Negative Influence Podcast Podcast
A photography podcast for people who love taking pictures and overthinking them. Host Justin Allen explores the creative and analytical side of photography. The show offers a space for photographers to reflect on their craft and the thoughts that come with it.
Episodes
"From Columbia With Film: Matthew Young"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
Matthew Young joins me on the podcast to talk about his new photo zine, Origin: Colombia, documenting the coffee trade in Colombia, specifically around the Tolima region.We get into what it actually takes to build a photo project like this, from figuring out what you want to say, to putting in the work to make the thing actually exist. We also talk about the realities of photographing in another c
"Land of the Lonesome Returns: Negative Influence w/Justin Allen"
My buddy Chris from Land of the Lonesome is back on the podcast. If you’ve spent any time around film photography online, you’ve probably come across his incredible work documenting the American Plains and the West, usually with a healthy dose of Fujifilm and enough wide open spaces to make me want to pack my bags.We catch up on where life and photography have been taking us, talk about his future
"The Hardest Way to Photograph: Nitrate Fox"- Negative Influence W/ Justin Allen
Award-winning photographer, educator, museum collections professional, and wet plate artist Britt Bradley, better known as Nitrate Fox, joins Negative Influence for a conversation about photography, creativity, and the craft behind one of the oldest photographic processes still practiced today. We talk about her journey into photography, preserving historic techniques, building community, and why
"Alfie Cameras: A Tangible Record of Humanity"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
This week on Negative Influence, we’re joined by Dave Faulkner, founder of Alfie Cameras.We talk about what it takes to build a camera company in today’s film photography landscape, the challenges of bringing new products to market, and the philosophy behind creating photographic tools that prioritize experience over convention.We also dive into Alfie’s latest project, the BOXX, a handcrafted phot
"Trev Lee from The Darkroom: Film Photography Right Now"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
Today I’m joined by Trev Lee from The Darkroom, one of the biggest film labs helping keep analog photography alive right now.We talk about the current state of film photography, social media trends, photography education, beginner mistakes, the pressure of algorithms, and what it’s like seeing millions of images come through a lab while helping shape the culture around film online.Trev also talks
"Bad Flashes and Good Times: Caleb Knueven"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
This week on Negative Influence, I’m joined by Caleb Knueven , better known as Bad Flashes. We get into the reality of trying to grow as a photographer while also making content around it, developing a recognizable style without getting trapped by it, creative plateaus, YouTube pressure, and the youth of today stealing our style and music from the 2000s.We talked about the frustration of repeating
"Brian Blazer: Back In Our Day"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
On this episode of Negative Influence, I sit down with Brian Blazer to talk about the current state, and uncertain future, of film photography.We get into the influencer fueled resurgence of analog, whether social media is preserving the craft or turning it into performance, and how hype, scarcity, and rising prices are reshaping the community. We also talk about YouTube’s role in romanticizing th
"The Kodak Kid: Reid of Reiders Digest"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
My buddy Reid stopped by the podcast to talk about getting love from Kodak, the struggle of deciding when to monetize your photography, and theres a dog. Instagram: www.instagram.com/Reiders_Digest_ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
"Catching Up With Dan Helle"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
This week, my dude Dan Helle (okayfoto) hops on the podcast and we get into the weird reality of having genuine friendships with people you’ve never actually met in person and how it somehow leads to planning a theoretical Canada trip like it’s completely normal. Also, how to start photo walks and film clubs without overthinking it into oblivion like I’m prone to doing.Instagram: www.instagram.com
"Chugwater State of Mind: Joshua Hopkins"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
This week on Negative Influence, I sit down with Joshua Hopkins (@Chugwaterite) and we go a little deeper than just “going out and taking photos.”We talk about what it actually means to look into your work instead of just at it, and figuring out what you’re trying to say, even when you’re not totally sure yet. Somewhere along the way, we get into city planning, the slow creep of the modern landsca
"Art in the Age of Algorithm with Jean Black"- Negative Influence W/ Justin Allen
On this episode of Negative Influence, I’m joined by Jean Black. We talk about creativity. Not in a motivational way, just honestly, like where ideas actually come from, why making work can feel heavy sometimes, and what happens when photography turns into “content.”We get into the pressure to post, the weird space between creating and sharing, and trying to stay grounded yet memorable when every
"Designing Ago- Vintage Visual and the Future of Film"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
We sit down with Arno Peever of Vintage Visual to unpack the ideas behind AGO, the tension between automation and craft, and the responsibility that comes with building tools for analog photography. A grounded conversation about design, restraint, and why faster isn’t always better.I don’t even have an affiliate code to advertise this one, I’m doing it out of absolute love for the company! (But if
