Join host Scott Wyden Kivowitz as he sheds light on the essentials of portrait lighting. In this episode, you'll discover how to achieve breathtaking portraits without the need for expensive equipment. Dive into the fascinating world of natural light and learn the art of one, two, and even three-light setups to take your photography skills to new heights. "Mastering portrait lighting setups is an essential skill for photographers... by starting with the basics, you can create stunning portraits ...
Mar 11, 2025•12 min•Ep. 37
Navigating the world of brand collaborations as a photographer isn't easy, especially with opportunistic offers lurking around every corner. How do you ensure it's a win-win for your creative business? Join Scott Wyden Kivowitz, your trusted guide, as he dives into the intricate landscape of brand collaboration and sponsorship in the photography industry. "If you're in an email thread like this, do not give in. Hold your ground. You are worth more than a free product and commission." Discover mo...
Feb 21, 2025•8 min•Ep. 36
Dive into the fascinating world of photography gear with Scott Wyden Kivowitz, as he unpacks his passion for camera accessories and why certain brands stand out. Discover the compelling reasons behind his loyalty to specific brands and what makes their products a photographer's dream. In this episode of Photo Breakdown, Scott Wyden Kivowitz shares his personal journey with camera equipment brands, focusing on Think Tank Photo. From the humble beginnings at a family-owned camera store to becoming...
Feb 12, 2025•11 min•Ep. 35
Join Scott Wyden Kivowitz, your host on Photo Breakdown, as he navigates the intriguing shift in the photography industry, sharing his journey in choosing the best memory cards that ensure the capture and safekeeping of your precious photos and videos. Scott explores how ProGrade became his go-to brand after corporate changes rocked the memory card industry. Discover why high-quality cards are essential for photographers, and hear firsthand about Scott's experiences that led him to leave behind ...
Feb 08, 2025•8 min•Ep. 34
Dive into the heart of the photography community with Scott Wyden Kivowitz as he discusses the unparalleled value of in-person events for photographers. Whether you're looking to build long-lasting relationships or learn new skills, this episode is a must-listen! Scott sheds light on the importance of in-person events for photographers. As trade show season kicks off, he explores how these gatherings provide unique opportunities for networking, learning, and community-building that virtual event...
Jan 31, 2025•5 min•Ep. 33
Wave goodbye to complicated email marketing! This episode of Photo Breakdown is a game-changer for photographers looking to streamline their email campaigns and grow their business. In this episode, I dig into why email marketing is a must for photographers. I share my extensive experience with various platforms and introduce Flodesk as the go-to tool for creating stunning, effective emails without the hassle. From beautiful templates to seamless integrations, learn how Flodesk can simplify your...
Jan 14, 2025•11 min•Ep. 32
Join me on “Photo Breakdown” where I dive into the world of photography awards. Learn why a seasoned professional, values but personally abstains from these accolades. I share my candid thoughts on the value of photography awards. While recognizing the benefits such as brand recognition, networking opportunities, and artistic growth, I explain why I personally chooses not to participate in these contests. I offer a unique perspective on valuing one's work without external accolades and emphasize...
Jan 07, 2025•4 min•Ep. 31
The Sunlitt app is transforming how photographers plan their photo sessions. Sunlitt is an app designed to simplify the planning process for photographers by focusing on light, sun, moon and shadows. "While I still love PhotoPills, I probably will wind up using Sunlitt for the majority of my planning when I need more simple planning." See my article and video about Sunlitt on my blog or YouTube. If you're excited about refining your photography skills with the right tools, don't miss this insigh...
Dec 10, 2024•6 min•Ep. 30
Ever wondered how a 58-year-old Mike Tyson fared against the young and brash Jake Paul in the boxing ring? Could this fight have lessons for your photography business that you didn’t anticipate? In this episode, Scott Wyden Kivowitz navigates the much-hyped bout between boxing legend Mike Tyson and YouTube sensation Jake Paul. Scott dissects the fight's dynamics and draws intriguing parallels to the world of photography. What can an uneventful, yet highly anticipated, fight teach us about stayin...
Nov 16, 2024•9 min•Ep. 29
Join me as I walk you through the meticulous preparation of my Nikon ZF camera for a high-stakes proposal session. If you're a photographer looking to enhance your gear setup for critical moments, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. "An hour's worth of photos crammed into a minute— that's what proposal photography feels like. You need to be fast, efficient, and most importantly, prepared." Resources Spider Holster Holdfast Gear Rose Anvil Subscribe to Photo Breakdown and keep learning ...
