Lenses & Lyrics - A Photography and Music Podcast

What happens when a deep love for music shapes a photographer’s creative process? Explore the intersection of sound and images in an episode that feels part backstage tour, part portfolio review.Chloe Ramirez shares personal stories, professional experience, and musical influences that shaped her vision behind the lens. She reflects on how being raised by creative parents surrounded by music set the foundation for a photography style that thrives on movement, emotion, and collaboration. She reveals how performing in a band, learning to trust instinct over technical perfection, and thinking in musical rhythms has influenced both shooting and mentoring. Whether collaborating with clients, catching serendipitous moments or teaching other photographers how to find their voice, Chloe argues that real artistry comes from blending life’s chaos into something that just feels right."What I admire in other people’s work is not technically good. It could be the most grainy, blurry photo on the planet. If I feel something, I’m leaning in and saving those"Rock with Chloechloeramirezphoto.cominstagram.com/chloeramirezphotohotgirlsphotographlove.comthreads.com/@chloeramirezphotoyoutube.com/@ChloeRamirezPhototiktok.com/@chloephotoinstagram.com/imported.studiosThe tour(00:00) - Capturing Rhythm, Emotion and Movement with Chloe Ramirez (01:55) - Capturing Movement and Emotion (05:15) - Music Roots and Influences (10:58) - Teen Band Days and Recording (19:42) - Perfection vs Instinct (22:14) - Timing Like Music (26:41) - Music in Sessions (31:09) - Mentorship and Style This episode of Lenses & Lyrics is brought to you by Pic-Time and Flodesk. Work smarter not harder with the best photo selection, photo editing and email marketing tools available for your photography businesses.

Step inside the world where music and photography intertwine, and every moment hits a unique note. Journey through the emotional journey of photographing proposals from staking out the perfect spot and reading the cadence of nervous footsteps, to documenting the life-changing "yes." Discover how each proposal unfolds like a song: with verses, bridges, and soaring choruses, all captured through the dual love for melodies and imagery."Every proposal has a beat. It starts as a slow, steady pulse, and as a photographer, I have to find that rhythm before the couple even arrives."Like what you hear? Subscribe to Lenses & Lyrics for more stories where music and photography meet, and share this episode with a fellow creative who appreciates the beauty in every beat and photograph. This episode of Lenses & Lyrics is brought to you by Pic-Time and Flodesk. Work smarter not harder with the best photo selection, photo editing and email marketing tools available for your photography businesses.

What happens when a seasoned musician steps behind the camera? Discover how rhythm, connection, and creativity from one art form shape another in this vibrant episode of Lenses & Lyrics. Scott sits down with Jared Mark Fincher - a talented filmmaker, and lifelong musician who brings his passion for sound to every visual story he crafts.From childhood piano lessons and church bands to cinematic wedding films, Jared Mark Fincher shares how his musical roots continue to influence his approach to photography and filmmaking. Explore the crossover between leading in music and leading behind the lens, the importance of sound in storytelling, and how creative experiences in both worlds shape genuine connections with people."You can miss a couple notes in there and play the wrong note and baby, it's just jazz."Rock with Jaredjaredmarkfincher.comPhotographic CollectiveYouTube channelinstagram.com/jaredmarkfincherArtlist MusicbedRode Wireless GODJI MicZoom recorderThe tour(00:00) - Crafting Emotional Stories with Jared Mark Fincher (04:14) - Church and Finding a Voice (07:36) - Leading People Through Story (12:49) - Audio Matters More Than Video (20:38) - Rhythm and Editing to Music (31:10) - Jazz and Final Wrap This episode of Lenses & Lyrics is brought to you by Pic-Time and Flodesk. Work smarter not harder with the best photo selection, photo editing and email marketing tools available for your photography businesses.

Who says creativity belongs in a single box? This episode reveals how celebrities from music, sports, and acting swap the spotlight for the shutter, uncovering a world where the person behind the camera wields just as much artistry as the person in front.Some of the world's most recognizable faces are picking up cameras and expressing their vision as credentialed photographers. Musicians like Benson Boone, Method Man, Seal, and Moby, athletes and actors including Randy Johnson, Drew Carey, Leonard Nimoy, Jeff Bridges, Gary Oldman, Henry Winkler, Drew Barrymore, and Ben Folds. From sideline sports photos and haunting landscapes to fine art portraits and quirky nature finds, this episode shows how creative boundaries are made to be crossed, and how famous hands behind the lens tell their own stories. This episode of Lenses & Lyrics is brought to you by Pic-Time and Flodesk. Work smarter not harder with the best photo selection, photo editing and email marketing tools available for your photography businesses.

