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This week we’re joined by Fred Ellis, Digital Video Producer for England Rugby, who has spent the last few years traveling the world with the national team, documenting their biggest moments both on and off the pitch. From producing YouTube series like George Ford 100 Caps, to covering Six Nations and more, Fred’s work captures not just the action but the stories and personalities behind England Rugby.
Fred shares his journey into this dream role, including the setbacks of being made redundant twice by the age of 22, and how persistence (even guessing a decision-maker’s email address) eventually landed him the opportunity of a lifetime. We also dive into the realities of working in elite sport: the relentless travel, the work ethic required to succeed, and the importance of building relationships with players and staff to tell authentic stories.
We talk kit and processes, memorable moments with legends like Jonny Wilkinson, pushing through creative challenges, and Fred’s advice for anyone looking to break into sports media. This one’s packed with insights on creativity, resilience, and what it takes to work at the highest level.
CONNECT WITH FRED:
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
04:00 - Fred’s role as Digital Video Producer of England Rugby
06:25 - Early Career & Navigating Job Loss
16:34 - Getting Hired by England Rugby
22:48 - Work/Life Balance
28:33 - Camera kit and processes for shooting Rugby
34:48 - Fred’s Creativity & Inspiration
45:45 - Kit & Processes when shooting sports
52:45 - Memorable moments with England Rugby
59:31 - Working with Jonny Wilkinson
01:01:15 - Pushing Through Creative Challenges
01:04:00 - Advice for Creatives
01:12:45 - Relationships with the team
01:15:00 - Wrapping Up
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In this episode, we dive into the ongoing challenge every creative faces: balancing the craft with the business. It’s easy to focus on the art when you’re just starting out, but as opportunities grow, the admin, marketing, and processes can quickly take over, and often at the expense of creativity.
We break it all down step by step: from the early days of pure experimentation, to the growth stage where business becomes unavoidable, and finally to the strategies and systems that help us find balance today. Along the way, we share our own processes, practical steps you can implement right now, and even how lifestyle decisions play a role in keeping your creative energy intact.
Outside of the main discussion, we also touch on what the recipe is for a good shoot, a brief note from James Clear’s newsletter, the new Canon C50 (released after this episode was recorded), and the resurgence of compact digital cameras.
This one’s a mix of industry chat, personal reflection, and actionable takeaways. Perfect for anyone trying to navigate the fine line between being a creative and running a creative business.
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
01:37 - Ingredients for a good shoot
07:55 - Canon C50
11:25 - Apple event & innovation
14:30 - Compact digital cameras
17:08 - Balancing business & creativity
18:45 - Creative side, craft, experimentation, early career
23:25 - Growth stages, business, marketing, vision, processes
28:50 - Our own processes
35:50 - Processes to implement right now
43:40 - Matt’s photography processes
47:23 - Lifestyle decisions
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This week we’re joined by William Drumm, an incredible underwater photographer whose work captures the surreal beauty of life beneath the surface. William takes us through his journey into underwater photography, the challenges of turning such a unique craft into a career, and the preparation that goes into every shoot. From equipment to safety to directing talent underwater.
We dive into his unforgettable experience shooting Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft album cover, exploring what it was like on set with Billie, the collaboration that made it possible, and the post-production that brought it to life. William also opens up about what happened next, how that project shaped his career, and why balancing the creative and business sides of photography is essential.
Whether you’re a photographer, filmmaker, or just curious about what it takes to shoot in some of the most challenging environments, this episode is packed with stories, lessons, and practical pointers from one of the most unique perspectives in the industry.
CONNECT WITH WILLIAM!
IG: https://www.instagram.com/williamdrumm/
Website: https://williamdrumm.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadqMMmr4TWchjJlyE88GC0izYo4iyQQRuuaM80DI06E9WQPJrlAV0ovxHeRdg_aem_uZmZd7EFRQmXvosTqqtH_g
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
02:50 - Journey Into Underwater Photography
06:15 - Earning Money with Underwater Photography
09:55 - Most Difficult & Memorable Underwater Photography Experience
18:00 - Preparing Underwater Shoots & Choosing the Right Equipment
24:20 - Shooting Billie Eilish Album Cover
33:10 - On-set with Billie Eilish
43:35 - Importance of Collaboration in Creativity
47:02 - Post-production on the Billie Eilish Album Cover
50:24 - Career after Billie Eilish Project
57:00 - Underwater Photography Pointers
01:05:10 - Balancing Business & Creativity
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In part two of breaking down Matt’s latest personal project, we go deeper into what happens once the concept is set. We talk about working with talent and models. From reaching out to agencies or beginner models, to building trust on set and understanding that every shoot needs time to warm up before you can push for the hardest shots.
