In this episode we talk about the adventures of our 2025 Alaska Photography Retreat! From dodging tsunamis and navigating quicksand-like tidal flats to witnessing lunge-feeding whales and clamming bears, this trip was packed with unforgettable moments. We even had a close call at a maximum-security prison! Along the way, we reflect on balancing the pursuit of epic shots with simply enjoying the moment, sharing laughs, lessons, and inspiration for photographers and adventurers alike.

Expect to Learn:

• How to strike a balance between photographing and enjoying the moment
• How to pace yourself on a trip, building in rest to avoid burnout
• What and how much gear to bring for photography trips
• How familiarity with a location will lead to better shots
• How to foster a sense of community and collaboration on group trips

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!

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 dive into the balance between passion and practicality in creative pursuits. We share personal stories about the pressures of turning hobbies into careers, the challenges of burnout, and how we’ve redefined success on our own terms. From navigating the "have to," "should," and "want to" moments to finding ways to keep the joy alive, we reflect on how timing, mindset, and self-awareness have shaped our creative journeys. If you’re looking for relatable insights and practical takeaways to stay inspired, this one’s for you.

Expect to Learn:

• How to identify creative burnout, and understand its causes
• The realities of turning a creative hobby into a career
• How focusing on gratitude can help you find fulfillment
• Why it’s essential to say "no" to certain opportunities
• How to embrace constructive criticism and curate your best work

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!

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

Ian Jones (@iansjones), is a creative powerhouse from Pittsburgh known for his authentic and impactful photo and video content. With a passion for pushing creative boundaries, Ian has built a reputation for producing work that is both relatable, innovative, and of high quality.

In this episode, Ian dives into the challenges of balancing artistic passion with the realities of content creation in today’s fast-paced world. He shares his thoughts on staying authentic while navigating social media trends, the importance of relatability in creative work, and how to avoid the trap of creating solely for metrics. Ian also reflects on his desire for greater challenges, the struggle to find his audience, and the value of embracing calculated risks to grow as a creative. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone looking to elevate their craft while staying true to their vision.

Expect to Learn:

• The importance of staying authentic while navigating the challenges of gaining visibility on social media
• Why imperfection often resonates more than polished, formulaic work
• Why having diverse content makes it harder to build a consistent audience
• The importance of trying new approaches to pursue bigger opportunities
• How to overdeliver without burning out

Ian's links:

Ian's Website: https://www.isjdesigns.com/
Ian's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iansjones_

Sponsor:

Thanks to Tamron for sponsoring this episode! This summer, enjoy big savings with discounts up to $300 on a range of lenses, including their award-winning 70-180mm F/2.8 G2 lens now at its lowest price ever. Featuring a constant F/2.8 aperture and built-in image stabilization, this lens is packed with customization options to help you capture perfect shots. Don’t wait—visit www.tamron-americas.com or your local Tamron dealer today!

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