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: en-us Episodes: 100

Behind the Shot - Video
Podcast Episodes
Canon EOS R5 Silent Shutter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:33
The odds are that you’ve seen Simon Bruty’s work before, but on the odd chance you haven’t let me help you understand what you’ve missed. When discussing the best sports photography today, Simon is one of those photograp…
Nautical Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:54
I grew up spending a lot of time in Newport, Rhode Island, home of the America’s Cup on twelve occasions between 1930 and 1983. I have great memories of visiting there, and seeing first hand the pride they had on having…
Elevate Your Wedding Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:09
I normally start these posts with some lofty statement about my guest’s accomplishments, or some other overly deep setup. Not today. Today may be the easiest opening I have ever written… Vanessa Joy is a joy to work with…
All Things Gear Rental [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:40
Editors Note: This show is not a paid advertisement. I have received no compensation from any third party company involved, and everything I say in the show is my own opinion. I am so excited to welcome the founder of Le…
Talking Headshots [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:08
It’s rare that I have a guest on Behind the Shot that has redefined their genre of photography, but Peter Hurley is one of those guests. Headshot photography has existed for a long time. I remember driving around L.A. ye…
The Big Cat People [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:58
On occasion I have a guest on Behind the Shot I find hard to describe. With SanDisk Extreme Team members Jonathan and Angela Scott that is not the case. In fact I have so much I want to say that I’m worried I will end up…
Sammonisms – Speed-Learning Advice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:01
I find myself quoting Rick Sammon often, very often. Rick has these little sayings he uses, and he even has a name for them… Sammonisims. When I found out that he had a new class about these sayings over at KelbyOne I kn…
Better Wildlife Photos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:03
Charles Glatzer is one of the top wildlife photographers working today, and that says a lot. There are so many great wildlife photographers out there, but on a rare occasion you meet someone that rises above the rest, so…
Photography Reflections [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:39
A photographer whose publication credits include National Geographic Books, Time, Life Magazine, National Wildlife Federation, Audubon, Sierra Club, and Disney is someone I want to learn from, and in this case, that’s Ad…
Photography: Artified [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:52
Karen Hutton is a photographer that is in demand, but on the chance you are not already familiar with her, let me introduce you… Karen is a Fine Art photographer that specializes in landscape, nature, and travel photogra…