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Generator Focal Points Cover Episode 28

Ep. 028 – Focal Points with CoHost Jonny Edward: The Recap of WPPI 2024 (Part 2)

This is another installment of a sub-series of Generator called “Focal Points” where Maine photographer Matt Stagliano speaks with Jonny Edward, a commercial and portrait photographer, as well a top-tier educator based in Denver, Colorado about a variety of topics.

In this episode, Matt & Jonny recount their vastly different experiences at WPPI 2024 in Las Vegas. This is Part 2 of a two part episode.

There will be more topic explorations on future episodes of Focal Points so stay tuned for those!

For more on Jonny Edward’s photography and educational courses, please visit jonnyedward.com

Generator Focal Point Epsiode 27 with Jonny Edward WPPI 2024

Ep. 027 – Focal Points with CoHost Jonny Edward: The Recap of WPPI 2024 (Part 1)

This is another installment of a sub-series of Generator called “Focal Points” where Maine photographer Matt Stagliano speaks with Jonny Edward, a commercial and portrait photographer, as well a top-tier educator based in Denver, Colorado about a variety of topics.

In this episode, Matt & Jonny recount their vastly different experiences at WPPI 2024 in Las Vegas. This is Part 1 of a two part episode.

There will be more topic explorations on future episodes of Focal Points so stay tuned for those!

For more on Jonny Edward’s photography and educational courses, please visit jonnyedward.com

Generator Podcast Episode 26 - Kristen Lettini

Generator Ep. 026 – Kristen Lettini: How to Build Your Own Fairytale

In this episode, Maine portrait photographer Matt Stagliano talks with Kristen Lettini.

Kristen is a Business Management Consultant and the host of the Build Your Own Fairytale podcast. She helps simplify and streamline processes so small business owners can do more of what they love, rather than get stuck in their day to day tasks of their business.

Podcast Title: Generator

Episode Title: How to Build Your Own Fairytale

Episode Number: 026

Publish Date: March 3, 2024

Episode Overview

Join us for an inspiring conversation about building a successful business on your own terms. Learn how systems and workflows transform solopreneur ventures, saving time and increasing revenue. Get tips on managing burnout, overcoming imposter syndrome, and optimizing your social media presence. Discover strategies to create work-life balance while pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams. If you’re ready to design a fulfilling and successful business, this episode is for you!

Key Topics and Talking Points

**Systems streamline success: Discover how implementing systems and workflows transform businesses, leading to growth and sanity.
**Solopreneur Solutions: Get expert insights on systems specifically tailored for solopreneurs and small business owners.
**Work-Life Balance and Burnout: Learn tips for creating boundaries, avoiding burnout, and achieving a fulfilling life as an entrepreneur.
**Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Explore strategies to combat imposter syndrome and step confidently into your entrepreneurial role.
**Social Media Strategy: Optimize your social media presence with actionable tips on content planning and audience engagement.

Generator Podcast Episode 25 - Nora McCormack

Generator Ep. 025 – Nora McCormack: Blazing a Trail to Your Ideal Life

Podcast Title: Generator

Episode Title: Nora McCormack: Blazing a Trail to Your Ideal Life

Episode Number: Episode 25

Publish Date: 26 Feb 2024

Episode Overview
In this episode, Maine portrait photographer Matt Stagliano talks with Nora McCormack, a videographer and entrepreneur based in the Portland, Maine. She is the owner of SP Films which provides wedding video packages, a partner at Maine Studio Works, and the founder of AfterParty – a nonprofit in the wedding industry.

Guest Profile
Guest Name: Nora McCormack

Short Bio: Nora is a high end wedding videographer based in Maine. He company, SP Films has been in business for 16 years. After a solo backpacking journey in Southeast Asia and hiking over 2000 miles on the Appalachian Trail, she decided to wind down her successful business and start a non-profit in the wedding industry that is more aligned to her values and beliefs, and her hope is to reduce the wasteful spending she sees in the industry. Nora expresses frustration with the constant advertising and marketing in their business and personal life, and wants to be an agent of change.

