Behind The Lenz, A Photographers Life

Step "Behind the Lenz" this week with host Andrew, as he welcomes the incredibly insightful Sharon Nihart of Neihart Photography. From Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Sharon shares her unique journey into the world of portrait photography – a path that surprisingly started with a love for photos in her teens and a background in psychology and education.

Step "Behind the Lenz" this week with host Andrew, as he welcomes the incredibly insightful Sharon Nihart of Neihart Photography. From Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Sharon shares her unique journey into the world of portrait photography – a path that surprisingly started with a love for photos in her teens and a background in psychology and education.

Join us this week on "Behind the Lenz: A Photographer's Life" as I sits down with the incredibly passionate and insightful Alex Class, https://www.alexclass.com a photographer whose journey into the art world is as unique as his current specialty.From a vibrant career as a professional musician in Italy, playing double bass and electric bass for renowned artists, Alex's path unexpectedly led him behind the camera. He shares how his father's love for photography sparked an initial interest, which later blossomed into a full-blown passion after documenting his beloved dog's final months. This profound experience revealed the incredible power of photography to create lasting emotional connections and led him to a truly distinctive niche.Now based in North London, Alex focuses almost exclusively on cats, with a significant portion of his clientele being "crazy cat ladies" – a title he embraces with infectious enthusiasm! Discover why he chose to concentrate on felines in a dog-dominated industry, the unique challenges and exhilarating rewards of photographing these often-unpredictable creatures, and how his reportage background perfectly equips him for the "uncontrollable" moments that make for truly authentic images.Alex also reveals his fascinating on-location workflow, from his minimalist approach to equipment (sometimes just a camera and a specific lens!) to his unique "photo reveal" process in clients' homes. More than just a photographer, Alex views his work as a celebration of the "now," fostering deep, trusting relationships with his clients and their furry family members. This episode is a heart warming and thought-provoking exploration of creativity, connection, and the profound impact of capturing life's most precious, fleeting moments.

Join us this week on "Behind the Lenz: A Photographer's Life" as I sits down with the incredibly passionate and insightful Alex Class, a photographer whose journey into the art world is as unique as his current specialty.From a vibrant career as a professional musician in Italy, playing double bass and electric bass for renowned artists, Alex's path unexpectedly led him behind the camera. He shares how his father's love for photography sparked an initial interest, which later blossomed into a full-blown passion after documenting his beloved dog's final months. This profound experience revealed the incredible power of photography to create lasting emotional connections and led him to a truly distinctive niche.Now based in North London, Alex focuses almost exclusively on cats, with a significant portion of his clientele being "crazy cat ladies" – a title he embraces with infectious enthusiasm! Discover why he chose to concentrate on felines in a dog-dominated industry, the unique challenges and exhilarating rewards of photographing these often-unpredictable creatures, and how his reportage background perfectly equips him for the "uncontrollable" moments that make for truly authentic images.Alex also reveals his fascinating on-location workflow, from his minimalist approach to equipment (sometimes just a camera and a specific lens!) to his unique "photo reveal" process in clients' homes. More than just a photographer, Alex views his work as a celebration of the "now," fostering deep, trusting relationships with his clients and their furry family members. This episode is a heart warming and thought-provoking exploration of creativity, connection, and the profound impact of capturing life's most precious, fleeting moments.

This week on "Behind the Lens: A Photographer's Life," prepare for a captivating journey with Janine, the visionary photographer whose path to artistic entrepreneurship was unexpectedly paved by the seismic shifts within a corporate giant. Andrew unravels Janine's extraordinary story, beginning in the high-stakes world of Motorola, where she, as a mechanical engineer, was at the forefront of cell phone battery design.But the corporate landscape shifted dramatically. Janine reveals how the very challenges and mass layoffs faced by Motorola—a company that once seemed invincible—became the catalyst for her bold pivot. Discover the "golden handcuffs" she broke free from and the profound realization that controlling her own destiny was paramount.From the meticulous precision of engineering to the evocative artistry of portraiture, Janine's narrative is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Learn how her technical mind found its ultimate creative outlet, leading her to specialize in capturing the fleeting, magical moments of childhood and family. This episode isn't just about a career change; it's a deep dive into the unexpected opportunities that can arise from disruption, the power of a "Disney-fied" client experience, and how one woman built a thriving studio that became Florida's most cherished chronicle of family life. Janine's story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the end of one chapter is simply the dramatic opening of another, even more extraordinary one.

