How can free gigs pave the way for a thriving creative career? We dissect the art of turning unpaid work into meaningful opportunities in this episode. From playing the long game and smartly building your portfolio to balancing effort in free projects and leveraging relationships, we break down how to make every opportunity count. This conversation is meant to be your guide to strategically navigating free work and setting yourself up for paid success. Learn how to give just enough, impress with intentionality, and solidify your creative path!

Expect to Learn:

• How to balance effort and deliverables in free projects
• Why showcasing relevant, high-quality work in your target niche is essential
• How to tap into your personal network to build a portfolio
• How to frame your work in terms of return on investment
• Actionable strategies for transitioning from unpaid gigs to paid work

Sponsor:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want high-quality prints, with a variety of material options, and who want their work delivered fast in 9 days or less!

You can use the code TPM2025 at checkout for 15% off!
https://www.whitewall.com/

Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US


Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

Support the show

How do you elevate your creative work when revisiting familiar places or projects? This episode explores how revisiting locations or concepts with fresh eyes can help refine your process and strengthen your portfolio. Aaron and Seth break down the value of intentional shooting, learning from past experiences, and finding balance between capturing the moment and simply enjoying it. From improving your approach to preparation to crafting those impactful “A+” results, this conversation is packed with insights to inspire growth in any creative field.

Expect to Learn:

• How returning to familiar places refines creativity and improves results
• Tips for prioritizing tasks under tight deadlines
• How to leverage connections for new projects
• How to structure planning to capture better shots
• Why focusing on quality over quantity will enhance your portfolio

Sponsor:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want high-quality prints, with a variety of material options, and who want their work delivered fast in 9 days or less!

You can use the code TPM2025 at checkout for 15% off!
https://www.whitewall.com/

Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US


Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

Support the show

In this episode we're joined by photographer and filmmaker Chris Burkard (@chrisburkard) as he shares his insights on storytelling, creative exploration, and balancing ambition with family life. Chris dives into the leap from dreaming to achieving, finding joy in the creative process, and building a meaningful legacy through connection with nature. He opens up about cultivating curiosity, overcoming impostor syndrome, and redefining success beyond metrics, while highlighting the importance of bold creative freedom and lasting impact.

Expect to Learn:

• How to turn "what if" moments into actionable plans and executed vision
• Why chasing joy, not perfection, makes you create your best work
• How to balance roles as a creative professional and devoted parent
• Why the most accessible and frequently gear trumps the latest technology
  
  

Chris's Website: https://www.chrisburkard.com/
Watch "The Forgotten Coast" Film: https://tv.apple.com/movie/the-forgotten-coast

Sponsor:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want high-quality prints, with a variety of material options, and who want their work delivered fast in 9 days or less!

You can use the code TPM2025 at checkout for 15% off!
https://www.whitewall.com/

Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US


Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

Support the show