A single photograph can express the deepest emotion and ignite a curiosity about the story behind it. On today’s episode of Era of the Creative, we welcome Maybeline Dugue-Despagne, owner of Maybeline Photography and Pix City Studio. She’s a delight and super creative behind the camera. In her first-ever podcast interview, she shares with us her go-to camera and lens and describes her journey of finding her photography style. She tells us about the power of props, how she comes up with her incredible set designs, and her hilarious park-shoot adventures. Tune in now to hear all this and so much more, from the fabulously talented Maybeline!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Maybeline shares her go-to camera and her go-to lens.
• How she describes her photography.
• She tells us about her studio set-up and her different colored walls.
• How she navigates creative dry spells. 
• Maybeline tells listeners how she got into photography. 
• How she adopted the use of props and understood their power.
• The most interesting shoot she’s done so far. 
• We talk pricing and all the aspects that go into it.
• The struggle for creatives to play both the businessman and the creative.
• What she looks for in a model as a photographer and creative director. 
• The difference between shooting a group of people (family) versus shooting with a professional model.
• Her favorite photos to shoot.
• Her aspirations and goals for the future in the photography industry.
• What inspires Maybeline to keep creating. 
• She tells listeners about her light(s) setup.
• Maybeline answers some rapid-fire questions. 
• Why, at first, she didn’t want to work with models.
• We talk about storytelling and how to direct emotion for photos.
• What she is dominant at in her industry.  
• Her most memorable set.
• She explains what Mylar is and talks us through her Mylar shoot.
• How she handles disappointment with social media posts. 

Tweetables:

“I’m still finding my style. I like storytelling, I like editorial work. I’m still exploring I would say but I like to capture people in their natural element. Like, I don’t like posing people.” — Maybeline Dugue-Despagne [0:01:47]

“At some point, I’ll pick some of my shoots. I am not going to be as available as I am right now because I want family time also. I want to slow down some time because I get tired. So it is going to be maybe coaching, maybe workshops, and different things.” — Maybeline Dugue-Despagne [0:25:07]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Maybeline Dugue-Despagne on Instagram

Maybeline Dugue-Despagne on TikTok

Maybeline Dugue-Despagne on LinkedIn

Maybeline Dugue-Despagne Photography

Pix City Studio on Instagram

Pix City Studio on TikTok

Pix City Studio

Stanlo Photography

Era of the Creative on YouTube

Up until now, we’ve only had photographers on the podcast, but today we’re mixing it up with creative extraordinaire Cristina “Crisp” Plinio. Not only is Crisp a reputable stylist and art director, but she is also a singer and the Founder of Cannabis Zine, Gastronomy. At only 26, she has already achieved so much both personally and professionally and has no intention of curbing her ambition. In this episode, we learn about her origin story, how she entered the fashion world, and what inspired her to pursue music. Crisp shares her love for thrifting, plant medicine, and film photography, and sheds light on Gastronomy’s concept, cause, and creative direction. We find out about her musical project and the creative freedom it affords her, her commitment to authenticity on set, and the working relationship she has with her chosen photographers. Crisp swears by the art of consistency and is a living testimony to the philosophy that you’ll get where you want to be if you just keep going. Tune in for inspiration and advice from the awe-inspiring creative who flat-out refuses to be anything but herself, on set and beyond!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Cristina “Crisp” Plinio’s stylistic inspiration for her work in both fashion and music.
• Crisp’s origin story; how she entered the fashion world.
• The life event that inspired her to pursue music.
• Insight into the concept and creative direction for her cannabis magazine, Gastronomy.
• Crisp shares her passion for plant medicine.
• Her plans for the future of Gastronomy.
• Crisp’s approach to styling with thrifted clothes.
• Her personal styling tips.
• Her on and off-set relationship with the photographers she works with.
• Her foray into film photography.
• The intentional curation of her Instagram grid.
• Her musical ambition and the creative freedom her music affords her.
• Her commitment to authenticity on set.
• Crisp’s advice for those who are feeling lost and unseen.
• What motivates her to stay consistent and keep going.
• Why she chooses to sell online.
• Exercising the confidence muscle.
• The projects Crisp is most excited by.
• The importance of surrounding yourself with a team of good people.
• Crisp’s experience of styling musicians early on in her career.
• The process of creating her own music video.
• The inspiration behind her song, “Hell to Pay”.
• What people can expect at the annual Gastronomy Gallery events.

