This special edition of the portrait mode podcast features a keynote talk delivered at the Stressed Leaders Conference in June of 2025.
www.StressedLeaders.com
Today I am joined by Isaac Telford, founder of IT Vlogs and the man behind a Day of the Life a Marine on YouTube. His channel grew to over 20,000 subscribers as he document his days as a Corporal in the Marine Corps.
Now that his time as Marine is complete we thank him for his service, discuss the risks involved with sharing the behind the scenes of the Marine Corps and talk about moving on to the next chapter.
Isaac is an accomplished creator and his time in front of the camera can only be topped by his ability to create unique shots and tell the story. We welcome him back to the community with open arms but hope that he is no hanging out around here too long before we help him find his next calling.
@isaactelfordd - Instagram
https://www.youtube.com/@isaactelfordvlogs
In this episode of The Portrait Mode Podcast I visit and photograph my friend from Supplement Superstores Kate Grunloh in his Podcast Studio.
We talk about how to turn your scrolling on Instagram into a tool for learning, how to "Get Out There" and start living the life you intend to live and we discuss the importance of using your portrait as motivation to show progress and build confidence.
We also recorded an episode of The Get Out There Podcast as well.
Kale Grunloh
@thekalegrunloh | Instagram
@thegetoutthereproject | Instagram
www.youtube.com/@thegetoutthereprojectpodcast
For more on The PortraitMode Movement
My goal as a servant leader is to convince 7 million people to take their portrait, frame it and hang it on the wall.
This a recording of my PortraitMode talk at the TCSA Transformation 2025 event held at Joliet Junior College.
TCSA is Transformation Creates Self Affirmation and is an organization started by my friend Jerry Curl. Your can learn more at www.TCSAleadership.com
Start at the 7 minute mark to hear my origin story and learn how I came up with Portrait Mode and the reasons behind why I believe you should have a current portrait on your wall.
Please follow @theportraitmode7 on instagram for more information about The PortraitMode Movement.
If you are interested in learning more about The PortraitMode Movement or would like to have your portrait taken and be a guest on The PortraitMode Podcast please email me at jake@j7images.com
In this episode one of the former high school athletes we photographed, turned entrepreneur and school board candidate Ryan Kodat joins us for a conversation about the stress and rewards of owning you own business, the challenges of parenting, the cost of consistency and the importance of placing your current portrait on the wall.
The first Portrait Mode Episode of 2025. I am joined by teacher, coach, entrepreneur and my fellow personal development guru Justin Eggenberger.
Join us as we discuss the positive impacts of Youth Wrestling, how to teach your children about money and the power or making changes 1% at a time.
If you want to know more about Justin or contact him about his many business ventures please email me at jake@j7images.com and I will connect you with him.
On this episode of the The Portrait Mode Podcast I am joined by Brandon Heiss, President of FJ Westcott Lighting. Brandon provides history on the FJ line of products and tells us about the new FJ800 and FJ400s.
We talk convenience and durability and he tells a real world story about how the FJ products are used for NFL team media days.
Stay to the end to hear some important tips about how "Portrait Mode" can help store the energy and excitement from trade show and training events and unlock it when you need it most.
Mentioned in the Podcast
www.FJwestcott.com
Westcott U - YouTube Video Training
https://www.youtube.com/@WestcottLighting
www.instagram.com/westcottlighting
https://www.ppa.com/events/imaging-usa
https://www.syncrocks.com/
For more Portrait Mode follow @theportraitmode7
www.instagram.com/theportraitmode7
This special edition of the podcast contains the audio from my presentation at the 2025 School and Sports Photographers Annual Convention in Las Vegas.
The presentation was for photographers but anyone in the service industry can benefit from the content of this presentation.
Join us for a quick conversation with Photoday.com's Customer Success Manager Stevie Williams as we discuss the advantages of Photoday and how their services can help you grow your volume photography business.
This is meant to be a supplement to my presentation at SPAC and if you are viewing or listing on January 24th or 25th please visit the Photoday booth at the SPAC show!
Thank you to Stevie and Photoday for this special edition of The PortraitMode Podcast.
Photoday.com
In this episode I visit with Paul Rotter, director of Marketing for Miller's Lab and MPIX.com. Miller's Lab has been our lab partner since the very beginning of our business and MPIX.com is the best online direct to consumer photo labs in the industry.
Paul and I have a spirited discussion about the importance of printing your images and displaying them on the wall.
We talk parenting, leadership and more.
This episode was recorded at the Miller's Lab Columbia, Missouri location after I spoke to their leadership team about the importance of Portraits and captured new portraits for their leadership team.
millerslab.com
MPIX.com
In this episode of The Portrait Mode Podcast I have the pleasure to photograph retired Chief Henson. Chief is not only my morning golfing buddy but has a been a mentor and role model for how to be an upstanding member of the community and a great father.
