The Photographer Mindset

Seth Macey & Aaron Mannes

The Photographer Mindset is a podcast specifically created for photographers, and those who believe their purpose is to create, inspire and develop into their full potential. The photographer mindset podcast was initiated to help creative individuals understand that their success depends on more than just skill and dedication. In this podcast we learn to develop a winning mindset based on attitude and out of the box thinking strategies so that we can grow our clients, brand recognition & confidence. We want to work smarter towards our goals, not harder.

  1. Lily Henry - A Professional Colorist’s Guide to Better Visual Storytelling

    6D AGO

    Lily Henry - A Professional Colorist’s Guide to Better Visual Storytelling

    Lily Henry (@lilyhenrycolor) is a professional colorist with a background in photography and a career that spans working on projects for Marvel Studios, Bauer commercials, and even animated hits like Into the Spider-Verse. What does it take to bring a director’s vision to life through color? How do you balance technical precision with artistic creativity? And what’s the secret to making skin tones, lighting, and mood feel just right on any screen? In a world where every screen is different, how do you ensure your work looks stunning everywhere, from a calibrated studio monitor to an iPhone on public transit? Expect to Learn: How to let your footage and raw photographs guide your editing choicesHow to maintain consistency across a portfolio of images or set of scenesHow to spot inconsistencies and approach your work with a fresh perspectiveWhy you should always aim to be "second best" in your creative or professional circleHow to reduce eye strain and improve your color perception. Sponsors: Thanks to Tamron for sponsoring this episode! Start the New Year with up to $300 off select lenses during their Winter Savings event, now through February 8, 2026. Save on lenses for Sony E-mount, Nikon Z-mount, and FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless cameras.  Explore here at www.tamron-americas.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

    54 min
  2. Brooke Littlebear - How to Thrive Without Having All the Answers

    FEB 2

    Brooke Littlebear - How to Thrive Without Having All the Answers

    Brooke Littlebear (@brookelittlebear) is an incredible wildlife photographer, bear guide, homesteader, and adventurer with a life as unconventional as her career. From living in a camper on her remote property, complete with baby dolls in trees and elk skulls, to guiding bear expeditions in Alaska, Brooke’s journey is a mix of grit, humor, and wild inspiration. So how does a fiercely independent spirit turn a love for bears, photography, and the outdoors into a fruitful and lucrative life unlike any other? Expect to Learn: How embracing the mindset of "the more you know, the less you know" reignites passion in photographyHow meticulous planning and moments of pure luck both play a role in capturing iconic imagesHow to reframe your mindset in a way that eliminates self-doubt How to stay true to what you love while building a sustainable careerBrooke's Website: https://littlebearwildlife.com/ Brooke's Guiding Business Website: https://www.thinkwildexp.com/ Sponsors: Thanks to Tamron for sponsoring this episode! Kick off the New Year with up to $300 off select lenses during their Winter Savings event, now through February 8, 2026. Upgrade your gear with exceptional lenses for Sony E-mount, Nikon Z-mount, and FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless cameras. Explore here at www.tamron-americas.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

    1h 15m
  3. Why Boredom Unlocks Creativity and Improves Our Output

    JAN 26

    Why Boredom Unlocks Creativity and Improves Our Output

    Is boredom the secret to creativity? Can slowing down actually make you more productive? And how do you find balance in a world that demands constant hustle? Aaron and Seth dive into the art of intention, the meditative beauty of photography, and why embracing stillness might be your ultimate creative edge. Expect to Learn: Why crafting a strong narrative is essential for elevating your work and standing out as a creatorHow slowing down and embracing intentionality can help creators struggling to manage multiple projectsHow to reconnect with your craft and find joy in the processHow focusing on one task at a time with clear purpose improves your creative outputWhy reducing reliance on social media and other hyper-stimulating activities will reset your brain and make creative work more fulfillingSponsors: Thanks to Tamron for sponsoring this episode! Start the New Year with up to $300 off select lenses during their Winter Savings event, now through February 8, 2026. Save on lenses for Sony E-mount, Nikon Z-mount, and FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless cameras.  Explore here at www.tamron-americas.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

    56 min
  4. Dave Sandford - Adapting to the Evolving World of Photography

    JAN 19

    Dave Sandford - Adapting to the Evolving World of Photography

    Dave Sandford (@davesandford) is a renowned wildlife photographer and polar bear guide. What happens when a celebrated photographer steps out from behind the lens and into a new role? In this episode, Dave shares his journey through a 30-year career, from capturing stunning images of polar bears to navigating the evolving photography industry. We discuss imposter syndrome, the power of storytelling, and finding joy in guiding others to connect with nature. How do we adapt, stay inspired, and remain true to our creative passions? Expect to Learn: The importance of focusing on creating fewer, high-quality imagesHow to navigate shifts in the photography industry and make yourself more competitiveHow even seasoned professionals deal with self-doubt and push through itHow stepping into adjacent roles can open new doors in your creative careerHow to identify what makes your perspective or skills uniqueDave's Website: https://www.davesandfordphotos.com/ Sponsors: Thanks to Tamron for sponsoring this episode! Kick off the New Year with up to $300 off select lenses during their Winter Savings event, now through February 8, 2026. Upgrade your gear with exceptional lenses for Sony E-mount, Nikon Z-mount, and FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless cameras. Explore here at www.tamron-americas.com Thanks to WhiteWall for being our secondary sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want the highest-quality prints: 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

