Show Notes
Above Photograph © Donald Pettit, NASA At its best, photography draws from both science and art, to give resulting images a dual purpose—aesthetic innovation and scientific merit. And when that photography happens from the windows of the International Space Station, capturing star trails, city lights, and our blue planet against the void of space, it becomes something truly transcendent. In today's show, we're privileged to chat with NASA Astronaut Donald Pettit, a scientist, inventor, and photographer who has spent nearly two years living, working, and making pictures in orbit. Some fun take aways from our chat include: How photographing in a microgravity environment can turn a traditional group portrait into bodies scattering like bowling pins when the photographer tries to join the shot. The vast perspective when viewing out a window of the ISS—on the order of half a continent—rather than a 50-to-100-kilometer horizon on earth. The stratospheric volume of imagery captured during a mission, and the discerning Lightroom workflow Don uses to retrieve individual photos from his archive at home. The importance of a humble synch cord to connect two cameras and render the "many decades of brightness" on an EV scale as a single HDR image to illustrate the rapid transition from day to night that occurs in orbit. And, finally, how Don has taken the concept of synchronized imagery to a cosmic level by pairing the same phenomena he captures from orbit with a complementary view recorded from earth, in collaboration with astrophotographer Babak Tafreshi. As Don explains towards the end of our chat, "I'm a big proponent of the concept of a frontier. My frontier happens to be space, but there are frontiers all around us." He then shares this parting advice: "So just explore the frontiers that present themselves to you, the frontiers that you're motivated to go to. And just open your eyes and collect data, and then record or write about it, because you could make an observation and if you don't somehow share that with others through publications or imagery, it's almost as if it's never been done." Guest: NASA Astronaut Donald Pettit Episode Timeline: 2:06: Donald Pettit's introduction to photography, plus connections between his love of science and his creative vision. 5:51: Don's first space flight in 2002 - 2003, using both film and digital cameras, plus the learning curve on the ground to prepare for photographing in space. 10:36: The success rate when shooting with film and challenges to photographing in orbit. 13:42: From photographing with a barn-door tracker to Don's recent use of an orbital sidereal tracker. 19:07: Advances in digital camera technology, Don's relationship with NASA photo trainers, and challenges to capturing group shots in microgravity. 23:43: Don's most memorable photos from space, the advantages of pro-level camera technology, plus his personal everyday camera—the Nikon Z9. 29:38: Episode Break 30:33: The benefits to fast glass for nighttime images, plus Don's reluctant transition to mirrorless technology. 33:57: Capturing the colors of city lights, plus the spread of cosmic fireflies—commonly known as Starlink satellites 37:54: Changes on Earth that affect a view from space, plus the extra gear list for Don's next flight. 42:10: The volume of images captured during a mission, Don's Lightroom workflow at home, plus taking notes on the ISS for future reference on Earth. 49:32: Don's Antarctic expedition to hunt for meteorites, and the creative potential of a frontier environment. 53:17: Don's project From Above and Below with astrophotographer Babak Tafreshi, plus the unicorns in space he hopes to capture on future missions. 57:52: Parting advice about chasing your dreams—Explore the frontiers that present themselves, open your eyes, record your observations, and share them with others. Guest Bio: Donald Pettit is NASA astronaut and a veteran of four spaceflights, logging more th
