Documenting Burning Man

Documenting Burning Man

Author: Steve Brazill June 20, 2019 Duration: 52:47

This show is the start of a contest to win a 6 week online course, from Trey Ratcliff and Lauren Bath, on “How to Build Influence”, the ultimate e-course for future influencers. See the rules here or in the links below.

I am often asked what my favorite episode of Behind the Shot is, which is not an easy thing to answer. I have truly enjoyed each and every show, and I have had the honor of getting to ask questions, that I really want to know the answers to, of some of my heroes. There is one episode that stands out to me purely from a hosting point-of-view however, because I felt totally in over my head.

Raise Your Dynamic Range with Trey Ratcliff

Like many of my past guests Trey is a legend, yet you’d never know it speaking with him. He is kind, humble, and eager to share his with and help others. But Trey had me speechless at times. The part of the conversation on color theory was nothing short of fascination, and then there was a quote he said. For some reason, when Trey said this line it stopped me in my tracks.

“Be alert, be astonished, share your astonishment.”

Go back and read that again…. I can wait….

That line sums up what photography, actually all creativity, really should be.

Trey is part photographer, part marketer, part teacher, part businessman, part social media icon, an amazing creative, a public speaker, and even an author…. his new book “Under the Influence – How to Fake Your Way into Getting Rich on Instagram: Influencer Fraud, Selfies, Anxiety, Ego, and Mass Delusional Behavior” is available on Amazon.

He is one of the most influential photographers out there, and it’s easy to see why. His background is in Computer Science and Math, and his ability to see light, space, and color is beyond pretty much any other photographer I have met. In fact, the first HDR image to be hung in the Smithsonian was Trey’s ‘Fourth on Lake Austin’.

Trey’s passion is catchy – in a good way. He still posts a photo a day, as he has done that for years, and listening to him talk about his work is a joy. I speak for a living, emceeing, radio, TV etc, and I am here to tell you that very few people have the talent to communicate a “feeling” – Trey does. It’s infectious.

When it comes to photography, Trey is mostly know as an HDR guru, but what he does in the HDR arena is so unique. His images bring his world to life, in front of your eyes. There is such color and depth in his work. There is an unreal realism. Be sure to check out his Burning Man photos and you will feel like you’ve been there, which is a great segue into today’s show.

Trey Ratcliff is back on Behind the Shot! Today it’s a subject matter that fascinates me. I have never been to Burning Man, but in my head Trey’s images define what it must be like. Join the amazingly talented Trey Ratcliff and me on this episode of Behind the Shot as we discuss documenting Burning Man.

Connect with Trey

Personal: stuckincustoms.com
Portfolio: stuckincustoms.smugmug.com
Facebook: @treyratcliff
Instagram: @treyratcliff
Twitter: @treyratcliff

Trey Online

Trey’s “Under The Influence” Instagram Book: amazon.com
Large Format Prints: treyratcliff.com
Workshops, Photowalks, and more: stuckincustoms.com/events
YouTube: @stuckincustoms
HDR Tutorial v 3.0: stuckincustoms.com/complete-hdr-tutorial
Store: store.stuckincustoms.com

“How to Build Real Influence” Contest Info

Win a 6 Week Online Class from Lauren Bath and Trey Ratcliff: “How to Build Real Influence”

Rules and contest info are here.

The guy with the 1898 Kodak Bulls-Eye Camera – Samuel Coniglio

The gentleman in Trey’s image is Samuel Coniglio, and not only does that 1898 Kodak Bulls-Eye camera actual work, I show the actual image he was taking here in the episode. I just want to say thanks to Sam for letting me use his image in the show. You can find out more about Sam by clicking here, and be sure to follow him on Flickr here. Be sure to check out Obtainium Works too, the makers of the Neverwas Haul.


Steve Brazill hosts Behind the Shot-Video, a series that goes far beyond gear lists and camera settings. Each conversation is a deep exploration of the creative and technical journey behind compelling images. You’ll hear working photographers unpack the entire process-from the initial spark of an idea and the challenges of the location to the critical decisions made in post-production. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of art and practical technology, offering tangible lessons for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling. Rather than abstract theory, these discussions provide a real-world look at problem-solving under pressure and the artistic choices that define a signature style. Tune in for honest, detailed breakdowns that reveal how memorable shots are truly built, layer by layer. It’s an essential resource for visual artists seeking both inspiration and actionable knowledge, all grounded in the lived experience of accomplished creators.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 200

Behind the Shot - Video
Podcast Episodes
Making More Creative Portraits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:46
I have always been fascinated with the education side of photography. I don’t have a formal photography education myself, and I am very aware of what skill sets I wish I had been exposed to earlier in my photo journey. I…
Concert Photography Photo Releases [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:59
This is a show I have been thinking about doing for a while, and that I believe is an important subject for both new and veteran music photographers…. BUT even if you’re not a music photographer, this subject should matt…
Capturing Warbirds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
I will never forget growing up hearing my dad talk about his days flying P-51 and P-40 planes. His walls were covered in model planes of classic war birds, as though he was trying to relive his youth. When he passed away…
3 Guys Walk Into a Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:06:11
One of the things I love about the podcasting world is the instant camaraderie you sometimes feel when talking with other podcasters. It’s hard to explain the connection you get when you have something creative in common…
Photographing Spirits of Carnival [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:49
The photographers I am exposed to by doing this show never cease to amaze me. Recently, my buddy Ian Spanier told a friend of his that he should be on the show, and gave him my contact info. At that point, Jason Gardner…
Product Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:16
I never used to go to photography conferences. It’s not that they didn’t interest me, it’s just that none of them cover my genre of music photography. WPPI is all about weddings and portraits, and while Imaging USA seems…
Artistic Macros [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:22
One of my favorite parts of doing this podcast is that I get to discover and meet some amazing photographers, and L.A. based Nikon Ambassador Joey Terrill is a perfect example. We’ve all joked about a photographer we kno…
Architecture Photography Tips & Tricks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:44
I find guests for Behind the Shot in a number of ways. Sometimes it’s a referral from a friend, sometimes it’s a cold email I send after seeing an image I just need to know more about, and now and then it’s through a pho…
Portrait Composites [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:53
One look at the client list at the bottom of Paul Mobley’s About page and it’s quickly apparent that he’s one of the best commercial, advertising, and editorial portrait photographers working today. It’s a list of A leve…
Elevate Your Portrait Images [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:51
Zoe Rain is one of those photographers in the rare group of artists that was born to do what she does. Some people can learn to become amazing artists, while others, people like Zoe, seem to have a natural gift for seein…