Nov 12, 2024•10 min•Ep. 28
Discover how Apple AirTags and their alternatives can transform the way you safeguard your photography gear. I explore the versatility of Apple AirTags, discussing their utility for tracking everything from luggage to camera bags. I also share the new rechargeable Eufy Smart Track Card , which integrates with Apple’s Find My ecosystem. Whether you're a seasoned photographer looking to secure your gear or just starting to curious, this episode has something for you. Subscribe to Photo Breakdown f...
Nov 05, 2024•6 min•Ep. 27
Curious about the latest buzz in the world of photography software? Join us in this episode as we dive into Apple's recent acquisition of Pixelmator and what it means for professional photographers. In this episode, I explore the implications of Apple's acquisition of Pixelmator, a popular photography and editing software. I discuss the prospects of a potential return of Apple Aperture and what this means for the future of Apple Photos. Whether the technology will be integrated directly into App...
Nov 02, 2024•6 min•Ep. 26
Do you ever wonder what photographers really think about the latest gear, trends, and stories behind their favorite photos? Photo Breakdown takes you behind the lens and into the minds of today's top photographers, offering bite-sized episodes packed with insider insights, gear debates, and industry buzz. This is more than just photography. It's everything that makes photography tick. You're listening to Photo Breakdown.
Oct 31, 2024•40 sec
Ready to dive deep into the world of photography without wading through endless ads and biases? This episode of Photo Breakdown offers a fresh take on photography news, blending insightful analysis with updates you won't find anywhere else. Join me as I navigate the latest developments in the photography world. Introducing a news segment that covers exciting updates in the photography industry. From ad-free memberships on popular photo sites to prestigious awards for renowned photographers, I pr...
Oct 29, 2024•9 min•Ep. 25
Feeling overwhelmed by the ever-changing social media landscape? With many platforms, knowing where to focus your efforts can be game-changing for your photography business. In this episode, I will discuss the must-know strategies for navigating social media as a photographer in 2024. I answer the critical question on every photographer's mind: "Where should I spend my time on social media?" With platforms like Threads, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more vying for your attention, it’s crucial to unde...
Oct 23, 2024•6 min•Ep. 24
Planning a family vacation and want to document it perfectly? It's time to elevate your travel photography game without lugging around heaps of gear. Learn how to pack smart and keep things light, capturing those special moments effortlessly. "When you're traveling with family, keep it minimal. One camera, one lens, and you're good to go." Resources : Nikon Zf Review Spider Holster GoPro Insta Go 3S Think Tank Backstory 13 Don't let heavy gear weigh you down. Listen in as I share how to pack sma...
Oct 03, 2024•7 min•Ep. 23
Ever faced a camera crisis right in the middle of a job? In this episode of Photo Breakdown, I explore the unexpected camera mishaps that almost derailed photographers and offer insights on how to avoid them. "Counterfeit batteries can be a disaster waiting to happen. Stick with trusted brands and always test your gear before heading out for a job." Resources SmallRig Dual Charger SmallRig Batteries The Imagen Community Ready to learn more about the do's and don'ts of photography gear? Subscribe...
Sep 26, 2024•8 min•Ep. 22
Ever wondered what drives photographers towards certain genres? Join Scott Wyden Kivowitz in this episode of "Photo Breakdown" as he uncovers the passion behind various photography styles and how they shape a photographer’s career. "There are so many genres of photography. If you're photographing a genre that you don't love and you're not making money, then stop and find a different job. Photograph what you love to keep the passion alive." Download The Ambivert's Guide to Street Photography toda...
Sep 16, 2024•5 min•Ep. 21
Ever thought about harnessing podcasting to bolster your photography business? In this episode, Scott Wyden Kivowitz breaks down his journey and shares invaluable tips on how you can start and build a podcast that resonates with your clientele. "No matter the genre you're in within photography, you can have a podcast that is for your clients. It's just a matter of figuring out what will work." Resources Learn to Podcast Jersey Brands Podcast Ready to jump into podcasting and create a podcast tha...
Sep 12, 2024•7 min•Ep. 20
Ever feel stuck in a creative rut? Discover how movies and TV shows can become your unexpected muse. Whether you're aiming to create a podcast or simply learn to podcast better, this episode's insights on finding inspiration will resonate. In this episode of Photo Breakdown, Scott Wyden Kivowitz explores the infinite sources of inspiration that photographers can tap into. While traditional methods like photography books remain valuable, Scott shares how the cinematography of movies and TV shows ...
