Break First. Master Later.
Most creatives are taught to follow the rules before they find their voice. But what if thatâs the trap? In this episode, we talk about how not following the rules can unlock your style.
Watch the full convo â link in bio.
This One Question Fixes Creative Confusion
Most photographers chase sharpness and forget purpose. @joeedelman teaches that understanding why youâre creating is what gives your images lifeânot just technical perfection. Let your next photo mean something.
Drop a âWHYâ in the comments if this hit.
IS THIS THE BIGGEST LIE IN PHOTOGRAPHY?
Weâre told photography is all about creativity, storytelling, emotionâŚ
But scroll through your feed and ask yourself: is that still true?
@joeedelman knows the truth.
In todayâs industry, the loudest often win. Style is packaged for algorithms. Trends replace truth. And success? Itâs measured in bookings, not meaning.
If you agree with this put a thumbs up in the comments, if you donât thumbs down!
CAN PHOTOGRAPHERS STILL SURVIVE?
Being a photographer today isnât just about taking good photosâitâs about wearing 10 hats, from marketing to editing to pitching and creating content. My guest @joeedelman has a lot to say on the matter having been in the industry for a very long time.
Do you agree with him?
đ Photographers: Whatâs been your biggest challenge making money in todayâs industry?
IS PHOTOGRAPHY EDUCATION FAILING US?
COMMENT âJOEâ AND I WILL PERSONALLY SEND YOU THE LINK TO THE FULL EPISODE!
Has photography education become more about selling than actually teaching?
Joe Edelmanâaward-winning photographer, educator, and mentorâhas spent decades shaping the industry. In this episode, he exposes the biggest myths in photography education, the dangers of the âbanger mentality,â and why understanding the âwhyâ before the âhowâ is key to mastering the craft.
We also discuss AIâs impact, breaking photography rules, the power of mentorship, and how to build a career in todayâs oversaturated market.
Would Joe start his career the same way today?
WATCH THE FULL EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - SEARCH âTHE MOOD PODCAST JOE EDELMANâ
Old School Styling with some modern lighting and bokeh
Swipe to see details and backgrounds used for the composited background
Gear:
@sonyalpha A7RIV with @tamronamericas 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD at 156mm.
Settings:
1/250sec | F8 | ISO 100
Lighting:
3 - @godox_global AD200 Strobes
1 - @phottix Rani II 33in Folding Beauty Dish
1 - @cheetahstand Pistol Stand
1 - Cheetah Stand C8 Light Stands
2 - @neewer C-Stand with Boom Arm
1 - @acratech Ball Head
1 - @savageuniversal #20 Black seamless paper background
1 - @tethertools USB-C to USB-C Right Angle
1 - Tether Tools TetherBLOCK
1 - Foamboard reflector
1 - Magenta @magnetmod Gel
1 - Amber MagMod Gel
Lighting Diagrams produced with set.a.light 3D V2.5 by @elixxiersoftware
Model: @janie.slaski
#withmytamron #beautyportrait #tamronusa #portraitoftheday #portraitvisuals #portraits_ig #picoftheday #photoshoot #CreateWithSony #SonyAlphaIn #RFPOTW #BetterWhenYouTether #photoshoot #CreativePhotography #PortraitPerfection
Some more background fun with an exciting hairstyle
Swipe to see details and backgrounds used for the composite.
Gear:
@sonyalpha A7RIV with @tamronamericas 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD at 126mm.
Settings:
1/250sec | F8 | ISO 100
Lighting:
5 - @godoxlighting AD200 Strobes
1 - @phottix Rani II 33in Folding Beauty Dish
1 - @cheetahstand Pistol Stand
3 - Cheetah Stand C8 Light Stands
2 - @neewer C-Stand with Boom Arm
1 - @acratech Ball Head
1 - @savageuniversal #20 Black seamless paper background
1 - @tethertools USB-C to USB-C Right Angle
1 - Tether Tools TetherBLOCK
1 - Foamboard reflector
2 - Magenta MagMod Gels
2 - Amber MagMod Gels
Lighting Diagrams produced with set.a.light 3D V2.5 by @elixxiersoftware
Model: @artistrybymonae
#withmytamron #beautyportrait #tamronusa #photooftheday #portraitvisuals #portraits_ig #picoftheday #photoshoot #CreateWithSony #SonyAlphaIn #RFPOTW
Blue has a symbolic attachment to bravery and the goal with this image was to create a brave adventurer.
Scroll for Gear and Lighting and Processing details
Gear:
@sonyalpha A7RIV with @tamronamericas 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD at 150mm.
