Lenses & Lyrics - A Photography and Music Podcast

Glen E. Friedman Authenticity in Skateboarding, Punk, and Hip Hop Photography

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:58:49 -0400

Discover how skate, punk, and hip hop culture got its visual identity through the lens of someone who lived the scene, not just observed it. This episode explores the gritty, genuine artistry of Glen E. Friedman and how his raw approach redefined music and skate photography.

Through firsthand experience and street-level authenticity, Glen E. Friedman photographed legends before fame touched their names. From backyard pools in Dogtown with the Z Boys to punk icons like Ian McKay and Henry Rollins, Glen documented history as it happened. His relentless DIY ethic led him to publish books like "Fuck You Heroes" and defend his photos in court, setting standards for creative ownership and self-reliance.

Rock with Glenn

Listen now to uncover the importance of staying true to your vision and owning your story. Subscribe to Lenses & Lyrics for more stories where music and photography intersect.

Photo of Glen on cover from unknown source (via Wikipedia)

This episode of Lenses & Lyrics is brought to you by Imagen, Pic-Time and Flodesk. Work smarter not harder with the best photo selection, photo editing and email marketing tools available for your photography businesses.

Crafting Emotional Stories with Jared Mark Fincher

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:45:00 -0400

What happens when a seasoned musician steps behind the camera? Discover how rhythm, connection, and creativity from one art form shape another in this vibrant episode of Lenses & Lyrics. Scott sits down with Jared Mark Fincher - a talented filmmaker, and lifelong musician who brings his passion for sound to every visual story he crafts.

From childhood piano lessons and church bands to cinematic wedding films, Jared Mark Fincher shares how his musical roots continue to influence his approach to photography and filmmaking. Explore the crossover between leading in music and leading behind the lens, the importance of sound in storytelling, and how creative experiences in both worlds shape genuine connections with people.

"You can miss a couple notes in there and play the wrong note and baby, it's just jazz."

Rock with Jared

The tour

(00:00) - Crafting Emotional Stories with Jared Mark Fincher
(04:14) - Church and Finding a Voice
(07:36) - Leading People Through Story
(12:49) - Audio Matters More Than Video
(20:38) - Rhythm and Editing to Music
(31:10) - Jazz and Final Wrap

AI Is Changing Photography & Music for Everyone

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:39:54 -0500

What if anyone with a computer could create lifelike photos or write music - no camera or guitar required? AI is rewriting the creative playbook for both photographers and musicians, and change isn’t coming, it's here.

This episode of Lenses & Lyrics explores how AI is transforming both photography and music - from making it possible for anyone to generate lifelike images with a prompt, to composing full-fledged songs at the click of a button.

"You need to adopt and adapt with AI. Use it."

The tour

(00:00) - AI Is Changing Photography & Music for Everyone
(02:40) - Where AI Hits Hardest: Product, Real Estate & Automated Campaigns
(03:34) - The Music Crossover: Prompting AI to Write Songs
(04:28) - Adapt or Get Left Behind: Using AI in Your Creative Workflow
(05:23) - Setting Up the Gemini Song Experiment (Genres + Lyrics On Screen)
(05:54) - Gemini Songs

Crossing Creative Boundaries with Celebrities as Photographers

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:06:35 -0500

Who says creativity belongs in a single box? This episode reveals how celebrities from music, sports, and acting swap the spotlight for the shutter, uncovering a world where the person behind the camera wields just as much artistry as the person in front.

Some of the world's most recognizable faces are picking up cameras and expressing their vision as credentialed photographers. Musicians like Benson Boone, Method Man, Seal, and Moby, athletes and actors including Randy Johnson, Drew Carey, Leonard Nimoy, Jeff Bridges, Gary Oldman, Henry Winkler, Drew Barrymore, and Ben Folds. From sideline sports photos and haunting landscapes to fine art portraits and quirky nature finds, this episode shows how creative boundaries are made to be crossed, and how famous hands behind the lens tell their own stories.

Balancing the Beat & Photography with Ash

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 08:40:00 -0500

What happens when your love for music literally shapes the way you frame the world? On this episode of Lenses & Lyrics, meet someone who’s spun tracks, engineered albums, and tells musical stories through every photo.

This week, Scott Wyden Kivowitz sits down with Ash, a DJ, music engineer, producer, and concert photographer whose journey maps the rhythm between sound and vision.