This week on "Behind the Lens: A Photographer's Life," prepare for a captivating journey with Janine, the visionary photographer whose path to artistic entrepreneurship was unexpectedly paved by the seismic shifts within a corporate giant. Andrew unravels Janine's extraordinary story, beginning in the high-stakes world of Motorola, where she, as a mechanical engineer, was at the forefront of cell phone battery design.But the corporate landscape shifted dramatically. Janine reveals how the very challenges and mass layoffs faced by Motorola—a company that once seemed invincible—became the catalyst for her bold pivot. Discover the "golden handcuffs" she broke free from and the profound realization that controlling her own destiny was paramount.From the meticulous precision of engineering to the evocative artistry of portraiture, Janine's narrative is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Learn how her technical mind found its ultimate creative outlet, leading her to specialize in capturing the fleeting, magical moments of childhood and family. This episode isn't just about a career change; it's a deep dive into the unexpected opportunities that can arise from disruption, the power of a "Disney-fied" client experience, and how one woman built a thriving studio that became Florida's most cherished chronicle of family life. Janine's story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the end of one chapter is simply the dramatic opening of another, even more extraordinary one.

In this candid conversation on Behind the Lens, we sit down with Caroline of Studio Belle. Prepare to be inspired as Caroline reveals her unexpected path into professional photography, starting with a simple point-and-shoot camera and evolving into a successful studio owner. We delve into her experiences growing a business from scratch, the challenges of working without a physical studio, and the pivotal moment she realized the importance of profitability. Whether you're an aspiring photographer or a seasoned pro, Caroline's story offers valuable lessons on turning your creative passion into a sustainable and rewarding career.

In this candid conversation on Behind the Lens, we sit down with Caroline of Studio Belle. Prepare to be inspired as Caroline reveals her unexpected path into professional photography, starting with a simple point-and-shoot camera and evolving into a successful studio owner. We delve into her experiences growing a business from scratch, the challenges of working without a physical studio, and the pivotal moment she realized the importance of profitability. Whether you're an aspiring photographer or a seasoned pro, Caroline's story offers valuable lessons on turning your creative passion into a sustainable and rewarding career.

Join us on Behind the Lens: A Photographer's Life as we delve into the extraordinary world of Rita from Sonara Studios, and discover the story behind "Two Studios, One Vision." From the tranquil countryside setting of Loughborough to the bustling high street of Oakham, Rita and her husband have built a remarkable legacy in portrait photography.This episode explores how their distinct studio locations contribute to a single, unwavering commitment: to capture the genuine essence of every individual. Rita shares how the journey from film to digital photography shaped their craft, the deep-rooted family history that inspired their studio name, and why, for over 30 years, their focus has remained on creating timeless, printed portraits that become cherished family heirlooms.Hear how Rita connects with newborns, children, teenagers, and adults alike, drawing out their unique sparkle. She reveals the conscious shift from high-volume sessions to providing a more personal, luxury experience, and why avoiding distracting clothing is crucial for enduring portraits. This is more than just a business story; it's a testament to passion, adaptation, and the enduring power of human connection, all under "One Vision" of photographic excellence.

Join us on Behind the Lens: A Photographer's Life as we delve into the extraordinary world of Rita from Sonara Studios, and discover the story behind "Two Studios, One Vision." From the tranquil countryside setting of Loughborough to the bustling high street of Oakham, Rita and her husband have built a remarkable legacy in portrait photography.This episode explores how their distinct studio locations contribute to a single, unwavering commitment: to capture the genuine essence of every individual. Rita shares how the journey from film to digital photography shaped their craft, the deep-rooted family history that inspired their studio name, and why, for over 30 years, their focus has remained on creating timeless, printed portraits that become cherished family heirlooms.Hear how Rita connects with newborns, children, teenagers, and adults alike, drawing out their unique sparkle. She reveals the conscious shift from high-volume sessions to providing a more personal, luxury experience, and why avoiding distracting clothing is crucial for enduring portraits. This is more than just a business story; it's a testament to passion, adaptation, and the enduring power of human connection, all under "One Vision" of photographic excellence.

