I surround myself with happiness between the landscapes when I have an opportunity to travel and do it, or the couples that are literally growing their family in front of my eyes.
Scott Wyden Kivowitz
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Scott Wyden Kivowitz’s career is a testament to the beauty of unexpected journeys. Once a music recording major with dreams of owning a studio, Scott found his way into the world of photography through the encouragement of family and his own knack for visual storytelling.
Scott’s path has been anything but ordinary. His work spans niches as varied as family portraits and landscapes, but it’s his role as “the proposal guy” that has given him a unique perspective on capturing life’s most unforgettable moments.
Scott’s photography is deeply influenced by his introverted nature, particularly in his approach to street photography. Unlike the bold strategies of many street photographers, Scott opts for a more discreet, observant style, often photographing from a distance to preserve the natural essence of the scene.
Beyond his work with the camera, Scott has embraced technology as a tool for empowerment. As a community manager at Imagen, he helps photographers streamline their workflows with AI-driven solutions, giving them something invaluable—time to focus on creativity.
An authentic educator and passionate podcaster, Scott’s philosophy is rooted in honesty, a willingness to share knowledge openly, and a drive to support the photography community. He demonstrates how technology and mindfulness can coexist to fuel both personal and professional success.
Here are three inspiring takeaways from our conversation:
- Scott shared his unconventional transition from music to photography and how his introverted nature has shaped his creative vision.
- We discussed his insights on leveraging technology to simplify workflows while maintaining a personal touch in his creative process.
- Scott reflected on his passion for community-building and why he believes empowering others is the key to deeper connections and greater success.
Listening to Scott is a reminder that photography isn’t just about capturing moments—it’s about living them fully. We hope you enjoy this episode, cheers!
Q: How do you balance your career with family and avoid burnout?
Scott: I use technology to streamline tasks and manage my time effectively. For example, I automate workflows, use scheduling tools, and set boundaries like not checking work on weekends. I also take time off, like family vacations or personal days after big events, to recharge.
Q: What advice would you give photographers struggling to find their style or overcome challenges like colorblindness?
Scott: Dive in and don’t be afraid. Find a community—whether local or online—and connect with other photographers. Start by assisting or second shooting to gain experience. Be a good person, and good things will come to you.
Q: How has your introverted nature influenced your approach to street photography?
Scott: I take a more discreet approach, often photographing from a distance rather than engaging directly with subjects. It’s about observing and documenting the scene naturally, without being intrusive.
Key Links and Mentions From the Episode
Connect with Scott:
People Mentioned
- Susan Stripling – Renowned photographer and judge for photography competitions.
- Jerry Ghionis – Influential photographer and organizer of the Icon Awards.
- Kevin Mullins – Wedding and street photographer with a focus on black-and-white photography.
- Sarah Edmonds – Judge and organizer of photography awards such as Love Edits.
- Joe Redski – Photographer with a unique, introverted approach to street photography (based in Sussex).
Tools & Gear
- Nikon Cameras – Scott started photography using a Nikon F, passed down from his grandfather.
- Fuji Cameras – Used during Scott’s early years of photography, known for its imperfections like light leaks that Scott appreciated.
- Imagen – An AI-powered photo editing and culling tool that learns from a photographer’s own style. Key features include AI culling, photo editing, automated backups, and style-based workflows. Visit Imagen website.
- Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop – Core tools that work in tandem with Imagine, central to Scott’s editing process.
- Castmagic – A tool Scott uses to process podcast episodes efficiently, generating transcripts and summaries for episodes.
- Descript – Scott’s choice for editing podcasts with AI-powered video and audio tools.
- Affinity Photo Editor 2 – A non-Adobe photo editing solution mentioned by Scott as a streamlined alternative to Photoshop.
Projects & Opportunities
- Photo Breakdown Podcast – Scott’s personal project where he explores and breaks down various photography topics. Check out the podcast here.
- Workflows Photography Podcast – An Imagen-branded production covering photography workflows and industry insights.
- Street Photography eBook – A guide written by Scott exploring introverted approaches to street photography. Available on Scott’s website.
- Karate for Balance – Beyond photography, Scott practices karate, showcasing his commitment to maintaining physical and mental balance.
Places and Locations
- East Coast, USA – Where Scott captured his early music tour photography.
- Seattle, WA – Upcoming speaking event in April, where Scott will teach marketing and social media strategies for photographers.
- Imaging USA and WPPI – Major photography industry events Scott frequently attends to represent Imagine and connect with photographers.
- Local Networking Groups – Scott advises photographers to search Facebook for local groups to meet and collaborate with peers.
Key Themes Discussed
- Pivoting During the Pandemic – Scott’s natural transition from family and headshot photography to becoming a leading proposal photographer in his state.
- Overcoming Challenges of Colorblindness – Strategies Scott uses, including relying on AI tools and natural editing styles, to ensure his work maintains a professional standard.
- AI in Photography – Insights into how Imagine is revolutionizing workflows by learning individual photographers’ styles and handling mundane tasks like culling and batch editing.
- Introverted Street Photography – Scott’s approach emphasizes being discreet and observing subjects from a distance, as opposed to engaging directly.
- Balancing Work and Family – Scott implements automation tools like Apple Shortcuts and dedicated no-work days to make time for his family while managing multiple creative projects.
- The Value and Drawbacks of Photography Awards – Scott’s perspective on awards as useful for feedback and accolades but less personally impactful for him.
- Networking as a Photographer – The importance of connecting with local professionals, attending expos, and leveraging platforms like “Shoot With Me” to gain experience.
- Creative Workflow Streamlining – Use of tools such as Castmagic and Descript to simplify podcast production and editing tasks.
- Education Through Authenticity – Scott’s no-fluff teaching philosophy, focused on sharing real experiences and practical information while crediting those who’ve influenced him.
