In this episode of Shotlist, host Marshal Chupa sits down with creative director, photographer, and filmmaker Alex Strohl. With over a decade of experience, Alex shares his journey from his first photography sale to Microsoft, to building a multifaceted career with over 10 revenue streams, including 2 million Instagram followers, online education, and more.

They discuss the reps and mindset needed to succeed, navigating shifts in the creative industry, the power of self-worth in pricing your work, and how to future-proof your creative business in the age of AI. Alex also provides actionable advice for photographers and filmmakers looking to transition out of a feast-or-famine lifestyle and into a sustainable, thriving career.

If you’re a creative professional, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical tips on building freedom, fostering meaningful relationships, and staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry.

Key Topics Discussed:

​The Journey to 2 Million Instagram Followers: The reps, routines, and serendipitous moments that shaped Alex’s career.​

Diversifying Revenue Streams: From brandpartnerships to in-person retreats and online education.​

The Business of Creativity: Why self-worth matters in pricing, negotiatingusage rights, and breaking free from day-rate work.​

Navigating Industry Shifts: The impact of AI, macroeconomic changes, and the future of creative marketing.​

Building Relationships: How genuine ,long-term connections drive opportunities in the creative industry.​

Practical Advice for Creatives: Why assisting and interning remain powerful learning tools, and how to approach clients and partnerships effectively.​

Episode Highlights

00:37 Building a Career Behind the Lens

02:30 Photography as Freedom

08:10 Transitioning from Agency to Personal Projects

17:23 Finding Your Tribe in the Creative Industry

27:22 Future Trends in the Creative Industry

34:54 Building Meaningful Relationships

37:53 The Power of Accountability Partners

🔗 CONNECT WITH Alex Strohl

📸 Instagram | @alexstrohl

💻 Website | www.alexstrohl.com

📰 Newsletter | www. alextrohl.substack.com

🎥 YouTube| www.youtube.com/@alexstroh

🔗 CONNECT WITH MARSHAL

📸 Instagram | www.instagram.com/marshalchupa

💻 Website | www.marshalchupa.com

👥 Linkedin | www.linkedin.com/in/marshal-chupa-99a7921a8

📄 SHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT

Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - www.shotlistpodcast.com

🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST

This podcast is all about helping emerging cinematographers, photographers, and directors navigate the challenges of making a life and a living behind the lens. From workflow to personal growth, creative vision to marketing, finances to production—every episode is packed with a wide range of topics to support visual storytellers in their pursuit of building a business and growing a career they are proud of.

🎧 LISTEN FOR FREE

Apple Podcasts | https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/shotlist/id1645435800

Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/3m5203Y5yQ7wNXQhZBOmNV?si=f46bc0e937bf40c1

RSS | https://anchor.fm/s/5cb2e948/podcast/rss

🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW

If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, I’d love for you to leave a 5-star review on the bottom of Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show 👊 https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/shotlist/id1645435800

📱GET IN TOUCH

You can also drop me a DM instagram @marshalchupa or email marshal@marshalchupa.com