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This podcast is all about helping emerging cinematographers, photographers, and directors navigate the challenges of building a life and a career behind the lens. From workflow to personal growth, creative vision to marketing, finances to production—every episode is packed with a wide range of topics to support visual storytellers in their pursuit of building a business and growing a career they are proud of.
MARSHAL CHUPA
Host
Marshal Chupa is a Canadian commercial cinematographer and photographer, specializing in short-form branded and advertising content. With more than a decade of experience behind the lens, he understands the complexities of building a career in the creative industry. As the host of the SHOTLIST Podcast, Marshal connects aspiring creatives with insights from industry professionals, sharing valuable lessons and stories. Recognized as a thought leader and connector, he is expanding his influence through conversations that inspire and elevate the next generation of creative professionals building a career doing what they love.
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26. Israel Rivera | Director / Photographer / DOP
In this episode, Marshal speaks with Israel Rivera, a photographer, director, and DOP with a rich career spanning back to the film days of the 70s. We'll explore how his love for photography shaped his life, as well as the highs and lows he experienced on his journey, including the struggles of leaving his conventional life and family business behind.
This episode is packed with valuable insights as Israel shares advice on how to start building good relationships, how to deal with feast-or-famine periods in the industry, and the essential skills photographers need to succeed. Tune in to hear Israel's exciting stories about making a life and living behind the camera for more than 20 years.
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25. Taylor Burk | Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Photographer
In this episode of the Shotlist Podcast, we explore the world of Taylor Burk, an Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Photographer who has over a decade of dedicated experience in the Photography Industry. We explore his unique path, from being a blue-collar worker to becoming a professional photographer, and how Instagram played an important role in shaping the career of his dreams, now having a multi-six-figure following.
In the podcast, Taylor also shares how he shifted from using Instagram solely to expanding his services which include Commercial Photography, Directing, and Social Media Promotion, among others. Join us in this conversation with Taylor as he shares his humble and caring advice with the next generation of photographers.
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24. Blake Jorgenson | Photographer / Director / Producer
In this episode of the Shotlist Podcast, we dive into the world of a seasoned professional, Blake, a Photographer, Director, and Producer. Starting his photography journey in the pre-digital age, Blake recounts his early days of breaking into the industry by getting his first image published in Powder Magazine at just 19. His initial success was just the beginning, setting off a career dedicated to creating still and motion work for many of North America’s leading outdoor, active, and automotive brands.
Throughout the podcast, Blake offers a wealth of advice for both new and established photographers. He shares the critical importance of building trust with clients, the evolution of his business model in today’s digital world, the strategies for introverted photographers to build meaningful industry relationships, and he also walks us through his project bidding process. Let’s dive into this insightful conversation with Blake, and hear about his impressive 25-year journey in the photography business!
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23. Guy Fattal | Active Lifestyle and Action Sports Photographer
In this episode, Marshal speaks with Active Lifestyle and Action Sports Photographer Guy Fattal. Guy's lifelong dream was to become a Photographer, and this aspiration led him to win an action sports photography competition despite joining at the eleventh hour and being the youngest contestant.
However, Guy's journey hasn't been without challenges as he shares the sacrifices he made to finance his passion, including working various odd jobs. He also discusses the winning formula on how you can start and build connections as a newcomer. Ultimately, he stresses how important it is to be active in creating personal works that you're truly passionate about to any up-and-coming photographer, videographer, or artist. Make sure to stay tuned until the end to know the exact formula Guy took to kickstart his career — let’s dive in.
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22. TAYLOR REID | Director Duo
In this episode, Marshal speaks with director duo Paul Reid and Nick Taylor, owners of Taylor Reid Creative. This dynamic pair boasts an impressive portfolio, having collaborated with renowned brands such as Ford, Subaru, and Air Canada, among others.
This conversation caters to individuals aspiring to enter the film industry and those considering a collaborative business partner. The Paul and Nick provided invaluable insights into their journey, detailing their initial steps, collaborative strategies, and effective networking approaches. Moreover, they shed light on challenges filmmakers face, such as uncertain income streams, and offer advice on balancing passion projects while handling a production company.
Don't miss out on this fun and fruitful conversation with Paul and Nick!
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21. Considering a $50K camera purchase? 3 Factors to think about
In this episode, host and cinematographer Marshal Chupa discusses the process of making logical decisions when buying camera equipment for your creative business. Marshal shares some practical advice on understanding logical costs, opportunity costs, and creative costs when buying equipment and discusses different purchasing methods like cash versus leasing. He also talks about his personal experiences about purchasing equipment and how factors like perceived value, professional level, and equipment availability can play an essential role in these decisions.
So if you’re a photographer, cinematographer, or a videographer who is looking to figure out how and when to purchase or upgrade their gear, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in!
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20. Matty Manhire | Director / Photographer / XR Wall / Innovator
In this episode, Marshal speaks with the multi-faceted Matty Manhire. Matty is not only a director and photographer, but he is also an innovator and a strong advocate for the innovative XR (extended reality) wall technology.
In this conversation, Matty talks about his fascinating journey from installing mechanical dinosaurs to carving out a successful career as a director and photographer. He shares how his genuine curiosity about others and understanding of the business side of creativity have been key to their success in the creative industry, how the XR wall technology has made the creation of commercials more engaging and thrilling for him, and how establishing authentic relationships in the industry is very important.
So if you are curious about XR wall technology, or if you want to know more about how you can thrive in the creative industry through your authenticity, then this episode is definitely for you. Let’s dive in!
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19. Adam Blasberg | Photographer
In this episode, Marshal speaks with photographer, Adam Blasberg. Adam walks us through the ins and outs of managing a thriving creative career while also being a devoted family man and what it takes to build a thriving career amongst all the challenges a freelance career offers.
Throughout this conversation, Adam generously shares his tips on building an impressive portfolio, nurturing client relationships, and discovering one's unique style. He also emphasizes the importance of personal projects, highlighting why they hold as much weight as the paid projects, and revealing how he successfully juggles his career with family commitments.
So, if you are struggling to balance your career, passion, and family, then you will definitely gain valuable insights from this conversation. Let’s dive in!
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18. Christina Force | Mentor and Consultant to Photographers
Join Marshal in this captivating episode as he sits down with the brilliant Christina Force, a consultant and mentor to photographers. Get ready to unlock the secrets that distinguish average photographers from the highly successful ones, as Christina shares invaluable insights on essential business practices and mindset shifts.
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17. Byron Kopman | DP
In this episode DP Byron Kopman discusses the importance of building relationships, the benefits and drawbacks of having an agent, and the best equipment that makes a return on your investment while. Byron opens up to Marshal about the process of obtaining his US Visa, recounting the frustrating experience and the steps he took to obtaining and renew it. He emphasizes the value of shorthand in the industry and his appreciation for crew members who share his strong work ethic. If you’re looking to build your portfolio, invest in gear, and grow your network as a freelance creative, Byron has a lot of nuggets of wisdom for you — let’s dive in.