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Dave Krugman grew up on the edge of the Internet. Emerging from college into the first wave of Instagram, he became an OG of that platform before going on to found ALLSHIPS, a culture company with a mission to prove that a creative life is possible. In this week's podcast, Dave joins Derek for a wide-ranging chat that includes insights into how Instagram shattered the magazine paradigm, giving photographers greater sovereignty as artists. He also draws parallels between the public's current fear of AI and early skepticism toward platforms like Instagram. Looking beyond the debate of whether AI generated imagery will eat into the market for creative photography, Dave points to the many ways in which AI helps him to seamlessly communicate with his network and impress clients. However, this episode is ultimately about the creative process, and the connections Dave makes related to projects such as his viral "Windows" collection really packs a punch. "More people cared about this than anything else I've done so far," he notes. "…But there's nothing unique about me, I'm just another person trying things, and everyone out there, you are too … And as technology evolves, it recombines with every other technology, and new things become possible that have not been tried before. And so, I just encourage people, like, Go for it, just go for it." If you've enjoyed this podcast, please follow us @bhpodcastnetwork and be on the lookout for more inspiring conversations in our new format. Guest: Dave Krugman Episode Timeline: 0:00: Dave Krugman at the forefront of technology. 1:44: Emerging from college into the first wave of Instagram. 3:17: From growing up on the edge of the Internet to becoming a retoucher for Annie Leibovitz. 6:15: Dave discovers sponsored Instagram posts & the possibility of building your own distribution network. 7:07: How Instagram shattered the magazine paradigm. 8:54: Repeating the Instagram pathway in the current AI scenario. 13:50: Where is Instagram at in its current life cycle? Every tool is also a weapon. 17:26: The future is now, and it accelerates in front of us. 18:26: How technology allows you to build your own platform on sovereign ground. 20:07: Dave on using AI to stay organized and create a custom branded calendar for client meetings. 24:38: Will generated imagery eat into the market for creative photography? 30:10: The evolution of the Internet, controlling the algorithms, and targeting your lizard brain. 33:18: Community building and establishing the culture company ALLSHIPS. 37:38: The underlying thesis of evolutionary psychology: We are a product of our environment of evolution. 39:58: Applying evolutionary psychology to network theory within computing networks. 41:59: How do you increase the size and influence of your node within your network? 51:18: Dave on the photos he makes, working with typologies and pattern recognition. 55:06: Dave's Drive project and the creative behavior behind it. 59:12: Using technology to create systems that haven't existed before … there is an infinite fertile ground in front of everyone, so just do it! Guest Bio: Dave Krugman is a New York based photographer, and the founder of ALLSHIPS, a creative community based on the idea that a rising tide raises all ships. His photography is a study of humanity's intersection with cities and how people are influenced by their immediate environment. Through his environmental portraiture and candid street photography he works to reveal the beauty at confluences of circumstance. For daily updates, follow his Instagram account, and for longer editorial coverage, his photo essays.
For Gabriela, photography is about more than capturing a polished final image. It's about becoming part of a place, building trust with the people around her, and recognizing the everyday moments that quietly connect our lives. In this week's podcast, she discusses moving from commercial photography into street portraiture, learning to approach people with confidence and respect, and allowing time and genuine connection to shape her work. Highlights from Gabriela's candid conversation include her approach to blending into a scene, the portrait she created after days of connecting with a woman in Nepal, and her love for photographing ordinary routines that might otherwise pass undocumented. The conversation also takes an honest look at the realities behind a creative life. Gabriela explains how she moved from hiding behind the camera to sharing more of herself online, why creators need to develop their own voices across different platforms, and how organization, business knowledge, financial awareness, and firm boundaries have helped her build a lasting freelance career. Ultimately, Gabriella's story is a reminder that finding your voice requires knowing who you are, creating for yourself first, and surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to see you succeed. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please follow us @bhpodcastnetwork and be on the lookout for more inspiring conversations in our new format.
