This is awkward. I’m supposed to tell you about me being a guest on my own podcast, because who wants to follow Jason’s episode? Nobody, that’s who. I got outvoted and guess who kept coming up as the recommended guest? Me. So I sat down with Hanz so he could interview me on this week’s episode of Negative Influence! We’ll get back to our normally scheduled episodes next week.My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotbyjallen/?hl=enMy Print Store: https://shotbyjallen.darkroom.comMy Website: https://shotbyjallen.mypixieset.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
In this episode of Negative Influence, I sit down with photographer and YouTuber Jason Kummerfeldt, the creator behind the popular film photography channel Grainydays. We dive into the world of 35mm film, medium format cameras, creative burnout, Fresca, and the realities of making photography content on YouTube. Jason shares his journey through photography, his thoughts on the current state of film photography, and what inspires him to keep creating despite the ups and downs of being an online creator.Whether you’re a film shooter, digital photographer, or just someone looking for inspiration, this conversation offers a mix of humor, honesty, and insight into the creative process.Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/%40grainydaysss?utm_source=chatgpt.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/50_shades_of_jason/?hl=en&utm_source=chatgpt.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
This week on Negative Influence I sit down with George of Focus Tilt. We dive into his journey into photography, how inspiration strikes, and the thought process behind composition. George also shares the story of his personal Sprocket Rocket, the Flexpan, a camera that perfectly reflects his creative approach to the medium.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_tilt_photo/NOTE: Due to an uploading error, the first minute of the video is blank, nothing was missed it just had a buffering zone, apparently. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
This week I sat down for another chaos fueled episode with Dan Helle of okayfoto and Hanz for a group episode that goes a little off the rails (in the best way). We cover Dan’s maybe-broken Fuji, my one sad Nikon lens without a body, why hashtags still matter, light bullying and plenty of random photo talk in between. Fair warning: the longer it goes, the more inebriated I get. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
Ulices Del Toro is finally here after I accidentally lost his first episode in a tragic hard drive exploding accident! As usual, we manage to cover a little bit of everything: recent camera purchases we probably didn’t need, film development wins (and disasters), random tips we’ve picked up, and a healthy dose of completely off-topic nonsense. He’s an Emmy-winning bad ass and a phenomenal photographer, but more importantly, he’s a friend, so this one’s less “formal podcast” and more two photographers talking shop and life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
This week I’m joined by photographer and writer Birgit Buchart for a conversation that drifts through the highs and lows of making things, when inspiration strikes, when it doesn’t, and what keeps us showing up anyway.We talk about the tactile pull of film, the magic (and madness) of certain stocks, and a few upcoming releases that have us cautiously optimistic, and how friends can push us through the muck. It’s a laid back, thoughtful episode about the rhythm of creativity and how to keep going when the well runs dry.Birgit’s Website: http://birgitbuchart.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
This week I sit down with filmmaker, photographer, and all around creative nomad Kyle McDougall to talk about the slow road to finding your voice, balancing personal work with YouTube hustle, and why photography still matters in a world of constant content. We get into burnout, film stocks, storytelling, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is stop trying so hard.Whether you're deep in a creative rut or just love hearing from someone who’s walked the walk, this one is incredibly fun and insightful. Kyle’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KyleMcDougallWebsite: https://www.kylemcdougallphoto.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
Today on the podcast, we’re joined by my friend and fellow Michigander, Chuck Marshall! Chuck is a staple of the Michigan music scene as a photographer, which is where I met him years ago, in another life. He’s a craft beer explorer and co-founder of Life In Michigan and GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Newsletter. He’s also the one who introduced me to Substack, so I could annoy all of you faithful friends and listeners, for which I am eternally grateful. Capturing the raw energy of live music for years, from sweaty punk shows in Pontiac to thrash metal in Detroit, with his work featured in Loud Hailer Magazine and National Rock Review. He doesn’t stop at the stage, of course. Chuck also travels the state (sometimes world) documenting brewery culture, festivals, and hidden gems, all while blending storytelling, photography, and a love for the road. We talk music, beer, travel, pet peeves and how to stay creative when your passions are always on the move. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
This week on Negative Influence, I sit down with New York-based photographer Angela Cappetta. Known for her emotional storytelling and deep ties to traditional film, Angela brings a raw honesty to her work that’s hard to ignore. We talk about long-term projects, photographing with intention, and what it means to truly connect with your subjects. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to build a photographic life around trust, patience, and curiosity, look no further. One of her most notable projects, Glendalis: The Life and World of a Youngest Daughter, documents a decade-long portrait series centered on a young woman growing up in the Lower East Side. Angela is a highly celebrated New York–based documentary photographer. She's been recognized with prestigious fellowships and has work held in top-tier museum collections worldwide. Her long-term photographic series Glendalis was both critically acclaimed and published as an award-nominated monograph. Additionally, her editorial and commercial work spans a wide range of major brands and media publications.Angela’s website: https://www.angelacappetta.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
