Behind The Lenz, A Photographers Life

Andrew Risbey

"Behind the Lenz" delivers light-hearted and engaging conversations offering valuable insights into the diverse lives of professional photographers across the globe. Hear personal stories and practical advice from individuals carving out careers in various genres. This is a must-listen for aspiring photographers seeking guidance, a comforting listen for seasoned pros, and a fascinating glimpse into the passion and dedication required to make a living behind the lenz, wherever they may be.

  1. Why Cats Rule the Photography World - Beyond the Bark

    07/07/2025

    Why Cats Rule the Photography World - Beyond the Bark

    Join us this week on "Behind the Lenz: A Photographer's Life" as I sits down with the incredibly passionate and insightful Alex Class, https://www.alexclass.com a photographer whose journey into the art world is as unique as his current specialty.From a vibrant career as a professional musician in Italy, playing double bass and electric bass for renowned artists, Alex's path unexpectedly led him behind the camera. He shares how his father's love for photography sparked an initial interest, which later blossomed into a full-blown passion after documenting his beloved dog's final months. This profound experience revealed the incredible power of photography to create lasting emotional connections and led him to a truly distinctive niche.Now based in North London, Alex focuses almost exclusively on cats, with a significant portion of his clientele being "crazy cat ladies" – a title he embraces with infectious enthusiasm! Discover why he chose to concentrate on felines in a dog-dominated industry, the unique challenges and exhilarating rewards of photographing these often-unpredictable creatures, and how his reportage background perfectly equips him for the "uncontrollable" moments that make for truly authentic images.Alex also reveals his fascinating on-location workflow, from his minimalist approach to equipment (sometimes just a camera and a specific lens!) to his unique "photo reveal" process in clients' homes. More than just a photographer, Alex views his work as a celebration of the "now," fostering deep, trusting relationships with his clients and their furry family members. This episode is a heart warming and thought-provoking exploration of creativity, connection, and the profound impact of capturing life's most precious, fleeting moments.

    1h 21m
  2. Why Cats rule the photography World - Beyond the Bark

    07/07/2025

    Why Cats rule the photography World - Beyond the Bark

    Join us this week on "Behind the Lenz: A Photographer's Life" as I sits down with the incredibly passionate and insightful Alex Class, a photographer whose journey into the art world is as unique as his current specialty. From a vibrant career as a professional musician in Italy, playing double bass and electric bass for renowned artists, Alex's path unexpectedly led him behind the camera. He shares how his father's love for photography sparked an initial interest, which later blossomed into a full-blown passion after documenting his beloved dog's final months. This profound experience revealed the incredible power of photography to create lasting emotional connections and led him to a truly distinctive niche. Now based in North London, Alex focuses almost exclusively on cats, with a significant portion of his clientele being "crazy cat ladies" – a title he embraces with infectious enthusiasm! Discover why he chose to concentrate on felines in a dog-dominated industry, the unique challenges and exhilarating rewards of photographing these often-unpredictable creatures, and how his reportage background perfectly equips him for the "uncontrollable" moments that make for truly authentic images. Alex also reveals his fascinating on-location workflow, from his minimalist approach to equipment (sometimes just a camera and a specific lens!) to his unique "photo reveal" process in clients' homes. More than just a photographer, Alex views his work as a celebration of the "now," fostering deep, trusting relationships with his clients and their furry family members. This episode is a heart warming and thought-provoking exploration of creativity, connection, and the profound impact of capturing life's most precious, fleeting moments.

    1h 21m
  3. 06/30/2025

    The Engineer, The Layoff, and The Lens: How Motorola's Fall Forged Florida's Top Photographer

    This week on "Behind the Lens: A Photographer's Life," prepare for a captivating journey with Janine, the visionary photographer whose path to artistic entrepreneurship was unexpectedly paved by the seismic shifts within a corporate giant. Andrew unravels Janine's extraordinary story, beginning in the high-stakes world of Motorola, where she, as a mechanical engineer, was at the forefront of cell phone battery design. But the corporate landscape shifted dramatically. Janine reveals how the very challenges and mass layoffs faced by Motorola—a company that once seemed invincible—became the catalyst for her bold pivot. Discover the "golden handcuffs" she broke free from and the profound realization that controlling her own destiny was paramount. From the meticulous precision of engineering to the evocative artistry of portraiture, Janine's narrative is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Learn how her technical mind found its ultimate creative outlet, leading her to specialize in capturing the fleeting, magical moments of childhood and family. This episode isn't just about a career change; it's a deep dive into the unexpected opportunities that can arise from disruption, the power of a "Disney-fied" client experience, and how one woman built a thriving studio that became Florida's most cherished chronicle of family life. Janine's story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the end of one chapter is simply the dramatic opening of another, even more extraordinary one.

    56 min
  4. The Engineer, The Layoff, and The Lens: How Motorola's Fall Forged Florida's Top Photographer

    06/30/2025

    The Engineer, The Layoff, and The Lens: How Motorola's Fall Forged Florida's Top Photographer

    This week on "Behind the Lens: A Photographer's Life," prepare for a captivating journey with Janine, the visionary photographer whose path to artistic entrepreneurship was unexpectedly paved by the seismic shifts within a corporate giant. Andrew unravels Janine's extraordinary story, beginning in the high-stakes world of Motorola, where she, as a mechanical engineer, was at the forefront of cell phone battery design. But the corporate landscape shifted dramatically. Janine reveals how the very challenges and mass layoffs faced by Motorola—a company that once seemed invincible—became the catalyst for her bold pivot. Discover the "golden handcuffs" she broke free from and the profound realization that controlling her own destiny was paramount. From the meticulous precision of engineering to the evocative artistry of portraiture, Janine's narrative is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Learn how her technical mind found its ultimate creative outlet, leading her to specialize in capturing the fleeting, magical moments of childhood and family. This episode isn't just about a career change; it's a deep dive into the unexpected opportunities that can arise from disruption, the power of a "Disney-fied" client experience, and how one woman built a thriving studio that became Florida's most cherished chronicle of family life. Janine's story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the end of one chapter is simply the dramatic opening of another, even more extraordinary one.

    56 min

About

"Behind the Lenz" delivers light-hearted and engaging conversations offering valuable insights into the diverse lives of professional photographers across the globe. Hear personal stories and practical advice from individuals carving out careers in various genres. This is a must-listen for aspiring photographers seeking guidance, a comforting listen for seasoned pros, and a fascinating glimpse into the passion and dedication required to make a living behind the lenz, wherever they may be.