Focused Professional

• Exploring Different Perspectives with Tony Hewitt

  In Episode 30 Joe welcomes internationally renowned photographer, teacher, speaker and judge Tony Hewitt. With multiple fellowships and countless awards including International Photographer of the Year titles, Tony is highly respected in the industry and regularly sought out for mentoring and coaching. An experienced wedding, portrait, commercial and fine art photographer, Tony knows the photographer's life inside out. He likes to bring fresh perspective through his work and does so quite literally in his stunning abstract aerial photography. Listen to discover how a life-altering hot air balloon trip sparked a passion that has since led to hundreds of hours of flight capturing the world from breath-taking altitudes, including a trip around the entire coast of Australia. Tony is driven to present his view of the world, seeing photography very much as a means of communication. While good preparation is vital, especially when working in extreme environments, behind all of that is our mental readiness. Do we have something to say and can we find our unique voice? Tony is convinced that whatever the genre, photographers can and should use their own perspectives to communicate with the viewer, whether we choose to use the "rules" or break them. All images © Tony Hewitt - all rights reserved. Images used here with permission. Find out what advice Tony would give anyone starting out as a professional now. Hear his take on composition, the role of passion and how images can tap into the full range of human emotions. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a true master of the art. Visit Tony's website to see more of his work and to discover ways you can work with him. You can follow Tony on Instagram or also find him on Facebook.

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• An Artist's Journey - Dario Rigetto

  Welcome to Episode 29 of the Focused Professional Podcast. In this episode, Joe chats with Dario Righetto, a highly respected figure in the international photography community known for his expertise in printing and as a judge. Dario sketches out for us his journey into the photography industry and his passion for supporting artists. Growing up in Venice, inspired by the stunning architecture, art and Italian countryside, art has been in his blood from a young age. He still continues his childhood love for painting and is known as a skilled illustrator. In fine art printing, Dario finds a home for his blend of artistic and scientific interests, harnessing developing technology to create exquisite prints for some of the world's best photographers. He is trusted for competition prints and qualification panels by those at the top of their game. Dario loves to help people get into printing their work and he quickly debunks myths around the complexity of the process and emphasizes the value it adds to the craft, both artistically and professionally. Along with his wife Sarah Edmunds, Dario created the Judging Room to extend the benefits of attending print judging to more photographers at various international events. This is a great educational resource and also fun for the judges involved who benefit from one another's diverse perspectives and skillsets. We touch on the benefits of combining different cultures and the global need for a wide range of voices. Art is never finished - it needs all of our contributions. Images courtesy of Dario Righetto - used with permission. You can follow Dario on Instagram or join the Love Edits Facebook group Please visit the Love Edits website for more information on the Judging Room, Dario's print services and to learn key editing skills

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• Therese Asplund - Lighting the Path to Perfection

  Welcome to episode 28 of the Focused Professional Podcast. In this interview, Joe chats with Elinchrom Global Ambassador and Nikon Creator Therese Asplund. The acclaimed Swedish photographer has won many international titles and awards and is a Master Qualified European Photographer. Her prints consistently score highly in competitions, wowing the judges, and she has even managed an incredible perfect 100 at the prestigious Societies of Photographers print competition. In this exclusive interview, Therese shares her passion for lighting and the art of mastering shadows to sculpt beautiful portraits. Her creativity finds inspiration in the hardware store, swimming pool and wherever else she may go, using her imagination to re-purpose a potential prop or location. She might not easily settle into one approach or genre, but nevertheless, her eclectic approach still results in images that are recognisably her handiwork. Therese loves a challenge and isn't one for sitting back and taking things easy. She adapts her business to enable her to continue to be profitable despite economic downturns making it hard to raise prices, embracing new technology where it can help her as an artist and professional. At the same time, her motivation and enjoyment for her art remains the same as when it started - the joy of bringing happiness to others happy with her images. All images © Therese Asplund - used here with permission See Therese's website for more of her work and follow her on Instagram to keep up with the latest images and behind the scenes footage.

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• Seeking Authenticity with Sissela Johansson

  Join us in Episode 27 for a deep and personal conversation with Danish photographer, tutor, and model Sissela Johansson. Now based in Sweden, Sissela lived in America for a number of years and has experience of running a business in different contexts and with different aims. After initially following the advice of established photographers on how to "succeed," she took her own path that felt more authentic to herself. She is now reinventing herself again in an even more profound way, redefining success and prioritising what is truly meaningful for her. Sissela is exploring what authenticity looks like for her, following her heart and developing a lifestyle that is sustainable in many more ways. Treating others with care and humanity is at the heart of her photography ethos. Whether she is creating portrait images or intimate boudoir, Sissela seeks to really understand and present the true nature of her clients. And this is something she is passionate about sharing with her students too. Yes, lighting, posing, props and location play a role. But, for Sissela the person in front of the lens is first and foremost a human being to be respected and valued. Sharing her experiences as a model, she also pleads with photographers to engage with people even in busy convention booths. Portrait images are co-creations and this works best if we really work with models instead of treating them impersonally as objects to photograph.  This frank and open conversation offers alternative perspectives on working in the photography industry. Sissela Johansson offers her take on what her career has brought her and encourages you to think about what you really want before getting caught up in the hype or following the crowds. All images © Sissela Johansson - used here with permission Visit Sissela's website for examples of her work and teaching. Keep up with her also on Instagram    

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• Antonio Bernardino Coelho - Abstract, Buildings, Commercial & more

  In episode 26 we chat with award-winning photographer Antonio Bernardino Coelho from Portugal. Antonio has gathered numerous accolades from international photography competitions, including the prestigious Sony Awards and the Society of Photographers. In this interview he shares how he takes inspiration from everything - big or small. Antonio juggles family life, working as an engineer and his various hobbies and interests including his passion for photography yet still manages to produce high quality images that wow judges. He is both artist and scientist, observer and storyteller with a variety of influences that have fuelled his ever-evolving style. Most known for still life and architectural images, it all began with a trip to Cuba and a fascination with its culture. His attitude is to give things a go - just try! So we find a diverse portfolio that showcases many genres, all done to a high level. His art draws on his personality and his values, delivering clear, uncluttered messages to the viewer. From fungi in the local countryside to architecture in the city and home to his tabletop creations, Antonio brings his take on the world around him. We invite you to listen to hear the stories behind popular series such as "State of Mind", how a bucket of staples led to a conceptual cityscape and his big dreams of travelling if he gets the chance. Join us for this exclusive rare interview. All images © Antonio Bernardino Coelho - used here with permission Discover more of Antonio's work on Instagram  

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