What Goes Into Creating Launch Photos

What Goes Into Creating Launch Photos

Author: Steve Brazill June 15, 2023 Duration: 1:06:06

My guest today most likely needs no introduction. As Vice President of Operations for KelbyOne, Erik Kuna has been around the photography world for a long time, and he’s been on the show before, for the episode titled Shoot for the Skies. His specialty is photographing rockets and spaceflight, but make no mistake, Erik could teach you a lot about almost any genre of photography.

From behind the camera, Erik photographs launches for organizations like NASA, SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, and Orbital ATK. Whether he’s working for a media outlet, a magazine, or for an actual space agency, his goal is to create images that help educate people on the space industry.

The educator side of Erik is where many people know him from. Working for KelbyOne, has led to him being the regular co-host with KelbyOne founder Scott Kelby on their show The Grid. Erik’s 20+ years of experience serve him well there, and around the photography world, teaching seminars, workshops and classes. From landscapes, travel and nature, to night photography, twilight and rockets, Erik is as knowledgeable as it gets. 

He’s also worked with partners such as Adobe, Google, Canon, B&H Photo and many more to produce training videos and corporate events to help their customers and clients unlock their full potential via education and inspiration.

Join rocket and spaceflight photojournalist Erik Kuna and me as we try to better understand what goes into creating his amazing images, on this Behind the Shot.

Connect with Erik

Personal: erikkuna.com
KelbyOne: kelbyone.com
Photoshop World:photoshopworld.com
Facebook: @erikkuna
Instagram: @erikkuna
Twitter: @erikkuna

Erik’s Prints

Prints on SmugMug: erikkuna.smugmug.com

Erik’s Workshops with Jay Grammond

Dakota Adventure: Light Painting Under The Stars: jgrammondphotography.net

Erik’s Photographer Pick

John Kraus: johnkrausphotos.com | @johnkrausphotos

Apps Erik Mentioned

Adobe Lightroom: adobe.com
Adobe Photoshop: adobe.com
PhotoPills: photopills.com
Flight Club: flightclub.io
Astrospheric: astrospheric.com

Erik’s Agency

SuperCluster: supercluster.com

Behind the Scenes Images Shown During the Show


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
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Alex Buisse is an adventure photographer based out of Alberta, Canada, but it would seem that Chamonix, France has his heart – at least photographically. Alex is a climber, but around the same time he fell in love with t…