ASMP Experts & Masters Podcast Series

We welcome you to the American Society of Media Photographers podcast series “ASMP Experts and Masters.” The program brings candid conversations about the craft, business and culture of photography between legendary photographers, creatives, and thought leaders under the guidance of our rotating hosts:  Tom Kennedy , ASMP’s Executive Director / former multimedia editor of The Washington Post / former Director of Photography at National Geographic,  Luke Copping former Chair of ASMP’s National Board of Directors,  Gabriella Marks, current ASMP National Board Treasurer, and Amy Tierney, current ASMP National Board Director.

 

All episodes are on ASMP’s iTunes Page.  The first several podcast episodes were additionally live streamed on Facebook from the Facebook page of Photo Brigade (with just under 38,000+ followers) and available afterward on Adorama’s YouTube page (724,000+ followers).

Podcast Archives

Episode 1: Doug Menuez

Tom and Luke chat with legendary photographer and director Doug Menuez about the business and technology of photography, his many years documenting the career of Steve Jobs, and what photographers can learn from tech entrepreneurs. Learn more about Doug and his work at https://menuez.com/about/.

Episode 2: Alyssa Meadows

Tom and Luke chat with Alyssa Meadows about the synergies between YPA and ASMP and the realities of being a young photographer in NYC. Alyssa is a freelance photographer that works to bring a client’s vision to life, and develops behind-the-scenes & promotional materials for films. Learn more about Alyssa and her work at http://www.ameadowsphoto.com/.

Episode 3:  Clay McBride

Tom and Luke chat with Clay McBride about what he’s seeing as he lends a hand to the next generation of photographers through his work as a professor of photography at the Rochester Institute of Technology.  Learn more about Clay and his work at  http://www.claypatrickmcbride.com/.

Episode 4: Advocacy Alert – Support the CASE Act

Want to ensure that your creative work is protected? ASMP is calling on photographers and creatives of all disciplines to support an incredibly important piece of legislation that could make it signifigantly easier for creatives to resolve copyright disputes without incurring the expenses of going to federal court. ASMP Executive Director Tom Kennedy and Advocacy Counsel Mike Klipper discuss the importance of the proposed CASE Act and how offering a small claims court resolution for copyright infringement could be a massive benefit to creatives across America. The House Judiciary Committee is considering and voting on HR3945 (the CASE Act) in early April; therefore, ASMP needs you to contact – by phone, email, or letter – your representative urging them to support the bill that protects your rights as a creator, even if you have already done so, to stress the urgency and importance of this bill that has been twelve long years in the making. You can learn more about the CASE Act and take action here.

Episode 5: Anne Geddes 

Tom and Luke chat with Anne Geddes about the creative process that she uses in her work with babies, children and pregnant women and what she’s observed about the human condition when doing that work. Learn more about Anne and her work at http://www.annegeddes.com/homepage.

Episode 6: Ron Haviv

Tom Kennedy chats with Ron Haviv, an Emmy nominated, award-winning photojournalist and co-founder of the photo agency VII, dedicated to documenting conflict and raising awareness about human rights issues around the globe. Tom is interested in discussing what Haviv has learned while covering more than twenty-five conflicts in over one hundred countries. He will also question Haviv about his experience publishing three critically acclaimed collections of photography. More can be found about Haviv at https://www.ronhaviv.com/

 

Episode 7: Meet Your Hosts – Tom Kennedy

Luke Copping Interviews ASMP Executive Director Tom Kennedy about his experiences as Managing Editor for Multimedia at The Washington Post and Director of Photography for the National Geographic Magazine, as well as his views on the current state of the photographic industry. He has created, directed, and edited visual journalism projects that have earned Pulitzer Prizes, as well as EMMY, Peabody, and Edward R. Murrow awards. Visit www.asmp.org for more information on The American Society of Media Photographers.

