by Skip Cohen
  
I started this series to introduce you to some of the most respected artists and educators in photography. Along the way each guest has shared their wisdom about business, photography, and ideas to help you build a stronger foundation as an artist. 

​Jerry Ghionis joins me on this new episode of "Why?" with a stunning image and a great "how-to" backstory, along with a sneak peek into the way his mind's eye visions develop. As I mentioned in my podcast intro, you'd have to have been in solitary confinement for the last few decades to not know who Jerry is, or at the very least heard his name.

He's one of the finest wedding photographers in the world, although I doubt there's anything he can't photograph. He's a leading educator, writer, and inspiration to so many photographers in the industry. But there's another side of Jerry that ties back to technical development.

He identified a need for a must-have portable lighting tool to push the edge of the creative envelope.  Working together with Westcott he designed the Ice Light. The Ice Light was a key to the impact in the image above, and Jerry shares the insight into why and how the photograph was created.

Jerry needs to be on your radar. Everything he's working on, sharing and his teaching schedule are all just a click away! Click on the the image above to enlarge and view it in the SCU Lightbox!

Technology and consumer trends NEVER slow down. Think about how much the Internet has changed the way we share photographs. At the same time, think about how much communication has changed too, especially with mobile technology. In fact, the latest research shows that 82% of text messages are read within 5 minutes, but consumers only open 1 in 4 emails they receive.

​Check out everything PHOTOTexting has to offer. There are so many different applications and ways for you to build stronger brand awareness, increase sales and expand your reach.

Image copyright Rick Friedman. All rights reserved.

We're back with a new episode of "Why?" and another great image and backstory. The "Why?" series was started to help introduce you to the movers and shakers in photography and education by way of one of their favorite or best-known images.

Rick Friedman's in the SCU house today with a story about an image that's been published hundreds of times in publications around the world. While Rick's best known for his work as a photo-journalist, there's probably nothing he hasn't photographed. One trip to his galleries, and you'll be hit by the number of iconic portraits you've seen in magazines, newspapers and on the Internet.

Rick's no stranger to SCU and we recently shared one of his images and information about his lighting workshops, which have become almost as well known as some of his celebrity subjects. Rick needs to be on your radar, and you can keep track of him by visiting his website - it's just a click away on any of the images in today's post. And, while you're there, check out his workshop schedule. He's got a lot coming up next month!

Think about how much has changed in imaging and communication over the last few years. The Internet changed the way we share photographs; the way we're able to keep in touch and mobile technology has changed how we communicate. We get everything from our news to GPS to instant fulfillment on questions about virtually anything.

PhotoTexting.com is all about helping you take full advantage of this ever-changing communication landscape and creating the most effective ways to reach your clients and build a stronger business.

PhotoTexting is giving thousands of photographers the ability to market in the continually growing mobile side of life! They're leading the way in helping photographers communicate with their clients through a great list of creative apps like Customer Appreciation, Mobile Business Cards, Referrals, and Brochures, just to name a few.
 
Check it out with a visit to their website. Better yet, check out a sample brochure using one of the apps. You can't afford to miss the opportunity to build stronger relationships with your clients. Isn't it time you found out what all the buzz is about?

Skip Cohen

​It was almost three years ago when I was teaching a workshop, and nobody in the class knew who Mary Ellen Mark was. One of the most influential contemporary photographers of this century, who sadly passed away several years ago, and not one person knew anything about her.  Well, that started "Why?" I've been on a quest ever since to help you get to know the movers and shakers in the industry - the artists who are helping set the standards for quality, creativity, and presentation.

Scott Kelby joins me for episode 115, and as I mention in my intro, you'd have to have been in solitary confinement for a whole lot of years not to know who he is. I gave you a little background in the podcast, but here's what I didn't go into enough:

He's one of the most diverse photographers in the industry. He's an accomplished author and publisher with sixty books to his name and two magazines. He's a talented musician, which I'm convinced is part of the ingredients that have helped him develop his sense of discipline to continually learn and practice. He's also a kick to hang out with, and there are so many of us whose lives are richer because of time, usually laughing, with Kelby!