Stephen Wilkes is an undisputed master at telling stories with images. In this week's podcast, he pinpoints the exact moment he was given free rein to dream up an epic photo project for a major exhibition that would come to redefine photographic printing technology. In the year 2000, he was commissioned to capture the beauty and complexity of America at the turn of the Millennium on large format film, then transform his highly detailed film captures into immersive fine art prints using Epson's groundbreaking printing technology. Twenty-five years later, he's revisiting this project to reveal the continuing advancements of photographic fine art printing while also paying homage to the 250th anniversary of the country's birth. Highlights from Stephen's spirited chat with Derek include his historical assessment of how descriptors such as "Color" and "Digital" have been met with a similar sense of incredulity as photographic technology has evolved and his belief in the power of the camera as a conversation starter, a connector, and a means to a magical exchange of energy. What's more, Stephen's dramatic imitation of a Pentecostal preacher wreathed by hissing snakes had us riveted to his every word, and the lessons he shared from his mentor, Jay Maisel left us inspired to work. Among his favorites was Jay's probing query, "Well, do you like pictures, or do you like the act of photographing? Choose one." As Stephen notes, "That was a great question, and he always posed that to me. But for me, I never had a doubt. I've always loved the act of photographing. I get lost. Whatever it is I'm doing." If you've enjoyed this podcast, please follow us @bhpodcastnetwork and be on the lookout for more inspiring conversations in our new format. Guest: Stephen Wilkes Episode Timeline: 0:00: Stephen Wilkes: America in Detail, Revisited. 0:45: Photography as a storytelling tool. 1:33: Reflecting on the past 25 years and Stephen's America in Detail project with Epson in the year 2000. 3:32: Stephen's interest in being a historian of photography to capture a unique moment in history. 5:42: Stephen describes his exhibitions of immersive digital prints—it's a visceral experience. 9:40: A comeback to creating prints and print media in the digital age. 13:17: Memorable moments from Stephen's America in Detail project. 15:36: Stephen's encounter with Pentecostal minister Pastor Anderson and his snakes. 27:14: Finding a balance between letting go and staying creative despite commercial pressures. 28:44: Gary Greff's Enchanted Highway in Regent, North Dakota 31:13: It's all about the mind's eye—technology that gives us the opportunity to show us things we've never seen before. 32:40: Lesson's learned from Stephen's mentor Jay Maisel—do you like pictures or do you like the act of photographing? 35:11: The camera as a connection—as a conversation starter & energy exchange—positive, negative, and even hidden energy fields. 41:46: Is there any benefit to worry? Plus pushing through rough spots to a positive result. 46:58: Revisiting Stephen's America in Detail project with current printing and processing technology. 52:07: Parting thoughts and another story about Jay Maisel: It all starts with curiosity—Let your curiosity drive your work.
For those who believe the world of elite fashion photography is not within reach—we've got a story for you! In this week's podcast, we explore the career trajectory and core values fueling the rise of fashion & beauty specialist Enrique Vega. Hailing from a small town in Mexico, Enrique built essential skills by assisting a local wedding and event photographer, then set his sights on New York City. After knocking on the door of his sole professional contact, he worked his way from unpaid intern to first assistant—building the kind of confidence that only comes from proving yourself, one shoot at a time, in a setting he compares to "a military school of photography." Enrique's chat with Derek ranges from the realities of breaking into fashion photography as an outsider while combating the dreaded "imposter syndrome" to his belief that endurance and resilience, rather than talent and execution, are what separates photographers who make it in New York. From there, the discussion shifts to the collapse of print media and what comes after magazines, how Enrique is folding AI into his workflow without losing the human element that makes his portraits shine, and the inevitable tightrope between staying an artist and running a business. Ever passionate about his photographs, Enrique sums things up with this candid sentiment: "All the work that I did from the heart, whichever way I wanted to, not because I wanted to be trendy, not because I wanted validation—just what I love—is what has opened many doors for me. It's the work that still lives in my portfolio and people love. The images that actually got me work." If you've enjoyed this podcast, please follow us @bhpodcastnetwork and be on the lookout for more inspiring conversations in our new format. Guest: Enrique Vega Episode Timeline: 0:00: Enrique Vega's Path to Shooting High End Fashion 0:41: Podcasting can help you know yourself from the outside. 3:35: The best part about interviewing people, plus Enrique's early interest in radio and media. 7:25: Enrique's first job in Mexico, assisting a wedding and Quinceañera photographer. 11:48: From intern to first assistant in NYC, plus showing the confidence to do a good job. 16:28: The story of the Archer—pursue the unreachable & aim for the stars. 18:02: The issue of fashion magazines & the world beyond print publications. 23:58: The value of personal human interaction in a digital era. 26:51: Resilience is at the core of success as a photographer in New York. 31:47: Dealing with struggles, constant evolution & industry burn out. 33:22: Riding the evolutionary wave, plus how Enrique uses AI. 46:28: Striking a balance between being an artist and a businessperson 52:22: The human element & finding the person behind the creative. 56:22: Enrique's advice for aspiring photographers: "Talent & execution are not enough." 1:04:00: Final thoughts: "Your success is my success. If I help you, we grow together." Guest Bio: Enrique Vega is a Mexican-born, New York City-based fashion photographer and director, whose fashion and beauty work has been published in the most prestigious fashion magazines worldwide and featured in TV shows like America's Next Top Model. He began his career in photography at age 17 as an assistant to a local photographer in Mexico. After completing a degree in Communication Sciences at the Autonomous University of Baja, California, he continued his studies in portraiture at the Academy of Visual Arts in Mexico City, Spéos School of Photography in Paris, the School of Visual Arts, and the International Center of Photography in New York City. His work is part of the Art + Commerce / Vogue italy / PhotoVogue Collection.