"Porsche Aremia: Staying the Path and Doing the Work"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
On this week’s episode of Negative Influence, there’s a first! My real life friend Porsche Aremia stopped by the podcast to talk about the industry and all of it’s pitfalls, trying to make friends in the cold state of Michigan, and the realities of working in the photo/video world. Make sure to check it out! Instagram: www.instagram.com/shotgirlporscheWebsite: https://www.fullsendstudios.comNote:
"Who Will Fix the Cameras When the Techs Are Gone? Featuring Martin from AOK Camera"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
Martin from AOK Camera joins the podcast to talk about how he got started in camera repair, why the industry desperately needs a new generation of techs, and what it actually means to keep aging cameras alive in a disposable digital world. We get into AI’s growing role in the digital age, where it helps, where it doesn’t, and where it might be quietly replacing more than we think. Somewhere along
"Breaking The Rules with Kate Hook" Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
In this episode, I sit down with Kate Hook to talk about chaos, control, and creating work that refuses to apologize. We dive into souped film, embracing “mistakes” as artistic intent, and what it means to make bold photography in a boys club industry that still struggles to take women seriously. We also unpack the endless noise of social media, dealing with hate, and why pushing your work into
"Two Influencers with Zero Influence: Ulices Del Toro Returns"
Ulices Del Toro and I talk about the photography gifts we got for Christmas, our ongoing mission to convince our neighbors to shoot film, and some half-serious scheming about where Negative Influence is headed next. Emmy winner, Time contributor and none of that really matters here because I made him shoot an Argus C44 and he’s mad about it. Just two friends talking photography.YouTube: https://ww
"Photography, Intent and The Internet with Brae Hunziker"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
In this episode, Brae Hunziker and I talk about intent in photography and why it matters more than style or location. We get into the need for community, how many photographers are finding it online, and the tension between making work for yourself versus making it in public. We also dig into whether still landscape photographs can tell real stories, and what it takes for an image to move beyond b
"An Evening with Dave Herring: Telling Stories in the Algorithm Era"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
In this episode, Dave Herring and I spend the evening talking about storytelling in photography, how it’s shaped over time, tested by doubt, and often misunderstood online. We get into social media, internet trolls, and the strange pressure to perform rather than observe, alongside the quieter responsibility of documenting history and creating work that actually means something. It’s a grounded co
"A Thousand Faces and No Shortcuts: An Evening with France"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
In this episode of Negative Influence, I’m joined by France for a conversation about portraits, long-term ideas, and what it means to stay with the work. We talk about ongoing projects, mental health and ADHD, and the slow process of figuring out style without forcing originality.It’s a reflective discussion about patience, creative honesty, and learning how to trust your instincts over time.Insta
"An Evening with Keashootsfilm: Accidental Masterpieces and Other Miracles"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
Kea Nacolatabua from @keashootsfilm stops by to chat about film photography, staying sane on the internet, and figuring out your look without turning into a tortured artist stereotype. Good laughs, good insights, good episode.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keashootsfilm/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
"An Evening with Land Of The Lonesome: Film, Grit and Growth"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
Chris from “Land of the Lonesome” joins the podcast to talk about the real side of making film photography work in today’s world. We dive into the struggles of social media, the grind behind creative projects, and what it really takes to turn your goals into reality. No shortcuts, just persistence, passion, and a lot of film (also debt, probably).Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landofthelones
"Film Bigots and the Digital Revolution: An Evening with Paul Maven"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
Paul Maven, former punk rocker and longtime photographer, and my good friend in debauchery returns to film while reflecting on the digital camera revolution and the democratization of photography. In this episode, we explore his journey from film to digital and back again, the creative freedom that comes with a lifetime behind the lens, and the curious culture of negativity that some photographer
"Death, Decay, and the Price of Seeing with Conspiracy of Cartographers" Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
On this episode of Negative Influence, we sit down with Eric J. Meow of Conspiracy of Cartographers! He’s a film photographer, history lover, and deep thinker wandering America’s back roads. Watch us bumble our way through memory, mortality and creativity. We dive into his thought process, his approach to analog photography, and the unexpected benefits of not having to plan your own funeral and ma
"Freelancing/ Film/ Mild Panic with Giulia Hepburn" Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
