Afleveringen
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In this inspiring episode of the BLACKRAPID Podcast, host Ron Henry sits down with visual storyteller Zai (@zaitoldme) — a fine-art photographer and cinematographer whose work blends raw emotion, cultural truth, and beautiful accidents.
Zai shares how he broke into the art world the old-fashioned way — with hustle. He took his photos, printed them, and walked around events like Art Basel with his work in hand. That same hustle and authenticity still defines everything he creates today.
https://youtu.be/yKJUE0Fo498
He opens up about his legendary 4-month cross-country project documenting a runner, where he learned to embrace "beautiful accidents," stay flexible, and let the images speak for themselves. He also reveals his ambitious 6-year Hair Project — a sweeping body of work exploring Black American hair history from the 16th century to today. The project serves as both a living history book and a powerful call to support the Crown Act (2022 legislation that protects Black and brown people from discrimination based on their natural hair textures in schools, workplaces, and public spaces).
Zai shares deeply personal stories: growing up in Texas barber shops where hair was celebrated and transformative ("leaving feeling like kings") versus being asked to cut his hair or leave environments because it "didn't fit the box America wanted to put us in."
We also dive into:
His early project "Black Boys Lie" (inspired by Kendrick Lamar's "Black Boy Fly") and why storytelling gives people a glimpse of hope Transitioning from film to stills and the unexpected lessons weddings taught him Documentary work, voiceover narration, and the boxing project His black-and-white photography that makes images feel rather than just look beautiful The spiritual foundation behind his art — power of attraction, frequencies, and staying connected to a higher vibration Why independent artists are thriving right now and how to own your style without copying anyoneIf you're a photographer, filmmaker, or creative who believes in authentic storytelling, cultural impact, and doing things your own way, this conversation will move you.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Zai's world lately 15:49 – The 4-month runner project & embracing beautiful accidents 21:35 – Life after the project & going with the flow 27:40 – Spirituality, frequencies & the power of attraction 29:35 – "Free, untethered comfort at ease" explained 36:45 – Ron's story: launching BLACKRAPID in 2008 during the crash 38:53 – Film work, documentaries & voiceover (boxing project) 46:58 – Lessons from wedding photography "boot camp" 52:12 – The 6-Year Hair Project & the Crown Act (powerful personal stories) 57:35 – Growing up in Texas barber shops & experiences with discrimination 1:00:56 – Following your dreams & not taking opportunities for granted 1:01:33 – "Black Boys Lie" project & Kendrick Lamar inspiration 1:03:12 – Final thoughts & Zai as a role modelWatch until the end for Zai's closing wisdom. Drop a comment: What's one project you've been working on for years that means the most to you?
Subscribe for more real conversations with photographers who are changing the game.
Guest: Zai
Links
Host: Ron Henry of BLACKRAPID
Producer: Bry Cox of BryCox.comZai's Website – zaitoldme.com
Zai's Instagram – @zaitoldme
BLACKRAPID Camera Straps – blackrapid.com
BLACKRAPID Media – blackrapidmedia.comSubscribe for more inspiring photography conversations!
#BLACKRAPIDPodcast #ZaiPhotography #CrownAct #HairProject #BlackHair #DocumentaryPhotography #BlackAndWhitePhotography #PowerOfAttraction #CulturalStorytelling #Zaitoldme #ArtBasel
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Australian travel portrait photographer Glynn Lavender joins the show to share his wild adventures leading photo tours in India, Bangladesh, and beyond. From dodging elephants and driving through fire on detours, to getting a gun held to his head in a Delhi mosque (and still getting the shot), Glynn's stories are equal parts thrilling and hilarious.
He opens up about facilitating life-changing experiences for keen amateurs on his workshops—handling loose itineraries in chaotic places, approaching strangers for authentic portraits, and why connection beats perfection.
Glynn also explains how BLACKRAPID straps keep him shooting pain-free after 35+ years, his pragmatic gear choices (Tamron lenses, two cameras always ready), and timeless advice: don't pre-visualize—go with the flow and capture what's in front of you.
A must-listen for photographers, travelers, and anyone who loves real, human stories from off-the-beaten-path places.
Guest: Glynn Lavender
Host: Ron Henry of BLACKRAPID
Links:
Glynn's Photo Tours Website – creativephotoworkshops.com.au Glynn's Instagram – @glynnlavender BLACKRAPID Camera Straps – https://www.blackrapid.com BLACKRAPID Media – https://www.blackrapidmedia.comSubscribe for more inspiring photography conversations!
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Ron of BLACKRAPID chats with Matthew Bergsma, a wildlife and birder photographer. Hear how Matthew uses his outdoor time to both escape from the world while also becoming more connected with the wildlife around him. Hear his stories of photographing and watching owls in a river and observing their patterns, and hear his approaches and philosophies to connecting with the wildlife he photographs. Matthew also shares his screen to show some work and explain his process in this episode.
Matthew Bergsma's Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/matthew.bergsma/BLACKRAPID Camera Straps
https://www.blackrapid.comBLACKRAPID Media
https://www.blackrapidmedia.com -
Kevin Wilson, a rock and concert photographer in New York is featured on this BLACKRAPID podcast. Ron Henry (founder of BLACKRAPID) and Kevin talk about Kevin's line of custom hot sauce, shooting rock bands and nailing the timing of an image on stage, plus photographing fires for the NY fire department, and Kevin's camera gear load-out for events in New York. Kevin's portfolio https://www.kevinrcwilson.com Kevin's Unsellable Hot Sauce https://www.unsellablehotsauce.com BLACKRAPID Camera Straps https://www.blackrapid.com BLACKRAPID Media https://www.blackrapidmedia.com
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Jasin Boland is a global motion picture stills photographer who works on massive action franchises, such as the Matrix, Bond, and Bourne.
Ron Henry of BlackRapid talks with Jasin Boland about their philosophies of creating an image, authenticity and the dangers of AI in photography, personal photography growth, dreams, the art of creation, finding great angles and seeing differently, not to mention their collaboration on a new camera strap.
BlackRapid – https://www.blackrapidmedia.com
Jasin Boland Website – https://jasinboland.com
Jasin Boland Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jasinboland/
Jasin Boland YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/JasinBoland/
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Jasin Boland is a global motion picture stills photographer who works on massive action franchises, such as the Matrix, Bond, and Bourne.
Ron Henry of BlackRapid talks with Jasin Boland about the dangers of photographing action movies, whether to use long or wide lenses, the beauty of imperfections, how enthusiasts are the heart of photography, and more.
BlackRapid – https://www.blackrapidmedia.com
Jasin Boland Website – https://jasinboland.com
Jasin Boland Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jasinboland/
Jasin Boland YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/JasinBoland/featured
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Bry Cox is a Gold Medalist out of 25,000 international photographers, has owned a studio in Utah for over 25 years. He teaches workshops throughout the US and abroad, is an Adobe Software Evangelist, is a PPA Master/Craftsman about 13 times over.
Ron Henry and Bry Cox talk creativity, style, adding emotion to images, commercial photography, adapting during Covid, and motorcycles.
BlackRapid – https://www.blackrapidmedia.com
Bry's Portrait Site – https://BryCox.com
Bry's Commercial Site – https://BryCoxPro.com
Bry's Training Site – https://BryCoxWorkshops.com
Instagram – https://Instagram.com/BryCoxStudio
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Mike Ridinger has been a full time photographer for over 35 years and is based in Lewiston, Idaho. He has spoken at PPA Imaging, SYNC, After Dark, Light Pro Expo, and several state affiliates.
Mike (or Dinger as he is known) has a knack for teaching in a way that is easy to understand and is a popular instructor everywhere he goes. Mike has 2 sons, Keaton and Cade. He received his PPA Craftsman Degree in 2014.
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Rock photographer, Robert Knight, creator of "Brotherhood Of The Guitar," and featured in the rock documentary, "Rock Prophesies," talks with Ron Henry of BlackRapid Podcast.
They chat about picking up Led Zeppelin from the Hawaii airport, photographing various rock stars, positive thinking, synchronicity, and removing the noise from thoughts and moving forward with intention.
https://www.blackrapidmedia.com
https://www.knightbilhamphoto.com
http://brotherhoodoftheguitar.com
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Mark Doyle is a concert and music photographer. He's photographed Metallica, Iron Maiden, Rush, Alice in Chains, Kiss, Phil Collins, Billy Joel, Elvis Costello, Jennifer Lopez, Bon Jovi among many others. He's currently the house photographer for the Manhattan Center / Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC.
In this podcast Mark and Ron talk about music photography during the Covid shutdown.
https://www.blackrapidmedia.com
Instagram – instagram.com/photosbydoyle
Facebook – facebook.com/photosbydoyle
Website – markdoylephoto.com
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Koury Angelo is an award-winning Rock & Roll and celebrity portrait photographer based in Los Angeles, California. Koury's work has been featured on the covers of Billboard, People, The Hollywood Reporter and more. His other clients include Apple, Rolling Stone, Red Bull, Netflix, Hilton, AMEX, Spotify, Converse, Adidas, Bacardi, Bud Light, Calvin Klein, Chevy and Facebook, to name a few.
https://www.blackrapidmedia.com
Koury's Spotlight on BlackRapid https://www.blackrapid.com/blackrapid-guest-post-by-koury-angelo-photography/
Koury's Website https://www.kouryangelo.com/
Instagram @kouryangelo
Facebook @kouryangelophotography
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Joe Endy is a 56 year old photographer from Pennsylvania who got into photography after back problems and surgery. Since then he's become a prolific wildlife photographer. In this episode, Joe talks about photographing Bald Eagles at the Conowingo Dam in Maryland, along with his creative process, and how he's able to create images with his spine injury.
https://www.blackrapidmedia.com
Follow Joe EndyWebsite –joeendy.wixsite.com/photography
Instagram – instagram.com/photos_by_joe_endy
Facebook – facebook.com/photosbyjoeendy -
Hopper Stone is a movie stills photographer known for photographing movies like "Captain Phillips," "Ghostbusters", "Hidden Figures", and TV shows like "Modern Family." He's also a professional voice actor for audio books. From his Winnebago studio, Ron Henry interviews artists about their creative process and journey.
https://www.blackrapidmedia.com
Follow Hopper StoneWebsite – stonefoto.com
Instagram – @hopper_stone
Black Rapid Spotlight on Hopper Stone – https://www.blackrapid.com/blackrapid-spotlight-hopper-stone/
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Henry Diltz and his friend Rich Horowitz together own the Morrison Hotel Gallery, a fine art music photography art gallery with locations in New York, Maui, Los Angeles, and online. From his Winnebago studio, Ron Henry interviews artists about their creative process and journey.
https://www.blackrapidmedia.com
Follow Henry Diltz & Rich HorowitzPhotography Website – HenryDiltz.com
Gallery Website – MorrisonHotelGallery.com
Henry Diltz Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/henrydiltz/
Morrison Hotel Gallery Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/morrisonhotelgallery/
Original Podcast with Ron Henry, Henry Diltz, and Rich Horowitz
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Musician, motorcyclist, and filmmaker William "Billy" McCarthy talks with BlackRapid's founder, Ron Henry.
From his Winnebago studio, Ron Henry interviews artists about their creative process and journey.
https://www.blackrapidmedia.com
Follow Billy McCarthyWebsite – https://www.williammccarthy.org
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thewilliammccarthy/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/williamjmccarthy/
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An increasingly popular trend in photography is nightscapes and it probably has something to do with Royce Bair. Royce has been a photographer for over two decades, and has enjoyed a wide variety of assignments and clients. He also is an instructor and takes students out overnight in national parks to learn all the techniques to achieve their photo vision. Royce is known for his starry night skies sometimes featuring the milky way as well as light painting of landscape features to enhance recognition. He has had his images in National Geographic, on book covers, and all over the web. In this podcast you will hear his passion for technique, some tips, and much much more. Please visit his website below to view all of his amazing images.
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John Keatley stops by the studio again this time to promote his upcoming workshop "Survival Guide: Teaching Artist's to Thrive in Unfamiliar Terrority". Listen in to get a flavor of the workshop and also get a short history on Keatley's career.
keatleyphoto.com/survival-guide/
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The legendary Steve Manning, filling in for Ron Henry, sits down with MLS Seattle Sounders centerback Zach Scott and BlackRapid Ambassador Jim Bennett. Zach discusses growing up in Hawaii, how he started playing soccer and his successful 2014 season. Jim talks about his interesting family roots, music photography and his approach to capturing images on the sidelines. Most importantly though, our guest host reminisces about dressing up in an eagle suit and crashing the party.
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Dawn Wells, an actress famous for playing Mary Ann Summers from Gilligan's Island joins us for a 20 min cruise and what a pleasure it was! She is traveling around the U.S. promoting her new book, What Would Mary Ann Do? (which we highly recommend everyone going out a grabbing from a local bookstore). Her perspective on today's culture compared to how she grew up was fascinating and her energy was refreshing.
More about the book:
As the sweet, polite, and thoughtful Mary Ann Summers from Kansas in the hit series Gilligan’s Island, Dawn Wells created an unforgettable and beloved character that still connects with people fifty years from the show’s debut in 1964. As the “good girl” among the group of castaways on a tiny island, she was often positioned against the glamorous and exotic Ginger Grant, played by Tina Louise, prompting many to ask: Are you a Ginger or a Mary Ann?
Part self-help, part memoir, and part humor—with a little classic TV nostalgia for good measure—What Would Mary Ann Do? contains twelve chapters on everything from how Mary Ann would respond to changes in today’s culture to addressing issues confronting single women and mothers. Anecdotal sidebars also describe fascinating facts and compelling memories from the show, as well as some trivia questions to challenge fans and followers. Illustrated with photographs from Wells’s private collection, this book provides inspiring lessons from TV’s favorite good girl. -
BlackRapid Radio welcomes Seattle filmmakers, Alder Sherwood and Jeremiah Kaynor of Corvus Eye Productions ("The Divine Marigold's", "All My President's", "Timetravel_o"). Their new project "Do You Shift?" is a documentary film that is seeking "Shapeshifters" in countries and cultures throughout the world. The documentary will explore many aspects of Shapeshifting in history, mythology and pop culture through interviews with people who experience shapeshifting today.
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