Settings:
1/250sec | F8 | ISO 100
Lighting:
3 - @godoxlighting AD200 Strobes
1 - @phottix Rani II 33in Folding Beauty Dish
1 - Cheetah Stand Pistol Stand
2 - @cheetahstand C8 Light Stands
1 - Neewer C-Stand with Boom Arm
1 - @acratech Ball Head
1 - @savageuniversal 20 Black seamless paper background
1 - @tethertools USB-C to USB-C Right Angle
1 - @tthertool TetherBLOCK
1 - Foamboard reflector
Lighting Diagrams produced with set.a.light 3D V2.5 by @elixxiersoftware
Model: @janieslaski
#withmytamron #beautyportrait #tamronusa #photooftheday #portraitvisuals #portraits_ig #picoftheday #photoshoot #CreateWithSony #SonyAlphaIn #RFPOTW
Smokey Red Fashion Portrait with 4 lights
Scroll for Gear and Lighting
Gear:
@sonyalpha A7RIV with @tamronamericas 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD at 102mm.
Settings:
1/250sec | F8 | ISO 100
Lighting:
4 - @godoxlighting AD200 Strobes
1 - @phottix Rani II 33in Folding Beauty Dish
1 - Cheetah Stand Pistol Stand
3 - @cheetahstand C8 Light Stands
1 - Neewer C-Syand with Boom Arm
1 - @acratech Ball Head
1 - @savageuniversal 20 Black seamless paper background
1 - @tethertools USB-C to USB-C Right Angle
1 - LENSGO Hand-held Smoke Machine
Lighting Diagrams produced with set.a.light 3D V2.5 by @elixxiersoftware
Model: @janie.slaski
#withmytamron #beautyportrait #tamronusa #photooftheday #portraitvisuals #portraits_ig #picoftheday #photoshoot #CreateWithSony #SonyAlphaIn
A Sci-fi Beauty Portrait with 6 lights and a digitally created background
Swipe for Gear and Lighting
Shot 2 of a series.
Gear:
@sonyalpha A7RIVa with @tamronamericas 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD at 102mm.
Settings:
1/250sec | F8 | ISO 100
Lighting:
7 - @godoxlighting AD200 Strobes
1 - @phottix Rani II 33in Folding Beauty Dish
1 - Phottix Raja 26 Softbox
1 - Cheetah Stand Pistol Stand
6 - @cheetahstand C8 Light Stands
1 - @acratech Ball Head
1 - @savageuniversal 20 Black seamless paper background
1 - @tethertools USB-C to USB-C Right Angle
Lighting Diagrams produced with set.a.light 3D V2.5 by @elixxiersoftware
Model: @gabriellebrownxo
#withmytamron #beautyportrait #tamronusa #photooftheday #portraitvisuals #portraits_ig #picoftheday #photoshoot
A Beauty Portrait with Gravity-Defying Hair Using 6 lights
Follow the link in my bio for a detailed Shot Breakdown with BTS video on my website.
Shot 2 of a 2 shot series.
Gear:
@sonyalpha A7RIV with @tamronamericas 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD at 102mm.
Settings:
1/250sec | F8 | ISO 100
Lighting:
6 - @godoxlighting AD200 Strobes
1 - @phottix Rani II 33in Folding Beauty Dish
1 - Cheetah Stand Pistol Stand
6 - @cheetahstand C8 Light Stands
1 - @acratech Ball Head
1 - @savageuniversal 20 Black seamless paper background
1 - @tethertools USB-C to USB-C Right Angle
Lighting Diagrams produced with set.a.light 3D V2.5 by @elixxiersoftware
Model: @artistrybymonae
#withmytamron #beautyportrait #tamronusa #photooftheday #portraitvisuals
A Beauty Portrait with Gravity-Defying Hair Using 6 lights
Follow the link in my bio for a detailed Shot Breakdown with BTS video on my website.
Shot 1 of a 2 shot series.
Gear:
@sonyalpha A7RIV with @tamronamericas 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD at 102mm.
Settings:
1/250sec | F8 | ISO 100
Lighting:
6 - @godoxlighting AD200 Strobes
1 - @phottix Rani II 33in Folding Beauty Dish
1 - Cheetah Stand Pistol Stand
6 - @cheetahstand C8 Light Stands
1 - @acratech Ball Head
1 - @savageuniversal 20 Black seamless paper background
1 - @tethertools USB-C to USB-C Right Angle
Lighting Diagrams produced with set.a.light 3D V2.5 by @elixxiersoftware
Model, Hair, and Makeup: @artistrybymonae
#withmytamron #beautyportrait #tamronusa #photooftheday #portraitvisuals
