Kevin Mason: Making studio lighting simple, fighting gatekeeping, and the future of photography
In a world where the creative industry is changing faster than ever before, conversations around photography, artificial intelligence, and professional growth are more relevant than ever. In this episode of the podcast, Olivia Bossert sits down with Kevin from Easy Studio Lighting—a photographer, lighting expert, and consultant—to talk all things lighting, creative evolution, AI, and staying relevant in a saturated industry.
If you're a photographer, creative director, or someone passionate about visual storytelling, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and food for thought.
From Client Work to Creative Exploration
Kevin’s journey into photography started from the client side, where he was often the one hiring photographers. Over time, that perspective helped shape how he approaches photography—not just as a craft, but as a service rooted in purpose and communication.
“I started to understand what makes images useful for clients. That’s influenced how I shoot now, especially when it comes to lighting.”
He emphasizes the importance of intentionality in photography. Whether you’re working for a brand or building a personal project, Kevin believes that every frame should answer the question: Why does this image exist?
Why Studio Lighting Still Matters in 2025
With the rise of natural light trends and on-the-go shooting, many photographers avoid studio lighting altogether. But Kevin argues this is a missed opportunity:
“Studio lighting is not just about control—it’s about creative freedom. Once you master it, it opens so many doors.”
He breaks down why soft light, shadows, and modifiers like umbrellas or Octa boxes are still essential tools for photographers who want consistency, polish, and storytelling control. His YouTube channel, Easy Studio Lighting, is dedicated to demystifying these techniques and making lighting accessible to everyone—beginners and pros alike.
How to Improve Your Photography Portfolio
Kevin touches on a common trap: repetition. It’s easy to take the same photo multiple times from slightly different angles and call it a series. But real storytelling requires variation with purpose.
“You can probably say what you’re trying to say in one image. The trick is knowing what needs to be different in the next one.”
His advice? Practice. Study references. Build mood boards. Ask yourself why a photo you love works—and how you can adapt that narrative arc to your own projects. Look at the work of top photographers not to copy, but to understand sequencing, mood, and cohesion.
AI in Photography: Threat or Tool?
The elephant in the room? Artificial intelligence. Kevin has been deep in AI conversations for over a year and offers a refreshingly balanced take:
“AI isn’t going away. Ignoring it won’t help. But understanding it? That gives you power.”
He highlights several key areas where traditional photography skills still have an edge in the AI world:
Lighting knowledge helps detect when AI images look fake or “overlit.”
Prompts and language are the new tools; being able to articulate visual ideas in text is increasingly valuable.
Quality control will be essential as AI-generated visuals flood the market.
He also notes that many clients are cautiously exploring AI—some with enthusiasm, others with deep resistance. The consensus? It's about integration, not replacement. Brands that value heritage and authenticity still prioritize real photography. Others are experimenting with AI-generated backgrounds or compositing techniques to save time or budget.
The Human Element Will Always Matter
At the end of the day, Kevin encourages photographers not to panic but to evolve. The future belongs to those who can adapt while staying rooted in strong foundational skills.
“Whether you're using a camera or a prompt, you need to know what makes an image believable, emotional, and effective.”
The takeaway? Photography is still about people—their emotions, stories, and experiences. And those who master both the technical and the human side of the craft will always be in demand.
Quickfire Questions with Kevin
We wrapped up the conversation with some fun rapid-fire questions:
Softbox or umbrella?
“I’m a recent convert to umbrellas with socks. Easy, portable, and beautiful.”
Best way to set the tone on set?
“Let the makeup artist pick the music—they know how to read the room.”
One lighting myth you’d ban forever?
“That you need to memorize all the numbers and F-stops. Trust your eye.”
Final Thoughts
This episode is a reminder that photography is a living, breathing art form—one that continues to evolve alongside technology, culture, and creativity. From lighting setups to the ethics of AI, Kevin offers thoughtful insight on where the industry is heading and how we can move with it.
Follow Kevin
🎥 Kevin on YouTube: Easy Studio Lighting
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