If you want to see Scott Kelby in action, make it a point to get to either of the two Photoshop World shows in the next few months. Taking place in Orlando and Las Vegas, they're high-quality, strong content boutique conferences. They're each big enough for great networking and education, but small enough to truly meet and get to know other attendees, the instructors and some of the finest vendors/manufacturers in imaging.

Scott needs to be on your radar. He's always sharing great content, images and providing support to help you raise the bar on your photography! Just click on his logo to the right.

I started this series to introduce you to some of the most talented artists in contemporary photography, and today's episode of "Why?" is unique. It's a little outside the way I usually share these posts.

Brian Malloy joins me today. We've been friends for a long time, first meeting many years ago at WPPI. I first saw his image above when it won top honors in an exhibition in St. Petersburg, Florida. Brian was the Camera USA 2017 National Award recipient for this image, and between 2017-2018 the image traveled the US hanging on museum and art gallery walls in 9 states. In 2017 the image was entered into PPA's International Photographic Competition and was selected to be part of PPA's General Collection and its esteemed Loan Collection - the best of the best. 

Almost two years ago, a month or two after the St. Petersburg event, we recorded this episode, but it was too long, as Brian and I talked about exhibitions, his business and just about anything that seemed to come up. I suggested we re-record it, and then life got in the way. The original recording got moved to the back burner, and I forgot about it. Yesterday, going through some files, it pretty much screamed at me to clean it up and share it. Two hours later I had it edited down to being relevant and ready to post. 

Based out of the Boston area, Brian's core specialty for many years has been wedding photography, but his passion for outside projects is legendary, especially when it comes to street photography and people. He shares some terrific insight into the importance of staying focused on your passion.

He also introduces us to John Free. I love John's YouTube rant in the short video below. You can find out more about John with a click to his website. And, check out his workshop schedule - he's got one coming up in NYC in April and another in Paris, scheduled for May.

To my good buddy Brian, you're always watching my back, and I sure do appreciate our friendship. Sorry this post was lost in the black hole of editing for so long. And, for all of you, check out more of Brian's work with a click on his award-winning image. 

​I started this series to introduce you to the movers and shakers in photography. What better way than to share their favorite images and include each backstory? It's now been almost three years and 113 artists to date, with at least twenty more in the wings. The challenge is often working with everyone's travel schedule, especially this time of year with so many conventions and workshops.

Joe Brady is in the spotlight today. Joe and I have been trying to catch up to record this episode for months, but we finally found a time when we were both standing still long enough!  Joe's a photographer, artist, educator, writer, video producer and passionate about every aspect of the industry. While he's best known for his landscape and portrait work, I'm not sure there's anything he can't photograph. His signature is the quality he puts into everything he does. 

Joe needs to be on your radar, and the best way to stay in touch with what he's working on is to sign up for his free newsletter. It's always filled with great information and perfect for you to stay in touch with product and book reviews and new things going on in imaging.

​Click on either of Joe's images in this episode of "Why?" to visit his website. And, track his workshop and tour schedule with a click on either thumbnail below.

Joe's "Why?" image above is the one he talked about in the podcast, but I wanted to share what he referred to as the same photo everyone always gets, which is below.

​Solid content and special projects like "Why?" don't happen without support from some great companies in the industry. A big thanks to a new SCU partner, PhotoTexting.com. Communication is continually changing and PhotoTexting is giving thousands of photographers the ability to market in the mobile side of life! Check it out with a visit to their website. You can't afford to miss the opportunity and upgrade how you communicate with your clients. Isn't it time you found out what all the buzz is about?

"Why?" is all about some of the most respected artists in photography today. When I started the series over two years ago, I wanted to find a way to introduce you to more photographers and their work. Well, what better way than through the backstories behind their favorite images?

Jennifer Maring is in the spotlight today, and she's a multi-talented artist regularly demonstrating her skill set across several different platforms. She's a photographer, an educator, a decorator, presenter, cook and a great friend to so many of us in the industry. She's a diverse visual artist focused on a wide variety of passions!

Working together with her husband Chuck, she's half the team of Maring Visuals. You'll find her on Youtube promoting great photography, sharing great recipes and decorating tips through "Together in Style," and her diversity goes on and on in a steady stream of focus on a healthy lifestyle.

