narratives to build a purposeful life.  Episode Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 03:44Deconstructing and Rebuilding 08:24Moving to Folkestone 11:20Building Community and Snap 22:49Photography and Activism 31:33Combining Photography and Therapy 31:59Journey to Self-Discovery 36:17Becoming a Trauma-Informed Somatic Counselor 40:03Photography as Therapy 47:37Combining Anti-Capitalism and Business 53:36Moving from Self-Care to Collective Care 56:11Reckoning with Mortality and Prioritizing What Truly Matters 57:20Asking for Help and Sharing Resources 01:00:29Book Recommendations 01:02:46Where to Find Ami Robertson Tune In: Visit Our Website https://www.photographyadjacent.com Ami Robertson https://www.instagram.com/thewolfandthewildthing/ Snap: https://www.snapphotofestival.com/ Subscribe and Engage If you found value in our conversation, please subscribe to our channel for more insightful episodes. Comment and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next. Support Our Podcast To support our podcast and help us bring more content to you, please consider leaving a review on YouTube or sharing this episode with your photography-loving friends. About Photography Adjacent Welcome to Photography Adjacent, a podcast about photography and everything else. Each week on our show, we speak to artists, activists, writers, and the occasional photographer to learn about life through their lens. Discover the Stories Behind the Lens: Join us as we explore more than just the art of photography. This podcast celebrates the voices shaping our understanding of the world—from the creative minds that capture life's moments to the change-makers who challenge our perceptions. Through these conversations, we hope to uncover experiences that inspire artistic and personal growth. Follow Us on Instagram Host: Tom Trevatt Connect with our guest: Ami Robertson Production: KeenliiCo Subscribe and Engage If you found value in our conversation, please subscribe to our channel for more insightful episodes. Comment and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next. Support Our Podcast: To support our podcast and help us bring more content to you, please consider leaving a review on YouTube or sharing this episode with your photography-loving friends. About Photography Adjacent Welcome to Photography Adjacent, a podcast about photography and everything else. Each week on our show, we speak to artists, activists, writers, and the occasional photographer to learn about life through their lens. Discover the Stories Behind the Lens: Join us as we explore more than just the art of photography. This podcast celebrates the voices shaping our understanding of the world—from the creative minds that capture life's moments to the change-makers who challenge our perceptions. Through these conversations, we hope to uncover experiences that inspire artistic and personal growth.

This episode steps inside the world of master photographer Sean Lewthwaite. From London streets to Stockholm scenes, his journey is incredible. Graphic design pro for Thomson Reuters and the BBC? Check. Now, he captures actors' raw, natural essence—the kind that lands roles on Netflix and Viaplay. Sean spills secrets on photorealism, getting the best from his subjects, and even the power of mentorship. It's about more than photos—he tells a person's story, capturing their essence with the tenacity of a cinematic storyteller. What We Talk About Journey from Design to Photography: Sean's transition from a graphic designer at Thomson Reuters and the BBC to a renowned photographer in Stockholm is highlighted, showcasing his path into photography. Cinematic Style and Photorealism: The discussion reveals Sean's approach to blending graphic design principles with photorealism, aiming for cinematic and authentic portraits. Career Transformation through Photography: Sean's expertise in headshot photography has significantly impacted actors' careers, helping them secure roles on platforms like Netflix and Viaplay. Minimal Editing Philosophy: Emphasizing realness, Sean advocates for minimal editing, focusing on capturing a person’s true character without over-processing images. -- Episode Chapters Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 03:11Photography Style and Approach 06:09Weddings and Portraits 07:24Artistic Approach to Headshots 10:12Pushback from Actors and Agents 12:15Mentoring and Headshots Matter 16:34Photography Scene in Stockholm 17:06Seasonality of Headshot Photography 21:08Mentoring and Working with New Photographers 27:03Gear and Equipment 29:14Tips for New Photographers 33:12Importance of Feeling and Atmosphere 40:30Final Thoughts and Advice 43:11Creating in a Familiar Environment 44:07Seeking Inspiration and Learning from Others 44:25Building a Supportive Community 45:07Where to Find Sean Online -- Visit Our Website photographyadjacent.com -- Follow Us on Instagram Host: @tomtrevatt Connect with our guest: Sean Lewthwaite at @s⁠tockholm_sean Production: @Keenliico. -- Subscribe and Engage If you found value in our conversation, please subscribe to our channel for more insightful episodes. Comment and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next. Support Our Podcast To support our podcast and help us bring more content to you, please consider leaving a review on YouTube or sharing this episode with your photography-loving friends. About Photography Adjacent Welcome to Photography Adjacent, a podcast about photography and everything else. Each week on our show, we speak to artists, activists, writers, and the occasional photographer to learn about life through their lens. Discover the Stories Behind the Lens: Join us as we explore more than just the art of photography. This podcast celebrates the voices shaping our understanding of the world—from the creative minds that capture life's moments to the change-makers who challenge our perceptions. We hope to uncover experiences that inspire artistic and personal growth through these conversations.