Links: SP Films: https://sp-films.com

Key Topics/Talking Points
Wedding videography and personal adventures.
Business struggles and personal growth.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail and societal class.
The impact of technology on creativity and contentment during a thru-hike.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail and its impact on business and mindset.
Wedding waste and repurposing flowers for charity.
Sustainable wedding practices and business growth.
Transitioning from video production to event planning.
Legacy, customer service, and video production in the wedding industry.

Resources and Links
SP Films: https://sp-films.com

Calls to Action
Website: https://generatorpodcast.com

Subscribe to Generator: Never miss an episode ā€“ subscribe on your favorite podcast app.
Leave a Review: Head over to the Apple Podcasts show page and leave us a 5 Star review if you liked the show! Help others discover this podcast.

Follow on Social Media: Connect with us on Instagram or TikTok @generatorpodcast or on YouTube @stonetreecreative
wedding, florals, Appalachian trail, business, video, repurpose, videographer

generator podcast cover with matt stagliano and caron shahrestani

Generator Ep. 024- Caron Shahrestani: Building a Values Based Business with Video

Episode Overview

Join us as we explore the worlds of video marketing, social change, and self-discovery with the insightful Caron Shahrestani. Caron shares her journey from journalism to videography, her experiences confronting cultural inequities, and her mission to empower others through video and coaching. This episode tackles a range of important topics, including the shifting social landscape, women’s leadership, and the power of storytelling for impact.

Guest Profile

Caron Shahrestani is a videographer, coach, and founder of Caron Modern Media. Based in Silicon Valley, she helps businesses navigate the evolving video landscape with compelling storytelling and authentic marketing strategies. Corona is passionate about breaking down societal barriers and fostering a more inclusive and equitable world.

Website: Explore Caron’s work and offerings at https://caronmodernmedia.com/
Schedule a Strategy Call: Book a complimentary call with Caron at https://calendly.com/caronmodmedia/45-minute-strategy-session-ext

Generator podcast focal points episode cover

Generator Ep. 023 – Focal Points – Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud

This is the first episode in a sub-series of Generator called “Focal Points” where Maine photographer Matt Stagliano speaks with Jonny Edward, a commercial and portrait photographer, as well a top-tier educator based in Denver, Colorado about a variety of topics.

“Jonny and I always have long deep conversations when we get together and we decided to start recording more of them. In this first Focal Point, we wanted to say the quiet parts out loud, and talk about struggles as a creative and occasionally feeling lost or uninspired. This is just the two of us working out our emotions and perspectives in real time. Totally unscripted and without a defined end point. It was wonderful to just sit down and talk this through”

There will be more topic explorations on future episodes of Focal Points so stay tuned for those!

For more on Jonny Edward’s photography and educational courses, please visit jonnyedward.com

generator episode 21 with cat ford-coates

Generator Ep. 021 – Cat Ford-Coates: Shift Your Focus with a Studio Takeover

In this episode, Maine portrait photographer Matt Stagliano talks with Cat Ford-Coates: photographer, educator, coach, and founder of The Studio Takeover.

Cat has been a powerhouse in the portrait photography world since 2015 and is one of the primary mentors in The Portrait System. She worked closely with Sue Bryce for years, using those methods to build a profitable and sustainable portrait studio in Asheville, NC.

With her own approach built on experience, Cat has taught thousands of students over the years, and has recently created The Studio takeover, a full featured online education platform catering to photographers that want to level up their business. She is a keynote speaker at events like The Portrait Masters and WPPI.

For more information or to see her work, you can find Cat online at https://thestudiotakeover.online, or on social @thestudiotakeover

generator episode 20 with Pratik Naik

Generator Ep. 020 – Pratik Naik: Through the Lens of Tomorrow

In this episode, Maine photographer Matt Stagliano speaks with Susan Stripling – one of the most sought after wedding photographers in the world and the creator of the Wedding School, an online education platform.

She has won countless awards, been in countless magazines, and represents some of the top brands in the business. Sheā€™s a Canon Explorer of Light, a keynote speaker, and has taught thousands of students the intricacies of wedding photography.

In this conversation, we talk about many things including her selling the Wedding School, the importance of self care, using AI, the future of the wedding industry and of course, horror films.

