We’re back with another deep-dive—this time unpacking the realities of subscription fatigue, client management, and the ever-present debate over gear and skills. From Adobe price hikes to avoiding bad clients, and from the Kit Lens test to off-camera flash, this one’s full of practical and business-focused insights.
We start with the business baseline: subscriptions. We talk about why the $10/month Adobe price increase is infuriating, the concept of subscription fatigue (and why paying annually is superior), and how the photography world needs more open-source editing platforms, mirroring the progress of DIY camera builds.
From there, we jump into client dynamics. We discuss the ultimate red flag: clients who demand the RAW files (and what that says about your editing). We break down why client experience justifies premium pricing (six meetings before the wedding!) and the non-negotiable importance of writing revision limits into every contract to prevent endless editing cycles.
Then it’s time to get technical with gear and mindset. We talk about the Kit Lens Test ("If you can't shoot a good photo on a kit lens, you can't shoot a good photo") and how TFP (Time for Prints) is the ultimate free solution for overcoming creative humps and building a better portfolio. We also weigh in on the controversial topic of off-camera flash in daylight, defending its use in street photography when done correctly.
But it’s not just about the tech. We dig into the social side too—specifically, why posing clients like mannequins doesn't work. We discuss the importance of prompting movement and conversation to capture authentic smiles, and share a hot take: bringing a friend to a photoshoot often results in the best, most relaxed photos.
We wrap with some gear hot takes: the true importance of weather sealing (only if you live by the beach), why you should fear your shutter speed (because it's the one thing that can't be fixed), and the timeless truth that a cheap tripod will eventually fail you (and your camera).
If you’re a creative trying to escape the subscription trap, refine your contracts, or just need the motivation to shoot with the gear you already own, this episode is packed with advice that’ll keep you sharp, safe, and grounded in what really matters.
🔗 Website: https://www.cortandluke.com
📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/cortandluke
🎬 TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/Cortandluke?_t=8r93xifpxqy&_r=1
Hosted by: Luke Montgomery and Cort Letcher
