The Photographer Mindset

Is boredom the secret to creativity? Can slowing down actually make you more productive? And how do you find balance in a world that demands constant hustle? Aaron and Seth dive into the art of intention, the meditative beauty of photography, and why embracing stillness might be your ultimate creative edge.
Expect to Learn:
Why crafting a strong narrative is essential for elevating your work and standing out as a creator
How slowing down and embracing intentionality can help creators struggling to manage multiple projects
How to reconnect with your craft and find joy in the process
How focusing on one task at a time with clear purpose improves your creative output
Why reducing reliance on social media and other hyper-stimulating activities will reset your brain and make creative work more fulfilling
Sponsors:
Thanks to Tamron for sponsoring this episode! Start the New Year with up to $300 off select lenses during their Winter Savings event, now through February 8, 2026. Save on lenses for Sony E-mount, Nikon Z-mount, and FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless cameras.  Explore here at www.tamron-americas.com
Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show: https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US

Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset
Support the show

Dave Sandford (@davesandford) is a renowned wildlife photographer and polar bear guide.
What happens when a celebrated photographer steps out from behind the lens and into a new role? In this episode, Dave shares his journey through a 30-year career, from capturing stunning images of polar bears to navigating the evolving photography industry. We discuss imposter syndrome, the power of storytelling, and finding joy in guiding others to connect with nature. How do we adapt, stay inspired, and remain true to our creative passions?
Expect to Learn:
The importance of focusing on creating fewer, high-quality images
How to navigate shifts in the photography industry and make yourself more competitive
How even seasoned professionals deal with self-doubt and push through it
How stepping into adjacent roles can open new doors in your creative career
How to identify what makes your perspective or skills unique
Dave's Website: https://www.davesandfordphotos.com/
Sponsors:
Thanks to Tamron for sponsoring this episode! Kick off the New Year with up to $300 off select lenses during their Winter Savings event, now through February 8, 2026. Upgrade your gear with exceptional lenses for Sony E-mount, Nikon Z-mount, and FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless cameras. Explore here at www.tamron-americas.com

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our secondary sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want the highest-quality prints: https://www.whitewall.com/
Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show: https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US

Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset
Support the show

It’s the start of 2026, and Aaron is following Seth's episode with a solo episode of his own reflecting on the win, challenges, and takeaways of 2025 for him.
Expect to hear Aaron dive into the art of slowing down, the importance of listening to your body, and how a year of "settling in" brought clarity and peace. He shares insights on balancing creativity with consistency, the joy of fostering meaningful relationships, and why happiness truly comes from within. Plus, Aaron opens up about the challenges of running injuries, the lessons learned from back surgery, and how rekindling his love for music became a full-circle moment. This episode is packed with honesty, humor, and a whole lot of life lessons.
Expect to Learn:
How embracing stillness and being present can lead to deeper self-awareness and fulfillment
The importance of recognizing and addressing physical red flags before they escalate into bigger issues
Why true happiness isn’t outsourced to external validation
Insights on maintaining steady work, fostering client relationships, and finding joy in creative endeavors
How fostering close relationships and spending time with loved ones can be the most rewarding investment of time
Sponsors:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want the highest-quality prints: https://www.whitewall.com/
Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show: https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US

Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset
Support the show

It’s the start of 2026, and I’m (Seth) kicking things off with a solo episode reflecting on the highs, lows, and lessons of 2025.
Expect to learn how I balanced the artistic mind with the business mind, why stepping away from social media made me a more fulfilled creator, the surprising productivity of stillness and boredom, and how I found deeper meaning in my video work. I’ll also share lessons from running injuries, the joy of teaching my niece and nephew about nature, and why my dog learning to swim became an unexpected highlight of 2025 along with much, much more....
Expect to Learn:
Why you should set three challenging goals each year that have a 50% chance of failure
How to identify and finish incomplete tasks or projects to reduce mental clutter
Why eliminating social media can improve your creative output
How dedicating 20-30 minutes to complete stillness will help you come up with solutions to problems
How to apply the "3-2-1 system" to structure your day for ultimate productivity and eliminate the non-essential
Sponsors:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want the highest-quality prints! https://www.whitewall.com/
Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show: https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US

Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset
Support the show

Ian Jones (@iansjones) is a Pittsburgh-based commercial photographer and creative strategist known for crafting bold, story-driven visuals for brands and businesses, with a focus on content that connects, performs, and stands out.
Expect to Learn:
 How to tactfully ask potential clients about their current marketing efforts
The importance of educating clients about what they’re missing from or overpaying to social/marketing agencies
How to create mock-up ads or showcase relevant portfolio work that demonstrates your capabilities
How being a local creator can give you an edge over large marketing agencies
How explaining your process can help win over clients who may feel jaded by previous experiences.
Ian's Website: https://www.isjdesigns.com/
Sponsors:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want the highest-quality prints! Use the code TPM2025 at checkout for 15% off: https://www.whitewall.com/
Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show: https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US

Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset
Support the show