Finding Your Photographic Niche with JR Hutter

Episode 11: Show Notes.

Finding your niche and developing your personal style in the creative world is going to take you to the next level. Joining us today to share his photographic journey, is “One Dope Photographer”, JR Hutter. JR fills us in on the unique way he fell into photography, the niche he found photographing women in wrestling, and his creative goals going forward. We discuss the fine balance between classy and tacky when it comes to swimwear and lingerie photography, and break down the red flags models need to look out for to avoid working with predators posing as photographers. JR shares his editing preferences, the pressure he feels from social media, and the greatest challenge of his career. Tune in to hear JR’s inspiring story and advice on how you, too, can develop a distinguishable style.

Key Points From This Episode:

How JR Hunter came to his photography handle, OneDopePhotographer.
JR’s go-to camera and lens.
His unique photography journey.
How to avoid taking tacky swimsuit and lingerie photos.
JR’s future plans for his photography career.
How he found his niche in photographing women in wrestling.
The perks his Patreons receive.
His plans to curb burnout.
JR’s photographic turnaround time.
The value of a business mindset in a creative space.
How JR developed his distinguishable style.
He shares his editing tips and preferences.
What he feels will take him to the next level.
The work that goes into delivering a photograph.
JR’s transition from shooting nightlife to shooting portraits.
The pressure of social media.
Whom JR loves to shoot and why.
His interest in incorporating video and BTS content going forward.
The greatest challenge he’s up against in his photography career.
What he wishes he knew before embarking on his photographic journey.
JR criticizes the predatory approach of other photographers in the field.
Red flags models need to look out for in photographers.
JR’s worst shoot experiences.
The networking opportunity of photographic meet-ups.
JR’s ideal shoot.

Storytelling and Versatility in Photography with Robby of VooduuChild

Episode 10: Show Notes.

In the world of photography, one must continually improve and evolve so as not to be overtaken by tech trends. Today, we’re joined by U.S. Air Force F-15E Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Instructor turned photographer, Robby Rae AKA VooduuChild. Robby’s love for cars led him to his passion for photography, in the form of automotive photography. He has since expanded to portraiture and in this episode, we find out what he values about versatility and how he exercises it in his work. Robby also shares his interest in storytelling and succinct advice for consistently improving. We discuss everything from the importance of communication and lighting to directing tips and the benefits of the off-camera flash. Tune in to hear all about Robby’s approach to photography and his commitment to self-improvement.

Key Points From This Episode:

Robby’s go-to photographic equipment.
The cons of using prime lenses.
The value of mentorship.
Why Robby values versatility.
How he got into automotive photography and why he transitioned to portraiture.
When photography shifted from being a hobby to a professional pursuit.
The passion that drives him in his photographic pursuit.
The importance of talking to the camera on social media.
Robby’s approach to shoots.
The directing skills required for photography.
The importance of communication with models.
Why Robby is broadening his focus to include cinematography.
Robby’s tips for improvement.
What he observes when watching films.
Why Robby feels it’s important to evaluate your older work.
Why people are often averse to using an off-camera flash.
The importance of lighting in photography.
Robby’s advice for young creatives.
What inspired the name of his photography project, Vooduu Photography.

Tweetables:

“One thing I hate about prime lenses is the lack [of] versatility.” — Robby [0:01:52]

“One of the first things that I try to pay attention to is lighting.” — Robby [0:16:58]

“As a photographer, I think it’s important to be able to direct anybody. It doesn’t matter what their level of experience is.” — Robby [0:18:29]

“I preach communication so much when it comes to being a photographer.” — Robby [0:23:30]

“When it comes to being a photographer or videographer, the more you do it [and] the more you train yourself, the better you get.” — Robby [0:28:21]

"It always starts with light when it comes to photography.” — Robby [0:39:37]

“Putting yourself in a situation that you are uncomfortable with is only going to make you better in the long run.” — Robby [0:41:35]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Robby (VooduuChild) on Instagram
Danny Batista
Era of the Creative on YouTube

Emphasizing the Emotion with Avonte Boykins

Episode 9: Show Notes.

Many photographers are technically proficient, but that is not enough to create really great images. On the show today we welcome Avonte Boykins, who has been making a name for himself with his uniquely styled and strong shots, and he has a message for all of our listeners about weaving emotion in your work. To kick things off, Avonte explains how he found his way into photography and the other creative avenues he has spent time exploring, including drawing and dancing. We also get to look at what he finds inspiring, how he approaches communicating with models, and what his ideal shoot looks like. Avonte is full of energy and excitement about continually learning, and a great example of how it is possible to keep improving, and stay motivated to make powerful art. Other topics covered include lighting trends, the use of props, keeping things spontaneous and much more, so make sure to join us!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Avonte's go-to gear and looking back at the cameras he used when he started. 
• How Avonte got started and his early gift from drawing and general creativity.  
• Considering the evolution of Avonte's style and his main inspirations.  
• Approaches to each shoot; Avonte explains the importance of the conversations he has beforehand.  
• How mood boards help Avonte in his creative process. 
• What Avonte looks for when shooting with different models; interesting ideas and emotions.  
• Using props and making use of the surroundings of a shoot.  
• Avonte talks about dealing with feedback and criticism and his attitude toward learning.  
• Ideal scenarios for a shoot; Avonte talks about locations, organization, vibe, and spontaneity. 
• Avonte talks about his favorite recent shoot, and what made it special. 
• A walk-through of the techniques that Avonte uses with new models.  
• Advancing techniques and learning more about f-stops over time.   
• Evolution of lighting and style in the last decade. 
• The impact of the way photos are displayed. 
• Backing up your self-belief with strong work.
• Looking at our favorite parts of the creative process.

Tweetables:

“My favorite lens is the 35, It's always been the 35.” — @uhhvonte [0:04:29]

“All my photos are different. I kind of just do what I feel in that given moment.” — @uhhvonte [0:12:01]

“You'll never be able to replicate something that somebody did exactly.” — @uhhvonte [0:17:31]

“I feel like having people not focus so much on the camera and just kind of do more candid, natural things is one of the ways that I can direct people to convey a different kind of emotion.” — @uhhvonte [0:28:12]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Avonte Boykins

Avonte Boykins on Instagram

Avonte Boykins on Twitter

Era of the Creative on YouTube

There is a major difference between a photographer who is passionate about his work as an art form and a picture-taker who is in it for the money, beautiful women, or status. Joining us today to discuss his stance on the world of photography is a man who epitomizes professionalism, passion, and versatility, Joey P. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about how Joey dipped his toes into photography, what his favorite camera and lens is, why he refuses to be put in a box, and why copycats are flattering. We also discuss his hatred of the vague term content creator before Joey tells us how to separate the photographers from the picture-takers. Collaborations have to be mutually beneficial and in this episode, Joey outlines how he handles collabs, how he reaches out to potential clients, why he prefers to work with brands, the growing definition of the word model, and the difficulties of with working with models who do not take direction. In this industry, nothing stays the same for long and Joey is adamant that he will continuously evolve to become bigger and better for the rest of his life. He shares the importance of professionalism and etiquette, creating an experience out of shoots, and why capturing emotion in photos is magic. Finally, we discuss the impact of using Only Fans as payment for images. So to hear all this and much more, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Joey P’s favorite camera and lens. 
• How Joey got into photography. 
• Why Joey hates the word content creator and why he doesn’t want to be put into a box. 
• Why we’re flattered by photographers copying us and why we get excited about good work. 
• How to know when a photographer is in it for the money. 
• What Ron Wayne has taught us. 
• The difference between photographers and picture-takers.
• The importance of benefiting from a collab as a photographer and how Joey handles collabs.
• How Joey reaches out to people to turn them into clients. 
• Why photography is ever-changing and photographers have to continue to master their craft. 
• Why photographers should work with brands (big and small) instead of models.
• Why the ability to capture emotion in a photo is a massive win. 
• The difficulties of working with models who don’t listen and trust their photographer. 
• The importance of making your shoots an experience. 
• Why photographers need to check on their models and ensure that they feel comfortable.
• Joey discusses photography etiquette. 
• The importance of keeping your relationship with your models professional. 
• Why Joey always aims to get bigger and better. 
• Why a model who shows emotion is more valuable than a popular model who can’t. 
• The evolution of the word “model”.
• What using Only Fans as a form of payment is doing for photographers and their reputations.

