B&H Photography Podcast

Above Photograph © Donald Pettit, NASA
At its best, photography draws from both science and art, to give resulting images a dual purpose—aesthetic innovation and scientific merit. And when that photography happens from the windows of the International Space Station, capturing star trails, city lights, and our blue planet against the void of space, it becomes something truly transcendent. 
In today's show, we're privileged to chat with NASA Astronaut Donald Pettit, a scientist, inventor, and photographer who has spent nearly two years living, working, and making pictures in orbit.
Some fun take aways from our chat include: 
How photographing in a microgravity environment can turn a traditional group portrait      into bodies scattering like bowling pins when the photographer tries to join the shot.
The vast perspective when viewing out a window of the ISS—on the order of half a continent—rather than a 50-to-100-kilometer horizon on earth.
The stratospheric volume of imagery captured during a mission, and the discerning Lightroom workflow Don uses to retrieve individual photos from his archive at home. 
The importance of a humble synch cord to connect two cameras and render the "many decades of brightness" on an EV scale as a single HDR image to illustrate the rapid transition from day to night that occurs in orbit. 
And, finally, how Don has taken the concept of synchronized imagery to a cosmic level by pairing the same phenomena he captures from orbit with a complementary view recorded from earth, in collaboration with astrophotographer Babak Tafreshi.
As Don explains towards the end of our chat, "I'm a big proponent of the concept of a frontier. My frontier happens to be space, but there are frontiers all around us."
He then shares this parting advice: "So just explore the frontiers that present themselves to you, the frontiers that you're motivated to go to. And just open your eyes and collect data, and then record or write about it, because you could make an observation and if you don't somehow share that with others through publications or imagery, it's almost as if it's never been done."
Guest: NASA Astronaut Donald Pettit
Episode Timeline:
2:06: Donald Pettit's introduction to photography, plus connections between his love of science and his creative vision.
5:51: Don's first space flight in 2002 - 2003, using both film and digital cameras, plus the learning curve on the ground to prepare for photographing in space. 
10:36: The success rate when shooting with film and challenges to photographing in orbit.
13:42: From photographing with a barn-door tracker to Don's recent use of an orbital sidereal tracker.
19:07: Advances in digital camera technology, Don's relationship with NASA photo trainers, and challenges to capturing group shots in microgravity.
23:43: Don's most memorable photos from space, the advantages of pro-level camera technology, plus his personal everyday camera—the Nikon Z9.
29:38: Episode Break
30:33: The benefits to fast glass for nighttime images, plus Don's reluctant transition to mirrorless technology. 
33:57: Capturing the colors of city lights, plus the spread of cosmic fireflies—commonly known as Starlink satellites
37:54: Changes on Earth that affect a view from space, plus the extra gear list for Don's next flight.
42:10: The volume of images captured during a mission, Don's Lightroom workflow at home, plus taking notes on the ISS for future reference on Earth. 
49:32: Don's Antarctic expedition to hunt for meteorites, and the creative potential of a frontier environment.
53:17: Don's project From Above and Below with astrophotographer Babak Tafreshi, plus the unicorns in space he hopes to capture on future missions.
57:52: Parting advice about chasing your dreams—Explore the frontiers that present themselves, open your eyes, record your observations, and share them with others.
Guest Bio: 
Donald Pettit is NASA astronaut and a veteran of four spaceflights, logging more than 590 days in space, primarily on the International Space Station. Currently NASA's oldest active astronaut, Don's missions have focused on scientific research into topics that include microgravity, 3D printing, water purification, and plant growth. He's also known for his remarkable in-space inventions, stunning astrophotography, and engaging educational content that makes space science engaging and fun. 
A native of Silverton, Oregon, Pettit was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1996. He holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Oregon State University and a doctorate in the same field from the University of Arizona. Prior to joining NASA, Pettit worked as a staff scientist at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. 
Stay Connected:
Donald Pettit on the NASA Website: https://www.nasa.gov/people/donald-r-pettit/
Donald Pettit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astro_pettit/
Donald Pettit on X: https://x.com/astro_Pettit
Donald Pettit's Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Pettit#

Host: Derek Fahsbender
Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman
Senior Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein
Executive Producer: Richard Stevens

