Shoot Wisely the Creators Podcast with Amir Ebrahimi

Amir Ebrahimi
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Visual Arts
  • Updated Monthly

Hosted by photographer and documentarian Amir Ebrahimi, the Shoot Wisely Podcast explores the creative process through honest conversations with artists, filmmakers, photographers, designers, writers, and other inspiring creators.  With more than 20 years of production experience, Amir has traveled the world documenting a wide range of stories, from covering the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, to producing social issue campaigns for the Ethiopian Health Ministry, to extensive NBA coverage on and off the court, and documenting life inside Cambodian orphanages. Each episode dives into the journey behind the work: the experiences, struggles, inspirations, and moments that shaped each guest’s creative path. While the show has a strong focus on photographers, cinematographers, and visual storytellers, the conversations remain open to creators from every discipline who are driven by curiosity and the need to make something meaningful. Shoot Wisely is less about rigid interviews and more about authentic dialogue exploring the who, what, where, and why behind creativity, with occasional insight into the tools and techniques each artist uses along the way. At its core, the podcast exists to inspire people to create fearlessly, think deeply, and ultimately, shoot wisely. If you enjoy the show, please leave a review and share it with someone who loves the creative process.

  1. Jul 21

    29 - Brendan McKay - Embracing Authenticity and Creativity in Photography and Car Culture

    Explore the insights of Brendan McKay as he reflects on his journey through photography, car culture, and the influence of personal experiences. This conversation delves into the importance of intentionality, the evolving relationship with art, and how life moments shape creative expression. Key Topics Brendan's background in finance and transition into photographyThe role of family and childhood experiences in shaping his love for cars and photographyEvolution of car culture across the East and West CoastsThe significance of capturing authentic moments versus curated aestheticThe impact of social media on creative expression and self-perceptionFinding purpose through art and recognizing burnout or shifts in passionThe interplay between film and digital photography, experimentation, and manipulationThe importance of intentionality in photography—acting with presence and purposePersonal reflections on mortality, loss, and the motivation to create meaningful workBrendan's upcoming exhibitions, projects, and aspirations for future workTimestamps 01:00 - Opening questions and Brendan’s background  03:48 - Brendan’s move from East Coast to West Coast  06:09 - Family influence and early photography interests  010:33 - The evolution of car culture and personal car history  13:56 - Moments of discovery in car community and photography 19:13 - Intentionality in vehicle and portrait photography  24:20 - The challenge and liberation of social media engagement  27:10 - The profound shift in art for the artist versus audience  34:35 - Balancing passion projects with day job in finance  39:26 - Recognizing shifts and emptiness in car-based photography  44:27 - Exploring film versus digital mediums  46:29 - The significance of prints, manipulation, and authenticity  55:16 - Facing mortality and its effect on purpose and creation  59:10 - Brendan’s upcoming exhibitions and projects  60:10 - Closing thoughts and the value of honest conversations Resources & Links Todd Hido on ApertureLangston Clay's Cars Brennan McKay's BlogConnect with Brendan McKay InstagramWebsite

    29 - Brendan McKay - Embracing Authenticity and Creativity in Photography and Car Culture

  2. Jun 16

    28 Pascal Printing, The importance of printing to display your work and building community.

    Today I'm joined by Pascal, founder of Pascal's Printing in Los Angeles—a photographer, printer, snowboarder, and one of the people helping keep photographic culture alive in a very real and tangible way. We live in a time when millions of images are made every day, but most of them never leave our phones, hard drives, or social media feeds. They exist as digital files, viewed for a moment and then forgotten. Pascal has built his career around the idea that photographs deserve more than that. He believes images should live in the physical world—that they should be printed, held in your hands, hung on walls, shared with others, and experienced as objects that carry meaning and presence. But what makes Pascal's contribution to photography so special goes beyond the prints themselves. Over the years, he has created a space where photographers and creatives can come together to share their work, exhibit their images, exchange ideas, and inspire one another. Whether you're just beginning your photographic journey or you've been making pictures for decades, Pascal has cultivated a community where artists can connect through a shared love of the medium. In this conversation, we talk about why printing still matters, what is lost when photographs exist only as pixels on a screen, the importance of creating physical spaces for artists to gather, and how community can play an essential role in helping photographers grow and find their voice. Please enjoy my conversation with Pascal. More about Pascal  Website Social

