From photo student to legal leader, Thomas Maddrey’s path has taken him through nearly every creative corridor of the industry. As Chief Legal Officer and Head of National Content & Education at the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), he now champions the rights of artists navigating copyright law, contracts, and emerging tech like generative AI.
This episode breaks down the dual mission of ASMP, must-know legal protections for photographers, and what it really means to advocate for yourself in a shifting industry. From real-world perks (like media badges) to deep insight on undervaluation and ownership, Thomas offers actionable advice for every stage of your career.
EP 075 of The Outspoken Artist Podcast
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Also available on YouTube.
Filmmaker and creator Josh Yeo (Make.Art.Now) joins the podcast at Bild Expo 2025 to talk about storytelling, fatherhood, and embracing emotional honesty through creative work. From building his YouTube channel with a cinematic, introspective style to challenging the trend-driven model of content creation, Josh shares how authenticity has shaped every part of his journey.
We explore the personal side of his work—including a deeply moving AI-assisted documentary project that recorded 30 days of his family’s life, revealing themes of love, struggle, and connection. Whether you’re a creator, a parent, or someone reflecting on your own evolution, this conversation offers a powerful perspective on documenting life with purpose.
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Full video also available on YouTube.
EP# 071 — Francisco Joel Hernandez joins us live from Bild Expo 2025 for a short but striking conversation packed with gear talk, creative origin stories, and the heart behind his editorial style.
Though only the first 8 minutes were captured due to technical issues, this mini-episode still delivers. Francisco shares his thoughts on the just-released Viltrox 85mm f/1.4 Pro, opens up about how photography became his passport to the world, and reflects on being an “extroverted introvert” navigating the creative space.
Get a glimpse of his humor, hustle, and insight—even in a snippet.
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At Bild Expo 2025, commercial and product photographer Jillian Lenser brings the laughs, the lessons, and the leadership. From photographing pantsless thigh straps in the “dark e-com days” to stepping into her role as VP of ASMP NY, Jillian shares her journey of growth, advocacy, and creative purpose.
We explore the evolution of ASMP, her approach to lighting and intentional brand alignment, and how she’s helping reshape professional photography communities for a more inclusive, tech-aware future. This one’s a gem for anyone balancing artistry with leadership—and learning to trust the weird, winding road.
Also available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
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From rebuilding a six-figure business in a brand-new city to elevating portraits into immersive experiences, Ray Alvarez opens up live at Bild Expo 2025 about the hustle, heart, and vision behind his work. He shares what it took to leave NYC for Orlando, how he and his wife K. Alvarez craft each shoot as a creative duo, and why humility and client care remain his north star.
Ray gets candid about AI in photography, managing creative pivots, and the deep personal motivation behind his visual storytelling. It's part pep talk, part business masterclass, and 100% inspiration for artists building something real.
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Recorded at Bild Expo 2025, this high-energy conversation with Sony Artisan and world-class educator Scott Robert Lim explores everything from early mirrorless adoption to the deep value of mentorship. Scott breaks down the beauty-driven mindset behind his style, why AI will challenge creatives to level up, and how personal transformation fuels powerful art.
We dive into his journey from college dropout to global speaker, his artistic lineage, and what it really takes to thrive in a constantly evolving industry—plus, some seriously fun behind-the-scenes expo stories.
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He’s back—and this time with stories that stretch far beyond the headshot world. In this lively episode recorded at ShutterFest 2025, Peter Hurley shares 24 years of work with the Vilcek Foundation, the high-stakes Baryshnikov shoot that followed Annie Leibovitz, and what happens when you trade the studio for environmental portraits of Michelin-star chefs.
From unexpected creative turns to personal milestones, Peter opens up about the mindset shifts that keep him evolving. Plus: why skiing almost derailed it all, the joy of rediscovery, and a spotlight on a photographer he says the world needs to know.
Also available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
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From the expo floor of ShutterFest 2025, author, business owner, and speaker Katrina Cross shares how she’s helping creatives think differently about income and sustainability. We talk about her new book 101 Side Hustles, the myths of “passive” income, and how to choose the right supplemental paths that align with your core creative work.
Katrina brings clarity, humor, and hard-earned wisdom to the table—plus actionable ideas for photographers and artists ready to diversify without burning out.
Also available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
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Photographer Veronica Benson joins us live at ShutterFest 2025 for an inspiring look at her evolving creative voice—from shooting in Peru to making her mark on the U.S. photography scene. We talk style shifts, cultural identity, and how Veronica balances family life and artistic growth while staying true to her roots.
This conversation is conducted entirely in Spanish.
Also available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
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Desde el piso de ShutterFest 2025, la fotógrafa peruana Veronica Benson comparte su evolución creativa y personal. Hablamos sobre sus raíces, el cambio de estilo al trabajar en EE. UU., cómo equilibra la vida familiar con el arte, y su conexión con la cultura latina dentro del mundo visual.
Una charla sincera y enriquecedora para cualquier artista en transición o redefinición.
También disponible en YouTube y en todas las plataformas principales de podcast.
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EP 065 of the Outspoken Artist Podcast features a powerhouse conversation with Sal Cincotta—entrepreneur, photographer, and founder of ShutterFest. Recorded on-location at ShutterFest 2025, this episode digs into the grit and guts it takes to build a truly original creative event.