We then dive into the post-shoot process: backing up your files (twice… and then again), making final selects, and collaborating with other creatives to take your project to the highest level in post-production.
But the most important stage of all? Sharing your work. We break down how to present your projects online and in your portfolio, why perception can often matter more than pure skill, and how rolling out your work in the right way can be the deciding factor in how far it actually takes you. Because a project isn’t finished until the world sees it.
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
01:01 - How to reach out to talent & modelling agencies
06:42 - Creative deck & mood board
08:20 - Photography backdrops
10:36 - Shoot scheduling
13:30 - Pre-production
16:20 - Shoot day
17:30 - Working with a model
24:00 - Prioritise shots
26:18 - Shoot wrapping
29:10 - Spending longer on specific shots
31:26 - Backing up files & multiple copies
34:27 - Post-production processes
39:50 - Sharing your work processes
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We break down Matt’s latest personal project! Diving into the creative processes of personal projects, why personal projects matter, the investment and commitment they require, and how to trust your own creativity in the process. We talk about defining a clear goal for your projects , building references and mood boards, and how to approach casting talent for your vision.
But the work doesn’t end once the shoot wraps. We get into the strategy and thought-process of how to share your projects with the world, updating your portfolio, rolling content out online, and using behind-the-scenes to extend the life of your work. Completing your project is not the end, once you hit export, it's just the start of the presentation phase.
This episode is part one of a two-part series, setting the stage for next week where we’ll cover how to actually source and hire great talent, plus the post-production workflows that bring a personal project to its final form.
CHAPTERS
03:23 — Investment & Commitment to Personal Projects
07:40 — Post-Shoot Process & Presenting Your Work
16:20 — Trusting Your Creativity
23:15 — Defining the Clear Goal for your Personal Project
29:20 — Concept, References & Mood boarding
37:22 — Finding the Talent/ Model
42:56 — What’s Next
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This week we catch up on the latest in the creative industry, from Kodak’s rumored bankruptcy (and their swift denial) to Sony’s announcement of the RX1R III at a hefty £4,199 price tag… without IBIS. We dive deep into prime vs. zoom lenses, weighing the pros and cons, why primes often push you to be more creative, and how limitations can actually elevate your work. We highlight photographer Cortney White’s shoot on a fixed 135mm prime as proof of just that.
We also talk gear minimalism, why experienced creatives often gravitate toward smaller setups, and how client perception can change depending on whether you show up with huge pro gear or a compact camera that delivers the same results.
Follow Cortney White!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortneywhite_
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
04:56 - Merchandise Launch and Creative Process
11:47 - Camera Technology Updates: Sony RX1R Mark III
16:37 - Kodak's Financial Struggles
21:56 - ChatGPT-5 Release
25:34 - Primes vs. Zoom Lenses
38:32 - Embracing Gear Minimalism
46:03 - Challenges and Experiments with Lenses
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This week, we cover everything from new camera gear to creative business mindset. Starting with DJI’s brand new Osmo 360 camera and why it could be a game-changer for capturing behind-the-scenes content on set. We also dive into Matt’s interest in picking up the Ricoh GRIII for daily life photography and why, in some cases, it might actually outperform the GRIV.
We also shift the conversation to Matt’s new business car — a Tesla Model 3 and the importance of not letting your ego drive your financial decisions. The real flex isn’t the flashiest car or the biggest spend, but living below your means and building a lifestyle that doesn’t require you to work to sustain it.
Finally, we unpack one of the most overlooked parts of creative work: processes and workflows. From outlining timelines and milestones to setting client expectations early, we talk about why structure is the secret weapon for exceeding expectations, and how delivering work earlier than promised can turn a happy client into a loyal one.
