Almost Creative Podcast

Do New Cameras Even Matter Anymore? | Sony A7R VI Discussion

The Sony A7R VI is here, and it got us asking a bigger question: do new cameras actually matter anymore? This week, Chris and Travis look back at the evolution of cameras from the DSLR boom to today's mirrorless flagships and discuss whether we've finally reached a point where gear is no longer the limiting factor for most creators. They talk about camera history, Sony's impact on the industry, the gear acquisition trap, and why business, storytelling, and creativity often matter far more than the latest specs. Whether you're a photographer, videographer, filmmaker, or just a camera nerd, this one's for you.

Everything Young Creatives Are Asking Right Now

Welcome back to the Almost Creative Podcast. This week, Travis flies solo for a different kind of episode after speaking to students at a career center about creative work, videography, photography, drones, business, and building a career in the industry. The episode turns into an honest Q&A covering some of the biggest questions beginners ask when getting started as creatives. From what camera to buy, to booking your first wedding, building a team, making money, and getting out of your own way… this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone trying to turn creativity into a real career. The Almost Creative Podcast is for creatives trying to turn their passion into a full-time career through honest conversations, business lessons, and real-world experiences from the creative industry.

Breaking Down a $50K Client Project as Videographers

Welcome back to the Almost Creative Podcast. In this episode, we break down one of the biggest client projects we’ve ever taken on: a nonprofit campaign that turned into a $50,000 production involving multiple shoot days, 12+ deliverables, interviews, strategy, revisions, and full-scale project management. We walk through the entire process from discovery calls and pitching to pricing, pre-production, client communication, revisions, and the realities of scaling creative work beyond just making videos. If you’ve ever wondered what larger commercial productions actually look like behind the scenes, this episode gives an honest look at the business, pressure, and systems required to pull them off successfully. 🎯 In This Episode • Landing a $50K video project • Competing against larger production companies • Discovery calls and client communication • Structuring proposals and pricing • Managing multi-day productions • Scope creep, revisions, and organization systems • Lessons learned from one of our biggest projects yet 📲 Follow Almost Creative Instagram: @almostcreativepod Travis: @trheberling Chris: @chrisshootsvideo

The Truth About Running a Creative Business (30 Years of Experience) | Paul Nelhart

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Nelhart, a growth consultant with 30+ years of experience in sales, marketing, and business development. But his real focus isn’t tactics—it’s people. We break down why so many creatives struggle to grow, not because of their skill, but because of identity, communication, and the way they approach their work. This conversation challenges how you think about business, self-awareness, and what it really takes to build something sustainable. In this episode, we cover: * Why business is really about people, not tactics * The identity trap creatives fall into * “Covert contracts” and hidden expectations * Why communication is often the biggest bottleneck * Work-life balance vs entrepreneurial guilt * Building a business that aligns with who you are Timestamps: 0:00 Intro + Who is Paul Nelhart 1:30 Paul’s background (30 years in business) 3:30 What consulting actually means 5:30 Identity vs work (creative struggle) 8:30 Work-life balance vs entrepreneurial guilt 11:30 Hobby vs career conflict 13:00 The biggest struggle in business 13:15 Covert contracts explained 15:30 Real-world example (wedding story) 21:00 Why communication drives growth 27:00 Scaling, leadership, and letting go 36:00 Systems, hiring, and delegation 42:00 Growth plateaus + self-awareness 48:00 Final advice + key takeaways If you want to better understand yourself as a creative, improve how you communicate with clients, and build a business that actually fits your life, this episode is packed with insights you can start applying immediately. Follow Almost Creative: Instagram: @almostcreativepod Travis: @trheberling Chris: @chrisshootsvideo YouTube: Almost Creative

The Questions Every Videographer Asks (Answered)

After a stretch of travel, client work, and a packed schedule, we’re back and getting back to basics. This episode is a relaxed, FAQ-style conversation built around the questions we get asked all the time. From what camera you should buy to whether AI is actually replacing creatives, we break it all down in a way that makes sense, especially if you’re just getting started. We also talk about where the industry is heading, why entry-level creatives are feeling the pressure, and how to position yourself so you don’t get left behind. In this episode: • What camera you should actually buy (and when) • The difference between hobbyists, hustlers, and high-end creatives • Is AI replacing videographers or just changing the game? • Why taste and direction matter more than gear • How to approach getting started the right way Follow us: Instagram: @almostcreativepod Travis: @trheberling Chris: @chrisshootsvideo YouTube: Almost Creative