Home
Categories
EXPLORE
True Crime
Comedy
Business
Society & Culture
History
Sports
Health & Fitness
About Us
Contact Us
Copyright
© 2024 PodJoint
00:00 / 00:00
Sign in

or

Don't have an account?
Sign up
Forgot password
https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts221/v4/5f/f4/a8/5ff4a8c0-7978-1dd0-543f-b98a99259784/mza_9525043398652799625.jpg/600x600bb.jpg
The Unfiltered Lens
Gina Fernandes
18 episodes
5 days ago
A podcast for creative business owners in the wedding industry. Hosted by Gina Fernandes, wedding photographer, filmmaker, and straight-talker, The Unfiltered Lens is where real conversations happen - about the highs, lows, and everything in between when you’re building something that matters. Expect episodes on marketing that doesn’t make you cringe, showing up online without selling your soul, navigating burnout, finding your voice, and saying the things most people are too scared to say out loud. No false hype. No five-step formulas. Just honest stories, strategy, and the occasional rant!
Show more...
Entrepreneurship
Business
RSS
All content for The Unfiltered Lens is the property of Gina Fernandes and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
A podcast for creative business owners in the wedding industry. Hosted by Gina Fernandes, wedding photographer, filmmaker, and straight-talker, The Unfiltered Lens is where real conversations happen - about the highs, lows, and everything in between when you’re building something that matters. Expect episodes on marketing that doesn’t make you cringe, showing up online without selling your soul, navigating burnout, finding your voice, and saying the things most people are too scared to say out loud. No false hype. No five-step formulas. Just honest stories, strategy, and the occasional rant!
Show more...
Entrepreneurship
Business
Episodes (18/18)
The Unfiltered Lens
Stop Hoarding, Start Creating

In this episode, I discuss the concept of digital hoarding, reflecting on my experiences and the impact it has on creativity and productivity. It’s really about importance of taking action rather than accumulating saved content, and I’ll share strategies to combat digital hoarding, encourage you to trust your instincts and focus on creating rather than saving.


💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.


⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.


Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.


And before you go some goodies for you:

If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!


Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!

USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free month


PicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.

USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

Show more...
2 months ago
16 minutes 31 seconds

The Unfiltered Lens
Being Copied Doesn’t Mean You’re Losing - It Means You’re Leading.

In this episode, I open up about the quiet wave of copying that's been sweeping through creative industries. I've experienced firsthand the frustration of seeing my work and ideas copied, and the emotional impact it has. From photographers to small business owners, many of us face the challenge of copycats. I share my personal journey through the anger and existential questions about originality and authenticity. Despite these challenges, I've found ways to reclaim my voice and continue creating from a place of inner clarity. Join me as I explore the fine line between inspiration and imitation, and why it's crucial to stay true to your unique vision.


💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.


⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.


Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.


And before you go some goodies for you:

If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!


Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!

USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free month


PicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.

USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

Show more...
3 months ago
17 minutes 46 seconds

The Unfiltered Lens
Authenticity Over the Algorithm with Louise from Kickass Gatherings

n this episode, I sit down with award-winning celebrant Louise Gather of KickAss Gatherings to unpack why content that copies, conforms or hides behind trends is killing connection — and what to do instead. We talk honestly about marketing, being visible without selling out, and the difference between creating content and chasing validation.

From the value of delayed wedding recaps to the myth of the algorithm, this is a no-fluff, unfiltered take on what it really means to stand out as a creative in the wedding industry. No templates. No ego. Just clarity, guts, and a reminder that your voice is your brand.


💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.


⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.


Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.


And before you go some goodies for you:

If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!


Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!

USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free month


PicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.

USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

Show more...
3 months ago
1 hour 31 minutes 22 seconds

The Unfiltered Lens
Posting for Praise vs Posting for Clients – Why You Need Both

Are you posting to get booked—or to get clapped for?

In this episode of The Unfiltered Lens, I’m calling out the messy truth most photographers avoid: you're probably stuck in a loop of posting only what looks good, not what actually sells your service.