Join Andrew this week on "Behind the Lenz" as he delves into the world of Paolo Ciccone, a master of 1930s Hollywood-inspired beauty and boudoir portraiture. From his North Italian roots to his home studio in Charleston, South Carolina, Paolo shares his fascinating journey, revealing why he traded a career in software engineering for the tangible art of film photography. Discover the magic of medium format cameras like the Mamiya RZ67, the allure of continuous lighting, and the deliberate artistry behind every high-contrast, black and white masterpiece. This episode explores the enduring power of classic glamour and the surprising advantages of a return to analogue in a digital world.

Join Andrew this week on "Behind the Lenz" as he delves into the world of Paolo Ciccone, a master of 1930s Hollywood-inspired beauty and boudoir portraiture. From his North Italian roots to his home studio in Charleston, South Carolina, Paolo shares his fascinating journey, revealing why he traded a career in software engineering for the tangible art of film photography. Discover the magic of medium format cameras like the Mamiya RZ67, the allure of continuous lighting, and the deliberate artistry behind every high-contrast, black and white masterpiece. This episode explores the enduring power of classic glamour and the surprising advantages of a return to analogue in a digital world.

Step into the world of Jennifer Okamoto, a Hawaiian-based portrait photographer with over 20 years of experience. In this episode of Behind the Lens, Jennifer shares her unique journey, from studying photography in college to building a thriving home-based studio in Oahu, Hawaii. Discover her secret to success: focusing on deep, authentic relationships with clients, particularly through her heartwarming mother and daughter sessions.Jennifer reveals how her personal journey has shaped her empathetic approach, allowing her to capture the true essence and emotional connections of the families she photographs. Learn why she prioritizes mindset and connection over technical perfection, and how she's built a loyal clientele who return year after year. If you're a photographer looking to build stronger client relationships or simply want to be inspired by a truly passionate artist, this episode is a must-Listen!

Step into the world of Jennifer Okamoto, a Hawaiian-based portrait photographer with over 20 years of experience. In this episode of Behind the Lens, Jennifer shares her unique journey, from studying photography in college to building a thriving home-based studio in Oahu, Hawaii. Discover her secret to success: focusing on deep, authentic relationships with clients, particularly through her heartwarming mother and daughter sessions.Jennifer reveals how her personal journey has shaped her empathetic approach, allowing her to capture the true essence and emotional connections of the families she photographs. Learn why she prioritizes mindset and connection over technical perfection, and how she's built a loyal clientele who return year after year. If you're a photographer looking to build stronger client relationships or simply want to be inspired by a truly passionate artist, this episode is a must-watch!

Join us behind the lens with Helen Moore, the photographer making a splash with her unique baby duckling portrait sessions and adorable first birthday cake smashes! From navigating chaotic family picnics to finding her niche in a crowded industry, Helen shares the highs, the lows, and the sheer fun of running a successful photography studio from her home. Get ready for heart warming stories, a peek into the logistics of duckling photo shoots, and why staying focused has become her secret weapon.

Join us behind the lens with Helen Moore, the photographer making a splash with her unique baby duckling portrait sessions and adorable first birthday cake smashes! From navigating chaotic family picnics to finding her niche in a crowded industry, Helen shares the highs, the lows, and the sheer fun of running a successful photography studio from her home. Get ready for heart warming stories, a peek into the logistics of duckling photo shoots, and why staying focused has become her secret weapon.

Ever been warned that mixing business with loved ones could be a recipe for disaster? In this raw and honest episode of Behind the Lens, Darren and Rhian from DR Photography Studio share the brutal truths they learned about the positive and negative impact of friends and family on their photography business. From navigating tricky discounts to the unexpected challenges that almost cost them everything, they pull back the curtain on the real struggles of building a business from the ground up. Tune in for invaluable lessons on pricing, client relationships, and the surprising turning point that led them to find success in the world of boudoir photography.

Ever been warned that mixing business with loved ones could be a recipe for disaster? In this raw and honest episode of Behind the Lens, Darren and Rhian from DR Photography Studio share the brutal truths they learned about the positive and negative impact of friends and family on their photography business. From navigating tricky discounts to the unexpected challenges that almost cost them everything, they pull back the curtain on the real struggles of building a business from the ground up. Tune in for invaluable lessons on pricing, client relationships, and the surprising turning point that led them to find success in the world of boudoir photography.