For more information about her work, please visit https://susanstripling.com

generator episode 19 with susan stripling

Generator Ep. 019 – Susan Stripling: Finding a Quiet Kind of Magic

In this episode, Maine photographer Matt Stagliano speaks with Susan Stripling – one of the most sought after wedding photographers in the world and the creator of the Wedding School, an online education platform.

She has won countless awards, been in countless magazines, and represents some of the top brands in the business. Sheā€™s a Canon Explorer of Light, a keynote speaker, and has taught thousands of students the intricacies of wedding photography.

In this conversation, we talk about many things including her selling the Wedding School, the importance of self care, using AI, the future of the wedding industry and of course, horror films.

For more information about her work, please visit https://susanstripling.com

generator episode 18 with emily london

Generator Ep. 018 – Emily London: On Becoming a Dom Photographer

In this episode, Maine photographer Matt Stagliano speaks with Emily London, a Utah based luxury portrait photographer, educator, and creator of the The Dom Photographer Course available at her website.

“We’ve been friends for a few years now and I am still inspired by Mitzi every single day. We’ve had long conversations about the essence of connecting with clients in the past, but this conversation allowed us to go a little deeper and truly get to know what drives Mitzi to value raw, authentic connections.”

For more information about her work and the Dom Photographer course, please visit her website at http://emilylondon.com

generator episode 17 with adam metterville

Generator Ep. 017 – Adam Metterville: The Freedom of Freelance Videography

In this episode, Maine photographer Matt Stagliano speaks with Adam Metterville – a freelance videographer and video editor for over 20 years

With experience in commercial and corporate video, weddings, interviews, broadcast, motion pictures or Web series, Adam has literally been there and done that in all aspects of modern videography. We talk about mixing business with hobbies, some of Adam’s best advice for new videographers, and the importance of always having snacks.

For more information about his work and how to hire Adam, please visit his website at http://adammetterville.com or follow him on social media @adam.metterville

generator episode 16 with mitzi starkweather

Generator Ep. 016 – Mitzi Starkweather: Creating an Unconditional Life

In this episode, Maine photographer Matt Stagliano speaks with Mitzi Starkweather, a Missouri based portrait photographer, educator, and creator of the Raw Portraits Course available at her website.

“We’ve been friends for a few years now and I am still inspired by Mitzi every single day. We’ve had long conversations about the essence of connecting with clients in the past, but this conversation allowed us to go a little deeper and truly get to know what drives Mitzi to value raw, authentic connections.”

For more information about her work and her Raw Portraits Course, please visit her website at http://mitzistarkweather.com or follow her on social media @mitzistarkweather

generator podcast episode 15 with carey sheffield and matt stagliano

Generator Ep. 015 – Carey Sheffield: The Power of Self Portraits

In this episode, Maine photographer Matt Stagliano speaks with Carey Sheffield.

Carey is a Florida based photographer who doesn’t just take picturesā€”she weaves stories of connection and emotion.. She dives deep into the soul of the craft, staying emotionally engaged with each image, each moment, as if they were threads in a beautiful tapestry of human experience.

She uses the lens to look inward as much as outward, and let me tell you, that journey of self-discovery? It’s a powerful one. Itā€™s raw and it is real. It’s not just about capturing her own image; it’s about peeling back the layers, and having a conversation with herself thatā€™s as intimate as it is revealing.

So today, we’re not just talking about photography. We’re diving into a story of connection, emotion, and the kind of self-awareness that comes from truly seeingā€”not just with the eyes, but with the heart.

For more of Carey’s work, please visit her website at https://careysheffield.com/ or on Instagram at @careysheffield

dudoir intimate portrait of Matt Stagliano by Neon Howe

My Most Vulnerable Post Ever

If you have ever heard me talk about my struggles with body image, self-confidence, or being in front of the camera, then you’ll understand why this is probably my most vulnerable post ever.

generator podcast episode 14 with Jonny Edward

Generator Ep. 014 – Jonny Edward: Intention and Connection through Education

In this episode, Maine photographer Matt Stagliano speaks with Jonny Edward, a commercial and portrait photographer, as well a top-tier educator based in Denver, Colorado.

