Episode 1 - Origin Stories

Jeff and Mason go way back, and in this episode they talk about their experiences and how their individual paths merged, diverged, and re-merged on an adventurous journey that has made them who they are today.

This episode is about a friendship that spans decades and how a mutual love of photography has lead them to join forces on this podcast.

Episode 2 - Flow State

If you've ever found yourself immersed in making a photograph to the point where time seemed to stand still, your mind was fully devoted to your creative process and you felt deep satisfaction in the moment, you my friend were in a Flow State. In this episode of Photocombobulate, Mason and Jeff dive into the science of Flow State and how photographers can work to achieve meaningful, impactful and really fun photographic endeavors.

Episode 3 - Trip Planning

When you love making photographs, especially outdoors, taking a trip to someplace exciting and new can be an wonderful way to do what you love. But what if you head out on this amazing trip of a lifetime and you find yourself rushing to make it to your locations when the light is at its best? What if you’re tired because you slept on the side of the road? Can you make great photographs if you are distracted by your growling stomach, freezing toes and the thought that maybe the photos would be better if you were over there?

In this episode we talk trip planning, because (as the saying goes) failing to plan is planning to fail. If you are looking to sneak away for some photo time on a family vacation or you’re preparing for that bucket list photography adventure you’ve been dreaming about, we have some tips to help you organize your trip to set you up for a satisfying experience. Remember, suffering isn’t the secret ingredient in creativity!

Episode 4 - Eye Health

If you’re a photographer, chances are you really value your eyes, but do you everything you can to preserve your vision? In this episode, Jeff and Mason chat with Dr. Joseph Allen (“Dr. Eye Health” on YouTube) about our precious eyes. From practicing good nutrition, (spoiler alert! Carrots aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, and coffee isn’t evil!) to battling dry eye, Dr. Allen gives us the latest science as we work to keep what we have left of our vision.

Jeff gets a case of the cringes and Mason has his mind blown in this engaging conversation with the Optometrist, photographer and YouTube star many turn to for advice when things get blurry and itchy. Dr. Allen is our first guest ever and he brings his infectious energy to Photocombobulate. This was a thrill to record!

You can learn more about Dr. Allen on his website and his YouTube channel (he just topped 500,000 subscribers!). Be sure to subscribe to his email newsletter and channel to keep up to date with the exciting world of eye health.

Episode 5 - Photo Lingo

Lingo (the special vocabulary groups of people use to signal knowledge) can be an obstacle for people learning photography. In this episode Mason and Jeff work to tear down portions of the photo lingo wall. From camera terms like “mirrorless” and “full-frame” to alphabet soup acronyms like “DSLR”, “JPEG” and “ISO”, these lingo terms need to be understood to master photography, but thanks to traditions, stubbornness and arrogance it can be hard to learn these without help. Spend an hour with us and you’ll have the meanings behind the lingo that plagues photography.

Episode 6 - Epic Road Trip

It’s been far too long since Mason and Jeff have had the opportunity to travel together in search of great photos. Thanks to a cancelled workshop, they had the chance to explore some of California’s most stunning locations. From starry pre-dawn shoots overlooking Yosemite Valley to afternoons seeking out the best coffee in the high Sierra, the two friends managed to find epic shots. In this episode they talk about their ten-day adventure and the images they captured. It’s a long episode, but so was the trip so sit back and enjoy the ride.

Episode 7 - iPhone 13 Pro

It’s been said that the best camera is the one you have with you. If that’s true, then the best camera is usually your phone. In this episode, Mason and Jeff talk about Apple’s new iPhone 13 Pro’s chops as a serious camera for photographers. From the phone’s trio of cameras to the mysterious secret sauce Apple uses to process images, we explore the reasons these handy pocket cameras may just be the best cameras we have, (and also why they aren’t).

Episode 8 - Holiday Gift Guide

When your loved ones choose holiday gifts for you, do they get you what you really want? As photographers it’s in our best interest to provide guidance when gift lists are created. In this episode Jeff and Mason share 26 things you can really use. There are no camera lens coffee mugs or “World’s Best Photographer” T-Shirts. This is the good stuff that we use and cherish. You don’t need to thank us, because in this season of giving, we’re here to help you get truly useful stuff.

Episode 9 - Don’t Give Your Work Away

It’s not stealing if you give it to them. In this episode we try to answer the question, “What do you do when someone asks to use your photos for free?” As with many things photographic, there’s no easy answer. It’s flattering when people want to use your images, but pump the brakes on giving them away for free unless you get something out of the transaction.

We discuss the fine print in photo contest rules that grant them rights to your work, how trading your work for “exposure” can be a good thing, and how when there’s money involved, you need to stand up for yourself. In short, if someone thinks your images are worth something, they should give you something for them.

WARNING! In this episode, Mason does get a little worked up and while there isn’t any profanity, he does get steamed. No microphones were harmed in the making of this episode.

Episode 10 - Tips & Hacks

We’re all still learning this photography thing, and in that process we are picking up little tricks and hacks that make things easier, better and more satisfying. These are the things we wished we’d known way back when we were new to the art and craft of making photos. In this episode Mason and Jeff whip up a baker's dozen tips, tricks and hacks that will help you get more from your photography. Non of these are "game changers", but each makes the game a little more fun.

Episode 11 - Best of 2021

Before 2021 is a hazy distant memory, we wanted to pause and look back at a year filled with fun-filled road trips, impromptu portrait sessions and pandemic lessons. We each share our favorite four images from 2021 and some hope for photographic growth in the new year.

Episode 12 - Joe McNally!!!

Joe McNally is a legend. His bonafides are myriad; he’s published numerous books and articles, taught workshops around the world, and created some of the most amazing images ever published in magazines including National Geographic and Life. In his 40 years as a photographer of people, he’s captured world leaders, elite athletes and celebrities, but his work with firefighters, coal miners and other “working class” people has established him as one of our finest documentarians.

Episode 13 - Camera Bags

If you have more than one camera and one lens, you probably have a camera bag. While you can toss your gear into any old sack, a thoughtfully-designed and well-built camera bag will enable you to carry your gear more which should lead to more photos and more photos is good! In this episode we attempt to make sense of all of our options for carrying cameras. We discuss the good and bad of shoulder bags, sling bags and backpacks and how the best camera bag is several camera bags.

Episode 14 - Lenses

Nothing in your camera bag influences the look of your photos more than the lenses you use, yet we tend to treat the glass we put in front of our sensors as an afterthought. In this episode, Jeff and Mason give lenses the respect they deserve. They take sides in the battle between primes and zooms, they weigh in on third party lenses and wax poetic about the lenses they’ve loved. Mixed in throughout are Die Hard movie references, so be ready for that. It’s a fun episode about glass, so fill up one and settle in.

Episode 15 - Damn Drones!

Being able to position a camera almost anywhere is a liberating and inspiring level of freedom for a photographer, but with great power comes great responsibility (thanks Uncle Ben!). In this episode we explore the dichotomy of drones.

We both use them to make images impossible or extremely difficult to capture form ground level, but we also recognize that the buzzing, swooping and all-too ubiquitous flying cameras are annoying. So how do we rectify the two sides of the drone coin? Can aerial photographers be respectful and safe while using their drones to capture images? We think so, but a lot of work needs to be done to educate everyone on the rules of drone flight, their capabilities and how they can be used responsibly.

Episode 16 - Travel Photography with Scott Kelby

Scott Kelby is known for many things: he’s The PhotoShop Guy who’s been leading workshops and classes for years as part of KelbyOne, he’s a talented photographer with a wide-ranging focus including sports, portraiture, automotive, travel and landscapes, and he’s a prolific author with well over 100 books to his name. The latest of his books is “The Travel Photography Book” has just been published by Rocky Nook and is packed with practical tips and a wealth of wisdom from decades of adventures. In this episode we have a nice long talk with Scott about travel, photography and the joys of mixing the two. It’s our longest episode yet, but we think you’ll appreciate how much fun it is to chat with a great photographer-educator who just can’t wait to help other people enjoy photography and travel as much as he does.

Episode 17 - Mistakes Were Made

Forgotten memory cards, fudged settings and sloppy file management can turn the most confident photographers into raving babies. These “oh my god!” mistakes are incredible learning opportunities once the cursing and stomping has faded to furrowed-brow contemplation. In this episode we share some of our best flops and the lessons we’ve learned from them. We’re happy to share our heaping helping of humble pie in hopes that our mistakes can be instructive. Who knows, maybe you’ve made the same gaffes we have.

Episode 18 - MaxBook Pros & Cons

When your cameras produce millions of bits of data, the computer you use to process those bits plays a massive part in your creative process. In this episode we talk about the 16-inch Apple MacBook Pros we have been using for the past few months. Both of our machines sport M1 Max processors and the revolutionary technology in the new chips have dramatically changed how we manage and process our photo, video and audio projects. With massive boosts in processing speed and bandwidth, work that used to bring spinning beach balls and screaming fans now breezes through at staggering speeds. Hear how the new technology has opened doors to new tools and techniques that have us very excited for the future.

Episode 19 - Rise of the Machines

Are you concerned that your iPhone may be better at photography than you are? Does the idea of pain-free sky replacements in your images make you want to make a tin foil hat? The introduction of computational photography, machine learning and (gasp!) artificial intelligence in our cameras and image processing software has some photographers up in arms, while others are welcoming the time-saving tech with open arms. In this episode we seek to terminate the hype around these advances in technology and embrace the future. Come with us if you want to live.

Episode 20 - Outdoor Clothing

Maybe you’ve been there. The light on the landscape is eye-popping as storm clouds streak across the sky sending the awesomeness factor soaring. You’re there with your camera ready to make some of the best images of your life and you could not care less because your feet have gone numb, your knees are knocking from the cold and the damp shirt that was mildly annoying an hour ago has become an bone-chilling cloak of suffering. Your hands have become useless claws and you’re dreaming about hot showers and fluffy dry socks, not snapping photos. It’s these moments that illuminate the brutal truth that your outdoor clothing may be the most important camera gear you own.

In this episode we’re talking about the latest technology in outdoor clothing, with an emphasis on what works best for outdoor photographers, because we have unique needs. From the bottoms of your feet to the top of your head, we detail the best gear to keep you comfortable and undistracted from your creative process.

Episode 21 - Camping

This episode is a love letter to camping. When the clamor and stresses of life leave you twitchy, sitting by a crackling camp fire with people you love may be just the thing you need to put you back in touch with your creative and happy self. As we embark on a fresh summer, we’re talking about the things we do when we camp. From tips for sleeping in a tent to the joys of cooking over a camp stove, we hit the high notes of living a life outdoors, even if only for a weekend.

While it may seem off-topic for a photography podcast, we think camping goes hand-in-hand with chasing incredible images in places of remarkable natural beauty. Oftentimes, camping is how we stage ourselves to be in the right places at the best times for awesome landscape and wildlife photography. Sit back and enjoy this conversation about getting out and staying out in style.

Episode 22 - Travel Lessons Learned

Mason climbed behind the wheel of his new camper van and drug his wife and kids up into Canada where they camped and explored the Canadian Rocky Mountains of Jasper and Banff National Parks. Jeff hopped a jet to Europe where he traipsed about with his wife and kid in France and Italy. Mason sipped glacial meltwater while Jeff sampled wine, and both of them did their best to make some photos in between. In this episode, they talk about their trips and what they learned during their first international forays in a post-pandemic world. Despite rain (for Mason) and sweltering heat (for Jeff), the hosts made some images they are happy with, but compromises were made and plans were abandoned. Listen in as they discuss their adventures.

Episode 23 - Joy of Photography

To celebrate one year of Photocombobulate, we discuss joy and how we find it in photography. It’s easy to lose sight of the reasons we originally picked up a camera, and from time to time it’s important to ask ourselves if there’s joy in our process. This episode is all about re-centering our focus and appreciating the things about photography that fulfill us. If you are one of our long-time listeners, we thank you for sticking with us for a trip around the sun. If you are new to Photocombobulate, stick around because we’re just getting warmed up.

Episode 24 - Photographing Strangers with Valerie Jardin

Valérie Jardin pulls no punches when talking about photographing strangers, and she’s made a career out of helping people capture the world around them with respect, kindness and audacity. In this episode we explore our apprehension around taking photos of strangers and Valerie steps in to offer some of her tips, tricks and even a few secrets. If you want to truly experience a place, even your home town, you need to get out there and make photos of strangers. If you’re like us, that sounds daunting; but with Valerie’s gentle prodding, enthusiastic coaching and inspirational images you’ll leave this episode ready to hit the streets.

Episode 25 - Pete Souza

The numbers alone are staggering: two million images captured, 1,442,242 miles flown on Air Force One, and over 25,000 hours on the job over eight years as President Obama’s Chief Official White House Photographer. Pete Souza’s iconic images of the Obama administration came at a perfect time as a dynamic and historic president willing to be followed around every working hour met the exploding social media movement. Obama’s remarkable popularity is due in part to Souza’s intimate and candid images. Images that have filled three best-selling books providing inspirational reminders of a different time not that long ago.

In this episode, Pete joins us to talk about his latest book, The West Wing and Beyond, in which he turns his camera toward the people within the “Presidential Bubble”. There’s barely a fleeting glimpse of Obama in the book’s 255 pages. Instead Souza brings his storytelling prowess to the numerous people behind the scenes in the White House. It’s a wonderful book, and we’re thrilled to have the time to chat with Pete about it.

We know you will love this one.

Episode 26 - Chasing Fall Color

Jeff gets really excited each autumn. No, it’s not the football or the Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks. He’s crazy for fall color and Mason’s too quick to encourage his obsession. You need look no further than our recent 1,000 mile quest to find fantastic fall foliage in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Over a three-day weekend we drove winding mountain roads with heads on swivels looking for swaths of yellow, orange and red trees bursting with color. What we found was thick wildfire smoke, crowded trails and a light smattering of color.

In this episode we talk about chasing down compelling images of fall color and what you can do when you don’t find them. We share the lessons we’ve learned and our tricks for finding great images in less than ideal conditions. Join us!

Episode 27 - Julieanne Kost

Adobe Lightroom (in its myriad versions) has become the industry standard for image management and processing, and as the programs have grown and evolved over the years, Julieanne Kost has been there to make sense of it all. As Adobe's Digitial Imaging Evangelist Director, she has a distinct knack for making the complex and often-confusing process of turning piles of pixels into works of art as easy as possible. In this episode we pepper Julieanne with our most pesky questions about Lightroom, and she blows our minds with insider tips, new approaches and fresh perspectives on software we thought we knew well.

Episode 28 - Imposter Syndrome

You know those photographers out there who are making amazing images all the time? The ones who day after day have glorious captures to share on Instagram? Yeah, that ain’t us.

In this episode, we talk about how Imposter Syndrome keeps us from making photos and some of the techniques we use to overcome the paralysis that image insecurity can bring.

Episode 29 - AI with Mark Heaps

The future of photography has arrived—in the form of text! Now anyone with access to the internet can create eye-popping digital images with just a handful of keyword prompts into generative AI tools such as Adobe Firefly, Midjourney, and DALL-E. The onset of generative AI imaging has some people ringing alarm bells, but maybe just maybe these advances in computational photography are some of the best tools in our creative arsenals. We sat down with Mark Heaps, senior VP of brand and creative at Groq Inc., to toss cold water on the growing panic around generative AI and ponder the possibilities of AI as a creative toolset. We also talk about the oft-overlooked topic of powering all of the image processing, which is a massive undertaking. If you’ve been confused and concerned about the impact Artificial Intelligence is going to have on photography, this episode will Photocombobulate the subject for you.

Episode 30 - Lightroom in a Book

It’s no stretch to say that Lightroom is the most feature-rich environment for managing and processing your digital images. Jeff and Mason have been using Lightroom for years, and now Jeff has just completed a massive tome of Lightroom knowledge with Rocky Nook’s Lightroom Course & Compendium. In this episode Jeff explores the growing capabilities of Lightroom and shares his thoughts on how to best use the program to organize and edit your images.

It’s also worth mentioning that Mason and Jeff’s opinions on Lightroom and Adobe are their own and Adobe has no editorial influence on this podcast. In the spirit of transparency, however, we do need to disclose that Jeff does occasional content creation and editing work for Adobe and Mason owns a handful of Adobe stock shares. I guess that means Jeff sort of works for Mason. Interesting.

Episode 31 - Storm Chasing

Storm chasing has become a spectator sport in the United States. When colossal supercell thunder storms spin up in the U.S. Midwest, dozens of amateur and professional meteorologists tear after then in hopes of capturing images and video of intense lightning, hail, rain, and of course, tornadoes. Many of these storm chasers live-stream their pursuits on YouTube and other social media platforms, garnering some celebrity status with millions of viewers wing their exploits. Mason’s 12 year-old son, Cooper, has been closely following storm chasers and the severe storms they capture on video. These videos and the stories of the thousands of tornadoes that have ravaged parts of North America have become an obsession for him and he hopes to one day become a meteorologist who works to predict these storms and help people stay out of their way.

Motivated by Cooper’s passion for severe weather, Mason promised him that if he got good grades this school year, they’d go storm chasing. This episode is the story of that adventure. We hope you enjoy it.

Episode 32 - Travel Has Changed

Anyone who has travelled by air lately has probably noticed that things have changed. Flights are chronically overbooked and flight crews are running out of patience with passengers dragging massive bags they insist are carry-ons. For those of us traveling with camera gear, it’s a great time to plan ahead for less room in overhead bins. In this episode Mason and Jeff discuss several things they’ve started doing differently when they fly.

In an age of diminishing space, there are several strategies you can employ to make travel easier. Jeff and Mason talk about luggage considerations, packing hacks, and how to pare down one’s camera kit for a more enjoyable adventure.

Episode 33 - Photo Scout with Daniel Kennett

Most of us have used smartphone apps that help photographers determine sun and moon positions for spectacular outdoor images. These tools have been great scouting resources for planning shoots when moments are fleeting and camera position is critical, but they haven’t been much help when it comes to predicting the weather or reminding you to wake up and get the shot. All that changes today with the launch of Photo Scout, a new iPhone app by Daniel Kennett that can help you plan difficult photo opportunities and then prompt you to see them through. Leveraging cloud-based atmospheric and space weather forecasting services with device-based sun and moon position data, Photo Scout allows you to build photo recipes with multiple factors and then set up push notifications to alert you when your conditions are lining up. For example, if you are hoping to capture the rising full moon behind a certain skyline in clear conditions that will make that shot spectacular, Photo Scout will tell you when the moon will be where you want it, then check the weather when that moments comes, and then send you an alert so you’ll have time to get into position to capture the decisive moment. In this episode, we talk with Daniel Kennett to find out how Photo Scout came to be and what it takes to build an innovative app with complex functions.

Episode 34 - Mail Call & Year in Review

As 2023 winds down, we look back at our photographic year and ahead to the next. We also tackle two listener questions as we discuss staying safe when out and about with camera gear and how we’d digitize old print photos and keep them safe for future generations.

Episode 35 - Flash Photography with Roberto Valenzuela

Roberto Valenzuela is an accomplished wedding, fashion and portrait photographer, author, and educator. His command of artificial light and dogged pursuit of meticulously-crafted portraits make him an authority on flash photography. In his new book, Picture Perfect Flash, he shares his secrets to success and in this episode we talk with Roberto about his work and how noobs like us can create captivating portraits.

Roberto has developed a handful of helpful memory aids and workflows that will help anyone who is working with artificial light get the results they seek. We explore some of these techniques and Roberto explains the process he used to dream them up. In addition to the tips on flash and people photography we dig into Roberto’s practice of identifying mistakes in his work and how he painstakingly analyzes them and works through solutions. His methods are incredibly simple and applicable to any photographer seeking better images.