One of the most polarizing questions in the mind of any photographer is "Should—or shouldn't I—get an agent?" 
The role of an agent in a photographer's career is often misunderstood, leading hungry creatives to think that securing representation is their number one key to success. In truth, the relationship between a photographer and agent is far more nuanced than simply booking more assignments.
In today's podcast, we take a deep dive into this complex alliance in a discussion with two generations of top agents, whose combined careers span from the film-era to the latest in media buys. 
Listen in for a behind-the-scenes look at the many details involved, from the four P's Jennifer (JP) Perlmutter looks for in a photographer's work to Michael Ash's skill in editing a portfolio to allow a photographer's individual vision and passion to shine.
Our experts also shed light on critical topics such as branding, while making distinctions between a physical and emotional brand. Get fresh insights about standing out in an oversaturated marketplace and the matter of seeing ahead of the curve on trends.
As JP notes, "You don't have to hop on the current trend. You don't need to create the new trend. You need to create what's true to you, what's true to your vision, and then know that there are enough people out there—that there is your niche. There are the people who are going to love what you're doing."

Guests:
Jennifer Perlmutter & Michael Ash
Episode Timeline:
3:16: Is there a difference between the terms agent and rep?
4:11: Michael Ash on his start as an agent in late 1970's New York.
7:46: Jennifer Perlmutter talks about her beginnings at the dawn of social media.
12:25: Having a good eye for talent, plus the qualifications and skillsets needed to be a rep. 
16:54: Producing as part of an agent's role, plus a peek inside relationships between photographers and a rep.
20:16: Navigating connections between clients, photographers, and reps—plus contracts.
27:34: An agent's role in protecting a photographer's interests, plus their skill in editing and curating the work.
35:46: JP describes the Four P's—what she looks for in a photographer's work.
43:14: Episode Break
44:36: To brand or not to brand, plus distinctions between physical and emotional branding. 
47:28: How do you stand out in an oversaturated marketplace and hone a unique vision?
53:29: The current trend for nostalgia and harkening back to the analog world. 
57:56: Michael and JP discuss today's advertising marketplace and usage rates. 
1:01:08: The matter of taste vs analytics in today's commercial marketplace.
1:04:21: How do you see ahead of the curve or know which trends are worth jumping on? Where do we go from here?
1:11:14: Apostrophe's mentorship program, advice for young creatives, and some thoughts on AI.
Guest Bios:
Michael Ash is a photographers' agent and creative consultant who began representing photographers in 1979, after failing to get drafted into Major League Baseball. Born in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and raised on the streets of New York, Michael founded and led a successful agency in New York City from 1979 to 2016, focused on guiding the careers of more than 40 photographers from around the globe. He introduced this international talent to the world of commercial photography through representation, creative direction, and mentorship. Michael is an expert in contract negotiation, editorial curation, and client development. Most importantly, he has a lifelong dedication to nurturing artistic vision and unique creativity.
Jennifer "JP" Perlmutter is currently a senior photo and motion rep at Apostrophe, with nearly two decades of experience representing and producing for photographers and directors across commercial and editorial realms.
A 2006 graduate of Emerson College, where she studied advertising and visual arts, JP fell in love with photography early on and built a career at the intersection of creativity and commerce. She's known for her collaborative approach, sharp production insight, and deep commitment to artist development, especially when it comes to mentoring emerging talent.
Possessing a robust skill set that includes artist representation, marketing strategy, photography, print production, social media and more, JP has built meaningful connections between artists, agencies, and brands, helping creatives collaborate authentically and thrive. She's passionate about championing visual storytellers and creating space for new voices in an ever-evolving industry.
Stay Connected:
Michael Ash on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelash_original/ 
Michael Ash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelash2/ 
Jennifer Perlmutter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jnperl/ 
Jennifer Perlmutter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jperlmutter/ 
Apostrophe Reps Website: https://apostrophe.is/ 
Apostrophe Reps on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apostrophereps/ 
Credits:
Host: Derek Fahsbender
Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman
Senior Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein
Executive Producer: Dana Glidden