In the episode "Analogue Photography: Exploring Authenticity," we dive into Huan Liu's transformative journey from finance to fulfilling his dream job in photography. Using medium and large format film cameras, Huan captures the essence of Hong Kong's people, blending art with the authenticity of analogue photography. He discusses the significant shift from offering ordinary headshots to creating meaningful connections through the lens, emphasizing the role of authenticity and the photographer's touch in his work.  Join us as Huan shares his journey to achieving his dream job, inspiring listeners to follow their passions. What We Talk About: Analogue Photography as a Medium for Authenticity: Analogue photography, with its inherent imperfections and tactile nature, provides a profound medium for capturing the authentic self, offering depth and a sense of reality that digital photography struggles to match. The Art of Connection in Portrait Photography: Huan's approach emphasizes the importance of connecting with the subject, illustrating that portrait photography transcends technical skill to include the photographer's ability to reveal the subject's true essence through the lens. Pursuing Passion Transforms Lives: Huan's transition from a career in finance to pursuing his dream job in photography exemplifies the transformative power of following one's passion, underscoring the potential for personal fulfillment and creative satisfaction. Philosophy Influencing Artistic Expression: The philosophical reflections on why we create art play a crucial role in shaping artistic expression. Huan's journey highlights how personal insights and values can inform and enrich the photographic process. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:04 Headshots Matter and Film Photography 02:19 Transition from Finance to Photography 04:09 Starting a Portrait Studio 05:17 The Freedom of Pursuing a Passion 06:10 Finding Identity as a Photographer 07:35 The Connection Between Art and Life 09:12 The Anchor of Authenticity in Photography 10:40 The Importance of Reality in Photography 11:45 The Value of Scarcity in Film Photography 14:48 Creating a Connection with Clients 18:27 Positioning in the Photography Market 24:14 Running a Photography Business 29:48 The Roller Coaster of Starting a Business 32:34 Pricing and Serving Underserved Clients 35:23 Balancing Personality and Photography 39:16 Future Plans and Contentment 42:22 The Allure of Film Photography 43:19 Balancing Personality and Photography 44:23 The Purpose of Art 45:01 Conclusion and Where to Find Huan Tune In: Visit Our Website www.photographyadjacent.com Follow Us Host Instagram: @tomtrevatt Connect with our guest, Huan Liu, on Instagram @analogicalphotos Production: @KeenliiCo Subscribe and Engage If you found value in our conversation, please subscribe to our channel for more insightful episodes. Comment and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next. Support Our Podcast To support our podcast and help us bring more content to you, please consider leaving a review on YouTube or sharing this episode with your photography-loving friends. About Photography Adjacent Welcome to Photography Adjacent, a podcast about photography and everything else. Each week on our show, we speak to artists, activists, writers, and the occasional photographer to learn about life through their lens. Discover the Stories Behind the Lens: Join us as we explore more than just the art of photography. This podcast celebrates the voices shaping our understanding of the world—from the creative minds that capture life's moments to the change-makers who challenge our perceptions. Through these conversations, we hope to uncover experiences that inspire artistic and personal growth.

