Scott Wyden Kivowitz

What happens when a band-fronting vocalist and skilled photographer brings her two worlds together? This week, Scott Wyden Kivowitz welcomes photographer and musician Leslie Rodriguez, whose upbringing in musical cities and multi-generational jam sessions has shaped a colorful career. From bluegrass bands and opera choruses to vibrant  photography that resonates with sensibility. Discover how Leslie Rodriguez channels the energy of the stage into collaborative image-making, how TikTok impacted her creative community, and why her family’s legendary reunions call for both noise permits. Plus: practical confidence tips, the role of social platforms for creative pros, and why experimenting with style keeps her camera work as fresh as a hit single. "I've taken the confidence levels that I have in singing, and I have found a way to like transfer those over to photography so that even when I feel like an imposter, I know how to show up like a professional..." Rock with Leslie leslierodriguezphoto.com instagram.com/l_slierodriguez tiktok.com/@l_slierodriguez Spotify YouTube Baltimore Wedding Story The tour

What happens when a photographer sees the world in beats and syncopation? Dive into a conversation where drums meet the shutter, where every image has an echo and every song paints a scene. In this episode, we explore the creative convergence of music and photography with Fer Juaristi, who seamlessly bridges both worlds. The discussion reveals how musical instincts shape the way moments are captured through the camera, challenging notions of silence and rhythm in visual storytelling. The conversation moves through topics like embracing discomfort, improvisation on a wedding day, resisting perfection, and finding inspiration outside traditional boundaries. Whether you shoot, play, or both, you'll find new ways to energize your artistic process. "...discomfort, it's a must because creativity, Music and photography, it's, it's not an exact science. So, so you have to say, screw it, let's, let's see what happens if I commit all these mistakes. And, and with these mistakes, I can create a style. There's no scoreboard." - Fer Juaristi Rock with Fer ferjuaristi.com instagram.com/ferjuaristi patreon.com/ferjuaristi facebook.com/FerJuaristiWeddingPhotographer pinterest.com/ferjuaristi Fred Again – Tiny Desk Concert Koala Sampler App Hippo Campus Rodrigo y Gabriela The tour

What happens when the artist lets the monster take the pen? Discover how Coheed and Cambria’s iconic concept album blends rock fury, sci-fi spectacle, and personal heartbreak into an audio-visual experience unlike anything else. They turned the listener’s imagination into a movie screen where a creator and his creation fight for control of the pen. This episode peels back the layers of Claudio Sanchez's storytelling, from interstellar comic book wars to the psychological torment of the Writer, whose heartbreak bleeds between fiction and reality. Whether you’re a music lover, a visual storyteller, or just seeking inspiration, this exploration promises to make you feel every riff and revelation. Listen to the music, close your eyes, and visualize the saga. Then share your own interpretations and impressions on Spotify, YouTube, or at  The Dojo. Rock the album on Apple Music on Spotify

Can music turn your mind into a movie theater? This week on Lenses & Lyrics, discover how Dream Theater’s "Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory" transforms sound into vivid internal cinema. No screen required. Audio and visual art can merge at any moment, anywhere you are, because your mind is the ultimate projector. Listen to Dream Theater’s album in a quiet space, close your eyes, and let the album paint its story across your imagination. Then, share your experience with us. Did you see the opera unfold in your head? Join the discussion in The Dojo, on Spotify or YouTube. Rock the album dreamtheater.net on Apple Music on Spotify

What happens when creativity refuses to fit into just one form? This episode explores the powerful thread connecting Lenny Kravitz’s music, photography, and design, all woven from the same emotional fabric. Join us as we journey through the life and artistry of Lenny Kravitz, a figure who bridges the worlds of sound and image. Discover how his early fascination with his father’s Leica camera informed a lifetime of art that blurs boundaries, from iconic tunes to evocative photographs and tactile interiors. Resources Flash Drifter Kravitz Design Photo by Nuță Lucian via Flickr. Experience the coherence in creativity, listen to the episode now, and see how the borders between music, photography, and design dissolve through Lenny Kravitz’s lens.

Ever wondered what happens when artificial intelligence composes a song about the history of photography? On this episode of Lenses & Lyrics, we explore the intersection of music, technology, and the evolution of capturing images, all wrapped up in an original AI-generated folk pop song. Listen to the AI-composed "History of Photography Song" and share your thoughts! Leave your feedback on Spotify, YouTube, or within The Dojo.

What if AI could compose the anthem to your life’s creative passions? Today we explore how artificial intelligence might inspire new expressions at the intersection of music and photography. After listening, share your thoughts on the AI-generated song! Leave a comment if you’re on Spotify or YouTube, or join the conversation through The Dojo.

