Ep. 031 - Nino Batista: Tools, Travel, and Truth

In this episode, Maine portrait photographer Matt Stagliano talks with Nino Batista, a high-end editorial photographer, educator, retoucher, and creator of Photoshop tools based in Houston, TX. Nino has translated his background in music, his lifelong love of photography and education, and a passion for creating software into a successful career helping others create Art on their terms.

Podcast Title: Generator

Episode Title: Tools, Travel, and Truth with Nino Batista

Episode Number: 31

Publish Date: 22 July 2024

Episode Overview

Nino Batista & Matt Stagliano discuss personal and professional growth, authenticity in online reputation, ethical photography practices, and the relationship between artistic vision and technological advancements in photography. They share experiences of overcoming challenges, finding balance, and emphasized the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and individualized learning. They also discuss the need for practical tools that complement AI-powered solutions in the industry.

Guest Profile

"Nino Batista has left an indelible mark on the photography industry, earning recognition for his vision and innovative techniques.

Nino's evolving legacy is not solely defined by his body of work but also by the endless list of artists he has guided and inspired. His contributions to the art community continue to be celebrated, establishing him as a trusted luminary in his field. For years, he has generously shared his extensive knowledge and expertise with aspiring artists and enthusiasts.

It’s not a surprise, after all these years, that Nino summarily dropped commercial photography to focus on what he simply has to do – what he has to make. Hardly a new journey, but now a focused one that will (and already has) cost him quite a lot, he views this all as his calling, his new will, replete with the probity and sincerity that’s been dormant far too long."

--Artist bio from ninobatista.com

Key Topics and Talking Points

• Taking a break from social media and creative pursuits to focus on personal issues and business growth.
• Personal growth, privacy, and self-awareness.
• Vulnerability, authenticity, and online reputation.
• Photography ethics and teaching workshops.
• Education, Gen Z, and the importance of real-world experiences.
• The balance between artistry and technicality in photography.
• Photography gear and creative expression.
• Developing and using photo editing tools for creative control and efficiency.
• Commercial retouching techniques and partnership between a fine artist and a client-focused retoucher.
• Traveling for workshops, targeting specific locations based on local demand.
• Cultural differences in photography teaching approaches.
• Teaching methods and accessibility with a focus on collaboration and personal connection.

Resources and Links

• https://ninobatista.com

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