Welcome to the very first episode of Lensbaby Presents! In this episode, host Liz Willson sits down for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes conversation with Michael Anthony, Vice President and business partner at Lensbaby. Discover the inspiring journey of a creator who turned a childhood gift into a lifelong passion, ultimately leading one of the most unique brands in the photography industry.

In this episode, we dive into:

● The Origin Story: How a Canon AE-1, gifted by his grandmother when he was just ten years old, forever cemented Michael's core identity as a photographer.

● The Business of Art: Why Michael believes marketing is the single most important element of running a successful business, drawing inspiration from Dan Kennedy's Magnetic Marketing.

● Breaking the Rules: Why Michael embraces his contrarian nature, famously declaring that "all of them" are the most overrated photography rules.

● The Power of Connection: An inside look at the Lensbaby Unplugged community and how it fosters a supportive environment for visual storytellers to share their art without judgment.

● Embracing Discomfort: Michael’s personal philosophy on why self-imposed challenges—like tackling the grueling 29029 mountain climbing event—are essential for personal and creative growth.

● Shooting Extraordinary: The history behind Lensbaby's defining mantra and what it truly means to step outside the normal to create art that tells your authentic truth.

Connect with the Lensbaby Community:

● Check out the gear: lensbaby.com

● Join the conversation: Search for "Lensbaby Unplugged" on Facebook

● Follow on social media: Find them at @LensbabyUSA

If you found this conversation inspiring, make sure to hit the Like button and Subscribe to Lensbaby Presents for more interviews with incredible creators!

Question of the Day: What does it mean for you to shoot extraordinary? Let us know in the comments below!