What happens when a passion for music meets a love of photography? This episode uncovers how melodies and moments intertwine, sparking unexpected creativity behind the lens.I sit down with Benny Chiu, photographer, former violinist and drummer, and night owl, for a candid conversation about how musical roots shape visual storytelling.Benny shares his journey from playing violin and drums to capturing emotions through the camera. He reveals how growing up musically informed his collaborative approach to wedding photography, how song and rhythm influence his edits and client slideshows, and why improvisation isn’t just for the stage. Discover why Benny relates his photography style to crossover artists like Vanessa Mae, and get actionable insights into merging your own artistic passions."...one of my favorite things to capture wedding days are actually the open dancing."Rock with Bennybycphotography.cominstagram.com/bycphotographyAnimotoFundy Designer's Social Design AppSocial Templates Co.Artists: Vanessa Mae, Lindsey Stirling, Cursive, Sigur RósThe tour

Can a childhood crush on a violinist lead to photographing a wedding? What if your passion for music and gear isn’t just a hobby, but the secret ingredient to your creative success?I sit down with photographer and  musician Sam Hurd, whose journey from orchestra kid to wedding photographer is surprising to some and inspiring to many.Sam Hurd is a photographer who believes that true artistry comes from trust. Based in Washington DC (with availability worldwide), Sam’s work isn’t about awards, it’s about capturing moments with creativity and authenticity. His portraits and wedding galleries stand out for their emotional clarity and visual poetry.Sam Hurd reveals how his musical background shaped his photographic style, from recording metal bands in college to applying audio production skills to wedding day videos. Hear the origins of Sam’s fascination with prisms, why he swaps out wedding dance floor hits for heavy metal in his earbuds, and what he’s learned documenting press events for celebrities like Billy Joel and Dolly Parton. Whether you're into gear talk, performance anxiety, or creative inspiration, this episode offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at balancing multiple passions and turning them into art."I like the contrast of just ridiculously hard metal in my ears while people are like visibly dancing to Shout because it just makes it fun for me.”Rock with Samsamhurdphotography.cominstagram.com/iamthesamyoutube.com/samhurdphotoPrisms on SpotifyPrisms on Apple MusicPic-TimeColorwareDJI Mic 2Insta360 X5OSMO Pocket 3 Cool Edit Pro (now Adobe Audition)The tour

Ever wondered how a snowy night, a missed concert, and an unexpected street performance could transform a musician’s life? In this heartfelt episode, hear a story where passion for music overcomes locked doors and cold weather.This episode has a story with a pub in Cambridge, Massachusetts,  John Ondrasik from Five for Fighting, and a guitar.“While I’m not a singer and I typically would not sing in front of other people, I did on the street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with John from Five for Fighting and it changed my life.”If you’ve ever found yourself on the outside looking in, or if music and photography speak to your soul, don’t miss this episode. Subscribe to Lenses & Lyrics and share your own stories where music or art has changed your life.

Ever felt the itch to perform, only to be held back by self-doubt or expectations? What if you didn’t have to prove anything to anyone and could simply enjoy your craft, just for you?Fresh off a beach vacation, I reflect on being invited on stage by a musician friend, and why I chose to stay in the crowd. Revisiting my days at Berklee College of Music, I explore how even top musicians like John Mayer don’t always follow the expected path, and how stepping back from pressure can help you rediscover pure enjoyment in your passion projects, whether it’s music, photography, or any creative pursuit.“I enjoy the lack of pressure. I enjoy doing it for me. So if you’re a photographer, if you’re a videographer and you play music and you’ve got that urge to play more, just remember, there’s no pressure. If you want to do it for you, do it for you.”Additional Resources Mentioned:Ultimate GuitarSmartless with John MayerBerklee College of MusicIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow creative who might need a reminder: you don’t have to perform for anyone but yourself. Subscribe to Lenses & Lyrics for more conversations about balancing passion and pressure.

Find out what happens when punk rock and hardcore meets the world of cinematic wedding filmmaking. Take a journey from sleeping on hoarder house beds while on tour, to crafting emotionally resonant wedding films. Where music, nostalgia, and artistry collide.Jason McCutchen is a wedding filmmaker based out of Boston Massachusetts, who currently owns three making brands, Merriment films, Stopgolove, and Huxley Film as well as an educator and podcaster at the YouTube channel Wedding Film School. Jason grew up in the New England hard-core metal scene, and in a previous life played in several bands in addition to working in recording studios.Scott and Jason connect over their shared roots in hardcore bands and the scrappy reality of DIY touring, broken vans, sleeping in bathtubs, and houses filled with hoarded stuff. Jason reveals how his early love for writing and performing music led to a career in film, blending his artistic drive with wedding filmmaking. The episode dives deep into the creative crossovers between music and visual storytelling, how nostalgia shapes Jason’s approach to films, and the unique ways his team weaves personal and family music into their projects. From fanboying over Converge and Deftones to candidly addressing the business side of art, Jason shares both the highs and the hard choices along his creative journey."If I do something that’s for my soul, I don’t want anyone to be able to take it away from me.”Rock with Jasonhuxley.filminstagram.com/jaymccutchenweddingfilm.schoolHolding HannahStopgoloveLuma SitesThe tour