From DJing and producing in the studio to photographing live music events, Ash shares the twists and turns of building a creative career out of passion, and the necessity of staying nimble. You'll hear about learning production at Full Sail, owning a studio, pivoting during the pandemic, and eventually finding an outlet in concert photography. Ash opens up about seeing live music through a photographer’s eye, why house and alternative hip hop fuel editing marathons, and offers candid advice for those seeking to photograph shows, even if the music isn’t their thing.

"If I'm hearing a song that is making me vibe, I'm more inspired in that moment, more than ever to go and get the shot that I'm thinking of."

Rock with Ash

The tour

(00:00) - Balancing the Beat & Photography with Ash
(05:20) - Challenges and Adaptations
(11:04) - Photography and New Beginnings
(22:52) - Connecting with the Artist's Vision
(25:18) - Defining Moments in Concert Photography
(29:54) - The Open Mic Experience
(32:54) - Gear and Techniques for Concert Photography

A Well Orchestrated Musical Performance at a Photo Session

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:52:10 -0500

Picture this: you’re capturing a beautiful portraits, and out of nowhere, a full marching band fills the scene with unexpected energy. When photography and music collide, magic happens — and sometimes, it’s totally unplanned.

In this short but memorable episode, Scott Wyden Kivowitz shares an incredible story from a recent proposal session at Princeton University. What began as a romantic engagement session in a sentimental campus spot quickly transformed when the Princeton University marching band made a surprise appearance. The spontaneous soundtrack turned a special day into a completely one-of-a-kind experience — blending music, love, and photography in perfect harmony.

Want more real-life stories where photography meets music? Subscribe, follow, and share Lenses & Lyrics so you never miss an episode that brings the creative worlds together!

I'm Inspired By The Monumental Interiors of Musical Instruments

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:53:12 -0400

Ever wondered what the inside of a grand piano or violin looks like? This episode is your backstage pass to a breathtaking world where music meets architectural wonder, hidden inside the very instruments that create the sounds we love.

The spotlight is on Charles Brooks, a professional cellist turned visionary photographer. I unpack Brooks's remarkable series "Architecture in Music," which uses advanced macro photography to unveil the awe-inspiring structures inside musical instruments. What looks like concert halls or ancient cathedrals are, in fact, the intricate inner workings of instruments like cellos, pianos, and guitars. Discover how Brooks’s unique background in music profoundly shapes his visual storytelling, and why seeing these hidden worlds might forever change how you listen to music.

Rock with Charles

How Music Influences Photography Storytelling with Garret Torres

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 08:52:00 -0400

What happens when wedding photography collides with death metal, skate tapes, and heartfelt father-daughter dance songs? In this episode, I sit down with Garret Torres, a New Jersey-based wedding photographer and musician whose creative life is powered by passion and a drive for authentic expression.

Garret blends storytelling and artistry to create photos that remind people why they love the people they love. When he’s not photographing weddings, he’s making music and exploring creative ways to express emotion through sound and imagery.

From recording songs as a kid to building a wedding photography business, Garret opens up about the interplay between his artistic worlds. Hear how Garret’s approach to music shapes the way he tells stories with photographs, why he uses a pseudonym for his musical releases, and the reason live heavy metal inspires him during wedding receptions. Plus, get practical advice for musicians venturing into photography, and learn how personal experiences translate into intentional creative practice.

“I'm very much an album listener…that's kind of how I want my wedding clients to consume their photos. Not as singles, but as each little moment as its own song.”

Rock with Garret

The tour

(00:00) - How Music Influences Photography Storytelling with Garret Torres
(01:43) - The Origin of Don Dawson
(02:46) - Early Musical Influences
(06:34) - Balancing Music and Photography
(07:42) - Involvement in Music and Photography Communities
(10:53) - Musical Inspirations and Photography
(19:27) - Hypothetical Scenarios and Advice

From Orchestra Pits to Wedding Aisles with Benny Chiu

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 11:49:03 -0400

What happens when a passion for music meets a love of photography? This episode uncovers how melodies and moments intertwine, sparking unexpected creativity behind the lens.

I sit down with Benny Chiu, photographer, former violinist and drummer, and night owl, for a candid conversation about how musical roots shape visual storytelling.

