How Photographers Can Use "Novelty" as Creative Fuel with Arthur Lefo

Today's episode features an interview with professional photographer Dave Sandford (@davesandford), known for his captivating NHL and wildlife photography. Today he opens up about his journey through mental health challenges starting at the beginning of COVID lockdowns until recently. Dave shares his personal struggles, highlighting the turning point that led him to actively address his well-being and break the silence surrounding mental health.  During the episode, Dave intertwines his narrative of resilience with the evolution of his photography and creativity, emphasizing the profound connection between personal well-being and artistic expression. His story serves as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of seeking help and finding the tools to build resilience through stressful situations.

Disclaimer: While we deeply value and appreciate the personal stories shared on our podcast, it's important to acknowledge that we are not licensed professionals in the field of mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, experiencing distressing thoughts, or in need of support, we strongly encourage seeking assistance from qualified mental health professionals or reaching out to local mental health hotlines or support organizations.

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want high-quality prints, with a variety of material options, and who want their work delivered fast in 9 days or less! Use code MINDSET15 for 15% off
https://www.whitewall.com/

Our 2024 TPM Photography Retreat in Alaska has dropped in price from $4800 USD to $4000 USD. ONLY 1 SPOT LEFT!
 https://thephotographermindset.com/products/2024-tpm-annual-retreat-alaska

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

If you're listening on Spotify you can now interact with us directly by typing your thoughts, opinions, or questions in the Q & A section. We read them and publish them. It's a great way to make these episodes more of a two way conversation so be sure to add your two cents after each episode!

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US

Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

In this episode with wildlife photographer, bear guide, and OM Systems ambassador Arthur Lefo (@arthurlefo), we delve into the concept of gaining "traction" as a photographer and how it evolves with career progression. We briefly touch on the controversial topic of wolf reintroduction in Colorado, emphasizing the importance of exploring diverse perspectives in heated topics. We discuss how novelty can be a creative driving force in photography, and note how too much seeking of novelty can have a negative impact on project completion. Furthermore, we explore the dedication required for sustained excellence, emphasizing the significance of consistently tackling mundane tasks. The episode concludes with insights into Arthur's editing style and various techniques used by photographers to establish a unique artistic identity.

You can check out Arthur's company Think Wild Expeditions here: https://www.thinkwildexp.com/

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want high-quality prints, with a variety of material options, and who want their work delivered fast in 9 days or less! Use code MINDSET15 for 15% off
https://www.whitewall.com/

Our 2024 TPM Photography Retreat in Alaska has dropped in price from $4800 USD to $4000 USD. 1 spot left:
 https://thephotographermindset.com/products/2024-tpm-annual-retreat-alaska

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

If you're listening on Spotify you can now interact with us directly by typing your thoughts, opinions, or questions in the Q & A section. We read them and publish them. It's a great way to make these episodes more of a two way conversation so be sure to add your two cents after each episode!

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US

Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

Happy Leap Year everyone! Enjoy this bonus episode. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the intricate balance of seeking validation and managing client expectations in the creative realm of photography and videography.

In this discussion, we address the common tendency to over-deliver digital assets for free, despite predefined agreements, driven by the desire to impress or be validated. We explore the potential repercussions of undervaluing our work and the community at large, shedding light on the importance of setting boundaries and asserting the value of our creative output.

This episode should help you navigate the challenging journey of finding balance in client relationships, self-worth, and the art of delivering exceptional work. 

Book your spot for our 2024 TPM Photography Retreat in Alaska: https://thephotographermindset.com/products/2024-tpm-annual-retreat-alaska

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Thanks to Tamron Americas for being our lead sponsor this episode! You can check out their website below to see their full lineup of camera lenses including the 28-75mm F/2.8 G2 for Sony E-Mount cameras mentioned in this episode or visit your nearest photo retailer to purchase their products: https://tamron-americas.com/

If you're listening on Spotify you can now interact with us directly by typing your thoughts, opinions, or questions in the Q & A section. We read them and publish them. It's a great way to make these episodes more of a two way conversation so be sure to add your two cents after each episode!

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US

Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

Today, we're joined by Bryanna Bradley (@bryannabradleyphotography), a surf photographer from Tofino, BC, Canada. Bryanna recently completed a 3,100-mile thru-hike of the CDT trail, an incredible journey that reshaped her perspective on life and resilience. We discuss tackling daunting terrains, pushing personal limits, and finding purpose through challenging experiences, inspired by Bryanna's remarkable story of overcoming a traumatic brain injury to embrace a life full of adventure and fulfillment.

Book your spot for our 2024 TPM Photography Retreat in Alaska: https://thephotographermindset.com/products/2024-tpm-annual-retreat-alaska

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Thanks to Tamron Americas for being our lead sponsor this episode! You can check out their website below to see their full lineup of camera lenses including the 28-75mm F/2.8 G2 for Sony E-Mount cameras mentioned in this episode or visit your nearest photo retailer to purchase their products: https://tamron-americas.com/

If you're listening on Spotify you can now interact with us directly by typing your thoughts, opinions, or questions in the Q & A section. We read them and publish them. It's a great way to make these episodes more of a two way conversation so be sure to add your two cents after each episode!

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US

Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

Today we're joined by Josh Veon (@joshveon), a Pittsburgh videographer and founder of Orchard Eight Media. Josh works for NFL Live making content for their socials. In this episode, we discussed creating social media content for NFL Live, delving into the immersive experience of living and breathing content creation around the clock during a collaboration project with Mr. Beast. We explored the enchantment of fostering passion within both your audience and yourself for the content or visual media being created, as well as strategies for boosting viewer retention across short and long-form content. Additionally, we delved into the perennial debate of quantity versus quality in the realm of content creation.