Giulia Hepburn stopped by to talk about film, freelancing, and the creative chaos that comes with both. We get into her eBay addiction, why she keeps shooting even when it’s easier not to, and how Substack has become her space to share work without all the noise. It’s a laidback chat about community, creativity, and the weird balance of making things for a living while still keeping it fun.Instagr
"The Art of Happy Accidents with Angela Marlaud"- Negative Influence with Justin Allen
In this episode we sit down with film photographer Angela Marlaud of FantastikPlastic, based in the Bay Area, to dive into her vibrant world of photography. From her love of double exposures to the rituals of analog film processing, Angela shares her journey into film, her inspirations for capturing everyday life and abandoned spaces, and how she finds beauty in the ordinary through a film lens.Wh
"Too Wholesome For This Timeline: Ben Carlton"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
In this episode, I sit down with Ben Carlton ,better known as Moonbeam Ben , to talk about film photography, kindness, and finding joy in simple moments. Ben’s work feels like a deep breath in a noisy world, and his outlook on creativity is as refreshing as it is grounding. If you’ve ever felt burnt out or lost in the algorithm, this one’s a reminder of why we pick up a camera in the first place.I
"An Evening With Keaton O'Neill of Metalfingers"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
In this episode of Negative Influence, we sit down with Keaton O’Neill, better known online as MetalFingers. A photographer and filmmaker who’s built a following around his honest approach to shooting, storytelling, and staying creative in the algorithm age, while keeping us updated on all the breaking film photography news. We talk about the intersection of film photography and YouTube, how comm
"From Tour Bus to Darkroom with Hakon Lonn"- Negative Influence with Justin Allen
Håkon Lønn is a touring concert photographer from Norway who captures the energy of live music both on film and digital. In this conversation, we dive into his process on the road, what it’s like shooting bands night after night, and how his mindset and goals as a photographer have evolved over time.From the chaos of the stage to the quiet focus behind the lens, Håkon shares insights into balancin
"Throwing Justin Allen Under the Bus"- Positive Influence w/ Hanz
This is awkward. I’m supposed to tell you about me being a guest on my own podcast, because who wants to follow Jason’s episode? Nobody, that’s who. I got outvoted and guess who kept coming up as the recommended guest? Me. So I sat down with Hanz so he could interview me on this week’s episode of Negative Influence! We’ll get back to our normally scheduled episodes next week.My Instagram: https:/
"An Evening with Jason Kummerfeldt of Grainy Days"- Negative Influence W/Justin Allen
In this episode of Negative Influence, I sit down with photographer and YouTuber Jason Kummerfeldt, the creator behind the popular film photography channel Grainydays. We dive into the world of 35mm film, medium format cameras, creative burnout, Fresca, and the realities of making photography content on YouTube. Jason shares his journey through photography, his thoughts on the current state of fil
"George w/ Focus Tilt"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
This week on Negative Influence I sit down with George of Focus Tilt. We dive into his journey into photography, how inspiration strikes, and the thought process behind composition. George also shares the story of his personal Sprocket Rocket, the Flexpan, a camera that perfectly reflects his creative approach to the medium.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_tilt_photo/NOTE: Due to an upl
"Extra Negative"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
This week I sat down for another chaos fueled episode with Dan Helle of okayfoto and Hanz for a group episode that goes a little off the rails (in the best way). We cover Dan’s maybe-broken Fuji, my one sad Nikon lens without a body, why hashtags still matter, light bullying and plenty of random photo talk in between. Fair warning: the longer it goes, the more inebriated I get. This is a public e
"Ulices Del Toro" Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
Ulices Del Toro is finally here after I accidentally lost his first episode in a tragic hard drive exploding accident! As usual, we manage to cover a little bit of everything: recent camera purchases we probably didn’t need, film development wins (and disasters), random tips we’ve picked up, and a healthy dose of completely off-topic nonsense. He’s an Emmy-winning bad ass and a phenomenal photogra
"Birgit Buchart" Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
This week I’m joined by photographer and writer Birgit Buchart for a conversation that drifts through the highs and lows of making things, when inspiration strikes, when it doesn’t, and what keeps us showing up anyway.We talk about the tactile pull of film, the magic (and madness) of certain stocks, and a few upcoming releases that have us cautiously optimistic, and how friends can push us through
"Kyle McDougall"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
This week I sit down with filmmaker, photographer, and all around creative nomad Kyle McDougall to talk about the slow road to finding your voice, balancing personal work with YouTube hustle, and why photography still matters in a world of constant content. We get into burnout, film stocks, storytelling, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is stop trying so hard.Whether you're deep in a cr
"Chuck Marshall"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
