We’re back with another deep-dive—this time unpacking the painful realities of a **broken Leica Q3**, the chaos of high-stakes corporate gigs, and the business side of being a creative. From why **AI noise reduction is killing the exposure triangle** to the terrifying future of **Sora-generated video**, from mastering **overcast light** to structuring airtight contracts that ensure you get paid, this one’s full of practical insights (and some expensive lessons).We start with the most expensive mistake we've ever made: believing that **dual card slots** are only for extra storage. We talk about the trauma of **losing footage** and the heartbreaking realization that **dual backup** is the *only* way to shoot weddings or any high-stakes job. If you think constantly switching out full cards will suffice, this segment might save you from a catastrophic data loss event.From there, we jump into shooting conditions. Shooting in **direct sunlight** is not the nightmare most beginners believe it to be. We break down how to handle it by combining **ND filters** with **off-camera flash** to achieve a stunning, **editorial look** that thrives in bright conditions. We discuss the essentials of lighting—why you need a **Bowens mount constant light** before you buy a basic LED panel, and why **overcast light is superior to golden hour** for capturing perfect RAW images *in-camera*.Then it’s time to get technical with data and business. If you don't use contracts, you're asking to be **ghosted on payment**. We share our advice on using **AI (GPT)** to draft a **semi-airtight contract** to protect yourself, and we dive deep into pricing, discussing the dilemma of **charging for film photography** (more cost, less editing time) and the need to charge a **contracted hourly rate above your full-time salary**. We explain why you must cut the fat from your portfolio because it’s only as good as its **weakest picture**.But it’s not just about the tech. We dig into the mindset side too—specifically the debate of **"I'll fix it in post."** We argue why relying on software to fix **compositional errors** or **physical blemishes** (like an Apple Watch tan) is lazy, and why you should take the time to fix things **in the moment** for consistency. We also argue why becoming the **"camera guy/girl"** is necessary for word-of-mouth marketing, and why the new era of flexible **ISO (especially on Sony)** combined with AI noise reduction is making photographers forget the fundamental exposure triangle.We wrap with some hot takes: why **Nikon's Z-mount** is the most **future-proof full-frame ecosystem** (due to its short flange distance), why owning an **f/1.4 lens** doesn't automatically make you a professional, and the terrifying reality of **Sora**—the AI video generator that is making it impossible to know what's real and what's fake, threatening the very core of documentary and creative work.If you’re a beginner looking to avoid costly gear mistakes or a working creative trying to refine your contracts and workflow, this episode is packed with advice that’ll keep you sharp, motivated, and grounded in what really matters.---🔗 Website: [https://www.cortandluke.com](https://www.cortandluke.com)📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke](https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke)🎬 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/Cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/Cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1)Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher
