Visual Revolutionary

Photographer Christaan Felber has had the opportunity to point his camera at some of the most recognizable faces in the world, creating iconic portraits while working for editorial clients like The New York Times and Rolling Stone, as well as commercial work for companies ranging from Apple to Nike.  But during our conversation we dive into the very personal world of his newest book "Bitter Sweet" and have an honest exploration of some of the ups and downs of Christaan's career and how that culiminated into a deep dive into his own psyche that led to the realization that what others might deem as an "ugly photo" could have something more to say if given the chance.  Throughout Christaan's career he has self pulbished many personal projects, but we talk about the unique aspects of this one and how it came to be, what we can learn from taking time out to appreciate the mundane and even the uncomfortable, how we need make sure we continue to make work for ourselves later into our career, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own creative dreams.   To Learn More About Christaan Felber Visit: https://www.christaanfelber.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/christaanfelber/ To Buy A Copy of His Book "BitterSweet" Visit: https://christaanfelber.com/shop/bittersweet To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/ And YouTube At: https://www.youtube.com/@visualrevolutionary    

Snowboard and commercial director/filmmaker John Cavan joins the podcast to talk about his many years in the industry working with brands like Grenade, Rome, and Snowboarder Magazine, filming the rise of some of the biggest stars in the sport and documenting what many would consider one of the best eras of snowboarding.  During our conversation we discuss his recent film project "Rough Around the Edges: 30 Years of Ride Snowboards" and share some of our memories of the late 90s and early 2000s snowboard scene, what his early years on the east coast were like and how that would lead to his first film "Iron Curtain",  what it was like filming a young rising star Danny Kass and the birth of the Grenade crew, whether or not being a team manager for Rome Snowboards made him feel younger or older, what the last days at Snowboarder Magazine were like, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own creative dreams.  To Learn More About John Cavan Visit: https://www.instagram.com/john_cavan/ To Watch "Rough Around the Edges" Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImWfwryv3EU To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/ And YouTube At: www.youtube.com/@visualrevolutionary  

Photographer/Director Emily Maye joins the podcast to talk about how her dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer not only gave her the discipline it takes to create an amazing career in photography and filmmaking, but a distinct eye for capturing the art of movement and a deep understanding of the sacrifice that athletes make in pursuit of their sport, which makes her visual storytelling stand out as authentic and beautiful.  During our conversation we talk about several of Emily's new film projects, what's it like to have a 10+ year relationship with a client like Tracksmith and the creative freedom it gives her in the commercial sports space, what it was like to work on one of her dream projects with Nike showcasing the "Mamba Mentality", her early days of traveling with Trek capturing races like the Tour De France, the logistics behind a 17 minute opening shot in her recent running film "The Church of The Long Run", and the advice she gives to others chasing their own passions.   To Learn More About Emily Maye Visit: https://www.emilymaye.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/emilymaye/ To Watch The Church of The Long Run: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EevTIUCJco4 To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/ And YouTube At: www.youtube.com/@visualrevolutionary    

Renowned architectural and hospitality photographer Gerry O'Leary joins the podcast from his studio in Dubai to talk about the journey from a small rural farming community in Ireland to photographing some of the most famous architecture in the world, and building a client list of extremely exclusive brands across the globe that most would dream of working with.  During our conversation Gerry talks about how he found photography at a young age and how it continued to fascinate him until he finally decided to walk away from a good job to pursue it full time, what it was like in the early days of his career hustling everything from weddings to family portraits, what made him make the move into architectural photography, how he ended up in Dubai after having an extremely busy studio in Dublin, what it's like working with brands like Cartier and Bentley, the inspiration he finds in traveling to new locations, the practice of gratitude he tries to apply to his everyday life and career, and the advice he gives to others chasing their own creative dreams.   To Learn More About Gerry O'Leary Visit: https://gerryoleary.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/gerryolearyphotography/ To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/ And YouTube At: www.youtube.com/@visualrevolutionary  

Renowned professional surfer, director, and founder of Bimarian Films Keith Malloy returns to the podcast to talk about several of his newest films in this year's "Yeti Presents" lineup, as well as other projects he's been working on like Red Bull's "Life of Kai" series.  During our conversation Keith and I talk about the inspiration that comes with working on stories that involve amazing characters, how surrounding yourself with a positive crew and close group of friends makes all the difference in life and work, how constantly challenging yourself with new things as you get older keeps the inner grom alive, what it was like as an intermediate snowboarder to drop in on a Valdez run with Travis Rice, and what's next for the Bimarian team.   To Learn More About Bimarian Films Visit: https://www.bimarianfilms.co And Follow Keith On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/keithmalloy_thetorpedopeople/ To Watch the Film "Can You Hear Me Smiling" Visit: https://youtu.be/pEkWxtLjD-4?si=SHIQnbjOCs2l3BvC To Watch the Film "Beyond Sunset"  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrJz_nkXxnw To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/ And YouTube At: www.youtube.com/@visualrevolutionary    

Photographer Alex Strohl returns to the podcast to talk about how his life has changed since having a daughter, whether or not it might be time to exchange his home in the mountains of Montana for a city existence, how staying in a constant state of curiosity is what drives him both creatively and personally, the passion project he set out on to provide him and his daughter an adventure together when she's 20 years old, the type of work that kept him busy in 2023, and so much more.   To Learn More About Alex Strohl Visit: https://www.alexstrohl.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/alexstrohl/ And YouTube At: https://www.youtube.com/@alexstrohl To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/ And YouTube At: www.youtube.com/@visualrevolutionary    

National Geographic Explorer and award winning photographer and videographer Anand Varma joins the podcast to talk about his new book "Invisible Wonders: Photographs of the Hidden World", as well as his amazing new storytelling studio "Wonder Lab".  During our conversation Anand tells me about his life long dream of one day becoming a scientist that led him to Berkeley to earn a degree in integrative biology and a chance meeting with fellow National Geographic photographer David Littschwager that would alter the course of his life and open up a new form of scientific exploration that Anand had never dreamed was possible.  Anand's beautiful integration of science and art can make even the ugliest subject matter worthy of a gallery show and we discuss the evolution of the aesthetic he is known for today, what is was like working on his book, how photographing parasites kickstarted his career, why he decided to delete all his social media accounts, and the advice he gives to other creatives out there trying to build a career.   To Learn More About Anand Varma Visit: https://www.varmaphoto.com To Purchase a Copy of "Invisible Wonders: Photographs of the Hidden World" Visit: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/730473/national-geographic-invisible-wonders-by-anand-varma/ To Learn More About the Wonder Lab Visit: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/our-programs/wonderlab/ To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/ And YouTube At: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbQfSdpcnVzPICLNc_KCJfw  

Fine Art and Commercial/Editorial Photographer Peter Andrew Lusztyk returns to the podcast to talk about his amazing new series of images inspired by the natural beauty around his cabin, his ongoing personal project with food stylist Michelle Rabin, his friendship with Peter McKinnon and the incredible video he made of him at his cabin working with his new Alpa camera system, how he came up with the idea of mixing birds with furniture while collaborating with Porch Modern, his latest venture into hat sales, and so much more.   To Learn More About Peter Andrew Lusztyk Visit: https://www.peterandrew.ca And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/peter_andrew_lusztyk/ To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/ And YouTube At: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbQfSdpcnVzPICLNc_KCJfw?view_as=subscriber

Renowned skateboard, portrait, and commercial photographer Mike Blabac returns to the podcast to talk about his newest gig, working alongside Dr Andrew Huberman on the Huberman Lab Podcast and how his life has changed since meeting him.  During our conversation Mike talks about how focusing on his health has helped improve all facets of his life, including his creative output, his renewed passion for shooting and developing film, his recent trip to Wetzlar, Germany for the Leica Annual Celebration of Photography, and how he's found success and creative fulfillment for all these years by trusting his gut and doing what feels right.   To Learn More About Mike Blabac Visit: https://www.blabacphoto.com/ And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/blabacphoto/ To Learn More About the Huberman Lab Visit: https://www.hubermanlab.com/ To Learn More More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com/ And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/ And You Tube At: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbQfSdpcnVzPICLNc_KCJfw

National Geographic photographer, Emmy nominated director, and Canon Explorer of Light, Keith Ladzinski returns to the podcast to talk about all the amazing adventures he's had since our first conversation back in 2015 and how becoming a father has changed him as a person and an artist. Keith also talks about how diversity in his work has helped him stay so passionate and curios about photograpahy and filmmaking, what his more recent love of storm chasing through tornado alley looks like up close and in person, how he feels about the current state of technology and what that could mean for the industry, and the advice he gives to other creatives out there chasing their own dreams.   To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com/ Subsribe On YouTube At: www.youtube.com/@visualrevolutionary And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/ To Learn More About Keith Ladzinski Visit: https://www.ladzinski.com/ And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/ladzinski/

Actor/Director Ethan Hawke and Director of Photography Steve Cosens join the podcast to talk about their new biopic "Wildcat" about writer Flanary O'Connor, which weaves a beautiful tapestry of the author's stories and imagination alongside her tragically short life.  During our conversation Ethan and Steve talk about their longtime working realtionship over three films and how that has evolved into a creative collaboration that is pushing both of them artistically.  We also discuss what Ethan learned from directors like Richard Linklater, the challenges they faced making a period piece with a smaller budget, what it was like for Ethan to direct his daughter Maya, how they feel about the current state of independent filmmaking, and the advice they give to other creatives out their trying to find their own voice.   To Learn More About The Visual Revolutionary Podcast Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com/ And Follow on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/ And YouTube At: https://www.youtube.com/@visualrevolutionary Follow Ethan Hawke On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/ethanhawke/ And Steve Cosens At: https://www.instagram.com/cosenssteve/ And:  https://www.stevecosens.com/

Renowned mountain bike photographer Sven Martin joins the podcast to talk about the journey from his early days as a pro skateboarder, to racing downhill mountain bikes, to transitioning into a full time photographer and all the adventures in between.  Growing up in South Africa, Sven's father had a camera in his hand at an early age and helped him develop a skillset, along with his mother's keen eye for composition, that would serve him well as he moved through his own passion for surfing, skateboarding, and eventually mountain biking.  During our conversation Sven tells stories of skateboarding with Tony Hawk and Ed Templeton, as well as his early photography work for Thrasher Magazine and how his girlfriend (now wife) Anka would eventually lead him towards the mountain bike world, what his schedule is like covering the world cup race circuit, how things have changed over the years with the advent of new technology and so many more shooters on the scene, how he has managed to stay so stoked on the sport after all these years, and the advice he gives to others rising up through the ranks of actions sports photography.   To Learn More About Sven Martin Visit: https://www.instagram.com/svenmartinphoto/ To Watch the Short Film About Sven Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d0lBJiowAY To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/

Filmmaker and artist David Donnelly joins the podcast to talk about his newest documentary film "The Cost of Convenience" that sheds light on the pervasive impact of surveillance capitalism on our privacy, autonomy, and democracy.  David has spent many years creating documentary films in the classical music realm, but when Covid came along and shut down the live performance spaces he was so accustomed to, he found himself exploring the exponential rise in the dependence of social media platforms and other spaces that exploded during the pandemic. When he set out with a goal of documenting our addiction to this technology, he had no idea of the massive story that would begin to unfold of the other nefarious aspects hiding in plane site, and how his film would adapt to try and tell a much broader story over years of work and countless days of travel.  During our conversation we discuss the last analog generation that we both come from, the inability for people to just be bored and how that is affecting creativity, the conversation that needs to be had about the future of social media, and so much more.   To Learn More About David Donnelly Visit: https://theculturemonster.com To Learn More About the Film "The Cost of Convenience" Visit: https://costofconvenience.film To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/ And YouTube At: www.youtube.com/@visualrevolutionary

Photographer and Fujifilm Ambassador Alison Conklin joins the show to tell her inspiring story of perseverance after a doctor gave her the news that she had 6 months to live if she didn't get a new heart, and the transplant surgery that would soon follow and give her a new lease on life and a new appreciation for the selfless kindness of strangers.  During our conversation Alison tells me how the tragic death of her mom at age 14 would end up leading her into a love of photography that she shared with her father, how she built her career as an amazing wedding photographer, how all the challenging events in her life have given her a true appreciation for the present moment, and the advice she gives to others trying to find their own path.  It's a beautiful story that will inspire you to appreciate all the things you already have.   To Learn More About Alison Conklin Visit: https://www.alisonconklin.com And Follow Her On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/alisonconklin/ To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/  

Photographer, journalist, trauma nurse, wildland firefighter, and all around badass Alex Pottter joins the podcast to talk about her journey from growing up in a small town in the midwest to living and working in Yemen and throughout the middle east as a photojournalist, to working as a trauma nurse on the front lines of the war in Mosul, to her years as a wildland firefighter and all the adventures in between.  During our conversation Alex tells me what it was like traveling through the middle east as a young woman and the purpose she found in the region, the tragic loss of her husband Pete Reed who she met and worked alongside in Mosul, the importance of being present with the ones you love, and the advice she gives to others looking to find their own purpose and adventure.  To Learn More About Alex Potter Visit: https://www.alexkaypotter.com/#1 And Follow Her On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/alexkpotter/ To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/ And YouTube At: www.youtube.com/@visualrevolutionary    

Photographer/Director Krystle Wright returns to the podcast to talk about the new National Geographic series "Photographer" premiering on March 18th where she is featured alongside an amazing list of other photographers.  We also catch up on what she's been up to since she was last on the show, talk honestly and openly about her financial struggles in the last year and how that had her questioning her future in photography, why she is so drawn to storm chasing, what was behind her award winning photo for the Red Bull Illume contest, her thoughts towards AI and social media, and so much more.   To Learn More About Krystle Wright Visit: https://www.krystlewright.com And Follow Her On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/krystlejwright/ To Watch Her Short Film for Leica Visit: https://vimeo.com/815244399 To Learn More About National Geographic's "Photographer" Visit: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/shows/photographer To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/ And YouTube At: www.youtube.com/@visualrevolutionary  

Ed Templeton joins the podcast to talk about how he went from being one of the most influential street skaters of his generation to showcasing his paintings and photography in highly respected galleries and collections.  Although Ed's story has been told many times in some great interviews and documentaries, I get the chance to trace his history of growing up in Orange County in a fairly tough family situation and how that eventually led him to skateboarding.  For those who aren't familiar with Ed Templeton, his influence to the world of skateboarding is undeniable and in 2016 he was inducted into the skateboarding hall of fame.  But this conversation dives into how his skate career led him into the world of painting and photography and some of the early relationships with people like Aaron Rose and Alleged Gallery that would help push him into the national spotlight as an artist.  During our talk I get the chance to ask Ed what attracts him so much to the daily habit of street photography and constantly chasing another image, what he's learned about the human condition after years of closely observing others, what it is about skateboarding that leads so many to a creative life, and the advice he gives to those out there chasing their own dreams of living creatively. So sit back and enjoy this conversation with one of the most requested guests I've had.   To Learn More About Ed Templeton Visit: http://ed-templeton.com And Follow Him on Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/ed.templeton/ To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: http://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/  

Commercial photographer/director Kevin Zacher returns to the podcast to catch up on how life and business have changed since we last talked during Covid, how the industry is bouncing back and the changes that have come with it, how he approached some of his personal projects like "Dirt Football" that was recently published, how he manages to keep such a youthful vibe to his work as he gets older, what it's like working with high school athletes for a commercial campaign, how having a son changed him as a photographer and a person, his feelings towards new gear and film photography, and how going through his old snowboard archive in preperation for a book has made him reflect on his own evolution as an artist.  We also discuss his newest offering as a mentor and consultant, working closely with other photographers and directors in order to try and help them realize their own goals.   To Learn More About Kevin Zacher Visit: https://www.kevinzacher.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/kevinzacher/ To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/ And YouTube At: www.youtube.com/@visualrevolutionary  

Commercial and adventure photographer, director, and writer Jeff Johnson returns to the podcast to talk about all the changes that have happened in his life and career since he was last on the show in 2017, his beautiful new film that he co-directed with Keith Malloy for Yeti Presents "Beyond Sunset", what it was like to leave Patagonia after years of employment and venture back out into the freelance world, how his book "Way High Kick Turn" that chronicled the 80s skate scene of the east bay came to fruition, getting to help create his own signature shoe with SeaVees, working with brands like Yeti and Roark to help create organic storytelling that helps to market a brand and a vibe, how having a family later in life has helped him as a husband and a father, and what's next on his wish list of travel and work.   To Learn More About Jeff Johnson Visit: http://www.jeffjohnsonstories.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/jeffjohnson_beyondandback/ To Watch Beyond Sunset Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrJz_nkXxnw To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/ And YouTube At: www.youtube.com/@visualrevolutionary  

Photographer and host of The Photo Banter podcast Alex Gagne returns for round two of "Visual Banter" where we catch up on what we've been up to since we spoke last year, some of the podcasts we've been listening to, the challenges of trying to maintain a weekly show while also making a living as a working photographer, new technology that both frightens and excites us, how meditation can help creativity, and what's in store for the new year.   To Learn More About Alex Gagne Visit: https://www.alexgagnephoto.com And Follow Him On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/alexgagnephoto/ To Listen to The Photo Banter Visit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-photo-banter/id1315846850 And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/thephotobanter/ To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: https://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow On Instagram At: https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/