Cort and Luke in the Wild

Website: https://www.cortandluke.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortandlukeTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher#photography #filmmaker #camera

Website: https://www.cortandluke.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortandlukeTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher#photography #filmmaker #camera

Website: https://www.cortandluke.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortandlukeTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher#photography #filmmaker #camera

Website: https://www.cortandluke.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortandlukeTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher#photography #filmmaker #camera

Website: https://www.cortandluke.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortandlukeTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher#photography #filmmaker #camera

Website: https://www.cortandluke.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortandlukeTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher#photography #filmmaker #camera

We’re back with another deep-dive—this time unpacking the realities of growing as a creative in photography, filmmaking, and social media. From pricing your work to choosing the right frame rate, from mindset shifts to technical mistakes beginners make, this one’s full of practical insights.We start with the foundation every creative needs but few get right: value. How should beginners price their work without undervaluing themselves? We talk about why experience (not just “perceived skill”) should shape rates in the early days, and how setting fair prices helps you grow sustainably without burning out.From there, we jump into shooting habits. Spraying and praying might feel safe, but it doesn’t actually make you better. We share why slowing down, thinking through composition, and focusing on intentional captures will teach you more—and yield better work—than firing off hundreds of shots.Then it’s time to get technical. Should you really be shooting everything at 60fps? Probably not. We explain why 24fps remains the gold standard for cinematic storytelling, and how understanding frame rates, exposure, and composition rules (and when to break them) separates beginners from seasoned shooters.But it’s not just about the tech. We dig into the mindset side too—why constructive criticism is essential, how to handle harsh feedback without folding, and why authenticity always wins over chasing clout. We also touch on the pitfalls of over-relying on trends or editing tricks, and why process, pacing, and clean storytelling matter more than flashy effects.We wrap with some hot takes: gear minimalism versus over-buying, why even Taylor Swift’s engagement photos sparked debate over lighting and quality, and how social media can both fuel and sabotage motivation if you’re not careful.If you’re a beginner looking to level up or a working creative trying to refine your process, this episode is packed with advice that’ll keep you sharp, motivated, and grounded in what really matters.🔗 Website: [https://www.cortandluke.com](https://www.cortandluke.com)📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke](https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke)🎬 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/Cortandluke?\_t=8r93xifpxqy&\_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/Cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1)Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher

Cort and Luke are joined by filmmaker Julian Sol Jordan to dive into his latest project, Real Life.Julian shares the story behind the film, what inspired it, and the creative process that brought it to life. We talk about storytelling, filmmaking challenges, and the deeper meaning behind capturing “real life” on screen.If you’re passionate about movies, creativity, or just love hearing from artists chasing their vision, this episode is for you.👥 Guest: https://www.youtube.com/@juliansoljordan🎥 Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rba3m6xGUmA&t=70s👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with creatives.Website: https://www.cortandluke.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortandlukeTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher#photography #filmmaker #camera

We’re back with another deep-dive—this time pulling apart the creative and business realities of being a photographer and filmmaker today. From social media strategy to wedding workflows, from Polaroids to Blackmagic, this one goes wide but stays real.We kick things off with the big question every creator wrestles with: niche. Why does posting even slightly outside your lane tank engagement? We talk about the hard lessons we’ve learned on Instagram and TikTok, the role controversial clips play in growth, and how to handle both the critics and the supporters who show up when content takes off.From there, we move into something we’re passionate about but most people overlook—printing photos. Why does holding a physical print feel like finishing a project? We share stories of how prints have added emotional value to our work, and why photographers should seriously consider offering them as part of their business.Then it’s into wedding gear and workflows. Do you pack the entire studio, or is a lightweight, minimalist kit better? We walk through real-world setups, how to back up footage safely, and what happens when photographers and videographers clash over lighting choices during group shots. We also break down the difference between “associate shooting” and “second shooting,” so you know what you’re actually signing up for when you join a team.We wrap with some hot takes: Blackmagic’s ecosystem strategy, Nikon’s uphill marketing battles, the limits of YouTube tutorials, and why sound design can make or break a film. And yes—we even talk horror movies and guilty-pleasure entertainment picks.If you care about the craft of photography, want to sharpen your business edge, and enjoy a little creative banter along the way, this episode is for you.🔗 Website: [https://www.cortandluke.com](https://www.cortandluke.com)📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke](https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke)🎬 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/Cortandluke?\_t=8r93xifpxqy&\_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/Cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1)Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher

We’re back with another wide-ranging conversation straight from the heart of creator life—where podcast growth, social media strategy, and the push for authenticity all collide.We kick things off talking about consistency and momentum—why skipping a few days of posting reels isn’t the end of the world, and how audience loyalty can keep engagement strong. From there, we dive into storage solutions, including creative ways to repurpose old Xbox hard drives to handle massive content files without breaking the bank.Then it’s all about editing and workflow—why mobile apps like CapCut can sometimes outperform Premiere Pro for speed and captions, and when desktop editing still makes sense. We also tackle technical myths, like why manual mode and golden hour aren’t the only ways to get great shots, and how locked-off tripod shots can often look more cinematic than overused gimbals.Later, we explore branding, community, and collaboration—how font choices, visual grids, and transparent contest judging can strengthen your creative identity and grow engagement. We also touch on AI’s impact on content creation and the growing role of Blender for 3D animation and motion graphics, opening up new possibilities for creators.Of course, it wouldn’t be a real conversation without some laughs—gaming tangents, light-hearted stories, and reflections on work-life balance keep things relatable while still offering practical advice for creators at every level.If you’ve ever wondered how to maintain momentum, stay creative under pressure, or build a community around your work, this episode has plenty of insights and inspiration.🔗 Website: https://www.cortandluke.com

We’re back with another laid-back, wide-ranging conversation diving into the realities of creator life—balancing momentum, gear, editing workflows, and what it really takes to keep making content without burning out.We kick things off talking about posting schedules and algorithms—how taking a short break from reels impacts engagement and why momentum matters, but maybe not as much as you think. From there, we dive into storage struggles and creative solutions, like repurposing old Xbox hard drives to handle massive media files without breaking the bank.Then it’s all about editing—why mobile apps like CapCut are dominating reels and shorts, and how they sometimes even outperform Premiere Pro for speed and captions. We break down when to keep it quick on your phone and when a polished desktop workflow still matters.We also get into technical mastery versus gear obsession—why understanding lighting, exposure, and color grading is way more valuable than constantly chasing the newest camera. We talk myths, like why golden hour isn’t the only magic light and how shooting during blue hour can actually level up your visuals.Later, we share tips on reaching out to creators and collaborators the right way, including how to avoid vague DMs and make a lasting impression with professionalism and transparency. Plus, we tease an upcoming photo contest with a cash prize, free entry, and a transparent judging process designed to build community and showcase real talent.Of course, it wouldn’t be a Cort & Luke episode without some laughs—gaming stories, memes, and tangents about how fast tech is evolving all make their way into the conversation, keeping it light while still packing in plenty of practical advice for creators at any level.If you’ve ever struggled with keeping up momentum, juggling gear and storage, or just staying authentic in a noisy creator space, this one’s for you.🔗 Website: https://www.cortandluke.com

We’re back with a deep, wide-ranging conversation straight from the heart of creator life—where photography, videography, business, and creative struggles all collide.We kick things off by breaking down the evolution of camera tech and how it’s shaping the way we shoot today. From early Canon 5D models to the latest R6 Mark II, we talk about usability, image quality, and why having the newest gear doesn’t always mean better work.Then we dive into the value of film and analog photography and how Polaroids, 35mm, and even Super 8 can transform your creative process. Shooting fewer frames forces intentionality and deeper connection, and we unpack why embracing imperfections often leads to stronger storytelling.We also get into the realities of gear investment—balancing cost, quality, and workflow needs when choosing between high-end bodies, Sigma lenses, and premium glass. Plus, we share why sometimes smaller, lighter setups are better for both creativity and efficiency.From there, we shift to audio quality and workflow, breaking down why reliable sound matters just as much as visuals. We talk about the Rode Wireless Pro mics, 32-bit float recording, and how simplifying your audio setup can completely change your production game.The conversation also dives into the business side of content creation—pricing projects, maintaining client relationships, and setting clear expectations. We share lessons on building trust with clients, guiding subjects through shoots, and why preparation can make or break a session.Later, we talk about creative approaches to weddings, events, and personal shoots, sharing techniques like flash dragging, string light setups, and finding balance between fulfilling client deliverables and pursuing your own artistic style.And of course, we tackle some hot topics: podcasting struggles, industry gatekeeping, skepticism about AI in editing, and the growing tension between creative control and emerging tech.If you’ve ever struggled to balance gear, storytelling, client work, and personal creativity—or wondered how to thrive in an industry that’s always changing—this episode is for you.🔗 Website: https://www.cortandluke.com