 

Episode 8: Lynn Goldsmith

ASMP Executive Director Tom Kennedy chats with Lynn Goldsmith the images she has taken of entertainment personalities, sports stars, film directors to authors, as well as “the ordinary man on the street”. Her images appear in numerous collections: The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, The Museum of Modern Art, The Chicago Museum of Contemporary Photography, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Museum Folkwang, The Polaroid Collection, The Kodak Collection, etc. More can be found about Lynn at http://www.lynngoldsmith.com/

 

Episode 9: Peter Krogh

ASMP Executive Director speaks with photographer, filmmaker, and author Peter Krogh about the intersection of photography and technology, digital asset management, and their shared experiences at National Geographic.

Peter Krogh is a photographer, writer, filmmaker, publisher and consultant. For 30 years, he has created compelling visual images for editorial and commercial clients who need to send a message, tell a story or connect with an audience.

In the last decade, Peter has become one of the world’s foremost authorities on Digital Asset Management and workflow. He has worked with companies that create the digital photography ecosystem, such as Adobe, Microsoft, iView, Phase One, CRU, O’Reilly Media and PhotoShelter.

And Peter has worked with institutions that represent the interest of photographers such as the US Library of Congress, IPTC and World Press Photo. He served on the board of Directors of ASMP and founded and chairs the Digital Standards and Practices Committee.

His consulting clients include Delta Airlines, the World Wildlife Foundation, The Discovery Channel, Frans Lanting Photography and Johns Hopkins University. He has presented, taught and led workshops worldwide, including all over the US, Canada, South Africa, China, England, Australia, New Zealand and Italy. His books have been published in English, Spanish, French and German.

You can learn more about Peter here

 

Episode 10: Meet Your Hosts – Luke Copping

ASMP Executive Director Tom Kennedy interviews his co-host Luke Copping about his experiences as a photographer in Buffalo NY, his role as ASMP National Board Chair, and his thoughts on the current states of the photographic industry and its shifting culture.

 

Episode 11: Jenna Close

Luke Copping, former Chair ASMP National Board of Directors, talks with photographer and fellow former Chair ASMP National Board of Directors Jenna Close. Topics include Jenna’s work in the green energy market, her concerns and beliefs about the direction of the photography industry and the culture surrounding it, and how she has adapted her business to the needs of her specific niche market.  Learn more about Jenna and her company Buck the Cubicle here.

 

Episode 12: Jodi Baretz

In this episode ASMP Executive Director Tom Kennedy speaks with Jodi Baretz — a psychotherapist and holistic health coach.

Jodi contributes regularly to The Huffington Post, The Mindfulness App, Westchester Magazine, Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk magazines. Most recently Baretz’ book has been featured in Thrive Global and on several podcasts, including Thrive LOUD, Here to Thrive, and Be Healthy and Thrive. She has also teamed up with “Maximize Your Talent,” a company that trains companies in emotional intelligence, and runs a women’s mindfulness bootcamp for them. Jodi’s mission is to help women learn to manage stress and their minds so they can cope more effectively with the struggles of daily life and thrive.

Jodi Baretz is a licensed clinical social worker and certified health and wellness coach with more than twenty years experience providing clinical services, psychotherapy, nutritional and career counseling.

She has a private practice at The Center for Health and Healing in Mt. Kisco.

Jodi’s latest book “Mindful Is the New Skinny” is available here

 

Episode 13: Karen Mullarkey

ASMP Executive Director Tom Kennedy talks with Photo Editor Karen Mullarkey. Karen has an extensive career at magazines like Rolling Stone, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated.  In this episode she talk about her path, what it takes to be a professional, and the many amazing people she has worked with.

 

Episode 14: Scott Burkholder

In this episode ASMP Executive Director Tom Kennedy chats with Scott Burkholder of SGB Talent Agency in Baltimore. Scott is a socially minded artist agent who focus is on giving artists support and guidance in their business affairs. You can learn more about Scott here.

 

Episode 15: Evan Nisselson

In this episode of ASMP Experts and Masters ASMP Executive Director Tom Kennedy speaks with Evan Nisselson — a venture capitalist based in New York City who provides early stage funding to individuals seeking to grow all types of imaging technology companies as well as acting as host of an annual conference that brings together photographers, technologists, academics, media company execs, and more. You can learn more about Evan here.