Click on her "Why?" image above to visit Maring Visuals.

She's also a LUMIX Ambassador. The image above was captured in Verona, Italy with a LUMIX GH5. I wanted to share this short video below, because it's a perfect example of three of Jennifer's passions - great photography, travel, and people. As you watch the video, think about how you might tell your own story. While the star of the video is the LUMIX GH5, it's also about Jennifer, her artistic eye and her passion for storytelling.

In the video she shares a piece of wisdom I loved:

To see more of Jennifer's work and enjoy her diversity as she defines art and lifestyle, click on the banner below and visit, "Together in Style." 

And, a big thanks to the sponsor of the "Why?" series and a new SCU partner, PhotoTexting.com. Communication is continually changing and PhotoTexting is giving thousands of photographers the ability to market in the mobile side of life! Check it out with a visit to their website. You can't afford to miss the opportunity and upgrade how you communicate with your clients.

​I started this series as a way to introduce you to the movers and shakers in the industry. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, there are so many artists who have helped blaze the trail in technology, creativity, education and pure passion for the craft. It was time for a project sharing their work and the stories behind their images.

It's a kick to have Ken Sklute join me on this new episode of "Why?" because we go back so many years and share so many friends. He's a photographer, educator and good buddy to so many of us in the industry. 

I love the backstory he wanted to share, not on one image but several. There was a unique point he made, and it's important to share it here as well. 

Ken talked about the importance of visualization before you pick up your camera, as opposed to walking around and looking for something to photograph. I'm not sure Ken's mind's eye visions ever shut off, but spend some time with him when he's shooting, and you'll see an intentional approach to images he chooses to capture.

One other fun aspect of this episode is the reminder of how small the photographic industry is. The wedding image below is of Judy Host and Eddie Tapp in Malibu. Not only are Judy and Eddie good friends of mine as well, but they also have recorded episodes of "Why?" in the last couple of years.

To see more of Ken's work, click on any of his images in this post.
 
The fun of a project like this is in the diversity of the content being shared with two common denominators - everyone's incredible love for the craft combined with their passion for supporting the industry! There are now 111 artists featured in the "Why?" series. A BIG thanks to Ken along with all of the artists who have opened their hearts and shared a small piece of their journey.

​What a kick to launch a whole new year of "Why?" episodes with a photographer who's not only become a great friend over the years but is someone I admire as well. Erin Zahradka joins me in this first episode of 2019, and she's no stranger to SCU.

Remember why I started this series - it was to share the work of the movers and shakers in contemporary photography, and at the same time help you meet artists you should know.  Well, the concept took off, and we're starting the new year with today's episode at 110 artists featured in the series to date. 

While boudoir photography is where Erin's heart is, she's an award-winning family and lifestyle photographer. She's the founder of AIBP (Association of International Boudoir Photographers), a group of incredibly talented artists sharing support for each other and their creativity through their facebook forum, as well with a well-attended annual workshop/conference each year.

One of my favorite guest posts in the SCU archives was thanks to Erin about a summer photography day camp she started several years ago. It's a great idea, and you can read more about it with a click on her campers to the right.

In the meantime, you can check out more of Erin's work along with the members of AIBP with a click on her "Why?" image above.

Boudoir photography is one of the most challenging disciplines in professional photography because it involves so much more than just photographic technique. It's about trust with the subject, building self-esteem, communication, and incredible listening skills.

If you've got an interest in learning more about the true art of boudoir photography, AIBP has a great blog that's worth following as well.

I started this series to introduce you to the movers and shakers in contemporary photography. I completely underestimated how much insight each artist would share about life, their careers, marketing, and often technique. It's been an incredible experience, and with each new episode, there's something different being shared, not to mention some outstanding photographs.

Kim Ackerman joins me in this new episode. She's best known for her creativity in the world of boudoir, fashion, and glamour but she’s also an educator and talented motivator and mentor.  Photographing professionally for the last seventeen years, it's only been the last few that she's been teaching. Her passion for the craft is infectious, and it comes out in every workshop she teaches. 

Part of her "secret" is that she doesn’t just capture stunning images, but is directly involved in designing many of her own looks for concept shoots including gowns and headpieces. Being involved in every shoot is part of the story she and I talked about.