We explore the origin story of ShutterFest, its iconic “Rent-a-Human” model program, and why a late-night, hands-on culture still matters. Sal opens up about his mother’s sacrifices, the discipline of military school, and what authenticity means in a brand-driven world. Plus, unexpected moments—like chocolate, cooking, and stories that go way beyond photography.
Available now on all platforms, including YouTube.
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Charlie Kaufman—founder of Click Backdrops and longtime industry innovator—joins us live at ShutterFest 2025 for a smart, funny, and no-holds-barred conversation about studio work, personal service, AI in photography, and why staying artist-owned still matters. He dives into Click’s origin story, how their premium backdrops became a go-to across the U.S., and how the new ProFold line is changing the game for portable studio gear.
With insights on photography, entrepreneurship, and the quirks between the U.S. and UK creative markets, this episode delivers real talk, real laughs, and real value for any working artist.
Also available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
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Photographer and creative director Alissa Cincotta brings bold energy and clarity to every project—and every conversation. From the floor of ShutterFest 2025, she opens up about trusting her instincts, stepping into leadership, and the real work of building something lasting in a shifting industry.
Also available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
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Photographer and educator Ning Wong has spent 15 years navigating the creative highs and hurdles of building a career around human connection. Recorded on the floor of ShutterFest 2025, this conversation captures his energy, humor, and unfiltered advice for artists who want to build something of their own—without losing themselves along the way.
Available on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.
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What happens when a creative leap turns into a calling? In this AfterHours episode from ShutterFest 2025, Chinonye Omeife shares how a spontaneous camera purchase at Walmart sparked a photography journey filled with curiosity, mentorship, and bold experimentation.
Still early in his creative path, Chinonye reflects on exploring new genres, breaking through gear anxiety, and how one mentor’s push to attend ShutterFest reshaped his mindset. From pet portraits to off-camera flash, this candid conversation captures the momentum of an emerging voice fueled by purpose and community.
This is Episode 061 of The Outspoken Artist podcast.
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Also available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms.
What does it mean to take creative control of your own narrative—personally and professionally? In this AfterHours conversation recorded at ShutterFest 2025, Anthony Rodriguez Monge opens up about embracing self-determination, Latin identity, and what photographers owe to the communities they document.
This is Episode 060 of The Outspoken Artist podcast.
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Also available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms.
In the very first full Spanish-language episode of The Outspoken Artist, host Jean Carlo sits down with Peruvian photographer and educator Veronica Benson—live from ShutterFest 2025.
Veronica opens up about her journey immigrating to the U.S., co-founding a photography business with her husband Justin, and later helping launch the innovative post-production tool AfterShoot. What started as a tool to save time became a mission to restore photographers’ creative energy.
She shares powerful reflections on identity, Latinx representation in the industry, and her dedication to uplifting underserved creative communities across Central and South America. Veronica also spotlights two Latina photographers making waves: Maideline Inés and Fabiana Sebastiani.
This episode is a raw, vibrant celebration of resilience, creativity, and connection—across cultures and continents.
EP067 is available now, in Spanish.
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In this inspiring ShutterFest 2025 edition, Katrina Cross shares how her Detroit-based boudoir business became a mission of empowerment. From launching the “I Am Worthy” movement to educating photographers on confidence, connection, and the power of print, Katrina’s story blends personal transformation with professional impact.
We explore her post-divorce pivot, her passion for printed albums, and how she’s using platforms like AfterShoot, Homespun Heart, and Fundy to serve clients with purpose. If you’re a creative searching for heart-led business insight, this one’s for you.
EP# 066 is available now, with full video on YouTube.
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In this behind-the-scenes Expo episode from ShutterFest 2025, Jean Carlo chats with Alissa Cincotta—photographer, creative director, and the driving force behind one of the most dynamic photo events in the country.
Alissa opens up about launching a beauty brand for women over 50, crafting a luxury client experience, and how ShutterFest continues to evolve in a post-pandemic world. From wild early planning stories to personal breakthroughs in editing and creative direction, this conversation captures the humor, honesty, and heart behind the Cincotta brand.
She shares what keeps her inspired, why she embraces imperfection, and how fire spinning and golf help her recharge—and stay real. This is a must-listen for creatives craving connection, authenticity, and community.
EP063 is now available.
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In this heartfelt Expo episode from ShutterFest 2025, Jean Carlo sits down with photographer and educator Ning Wong to talk legacy, learning, and the power of reinvention.
Ning shares how discovering his late grandfather’s vintage cameras unknowingly launched his creative journey, and why he now runs two brands—Ning Wong Studios and Red Belt Creative—to serve both wedding clients and corporate partners. They discuss his evolution over 15 years, the impact of teaching at ShutterFest, and the deep connections forged through education and cosplay photography.
Whether you're building your brand, searching for balance, or just chasing that creative spark—this one hits home.
EP062 is available now.
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Andre Brown returns for a deeper AfterHours conversation recorded at ShutterFest 2025. From building Bokeh Academy to launching a ’90s-inspired merch line, Andre shares how authenticity, humility, and creative service have guided his evolution from mentee to mentor—and now conference founder.
We talk about image-making that wins awards and tells the truth, what it means to represent others in the education space, and why his middle name, Renoir, might’ve always pointed toward art.
EP# 059 is available now, with full video on YouTube.
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