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
05:41 - DJI's New 360 Camera
12:59 - Matt Buying the Ricoh GR3
18:25 - Buying a Tesla for Business
24:41 - Financial Decisions and Ego Management
30:14 - The Importance of Processes in Creative Work
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In this episode, we sit down with rising combat sports photographer Johno Ramsay, who recently wrapped up his first year of freelancing. We get into the highs, lows, and lessons of building a creative career from the ground up, from finding clients, to building confidence in your work and more.
Johno shares what it’s really been like navigating freelance life, including the mindset shifts, financial realities, and creative challenges he didn’t expect. We also dig into how he handled one of the biggest moments of his career so far: winning the Portrait of Britain Award 2024, how that image came to life, and what it felt like to have his work featured across the UK in The Times, The Guardian, and the official Portrait of Britain book.
John also experienced one of his social posts go super viral, with over 11 million views! Where one of the fighters he was shooting fell into his camera and smashed his lens (spoiler: his lens didn’t actually break, but he made you believe it did.)
FOLLOW JOHNO!
IG: https://www.instagram.com/johnoramsay.photo/?hl=en
Website: https://l.instagram.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnoramsay.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacjqCBehKFCwnXnwUlZsFZ1LBkMrAIXT83xPTdz9yRw1uH74Z0PAjl45wAFhg_aem_9n204uki2b475cWkrZ_jUg&e=AT2KYYY7S4qEPMLtR0PF3tVKzffEzK9PSLdU_3pXevNwazIkWRiBRpFU0XLPnr6yUupNAJ1R4osmLD9obFXxxMaWTxb70Zo_uS_gD0Vv6rHiBqt8XG-Oig
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
02:08 - Being A New Freelancer
08:51 - Navigating Social Media as a Freelancer
11:20 - The Impact of Viral Content on Business
19:07 - Lessons Learned from Viral Experiences
25:52 - Navigating the Challenges of Freelance Life
44:28 - Achieving Recognition: Portrait of Britain Award
50:56 - The Importance of Storytelling in Visuals
54:01 - Advice for New Freelancers
57:13 - The Power of Networking and Cold Outreach
01:01:24 - Agency Representation vs. Freelancing
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This week we dive into a wide-ranging conversation on the evolving role of AI in the creative industry! From the recent launch of 'ChatGPT Agents' to our reaction of a fully AI-generated ad aired during the NBA Finals. We unpack how AI tools are already becoming part of our daily creative workflows, where we think things are heading, and what the ethical lines look like as the tech develops.
We also talk about Matt's new clothing brand, his rise on social media from 20k followers to 40k within two weeks! Cam’s new YouTube channel documenting his journey into 3D design, why he’s pivoting, and the mindset shift behind starting fresh in a new creative field.
To wrap it up, we react to a recent example of creative work being stolen. Another photographer’s images used in a fake product ad and confronted by the owner.
LINKS ON AI
YouTubers Using ChatGPT agents:
Cameron's YouTube:
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
05:38 - Cameron's Trip to Bulgaria & 3D
08:39 - Cameron's YouTube Journey
14:57 - Matt's Social Posts & New Clothing Brand
28:02 - AI in Creative Industries
46:03 - Resources for Understanding & Using AI
50:02 - Our Thoughts on AI
52:31 - Reacting to NBA Commercial Made By AI
56:50 - AI on E-commerce and Photography
59:21 - Jakob Owens (PrismLensFX / Tropicolor) Drama
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This week we talk about the mental fuel that keeps us going creatively, like watching T-Pain live-streaming on Twitch making his music whilst working on our own stuff. There’s something powerful about seeing other creatives in their flow that helps us stay in ours.
We also reflect on Matt’s recent holiday where he brought along his very first camera, curious to see if the tech still holds up today. In the video version of this episode, we showcase some of the photos he shot and talk about whether gear from the past can still deliver in 2025.
But the core of this episode is a conversation around the freelance mindset. What it really takes to stay self-employed long-term. We cover everything from living below your means and the dangers of lifestyle inflation, to how important gratitude, financial buffers, and grounded expectations are for longevity. The real win in freelancing? Staying in the game.