    1h 39m
  5. Aaron's 2025 Year in Review: The Wins, Challenges, and Takeaways

    JAN 12

    Aaron's 2025 Year in Review: The Wins, Challenges, and Takeaways

    It’s the start of 2026, and Aaron is following Seth's episode with a solo episode of his own reflecting on the win, challenges, and takeaways of 2025 for him. Expect to hear Aaron dive into the art of slowing down, the importance of listening to your body, and how a year of "settling in" brought clarity and peace. He shares insights on balancing creativity with consistency, the joy of fostering meaningful relationships, and why happiness truly comes from within. Plus, Aaron opens up about the challenges of running injuries, the lessons learned from back surgery, and how rekindling his love for music became a full-circle moment. This episode is packed with honesty, humor, and a whole lot of life lessons. Expect to Learn: How embracing stillness and being present can lead to deeper self-awareness and fulfillmentThe importance of recognizing and addressing physical red flags before they escalate into bigger issuesWhy true happiness isn’t outsourced to external validationInsights on maintaining steady work, fostering client relationships, and finding joy in creative endeavorsHow fostering close relationships and spending time with loved ones can be the most rewarding investment of timeSponsors: Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want the highest-quality prints: 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

    54 min
  6. Seth's 2025 Year in Review: The Highs, Lows, and Lessons

    JAN 5

    Seth's 2025 Year in Review: The Highs, Lows, and Lessons

    It’s the start of 2026, and I’m (Seth) kicking things off with a solo episode reflecting on the highs, lows, and lessons of 2025. Expect to learn how I balanced the artistic mind with the business mind, why stepping away from social media made me a more fulfilled creator, the surprising productivity of stillness and boredom, and how I found deeper meaning in my video work. I’ll also share lessons from running injuries, the joy of teaching my niece and nephew about nature, and why my dog learning to swim became an unexpected highlight of 2025 along with much, much more.... Expect to Learn: Why you should set three challenging goals each year that have a 50% chance of failureHow to identify and finish incomplete tasks or projects to reduce mental clutterWhy eliminating social media can improve your creative outputHow dedicating 20-30 minutes to complete stillness will help you come up with solutions to problemsHow to apply the "3-2-1 system" to structure your day for ultimate productivity and eliminate the non-essentialSponsors: Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want the highest-quality prints! 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

    1h 16m
  7. Ian Jones - How Independent Creators Can Win Over Clients from Big Agencies

    2025-12-29

    Ian Jones - How Independent Creators Can Win Over Clients from Big Agencies

    Ian Jones (@iansjones) is a Pittsburgh-based commercial photographer and creative strategist known for crafting bold, story-driven visuals for brands and businesses, with a focus on content that connects, performs, and stands out. Expect to Learn:  How to tactfully ask potential clients about their current marketing effortsThe importance of educating clients about what they’re missing from or overpaying to social/marketing agenciesHow to create mock-up ads or showcase relevant portfolio work that demonstrates your capabilitiesHow being a local creator can give you an edge over large marketing agenciesHow explaining your process can help win over clients who may feel jaded by previous experiences.Ian's Website: https://www.isjdesigns.com/ Sponsors: Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want the highest-quality prints! 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

    56 min
  8. Lessons in Resilience, Collaboration, and Pricing Your Value

    2025-12-22

    Lessons in Resilience, Collaboration, and Pricing Your Value

    In this episode, Seth and Aaron catch up on life’s recent challenges and wins. Aaron shares his journey through back surgery recovery, while Seth reflects on creative growth and pricing strategies. They also dive into a unique collaboration where Aaron’s 10-year-old son lent his voice to a video project for Seth, showcasing the power of collaboration and authenticity. Expect to Learn: How small, consistent efforts lead to meaningful progress over timehow to approach creative teamwork with professionalism and authenticityWhy taking time to look back on your progress helps you stay motivatedHow to navigate setbacks and use them as opportunities for growthSponsors: Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want the highest-quality prints! https://www.whitewall.com/ Thanks also to the National Park Foundation for sponsoring today’s episode. Enter the Share the Experience photo contest for a chance to win $10,000 and prizes from Celestron, Historic Hotels of America, and YETI. The grand prize winner’s photo could be featured on the America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass. Deadline to submit is December 31st 2025!  Submit your best shots now at sharetheexperience.org/tpm 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

    55 min
5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

The Photographer Mindset is a podcast specifically created for photographers, and those who believe their purpose is to create, inspire and develop into their full potential. The photographer mindset podcast was initiated to help creative individuals understand that their success depends on more than just skill and dedication. In this podcast we learn to develop a winning mindset based on attitude and out of the box thinking strategies so that we can grow our clients, brand recognition & confidence. We want to work smarter towards our goals, not harder.

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