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! Check out the 18-300mm compact, all-in-one zoom lens for creators. Get sharp shots from wide landscapes to close-ups with a 16.6x zoom, fast VXD autofocus, and a 5.9" minimum focusing distance. Available for Sony E, FUJIFILM X, and now Nikon Z, and Canon RF mounts. Save for a limited time on select mounts! 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