Episodios
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Summary
In this episode, Daniel Jester is joined by studio operations and photography manager Brent Maynard, who shares stories and insights from his unique experience managing photo studios for a major pet brand. Brent dives into the complexities of working with animal talent, from cats and dogs to guinea pigs, birds, and even cockroaches, and explains the specialized studio workflows required to keep animals, handlers, and crew safe and productive. He and Daniel talk about their shared love of optimizing studio layouts, reflect on the importance of removing obstacles for creative teams, and explore how the presence of animal talent transforms everything from set design to crew behavior. It's a fascinating look at the intersection of operational excellence and animal chaos, with a few screaming guinea pigs along the way.
Key Takeaways
Animal talent adds layers of complexity to studio operations, requiring specialized workflows to ensure safety and smooth production.Studio layout changes can significantly improve efficiency, even without new investments. Small shifts in shelving and table placement led to measurable productivity gains in Brent’s previous roles.Brent’s approach emphasizes reducing physical strain and mental load on creative teams, which often results in better output and less burnout.Studios working with animals must prioritize safety above all else, including airlock-style door systems, species separation, and cautious scheduling.Pet behavior affects production. Even subtle stress signals can compromise a shoot, which is why the pet team plays a critical role in monitoring and interpreting animal body language.Noise and tension on set can disrupt animal performances, so maintaining a calm and low-stress environment is essential for success.The pet team serves as both handler and advocate, ensuring that animals are safe, comfortable, and not being pushed beyond their limits.Animals with professional experience are more predictable, but many shoots also involve non-working pets, which require more patience and flexibility.Unusual animal talent like birds, guinea pigs, and even cockroaches come with highly specific needs. Guinea pigs may scream, birds may curse, and fish are generally not worth the risk due to their fragility.Brent is passionate about studio operations and finding thoughtful, efficient solutions. His experience with complex sets and talent makes him a valuable resource for any production team.Credits
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com -
Summary
In this episode of the E-commerce Content Creation Podcast, Daniel dives deep into the topic of Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems, exploring their importance yet lack of widespread adoption in the E-commerce space. He discusses the differences between cloud storage solutions and DAM systems, emphasizing the need for metadata, version control, and user permissions. Daniel also highlights the challenges of managing assets at scale and the necessity of having a structured workflow. He concludes by encouraging listeners to evaluate their current asset management practices and consider the benefits of implementing a DAM system.
Key Takeaways
DAM adoption is still relatively low in eCommerce.Cloud storage tools can become chaotic as assets scale.Metadata is crucial for effective asset management.Version control helps track asset iterations and approvals.User roles in DAM systems provide granular access control.Integration with other systems enhances DAM functionality.Scalability is a key factor in choosing a DAM system.Evaluate your team's ability to find assets efficiently.Consider the governance of your digital assets.Stockpress offers a user-friendly DAM solution.Credits
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com -
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Summary
In this episode of the Ecommerce Content Creation Podcast, host Daniel Jester discusses the evolving landscape of e-commerce content creation, focusing on the integration of 3D modeling and AI technologies. He explores how these advancements can transform content production, enhance customer experiences, and contribute to sustainability efforts. Daniel emphasizes the importance of understanding customer trust and strategic considerations when adopting 3D technologies, ultimately advocating for a shift towards digital twins and innovative content strategies.
Key Takeaways
3D modeling is becoming increasingly relevant in e-commerce.AI tools can significantly reduce the cost and time of creating 3D models.Digital twins of products can streamline content production processes.Sustainability is a key benefit of adopting 3D technologies.Customer trust plays a crucial role in the success of new content experiences.The transition to 3D can be gradual, allowing for testing and adaptation.Strategic planning is essential for successful 3D adoption.3D models can enhance marketing efforts through personalized content.The technology for 3D modeling is now scalable and accessible.Credits
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com -
Summary
In this episode of the eCommerce Content Creation Podcast, Daniel reflects on his personal and professional challenges over the past year, including feelings of burnout and uncertainty in the creative industry. He discusses the impact of these experiences on his work and the podcast, expressing gratitude for the support he has received from friends and colleagues. The episode also covers recent industry news, including Creative Force's acquisition of SpinMe and H&M's new AI initiatives. In this conversation, Daniel explores the potential of 3D product rendering as a transformative tool in product imaging. Daniel also shares his personal job search journey and career aspirations, emphasizing the importance of community and support during transitions.
Key Takeaways
1. Burnout and Honest ReflectionDaniel opens up about severe burnout in 2024, especially in the latter half of the year. He describes it not just as being tired of work, but a profound experience of anxiety that affected his ability to do even basic tasks—like scheduling podcast guests. His honesty about this period is a core theme of the episode.
2. Challenges of Freelance LifeAfter leaving Creative Force, Daniel attempted to build a freelance consulting and photography business, but struggled with the business side—timing, invoicing, lead generation, and sustainability. Despite having meaningful projects, the inconsistency of work and cash flow took a toll, both mentally and financially.
3. Industry Uncertainty and Shifting CadenceHe reflects on how creative production has changed post-COVID, with traditional seasonal patterns and reliable busy periods now disrupted. Studios no longer have predictable workflows or planning cadences, making it harder for professionals to know when to expect work—or prepare for downturns.
4. Gratitude for Supportive CommunityDaniel expresses deep appreciation for the friends, colleagues, and partners who supported him during this difficult time. He calls out people like Kowser Ahmed (The KOW Company), Ian Parkes (Stockpress), Bimi Ibok, and others who provided not only work opportunities but emotional support and career advice.
5. Industry News – Creative Force Acquires SpinMeHe discusses Creative Force's acquisition of SpinMe after the latter entered administration. He speculates on what that might mean for SpinMe customers and offers his own services to help studios navigate that transition.
6. Mixed Feelings About AI in Content CreationDaniel unpacks his reactions to the rise of AI in eCommerce photography—specifically the use of digital twins of real models (e.g., H&M's recent announcement). While he sees the potential value, he also voices concern about job loss for stylists, models, and creative professionals, and urges the industry to approach these changes thoughtfully.
7. Continued Passion for 3D and Creative TechnologyDespite his challenges, Daniel remains excited about 3D product rendering. He sees it as a promising tool for sustainable, scalable eCommerce content creation—particularly because it allows studios to generate high-quality assets from existing imagery without physical reshoots or shipping products across the globe.
Credits
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com -
Summary
Mark Stocker is Senior Creative Manager for The Very Group, a collection of high volume retail brands based in Liverpool England. Mark was a speaker at the Henry Stewart Photo Studios Ops Forum back in October of 2021 and we invited him on this episode to discuss how the proverbial pendulum needs to (and is!) swing away from the lowest cost per shot possible, to a true strategic consideration capable of driving revenue in a more direct way. After all, it is the creative teams and the solutions they develop that will change the way we buy and sell digitally.
Key Takeaways
If there were a pendulum, with one side being "Profit Center" and the other side was "Cost Center" for Creative Production at any brand or retailer, the pendulum is probably headed to profit center. That means more investment in creative teams and creative strategy, and moving away from the pursuit of lowest cost per shot.The time is now to focus on investing quality of creative. The pandemic has forced to embrace EXTREME change in our processes and goals. We can save money now with our eyes closed.The power of the creative mind doesn't need to actually click the button to create. It will be todays photographers and stylists that will enable the next revolution of media and e-commerce creative.Investing in spaces is important to investing increasing quality.Links & Resources
Mark on LinkedIn
The Very Group on LinkedIn
Credits
Produced by: Creative Force - creativeforce.io
Edited by: Calvin Lanz Sound - clsound.net
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com -
Summary
This is episode 64 of the e-commerce content creation podcast and Daniel is unpacking his terrible fear of changing technology with Conrad Sanderson. If there’s anyone who understands the relationship between change and fear, it’s probably Conrad, while he’s not a licensed therapist or anything, his career has spanned many changes in the technology that drives our industry and his job has taken him halfway around the world, moving back and forth across the US, and now across the Atlantic to Germany. We unpack the fears that creep up when we start to talk about what the future holds for creative production teams, and how we can meet them rationally, and see them for what they are, an opportunity.