CHAPTERS
02:43 - The Creative Process: Insights from T-Pain and Tory Lanez
06:57 - Rediscovering Old Tools: A Journey with My First Camera
12:49 - The Value of Experience: Old Cameras and New Perspectives
17:55 - Skill vs. Equipment: The Balance in Photography
18:25 - The Evolution of Camera Technology
21:41 - Understanding Creative Success
31:11 - Mindset and Expectations in Creativity
39:02 - Financial Wisdom for Creatives
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In this episode, we dive into a very important question: Do you need a degree to make it in the creative industry?
Coming from Cameron & Matt who have University degrees, we unpack what those degrees actually did for us, if anything, and whether we’d still recommend university in today’s creative landscape. We talk about what degrees can offer vs. what real-world experience teaches you, whether clients actually care about your qualifications, and how you can break into the creative field even if you never step foot in a lecture hall.
We also catch up on Matt’s recent visit to CameraWorld—an event for getting hands-on with the newest camera tech, software updates from Capture One, as well as Cameron’s thoughts on his latest gear pickup: the Sony A7C II.
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Louis Browne is on the show! Louis is a Director and photographer whose client list includes Gucci, Dior, Adidas, Nike, Rolling Stone, and more. Known for his choppy, mixed-media style and genre-spanning career—from music to global fashion campaigns—Louis shares his experience navigating the creative industry on both sides of the world from the London to NYC and beyond.
We unpack the key differences between the UK and US creative markets, how your creative taste often outpaces your technical skill, and why personal projects still hold the most weight when it comes to growth, fulfilment, and landing meaningful work. Louis also opens up about preparing your shoots properly, and how the person you're shooting might be the world's next superstar as Louis recalls shooting with Billie Eilish before the fame.
We also get into Louis transition from photography to directing, what that shift demanded creatively and mentally, and why being crystal clear on your ideas is everything when it comes to pitching to clients. Should you be repped by agencies, or is it more valuable to build your own momentum? From hard-earned lessons on set to treating every shoot like it could lead to the next breakthrough, this conversation is full of honest insights for creatives at any level.
00:00 - Living in New York vs. London
06:18 - Shooting Stormzy at the Met Gala
12:41 - Why move from the UK to the US
21:26 - Differences in Photography Markets: US vs. UK
24:05 - Balancing Personal Projects and Commercial Work
28:43 - What should new Creatives focus on?
40:01 - Memorable Shoots: Enjoyment VS Output
44:48 - Lessons Learned the Hard Way
49:32 - Approach to Directing
56:04 - Understanding the Director's Role in Commercials
58:00 - Do you need to be repped to land big projects
01:03:42 - Creating Natural Interactions with Subjects
01:08:15 - Why you should post your work
01:12:23 - Finding Creative Space and Inspiration
Listen to 'Late Invoices' on all platforms at the link below, new episodes released every Tuesday! 🎙️
CONNECT WITH LOUIS!
Louis Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louis_browne/
Louis website: https://www.louisbrowne.co
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This week, we’re talking about the chaos of post-production! The part of the process where creativity can either flow or freeze. Whether you’re editing photos or video, one of the hardest challenges is choosing a direction when there are so many possible versions of the same piece.
We explore how to stay clear-headed during the edit, why culling is more emotional than technical, and how Matt helps his mentees level up by editing their work to show what could be improved. Matt also shares how he uses the music of the artist he’s photographing as a guide to shape the energy, tone, and final look of the images.
We wrap with a conversation around developing your creative style, and how it doesn’t arrive all at once, but emerges gradually as you keep making, shaping, and editing your work.
FOLLOW AND STAY CONNECTED!
In this episode, we dive into the spaces that shape us as creatives, starting with Cameron’s move into a new house and setting up a home office filled with Marvel and comic book memorabilia. We talk about how much your workspace influences your mindset, creativity, and output.
Matt shares his recent trip to a Capture One photography event, where he got hands-on with their new software tools and tested the unreleased Fuji GFx100RF... spoiler it's great!
We also celebrate a huge milestone for Matt, his highest revenue month EVER since starting his photography career 7 years ago. We unpack what’s changed, what’s working, and how creating consistent social content, reaching out to agencies and shooting personal projects helped open those doors.
From creative spaces to career peaks, this episode is a celebration of momentum, mindset, and what’s next.
