Lenses & Lyrics - A Photography and Music Podcast

Can music turn your mind into a movie theater? This week on Lenses & Lyrics, discover how Dream Theater’s "Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory" transforms sound into vivid internal cinema. No screen required.Audio and visual art can merge at any moment, anywhere you are, because your mind is the ultimate projector.Listen to Dream Theater’s album in a quiet space, close your eyes, and let the album paint its story across your imagination. Then, share your experience with us. Did you see the opera unfold in your head? Join the discussion in The Dojo, on Spotify or YouTube.Rock the albumdreamtheater.neton Apple Musicon Spotify 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 wondered what happens when artificial intelligence composes a song about the history of photography? On this episode of Lenses & Lyrics, we explore the intersection of music, technology, and the evolution of capturing images, all wrapped up in an original AI-generated folk pop song.Listen to the AI-composed "History of Photography Song" and share your thoughts! Leave your feedback on Spotify, YouTube, or within The Dojo. 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 wondered what happens when the man behind Aquaman swaps his trident for a Leica camera and a bass guitar? Discover the pulse and passion behind Jason Momoa’s creative journey beyond Hollywood. This episode explores how rhythm shapes not just art, but life.instagram.com/oof_tatatainstagram.com/prideofgypsiesReady to find your own rhythm? Hit play and explore the intersection of photography and music that will make you see creativity in a whole new light. Subscribe for more stories that blend sound, vision, and heart. 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.

Learn how to capture deep emotional connections through music photography and visual storytelling. In this episode, photographer, singer, and ukulele player Elsa Thomasson joins the show to discuss the intersecting creative paths of visual and musical art.Elsa shares her journey from singing Édith Piaf as a child to performing at intimate acoustic weddings, detailing how a musician’s sensitive ear can completely reshape the photographer’s eye and creative process."I focus more on maybe energy, emotions. I’m not interested in playing ukulele just without singing. So I think the singing is getting all the ukulele and the ukulele is just serving to highlight the song or the singing."Rock with Elsaelsathomasson.comyoutube.com/channel/UC2i16M6wqiB4WeFz66AisbAinstagram.com/elsathomassonphotographieinstagram.com/elsa_thomasson_musiquefacebook.com/elsathomassonphotographieSpotifyBandcampThe tour(00:00) - Between Melodies and Memories with Elsa Thomasson (00:31) - ‌ (01:18) - Early Singing Roots (02:56) - Why Ukulele (05:37) - Confidence and Technique (09:23) - Photography Origin Story (14:23) - Singing at Weddings (23:46) - One Take Pressure (28:04) - Self Care for Wedding Days (29:41) - Photos as Folk Pop (32:16) - Wrap Up and Where to Listen 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 love for concerts collides with a passion for capturing moments? Discover how one photographer blurs the lines between fan and documentarian, turning chaotic energy into unforgettable imagery, sometimes even at the risk of injury.This week, Emily Hartmann joins the show. A seasoned band photographer hailing from Long Island, Emily Hartmann made her name by simply showing up, camera in hand.From DIY photo passes as a teenager to professional shoots at rock festivals, Emily Hartmann's journey is all about access, authenticity, and sometimes choosing to enjoy the mosh pit with her own eyes. She shares candid stories about technical missteps, the unique bond she builds in the pit, and why every member of a band, especially drummers, deserve their moment in the spotlight. Whether discussing gear essentials, imposter syndrome, or how photographing bands shapes her experience as a music fan, Emily Hartmann proves you don’t need to separate artistry from fun."I just started like cold emailing bands and I was like, hey, please let me come photograph. You get some that bite."Rock with Emilyemilyhartmann.cominstagram.com/photosxbyeminstagram.com/reels/DWhPhECEdsRJupio Tri-ChargeJupio USB-C Chargable BatteriesThe tour(00:00) - Emily Hartmann (01:27) - From Shows to Photo Passes (07:00) - Mistakes and Gear Essentials (10:18) - Fisheye Style and Pit Stories (14:18) - Hunting for the Photo (16:06) - Silent Shows? (17:46) - Scene Community and Fan Moments (27:04) - Style Genre and What’s Next 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.