But you don't have to choose between posting for praise or for clients. You need both! I’ll walk you through how to balance your feed so it connects and converts, using my three go-to content pillars. And also suggest how to create your own.

No fluff, no ego - just a real look at what actually works.

🎯 You’ll learn:

  • The difference between content that builds brand vs. content that books
  • The 3 types of posts every wedding photographer should be cycling
  • How to stop second-guessing what to share and start posting with purpose

Let’s make your content do the damn job.


💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.


⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.


Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.


And before you go some goodies for you:

If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!


Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!

USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free month


PicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.

USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

Show more...
3 months ago
17 minutes 12 seconds

The Unfiltered Lens
Being Visible, Being Skilled, and Being Real

In this episode I am joined by Amanda from Amanda Steele Flowers ( @amandasteeleflowers ) and we get into the real stuff behind floristry and the wedding industry — from building genuine client relationships to the pressures of social media and keeping up with trends. We talk about why education matters, how content creators are changing the game, and what the future might look like with AI in the mix. It’s a grounded, honest chat about the reality of growing a creative business today.


💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography

I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.


⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.


Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.


And before you go some goodies for you:

If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!


Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!

USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free month


PicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.

USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

Show more...
4 months ago
1 hour 27 minutes 25 seconds

The Unfiltered Lens
The Bullsht of Work-Life Balance in Wedding Season

You're not broken. You're seasonal.

Balance is one of the most misused words in the creative business world—especially in wedding season, when your workload triples and your energy plummets. So let’s drop the pressure and get honest.

In this episode of The Unfiltered Lens, we unpack:

  • Why daily or weekly balance doesn’t work in a seasonal business
  • How to reframe your expectations to match your actual rhythm
  • The root of creative guilt—and how to move through it
  • Sustainable strategies that support you through the chaos, not just outside of it

You’re not meant to be operating at full capacity all year. You’re allowed to work in cycles. You’re allowed to rest without earning it. You’re allowed to build systems that suit your season—not someone else’s idea of consistency.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about clarity, self-trust, and learning to grow without grinding yourself into the ground.


💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginafernandesphotography/

I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.

⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.


Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.


And before you go some goodies for you:

If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!


Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!

USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free month


PicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.

USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

Show more...
4 months ago
17 minutes 26 seconds

The Unfiltered Lens
Community Over Competition with Sarah Carter Photography

You’ve heard the phrase “community over competition” a hundred times but what does it actually mean in real life? In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and fellow creative Sarah Carter, and we chat honestly about comparison, connection, and how the whole ‘support your peers’ vibe works when we’re all trying to grow our own thing.

No fluff, no filters - just a real conversation about the highs, lows, and grey areas of community in the creative world.

Expect laughs, honesty, and maybe a little calling-out of the performative stuff we all see online.

👉 Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahcarterphotography/

🎙️ New episodes every Friday – follow the pod so you don’t miss one!


💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.


⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.


Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.


And before you go some goodies for you:

If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!


Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!

USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free month


PicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.

USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

Show more...
4 months ago
1 hour 51 minutes 10 seconds

The Unfiltered Lens
The Myth of the ‘Supportive Community’ in the Wedding Industry

Sometimes it’s cliquey AF—and that’s okay.

We hear it everywhere: community over competition. But behind the pastel quotes and group selfies, the wedding industry can be cliquey, exclusive, and low-key performative. And if you’ve ever felt on the outside of it—you’re not imagining it.

In this episode of The Unfiltered Lens, we unpack:

  • The unspoken social ladders in the industry
  • Why “community” is often more aesthetic than action
  • How to stop tying your value to being included
  • What real support actually looks like
  • And why not being in the cool club might be your biggest strength

This one’s for the creatives who feel like they’re orbiting spaces they can’t quite access. You're not the problem. You’re just waking up to the gap between branding and reality.


💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ginafernandesphotography/

I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.


⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.


Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.


And before you go some goodies for you:

If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!


Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!

USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free month


PicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.

USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

Show more...
4 months ago
14 minutes 29 seconds

The Unfiltered Lens
Are We Burning Out the Bride? Content Fatigue & the Cost of Constant Creation

We need to talk about what’s happening on wedding days.

In this episode, I unpack the rising pressure to create and share content—immediately—and how it’s starting to chip away at the actual experience couples are meant to be having. From florists filming first looks, to planners posting private vows, to guests watching the day through their phones... content fatigue is real. And it’s not just affecting clients, it’s affecting us too.

This isn’t a takedown. It’s a call-in. A reminder of the line between documentation and exploitation—and how easy it is to cross when we’re chasing relevance over reverence.

I’m sharing:

  • Why sneak peeks aren’t always the service we think they are

  • How unplugged ceremonies may have accidentally created space for content creators

  • The emotional toll of being expected to post instantly

  • What we, as creatives, can do to protect the sanctity of the day

  • And five tangible ways to shift how we approach weddings moving forward

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable with how performative weddings are becoming, or questioned your own role in the race to post—this one’s for you.


💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.


⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.


Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.


And before you go some goodies for you:

If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!


Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!

USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free month


PicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.

USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE


wedding industry | content fatigue | social media | wedding memories | unplugged ceremonies | photography | wedding suppliers | content sharing |wedding planning |emotional moments |



Show more...
4 months ago
23 minutes 33 seconds

The Unfiltered Lens
Burn the Boxes & Rebuild with Self-Trust – with Emma, Therapeutic Coach & Hypnotherapist

Feeling stuck, blocked, or like you're constantly at war with yourself? You are so not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Emma – a Therapeutic Coach and Advanced Hypnotherapist who helps women and creatives reclaim their freedom, joy, and alignment.
We dive into the invisible “boxes” we’ve been put in, how to break out of them, and what it really takes to rebuild your life from a place of deep self-trust. If you've been living by someone else’s rules, struggling with creative burnout, or secretly craving a big change – this one’s for you.

🔗 We talk about:

  • Why self-trust is so hard (and how to start rebuilding it)
  • How to spot when you’re stuck in a mental box
  • The difference between alignment and conditioned success
  • The truth behind fear, guilt, and the pull to change your life

🎧 Press play – and prepare to feel seen.

You can find Emma over on instagram under: @emmahumphreycoaching

and: https://emmahumphreycoaching.com/


You can find me over on Instagram: @ginafernandesphotography


If you enjoyed this episode, please take a second to leave a quick review – it genuinely helps more than you think.

Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.

And before you go – if you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year.



Show more...
5 months ago
1 hour 9 minutes 27 seconds

The Unfiltered Lens
Through My Kids’ Eyes: A Candid Q&A with My Little Co-Hosts

In this bonus, last minute (and slightly chaotic) episode of The Unfiltered Lens, I hand the mic over to two very special guests — my kids! They ask the questions, I do my best to answer, and together we explore what it’s really like to be a photographer, business owner, and parent all rolled into one.

This unscripted chat is full of honest moments, unexpected laughs, and a reminder of why I do what I do.

Whether you’re a parent, a creative, or just here for a more personal peek behind the scenes, this one’s for you.

Show more...
5 months ago
26 minutes 36 seconds

The Unfiltered Lens
Stop Crying About ‘Saturated Markets’ - Babe, You’re Just Blending In.

If you've ever blamed a "saturated market" for why your work isn't being seen — this one's for you. In this episode, I share what I’ve learned about standing out in a sea of talent, why bold voices book better than safe ones, and the truth about why playing small won’t protect you. It’s not about shouting louder — it’s about showing up as you. Unfiltered, magnetic, and unforgettable.


💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.


⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.


Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.


And before you go some goodies for you:

If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!


Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!

USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free month


PicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.

USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

Show more...
5 months ago
18 minutes 36 seconds

The Unfiltered Lens
More Than Lingerie: The Truth About Boudoir Photography

Boudoir photography isn’t just about lace and poses - it’s about confidence, power, and flipping the script on how we see ourselves. In this episode, I’m joined by Esther, a wedding & boudoir photographer who’s on a mission to help people feel fierce as hell in their own skin.

