BLACKRAPID RADIO - PODCAST

BlackRapid Media

Pro Photographer & BlackRapid Founder Ron Henry invites you to join him to chat with photographers, entrepreneurs, and celebrities from around the world.

  1. Jun 1

    015 Zai, Embracing Beautiful Accidents. Photography, Emotion, & Connection – BLACKRAPID Podcast

    In this inspiring episode of the BLACKRAPID Podcast, host Ron Henry sits down with visual storyteller Zai (@zaitoldme) — a fine-art photographer and cinematographer whose work blends raw emotion, cultural truth, and beautiful accidents. Zai shares how he broke into the art world the old-fashioned way — with hustle. He took his photos, printed them, and walked around events like Art Basel with his work in hand. That same hustle and authenticity still defines everything he creates today. https://youtu.be/yKJUE0Fo498 He opens up about his legendary 4-month cross-country project documenting a runner, where he learned to embrace "beautiful accidents," stay flexible, and let the images speak for themselves. He also reveals his ambitious 6-year Hair Project — a sweeping body of work exploring Black American hair history from the 16th century to today. The project serves as both a living history book and a powerful call to support the Crown Act (2022 legislation that protects Black and brown people from discrimination based on their natural hair textures in schools, workplaces, and public spaces). Zai shares deeply personal stories: growing up in Texas barber shops where hair was celebrated and transformative ("leaving feeling like kings") versus being asked to cut his hair or leave environments because it "didn't fit the box America wanted to put us in." We also dive into: His early project "Black Boys Lie" (inspired by Kendrick Lamar's "Black Boy Fly") and why storytelling gives people a glimpse of hope Transitioning from film to stills and the unexpected lessons weddings taught him Documentary work, voiceover narration, and the boxing project His black-and-white photography that makes images feel rather than just look beautiful The spiritual foundation behind his art — power of attraction, frequencies, and staying connected to a higher vibration Why independent artists are thriving right now and how to own your style without copying anyone If you're a photographer, filmmaker, or creative who believes in authentic storytelling, cultural impact, and doing things your own way, this conversation will move you. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Zai's world lately 15:49 – The 4-month runner project & embracing beautiful accidents 21:35 – Life after the project & going with the flow 27:40 – Spirituality, frequencies & the power of attraction 29:35 – "Free, untethered comfort at ease" explained 36:45 – Ron's story: launching BLACKRAPID in 2008 during the crash 38:53 – Film work, documentaries & voiceover (boxing project) 46:58 – Lessons from wedding photography "boot camp" 52:12 – The 6-Year Hair Project & the Crown Act (powerful personal stories) 57:35 – Growing up in Texas barber shops & experiences with discrimination 1:00:56 – Following your dreams & not taking opportunities for granted 1:01:33 – "Black Boys Lie" project & Kendrick Lamar inspiration 1:03:12 – Final thoughts & Zai as a role model Watch until the end for Zai's closing wisdom. Drop a comment: What's one project you've been working on for years that means the most to you? Subscribe for more real conversations with photographers who are changing the game. Guest: Zai Host: Ron Henry of BLACKRAPID Producer: Bry Cox of BryCox.com Links Zai's Website – zaitoldme.com Zai's Instagram – @zaitoldme BLACKRAPID Camera Straps – blackrapid.com BLACKRAPID Media – blackrapidmedia.com Subscribe for more inspiring photography conversations! #BLACKRAPIDPodcast #ZaiPhotography #CrownAct #HairProject #BlackHair #DocumentaryPhotography #BlackAndWhitePhotography #PowerOfAttraction #CulturalStorytelling #Zaitoldme #ArtBasel

    015 Zai, Embracing Beautiful Accidents. Photography, Emotion, & Connection – BLACKRAPID Podcast
  2. 10/29/2025

    012 Kevin Wilson, NY Rock Photographer – BLACKRAPID Podcast

    Kevin Wilson is a New York City photographer who moves between music (rock, metal, Live Nation), the New York Fire Department, breaking news, crime scenes, and corporate work — often in the same week. In this episode, Kevin talks about how he got his start shooting concerts through industry connections, the unexpected path that led him to becoming a contract photographer for the FDNY (including funerals and major fires), and how he stays ready with a constantly packed go-bag. He also shares the story behind his successful hot sauce side business and why he believes versatility is essential for surviving in today's photography industry. Kevin is a long-time BLACKRAPID user (Double Strap) and speaks highly of the durability of the straps after thousands of events. A high-energy conversation about hustle, pivoting, and building a career that doesn't fit in one box. Kevin Wilson, a rock and concert photographer in New York. Ron Henry (founder of BLACKRAPID) and Kevin talk about Kevin's line of custom hot sauce, shooting rock bands and nailing the timing of an image on stage, plus photographing fires for the NY fire department, and Kevin's camera gear load-out for events in New York.   Kevin's portfolio https://www.kevinrcwilson.com   Kevin's Unsellable Hot Sauce https://www.unsellablehotsauce.com   BLACKRAPID Camera Straps https://www.blackrapid.com   BLACKRAPID Media https://www.blackrapidmedia.com

    012 Kevin Wilson, NY Rock Photographer – BLACKRAPID Podcast
  3. 03/23/2021

    009 Bry Cox, Commercial & Portrait Photographer – BlackRapid Podcast

    In this episode of the BLACKRAPID Podcast, Ron sits down with Bry Cox, a Utah-based professional photographer known for clean, polished celebrity, politician, and news-team headshots. Bry shares how he built a long career that started in a photo lab, moved into portraits and weddings, and eventually expanded into teaching workshops around the world. He talks about the realities of working fast with high-profile clients, developing your own style, knowing your strengths (and when to hire help), and the "hierarchy of threes" he uses in his workshops. The conversation also covers practical business advice for photographers just starting out, the shift in the industry during COVID, and how the profession continues to change with social media, trade shows, and client expectations. A solid episode for anyone who shoots portraits or is building a photography business. Ron Henry and Bry Cox talk about creativity, style, adding emotion to images, commercial photography, lighting, adapting during Covid – and motorcycles of course. Bry Cox is a Gold Medalist out of 25,000 international photographers, has owned a studio in Utah for over 25 years. He teaches workshops throughout the US and abroad, is an Adobe Software Evangelist, is a PPA Master/Craftsman about 13 times over. Ron Henry and Bry Cox talk creativity, style, adding emotion to images, commercial photography, adapting during Covid, and motorcycles.  BlackRapid Media – https://www.blackrapidmedia.com Bry Cox's Portrait Site – https://BryCox.com Bry Cox's Commercial Site – https://BryCoxPro.com Bry Cox's Training Site – https://BryCoxWorkshops.com Instagram – https://Instagram.com/BryCoxStudio

    009 Bry Cox, Commercial & Portrait Photographer – BlackRapid Podcast
4.8
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Pro Photographer & BlackRapid Founder Ron Henry invites you to join him to chat with photographers, entrepreneurs, and celebrities from around the world.