    28 Pascal Printing, The importance of printing to display your work and building community.

  3. Jun 7

    27 Candice Kaye, standing at the forefront of textile design.

    From Toronto to Textiles: The Artistic Journey of Candace Kaye.  Join us in this inspiring episode as Candace K shares her creative evolution from a dancer in Toronto to a celebrated textile and mural artist. Discover how her entrepreneurial mindset and passion for art transformed her into a leader in bespoke interior textiles, blending traditional handcrafting with modern design. Main Topics Candace's early life and dance career, including her time with the Raptors Dance PackThe shift from dance to interior design and textile artThe role of hand-painting and traditional craftsmanship in her processHow social media and client collaborations fueled her business growthNavigating the challenges of bespoke projects and client expectationsThe importance of authenticity and unique storytelling through textile designFuture vision: making a lasting impact on art, design, and inspiring future artistsTimestamps  00:00 - Reconnecting after 3 years: Candace’s journey from dance to textiles 00:23 - Growing up dancing in Toronto: family influence and early passion  01:07 - Transition from dancers to textile and interior design  01:43 - Falling in love with interior design after dance dreams faded  02:29 - Inspiration from textile artist Alice Temperley and the hand-painted craft  03:20 - The evolution of her creative process from blogging to textile design  04:26 - Exploring textile art: sketches, sketches, and self-teaching  05:25 - Discovering textile design at FIT and embracing hand-painting  06:51 - The difference between architecture and interior design explained  07:55 - How her love for mood boards and visual storytelling shaped her work  08:47 - The ‘aha’ moment for textile design: creating her own fabric  09:41 - Growing up entrepreneurial and seeing business potential in art  10:06 - Building her brand and business in New York and beyond  11:09 - The importance of portfolio and client-first approach  12:15 - Inspiration from self-discovery and art books in her youth  12:46 - The connection between fashion and textiles through her work  13:07 - Her love for floral patterns as a core motif  14:42 - Staying authentic and distinct in her designs  15:28 - Hand drawing and painting exclusively, with digital for layout  16:09 - Overcoming beginner obstacles and honing her craft  17:04 - Commercial projects and large-scale murals as new frontiers  18:02 - The bespoke process: client collaboration from concept to install  19:23 - Navigating client revisions and project negotiations  20:43 - The power of visual storytelling in restaurant interiors and social media  22:28 - Her approach to design for hospitality and how client relationships evolve  24:34 - Walking away from challenging projects and maintaining integrity  26:17 - The importance of collaboration with interior designers and brands  28:10 - The role of Instagram and social media marketing in her success  30:26 - Developing mood boards and hand-painted artwork for bespoke projects  32:07 - Handling client requests that challenge her style  33:40 - The art of saying no and setting boundaries  35:20 - The most exciting parts: dreaming, sampling, and installing  36:42 - The misconception: textile art isn’t "real art"  37:51 - The timeless and rich history of textile design  38:49 - Leaving Toronto for bigger opportunities: finding her place in NYC and LA  40:06 - Balancing beauty and function in textile design  41:14 - Advice for aspiring artists: embrace patience and authenticity  42:55 - The organic influence of nature on her creative process  44:01 - Challenges of making a living and overcoming internal barriers  45:40 - The vulnerability and energy in art that connects with viewers  46:37 - The significance of live painting and large-scale murals  48:19 - The technicalities of mural painting: materials and process  50:49 - Her approach to on-site wall art and adaptation  51:38 - Envisioning her legacy: inspiring future generations and unique storytelling  55:21 - Final thoughts: sharing in-between moments and continuous journey Connect with Candace K InstagramwebsiteLinkedIn Resources & Links Alice Temperley