Picture this: you’re capturing a beautiful portraits, and out of nowhere, a full marching band fills the scene with unexpected energy. When photography and music collide, magic happens — and sometimes, it’s totally unplanned.In this short but memorable episode, Scott Wyden Kivowitz shares an incredible story from a recent proposal session at Princeton University. What began as a romantic engagement session in a sentimental campus spot quickly transformed when the Princeton University marching band made a surprise appearance. The spontaneous soundtrack turned a special day into a completely one-of-a-kind experience — blending music, love, and photography in perfect harmony.Want more real-life stories where photography meets music? Subscribe, follow, and share Lenses & Lyrics so you never miss an episode that brings the creative worlds together! This episode of Lenses & Lyrics is brought to you by Pic-Time and Flodesk. Work smarter not harder with the best photo selection, photo editing and email marketing tools available for your photography businesses.

What happens when wedding photography collides with death metal, skate tapes, and heartfelt father-daughter dance songs? In this episode, I sit down with Garret Torres, a New Jersey-based wedding photographer and musician whose creative life is powered by passion and a drive for authentic expression.Garret blends storytelling and artistry to create photos that remind people why they love the people they love. When he’s not photographing weddings, he’s making music and exploring creative ways to express emotion through sound and imagery.From recording songs as a kid to building a wedding photography business, Garret opens up about the interplay between his artistic worlds. Hear how Garret’s approach to music shapes the way he tells stories with photographs, why he uses a pseudonym for his musical releases, and the reason live heavy metal inspires him during wedding receptions. Plus, get practical advice for musicians venturing into photography, and learn how personal experiences translate into intentional creative practice.“I'm very much an album listener…that's kind of how I want my wedding clients to consume their photos. Not as singles, but as each little moment as its own song.”Rock with Garretgtphotonj.cominstagram.com/gtphotonjinstagram.com/iamdondawsonDon Dawson on SpotifyDon Dawson on Apple MusicFoxy ShazamMedeski Martin & WoodFace YourselfThe tour(00:00) - How Music Influences Photography Storytelling with Garret Torres (01:43) - The Origin of Don Dawson (02:46) - Early Musical Influences (06:34) - Balancing Music and Photography (07:42) - Involvement in Music and Photography Communities (10:53) - Musical Inspirations and Photography (19:27) - Hypothetical Scenarios and Advice This episode of Lenses & Lyrics is brought to you by Pic-Time and Flodesk. Work smarter not harder with the best photo selection, photo editing and email marketing tools available for your photography businesses.

Can a childhood crush on a violinist lead to photographing a wedding? What if your passion for music and gear isn’t just a hobby, but the secret ingredient to your creative success?I sit down with photographer and musician Sam Hurd, whose journey from orchestra kid to wedding photographer is surprising to some and inspiring to many.Sam Hurd is a photographer who believes that true artistry comes from trust. Based in Washington DC (with availability worldwide), Sam’s work isn’t about awards, it’s about capturing moments with creativity and authenticity. His portraits and wedding galleries stand out for their emotional clarity and visual poetry.Sam Hurd reveals how his musical background shaped his photographic style, from recording metal bands in college to applying audio production skills to wedding day videos. Hear the origins of Sam’s fascination with prisms, why he swaps out wedding dance floor hits for heavy metal in his earbuds, and what he’s learned documenting press events for celebrities like Billy Joel and Dolly Parton. Whether you're into gear talk, performance anxiety, or creative inspiration, this episode offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at balancing multiple passions and turning them into art."I like the contrast of just ridiculously hard metal in my ears while people are like visibly dancing to Shout because it just makes it fun for me.”Rock with Samsamhurdphotography.cominstagram.com/iamthesamyoutube.com/samhurdphotoPrisms on SpotifyPrisms on Apple MusicPic-TimeColorwareDJI Mic 2Insta360 X5OSMO Pocket 3 Cool Edit Pro (now Adobe Audition)The tour(00:00) - From Instruments to Images: A Photographer's Odyssey (03:00) - Transition to Guitar and Self-Taught Journey (08:47) - From Music to Photography (11:02) - The Prism Band and Photography Connection (14:47) - First Professional Photography Job (19:23) - Performing Music and Its Influence on Photography (25:26) - The Importance of Audio in Videography (34:42) - Hot Seat Questions This episode of Lenses & Lyrics is brought to you by Pic-Time and Flodesk. Work smarter not harder with the best photo selection, photo editing and email marketing tools available for your photography businesses.

Ever felt the itch to perform, only to be held back by self-doubt or expectations? What if you didn’t have to prove anything to anyone and could simply enjoy your craft, just for you?Fresh off a beach vacation, I reflect on being invited on stage by a musician friend, and why I chose to stay in the crowd. Revisiting my days at Berklee College of Music, I explore how even top musicians like John Mayer don’t always follow the expected path, and how stepping back from pressure can help you rediscover pure enjoyment in your passion projects, whether it’s music, photography, or any creative pursuit.“I enjoy the lack of pressure. I enjoy doing it for me. So if you’re a photographer, if you’re a videographer and you play music and you’ve got that urge to play more, just remember, there’s no pressure. If you want to do it for you, do it for you.”Additional Resources Mentioned:Ultimate GuitarSmartless with John MayerBerklee College of MusicIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow creative who might need a reminder: you don’t have to perform for anyone but yourself. Subscribe to Lenses & Lyrics for more conversations about balancing passion and pressure. This episode of Lenses & Lyrics is brought to you by Pic-Time and Flodesk. Work smarter not harder with the best photo selection, photo editing and email marketing tools available for your photography businesses.