Episode 07: Show Notes.

For some creatives, working in one lane just isn’t enough. Having started out as an athlete and model, Juwan Caesar became interested in spending time behind the camera too, and jumped into photography along with various other roles on different kinds of sets and shoots. He now sees his path as leading towards a future in feature film direction, looking up to the likes of Ryan Coogler and Quentin Tarantino. In our chat, we get to explore the ideas of continuous learning, why community and support are so necessary for any creator, developing self-belief, and some of the sources of Juwan's energy and inspiration. Juwan makes sure to share some powerful and practical tips for up-and-coming artists, as well as why it is so often necessary to do away with the negative effects of our ego. So if you want to hear all of this and more from a director of the future making waves today, press play now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Juwan shares his favorite cameras and lenses. 
• The passion to create, and what drives Juwan to put in the time on different projects.  
• Comparing what it feels like on each side of the camera. 
• Juwan talks about his experiences in the modeling industry.  
• The advice that Juwan would give other creatives regarding pricing and bookings.   
• Juwan's biggest personal challenges in the creative process. 
• Explaining all the important roles on set; producer, gaffer, DP, and more.
• Putting aside ego and building a great team to make the best art possible. 
• Recommendations from Juwan for building a DIY approach when starting out.  
• Using the position of PA as a springboard to bigger roles in the future. 
• Juwan compares different size shoots and the pros and cons of each. 
• Thoughts on the utility of social media, and why Juwan is not concerned with his Instagram following.  
• The events and meetups that Juwan frequents currently.
• Benefits of drawing on a network of creators.
• Juwan comments on recent moments of inspiration.    
• Thoughts on dealing with imposter syndrome and self-doubt.  
• A few things on the horizon for Juwan; new spec-ads, ideas, and more!

Tweetables:

“I can do the fashion stuff. I've been doing some acting stuff. I do like commercial stuff.” — @Its_STYX [0:07:25]

“If you're getting paid per gig, what you're worth, and what you think you should be doing, then you should be able to have time for yourself and not overbook.” — @Its_STYX [0:13:01]

“Thankfully, I don't really care for social media, honestly. For people that are already into it. It's a great way to get business and obviously increase your revenue.” — @Its_STYX [0:29:09]

“I try and write as much as I can. So, anything I can write down I do. I write down my dreams, at least the ones that I can remember in the morning.” — @Its_STYX [0:35:15]

Ground Rules for Effective Collaboration with André “freexmoney” Pessoa

Episode 6: Show Notes

Collaborations are an important part of our work as creative professionals. They help us fulfill our creative visions, create content for our audiences, and facilitate growth and improvement. But just like any other professional relationship, there are certain ground rules for effective collaboration. Today, we speak to André Pessoa, a photographer who is perhaps better known as freexmoney on Instagram. Based in South Florida, André’s images combine elements of high fashion, street, editorial, and portrait photography. In this episode, we get to know the man behind the lens as André shares his personal journey in the industry, the ups and downs he’s experienced along the way, and the lessons he has learned. He has some practical advice to share with listeners when it comes to creating connections in the industry, building mutual respect with collaborators, constantly leveling up your skills, and some of the red flags photographers should look out for and the importance of maintaining a high level of professionalism in your communications with models. Ultimately, there is a right way and a wrong way to collaborate, and André believes that the right way starts and ends with respect. Tune in today to learn more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How André got started in the industry (and his ups and downs along the way).
• Some of the difficulties that come with dating as a photographer.
• A look at André’s equipment over the years.
• How André describes himself as a photographer.
• What inspired his return to film photography and how it influences his process.
• Lighting, camera settings, posing: André’s top three priorities.
• How André’s constant pursuit of betterment is influenced by his competitive nature.
• Red flags to look out for in the industry.
• The importance of direct, professional communication.
• Unpacking André’s focus on creating a safe environment for his clients.
• Debunking some weird misconceptions about the photography industry!
• How creative expression varies across different environments and locations.
• How powerful it can be when your family supports your art.
• Ways that André’s childhood work ethic has impacted his creative practice.
• The importance of focusing on yourself and what you want in order to attract it.
• Why transparency is key when it comes to dating in the industry.
• Do’s and don’ts of collaboration etiquette.
• Why André believes you can’t take anything personally in this line of work.