FOLLOW AND STAY CONNECTED!
The podcast is back on YouTube too! 🚀
This week, we’re talking about something every creative deals with... comparison. Whether it’s watching others land big jobs, seeing crazy skills on social media, or second-guessing your own work before posting, it’s easy to fall into the trap.
We break down:
How comparison affects us personally
Why it can sometimes be useful for growth
The difference between inspiration and self-sabotage
How to stop it from holding you back from uploading your work
Plus, we share behind-the-scenes stories from our recent projects! Cameron’s Lamborghini film shoot and Matt’s Puma campaign before the London Marathon.
If you’ve ever found yourself holding back because you’re worried your work doesn’t “stack up,” this one’s for you.
FOLLOW AND STAY CONNECTED!
The podcast is back on YouTube too! 🚀
This week’s episode is packed with updates from the creative world (and our own lives!). We dive into the brand new Sony 50-150mm f2.0 GM lens, a powerhouse zoom lens that's got everyone talking... and whether the £3,799 price tag is really worth it.
We also catch up on some big personal milestones:
Matt shares his experience taking his Dad on-set, and shooting a cover with one of England's top rugby players. A dream job for a lifelong rugby fan.
Cameron talks about pulling off a midnight Lamborghini shoot, and shares the feeling of finally posting one of his 3D projects publicly after a year of learning Blender.
Plus plenty more stories, insights, and laughs along the way.
Our first remote video episode — and we’re just getting started!
FOLLOW AND STAY CONNECTED!
This week, we’re breaking down the 7 rookie errors we see creatives make time and time again. Mistakes that can hold you back, stall your growth, or burn out your creative energy entirely.
Whether you’re new to the industry or a few years in, this episode is packed with hard truths and honest insights about:
- Undervaluing yourself and undercharging
- Lacking a strong, focused portfolio
- Neglecting the importance of your network
- Ignoring the business side of creativity
- Poor client communication and unclear boundaries
- Overspending on gear instead of your skills
- And the big one: comparing yourself to everyone else online
We’re pulling from real experiences and industry lessons we’ve learned the hard way, so you don’t have to! Enjoy!
FOLLOW AND STAY CONNECTED!
This week, we’re diving into one of the most debated topics in the creative industry: Should you work for free?
We break it down across different experience levels because the answer really depends on context.
If you’re a beginner, shooting for free might actually be worth it. It can help you build your portfolio, gain hands-on experience, and explore different niches of the creative industry. But once you're more experienced, it's a different game. You’ve already got the portfolio, you've worked with big names, and your time is better spent pursuing high-value, paid work in your niche... not random unpaid shoots that don’t align with your goals.
We also unpack the idea of value exchange, just because it’s unpaid doesn’t mean it’s worthless. Sometimes you're gaining access to a valuable network, opening doors for future projects, or gaining long-term exposure that could pay off well beyond the shoot.
We share our personal rules, client red flags, and decision-making process when it comes to taking on unpaid work. And when to absolutely say no.
Oh! And we’re hyped to say this is our first video episode back! You can now watch the full episode on YouTube as well!
FOLLOW AND STAY CONNECTED!
In this episode, we’re talking about something that every creative needs to hear: you have to be your own biggest fan!
We get into why shouting about your work online isn’t arrogant - it’s necessary! And how staying visible and hungry is what keeps opportunities coming your way.
But we also unpack why so many creatives stop doing it… Is it fear of being cringe or being a try-hard? Feeling like you’ve already “made it”? Or just slowly drifting from that early hustle mindset?
Whether you’re just starting out or years into your career, this episode is your reminder to back yourself relentlessly, because if you don’t, who will?
Professional clients need a professional YOU.
In this episode, we’re talking about how to make your work look more premium, without needing the most expensive gear or biggest budget.
We talk about the importance of curating your portfolio by showing only your strongest work (because 3 great pieces are more powerful than 7 average ones).
We also explore professional systems and workflows that instantly elevate how clients perceive you. Things like branded email domains, client dashboards, invoices, contracts, and the way you communicate.
And finally, we get into why the small details MATTER. From the way you polish a final export to how you wrap a project, because often the biggest difference between good and great is just the extra 10%.
STAY CONNECTED!