Note: Due to recording issues you may notice some background noise and the occasional interference — however we feel that the content presented in this episode is extremely valuable, and while the recording may be less than 100% quality we still feel it is of a reasonable quality for casual listening.

 

Episode 16: Maggie Steber

ASMP Executive Director Tom Kennedy speaks with Maggie Steber, a well-known documentary photographer, Leica Ambassador and photo educator.   Maggie has worked in 64 countries focusing on humanitarian, cultural, and social stories. Her honors include the Leica Medal of Excellence, World Press Photo Foundation, the Overseas Press Club, Pictures of the Year, the Medal of Honor for Distinguished Service to Journalism from the University of Missouri, the Alicia Patterson and Ernst Haas Grants, and a Knight Foundation grant for the New American Newspaper project.

For over three decades, Steber has worked in Haiti. Aperture published her monograph, DANCING ON FIRE. In 2013 Steber was named as one of eleven Women of Vision by National Geographic Magazine, publishing a book and touring an exhibition in five American cities. Steber has served as a Newsweek Magazine contract photographer and as the Asst. Managing Editor of Photography and Features at The Miami Herald, overseeing staff projects that won the paper a Pulitzer and two finalist recognition. Her work is included in the Library of Congress, The Richter Library and in private collections. She has exhibited internationally. Clients include National Geographic Magazine, The New York Times Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, AARP, The Guardian, and Geo Magazine among others. Steber teaches workshops internationally including at the World Press Joop Swart Master Classes, the International Center for Photography, Foundry Workshops and and the Obscura Photo Festival.

You learn more about Maggie here.

 

Episode 17: TruePic / Sherif Hanna

Tom’s guest in this episode is Sherif Hanna — Senior Director for platform integration at Truepic, a California startup company that is now grappling with one of the more vexing problems of our time – namely how to authenticate digital imagery so that viewers of the image know that it has been seen and rendered as the photographer intended and that it accurately reflects what the photographer saw at the moment of image capture.  You can learn more about Truepic here.

 

Episode 18: Richard Kelly

ASMP Executive Director Tom Kennedy speaks with photographer, filmmaker, educator, and former ASMP President Richard Kelly.   You can learn more about Richard here.

 

Episode 19: Santiago Lyon

In this episode ASMP Executive Director Tom Kennedy speaks with Santiago Lyon – The Director of Editorial Content for Adobe as well as the former Director of Photography for the Associated Press. They touch on topics ranging from Lyon’s current work leading a newsroom worth stock department within adobe to his work overseeing years of Pulitzer Prize winning work at AP.

Lyon began his career with AP as a photographer, moved to picture editing and served as Director of Photography for the last 12 years. During his time as director, AP won three Pulitzer Prizes for photography. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Eddie Adams Workshops.

As a photographer for AP, Lyon worked in Central America, Egypt and Spain.  You can learn more about Santiago / follow him on Twitter here.

 

Episode 20: Tim Rasmussen

In this episode ASMP Executive Director Tom Kennedy speaks with Tim Rasmussen — The former director of photography for ESPN. Tim recently left the position for a new role with Connecticut Public Broadcasting as Chief Content Officer.  This interview was recorded prior to that role change.  He joined ESPN in 2015 after nearly 10 years as Assistant Managing Editor for Photography at The Denver Post, where the paper became known for its exceptional photography and awarded three Pulitzer Prizes.  He established video journalism at the Post.  You can learn more about Tim here.

 

Episode 21: Photographer Wellness with Jordan Marwin

Luke Copping, former ASMP National Board of Directors Chair, chats with athlete and trainer Jordan Marwin about physical wellness, strength, and mobility for photographers.  You can learn more about Jordan here.

 

Episode 22: Cynthia Carris Alonso

In this episode Tom Kennedy, ASMP’s Executive Director, speaks candidly with Cynthia Carris Alonso — a former Newsweek photo editor and photographer who has worked extensively in Cuba for more than two decades.

Cynthia Carris Alonso has been a Photographer, Photo Editor and Researcher for internationally renowned magazines, books and web sites such as Time.com, ABCnews.com, Newsweek, BusinessWeek, The New York Times, Rhythm Music Magazine, People en Español, Vanity Fair, and Scholastic, as well as a photographer for several music-recording companies.

Cynthia Carris Alonso’s latest book, A Taste of Cuba, published by Apollo Publishers, celebrates the wonderful taste of Cuban cuisine, as well as the sites, colors, and energy of the Cuban culture.  More can be found about her latest book here.

Episode 23: Grayson Dantzic

The calling cards of all good archives are preservation and access.  In this episode Tom Kennedy, ASMP’s Executive Director, talks with Grayson Dantzic. Grayson is an archivist, ASMP Board Member of the New York chapter, and a photographer.  As an archivist, he has been working with Tom to organize and assess the value of ASMP’s archives as a representation of the history of photography over the past 75 years. Grayson’s goal is to raise awareness about the roots of photography and the ASMP in order to shed light on the rich stories behind the people that have shared history through photography.

In this episode, we talk about…

  • Grayson’s journey to photography and photo archiving
  • Raising awareness about the roots of photography
  • How passionate the early founders were for what they were trying to do
  • Comparing the media saturation of today to the founding times
  • Putting together a rich tapestry of the history of ASMP
  • Surprising takeaways from looking at the archives
  • Connecting resources between different archives
  • Compensating for the loss of the human connective piece in photography
  • Building the archives from the ground up
  • Opportunities that are waiting in the archives
  • Establishing connections with different research and preservation institutions
  • Envisioning the desired digital archive presence and pool for resources

Links to resources:

To donate today to the ASMP archives go to:  https://www.asmp.org/asmp-foundation/

To learn more about archivist and photographer Grayson Dantzic go to his website:  https://www.graysondantzic.com/

Life Magazine

To read about the Smithsonian traveling exhibition of Dantzic’s father, Jerry Dantzic’s, photographs of Billie Holiday that Grayson curated go to: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/new-smithsonian-traveling-exhibition-shows-rarely-seen-photos-billie-holidays

Bonus Episode: CASE Act Update: Majority Victory in the House!

This is a very busy and exciting time in Washington for the ASMP. Here to tell us all about what’s going on is Gabriela Marks, ASMP National Board member. Today’s episode is a short update on the latest news from Capitol Hill. A vote was passed recently in the House to strengthen the copyright system, now onto the Senate. Stay tuned to hear just what that means for the ASMP.
In this episode, we talk about…
• Having the same impact in the Senate as in the House
• Modifications to the Case Act that opposition has proposed
• Where the Case Act was born
• Opponents of strengthening the copyright system
• Common distortions of the results of the Case Act
• Fears of corporate infringement that the Case Act could alleviate
• Why we need to update the copyright system as it is
• What people can do right now to bring attention to this issue

Links to resources:

To donate to the ASMP archives go to https://www.asmp.org/asmp-foundation/

Episode 24:  Pete Souza

ASMP member photographer, and past Chief White House photographer to President Barack Obama, Pete Souza, speaks with ASMP Executive Director Tom Kennedy. Pete went to K-State where he started his photography journey with the school’s newspaper. After quite a journey, he found himself as the White House photographer for both President Ronald Reagan and President Barack Obama. In this episode, Tom and Pete talk about Pete’s time at the school paper, to teaching, to the Sun Times, to National Geographic, the Oval Office and everything that came in between.

In this episode, Tom and Pete talk about…
* Pete’s inspirations that set him on his photography journey
* Transitioning from the Chanute Tribune to the Chicago Sun-Times
* Finding his way to Washington to work for Ronald Reagan
* Looking for those moments that really showed what the president was like
* Putting pictures into the media ecosystem in different eras
* Traveling around the world with Reagan vs. Obama
* Learning experiences that came from working at National Geographic
* Being on the ground in Afghanistan before the troops arrived
* Building a rapport with Barack Obama in D.C.
* Maintaining professional emotions during very significant historical moments
* Understanding the importance of having visual documentation of the presidency
* Juggling the responsibilities of running the office and being the president’s photographer
* Addressing the challenge of painting the proper picture of Obama’s 8-year presidency
* Working on the Shade Project and how people are responding to it
* Advice for new photographers from Pete’s years of experience