While its origin is murky, the adage "Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time," is at the heart of this wide-ranging discussion about ethical practices in wildlife photography.
From exotic safaris to local birding expeditions, interest in this subject matter has grown tremendously in recent years. Ever advancing camera technologies and increasing ease of use make stunning pictures more accessible than ever, but when these advantages combine with an unbridled enthusiasm for getting the shot, it can often put wildlife at risk.
After defining conservation photography as an act that extends beyond image capture to effect a change in the world, we delve into questionable practices that can threaten animal safety and compromise natural behaviors. From avoiding obvious red flags of baiting an animal with food or using audio lures to trigger photogenic results, to more subtle actions of approaching too quickly, getting too close, or staying too long—our guests shed light on alternative methods for ethical behavior in the field.
As Melissa states, "You just have to become a part of the landscape and feel yourself within this community of other beings whose voices and whose messages are as filled with meaning as ours are, but we really have yet to tap into it."
Guests: Melissa Groo & Bobby Stormer
Episode Timeline:
3:56: Defining the term conservation photographer and making a distinction with the term wildlife photographer.
5:25: Melissa's career shift to focus on animal research and her early days photographing wildlife.
12:15: Bobby's expansion from fine art to photography, his shift to photographing animals, plus his passion for local wildlife & animal rescue.
16:49: Bobby's rescue of a fox and her kits, and his work with rehabbers to rehabilitate animals in need.
20:04: The ethics of photographing wildlife, best practices to consider, and mistakes photographers can make that cross ethical lines.
28:59: An increased awareness of wildlife ethics and the importance of sharing best practices in photographing animals to help educate one another.
36:04: Truth in image captioning and the question of sharing detailed location details, plus the distressing truth behind wildlife game farms.
44:42: Episode Break
46:24: The cameras, lenses, and related photo gear Melissa and Bobby pack, plus their camera set-ups.
56:09: Bobby and Melissa talk focusing, aperture, shutter speed, ISO and other considerations for settings.
102:45: Ethical considerations beyond baiting animals and staging wildlife photo-ops at a time when nature and animal photography has gained huge traction.
1:05:57: Concerns related to captive animal photography, plus distinctions between various facilities—from zoos to sanctuaries to animal havens to wildlife game farms.
1:11:08: Wildlife rescue, the path to becoming a licensed animal rehabber, plus discussing the upsurge in interest in wildlife photography during the pandemic.
1:25:45: Advice for anyone seeking to become a professional wildlife or conservation photographer.           
 
Guest Bios:
Melissa Groo is a photographer, writer, and conservationist dedicated to telling stories of the natural world. As a leading voice and consultant on ethics in wildlife photography, it's her mission to inspire conservation of the animals she's privileged to witness, and the habitat crucial to their survival.
A Sony Artisan of Imagery since 2024, Melissa also serves as an Associate Fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers, an advisor to the National Audubon Society, and a contributing editor for Audubon magazine.
In 2023, Melissa received the "Jay N. Ding Darling Memorial Award for Wildlife Stewardship Through Art," from The Wildlife Society. In 2017, she received NANPA's Vision Award, in recognition of early career excellence, vision and inspiration to others in nature photography, conservation, and education.
Her award-winning fine art prints are widely exhibited and featured in both personal and corporate collections. Additionally, Melissa has served as a juror for numerous competitions—from the Audubon Photography Awards to Wildlife Photographer of the Year and beyond.
As an ambassador for Project Coyote, Melissa is equally invested in the importance of carnivores in our landscapes, continually advocating for co-existence with, and appreciation of, these animals.. She also serves on the Advisory Council for Wyoming Untrapped, the Board of Directors for The Little Egg Foundation, and as a volunteer photographer at the Cornell Wildlife Hospital, near her home in Ithaca, New York.
Bobby Stormer first picked up a camera in 2010, transitioning from traditional art to photography as a new creative outlet. Born and raised just outside New York City, his early work focused on urban exploration and automotive shoots, but everything changed six years ago when he took a deep dive into wildlife photography.

Shaped by both cityscapes and suburban ecosystems, Bobby developed a unique approach to capturing local wildlife, from foxes and owls to black bears, often within minutes of home. His mission is to show others the beauty hidden in their own backyards and foster a sense of coexistence with the wild. But what truly sets Bobby apart is his hands-on commitment to animal welfare. Apart from the image making, he's helped rescue and rehabilitate hundreds of animals. For Bobby, the photo is just a keepsake, his real reward is the moment itself, while letting empathy and respect guide his every frame.
 