I love her backstory and how she's made a concept shoot a regular part of her relationship with her daughter. And, there's a bonus in this new "Why?" as I hit Kim with her feelings about the importance of exceeding client expectations.

To see more of Kim's work click on the image above. And, check out her blog! She regularly shares some great information about her upcoming workshops, speaking engagements, and retreats.

We started the "Why?" series to introduce you to some of the most respected artists and educators in professional photography but with each new episode the dynamics keep expanding. Mark Toal, one of our past guests on "Why?" compared the challenge of picking one of his favorite images to being asked, "Which of your children do you love more?" It's an impossible task.

Pye Jirsa shares two of his favorites in this new episode, and right from the beginning, he comments on the images not being his "most dramatic, epic or impressive", but at the very top of the charts because of the reaction from his clients. And, that's what makes the "Why?" series, so special and fun to share.

Great images aren't just about technique but the reaction from the client. Being a professional photographer is about building relationships, not just capturing memories. With these images from Pye's favorite list, he not only captured a memory, but he also created one.

Based out of Southern California, Pye is part of the award-winning team of Lin and Jirsa. He's no stranger to SCU and over the past two years, thanks to Profoto, we've shared at least ten different posts and videos featuring Pye as one of the industry's finest educators. Even with this short podcast, you'll pick up more tips on lighting.

Looking for outstanding educational content? Check out the SLR Lounge with a click on either of Pye's images in this post. And, take the time to look at the Lin and Jirsa galleries featuring dozens of beautiful photographs. Their galleries are a blueprint demonstrating one of the most important aspects of building a successful business as a professional photographer - they know how to tell each story!

Pye captured the images with Profoto's Off-Camera Flash System. Just click on the banner below to visit Profoto's website, and then get yourself into a Profoto dealer or rental house, and take the finest gear in lighting today for your own test drive!

In the Spring of 2016 I was teaching a workshop and mentioned one of my favorite artists, Mary Ellen Mark, and nobody knew who she was. Although she passed away in 2015, she was an inspiration to so many of us in the industry and to say it bothered me that my class didn't know of her work would be a huge understatement.

So, that kicked off an idea to launch this series, and John Sexton was the first to be a part of it. Since then there have been 105 more artists who have shared a favorite image together with the backstory. Each photographer has brought something different to "Why?"  While the original purpose was to introduce you to some of the most respected artists in imaging, it's now become a substantial body of work reflecting the passion and dedication of many of our industry's very best.

Annie Griffiths joins me on this new episode, and what a kick to catch up to her. She's a photographer, author, speaker and educator with a signature for being warm and approachable. She was one of the very first women photographers hired by National Geographic and has traveled all over the world.

She's also a firm believer in being involved, using her skill set as a photographer to help raise awareness for a variety of issues and make the world a better place. Annie is the Executive Director of Ripple Effect Images, a collective of artists who document programs empowering women and girls throughout the developing world. 

There's one other fun aspect to this episode of "Why?" Annie is a LUMIX Ambassador, and the two images she talks about in this episode, photographed with a LUMIX G9, will be available as posters which she'll be signing in the Panasonic booth (829) at the upcoming PPE show in New York, October 25-27.

To see more of Annie's work and visit her website, click on either image above. And while you're there scrolling through her galleries, check out her books. Annie Griffiths needs to be on your radar!

Over two years ago I started this series to introduce you to the movers and shakers in professional photography. The idea was to keep it simple - share an image from each artist and include a short podcast talking about why the picture was one of their most favorite. Well, I completely underestimated the information each photographer would share and their ability to not only help us understand their mind's eye visions but how they define their passion for the craft.

Robert Vanelli, AKA "V" and for many of us "Vanelli" is one of those artists, writers, and educators who never stops giving back. He joins me with a great backstory about one of his favorite images.

His career started in Karate as a three-time Triple Crown champion in the mid-80's, but lucky for all of us he had a love for photography and today is a contributing editor for Photofocus.com, a speaker, and educator for Skylum and a great photographer. I heard somebody say, "You don't just meet Vanelli, you experience him!"

It's a kick to have him join me on this episode of "Why?" and if you see him at any upcoming conference, go over and introduce yourself. You couldn't ask for a better new buddy and somebody who needs to be on your radar.  

Click on any image in this post to link to Vanelli's posts on Photofocus.com - He's always sharing great content!

This series is a perfect example of that old expression; time flies when you're having a good time. This is the 105th episode of "Why?" And, in all honesty, I'm amazed how fast two years have gone by!  "Why?" is about the favorite images of some of the most respected artists in photography, and while you might not recognize their names, so often you'll recognize their images. 

Jamey Price joins me today on "Why?" and he's the first artist whose work I've shared who specializes in motorsports. He shares a lot of insight in this new episode with the backstory about one of his most favorite images. While motorsports is his passion, check out his website. Jamey's made it a point to keep his skill set diverse and stay focused on relationship building with his clients. As a result, some of the most respected names in motorsports trust Jamey to tell their story. 

Jamey's images have been published around the world by Top Gear, MAXIM, Car & Driver, CycleWorld, Road & Track, RACER, MotorTrend, Autosport, F1 Racing, Motorsport Magazine, Blackbird Automotive Journal, Popular Mechanics, Sports Illustrated, ESPN and many more.
 
I wanted to share a couple of additional images of Jamey's, and he sent me the two below. They're perfect examples of his passion as an artist and the diversity and pure joy he has with a camera in his hands! And, if you think it's all glamour watch the video on his website, Frames, as he shares the challenge of photographing a 24-hour endurance race!
 
Check out more about Jamey with a click on any of these images. You'll see an amazing body of work on his website. And, stay tuned - Jamey was our guest recently on "Beyond Technique" sponsored by PhotoShelter and well be sharing that new podcast later in August. 

"Why?" is all about artists who should be on your radar. Think about many thousands of images we all see every day and never know the stories behind them. Each episode of "Why?" is about one artist, one of their favorite images and the backstory behind the shot.

When I started the series, I had no idea what it would grow into. Today, with 104 artists involved. it's become an incredible example of insight, education and the passion of some of the world's most respected photographers.

Moose Peterson joins me in this new episode with a great backstory about an image that helped to launch his career. He shares some great insight, and his backstory is a perfect example of a quote by John Burroughs, "Leap, and the net will appear!"

Moose is a wildlife/outdoor photographer based out of California. Moose and his wife Sharon set the standard for passion about wildlife and imaging. In fact, their tagline says it all, "The Endangered Species Folks." You'll find more of Moose's images on his website and blog with a click on the photograph above. 

His website is one of the most educational in photography and loaded with great advice and information to help you raise the bar on your skill set. And, don't miss the Moose Peterson Podcast - click on the thumbnail to listen to the most recent, episode 91. Great insight and solid content on every podcast!

One hundred and two artists ago I started this series because I was teaching a workshop and frustrated by the fact that nobody knew who Mary Ellen Mark was. That got me thinking about the importance of more photographers knowing the people who like the early pioneers have blazed a trail in this industry. As the project progressed over the last two years, I expanded the series to include young contemporary artists who are setting new standards for imaging.

Andy Marcus joins me on this new episode of "Why?"  I consider Andy covering both profiles of a trailblazer and a contemporary artist who is setting a standard for quality and creativity. 

Fred Marcus Photography was his father's dream. Andy took over the business, and today Fred Marcus Studio is over seventy years old and still in the same NYC location. While the business of photography has changed a lot in seventy years, nothing has changed in the importance of building relationships and delivering an outstanding product to the client.

Andy's been a leader in the industry throughout his career but now let's take it a step further. He never slows down in adapting to new technology, and that's where I consider him a contemporary artist setting the standards of service, quality and exceeding customer expectations.

"Why?" is typically about one artist, one image, and one backstory but knowing the diversity of Andy's business I wanted to share a couple of additional images, which are below. Click on any of the photos to see more of Andy's work along with the talented team of artists and videographers who have helped build Fred Marcus Photography!

I was teaching a workshop at ShutterFest a couple of years ago when nobody in my class knew who Mary Ellen Mark was. Out of that frustration came the concept for this series. "Why?" is about introducing you to some of the most respected artists in photography. Some are relatively new to the craft, but doing amazing work, while others represent the veterans who have blazed a path of creativity and set so many of the standards we most respect. 

Every artist has shared a piece of wisdom related to their journey thus far.  What started as a way for you to meet the industry's movers and shakers has grown to be a significant body of work thanks to their willingness to share.

Dave Frieder joins me in this new episode. Dave and I go back a lot of years to my early Hasselblad days. His work centered around one unique passion, climbing and photographing all the bridges of New York...from the top! Over the years he's built a significant body of work, and currently is working on a fine art tabletop book anticipated to be published in the very near future.

Click on either image to visit Dave's website. Check out more of his work and the detail of each of New York's famous bridges.

​"Why?" is all about the favorite images from some of the most respected artists and educators in photography today. I started the series almost two years ago after teaching a workshop and being surprised how many attendees didn't know so many of the leading artists in contemporary photography. 

Well, here we are, 101 artists, later with a new episode each week. With every backstory has come your introduction to an artist you may not have known before, along with some terrific insight.

Going back to my Rangefinder Magazine publishing days, one of the most powerful cover images we ever had was a senior shot of "Fuzzy" Duenkel's. It was a high school senior holding her violin with half of her face vertically cropped. It was one of the strongest portraits I'd ever seen, and it's still clear in my mind all these years later.

Fuzzy joins me in this new podcast to talk about photographing seniors. Although there's probably nothing, he can't photograph, his passion is clearly in portraiture. Click on his image above or a few of my favorites I pulled from his website to see more of his work.

And, if you're looking for help to raise the bar for your portrait work, check out Fuzzy's section for photographers where he offers both private tutoring and small group sessions.

I launched the first episode of "Why?" because I was teaching a workshop and nobody knew who Mary Ellen Mark was. So, I went off on a quest to feature the movers and shakers in contemporary photography. Well here we are almost two years later, and we've not only learned a little more about each artist, but there's always been great insight and lessons being shared. These lessons have been as diverse as the artists themselves.

Lewis Kemper joins me as the 100th artist in the series. He's a photographer, printer, writer, educator and never slows down in his passion for wildlife and the outdoors. In fact, he's been teaching and helping photographers capture/create better images for over forty years.

Click on his "Why?" photograph to visit his website. And, if you've got an interest in attending one of his workshops click on the collage to the right.

"Why?" started as a series to introduce you to some of the most respected artists in photography, but as we approach two years, one hundred artists and their backstories, it's become so much more. Every artist has shared a piece of wisdom related to their journey thus far.  What started as a way for you to meet the industry's movers and shakers has grown to be a significant body of work thanks to their willingness to share.

PhotoJoseph joins me in this new episode, and while every "Why?" episode has been fun to do, it's even more fun when I've spent time working with the artist. Joseph and I met through Panasonic. He's a LUMIX Ambassador in addition to being an artist, educator, author, podcaster and creative motivator.

Click on the image above to check out more of what PhotoJoseph is doing with a visit to his YouTube channel.  And, you'll also see his work shared with the other members of the LUMIX team on their Facebook page. This is one of the most diverse groups of talented artists in the industry!

As the "Why?" series comes up on its first hundred artists, I continue to be amazed at the diversity behind each story and the passion each artist has been willing to share about the image, and their philosophy about their journey as a photographer.

Hannah Couzens joins me on today's new episode, and she's a perfect example of the fun of the Internet and social media. I "met" Hannah thanks to Profoto. She's one of three online educators who helped launch the Profoto Academy, a series of webinars designed to help you raise the bar on your skill set.

Looking at Hannah's work, I knew right away I wanted to talk her into doing a "Why?" episode. Thanks to Facebook, I tracked her down with an IM, and finally thanks to Skype, we recorded this new podcast. 

While there are days when the interruptions social media creates sometimes make us crazy, and we all wish we weren't so accessible - nothing changes the fact that it's made the world a much smaller place. Hannah is based near London and not only did we have a great conversation about the image, but the best part of the industry is all about the friendships we make along the way!

Check out more of Hannah's work with a click on either of her images in this post and then wander over to the Profoto Academy - you won't be disappointed!