The instagram account Daniel reference's in the episode belongs to Peter Tarka, @petertarka
Credits
Produced by: Creative Force - creativeforce.io
Edited by: Calvin Lanz Sound - clsound.net
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com -
Summary
Matthew Schulert was lead photographer and one of the earliest studio team members at HauteLook, a flash sale site that Nordstrom bought in 2011. Matthew and Daniel talk about the the history of that studio as it grew from just 3 sets, to over 10 times that size across many iterations of studios throughout Southern California. Why is this episode called building the plane in the air? No one really knew exactly how to build a high volume e-comm studio to support a flash sale site back then, so everyone had to figure out as they went, and as we mention during the episode: At that time, no one was talking to each other.
Credits
Produced by: Creative Force - creativeforce.io
Edited by: Calvin Lanz Sound - clsound.net
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com -
Takeaways
Linnea's early exposure to photography came from her father's hobby and her own experiences with disposable cameras.She emphasizes the importance of personal work in developing her artistic style.Linnea discusses the challenges and advantages of shooting with digital versus film cameras.The use of grain in photography is highlighted as a technique to enhance images and create a film-like quality.She shares her journey of finding a niche in photography and the importance of stylistic consistency.Linnea's self-portraits emerged from a place of fear but evolved into a significant aspect of her work.The conversation touches on the competitive nature of photography and the pressure to be versatile.Linnea's commercial work often reflects her personal style, leading to unique client collaborations.She reflects on the evolution of her artistic practice and the confidence gained over time.The episode concludes with Linnea's thoughts on the creative process and the joy of photography. The pandemic was a turning point for my photography.Client expectations often need to be managed carefully.Planning for animations requires careful consideration.Simplicity in animation can lead to satisfying results.Credits
This podcast was produced by verybusy.io and co-produced by Daniel Jester
Visit VeryBusy.io/fdf to learn how they can help you streamline your review process and post production communication
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Summary
In this episode of the E-commerce Content Creation Podcast, host Daniel Jester speaks with Ryan Lustig, a seasoned photographer who transitioned from skateboarder to professional photographer to studio leader. They discuss the evolution of photography careers, particularly in e-commerce, and how many photographers found their way into the industry through unconventional paths. Ryan shares his personal journey, including his experiences working with various brands and the challenges of moving into leadership roles. The conversation also touches on the importance of maintaining a creative outlet and the future aspirations of photographers in a changing industry.
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Summary
In this episode, Daniel Jester and Matt Ware discuss the evolving landscape of creativity within the eCommerce and photography industries. They explore the importance of community, the impact of the pandemic on social connections, and the necessity of fostering creativity in all aspects of work. The conversation highlights practical approaches to encourage creative exploration and collaboration among teams, emphasizing that creativity is not limited to traditional artistic roles but exists in every workplace. In this conversation, Matt Ware and Daniel discuss the significance of creativity and storytelling in branding, the challenges of data-driven marketing, and the evolving landscape of art and photography. They emphasize the importance of internal culture and community in shaping a brand's narrative, while also addressing the need for a balance between creativity and measurable outcomes. The discussion highlights the potential for art to thrive in challenging times and the necessity of valuing photography in a digital age.
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Takeaways
Matt Licari identifies as a portrait photographer at heart.Celebrity photography often involves quick, high-pressure situations.Building a connection with subjects is crucial for capturing authentic moments.Technical preparation is essential for successful shoots with limited time.Finding creative expression within constraints can lead to unique results.Emotional intelligence is key in high-stress photography environments.Photography can serve as a form of unlicensed therapy for subjects. Personal work can lead to unexpected opportunities.SEO efforts can pay off years later.Trusting your technical skills enhances creativity.Fashion photography requires understanding of the industry.Lookbooks have evolved with digital trends.Technology has streamlined post-production processes.Learning from mistakes is crucial in photography.Building a conducive workspace enhances focus.Influences shape an artist's unique voice.Embracing one's journey is vital for growth.Credits
This podcast was produced by verybusy.io and co-produced by Daniel Jester
Visit VeryBusy.io/fdf to learn how they can help you streamline your review process and post production communication
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Summary
This week's episode features Caleb Raynor, taking us back to school for studio economics 101. We talk about the mechanics and metrics that determine the financial success of the photo studio and how you can learn to speak that language fluently when making the business case for more investment in your creative teams.