Discover how skate, punk, and hip hop culture got its visual identity through the lens of someone who lived the scene, not just observed it. This episode explores the gritty, genuine artistry of Glen E. Friedman and how his raw approach redefined music and skate photography.Through firsthand experience and street-level authenticity, Glen E. Friedman photographed legends before fame touched their names. From backyard pools in Dogtown with the Z Boys to punk icons like Ian McKay and Henry Rollins, Glen documented history as it happened. His relentless DIY ethic led him to publish books like "Fuck You Heroes" and defend his photos in court, setting standards for creative ownership and self-reliance.Rock with Glennburningflags.cominstagram.com/glenefriedmanBooks on AmazonListen now to uncover the importance of staying true to your vision and owning your story. Subscribe to Lenses & Lyrics for more stories where music and photography intersect.Photo of Glen on cover from unknown source (via Wikipedia) 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 if anyone with a computer could create lifelike photos or write music - no camera or guitar required? AI is rewriting the creative playbook for both photographers and musicians, and change isn’t coming, it's here.This episode of Lenses & Lyrics explores how AI is transforming both photography and music - from making it possible for anyone to generate lifelike images with a prompt, to composing full-fledged songs at the click of a button."You need to adopt and adapt with AI. Use it."The tour(00:00) - AI Is Changing Photography & Music for Everyone (01:56) - Where AI Hits Hardest: Product, Real Estate & Automated Campaigns (02:50) - The Music Crossover: Prompting AI to Write Songs (03:44) - Adapt or Get Left Behind: Using AI in Your Creative Workflow (04:39) - Setting Up the Gemini Song Experiment (Genres + Lyrics On Screen) (05:10) - Gemini Songs 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 your love for music literally shapes the way you frame the world? On this episode of Lenses & Lyrics, meet someone who’s spun tracks, engineered albums, and tells musical stories through every photo.This week, Scott Wyden Kivowitz sits down with Ash, a DJ, music engineer, producer, and concert photographer whose journey maps the rhythm between sound and vision.From DJing and producing in the studio to photographing live music events, Ash shares the twists and turns of building a creative career out of passion, and the necessity of staying nimble. You'll hear about learning production at Full Sail, owning a studio, pivoting during the pandemic, and eventually finding an outlet in concert photography. Ash opens up about seeing live music through a photographer’s eye, why house and alternative hip hop fuel editing marathons, and offers candid advice for those seeking to photograph shows, even if the music isn’t their thing."If I'm hearing a song that is making me vibe, I'm more inspired in that moment, more than ever to go and get the shot that I'm thinking of."Rock with Ashashthephotog.comasherpleasemakemusic.comAsh on SoundCloudinstagram.com/ash.the.photo.gthreads.com/@ash.the.photo.gThe BTS NewsletterFull SailThe tour(00:00) - Balancing the Beat & Photography with Ash (04:36) - Challenges and Adaptations (10:20) - Photography and New Beginnings (22:08) - Connecting with the Artist's Vision (24:34) - Defining Moments in Concert Photography (29:10) - The Open Mic Experience (32:10) - Gear and Techniques for Concert Photography 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 wondered what the inside of a grand piano or violin looks like? This episode is your backstage pass to a breathtaking world where music meets architectural wonder, hidden inside the very instruments that create the sounds we love.The spotlight is on Charles Brooks, a professional cellist turned visionary photographer. I unpack Brooks's remarkable series "Architecture in Music," which uses advanced macro photography to unveil the awe-inspiring structures inside musical instruments. What looks like concert halls or ancient cathedrals are, in fact, the intricate inner workings of instruments like cellos, pianos, and guitars. Discover how Brooks’s unique background in music profoundly shapes his visual storytelling, and why seeing these hidden worlds might forever change how you listen to music.Rock with Charlesinstagram.com/charlescellistarchitectureinmusic.comcharlesbrooks.info 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.