Pro Photographer & BlackRapid Founder Ron Henry invites you to join him to chat with photographers, entrepreneurs, and celebrities from around the world.
In this inspiring episode of the BLACKRAPID Podcast, host Ron Henry sits down with visual storyteller Zai (@zaitoldme) — a fine-art photographer and cinematographer whose work blends raw emotion, cultural truth, and beautiful accidents.
Zai shares how he broke into the art world the old-fashioned way — with hustle. He took his photos, printed them, and walked around events like Art Basel with his work in hand. That same hustle and authenticity still defines everything he creates today.
https://youtu.be/yKJUE0Fo498
He opens up about his legendary 4-month cross-country project documenting a runner, where he learned to embrace "beautiful accidents," stay flexible, and let the images speak for themselves. He also reveals his ambitious 6-year Hair Project — a sweeping body of work exploring Black American hair history from the 16th century to today. The project serves as both a living history book and a powerful call to support the Crown Act (2022 legislation that protects Black and brown people from discrimination based on their natural hair textures in schools, workplaces, and public spaces).
Zai shares deeply personal stories: growing up in Texas barber shops where hair was celebrated and transformative ("leaving feeling like kings") versus being asked to cut his hair or leave environments because it "didn't fit the box America wanted to put us in."
We also dive into:
His early project "Black Boys Lie" (inspired by Kendrick Lamar's "Black Boy Fly") and why storytelling gives people a glimpse of hope
Transitioning from film to stills and the unexpected lessons weddings taught him
Documentary work, voiceover narration, and the boxing project
His black-and-white photography that makes images feel rather than just look beautiful
The spiritual foundation behind his art — power of attraction, frequencies, and staying connected to a higher vibration
Why independent artists are thriving right now and how to own your style without copying anyone
If you're a photographer, filmmaker, or creative who believes in authentic storytelling, cultural impact, and doing things your own way, this conversation will move you.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Zai's world lately
15:49 – The 4-month runner project & embracing beautiful accidents
21:35 – Life after the project & going with the flow
27:40 – Spirituality, frequencies & the power of attraction
29:35 – "Free, untethered comfort at ease" explained
36:45 – Ron's story: launching BLACKRAPID in 2008 during the crash
38:53 – Film work, documentaries & voiceover (boxing project)
46:58 – Lessons from wedding photography "boot camp"
52:12 – The 6-Year Hair Project & the Crown Act (powerful personal stories)
57:35 – Growing up in Texas barber shops & experiences with discrimination
1:00:56 – Following your dreams & not taking opportunities for granted
1:01:33 – "Black Boys Lie" project & Kendrick Lamar inspiration
1:03:12 – Final thoughts & Zai as a role model
Watch until the end for Zai's closing wisdom. Drop a comment: What's one project you've been working on for years that means the most to you?
Subscribe for more real conversations with photographers who are changing the game.
Guest: Zai
Host: Ron Henry of BLACKRAPID (https://www.blackrapid.com/)
Producer: Bry Cox of BryCox.com (https://brycox.com/)
Links
Zai's Website – zaitoldme.com (https://www.zaitoldme.com/)
Zai's Instagram – @zaitoldme (https://www.instagram.com/zaitoldme/)
BLACKRAPID Camera Straps – blackrapid.com (https://www.blackrapid.com/)
BLACKRAPID Media – blackrapidmedia.com (https://www.blackrapidmedia.com/)
Subscribe for more inspiring photography conversations!
#BLACKRAPIDPodcast #ZaiPhotography #CrownAct #HairProject #BlackHair #DocumentaryPhotography #BlackAndWhitePhotography #PowerOfAttraction #CulturalStorytelling #Zaitoldme #ArtBasel
Australian travel portrait photographer Glynn Lavender joins the show to share his wild adventures leading photo tours in India, Bangladesh, and beyond. From dodging elephants and driving through fire on detours, to getting a gun held to his head in a Delhi mosque (and still getting the shot), Glynn's stories are equal parts thrilling and hilarious.
He opens up about facilitating life-changing experiences for keen amateurs on his workshops—handling loose itineraries in chaotic places, approaching strangers for authentic portraits, and why connection beats perfection.
Glynn also explains how BLACKRAPID straps keep him shooting pain-free after 35+ years, his pragmatic gear choices (Tamron lenses, two cameras always ready), and timeless advice: don't pre-visualize—go with the flow and capture what's in front of you.
A must-listen for photographers, travelers, and anyone who loves real, human stories from off-the-beaten-path places.
Guest: Glynn Lavender
Host: Ron Henry of BLACKRAPID
Links:
Glynn's Photo Tours Website – creativephotoworkshops.com.au
Glynn's Instagram – @glynnlavender
BLACKRAPID Camera Straps – https://www.blackrapid.com
BLACKRAPID Media – https://www.blackrapidmedia.com
Subscribe for more inspiring photography conversations!
17 Nov 2025
013 Matthew Bergsma, Birder and Wildlife Photographer – BLACKRAPID Podcast
Ron of BLACKRAPID chats with Matthew Bergsma, a wildlife and birder photographer. Hear how Matthew uses his outdoor time to both escape from the world while also becoming more connected with the wildlife around him. Hear his stories of photographing and watching owls in a river and observing their patterns, and hear his approaches and philosophies to connecting with the wildlife he photographs. Matthew also shares his screen to show some work and explain his process in this episode.
Matthew Bergsma's Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/matthew.bergsma/
BLACKRAPID Camera Straps
https://www.blackrapid.com
BLACKRAPID Media
https://www.blackrapidmedia.com
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