LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Carl Studna

Carl Studna – Photographer, Speaker, and Author

In this episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Carl Studna, an internationally acclaimed photographer who has captured icons like Paul McCartney, the Dalai Lama, and James Brown. His work has been featured in Time Magazine and Rolling Stone. Carl is also a member of Jack Canfield’s Transformational Leadership Council and teaches sacred photography.

A Journey into Photography

Carl’s passion for photography started at 15 years old in high school. He felt like he had found his creative purpose and began sharing images with friends and family, receiving great feedback. This early success fueled a lifelong career.

Meeting the Dalai Lama

One of Carl’s most profound moments came in 1999 while documenting the first Synthesis Dialogues in Dharamsala, India. As the Dalai Lama arrived, he locked eyes with Carl and smiled warmly, creating a spiritual connection beyond photography. The experience deepened Carl’s understanding of presence and compassion.

Photographing Paul McCartney

Carl worked with Paul McCartney at Skywalker Ranch, capturing images for his Off the Ground album. He was struck by McCartney’s kindness and awareness. A memorable moment occurred when a crew member mentioned playing “Blackbird” in high school—McCartney spontaneously played it with him.

The James Brown Experience

James Brown’s arrival at Carl’s studio was an event in itself—a full motorcade, security team, and walkie-talkie coordination. Carl envisioned capturing Brown’s famous dance moves, but Brown preferred static “vogue” poses instead. The final image was not what Carl expected, but the experience was unforgettable.

Creating Trust in Photography

Carl believes trust and comfort are key to capturing authentic portraits. His techniques include:

• Setting a welcoming energy before the subject arrives.
• Using humor, kindness, and music to help them relax.
• Affirming their beauty and presence, helping them feel seen.

One of his favorite compliments: "I never knew I could look like this."

The Role of Light

Carl sees light as more than just a physical element—it’s a spiritual force. He balances external and internal light to ensure his subjects’ essence shines through.

Living a Fantastic Life Through Inspiration

For Carl, inspiration is the key to fulfillment. Whenever he follows what excites him, he feels alive and aligned. His latest book project, a 46-year-long endeavor, captures portraits of inspiring individuals.

Advice to His Younger Self

🔹 Follow your passion.

🔹 Trust the journey, even through challenges.

🔹 Stay open to inspiration.

Where to Find Carl Studna

🌎 www.carlstudnacarlsen.com

More from Dr. Allen Lycka

🌎 www.drallenlycka.com – Sign up for weekly Golden Pearls of Wisdom!

🎤 www.dralspeaks.com – Book Dr. Lycka for speaking engagements.

BIO:

Carl Studna is a multi-faceted photographer, inspirational speaker, teacher and author. Carl’s intimate portraits of influential people ranging from Sir Paul McCartney to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, are published and known worldwide. Studna’s innovative work, the LuminEssence Method©, teaches a new paradigm for radiating the light that resides within, revealing each person’s authentic gifts. Carl is the author of the award-winning book, CLICK! Choosing Love, One Frame at a Time, his Amazon #1 bestseller, Evolution of Loving and his beloved children’s book, The Adventures Of Uncle Sneezer. Carl’s life’s work is dedicated to inspiring us to rest in the pure awareness of our illumined path, both in front of the camera and behind it, but mostly, in our individual lives. Carl is a member of the esteemed Transformational Leadership Council and travels the world documenting beauty through diversity.

Social Media:

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/carlstudna

LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/carlstudna

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carlstudna