Today on the podcast, we’re joined by my friend and fellow Michigander, Chuck Marshall! Chuck is a staple of the Michigan music scene as a photographer, which is where I met him years ago, in another life. He’s a craft beer explorer and co-founder of Life In Michigan and GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Newsletter. He’s also the one who introduced me to Substack, so I could annoy all of you faithfu
"Angela Cappetta" Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
This week on Negative Influence, I sit down with New York-based photographer Angela Cappetta. Known for her emotional storytelling and deep ties to traditional film, Angela brings a raw honesty to her work that’s hard to ignore. We talk about long-term projects, photographing with intention, and what it means to truly connect with your subjects. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to build
"Max Kent"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
In this episode, I talk with photographer Max Kent about process, patience, and the quiet power of paying attention. We cover a lot, the role of place in shaping vision, the strange pull of analog, and what it means to keep making things when no one’s asking you to. It’s reflective, a little raw, and exactly the kind of conversation that reminds you why you picked up a camera in the first place.Se
"MIDLIFE CRISIS AND CAMERAS" ft. Dan Helle and Hanz -Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
Surprise! Here is a bonus episode where I’m joined by okayfoto and Hanz. We get into the cameras we’re loving, the film stocks we’re hoarding, the new releases we’re pretending not to care about, and all the stuff we definitely can’t afford, but obsess over anyway.It’s a mix of wishlists, hot takes, and the kind of gear talk that somehow turns into an existential crisis. This is a public episode.
"Giulia Hepburn"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
On this episode of Negative Influence, I sit down with photographer Giulia Hepburn , whose work moves effortlessly between fashion, commercial, and street. Whether she’s shooting polished campaigns or raw moments on the sidewalk, her images carry the same sharp eye and quiet defiance.We talk about creative survival, blending personal and professional work, and how to keep your style intact when ev
"Nick LoPresti"- Negative Influence W/Justin Allen
In this episode, I sit down with Nick LoPresti, the film photographer, YouTuber, and all-around analog evangelist who's out here making film photography fun again (on purpose). We talk about shooting weird formats, balancing creativity with content creation, the joy of keeping things scrappy, and why sometimes the best camera is the one loaded with expired film and a little bit of delusion. If you
"Hanz"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
In this episode, I sit down with Hanz, a Korean-based street and fashion photographer whose eye for imperfection is nothing short of inspiring. An American expat with a deep love for both film and digital photography, Hanz brings a unique perspective shaped by his life abroad and his passion for visual storytelling. We talk about his creative process, and why he believes flaws,whether in a camera
"David Mullin"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
This week we sit down with California-based photographer Stillness in Focus , whose work straddles the line between realism and quiet introspection. We talk street photography in the Golden State, how to grow an audience without losing your voice, and the head games photographers play with themselves: perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and everything in between. It’s an honest, thoughtful conversat
"Constantin Roman"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
On this episode of Negative Influence, I talk with Rome-based photographer Constantin about chasing moments, trusting your instincts, and leaning into the mess. His work lives somewhere between shadow and noise, pulling something honest out of the chaos.We get into process, philosophy, and what it means to stay loose behind the lens, especially when the world around you refuses to hold still. This
"Dan Helle"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Halifax-based street photographer, Dan Helle over at okayfoto, whose sharp eye and quiet humor turn everyday moments into cinematic stills. We dig into the craft of seeing: what makes a compelling street photo, how to build an audience without selling your soul, and the wildly different mindsets that shape the way photographers shoot, share, and think. Wheth
"Tom Minty"- Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
In this episode, Justin Allen- Photographer sits down with Tom Minty ,a street photographer with a sharp eye for the urban sprawl. We talk scanning workflows (the good, the bad, and the dusty), the weight of social media expectations, and what it’s like chasing the perfect frame across different cities. Whether you're a film junkie, digital shooter, or just here for the travel stories, this one's
"Giles Thurston" -Negative Influence w/ Justin Allen
Justin Allen- Photographer sits down with UK based urban and landscape photographer Giles Thurston to discuss composition, lighting and the fear or strangers in this episode of Negative Influence. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit negativeinfluencepodcast.substack.com
We Have a Release Date!
After weeks of overthinking, under-editing, and talking to myself in front of a microphone, the first three episodes of Negative Influence drop on Monday, May 26th.This podcast is what happens when a photographer starts spiraling and accidentally records it. It’s film. It’s digital. It’s deep dives, loose tangents, and the occasional gear rant that turns into a life crisis. I talk to other photogr
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