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Summary
Hello and welcome to this week’s episode of the E-commerce Content Creation Podcast, which happens to be Part II of Daniel's recent conversation with Tony Baker. If you haven’t caught part one yet, that was last week’s episode, episode 162 you might want to give that one a listen because in part II Tony is taking us deeper into how he goes about helping his clients understand their value, and how to use that insight to understand purpose.
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Summary
Daniel is joined by Tony Baker this week. Tony recently launched his new coaching and mentorship program, aimed at helping creative professionals of all stripes understand their value, and how to incorporate that knowledge in their purpose and goals. This is part one of this two part conversation, they discuss the need for authentic connection in the work that we do, in part so we can use that connection to articulate our value and collaborate more effectively.
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Summary
The guest for this episode is Monica Baddar. If that name sounds familiar, you might be remembering Monica from Episode 3 of the Flash Drive Files, the miniseries podcast from our friends at VeryBusy.io that drops in this feed. Monica was kind enough to record for both podcasts over the summer, so full disclosure this episode was recorded a few months ago. Monica is a really special photographer and that shines through her work in a very particular way. In this episode we talk about her approach to connecting with her subject in order to capture that magic.
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Takeaways
Paula Watts has a degree in advertising photography from Brooks.She transitioned from general advertising photography to specializing in beauty.Defining a personal style can be challenging for photographers.Building a relationship with retouchers is crucial for successful post-production.Meeting deadlines is a priority in Paula's workflow.Personal projects can influence client work and style development.Communication with clients about deadlines is essential.Retouching should enhance, not overpower the product's natural qualities.The photographer-client relationship is collaborative and requires clear expectations.Clear communication is crucial when working with remote retouchers.Time zone differences can be both beneficial and challenging.Lower labor costs in Eastern Europe provide significant advantages.Building relationships with retouchers fosters a global creative community.Attention to detail is paramount in beauty retouching.The history of photo manipulation has shaped the current industry.Using technology can streamline the feedback loop with clients.Cultivating a diverse team of retouchers can enhance creative output.Credits
This podcast was produced by verybusy.io and co-produced by Daniel Jester
Visit VeryBusy.io/fdf to learn how they can help you streamline your review process and post production communication
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Summary
In this episode of the e-commerce content creation podcast, host Daniel Jester speaks with Paul Massingill, senior manager of studio operations at David Yurman. They discuss the critical role of studio operations in e-commerce, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, organization, and effective communication within creative teams. The conversation explores how to balance production demands with quality output, the complexities of studio operations, and the necessity of having complete information for successful shoots. They also touch on the significance of time management and the unique environment of a photo studio, which fosters collaboration and creativity.
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Summary
In this episode, Daniel interviews Alex Davidovich from Squareshot, discussing the evolution of content creation in eCommerce, they explore the shift from in-house studios to somethign more like agency models, the importance of productizing services, and the implementation of value-based pricing to enhance client relationships. Alex shares insights on how Squareshot has adapted its offerings to meet client needs, including daily rates and flexible solutions, while also addressing the challenges of managing client expectations and the future of creative talent in a managed marketplace.
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Summary
In this episode of the E-commerce Content Creation Podcast, Daniel Jester shares his takeaways from the Henry Stewart event in Los Angeles, discussing key sessions on building creative communities, future-proofing studios, and the crucial role of sample operations. He highlights the need for better communication between creative teams and leadership, and the importance of allowing time for creative testing. Daniel also touches on industry shifts, such as the increasing use of commercial studios and the potential of emerging technologies like AI and 3D rendering. Throughout, he offers insights on how creative teams can adapt to ongoing changes and prepares listeners for upcoming episodes.
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Summary
Welcome back to another episode of The E-commerce Content Creation podcast. Our guest today is a special treat, Hanna Sofia, a Canada based multidisciplinary artist joins Daniel to talk about problem solving when you have that vision, but you need to solve some technical problems to get there. Listen, it’s a bit of a stretch, but we are creative, humans are creative, and the theme for this podcast since we came back from the summer break has been all about learning to make space for, and respect the creative process. Sometimes that process, necessarily must include some trial and error, just to learn what the challenges and roadblocks are.
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