You can check out Orchard Eight's website: https://www.orchardeight.com/
You can check out the MVP Podcast here: https://linktr.ee/MVPPod

Book your spot for our 2024 TPM Photography Retreat in Alaska: https://thephotographermindset.com/products/2024-tpm-annual-retreat-alaska

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

If you're listening on Spotify you can now interact with us directly by typing your thoughts, opinions, or questions in the Q & A section. We read them and publish them. It's a great way to make these episodes more of a two way conversation so be sure to add your two cents after each episode!

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US

Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

Today we're joined by Brooke Littlebear (@brookelittlebear), making her fourth appearance on the show! In this episode we explore strategies for eliminating distractions and forming good habits, staying organized during busy periods, reflecting on adversity, finding a sense of home, and effectively promoting photography services without overwhelming your audience.

You can check out her website: https://littlebearwildlife.com/
You can check out Think Wild Expeditions here: https://www.thinkwildexp.com/

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want high-quality prints, with a variety of material options, and who want their work delivered fast in 9 days or less! Use code MINDSET15 for 15% off your order.
https://www.whitewall.com/us/

Book your spot for our 2024 TPM Photography Retreat in Alaska: https://thephotographermindset.com/products/2024-tpm-annual-retreat-alaska

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

If you're listening on Spotify you can now interact with us directly by typing your thoughts, opinions, or questions in the Q & A section. We read them and publish them. It's a great way to make these episodes more of a two way conversation so be sure to add your two cents after each episode!

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US

Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

In this episode, we delve into the contrasting perspectives of social media usage among older and younger generations of photographers. We explore both the importance and unimportance of social media platforms for your photography goals and how to align your amount of social media usage with your ideal career outcomes.  We argue that there may not be any point in putting undue importance on social media if it doesn't serve what you're trying to accomplish with your photography career, sparking a crucial conversation about the relevance of social media in the context of individual career objectives.

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want high-quality prints, with a variety of material options, and who want their work delivered fast in 9 days or less! Use code MINDSET15 for 15% off your order.
https://www.whitewall.com/us/

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Visit our website here: www.thephotographermindset.com

If you're listening on Spotify you can now interact with us directly by typing your thoughts, opinions, or questions in the Q & A section. We read them and publish them. It's a great way to make these episodes more of a two way conversation so be sure to add your two cents after each episode!

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US

Big shoutout to this week's #TPMartwork feature @tmcc_photography with her stunning photo of Spirit Island in Jasper National Park. Congrats again Taryn! Be sure to check out more of her work and keep submitting to the hashtag for your chance to have your image featured and talked about on a future episode!

Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

In this episode, we embark on a captivating discussion centered around the pursuit of dopamine as creators and the profound impact it has on our work and well-being. We delve into the enthralling topic of how being solely dopaminergic can impact us as creators, emphasizing the importance of pausing to savor our current achievements and finding true contentment. By navigating the fine balance between the thrill of creation and the fulfillment of genuine satisfaction, we aim to uncover a holistic approach to creative fulfillment. 

Furthermore, we explore the gratification derived from crafting original content and ideas, underscoring their pivotal role in artistic expression. We also unravel the nuances of keywording Lightroom catalogues and the art of culling photos in Lightroom, shedding light on effective strategies to streamline and optimize the creative process. Finally, we unveil an innovative protocol for infusing gamified elements into tasks we may find less appealing, ultimately enhancing productivity and injecting a sense of satisfaction into our endeavors. Join us as we unpack these insightful revelations and equip you with practical tools to elevate your creative journey.

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Visit our website here: www.thephotographermindset.com

If you're listening on Spotify you can now interact with us directly by typing your thoughts, opinions, or questions in the Q & A section. We read them and publish them. It's a great way to make these episodes more of a two way conversation so be sure to add your two cents after each episode!

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US

Big shoutout to this week's #TPMartwork feature @karolinanoreewild with her stunning photo of a baby cheetah. Congrats again Karolina! Be sure to check out more of her work and keep submitting to the hashtag for your chance to have your image featured and talked about on a future episode!

Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

In this episode of the podcast, we have Danny Wild (@dannywild11) as our guest, an accomplished sports photographer specializing in football, baseball, and hockey. With a background in working for Major League Baseball and as the official photographer for the Army college football team, Danny shares his insights and techniques for capturing the perfect shot on the field and developing a quick workflow. We  delve into the unique challenges of photographing football and baseball games and talk about considering where a photograph is meant to live or be published when taking specific shots.

Check out Danny's website here: https://dannywild.com/

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

If you're listening on Spotify you can now interact with us directly by typing your thoughts, opinions, or questions in the Q & A section. We read them and publish them. It's a great way to make these episodes more of a two way conversation so be sure to add your two cents after each episode!

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US

Visit our website here: www.thephotographermindset.com

Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

Our 2024 TPM Retreat will be in Alaska! We're talking brown bears, moose, epic landscapes and more! Join us on our third Photographer Mindset Retreat!

Full post on our Instagram with preliminary and visual details: https://www.instagram.com/thephotographermindset/ 

• 4 Spaces are available
• $1,000 deposit secures your spot and is credited towards full amount
• 5 nights and 6 days from July 9-14

Deposits and spots will open up at Sunday January 21st @ 7:00pm EST  on our website! This will be on a first come first serve basis to ensure fairness.

Visit our website here: www.thephotographermindset.com

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

If you're listening on Spotify you can now interact with us directly by typing your thoughts, opinions, or questions in the Q & A section. We read them and publish them. It's a great way to make these episodes more of a two way conversation so be sure to add your two cents after each episode!

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US

Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset