How do you elevate your creative work when revisiting familiar places or projects? This episode explores how revisiting locations or concepts with fresh eyes can help refine your process and strengthen your portfolio. Aaron and Seth break down the value of intentional shooting, learning from past experiences, and finding balance between capturing the moment and simply enjoying it. From improving your approach to preparation to crafting those impactful “A+” results, this conversation is packed with insights to inspire growth in any creative field.

Expect to Learn:

• How returning to familiar places refines creativity and improves results
• Tips for prioritizing tasks under tight deadlines
• How to leverage connections for new projects
• How to structure planning to capture better shots
• Why focusing on quality over quantity will enhance your portfolio

Sponsor:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want high-quality prints, with a variety of material options, and who want their work delivered fast in 9 days or less!

You can use the code TPM2025 at checkout for 15% off!
https://www.whitewall.com/

Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US


Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

Support the show

In this episode we're joined by photographer and filmmaker Chris Burkard (@chrisburkard) as he shares his insights on storytelling, creative exploration, and balancing ambition with family life. Chris dives into the leap from dreaming to achieving, finding joy in the creative process, and building a meaningful legacy through connection with nature. He opens up about cultivating curiosity, overcoming impostor syndrome, and redefining success beyond metrics, while highlighting the importance of bold creative freedom and lasting impact.

Expect to Learn:

• How to turn "what if" moments into actionable plans and executed vision
• Why chasing joy, not perfection, makes you create your best work
• How to balance roles as a creative professional and devoted parent
• Why the most accessible and frequently gear trumps the latest technology
  
  

Chris's Website: https://www.chrisburkard.com/
Watch "The Forgotten Coast" Film: https://tv.apple.com/movie/the-forgotten-coast

Sponsor:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want high-quality prints, with a variety of material options, and who want their work delivered fast in 9 days or less!

You can use the code TPM2025 at checkout for 15% off!
https://www.whitewall.com/

Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US


Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

Support the show

Part two is here, and we’re bringing more reflections and lessons learned from our photography journeys. This time, we’re talking about the power of focusing on fewer, impactful goals, finding balance in your social media habits, and navigating the endless tug-of-war with perfectionism. With honest stories, practical advice, and relatable insights, this episode is packed with ideas to help you sharpen your focus and build a creative career on solid ground.

Expect to Learn:

• Why trying to do everything at once can dilute your efforts and hinder success
• How to let go of the need to overcomplicate or overdeliver
• How to recognize when you’re spreading yourself too thin
• How to build a foundation in the correct order to grow efficiently as a photographer

Sponsor:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want high-quality prints, with a variety of material options, and who want their work delivered fast in 9 days or less!

You can use the code TPM2025 at checkout for 15% off!
https://www.whitewall.com/

Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:
https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US


Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

Support the show