Ever wondered what happens when the man behind Aquaman swaps his trident for a Leica camera and a bass guitar? Discover the pulse and passion behind Jason Momoa’s creative journey beyond Hollywood. This episode explores how rhythm shapes not just art, but life. instagram.com/oof_tatata instagram.com/prideofgypsies Ready to find your own rhythm? Hit play and explore the intersection of photography and music that will make you see creativity in a whole new light. Subscribe for more stories that blend sound, vision, and heart.

Are grit and creativity two sides of the same coin? Explore how discipline learned in one passion can spark greatness in another. This episode reveals why rhythm and routine matter. whether you're on a stage, at a wedding venue, a football field or picking up an instrument for the first time. I talk about retired Eagles legend, Jason Kelce, had at Rowan University on April 21, 2026. Jason pulls back the curtain on how his journey with the saxophone shaped his drive on the gridiron. " If you don't practice, you're going to suck." But if you master the tempo, you might just find yourself in the Hall of Fame.

Learn how to capture deep emotional connections through music photography and visual storytelling. In this episode, photographer, singer, and ukulele player Elsa Thomasson joins the show to discuss the intersecting creative paths of visual and musical art. Elsa shares her journey from singing Édith Piaf as a child to performing at intimate acoustic weddings, detailing how a musician’s sensitive ear can completely reshape the photographer’s eye and creative process. "I focus more on maybe energy, emotions. I’m not interested in playing ukulele just without singing. So I think the singing is getting all the ukulele and the ukulele is just serving to highlight the song or the singing." Rock with Elsa elsathomasson.com youtube.com/channel/UC2i16M6wqiB4WeFz66AisbA instagram.com/elsathomassonphotographie instagram.com/elsa_thomasson_musique facebook.com/elsathomassonphotographie Spotify Bandcamp The tour

What happens when a deep love for music shapes a photographer’s creative process? Explore the intersection of sound and images in an episode that feels part backstage tour, part portfolio review. Chloe Ramirez shares personal stories, professional experience, and musical influences that shaped her vision behind the lens. She reflects on how being raised by creative parents surrounded by music set the foundation for a photography style that thrives on movement, emotion, and collaboration. She reveals how performing in a band, learning to trust instinct over technical perfection, and thinking in musical rhythms has influenced both shooting and mentoring. Whether collaborating with clients, catching serendipitous moments or teaching other photographers how to find their voice, Chloe argues that real artistry comes from blending life’s chaos into something that just feels right. "What I admire in other people’s work is not technically good. It could be the most grainy, blurry photo on the planet. If I feel something, I’m leaning in and saving those" Rock with Chloe chloeramirezphoto.com instagram.com/chloeramirezphoto hotgirlsphotographlove.com threads.com/@chloeramirezphoto youtube.com/@ChloeRamirezPhoto tiktok.com/@chloephoto instagram.com/imported.studios The tour

What happens when a love for concerts collides with a passion for capturing moments? Discover how one photographer blurs the lines between fan and documentarian, turning chaotic energy into unforgettable imagery, sometimes even at the risk of injury. This week, Emily Hartmann joins the show. A seasoned band photographer hailing from Long Island, Emily Hartmann made her name by simply showing up, camera in hand. From DIY photo passes as a teenager to professional shoots at rock festivals, Emily Hartmann's journey is all about access, authenticity, and sometimes choosing to enjoy the mosh pit with her own eyes. She shares candid stories about technical missteps, the unique bond she builds in the pit, and why every member of a band, especially drummers, deserve their moment in the spotlight. Whether discussing gear essentials, imposter syndrome, or how photographing bands shapes her experience as a music fan, Emily Hartmann proves you don’t need to separate artistry from fun. "I just started like cold emailing bands and I was like, hey, please let me come photograph. You get some that bite." Rock with Emily emilyhartmann.com instagram.com/photosxbyem instagram.com/reels/DWhPhECEdsR Jupio Tri-Charge Jupio USB-C Chargable Batteries The tour

Step inside the world where music and photography intertwine, and every moment hits a unique note. Journey through the emotional journey of photographing proposals from staking out the perfect spot and reading the cadence of nervous footsteps, to documenting the life-changing "yes." Discover how each proposal unfolds like a song: with verses, bridges, and soaring choruses, all captured through the dual love for melodies and imagery. "Every proposal has a beat. It starts as a slow, steady pulse, and as a photographer, I have to find that rhythm before the couple even arrives." Like what you hear? Subscribe to Lenses & Lyrics for more stories where music and photography meet, and share this episode with a fellow creative who appreciates the beauty in every beat and photograph.