    27 Candice Kaye, standing at the forefront of textile design.

  4. May 28

    26 Amir Ebrahimi recaps documenting DTLA 2020

    Documenting 2020: A Personal Reflection on Los Angeles and Life This solo episode explores Amir Ebrahimi’s deeply personal journey through 2020, a year marked by tragedy, chaos, and profound change. Through vivid storytelling, Amir shares his experiences documenting downtown LA’s transformation amidst societal upheaval and his own evolving life as a new father. Main Topics Covered:   The emotional impact of Kobe Bryant's passing and its influence on Amir’s perspective  The intersection of personal life milestones and urban chaos during COVID-19  Documenting the racial protests and chaos in downtown LA in 2020  The physical and emotional toll of street unrest and Amir’s resilience  Reflections on city decay, potential, and future aspirations for downtown LA  The significance of creating a photo book and documentary to preserve this historic moment  Key Insights:   Amir’s last normal day with his father coincided with Kobe Bryant's death, sparking a year of intense documentation  The emotional significance of Kobe and Gigi Bryant’s tragic loss for Los Angeles  The challenge of navigating fatherhood and cultural differences amidst societal trauma  The personal connection Amir felt with downtown LA’s community and history  The chaos of the 2020 protests captured through Amir’s lens, highlighting destruction and resilience  The bittersweet realization that documenting chaos is also documenting the end and beginning of eras  The role of social media in sharing real-time history and Amir’s intent to present a non-political, honest account  The hope to create a visual and narrative legacy of downtown LA’s tumultuous year  Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: Setting the scene for a year of personal and urban upheaval 02:12 - Reflection on 2019 ending with uncertainty and upcoming fatherhood 03:52 - Love for downtown LA and its blend of New York and California 05:03 - Fear and uncertainty raising a daughter in a chaotic city 06:39 - Family struggles: estranged relationship with his father and their reconciliation 08:26 - Kobe Bryant’s influence on Amir’s perception of fatherhood and life 10:21 - The shocking news of Kobe's death and its emotional impact 11:53 - Amir’s experiences working with Kobe Bryant and the deeper respect for his legacy 13:27 - Downtown LA becoming a memorial after Kobe’s passing 14:35 - Collective mourning in LA akin to 9/11’s impact on New York 15:36 - The profound loss of Kobe and Gigi, and its effect on the city 16:53 - The evolution of Amir’s documentation from the 9/11 aftermath to 2020 protests 18:22 - The impact of COVID shutting down the NBA and Amir’s switch to documenting the city’s empty streets 19:49 - Life in quarantine, pregnancy, and the comfort of home amid chaos 22:54 - Birth of his daughter Sophia on May 25, 2020, coinciding with George Floyd’s death 25:46 - The societal unrest reflected in daily life and Amir’s cautious documentation 28:45 - Downtown LA riot chaos on May 31, 2020, and Amir’s experience capturing the unrest 33:10 - The physical impact of riot-related injuries and reflections on risking safety to document history 34:39 - Living through and documenting a "war zone" in downtown LA 36:22 - Recognizing the importance of documenting history and the chaos’s emotional toll 37:38 - The sadness of a dying city and destroyed dreams amid continued chaos 42:55 - Peaceful moments and celebrations, like election night and the Lakers’ championship 45:08 - Reflection on downtown LA’s decline and the potential for rebuilding 47:33 - Amir’s plans for a photo book and documentary to preserve the 2020 story 50:32 - The realization that 2020 was the start of a new Los Angeles and a new chapter in his personal life 51:28 - Closing thoughts: Documenting beginnings, endings, and the resilience of both a city and a familyResources & Links:   Book: Canyon Peacock’s Photo Series   Amir Ebrahimi’s Portfolio & Projects  Connect with Amir:   Instagram  Final thoughts: This episode is a visceral account of a tumultuous year, capturing not just a city’s decay and hope, but also a personal voyage through tragedy, parenthood, and resilience. Amir invites listeners to reflect on their own beginnings and endings amidst chaos, and to look forward to the visual recounting he plans to share.Please look out for the upcoming book and documentary later this year. Thank you for listening.

    26 Amir Ebrahimi recaps documenting DTLA 2020

  5. May 20

    25 Enrico Busto - From Marketing Executive to Handmade Hats

    In this episode of Shoot Wisely, I sit down with Enrico Busto of Busto & Sun in Topanga, California workshop to talk about the journey from stability to craftsmanship, and what it really means to build a life around passion and purpose. Born in Italy and raised by a mother who worked as a seamstress, Enrico grew up surrounded by creativity and handmade work. Before becoming a hat maker, he spent years working in marketing, living a comfortable life while feeling the pull toward something more meaningful. Everything changed when his wife asked him a simple question: “If you could do one thing, what would it be?” His answer was simple: “Make hats.” From there, Enrico took the leap—leaving behind the corporate world to create something with his own two hands. We talk about the emotional support it takes to pursue a dream, the importance of community, and how moving to Topanga helped shape both his work and his life. This conversation explores the beauty of handmade craftsmanship, the courage required to leave comfort behind, and why Enrico believes every hat should be custom—because every person carries their own story. A conversation about risk, identity, creativity, and finding home.