Links to resources:
Keep up with Pete’s work on Instagram @petesouza and check out his latest book, Shade: A Tale of Two Presidents

Website: https://www.petesouza.com/

National Geographic

 

Episode 25: Lou Jones

Tom’s guest today, Lou Jones, is a long-time Boston freelance photographer. Lou received his degree in physics and you could say he was well on his way to becoming a rocket scientist, until he found his way to the art of photography. Since then, he has spent his career blending the commercial and editorial sectors. Through personal and long-term projects, Lou is working to effect change in how the world views different social issues.

In this episode, Tom and Lou talk about…

  • Considering photography as a career choice from a start in physics
  • Starting to build his own sense and skills as a photographer
  • Perseverance through racism and other early obstacles
  • Blending the commercial and editorial sectors
  • Learning to navigate cold calls to make your way into the room
  • Reaching a broader audience through the use of social media
  • Using personal projects as a means to attract clients
  • How social components of photography have changed over time
  • Working to effect thinking about the realities of Africa
  • Biggest challenges facing the team with the effort to cover all of Africa
  • What brings Lou joy being a photographer
  • Sustaining creativity after amassing such a large amount of experience
  • Engaging the public in the value of work that photographers do
  • Serious advice for anyone looking to become a great professional photographer

Links to resources:

Lou Jones’ website: https://www.fotojones.com/

Lou Jones’ Pan Africa Project:  https://panafricaproject.org/about-the-panafricaproject/

Lou Jones’ Instagram: @loujonesstudio

To donate to the ASMP archives go to:  https://www.asmp.org/asmp-foundation/

 

Episode 26: Robert Seale

Robert Seale is a commercial photographer and long-time ASMP member based out of Houston. Throughout his career, he has been able to stay versatile and prolific, while providing his services to advertising agencies, corporate reports, and a host of editorial publications. Robert has made a name for himself with his exceptional technical ability, graphic eye, lighting skills, and his execution speed as a visual problem solver. From his start as a college newspaper photographer, Robert has spent years establishing himself as one of the premier names in the commercial photography industry.

In this episode, Tom Kennedy, ASMP’s Executive Director, and Robert Seale talk about…

  • Getting into photography and influences that Robert had
  • Transitioning from newspaper to sports magazines
  • Preparation for photographing an athlete without the athlete
  • Deciding to go out on his own as a commercial photographer
  • Looking into the creative process that goes into getting a great shot
  • Educating clients about the photography that they are looking for
  • How Robert finds people that he really likes to work with
  • Advising young photographers on which skills to hone in on
  • The evolution from film to digital and how it has changed photography
  • Importance of Instagram for displaying your portfolio to the new world
  • Changes going on now that are creating more avenues for photography services
  • The two factors that go into charging appropriately
  • Things to know if entering the photography industry right now
  • Staying critical and re-evaluating your process as time goes on

Links to resources:

Robert Seale’s website: https://www.robertseale.com/

Robert Seale’s Instagram: @robertsealephoto

Send us your comments and suggestions: communications@ASMP.org

To donate to the ASMP archives go to:  https://www.asmp.org/asmp-foundation/

 

Episode 27: Photographer Eric Meola

Eric Meola is an incredibly talented commercial photographer out of New York City. He has spent his career attempting to make his work distinctive, photographing things like the incredible weather of The Great Plains and Bruce Springsteen on the rise. Eric began his commercial photography career after he graduated from Syracuse University, going from his first job as a photography assistant to Time Magazine. Throughout his career, Eric has been able to balance doing commercial work, which brings in money, and his personal work, which is much more important in the long run.