We’re back with another deep-dive—this time pulling apart the realities of creating content in today’s fast-moving photography and videography world. From gear talk to editing strategy, from storytelling to social media, this one covers it all.We start with the part no one talks about enough: audio. Why is good audio so often more important than a new lens or camera body? We share how better sound instantly elevates storytelling, makes your videos more watchable, and keeps viewers connected—something most creators completely overlook.From there, we tackle the platforms themselves. What’s performing on TikTok right now? Shorter videos. And why? Because completion rate wins. We break down why that changes how you should think about editing longer reels versus quick 30-second cuts.Then, we get into gear—not from a hype perspective, but from a practical one. Do you really need a $3,000 lens to shoot weddings, or is a 24-105 f/4 good enough? We weigh the trade-offs between “ideal” gear and what actually gets the job done. We also dig into medium format cameras, drones, tethered shooting setups, and why some of these tools are game changers while others are just nice-to-haves.We also talk about what’s holding a lot of photographers back: leaning on trends. From black-and-white edits to film grain overlays to heavy color grading—none of these can save a weak photo. We share why focusing on composition, workflow, and clean capture is more important than any stylistic effect.And because this is real life, not just Instagram, we dive into the business side of things too—managing costs, staying creative while paying bills, and finding balance in a profession that can burn you out if you let it.If you care about storytelling, love the craft of photography, and want to get smarter about how you work (not just what gear you own), this one’s going to hit home.🔗 Website: https://www.cortandluke.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher

We’re back with a real one—an honest, wide-ranging dive into the creative and professional world of photography. From gear talk to posing strategies, and industry myths to social media pressure, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it actually takes to thrive as a photographer today.We kick things off by confronting a common trap: overshooting. Is firing off hundreds of shots without a plan helping or hurting your work? We explore how shooting with intention can sharpen both your portfolio and your client experience. That leads us right into the often overlooked art of posing—and why most photographers need to seriously level up in that department if they want their portraits to stand out.Then we zoom out and tackle the dream jobs. Everyone wants to shoot for National Geographic or capture celebrities and concerts, but the behind-the-scenes truth isn’t always glamorous. We break down why some of the most “coveted” roles in photography don’t always lead to creative freedom—or financial stability.Next, we get technical. From the dangers of bad kit lenses to why you should stop leaning on bokeh to save a photo, we’re sharing how gear choices, aperture decisions, and tripod use actually impact your images. We also dig into the difference a strong composition makes—and why you should probably stop shooting everything from eye level.Later, we talk client work—everything from managing wardrobe changes to building trust and creating a relaxed shoot environment that makes people feel seen. We share real methods that build rapport fast and keep clients coming back.And of course, we hit the reality of posting online: how to deal with hate comments, why some content hooks work better than others, and how to stay emotionally resilient in a space that often rewards controversy over quality. We wrap with a reminder that great photography isn’t just about gear—it’s about clarity, consistency, and creativity.If you’ve ever felt stuck between trying to please clients, grow online, and still love what you’re creating—this one’s for you.🔗 Website: https://www.cortandluke.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher

We’re back with a wide-ranging conversation straight from the heart of creator life—where data loss nightmares, gear obsession, and the fight to stay authentic collide in the fast-paced world of photography, videography, and content creation.We kick things off with the overlooked reality of data management—how poor archiving practices put creators at risk of losing entire projects, and what we’ve learned from real-world failures. From vanishing SD cards to inconsistent backup systems, we break down why creators need stronger workflows to protect their work.Then we dive into the creative side, talking vintage lenses, film grain, and imperfections that add character to visual storytelling. We discuss why modern glass can feel too “clinically perfect” and why leaning into flaws—texture, grain, and unique optics—can make your content stand out.Later, we get into the undervalued art of audio and why sound design matters just as much as visuals. From EQ and mixing to mic placement and ambient sound, we unpack why creators struggle here and how storytelling through audio can elevate your work.The episode also covers the realities of social media marketing—why it’s a full-time job, why businesses underpay for it, and how fake follower counts are misleading brands and devaluing real creators. We share thoughts on staying authentic while competing against inflated metrics and algorithm-driven trends.We talk about the wedding photography and videography world, sharing behind-the-scenes insights on family drama, difficult venues, and the constant juggling act between creative control and client expectations. Plus, we unpack collaboration tips, from choosing second shooters to working seamlessly with videographers without stepping on toes.To wrap up, we look ahead to an upcoming UK trip and tease future episodes featuring client updates, workflow experiments, and yes… reading hate comments.If you’ve ever wrestled with creative burnout, struggled to balance gear and storytelling, or wondered how to stand out in a noisy, algorithm-driven space—this episode is for you.🔗 Website: https://www.cortandluke.com