Welcome Back, Listeners! In today's episode of Photography Adjacent, I have the pleasure of sharing a truly inspiring conversation with my friend and fellow photographer, Jacqui McSweeney. Jacqui's journey illustrates the power of trusting your instincts and taking the first step in building a remarkable career. In this episode, Jacqui teaches a true masterclass in self-belief.  Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:53 Background and History 05:42 New Studio Location 08:03 Impact of Studio on Photography 09:02 Developing in the Studio 10:22 Importance of Studio Space 13:46 Creating Intimacy in Portraits 15:10 Clientele and Competition in Brighton 20:03 Transitioning to Studio Photography 22:21 Finding the Right Modifier 23:21 Gear and Equipment 23:50 Favorite Lenses 26:12 Memorable Shoot 27:34 Pricing and Packages 29:14 Fear and Drive 30:40 Marketing as a Small Business 32:07 Advice for Beginners 35:28 Money and Creativity 36:22 Marketing in a Small City 42:01 Advice for Starting Out 45:22 Connections to Brighton University 46:21 Finding Jackie McSweeney Online What We Talk About: An Unlikely Beginning: Hear firsthand how Jacqui self-belief and trusting her instincts landed her first-ever photography job. Evolving Craft: Jacqui walks us through her evolution from press photography to mastering the art of portraiture, offering a glimpse into her creative process and the depth of connection she establishes with every subject. Setting the Scene: Discover how Jacqui's approach to photography is influenced by her environment and why she chose Brighton as the home for her studio. Inside the Studio: Jacqui shares the challenges and joys of studio photography and how she adapts to create intimate portraits that speak volumes. Words of Wisdom: For those at the start of their photography journey, Jacqui offers sage advice on authenticity, growth, and the courage to follow your heart. Visit Our Website photographyadjacent.com Follow on Instagram Host: ⁠@tomtrevatt⁠ Connect with our guest: @jacquimcsweeneyphoto Website: https://www.jacquimcsweeney.com/ ⁠Production: ⁠@Keenliico. About Photography Adjacent: Our podcast is a journey into the creative processes of artists, writers, thinkers, activists, experts, and, of course, the occasional photographer. Through engaging conversations, we strive to understand what makes our guests tick, exploring their creative journeys to become better photographers and, ultimately, better people through the lens of photography. Join us as we delve into these narratives, shedding light on the diverse paths that lead to artistic and personal growth.

Episode Summary: Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Photography Adjacent Podcast, where our explorations extend far beyond photography. In this premiere, Tom Trevatt interviews Dwayne Brown, a photographer with 40 years of experience and the founder of Headshots Matter. Dwayne emphasizes the importance of curiosity and humility in photography, as well as the evolution of his career from commercial photography to focusing on headshots. He discusses the creation of Headshots Matter, a platform that connects photographers with clients looking for headshot services. Dwayne also highlights the supportive community within Headshots Matter and the valuable resources it provides. The episode concludes with a discussion about the future of Dwayne's photography career and the significance of storytelling in headshots. Takeaways Curiosity and humility are essential qualities for photographers. Headshots Matter is a platform that connects photographers with clients looking for headshot services. The community within Headshots Matter is supportive and provides valuable resources for photographers. A good headshot tells a story and captures the authentic self of the person being photographed. Curiosity is key to continuous growth and success in photography. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:19 Curiosity in Photography 02:45 Dwayne's Photography Career 04:42 Creation of Headshots Matter 07:07 The Importance of Humility in Business 13:47 Embrace Humility: A Photographer's Entrepreneurial Journey 18:07 The Evolution of Headshots Matter 21:53 Headshots Matter as a Valuable Resource 26:14 The Supportive Community of Headshots Matter 32:55 Collaboration with Snapchat 39:34 What Makes a Good Headshot 45:23 The Future of Dwayne Brown and Ottawa Headshots 50:38 Significant Photographs in Dwayne's Career 53:04 The Importance of Curiosity in Photography 54:03 Conclusion and Contact Information Visit Our Website: photographyadjacent.com Follow Us: Host Instagram: @tomtrevatt Connect with our guest, Dwayne Brown, on Instagram:  Dwayne Brown: @dwaynebrownstudio | @headshots.matter Subscribe and Engage: If you found value in our conversation, please subscribe to our channel for more insightful episodes. Engage with us in the comments section below, and let us know your thoughts or what topics you'd like us to explore next. Support Our Podcast: To support our podcast and help us bring more content to you, please consider leaving a review on Spotify or sharing this episode with your fellow photographers, artists, activists, writers, and others.