Stretch Your Photo Creativity

Stretch Your Photo Creativity

Author: Steve Brazill July 20, 2018 Duration: 33:58

It’s tough to know where to start when talking about Frederick Van Johnson. If you listen Behind the Shot then you are most likely aware of the photography podcast world. He is in my opinion one of the best podcasters out there today. When I was originally looking to start Behind the Shot it was Frederick that invited me to be on the TWiP network, it was Frederick that showed me the ropes, and more importantly to me it was Frederick that became my friend. In fact Frederick was my very first guest on an episode about Cinemagraphs called Photos with Life.

From a professional angle Frederick has more experience than most anyone I know. He is best known as the host of This Week in Photo’s namesake podcast, but Frederick wears many hats. He is actually the CEO & Founder of the TWiP Network, not to mention a talented marketing professional, having helped build successful marketing campaigns for fortune 100 companies like Adobe, Apple, Yahoo! and Aol. As a public speaker and educator you can often find him on discussion panels at some of the industries top events, or speaking to companies like AOL, Adobe, Apple, Panasonic, and Data Robotics. For select companies and individuals he will even conduct one-on-one coaching sessions on photography, marketing, business and social media.

This year Frederick has taken the TWiP brand and expanded it’s reach. Now, there is not only the TWiP family of podcasts and the TWiP School, but also the new TWiP Pro community, a space designed for focused conversation and interaction about all things photography. In TWiP Pro members get feedback, guidance, and exclusive content. One of the most popular parts of TWiP is access to the TWiP Critique sessions.

One of things that always strikes me is how many people know of Frederick because of the photo related content he creates, but really are not that familiar with his photography. I want to change that. On this show I am happy to welcome FVJ back on behind the shot to discuss one of his creative works called Lorena Banna.


Connect with Frederick

Personal Site: frederickvan.com
Business Site: thisweekinphoto.com
Twitter: @frederickvan
Instagram: @frederickvan


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…