In this episode, Tom Kennedy, ASMP’s Executive Director, and photographer Eric Meola talk about…

  • How Eric began his commercial career from Syracuse University
  • Keeping a balance between commercial and editorial
  • Forces that drive photographers to make their work distinctive
  • Things learned from outside assignments and making mistakes
  • Different sources of inspiration that have helped open Eric’s eyes
  • Approaching the challenge of filming the weather of The Great Plains
  • Achieving clarity and precision in the moment during all the chaos of the storms
  • Preparation for chasing storms across such a massive land area
  • Physical and mental challenges when chasing storms for long periods of time
  • Staying careful and aware of the environment when photographing a storm
  • How the process of editing and publishing changes between books
  • Importance of being on press during the publishing process for the photographer
  • The positives and negatives that can be taken from The Great Plains
  • Making a statement about yourself with your portfolio
  • Ways that the photography market has changed since Eric started his career
  • Getting outside of your comfort zone to realize what you might be good at

Links to resources:

Eric Meola’s Website:  http://www.ericmeola.photography/

Books by Eric Meola:

Fierce Beauty

The Last Place on Earth: India

Streets of Fire: Bruce Springsteen in Photographs and Lyrics 1977-1979

Born to Run The Unseen Photos

Last Places on Earth

Send us your comments and suggestions: communications@ASMP.org

To donate to the ASMP archives go to:  https://www.asmp.org/asmp-foundation/

 

Episode 28:  Photographer’s Representative, Heather Elder

This episode’s special guest is Heather Elder, a photography rep that has worked with some of the most well-known photographers in recent memory. Heather has spent years sharing thoughts and secrets of the photography industry through her blog, Notes From a Rep’s Journal, and her podcast, Dear Art Producer. After 25 years, she still figures out ways to innovate and adapt to the industry as it changes with the times. Heather brings years of wisdom and experience to the table, so pay attention!

In this episode, Gabriella Marks, ASMP National Board Member, and photography rep Heather Elder talk about…

  • What doesn’t an artist representative do?
  • Creating a sense of community in an industry that lacks one
  • The importance of clear communication throughout the entire process
  • Walking the line between following up and not being a stalker
  • Start with the creative call and work from there
  • Advice for beginners on how to approach creative treatment
  • Breaking down estimates and approaching the job
  • What can be said about you that cannot be said about anyone else?
  • How photographers are integrating motion into what they do
  • Using ASMP’s heritage to look forward into the future
  • Persistence is key if you want to work with Heather

Links to resources:

Keep up with Heather’s work on her website: https://www.heatherelder.com/

Send us your comments and suggestions: communications@ASMP.org

To donate to the ASMP archives go to:  https://www.asmp.org/asmp-foundation/

 

Episode 29: Photographer Erika Larsen

Tom’s guest on this episode, Erika Larsen, is a photographer known for extended essays that document various cultures from a variety of perspectives. Erika is well-known around the world for her work with National Geographic, Time Magazine, and other globally-recognized companies. She has specialized in immersive photography in order to tap into the world’s oldest profession, storytelling. Erika believes that good photographers have the ability to freeze time, and she has let that fuel her throughout her long and impressive career.

In this episode, Tom Kennedy, ASMP National Board Member, and photographer Erika Larsen talk about…

  • How Erika got started in the field of photography
  • Cutting out a lot of the noise that comes with having a plethora of tools
  • Storytelling is the oldest profession that the world knows
  • Developing a relationship with the earth and what it means to be human
  • Staying present and focused while photographing when the world is so loud
  • Erika has spent a lifetime fine tuning her photography skills through experience
  • Overcoming the initial challenge of gaining acceptance into different cultures
  • Everyone in this world holds a certain knowledge that is unique to them
  • Getting people to open up and convey the essence of their own story
  • Keeping track of where you are in the evolution of each story
  • What catches Erika’s attention when she is in the moment of taking a photograph
  • Achieving a stillness and what that does for different people
  • Having a great support system when life takes you all over the world
  • Making an impact on the world and how to do it
  • What the person next to you says can or can’t happen doesn’t exist

Links to resources:

Erika Larsen’s website: http://www.erikalarsenphoto.com/

Erika Larsen’s Instagram: @erikalarsen888

Erika Larsen’s workshops/lectures: http://www.erikalarsenphoto.com/workshops-lectures/

Send us your comments and suggestions: communications@ASMP.org

To donate to the ASMP archives go to:  https://www.asmp.org/asmp-foundation/