In this episode, I talk with photographer Max Kent about process, patience, and the quiet power of paying attention. We cover a lot, the role of place in shaping vision, the strange pull of analog, and what it means to keep making things when no one’s asking you to. It’s reflective, a little raw, and exactly the kind of conversation that reminds you why you picked up a camera in the first place.See more of Max here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@maxkentWebsite: https://www.maxkent.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxkent/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
Surprise! Here is a bonus episode where I’m joined by okayfoto and Hanz. We get into the cameras we’re loving, the film stocks we’re hoarding, the new releases we’re pretending not to care about, and all the stuff we definitely can’t afford, but obsess over anyway.It’s a mix of wishlists, hot takes, and the kind of gear talk that somehow turns into an existential crisis. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
On this episode of Negative Influence, I sit down with photographer Giulia Hepburn , whose work moves effortlessly between fashion, commercial, and street. Whether she’s shooting polished campaigns or raw moments on the sidewalk, her images carry the same sharp eye and quiet defiance.We talk about creative survival, blending personal and professional work, and how to keep your style intact when everyone wants something different from you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
In this episode, I sit down with Nick LoPresti, the film photographer, YouTuber, and all-around analog evangelist who's out here making film photography fun again (on purpose). We talk about shooting weird formats, balancing creativity with content creation, the joy of keeping things scrappy, and why sometimes the best camera is the one loaded with expired film and a little bit of delusion. If you’ve ever wanted to tape a camera back together and call it art, this one’s for you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
In this episode, I sit down with Hanz, a Korean-based street and fashion photographer whose eye for imperfection is nothing short of inspiring. An American expat with a deep love for both film and digital photography, Hanz brings a unique perspective shaped by his life abroad and his passion for visual storytelling. We talk about his creative process, and why he believes flaws,whether in a camera or a film stock, are often what make an image unforgettable. If you’re into photography with soul, this one’s for you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
This week we sit down with California-based photographer Stillness in Focus , whose work straddles the line between realism and quiet introspection. We talk street photography in the Golden State, how to grow an audience without losing your voice, and the head games photographers play with themselves: perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and everything in between. It’s an honest, thoughtful conversation with someone who really gets what it means to shoot with intention. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
On this episode of Negative Influence, I talk with Rome-based photographer Constantin about chasing moments, trusting your instincts, and leaning into the mess. His work lives somewhere between shadow and noise, pulling something honest out of the chaos.We get into process, philosophy, and what it means to stay loose behind the lens, especially when the world around you refuses to hold still. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Halifax-based street photographer, Dan Helle over at okayfoto, whose sharp eye and quiet humor turn everyday moments into cinematic stills. We dig into the craft of seeing: what makes a compelling street photo, how to build an audience without selling your soul, and the wildly different mindsets that shape the way photographers shoot, share, and think. Whether you're chasing light or chasing followers, this one's got something for you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
In this episode, Justin Allen- Photographer sits down with Tom Minty ,a street photographer with a sharp eye for the urban sprawl. We talk scanning workflows (the good, the bad, and the dusty), the weight of social media expectations, and what it’s like chasing the perfect frame across different cities. Whether you're a film junkie, digital shooter, or just here for the travel stories, this one's packed with insight, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
Justin Allen- Photographer sits down with UK based urban and landscape photographer Giles Thurston to discuss composition, lighting and the fear or strangers in this episode of Negative Influence. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
After weeks of overthinking, under-editing, and talking to myself in front of a microphone, the first three episodes of Negative Influence drop on Monday, May 26th.This podcast is what happens when a photographer starts spiraling and accidentally records it. It’s film. It’s digital. It’s deep dives, loose tangents, and the occasional gear rant that turns into a life crisis. I talk to other photographers. I talk to myself. Sometimes I even make sense.If you’ve ever questioned your work, hated your gear, loved your gear five minutes later, or taken a photo just because the light looked sad: this podcast might be uncomfortably relatable.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Episodes go live May 26th. Bring caffeine and questionable artistic choices.—Justin AllenNegative InfluenceA podcast for photographers with great taste and terrible impulse control. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com