Stay Connected:
Melissa Groo Website: https://www.melissagroo.com/
Melissa Groo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissagroo/
Melissa Groo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.groo
Melissa Groo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-groo-23252324/
Melissa Groo Linktree: https://linktr.ee/melgroo
 
Bobby Stormer Website: https://robertstormer.smugmug.com/
Bobby Stormer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.stormer/
Bobby Stormer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobby.stormer/
Bobby Stormer Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bobby_stormer32/
 
National Audubon Guide to Ethical Bird Photography: https://www.audubon.org/photography/awards/audubons-guide-ethical-bird-photography-and-videography
Melissa's Rolling Stone article on Game Farms: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/photography-game-farms-exploiting-wild-animals-1235002275/
B&H Explora article on the Ethics of Wildlife Photography:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/the-ethics-of-wildlife-photography
 
Credits:
Host: Derek Fahsbender
Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman
Senior Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein
Executive Producer: Richard Stevens

It takes a lot of guts to engage with a stranger on the street, ask probing questions about their struggles, and come away with a portrait and a story as a record of the human connection that was made. Now, imagine repeating this process countless times over 15 years under the moniker Humans of New York (HONY) and watching what started as a passion project take the world by storm.
In today's show, we're privileged to chat with this 21st century archivist of everyday citizens and their lived experiences. Listen in as HONY's creator, Brandon Stanton, shares how he transformed street photography into a practice of deep human connection—moving beyond candid pictures to create a unique space where strangers can reveal their most authentic selves.  
Some key discussion points include: the art of active listening, the power of vulnerability, and how finding someone's struggle unlocks their genius. Brandon also reflects on building a creative practice through daily discipline and navigating the tension between social media algorithms and meaningful art. Stay to the end for a peek behind the scenes of Brandon's recent blockbuster installation that brought ordinary New Yorkers' stories into the hallowed space of Grand Central Terminal. 
At its core, this is a life lesson in the evolution of authentic storytelling in an increasingly digital world, creating scarcity in an age of abundance—not through better images or words, but through genuine human interaction that can't be replicated in the digital realm.
Guest: Brandon Stanton
Episode Timeline:
2:38: The first portrait Brandon made of two random strangers he encountered in a Chicago subway car. 
7:48: Absorbing rejection when asking people for a picture so to get as broad a representation of the general public as possible.
15:20: The art of stopping someone on the street to capture a photograph and a story, and the evolution of Brandon's creative process.
22:45: Capturing moments of authenticity, the profundity of a person's struggles, the granularity of lived experience, plus the evolution of finding people to approach.
31:57: The mindset and habits Brandon established early on that enables him to create his art.
36:40: Brandon's evolution in capturing people's stories—from reconstructing stories from memory to notetaking in real time to crafting a story from audio recordings.
40:22: Episode Break
41:46: Starting Humans of New York as an antidote to being fired from his full-time job
43:05: The therapeutic aspect of talking to people, and Brandon's process of listening with his entire body to become a vessel for other peoples' stories.
50:22: The role of philanthropy, doing good for others on a grand scale, and Brandon's determination to do the best work possible.
54:15: Brandon talks about the impact of social media and its effects on human behavior.
1:06:31: The Dear New York installation at Grand Central Terminal, and Brandon's belief that the only scarcity in art is through real life.
1:14:37: Focusing on Humans of New York as a solo endeavor vs working with more than 100 collaborators to pull off Dear New York at Grand Central Terminal.
1:20:00: Brandon talks about how he keeps grounded, plus shares his favorite question—How do you keep score with yourself?

Guest Bio: 
Brandon Stanton is the writer and photographer behind Humans of New York, a storytelling platform with over 30-million followers. He's also the creator of Dear New York, an immersive art installation in NYC's Grand Central Station during November 2025 and a companion book. 
Over the past 15 years, Brandon has photographed and interviewed over ten thousand people in forty different countries around the world. During this time, he's helped raise over $20 million dollars in support of various causes and individuals who have been featured in his work. 
Brandon is also the author of four #1 New York Times bestselling books, which have sold millions of copies around the world: Humans of New York in 2013, Humans of New York: Stories in 2015, Humans in 2020, Tanqueray in 2022, and, most recently, Dear New York, in 2025.
In addition to the books, Brandon has given over 100 keynote speeches on the power of connection and has facilitated executive-level workshops for some of the world's most respected companies, aimed at increasing team cohesion. He currently lives in New York City with his wife and three children. 
Stay Connected:
Brandon Stanton Website: https://brandonstanton.com/ 
Humans of New York Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humansofny/ 
Humans of New York Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/humansofnewyork/ 
Humans of New York Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humans_of_New_York 
Dear New York Website: https://dearnewyork.com/ 
Credits:
Host: Derek Fahsbender
Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman
Senior Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein
Executive Producer: Richard Stevens

Picking up a camera is often the start of a life-changing journey. And when it's combined with a focus on community building, the determination to lead by example, and shrewd entrepreneurial skills—this basic action can have a ripple effect with the potential to change countless lives.
In today's show, we speak with creative community trailblazer CJ Wolfe, who has built a passion for pictures and infectious team spirit into a multifaceted brand that encompasses rental studios, a creative agency, and a non-profit organization with a mission to educate and inspire disenfranchised youth. 
Listen in and discover how CJ tapped the determination and leadership skills instilled in him as a student athlete to build a thriving business from the ground up. As an advocate of the 10,000-hour rule, he put in the time and focused on studying the industry and its varied tools and processes, to propel both himself and his community to the next level.
When asked what advice he'd give to young photographers just starting out, CJ notes: "…have your third eye open to what's going on around you, and how you can fit that into your story, into your art, into your creativity with your camera. Because nowadays, photographers, you're just not a photographer. Like, there's so much more to that now."
Guest: CJ Wolfe
Episode Timeline:
2:55: CJ's first camera, his pictures of fellow athletes, and learning camera settings on the fly.
6:29: The skills CJ learned from sports that have helped him build his business. 
10:37: The challenges involved in establishing a 600-square-foot photo studio and rental business. 
16:55: Building the business by studying the industry and the needed tools and trusting that process. 
20:52: Establishing the CJ Wolfe Foundation as a non-profit organization and building the staff. 
24:57: Earning people's trust, changing the perception of the neighborhood, and looking to establish studios in other cities. 
31:23: Looking ahead to another five years and having more impact, plus CJ's plans to get back to his own photography.
33:59: CJ's advice for photographers who are just starting out: Always be open to learning new things about storytelling and marketing. 
36:55: CJ's upcoming plans related to upcoming photo activations and major events going on in Philadelphia.
 
Guest Bio:
CJ Wolfe first picked up a camera in 2018, while pursuing college studies as a student-athlete. Since that time, he's become a staple within Philadelphia's creative community, influencing sports, music, and lifestyle through his creativity behind the scenes and, most importantly, behind the camera. Early on, CJ recognized a major gap in his hometown—a lack of safe, inspiring spaces for photographers to refine their craft, showcase their talents, and build professional networks. Responding to that need, in 2020, he founded Immortal Vision Studio, which quickly grew into a trusted rental powerhouse for photo and video production. Now operating two boutique studios totaling 6,000 square feet and booking over 2,000 appointments a year, this homegrown business has become a cornerstone of the city's creative community. Additionally, in 2023, CJ founded Immortal Vision Agency as a creative firm producing high-impact content for brands and businesses, while simultaneously elevating local talent to the world stage. Working together with his team, CJ has produced work for Red Bull, Footlocker, Ethika, ASAP Ferg, Lil Baby, Meek Mill, and Allen Iverson to name just a few.
 
Stay Connected:
CJ Wolfe Website: https://www.cjxwolfe.com/ 
CJ Wolfe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cjxwolfe/  
CJ Wolfe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-wolfe  
CJ Wolfe Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/scott-beardslee 
Immortal Vision Studio Website: https://www.immortalvisionstudio.com/ 
Immortal Vision Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/immortalvisionstudio/  
Immortal Vision Studio Youtube: https://www.www.youtube.com/@immortalvisionstudio/ 
Immortal Vision Studio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/immortalvisionstudio 
CJ Wolfe podcast segment at B&H's Bild Expo: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/bild-2025-recap-with-cj-wolfe-maria-clinton-benjamin-von-wong 
Credits:
Host: Derek Fahsbender
Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman
Senior Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein
Executive Producer: Richard Stevens