We get into how Esther creates a safe space for clients, what really goes on behind the scenes, and why this genre is about so much more than sex appeal. We also talk about finding your ‘why,’ and building a business that feels aligned is the key to longevity.

You can find Esther over on @essieloutriffittphotography


💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.

⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.

Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.

And before you go some goodies for you:

If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!


Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!

USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free month


PicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.

USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

Show more...
5 months ago
1 hour 14 minutes

The Unfiltered Lens
Luxury Weddings: Can You Serve a Market You've Never Experienced?

Can you really call yourself a luxury wedding supplier if you've never experienced luxury service yourself? In this episode of The Unfiltered Lens, I'm cutting through the fluff to talk about what luxury really means and why just slapping the word on your website isn’t going to cut it.

Whether you're a photographer, planner, florist or stylist trying to break into the high-end space, we’re digging into client psychology, real-life examples, and why observing luxury service in action might be the missing link in your business.

No gatekeeping - just honest perspective. Let’s get into it.


🗳 Spotify poll: Do you think you can serve a luxury market without ever experiencing it yourself? 

💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography

⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way!

Show more...
5 months ago
19 minutes 10 seconds

The Unfiltered Lens
Fake Fully Booked? Good. Here’s Why…

Are you actually fully booked… or just smart with your marketing? 👀 In this episode, I’m diving into the wedding industry’s favourite passive-aggressive drama: the so-called “fake fully booked” strategy.

We’re talking about the blurred line between confidence and deception, why looking busy works (even if your calendar isn’t bursting), and how to build genuine momentum that brings in real bookings, without lying.

Because spoiler alert: sounding in demand isn’t shady. It’s survival. If you’re tired of tiptoeing around your availability in case someone judges you? This one's your permission slip to back yourself boldly.

🎧 Listen now & step into your booked-and-busy energy.

Show more...
6 months ago
12 minutes 58 seconds

The Unfiltered Lens
Nobody Knows What They're Doing

Here’s the truth most people won’t say out loud: we’re all winging it. In this episode, I’m talking about the myth of having it all figured out, and why waiting to feel “legit” is one of the biggest things that keeps us stuck.

From photographers to business owners to creatives in general—imposter syndrome hits hard, but the secret is… nobody really knows what they’re doing. And actually? That’s kind of freeing.

So if you’ve been feeling behind or like you're faking it, this one's a reminder that you’re more normal than you think.

Show more...
6 months ago
9 minutes 17 seconds

The Unfiltered Lens
The Unfiltered Lens: TRAILER

🎙️ The Unfiltered Lens is a no-BS podcast for the wedding industry. I'm peeling back the curtain on creativity, business, and the moments in between. Expect honest chats, messy truths, and reminders that you’re not the only one winging it.

If something hits home, leave a review or share it with someone else who needs to hear it, it helps more than you know.

Show more...
6 months ago
1 minute

The Unfiltered Lens
Start before you're ready

Let’s be honest, waiting to feel “ready” is a trap. In this first episode, I’m diving into the messy truth about starting before you’ve figured it all out. Whether it’s launching a podcast, putting yourself out there as a creative, or saying yes to something that scares the hell out of you… this is your sign to stop waiting for permission.

There’s power in winging it. There’s growth in showing up unsure. And there’s freedom in finally getting started.

Show more...
6 months ago
10 minutes 18 seconds

The Unfiltered Lens
A podcast for creative business owners in the wedding industry. Hosted by Gina Fernandes, wedding photographer, filmmaker, and straight-talker, The Unfiltered Lens is where real conversations happen - about the highs, lows, and everything in between when you’re building something that matters. Expect episodes on marketing that doesn’t make you cringe, showing up online without selling your soul, navigating burnout, finding your voice, and saying the things most people are too scared to say out loud. No false hype. No five-step formulas. Just honest stories, strategy, and the occasional rant!