How to Embrace Your Creative Journey: Insights from Tony Menias

Discover how Tony Menias transformed his life from medicine to photography, faced challenges, and found inspiration. Perfect for aspiring creatives seeking guidance.

In the world of creativity, every journey is unique. When I caught up with Tony Minyus, a photographer who made a bold leap from the medical field to follow his passion, he shared insights that resonate deeply with anyone navigating their creative path. In this post, we’ll explore how Tony embraced his journey, the challenges he faced, and the valuable lessons he le...

Episode 01 — Bellamy Hunt (Japan Camera Hunter)

In the debut episode of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with Bellamy Hunt — better known as Japan Camera Hunter — inside his Tokyo office in 2019 for a rare and personal conversation.

We talk about his move from England to Tokyo, what it really takes to adapt to life in Japan as a foreigner, and how he built one of the most respected names in the world of film cameras. Bellamy shares how he sources rare and legendary cameras, what makes Tokyo such a unique place for collec...

Episode 14 — Samantha Jacobs Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer. 

In Episode 14 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with wedding and lifestyle photographer Samantha Jacobs to talk about taking a leap of faith — leaving her small hometown in Kansas and moving to Las Vegas to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time photographer.

Samantha shares what it felt like to step away from familiarity and comfort in order to chase something bigger. We discuss the uncertainty of starting over in a new city, building a client base from scratch, and the emotional resilience required to be...

Episode 13 — Mathew Stucko, Emmy-winning producer.

In Episode 13 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with Emmy-winning producer Mathew Stucko to break down the mindset of determination and what it really takes to run a podcast at a high level.

Mathew shares lessons from his career in television production and how those experiences shaped the way he approaches storytelling, structure, and consistency in his own show. We discuss the discipline required to build momentum, the behind-the-scenes realities most audiences never see, and why long-term commitment matters more than short bursts of inspiration.

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Episode 12 — Reilly Balcom

In Episode 12 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with up-and-coming creator Reilly Balcom to talk about building momentum in the early stages of a creative career.

We discuss what it means to develop your voice in a crowded digital landscape, the pressure of comparison, and the discipline required to stay consistent when the results aren’t immediate. Reilly shares insights into how he approaches content creation, how he balances experimentation with intention, and the mindset needed to grow without losing authenticity.

This episode is about the grin...

Episode 11 — Shoot Wisely Host Amir Ebrahimi

In Episode 11 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I step out from behind the questions and into the guest seat to reflect on the journey of building and running the podcast.

This episode is a candid look at the rewards and challenges of creating something consistently — from booking guests and preparing conversations to navigating technical hiccups and the pressure to keep evolving. I share what I’ve learned about listening, storytelling, and the responsibility that comes with giving people space to share their experiences.

We talk about the unseen...

Episode 10 — Thanasis Petrakis, UFC/NBA Videographer 

In Episode 10 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with videographer Thanasis Petrakis to talk about capturing some of the most iconic moments in modern sports history.

Thanasis shares what it was like being behind the lens during the explosive clash between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor inside the Ultimate Fighting Championship — one of the most intense nights the sport has ever seen. We discuss the pressure of filming in high-stakes environments where chaos can erupt at any second, and the responsibility of documenting history as it un...

Episode 09 — Andrew D. Bernstein

In Episode 09 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with legendary NBA photographer Andrew D. Bernstein to talk about a career spent documenting basketball history from courtside.

We discuss his close friendship and working relationship with Kobe Bryant and the process of creating the book The Mamba Mentality — a project built on years of trust, access, and shared vision. Andy reflects on capturing Kobe’s mindset, discipline, and evolution both on and off the court.

We also dive into photographing Michael Jordan throughout his career, and what it was li...

Episode 08 — Tony Mendias Street/Travel Photographer

In Episode 08 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with photographer Tony Mendias to talk about his decision to leave the medical field and pursue a career in photography — a leap that eventually took him traveling the world in pursuit of his passion.

Tony shares what it was like walking away from a stable, respected profession to follow a creative calling. We discuss the financial uncertainty, the pressure of family expectations, and the internal doubts that come with stepping off a conventional path. As he committed full...

Episode 07 — Khary Mason, retired Homicide Detective turned Photographer. 

In Episode 07 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with retired homicide detective Khary Mason to discuss how photography and writing became tools for processing more than 20 years on the force.

After decades of investigating violent crime, Khary found himself carrying the weight of the stories, scenes, and human consequences he witnessed. In this conversation, he shares how picking up a camera — and putting words to paper — helped him unpack trauma, reflect on service, and reconnect with his own humanity.

We explore the emo...

Episode 06 — Jake Ricker (Documenting the Golden Gate Bridge on film)

In Episode 06 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with photographer Jake Ricker to discuss his multi-year project documenting the Golden Gate Bridge entirely on film — and the book that emerged from it.

Jake shares what drew him to photograph one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, and why he chose to approach it with patience, repetition, and analog discipline. We talk about the challenges of committing to a long-term project, the realities of shooting film in changing light and weat...

Episode 05 — John S. Couch (The Art of Creative Rebellion)

In Episode 05 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with writer and former Apple creative executive John S. Couch to discuss his book The Art of Creative Rebellion.

We explore the ideas behind creative rebellion — what it means to challenge convention, rethink systems, and build cultures that empower imagination rather than suppress it. John shares insights from his years at Apple, the lessons he’s learned about leadership and innovation, and why rebellion isn’t about disruption for its own sake...

Episode 04 — Suitcase Joe (Anonymous Skid Row Photographer)

In Episode 04 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with Suitcase Joe — an unidentified photographer documenting life in Los Angeles’ Skid Row.

Choosing to remain anonymous to protect both his identity and the people he photographs, Suitcase Joe shares how and why he began documenting Skid Row. Recorded shortly after the 2020 lockdown, this conversation explores the realities of the neighborhood during a uniquely tense and uncertain moment in history.

We discuss the historical context of Skid Row, the systemic issues that shaped it, and th...

Episode 03 — Jamel Shabazz

In Episode 03 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with legendary NYC street photographer Jamel Shabazz for a powerful and honest conversation about photography, community, and purpose.

We talk about his photographic process, how he approached young people in the neighborhoods he documented, and why respect and relationship-building were central to his work. Jamel shares how he used photography as a bridge — not just to document culture, but to uplift and mentor the youth around him.

He also opens up about his time serving as a correctional offi...

Episode 02 — Mark de Clive-Lowe (Heritage 2)

In Episode 02 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with Mark de Clive-Lowe to discuss the release of his album Heritage II.

We talk about the vision behind Heritage II, the intention driving the project, and the creative journey from concept to completion. Mark shares how the album reflects lineage, identity, and the merging of tradition with forward-thinking production — blending jazz improvisation with modern sonic textures.

We also explore the discipline required to finish meaningful work, the emotional weight of honoring heritage through music, and what it take...