Benny shares his journey from playing violin and drums to capturing emotions through the camera. He reveals how growing up musically informed his collaborative approach to wedding photography, how song and rhythm influence his edits and client slideshows, and why improvisation isn’t just for the stage. Discover why Benny relates his photography style to crossover artists like Vanessa Mae, and get actionable insights into merging your own artistic passions.

"...one of my favorite things to capture wedding days are actually the open dancing."

Rock with Benny

bycphotography.com
instagram.com/bycphotography
Animoto
Fundy Designer's Social Design App
Social Templates Co.
Artists: Vanessa Mae, Lindsey Stirling, Cursive, Sigur Rós

The tour

(00:00) - From Orchestra Pits to Wedding Aisles with Benny Chiu
(03:25) - Exploring Musical Preferences and Influences
(09:20) - Transition from Music to Photography
(13:07) - Modern Tools and Client Engagement
(15:45) - The Orchestra and Teamwork in Music
(17:13) - Music Preferences During Editing
(18:51) - Photographing Musicians and Inspirations
(26:57) - Advice for Musicians Transitioning to Photography

Prisms, Photos, Power Chords, and the Artistic Crossover with Sam Hurd

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:15:00 -0400

Can a childhood crush on a violinist lead to photographing a wedding? What if your passion for music and gear isn’t just a hobby, but the secret ingredient to your creative success?

I sit down with photographer and musician Sam Hurd, whose journey from orchestra kid to wedding photographer is surprising to some and inspiring to many.

Sam Hurd is a photographer who believes that true artistry comes from trust. Based in Washington DC (with availability worldwide), Sam’s work isn’t about awards, it’s about capturing moments with creativity and authenticity. His portraits and wedding galleries stand out for their emotional clarity and visual poetry.

Sam Hurd reveals how his musical background shaped his photographic style, from recording metal bands in college to applying audio production skills to wedding day videos. Hear the origins of Sam’s fascination with prisms, why he swaps out wedding dance floor hits for heavy metal in his earbuds, and what he’s learned documenting press events for celebrities like Billy Joel and Dolly Parton. Whether you're into gear talk, performance anxiety, or creative inspiration, this episode offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at balancing multiple passions and turning them into art.

"I like the contrast of just ridiculously hard metal in my ears while people are like visibly dancing to Shout because it just makes it fun for me.”

Rock with Sam

The tour

(00:00) - From Instruments to Images: A Photographer's Odyssey
(03:44) - Transition to Guitar and Self-Taught Journey
(09:31) - From Music to Photography
(11:46) - The Prism Band and Photography Connection
(15:31) - First Professional Photography Job
(20:07) - Performing Music and Its Influence on Photography
(26:10) - The Importance of Audio in Videography
(35:26) - Hot Seat Questions

Lessons Learned from a Snowy Street Sing-Along with Five for Fighting

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 13:24:42 -0400

Ever wondered how a snowy night, a missed concert, and an unexpected street performance could transform a musician’s life? In this heartfelt episode, hear a story where passion for music overcomes locked doors and cold weather.

This episode has a story with a pub in Cambridge, Massachusetts, John Ondrasik from Five for Fighting, and a guitar.

“While I’m not a singer and I typically would not sing in front of other people, I did on the street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with John from Five for Fighting and it changed my life.”

If you’ve ever found yourself on the outside looking in, or if music and photography speak to your soul, don’t miss this episode. Subscribe to Lenses & Lyrics and share your own stories where music or art has changed your life.

Finding Joy in Music Without the Pressure to Perform

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 08:44:48 -0400

Ever felt the itch to perform, only to be held back by self-doubt or expectations? What if you didn’t have to prove anything to anyone and could simply enjoy your craft, just for you?

Fresh off a beach vacation, I reflect on being invited on stage by a musician friend, and why I chose to stay in the crowd. Revisiting my days at Berklee College of Music, I explore how even top musicians like John Mayer don’t always follow the expected path, and how stepping back from pressure can help you rediscover pure enjoyment in your passion projects, whether it’s music, photography, or any creative pursuit.

“I enjoy the lack of pressure. I enjoy doing it for me. So if you’re a photographer, if you’re a videographer and you play music and you’ve got that urge to play more, just remember, there’s no pressure. If you want to do it for you, do it for you.”

Additional Resources Mentioned:

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow creative who might need a reminder: you don’t have to perform for anyone but yourself. Subscribe to Lenses & Lyrics for more conversations about balancing passion and pressure.

