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
