Today, more than ever, we're inundated with photos, videos, gifs... you get it. It can feel like a complete blur, verging on exhausting. But sometimes an image stops you in your tracks. It grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go – That’s visual storytelling. THAT’S photojournalism. So who makes this arresting work and what can we learn from them? The Photo Forward Podcast is going to answer exactly that; exploring the stories behind some of the greatest visual storytellers in the world. From their photographic origins, to finding work-life balance as creative professionals, to how to actual ..read more

When is the last time you, as a photographer, had a picture make itself in front of you? I know that sounds a little bit philosophical, but stay with me, it’s way more practical than you might think. I’m talking about the level of work and care that go into creating a photograph before the shutter ever clicks – Researching your location before you arrive to know the environs, determining the impact what time of day it is and how that shapes your image, just walking around in the space (with or without the subject of the photograph) to just take in the possible composition options. And then, af ..read more

When you’re scrolling through Instagram, what makes you stop? For some folks, it might be eye-catching colors, for others it’s unique locales or engaging video. For me and for a lot of other people out there, the answer to that is simply this – Style. Visual Style. You see a creator’s work on the platform, like the photo/project, enough so that you swipe over to their profile page and it All. Just. Clicks. It’s like you can experience their personality, their humanity itself seeping through the screen in every image, video, or story they’re posting. Whether it’s a high school sports match or a ..read more

Does it feel like you’re creating and producing content at a fevered pitch, but never quite getting a stable pool of clients or like you’re constantly re-inventing the wheel of your photography or videography business? Well, that means it’s probably time to get back to the fundamentals in today’s masterclass on making your photography business hum with our guest, BP Miller. BP Miller is a founding partner and senior photojournalist at Chorus Photography. Founded in 2007, Chorus has gone from a single shooter operation in Philadelphia to establishing studios on both coasts, with a roster of imp ..read more

Have you ever stepped back in your career, whether you’re a visual creator or not, and thought, “Well, shit… is this it? Is this really as good as it gets? Is this what I want to be doing for the next X years of my life?” Don’t worry, that’s a positive thing (despite however dark night of the soul it may feel like in the moment) And, you are definitely not the only one feeling that way. In the business and corporate world, (yes I know a lot of you will bristle at the very mention of that word, but here me out) there’s a really common expression or phrase that so encapsulates today’s episode ..read more

So, this is an episode I’ve been wanting to share for such a long time. Like seriously probably a solid year when I heard about this concept for interpersonal connections and growth that clicked in such a profound way for me when I was able to tie it back to places in time of my own creative journey. Alright, so what is this Plus, Minus, Equals concept and why does it matter?  Put simply, a key way to ensure you’re growing in your career (or really ANY area of your life you could apply this principle to) is deliberately creating connections with people way ABOVE your level, way BELOW your ..read more

Do you as a photographer ever feel like you’re just not connecting with the right clients? Or that you keep getting assignments/work that just doesn’t light you up or bring you any creative joy to work on? Well, you are so very far from the only one. But it is avoidable, by honing your creative style and making work that draws people in. Put simply, Post eye-catching photos, get eye-catching assignments, put up a generic portfolio – get generic work. Pulling from the world of marketing, there’s a great principle that all photographers can take a cue from and it boils down to this. It’s effecti ..read more

Hey Photo Forward listeners —  It is the winter (slightly post-holiday) season! A time to step back, reflect on the year behind us (what goddamn wild one…) and look forward to the future and how your photographic work can and should evolve. And yeah, there’s that whole giving of gifts thing… And as my present to you all, the podcast is back delivering weekly episodes on photography, creativity, and making a living as a visual storyteller. Yes, finally at long last after taking a while away from the podcast during 2021 following the unrest in the Twin Cities and examining how to make the s ..read more

One of the core questions I’m always looking to find answers to on this show is “What makes a brilliant visual creator?” Is it the grasp of technical aspects like lighting, composition, and moment? Or a personal skill or special gift of connecting with individuals in your images? There’s obviously a nearly infinite number of talented photographers out there, so what gives certain shooters a true “visual voice”. Well, today’s guest is such a brilliant example of forging that visual voice, that photographic identity, that brand... by melding artistic influences to create as Aristotle so brillian ..read more

It’s only been a few short weeks since our last episode, but it already feels like the entire world has been flipped on its head. We all saw and were outraged beyond words at the murder of Goerge Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department. Soon after, my city responded to a collective pain, sadness, and anger with protests that engulfed the Twin Cities in the days after Floyd’s death. The message was and is clear: Now is the time for change. Now is the time for justice.  I’ve been slow to publicly respond because I wanted to ensure I shared this message as deliberately, clear ..read more