The Outspoken Artist – Details, episodes & analysis

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From photo student to legal leader, Thomas Maddrey’s path has taken him through nearly every creative corridor of the industry. As Chief Legal Officer and Head of National Content & Education at the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), he now champions the rights of artists navigating copyright law, contracts, and emerging tech like generative AI.

This episode breaks down the dual mission of ASMP, must-know legal protections for photographers, and what it really means to advocate for yourself in a shifting industry. From real-world perks (like media badges) to deep insight on undervaluation and ownership, Thomas offers actionable advice for every stage of your career.

EP 075 of The Outspoken Artist Podcast
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Also available on YouTube.

EP 065 of the Outspoken Artist Podcast features a powerhouse conversation with Sal Cincotta—entrepreneur, photographer, and founder of ShutterFest. Recorded on-location at ShutterFest 2025, this episode digs into the grit and guts it takes to build a truly original creative event.

We explore the origin story of ShutterFest, its iconic “Rent-a-Human” model program, and why a late-night, hands-on culture still matters. Sal opens up about his mother’s sacrifices, the discipline of military school, and what authenticity means in a brand-driven world. Plus, unexpected moments—like chocolate, cooking, and stories that go way beyond photography.

Available now on all platforms, including YouTube.
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Charlie Kaufman—founder of Click Backdrops and longtime industry innovator—joins us live at ShutterFest 2025 for a smart, funny, and no-holds-barred conversation about studio work, personal service, AI in photography, and why staying artist-owned still matters. He dives into Click’s origin story, how their premium backdrops became a go-to across the U.S., and how the new ProFold line is changing the game for portable studio gear.

With insights on photography, entrepreneurship, and the quirks between the U.S. and UK creative markets, this episode delivers real talk, real laughs, and real value for any working artist.

Also available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
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Photographer and creative director Alissa Cincotta brings bold energy and clarity to every project—and every conversation. From the floor of ShutterFest 2025, she opens up about trusting her instincts, stepping into leadership, and the real work of building something lasting in a shifting industry.

Also available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
Follow this link for full episodes, bonus content, behind-the-scenes clips, and support options.

Photographer and educator Ning Wong has spent 15 years navigating the creative highs and hurdles of building a career around human connection. Recorded on the floor of ShutterFest 2025, this conversation captures his energy, humor, and unfiltered advice for artists who want to build something of their own—without losing themselves along the way.

Available on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.
Follow this link for full episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, bonus content, and support options.

What happens when a creative leap turns into a calling? In this AfterHours episode from ShutterFest 2025, Chinonye Omeife shares how a spontaneous camera purchase at Walmart sparked a photography journey filled with curiosity, mentorship, and bold experimentation.

Still early in his creative path, Chinonye reflects on exploring new genres, breaking through gear anxiety, and how one mentor’s push to attend ShutterFest reshaped his mindset. From pet portraits to off-camera flash, this candid conversation captures the momentum of an emerging voice fueled by purpose and community.

This is Episode 061 of The Outspoken Artist podcast.
Follow this link for full episodes, bonus clips, and ways to support the show.
Also available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms.

What does it mean to take creative control of your own narrative—personally and professionally? In this AfterHours conversation recorded at ShutterFest 2025, Anthony Rodriguez Monge opens up about embracing self-determination, Latin identity, and what photographers owe to the communities they document.

This is Episode 060 of The Outspoken Artist podcast.
Follow this link for full episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and ways to support the show.
Also available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms.

In the very first full Spanish-language episode of The Outspoken Artist, host Jean Carlo sits down with Peruvian photographer and educator Veronica Benson—live from ShutterFest 2025.

Veronica opens up about her journey immigrating to the U.S., co-founding a photography business with her husband Justin, and later helping launch the innovative post-production tool AfterShoot. What started as a tool to save time became a mission to restore photographers’ creative energy.

She shares powerful reflections on identity, Latinx representation in the industry, and her dedication to uplifting underserved creative communities across Central and South America. Veronica also spotlights two Latina photographers making waves: Maideline Inés and Fabiana Sebastiani.

This episode is a raw, vibrant celebration of resilience, creativity, and connection—across cultures and continents.

EP067 is available now, in Spanish.
Follow this link for full episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and ways to support the show. Full video also available on YouTube.

In this inspiring ShutterFest 2025 edition, Katrina Cross shares how her Detroit-based boudoir business became a mission of empowerment. From launching the “I Am Worthy” movement to educating photographers on confidence, connection, and the power of print, Katrina’s story blends personal transformation with professional impact.

We explore her post-divorce pivot, her passion for printed albums, and how she’s using platforms like AfterShoot, Homespun Heart, and Fundy to serve clients with purpose. If you’re a creative searching for heart-led business insight, this one’s for you.

EP# 066 is available now, with full video on YouTube.
Follow this link for bonus content, behind-the-scenes clips, and ways to support the show.