    25 Enrico Busto - From Marketing Executive to Handmade Hats

  6. May 13

    24 Mara Ohara - Tattoo artist, actor, model, and creative who’s built a life around transformation and storytelling.

    Mara O’Hara isn’t easy to define. She’s a tattoo artist, actor, model, and creative who’s built a life around transformation and storytelling. With multiple feature films already under her belt and three more in production this year alone Mara moves between worlds effortlessly, from film sets to tattoo studios, from action scenes to deeply personal conversations. In this episode of Shoot Wisely, we catch up with Mara at Bike Shed Moto Co. and talk about the unexpected path that shaped who she is today. We get into love and tattooing, starring in action films, creative identity, and the experiences from her past that continue to influence her work both on and off camera. This conversation goes far beyond tattoos. It’s about reinvention, resilience, and finding your place in creative culture. • Helping launch the tattoo studio inside Bike Shed Moto Co. • The origins of Mara O’Hara’s tattoo career • Growing up in Tacoma, Washington • Moving to Los Angeles to pursue creative opportunities • Balancing tattooing, modeling, and acting • Starring in feature films and working on three productions in 2026 • The discipline of taking acting classes every single week • What people misunderstand about acting and creative work • Motorcycle culture and creative identity • Love, relationships, and tattoo culture • Surviving wilderness therapy camps and boarding school as a teenager • How difficult early life experiences shaped her resilience • Reinvention, personal growth, and finding purpose through art • Building a career across multiple creative industries

    24 Mara Ohara - Tattoo artist, actor, model, and creative who’s built a life around transformation and storytelling.

  7. May 5

    23 Jonathan Harper - Building a career and authentic connections within the car community in LA and New York

    The Creative Journey of Automotive Photographer Jonathan Harper Discover how Jonathan Harper’s childhood fascination with cars grew into a thriving career in automotive photography, blending film and digital work to capture the essence of car culture. In this episode, he shares his insights on shooting techniques, building a personal brand, and the stories behind his upcoming Porsche-centric book. Key Topics: The origins of Jonathan’s passion for cars and photography, starting with toy vehicles and family rootsTransition from shooting on Blackberry to professional automotive photographyThe influence of light painting and his techniques for creating unique car imagesHow freelance work with Bonhams helped launch his careerInsights into shooting film vs. digital, including analog workflows and recent projectsBuilding authentic connections within the car community in LA and New YorkBehind-the-scenes of creating a car photography book focused on Porsche modelsPractical advice for beginners: photographing everyday cars and controlling the narrativeThe importance of storytelling and capturing candid moments in automotive contentFuture projects: aiming for iconic cars like the Carrera GT and 918 Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Jonathan’s background in cars and photography 02:20 - How light painting and creative techniques shape Jonathan’s style 03:46 - The pivotal moment that made freelance automotive photography viable 04:57 - From ad agency to car culture: Jonathan’s career evolution 06:23 - Lessons learned in social media content creation for BMW USA 08:46 - The journey into film photography and using the Hasselblad XPan 10:17 - Developing a Porsche-focused photo book — challenges and progress 12:52 - Navigating car culture in LA versus New York 13:52 - The inclusive nature of the car community and meeting new enthusiasts 15:49 - Using behind-the-scenes excerpts to connect with followers 18:23 - Balancing driving, filming, and comfort in capturing dynamic car footage 20:26 - The decision-making behind shooting in film versus digital 21:50 - Creating authentic content with analog for brands and social media 23:37 - Why Porsches resonate deeply with Jonathan and his book plans 25:06 - The logistics and challenges of self-publishing a photo book 26:53 - Approaches to shooting cars in motion, studio, and environment 28:43 - Tips for studio shooting and styling cars effectively 31:10 - Collaboration with partners and managing a dedicated car studio space 33:55 - The sentimental ties to family tractors and their rare presence in photography 34:06 - What the car culture reveals about community, freedom, and nostalgia 36:24 - Comparing LA and New York car scenes and community dynamics 38:02 - Practical advice for aspiring car photographers: mastering the basics 41:50 - Dream cars for future projects: Carrera GT, 918, and classic Porsches 43:37 - The upcoming Porsche book: content, medium format focus, and dreams 44:19 - Final thoughts and the significance of a physical car photo book as a personal branding tool