Ever wonder how the rhythm of music can shape a photographer’s vision? On this episode, a renowned photographer and lifelong musician shares how his creative paths have always been intertwined, revealing lessons and stories that just might change how you see (and hear) the world.Rick Sammon, a photographer, musician, author of 43 books, and educator, joins me to explore the profound connections between music and photography.From dreaming of jamming with Santana to studying composition at Berklee College of Music, Rick Sammon’s creative journey started with music before photography took center stage. He talks about growing up with a TV-director father, discovering photography through chance publication, and his enduring passion for both guitar and camera. Rick dives into lessons learned at Woodstock, how music reorganized his approach to seeing, and why his bestselling book has no pictures at all. We also explore healthy living, inspiration, and why sometimes "imitating is one of the best ways to create."“There's a big difference between listening and hearing... In photography there's a big difference between looking and seeing.” – Rick SammonRock with Rickricksammon.cominstagram.com/ricksammonphotographyRick's music roomRick's booksHarey BensonChordifySteal Like an ArtistThe tour(00:00) - Rick Sammon (00:41) - Learning Guitar and Early Experiences (02:13) - Berklee College of Music (04:14) - Combining Music and Visual Arts (07:19) - Defining Moments in Music (09:45) - Transition to Photography (17:16) - Woodstock Memories and Reflections (18:53) - Dream Bands to Jam With (22:19) - The Art of Listening and Seeing (28:25) - Health and Inspiration in Photography (30:54) - Musical Playlists for Creativity Note: In this episode I mention seeing a show from Stevie Ray Vaughan at Berklee. I was incorrect. It was actually Steve Vai. This episode of Lenses & Lyrics is brought to you by Pic-Time and Flodesk. Work smarter not harder with the best photo selection, photo editing and email marketing tools available for your photography businesses.

In this episode of Lenses and Lyrics, our host speaks with David Scott Bowles, a seasoned photographer and musician, about his journey in the music industry and how it has shaped his career in photography. David shares stories from his time in various bands, his son’s budding musical career, memorable performances, and the creative transition to photography. He also discusses the influence of music on his current work, the connection between stage performance and camera presence, and the unique experiences that continue to inspire his art. This episode is filled with personal anecdotes, industry insights, and advice for aspiring artists balancing multiple creative passions.Rock with Daviddavidscottbowles.coinstagram.com/dsbweddingsParty At Her PlaceABeautifulElegyShipshape and Bristol FashionDavis FreemanJohnny Cash AutobiographyThe tour(00:00) - Room recording - Apr 11, 2025 (00:36) - Son's Musical Journey (01:48) - David's Band History (06:40) - Transition to Photography (08:01) - Connecting with Clients (10:20) - Event Speaking and Networking (13:31) - Performing and Photography Insights (15:36) - Stage Lighting Preferences (15:51) - Local Venue Experience (16:44) - Microphone Preferences (18:33) - Music and Photography (20:05) - Band History and Influences (22:29) - Dream Photography Subjects This episode of Lenses & Lyrics is brought to you by Pic-Time and Flodesk. Work smarter not harder with the best photo selection, photo editing and email marketing tools available for your photography businesses.

Embark on a nostalgic journey through the intertwined world of music and photography with host Scott Wyden Kivowitz, in the debut episode of Lenses & Lyrics. Discover how a clarinet's melody paved the way to capturing powerful photographic images, as Scott reminisces about his vibrant past as a musician and band photographer."I love music. I love photography... it is one thing that has kept me connected to my roots."In This Episode:Scott's unexpected start with the clarinet and his ambitions at Berklee College of MusicTransition from aspiring musician to passionate photographerThe evolution of bands: 20 Minutes to Nowhere, Sever the Stars, and FairmontThe intersection of music theory and photography skillsThe inspiration for the Lenses & Lyrics podcast and its fascinating future guestsExplore more about Scott's musical past at scottwyden.com/musicJoin us on this auditory journey by tuning into episode one of Lenses & Lyrics. Let this be your gateway into a series of compelling conversations bridging photography and music. Subscribe now and never miss an episode!(00:00) - 01 (02:12) - Scott's Musical Journey Begins (02:54) - College and Career Shifts (05:10) - Band Experiences and Transitions (09:32) - Photography and Music Intersect (11:06) - Current Life and Future Episodes This episode of Lenses & Lyrics is brought to you by Pic-Time and Flodesk. Work smarter not harder with the best photo selection, photo editing and email marketing tools available for your photography businesses.