From Hardcore Bands to Wedding Films with Jason McCutchen

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Find out what happens when punk rock and hardcore meets the world of cinematic wedding filmmaking. Take a journey from sleeping on hoarder house beds while on tour, to crafting emotionally resonant wedding films. Where music, nostalgia, and artistry collide.

Jason McCutchen is a wedding filmmaker based out of Boston Massachusetts, who currently owns three making brands, Merriment films, Stopgolove, and Huxley Film as well as an educator and podcaster at the YouTube channel Wedding Film School. Jason grew up in the New England hard-core metal scene, and in a previous life played in several bands in addition to working in recording studios.

Scott and Jason connect over their shared roots in hardcore bands and the scrappy reality of DIY touring, broken vans, sleeping in bathtubs, and houses filled with hoarded stuff. Jason reveals how his early love for writing and performing music led to a career in film, blending his artistic drive with wedding filmmaking. The episode dives deep into the creative crossovers between music and visual storytelling, how nostalgia shapes Jason’s approach to films, and the unique ways his team weaves personal and family music into their projects. From fanboying over Converge and Deftones to candidly addressing the business side of art, Jason shares both the highs and the hard choices along his creative journey.

"If I do something that’s for my soul, I don’t want anyone to be able to take it away from me.”

Rock with Jason

The tour

(00:00) - Jason McCutchen
(02:47) - Touring Disasters and Recording Studios
(05:55) - Memorable Moments and Musical Influences
(11:04) - Transition to Videography and Artistic Reflections
(23:07) - Musical Influence in Wedding Films
(24:07) - Creating Unique Wedding Experiences
(26:02) - The Power of Nostalgia in Music
(30:19) - Personal Music Inspirations and Future Projects

Listening Versus Hearing and Looking Versus Seeing with Rick Sammon

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Ever wonder how the rhythm of music can shape a photographer’s vision? On this episode, a renowned photographer and lifelong musician shares how his creative paths have always been intertwined, revealing lessons and stories that just might change how you see (and hear) the world.

Rick Sammon, a photographer, musician, author of 43 books, and educator, joins me to explore the profound connections between music and photography.

From dreaming of jamming with Santana to studying composition at Berklee College of Music, Rick Sammon’s creative journey started with music before photography took center stage. He talks about growing up with a TV-director father, discovering photography through chance publication, and his enduring passion for both guitar and camera. Rick dives into lessons learned at Woodstock, how music reorganized his approach to seeing, and why his bestselling book has no pictures at all. We also explore healthy living, inspiration, and why sometimes "imitating is one of the best ways to create."

“There's a big difference between listening and hearing... In photography there's a big difference between looking and seeing.” – Rick Sammon

Rock with Rick

The tour

(00:00) - Rick Sammon
(01:25) - Learning Guitar and Early Experiences
(02:57) - Berklee College of Music
(04:58) - Combining Music and Visual Arts
(08:03) - Defining Moments in Music
(10:29) - Transition to Photography
(18:00) - Woodstock Memories and Reflections
(19:37) - Dream Bands to Jam With
(23:03) - The Art of Listening and Seeing
(29:09) - Health and Inspiration in Photography
(31:38) - Musical Playlists for Creativity

Note: In this episode I mention seeing a show from Stevie Ray Vaughan at Berklee. I was incorrect. It was actually Steve Vai.

Zac Wolf’s Journey From Punk & Hardcore Shows to Weddings

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Fri, 09 May 2025 08:14:22 -0400

What happens when the worlds of photography and hardcore music collide? On this episode, you'll get an inside look at how a love for live music turned into a thriving photography career—and the unconventional journey that led Zac Wolf from basement shows to wedding aisles.

Meet Zac Wolf, a photographer who found his creative roots capturing the energy of the Boston hardcore scene before making a name for himself in the world of weddings.

This is a preview of Scott's conversation with Zac Wolf, originally recorded for The Workflows Photography Podcast. In this short clip from the Workflows episode, explore Zac’s origins in punk and hardcore band photography in South Florida and Boston, how technical limitations sparked creativity, and why Zac ultimately made the leap to photographing weddings

"I was just like, okay, what can I do? No one was really shooting shows at that point... I started bringing my dad's Canon PowerShot to shows... Then I figured out how to do shutter drag on the PowerShot..."

