We’re back with another deep-dive—this time unpacking the painful realities of a **messy studio**, the chaos of corporate creative demands, and the business side of being a content creator. From a **$42,000 website video project** to the crucial role of the **calibration tab** in Lightroom, from the debate over **FX3 vs. R5C** to the surprisingly relevant comparison between a **photographer and a truck driver**, this one’s full of practical insights (and some controversial hot takes).We start with the most expensive mistake we've ever made: the belief that **dual card slots** are just for extra storage. We talk about the traumatizing reality of **losing wedding footage** and the heartbreaking realization that **dual backup** is the *only* proper way to shoot for a client, especially for weddings. If you think switching cards and backing up on a laptop during the reception is good enough, this segment might save you thousands of dollars in lawsuits.From there, we jump into shooting conditions. Shooting in **direct sunlight** is not the nightmare people make it out to be. We discuss the essentials of **ND filters** and **off-camera flash** in bright light, arguing that the combination not only saves your exposure but also delivers a desired **editorial look** that separates you from the crowd. We also share why your first light should always be a **Bowens mount constant light** and not a basic LED panel Then it’s time to get technical with gear and business. If you're relying on cheap storage, you're asking for a data loss crisis. We share our advice on **portable SSDs** (like the Crucial X9 Pro) over slow, corruptible hard drives (like Western Digital). We dive deep into contracts and pricing, discussing the dilemma of **charging for film photography** (less work for you, more expense for you) and why you must charge your **contracting rate** *above* your new full-time salary. We also share a real-world example of taking a **$1,000 wedding video gig** and how to manage client expectations for a two-to-three minute recap.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 you should bring your best effort to **fix hair, jewelry, and blemishes** in the moment, rather than relying on Photoshop for a batch of 2,000 photos, especially in the age of easy **AI manipulation** (Sora is here, and we're cooked). We also argue why owning an **f/1.4 lens** doesn't make you a professional, even though the *look* it provides is fantastic.We wrap with some hot takes: why **weather sealing is overrated** for the average senior portrait photographer (since you reschedule for rain anyway), why the **Sony A7IV** is capable of delivering colors that look like "Canon but better" (a confession of bias), and the real definition of **making it as a creative** (it's when you start factoring in rental costs and upcharging your contracted time).---🔗 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