The time-honored saying "A picture is worth a thousand words" can quickly lose meaning in the intricate tangle of a photographer's lifetime archive. That is unless you take a disciplined approach to organizing your photographs from the start. This essential message is woven throughout this week's podcast with the esteemed photojournalist and filmmaker Ed Kashi. "You need to look at your archive from early on, even before you think you have any critical mass of material," Ed instructs. "This is your memory, this is your history. This is like the essence… Well, for me, this is like the essence of who I am." Derek's chat with Ed spans the full arc of his career of nearly 50 years—from his early in-depth stories for legendary magazines to his current work on ambitious creative projects through Talking Eyes Media, the non-profit he co-founded with his wife Julie Winokur. Their discussion also covers the many implications of the digital revolution, being accountable for the pictures you make, viewing social media as an opportunity to be your own publisher, Ed's natural reflex to anticipate and react to situations, plus his affinity for capturing "Abandoned Moments," where he's not fully in control of the action in front of his lens. Yet, while photos are vital building blocks, story reigns supreme. "Here's how I want to end," Ed concludes. "Joan Didion has a great quote, 'We humans live for stories.' Simply put, and so true and so wise. And I feel that I live for stories, whether I'm telling them or whether I'm absorbing them." If you've enjoyed this podcast, please follow us @bhpodcastnetwork and be on the lookout for more inspiring conversations in our new format. Guest: Ed Kashi Episode Timeline: 0:00: Ed Kashi: Anticipate & React 3:16: Ed's reflexes to anticipate and react and not be in control of situations he documents. 5:45: Ed's approach to social media: He can be his own publisher. 9:45: Your archive is the essence of who you are as a photographer. 12:31: Ed's switch to digital photography in 2002. 16:30: An early ambition to be a writer rather than a photographer. 21:33: Ed's Aging in America project and his entry to video. 26:58: Collaborating with his wife Julie Winokur on multimedia projects & knowing how to work together with a partner. 33:08: The importance of a support staff to running his business, plus his Talking Eyes Media nonprofit. 39:04: Finding new ways to fund ambitious creative projects and distribute through major media outlets. 45:38: Ed's theory of Abandoned Moments & capturing the in-between moments not in control. 56:32: Being accountable for the pictures you make & not reinforcing stereotypes. 1:05:14: Ed's most difficult story in Iraq & his first panic attack Guest Bio: Ed Kashi believes in the power of still images to change people's minds. This renowned photojournalist, filmmaker, speaker, and educator has been making images and telling stories for 45 years. As a member of VII Photo, Kashi has been recognized for his complex imagery and its compelling rendering of the human condition. His editorial assignments and personal projects have generated fourteen books and several influential short films, and his award-winning images have been published and exhibited worldwide. Dedicated to the social and political issues that define our times, Ed's restless creativity has continually placed him at the forefront of new approaches to visual storytelling. His embrace of technology has spawned unique ways to combine photography and filmmaking—from creative social media projects to immersive multimedia projections, and beyond. In 2002, Ed, together with his wife, the writer + filmmaker Julie Winokur, founded Talking Eyes Media as a non-profit company focused on producing short films, exhibitions, books, and multimedia pieces that explore significant social issues. Stay Connected: Ed Kashi Website: https://www.edkashi.com Talking Eyes Media Website: https://talkingeyesmedia.org Th