Jonny recently hosted his unique workshop, Artistic Alchemy, where he teaches students his entire creative process from interactions with models, to lighting and shooting, to final retouching and delivery.

“Jonny and I had gone out to dinner in Denver a few days prior to the workshop and when we got back to his studio I setup a quick recording just to capture the conversation. This is as real as it gets, audio glitches and all.

In this conversation we talk about trends in the photography education space, intentionality, connection with clients, and so much more.”

For more on Jonny Edward’s photography and educational courses, please visit jonnyedward.com

generator podcast hero image of nikki closser episode 13

Generator Ep. 013 – Nikki Closser: Building Wealth to Build a Dream Life

If you’re in the photography world at all, you’ll know Nikki Closser from her cornerstone work with Sue Bryce on Sue Bryce Education as one of the original mentors, and that experience helped her establish The Portrait System podcast which just reached more than 2 million downloads. I’ve been fortunate to be a guest on The Portrait System and I can tell you that Nikki is the real deal. All of her success is well deserved because of her approach to truly connecting with, and helping the people in her life.

In this conversation we talk about how weird our voices sound, getting started in real estate investing, chicken coop chandeliers, and how to best mitigate risk when building wealth.

generator podcast hero image of nicole york

Generator Ep. 011 – Nicole York: Goddess of her Own Universe

In this episode, Maine photographer Matt Stagliano speaks with Nicole York: author, photographer, digital artist, educator, and creative visionary behind The Artist’s Forge. Nicole is the quintessential artist, mastering her craft in nearly everything she does, and is also one of the smartest people in the industry.

alison caswell personal branding portrait

Alison Caswell – Personal Branding Photos

Experience the transformative power of professional headshots and personal branding portraits by reading this post about Alison Caswell, a licensed therapist and spiritual counselor. As friends for years, I’ve eagerly offered my assistance countless times, waiting for the day when Alison would embrace the opportunity for a photo shoot. That day finally arrived when I received an email from her, expressing her readiness to take the leap and enhance her website with fresh and captivating images. Unveil the true essence of your own brand with Alison’s inspiring story as motivation.

generator podcast hero image of dennis dunbar episode 10

Generator Ep. 010 – Dennis Dunbar: The Man Behind the Movie Posters

In this episode, viewers will hear from Maine-based portrait photographer, Matt Stagliano, as he interviews Hollywood retoucher and digital artist Dennis Dunbar.

Dennis is the man behind some of the most iconic movie posters in the film industry, like Blair Witch Project, I Am Legend, 1832, Deadpool, Jumanji, and the list goes on and on…

From the early days of Photoshop to modern color grading techniques, from film to frequency separation, we talk about it all. If you ever wanted to get a feel for what it’s like to work as an integral part of the commercial and film industries, this is a conversation for you.

You can find more of Dennis’ work at his website, https://dunbardigital.com

generator podcast hero image episode 9 sarah rocca

Generator Ep. 009 – Sarah Rocca: Flying Into a New Type of Fine Art

In this episode, Matt Stagliano speaks with Sarah Rocca, a retoucher, fine art photographer, and drone-assisted self portrait artist located in New Hampshire. Sarah has defined a incredibly innovative voice in aerial self portraits and she talks about her process, her techniques, and what to expect when laying naked in firepits. The conversation also covers mental health, muscle cars, and traveling to desolate places all over the world.

To see more of Sarah’s work please visit sarahjphotography.com

Generator podcast episode 006 with Brian Simpson

Generator Ep. 008 – Brian Simpson

In this episode, Maine-based portrait photographer Matt Stagliano interviews Brian Simpson of Definitive Brewing Co. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Brian has worked as a Food & Beverage Director in Boston, NYC, and several locations in Maine.
From the Plaza Hotel in NYC, to the Roger Smith Hotel, to Newbury Street in Boston to Definitive Brewing Company, Brian has an incredible wealth of experience and is as down to earth as you can get.
He is also a long time social media specialist and discusses the very early days of Twitter and how he has used social media to create an exceptional experience for all of his guests for over 15 years. The conversation covers his views on creating community, setting expectations with customers, and all of the comparisons between the world of Hospitality and Social Media.

You’re going to love this conversation.

generator podcast carrie roseman episode hero image

Generator Ep. 007 – Carrie Roseman – Manifesting Your Dream Business

In this episode, Matt Stagliano speaks with Carrie Roseman, a high-end portrait photographer and educator located in CT and NYC area. Carrie is an energetic force of nature and has built her business around creating an unforgettable luxury experience for her successful clients. The conversation covers manifestation, becoming your authentic self, outsourcing work to stay in your “zone of genius” and creating engaging content to drive non-stop bookings. It’s a high energy conversation and one that you are sure to enjoy.

To see more of Carrie’s work please visit carrieroseman.com

generator podcast hero image of matt stagliano episode 06 at wppi

Generator Ep. 006 – WPPI 2023 Recap

In this video, I’m sharing my experience attending the WPPI 2023 Conference and Trade Show, the premier event for wedding and portrait photographers. From the keynote speeches to the vendor booths, I’ll take you through everything I saw, heard, and learned during my time at the conference.

generator podcast hero image of shannon k dougherty episode 05

Generator Ep. 005 – Shannon K Dougherty: Styling Your Life and Business

In this episode, Matt Stagliano speaks with Shannon K Dougherty, a highly published Intimate Portrait photographer and educator located in St Louis, MO. Shannon has defined her own unique style in the Intimate world and her images are instantly recognizable. The discussion ranges from styling clients, to authentic connection, to work/life balance, and the importance of The Office.

To see more of Shannon’s work please visit shannonkdougherty.com

generator podcast hero image of parker pfister episode

Generator – Ep. 003 – Parker Pfister: Photographer, Educator, Author, Artist

In this episode, I speak with my artistic mentor, Parker Pfister: photographer, author, artist, master printer, and educator. Parker lives in a state of childlike wonder and exploration, creating imagery that is powerful, sometimes surreal, and always jawdropping. This was a really fun conversation with a surprise story from his travels across the country.

To see more of his work, please visit parkerpfister.com

interior image of iconic a-frame home

Published in the Wall Street Journal

I do work for local real estate agencies. While I was recently in Arizona attending a workshop, the images of this home were published in an article in the Wall Street Journal.Ā All I can say is how grateful I am!

Portrait Masters 2022 - I Fell In Love

I Fell In Love at Portrait Masters 2022

I’ve gone to every Portrait Masters event since 2018. I’ve always had goals, but this year I was a little more intentional. What I wasn’t expecting was that I would fall in Love.

generator podcast erica manning episode hero image

Generator Ep. 002 – Erica Manning

In this episode, Matt Stagliano speaks with Erica Manning, one of the country’s foremost senior photographers, educator and world traveler. Learn about her approach to photo competitions, lighting, and defining your voice.

To see more of Erica’s work please visit ericamanningphoto.com

generator podcast nina covington episode hero image

Generator Ep. 001 – Nina Covington

In this episode, I speak with Nina Covington: photographer, model, and filmmaker about her process, her love of horses, and including activism into your artwork.

Self portrait of Matt Stagliano and a dog

2022 – Being Selfish for Others

Iā€™ve written my 2022 Goals, set my intentions and am putting into practice all the things I said I would do. Being selfish for others is at the top of the list.

medusa in a kimono using a curling iron - stonetree creative - maine's premiere portrait studio

Even Medusa Needs Headshots

Medusa has always been portrayed as ugly, sinister, and monstrous. I’ve always found her to be beautiful, so when she wanted headshots and personal branding images, I was onboard immediately.

Get to Know Stonetree Creative owner Matt Stagliano

Get To Know Us

What is the story behind Stonetree Creative? When people start to get to know us,

senior couple kissing

A Visit from Mom and Dad

When Mom & Dad said they were coming to visit me in Maine, I knew I had the perfect opportunity to get them dressed up and into the studio.

Maine CoLab Website

Maine CoLab Website

The Maine CoLab was an artist collaborative and retail area that we helped develop here

Stonetree Creative Building

An Introduction to Stonetree

A lot of folks questioned my sanity when I said I wanted to start a second company. Believe me, there are days I question it as well!