    23 Jonathan Harper - Building a career and authentic connections within the car community in LA and New York

  8. Apr 28

    22 REO - Exploring the Art and Future of AI

    Exploring the Art and Future of AI with REO Dive into a thought-provoking conversation with REO, an innovative artist blending traditional skills with cutting-edge AI technology. We explore his background, views on digital art, NFTs, and the ethical implications of AI in creativity. Whether you're an artist, tech enthusiast, or curious mind, this episode offers insights into the evolving landscape of art and technology. Key Topics REO’s artistic journey from music production to AI artThe influence of traditional methods in AI-driven creativityHow NFTs are reshaping ownership and monetization for artistsThe concept of art as performative versus static piecesEthical challenges and scams in the AI and crypto spaceThe role of AI as a tool for deeper self-expression and storytellingFuture potential for AI in film, series, and immersive experiencesBalancing innovation with responsibility in AI development Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and REO’s artistic background 03:13 - Transition from music to AI art tools such as After Effects and 3D software 04:35 - The entry of AI into REO’s work through NFTs and digital art experimentation 05:16 - The evolution of AI tools from novelty to powerful creative aids 06:09 - The impact of the NFT craze on digital ownership and artist royalties 10:08 - Reimagining ownership, royalties, and fan engagement through blockchain 11:08 - The importance of ideas over tools in AI art 12:38 - REO’s process for creating art, combining experimentation with intentionality 13:21 - The significance of sampling, borrowing, and influence in art creation 15:37 - How audience perception shapes the meaning of art 17:43 - The power of art to evoke conversation and social awareness 19:09 - REO’s current work's thematic focus on societal issues and symbolism 23:35 - The democratization of art tools and the new role of ideas 24:38 - Building relationships with AI as a creative partner 27:13 - Significance of imagery, fire symbolism, and storytelling in REO’s work 28:07 - Deep dive into "Love Again" and its themes of passion and relationships 33:24 - The tool as a reflection of human intent, not inherently good or bad 34:13 - Ethical responsibility and intentional use of AI in art 37:24 - The evolving landscape of influence, originality, and inspiration 39:39 - The illusion of originality and the importance of tools 41:19 - REO’s "Dream Feed" project on dreams, subconscious, and storytelling 48:50 - Challenges in safeguarding digital art and preventing scams 51:07 - Future projects, potential film franchises, and storytelling ambitions 57:27 - The excitement and fears surrounding AI’s trajectory 60:36 - The importance of control, ethics, and avoiding dystopian outcomes 62:47 - The emotional and sensory power of AI-created experiences 66:54 - Nostalgia for limitations in art and the search for imperfections 68:45 - Predictions for NFT 2.0: social integration, fan investment, and blockchain empowerment 72:29 - The importance of shared experiences, community, and co-creation in future art forms 76:23 - REO’s focus on storytelling, film stars, and legacy projects 79:01 - The collaboration of traditional craftsmanship and AI speed 82:07 - How AI enhances self-discovery and artistic authenticity 83:15 - Closing thoughts and contact info for REO

    22 REO - Exploring the Art and Future of AI
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About

Hosted by photographer and documentarian Amir Ebrahimi, the Shoot Wisely Podcast explores the creative process through honest conversations with artists, filmmakers, photographers, designers, writers, and other inspiring creators.  With more than 20 years of production experience, Amir has traveled the world documenting a wide range of stories, from covering the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, to producing social issue campaigns for the Ethiopian Health Ministry, to extensive NBA coverage on and off the court, and documenting life inside Cambodian orphanages. Each episode dives into the journey behind the work: the experiences, struggles, inspirations, and moments that shaped each guest’s creative path. While the show has a strong focus on photographers, cinematographers, and visual storytellers, the conversations remain open to creators from every discipline who are driven by curiosity and the need to make something meaningful. Shoot Wisely is less about rigid interviews and more about authentic dialogue exploring the who, what, where, and why behind creativity, with occasional insight into the tools and techniques each artist uses along the way. At its core, the podcast exists to inspire people to create fearlessly, think deeply, and ultimately, shoot wisely. If you enjoy the show, please leave a review and share it with someone who loves the creative process.

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