Sep 09, 2024•8 min•Ep. 19
Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of a magical beach proposal? Get ready for a heartwarming story that's as unexpected as it is inspiring. Perfect for anyone looking to learn more about the unique world of proposal photography! "A moment of joy for everybody. Joy as well for the kindness that came from this couple. It was a really cool, really exciting day." Resources Pic-Time Insta 360 Go3S Proposal Photography Photo Breakdown does not currently have a sponsor, so I thought I would g...
Sep 06, 2024•5 min•Ep. 18
Ever wonder if a budget-friendly lens can compete with a high-end alternative? In this episode, you’ll discover surprising insights into how Sigma’s latest 28-105mm lens stands against Canon’s 24-105mm lens. Tune in as Scott Wyden Kivowitz explores the nuances of Sigma’s new 28-105mm DG DN Art lens compared to Canon’s popular 24-105mm lens. He breaks down the critical differences in image stabilization, weight, focal lengths, and focus distances, offering a comprehensive overview to help photogr...
Sep 05, 2024•8 min•Ep. 17
Ever wondered about the hidden gems and controversies in the photography world? Join Scott Wyden Kivowitz as he redefines what it means to "break down" photography with fresh insights and engaging discussions! In this episode, Scott Wyden Kivowitz explores a new direction for the Photo Breakdown podcast. Moving beyond just analyzing photos, Scott invites listeners to delve into hot topics and personal musings about the photography industry. From discussing the new cameras to considering the idea...
Sep 04, 2024•4 min•Ep. 16
Hi, it's your host Scott Wyden Kivowitz back with another episode sharing the story behind one of my recent photographs in my collection. This photograph is special to me, especially as Father's Day and a birthday are coming up. In this episode, I share who, what, where, and why I made a photo of two gentlemen performing a Kata and in what is called a cat stance. Find the show notes and see the photo at photobreakdown.com Photo Breakdown does not currently have a sponsor, so I thought I would gi...
Jun 02, 2023•5 min•Ep. 15
Jamie Rose is co-Founder and COO of Momenta Group, LLC, which owns Momenta Workshops, Momenta Creative, and manages Wildfire Media, a nonprofit dedicated to documentary storytelling. Her early career was spent in the halls of power as a Press Corps photojournalist covering Capitol Hill and the White House, primarily as a long-term contract for The New York Times. Her passion for working with nonprofits led her to documentary coverage of humanitarian and health crisis in Africa, North and South A...
Nov 19, 2021•26 min•Ep. 13
Born in Los Angeles, Armando studied photography, architecture, and graphic design. The early ninety’s found him in Colorado where he worked in advertising, design, and publishing for the first 10 years. The last 18 years with his own company Mando-Matic, a photography, video, and retouching studio, has allowed Martinez to concentrate on the photographic image. An award-winning filmmaker, photo retouching artist, and photographer, he crafts photographs into new visions daily. In this episode, Ar...
Oct 13, 2021•18 min•Ep. 12
Everyone can learn a lesson from this story. At some point in their career, every photographer will be put into a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable, disrespected, degraded, and so on. But today, I want to share a story with you, which was initially shared on Reddit and then made its rounds in mainstream news. Find the show notes and see the photo at photobreakdown.com Photo Breakdown does not currently have a sponsor, so I thought I would give a shoutout to partners of mine. Thank you...
Oct 05, 2021•7 min•Ep. 11
Dave Wilson, who hails from Scotland but has now lived in Texas longer than the UK (despite what you may think from his accent), has been an avid photographer since his early teens. While he’ll point a camera at just about anything, his favorite subjects are landscapes, architecture, rodeo, and sport although portraiture is beginning to play a larger role in his photographic life these days. He writes software for a living but enjoys occasional photography commissions, shooting for the local new...
Sep 27, 2021•17 min•Ep. 10
Kendrix has had a love for cameras, both photo, and video, since a young child. After spending time in Atlanta as a personal photographer, he moved to Thailand in 2012. That's when he focused on travel photography and started Freedom of Photography to share some of the photos and stories from his travels. He mainly photographs landscapes but he also works with non-profits and NGOs to photograph their work and provide them with digital content. In this episode, Kendrix shares the story and inspir...
Sep 20, 2021•20 min•Ep. 9
Scott Diussa is a photographer, teacher, musician, and traveler. He is a graduate of the Southeast Center for Photographic Studies at Daytona Beach College in Florida with a degree in Commercial Photography. His first position out of school was teaching photography at the Disney Institute at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. From there he joined Nikon and held five positions over twenty years all centered around photographic education for photographers. Scott has taught thousands of photogr...
Sep 13, 2021•31 min•Ep. 8
