BLACKRAPID RADIO - PODCAST

BlackRapid Media
  • 4.8 (10)
  • Visual Arts

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

  1. 015 Zai, Embracing Beautiful Accidents. Photography, Emotion, & Connection – BLACKRAPID Podcast

    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

    1h 4m
  2. 014 Glynn Lavender, Crazy Travel Tales – BLACKRAPID Podcast

    Feb 24

    014 Glynn Lavender, Crazy Travel Tales – BLACKRAPID Podcast

    Australian travel portrait photographer Glynn Lavender joins the show to share his wild adventures leading photo tours in India, Bangladesh, and beyond. From dodging elephants and driving through fire on detours, to getting a gun held to his head in a Delhi mosque (and still getting the shot), Glynn's stories are equal parts thrilling and hilarious. He opens up about facilitating life-changing experiences for keen amateurs on his workshops—handling loose itineraries in chaotic places, approaching strangers for authentic portraits, and why connection beats perfection. Glynn also explains how BLACKRAPID straps keep him shooting pain-free after 35+ years, his pragmatic gear choices (Tamron lenses, two cameras always ready), and timeless advice: don't pre-visualize—go with the flow and capture what's in front of you. A must-listen for photographers, travelers, and anyone who loves real, human stories from off-the-beaten-path places. Guest: Glynn Lavender Host: Ron Henry of BLACKRAPID Links: Glynn's Photo Tours Website – creativephotoworkshops.com.au Glynn's Instagram – @glynnlavender BLACKRAPID Camera Straps – https://www.blackrapid.com BLACKRAPID Media – https://www.blackrapidmedia.com Subscribe for more inspiring photography conversations!

    52 min
  3. 013 Matthew Bergsma, Birder and Wildlife Photographer – BLACKRAPID Podcast

    11/17/2025

    013 Matthew Bergsma, Birder and Wildlife Photographer – BLACKRAPID Podcast

    Ron of BLACKRAPID chats with Matthew Bergsma, a wildlife and birder photographer. Hear how Matthew uses his outdoor time to both escape from the world while also becoming more connected with the wildlife around him. Hear his stories of photographing and watching owls in a river and observing their patterns, and hear his approaches and philosophies to connecting with the wildlife he photographs. Matthew also shares his screen to show some work and explain his process in this episode. Matthew Bergsma's Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/matthew.bergsma/ BLACKRAPID Camera Straps https://www.blackrapid.com BLACKRAPID Media https://www.blackrapidmedia.com

    51 min
  4. 012 Kevin Wilson, NY Rock Photographer – BLACKRAPID Podcast

    10/29/2025

    012 Kevin Wilson, NY Rock Photographer – BLACKRAPID Podcast

    Kevin Wilson, a rock and concert photographer in New York is featured on this BLACKRAPID podcast. 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

    57 min
  5. 011 Jasin Boland, Movie Stills Photographer – BLACKRAPID Podcast

    09/09/2025

    011 Jasin Boland, Movie Stills Photographer – BLACKRAPID Podcast

    Jasin Boland is a global motion picture stills photographer who works on massive action franchises, such as the Matrix, Bond, and Bourne. Ron Henry of BlackRapid talks with Jasin Boland about their philosophies of creating an image, authenticity and the dangers of AI in photography, personal photography growth, dreams, the art of creation, finding great angles and seeing differently, not to mention their collaboration on a new camera strap. BlackRapid – https://www.blackrapidmedia.com Jasin Boland Website – https://jasinboland.com Jasin Boland Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jasinboland/ Jasin Boland YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/JasinBoland/

    57 min
  6. 010 Jasin Boland, Movie Stills Photographer – BlackRapid Podcast

    02/07/2023

    010 Jasin Boland, Movie Stills Photographer – BlackRapid Podcast

    Jasin Boland is a global motion picture stills photographer who works on massive action franchises, such as the Matrix, Bond, and Bourne. Ron Henry of BlackRapid talks with Jasin Boland about the dangers of photographing action movies, whether to use long or wide lenses, the beauty of imperfections, how enthusiasts are the heart of photography, and more.  BlackRapid – https://www.blackrapidmedia.com Jasin Boland Website – https://jasinboland.com Jasin Boland Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jasinboland/ Jasin Boland YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/JasinBoland/featured

    1h 2m
  7. 009 Bry Cox, Commercial & Portrait Photographer – BlackRapid Podcast

    03/23/2021

    009 Bry Cox, Commercial & Portrait Photographer – BlackRapid Podcast

    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 – https://www.blackrapidmedia.com Bry's Portrait Site – https://BryCox.com Bry's Commercial Site – https://BryCoxPro.com Bry's Training Site – https://BryCoxWorkshops.com Instagram – https://Instagram.com/BryCoxStudio

    1h 6m
  8. 008 Mike Ridinger, Portrait Photographer – BlackRapid Podcast with Ron Henry

    03/16/2021

    008 Mike Ridinger, Portrait Photographer – BlackRapid Podcast with Ron Henry

    Mike Ridinger has been a full time photographer for over 35 years and is based in Lewiston, Idaho. He has spoken at PPA Imaging, SYNC, After Dark, Light Pro Expo, and several state affiliates. Mike (or Dinger as he is known) has a knack for teaching in a way that is easy to understand and is a popular instructor everywhere he goes. Mike has 2 sons, Keaton and Cade. He received his PPA Craftsman Degree in 2014.

    1h 10m
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    BlackRapid Media
  • Years Active
    2013 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © BlackRapid, Inc. 2013-Present
  • Show Website
    BLACKRAPID RADIO - PODCAST