Join us for a spirited discussion about managing family priorities, making tough decisions and the importance of your portrait and what it represents.
This episode features the recording of my presentation to the workshop participants at the Summit Lighting Workshop in Denver Colorado.
If you would like to know more about Summit Workshops you can visit them at www.summitworkshops.com
In this episode:
From RUT to ROUTINE
Your One Decision
The Power of Your Portrait
Portrait Mode
In this episode we visit with Amanda J. Cain the in-house photographer for the NBA Detroit Pistons.
Amanda and I were both faculty members at the Summit Photography Lighting Workshop in Denver.
Amanda’s photography journey has taken her from skateparks to the NHL and eventually landed her with her favorite team the Detroit Pistons.
She brings great perspective on standing up for yourself, knowing when to speak up and when to recognize you might not be the right fit for your situation.
We talk some photography and also talk about our shared love for the Nike swoosh and collecting sneakers.
Thanks for sliding over to The Portrait Mode Podcast
Links / Resources
@amandajcain – Instagram
@grafikamanda – X
amandajcain.photoshelter.com
MPIX.com
Millerslab.com
SummitWorkshops.com
In this episode of the The Portrait Mode Podcast I am joined by thought leader and communications strategist Arthur Zards. Arthur is the founder of LabZ a company dedicated to helping people share their deeper truths by becoming better speakers and communicators.
Arthur has also been the director of the TEDx Naperville event and is where we met almost 12 years ago. Arthur has been instrumental in helping me develop the portrait mode and has helped me become a better communicator.
Our discussion covers his SWARM effect method, we dig into thoughts about Ai and how it will impact creatives and talk about how TEDx Naperville has evolved from one event a year to several learning events throughout the year.
Thanks for checking out this episode of The Portrait Mode Podcast
Links
This special episode is an audio version of my keynote talk at the Stressed Leaders Retreat for Educators that took place June 24th and 25th.
Thank you to Dan Stecken for allowing me to be a part of this exciting Inaugural Event.
#Stress
#Routine
#Confidence
#Importance of Portraits
#Legacy
#Portrait Mode
In this episode Jake photographs Mike Donetelli, Fitness Coach on his Best Day Ever. You see every day is Mike's Best Day Ever.
Find out the story behind the Best Day Ever and learn more about Mike's attitude toward fitness and his tips for working out when you think you don't have time.
Mike is only 23 but he wise way beyond his years and his energy and attitude towards fitness and life are contagious.
Thanks for sliding over to Portrait Mode. This a conversation you will be glad you listened to.
Jake
Follow Mike: https://x.com/mikeddonatelli
https://linktr.ee/donatellifitness
In this episode of the Portrait Mode Podcast Jake is joined by Photographer Matt Hernandez. The episode was recorded in Matt’s studio in Paducah Kentucky.
Jake flips the script and let’s Matt take his updated portrait for his office.
Topics include:
How to teach confidence to your kids
10,000 Hour Rule
75 Hard
How Faith Plays a Role
Work Hard, Do the Right Thing
Mentioned in the episode
Matt Hernandez Creative – www.matthernandezcreative.com
Summit Workshops – www.summitworkshops.com
David Erickson Photography - https://daviderickson.photography/
Dave Black - https://daveblackphotography.com/
For a behind the scenes view of the podcast visit and subscribe to Matt’s YouTube channel at
www.youtube.com/@MattHernandez/
Episode 4: of the Portrait Mode Podcast features my conversation with Dan Stecken - Superintendent of Seneca High School and Founder of the Stressed Leaders Retreat for Educators.
From coaching his daughter's travel softball teams to coaching leaders in Education Dan is always about helping people be become better versions of themselves.
Our conversation includes:
If you are a leader in Education or if you know someone who might benefit from The Stressed Leaders retreat please visit https://www.stressedleaders.com/ to learn more about Dan's awesome event planned for the summer of 2024.
I am so grateful that you are here and hope you will join me in changing ourselves and America, one portrait at a time.
Jake
Episode 3 of the Portrait Mode Podcast features my good friend Pete Minor. Pete has created The Ironmine gym in basement and our conversation includes some fatherly guidance and encouragement.
Our conversation includes:
I am so grateful that you are even considering listening and hope you will join me in changing ourselves and America, one portrait at a time.
Jake
Episode 2 of The Portrait Mode Podcast is a reminder that everyone on the planet has a purpose and belongs here.
Pastor Randy from New Life Church and I have a spirited conversation on National Random Acts of Kindness Day.
Our conversation includes:
I am so grateful that you are even considering listening and hope you will join me in changing ourselves and America, one portrait at a time.
Jake