Discover how skate, punk, and hip hop culture got its visual identity through the lens of someone who lived the scene, not just observed it. This episode explores the gritty, genuine artistry of Glen E. Friedman and how his raw approach redefined music and skate photography. Through firsthand experience and street-level authenticity, Glen E. Friedman photographed legends before fame touched their names. From backyard pools in Dogtown with the Z Boys to punk icons like Ian McKay and Henry Rollins, Glen documented history as it happened. His relentless DIY ethic led him to publish books like "Fuck You Heroes" and defend his photos in court, setting standards for creative ownership and self-reliance. Rock with Glenn burningflags.com instagram.com/glenefriedman Books on Amazon Listen now to uncover the importance of staying true to your vision and owning your story. Subscribe to Lenses & Lyrics for more stories where music and photography intersect. Photo of Glen on cover from unknown source (via Wikipedia)

What happens when a seasoned musician steps behind the camera? Discover how rhythm, connection, and creativity from one art form shape another in this vibrant episode of Lenses & Lyrics. Scott sits down with Jared Mark Fincher - a talented filmmaker, and lifelong musician who brings his passion for sound to every visual story he crafts. From childhood piano lessons and church bands to cinematic wedding films, Jared Mark Fincher shares how his musical roots continue to influence his approach to photography and filmmaking. Explore the crossover between leading in music and leading behind the lens, the importance of sound in storytelling, and how creative experiences in both worlds shape genuine connections with people. "You can miss a couple notes in there and play the wrong note and baby, it's just jazz." Rock with Jared jaredmarkfincher.com Photographic Collective YouTube channel instagram.com/jaredmarkfincher Artlist  Musicbed Rode Wireless GO DJI Mic Zoom recorder The tour

What if anyone with a computer could create lifelike photos or write music - no camera or guitar required? AI is rewriting the creative playbook for both photographers and musicians, and change isn’t coming, it's here. This episode of Lenses & Lyrics explores how AI is transforming both photography and music - from making it possible for anyone to generate lifelike images with a prompt, to composing full-fledged songs at the click of a button. "You need to adopt and adapt with AI. Use it." The tour

Who says creativity belongs in a single box? This episode reveals how celebrities from music, sports, and acting swap the spotlight for the shutter, uncovering a world where the person behind the camera wields just as much artistry as the person in front. Some of the world's most recognizable faces are picking up cameras and expressing their vision as credentialed photographers. Musicians like Benson Boone, Method Man, Seal, and Moby, athletes and actors including Randy Johnson, Drew Carey, Leonard Nimoy, Jeff Bridges, Gary Oldman, Henry Winkler, Drew Barrymore, and Ben Folds. From sideline sports photos and haunting landscapes to fine art portraits and quirky nature finds, this episode shows how creative boundaries are made to be crossed, and how famous hands behind the lens tell their own stories.

What happens when your love for music literally shapes the way you frame the world? On this episode of Lenses & Lyrics, meet someone who’s spun tracks, engineered albums, and tells musical stories through every photo. This week, Scott Wyden Kivowitz sits down with Ash, a DJ, music engineer, producer, and concert photographer whose journey maps the rhythm between sound and vision. From DJing and producing in the studio to photographing live music events, Ash shares the twists and turns of building a creative career out of passion, and the necessity of staying nimble. You'll hear about learning production at Full Sail, owning a studio, pivoting during the pandemic, and eventually finding an outlet in concert photography. Ash opens up about seeing live music through a photographer’s eye, why house and alternative hip hop fuel editing marathons, and offers candid advice for those seeking to photograph shows, even if the music isn’t their thing. "If I'm hearing a song that is making me vibe, I'm more inspired in that moment, more than ever to go and get the shot that I'm thinking of." Rock with Ash ashthephotog.com asherpleasemakemusic.com Ash on SoundCloud instagram.com/ash.the.photo.g threads.com/@ash.the.photo.g The BTS Newsletter Full Sail The tour

Picture this: you’re capturing a beautiful portraits, and out of nowhere, a full marching band fills the scene with unexpected energy. When photography and music collide, magic happens — and sometimes, it’s totally unplanned. In this short but memorable episode, Scott Wyden Kivowitz shares an incredible story from a recent proposal session at Princeton University. What began as a romantic engagement session in a sentimental campus spot quickly transformed when the Princeton University marching band made a surprise appearance. The spontaneous soundtrack turned a special day into a completely one-of-a-kind experience — blending music, love, and photography in perfect harmony. Want more real-life stories where photography meets music? Subscribe, follow, and share Lenses & Lyrics so you never miss an episode that brings the creative worlds together!

Ever wondered what the inside of a grand piano or violin looks like? This episode is your backstage pass to a breathtaking world where music meets architectural wonder, hidden inside the very instruments that create the sounds we love. The spotlight is on Charles Brooks, a professional cellist turned visionary photographer. I unpack Brooks's remarkable series "Architecture in Music," which uses advanced macro photography to unveil the awe-inspiring structures inside musical instruments. What looks like concert halls or ancient cathedrals are, in fact, the intricate inner workings of instruments like cellos, pianos, and guitars. Discover how Brooks’s unique background in music profoundly shapes his visual storytelling, and why seeing these hidden worlds might forever change how you listen to music. Rock with Charles instagram.com/charlescellist architectureinmusic.com charlesbrooks.info