Rock with Zac

Did this episode strike a chord with your own creative journey? Be sure to subscribe to Lenses & Lyrics so you never miss a story at the intersection of music and photography.

Photographs and Power Chords - The Creative Path of David Scott Bowles

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 09:29:15 -0400

In this episode of Lenses and Lyrics, our host speaks with David Scott Bowles, a seasoned photographer and musician, about his journey in the music industry and how it has shaped his career in photography. David shares stories from his time in various bands, his son’s budding musical career, memorable performances, and the creative transition to photography. He also discusses the influence of music on his current work, the connection between stage performance and camera presence, and the unique experiences that continue to inspire his art. This episode is filled with personal anecdotes, industry insights, and advice for aspiring artists balancing multiple creative passions.

Rock with David

The tour

(00:00) - David Scott Bowles
(01:15) - Son's Musical Journey
(02:27) - David's Band History
(07:19) - Transition to Photography
(08:40) - Connecting with Clients
(10:59) - Event Speaking and Networking
(14:10) - Performing and Photography Insights
(16:15) - Stage Lighting Preferences
(16:30) - Local Venue Experience
(17:23) - Microphone Preferences
(19:12) - Music and Photography
(20:44) - Band History and Influences
(23:08) - Dream Photography Subjects

From Broken Strings to Backup Solutions

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:09:56 -0400

In this episode of Lenses & Lyrics, Scott shares a personal story of improvisation when a string popped during a show, highlighting the importance of preparedness. From the pitfalls of early music performance to the critical lessons learned in photography, Scott dives deep into the art of backing up your life—both musically and photographically. Feel the tension between analog and digital transitions and learn why redundancy is your silent hero.

“Redundancy is important. Backups are important. This just goes to show that the lessons you learn in music also correlate to the lessons you can learn in photography.”

Scott's photography backup workflow

Don’t miss out on future tales of creativity and cautionary advice from professionals at the crossroads of music and photography. Hit subscribe or follow Lenses & Lyrics to stay in tune with what's coming next!

(00:00) - e2
(01:37) - A Musician's Early Struggles
(02:16) - The Importance of Backup in Music
(03:17) - Transition to Photography
(03:51) - Lessons Learned and Redundancy
(05:30) - Conclusion and Future Content

Discovering Musical and Photographic Connections in Unexpected Places

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:16:10 -0500

Embark on a nostalgic journey through the intertwined world of music and photography with host Scott Wyden Kivowitz, in the debut episode of Lenses & Lyrics. Discover how a clarinet's melody paved the way to capturing powerful photographic images, as Scott reminisces about his vibrant past as a musician and band photographer.

"I love music. I love photography... it is one thing that has kept me connected to my roots."

In This Episode:

Scott's unexpected start with the clarinet and his ambitions at Berklee College of Music
Transition from aspiring musician to passionate photographer
The evolution of bands: 20 Minutes to Nowhere, Sever the Stars, and Fairmont
The intersection of music theory and photography skills
The inspiration for the Lenses & Lyrics podcast and its fascinating future guests
Explore more about Scott's musical past at scottwyden.com/music

Join us on this auditory journey by tuning into episode one of Lenses & Lyrics. Let this be your gateway into a series of compelling conversations bridging photography and music. Subscribe now and never miss an episode!

(00:00) - 01
(02:56) - Scott's Musical Journey Begins
(03:38) - College and Career Shifts
(05:54) - Band Experiences and Transitions
(10:16) - Photography and Music Intersect
(11:50) - Current Life and Future Episodes

Welcome to Lenses & Lyrics

Scott Wyden Kivowitz — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:14:00 -0500

Welcome to Lenses & Lyrics, where music and photography collide, and every frame tells a story. I'm Scott Wyden Kivowitz, your host, a father, a husband, a photographer, and podcaster and musician. This podcast dives into the crossover world of photographers who are or were musicians. Those whose passion for sound influenced the way they see through the lens.

We'll hear from photographers who started out in bands before photographing bands. And those who continue to blend both crafts. We'll also hear from musicians whose careers were shaped by the photographers who documented their journey. From backstage moments to front row pits, from record store memories to album cover photo sessions, Lenses & Lyrics is about the stories behind the images and the music that inspired them. Subscribe now to Lenses & Lyricss wherever you get podcasts, and join me as we continue to explore the intersection of sound and vision, one story at a time.