Join Andrew on "Behind The Lens: A Photographer's Story" as he dives into the captivating journey of Dwayne Murphy, the visionary behind Great American Portraits. This episode explores a pivotal question for any photographer: Does location truly matter?Dwayne, based in sunny Santa Ana, Southern California, shares his fascinating transition from a 30-year career in IT to becoming a celebrated portrait photographer. Discover his strategic reasons for choosing Santa Ana for his studio and how his business acumen from the tech world surprisingly gives him a unique edge in understanding client needs.Hear about Dwayne's distinctive approach to portraiture, specializing in powerful "Empowerment" sessions – including the inspiring story of his 72-year-old client, Jodi, who rediscovered her confidence through a boudoir experience. He also shares his heartfelt dedication to pet photography, capturing the joy and unique personalities of beloved animals.Candidly, Dwayne explains why he deliberately avoids wedding photography and reveals his unconventional "spider senses" for selecting clients, ensuring a truly fulfilling creative process.The conversation then ventures into Dwayne's adventurous travel photography, where the question of location truly shines. Hear about his epic quest to photograph Japan's elusive "Unkai" (ocean of clouds) on Mount Suzuki – an unforgettable experience where a "dead battery" took on a profound meaning. He contrasts his love for "destination photography" with his disinterest in photographing his own local landscapes, and discusses how he books clients even in a foreign country.Passionate about bringing smiles and better lives to people, Dwayne passionately argues why Artificial Intelligence will never replace the authentic, memory-rich experience that true photography offers, regardless of where it takes place. For Dwayne, photography isn't just a job; it's a lifelong mission that he hopes will accompany him through eternity.This episode is a must-listen for aspiring and seasoned photographers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who believes in the transformative power of art and human connection, and who's curious about the role location plays in a creative career!

Join Andrew on "Behind The Lens: A Photographer's Story" as he dives into the captivating journey of Dwayne Murphy, the visionary behind Great American Portraits. This episode explores a pivotal question for any photographer: Does location truly matter?Dwayne, based in sunny Santa Ana, Southern California, shares his fascinating transition from a 30-year career in IT to becoming a celebrated portrait photographer. Discover his strategic reasons for choosing Santa Ana for his studio and how his business acumen from the tech world surprisingly gives him a unique edge in understanding client needs.Hear about Dwayne's distinctive approach to portraiture, specializing in powerful "Empowerment" sessions – including the inspiring story of his 72-year-old client, Jodi, who rediscovered her confidence through a boudoir experience. He also shares his heartfelt dedication to pet photography, capturing the joy and unique personalities of beloved animals.Candidly, Dwayne explains why he deliberately avoids wedding photography and reveals his unconventional "spider senses" for selecting clients, ensuring a truly fulfilling creative process.The conversation then ventures into Dwayne's adventurous travel photography, where the question of location truly shines. Hear about his epic quest to photograph Japan's elusive "Unkai" (ocean of clouds) on Mount Suzuki – an unforgettable experience where a "dead battery" took on a profound meaning. He contrasts his love for "destination photography" with his disinterest in photographing his own local landscapes, and discusses how he books clients even in a foreign country.Passionate about bringing smiles and better lives to people, Dwayne passionately argues why Artificial Intelligence will never replace the authentic, memory-rich experience that true photography offers, regardless of where it takes place. For Dwayne, photography isn't just a job; it's a lifelong mission that he hopes will accompany him through eternity.This episode is a must-listen for aspiring and seasoned photographers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who believes in the transformative power of art and human connection, and who's curious about the role location plays in a creative career!

Discover the heart warming world of Claire Hill, the photographer behind Woodland Hill Photography, who specializes in capturing the enchanting moments of children and animals. In this engaging conversation with Andrew Risbey, Claire shares her unique journey, the emotional connections she forges with her clients, and why embracing the present – even with AI on the horizon – is key to meaningful photography.

Discover the heart warming world of Claire Hill, the photographer behind Woodland Hill Photography, who specializes in capturing the enchanting moments of children and animals. In this engaging conversation with Andrew, Claire shares her unique journey, the emotional connections she forges with her clients, and why embracing the present – even with AI on the horizon – is key to meaningful photography.

Veteran photographer Guy Mayer joins Life Behind the Lenz to share his incredible 30+ year journey through the ever-evolving world of photography. From darkrooms to digital and event marketing to social media, hear his practical advice, business wisdom, and the key to finding lasting satisfaction behind the camera.

Veteran photographer Guy Mayer joins Life Behind the Lenz to share his incredible 30+ year journey through the ever-evolving world of photography. From darkrooms to digital and event marketing to social media, hear his practical advice, business wisdom, and the key to finding lasting satisfaction behind the camera.