Justin Bettman: When You Take Pictures First + Ask Questions Later

The Chat

Justin Bettman is a prolific photographer who still approaches life and work with a punk-rock view. Even though Justin has worked with some of the most well-known celebrities and brands in the world (think: everyone from Daniel Radcliff to Spotify), he is constantly living by the motto: do first, ask questions later.

But, Justin didn’t seamlessly move from There to Here, as you’ll hear in our chat today. Like many of our guests so far, Justin continues to push his own boundaries and definition of creativity - whether it was during his first job at Ogilvy, the top-tier advertising agency - where he started in a rotational business program and somehow figured out his way to become an in-house photographer, or when he started #SetinTheStreet - a now-viral, international art project that simply started as a way to have fun with photography without having access to a fancy set or props.

This conversation is for anyone who feels like they have a creative spark within them, but feels too constrained by what they “should” be doing (like Elle Luna explained last episode). For our photography buffs - Justin shares the exact ways he prepares and thinks about a photoshoot. And for the rest of us, he dives deep into something extremely important: the mindset he’s cultivated to help him get from There to Here -without letting money, resources or excuses hold him back.

Some stuff we also cover:

Justin’s exact process of experimenting with photography - both as a craft and a business - starting in high school

The step-by-step approach Justin took to move from a business role to becoming in-house photography at Ogilvy

How Justin created #SetInTheStreet - a viral, international art project - from idea phase to working with the NYC Times Square Art Alliance

Why you don’t need a huge budget or professional equipment to  get started on any creative project

Exactly how Justin prepares and completes post-production for his large-scale photoshoots

How to keep experimenting with your craft and keep a beginner’s mind

Resources you might want to check out:

Social media: @justinbettman


Website: justinbettman.com

As always, this podcast is sponsored by:

Daydreamers. At Daydreamers, we’re redefining how we all spend our free time and making space for adults to build creative hobbies. Get on the waitlist to meet us IRL at: daydreamerspace.com.