Photographer Spotlight: Brian Hudson Productions

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Contributor Spotlights.

As we launch into photoshoot season, we are thrilled to share the newest additions to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale creative team, Brian Hudson of Brian Hudson Productions.

Inspired to pursue a photography and videography from a young age, Brian Hudson has had a prolific career. Sports fans will recognize his work with NASCAR, NBA, College Basketball, Winter & Summer X Games, The Indy 500, and various other worldwide broadcasts. His eye for movement and storytelling has captured the attention of global broadcasting magnets — think ESPN, ABC, NBC, NBC Sports and the like — and it’s an honor to have him turn his lens on local stars.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s start at the beginning. What inspired you to become a photographer? 
Brian Hudson: Growing up in Michigan, I fell in love with snow skiing and photography around the same time. The local ski hill would play Warren Miller ski movies in their lodge, and I was so inspired by how he found a way to combine the two things I loved most — skiing and photography — to make a career. I wanted to be him! I was fortunate to meet Warren before he passed and and thank him for inspiring myself and others to follow our passion. I will forever be grateful! 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: The Valley is a long way away from Michigan — not to mention snow! What drew you to Phoenix & Scottsdale and, in turn, photographing for The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale?
Brian Hudson: For the majority of my photography career, I’ve had to travel all over the country. Working with TSG gives me the chance to work locally with people in the community, which is a wonderful opportunity. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Well, we’re thrilled to have you on board for Volume 3. What, in your own words, defines you as a photographer?
Brian Hudson: As a photographer, my specialities run the gamut: from portraiture and landscapes, sports and time-lapse, to aerial photography and videography. But, no matter what I’m capturing, I prioritize an attention to detail and am driven to capture the perfect image, rather than perfecting the image in photoshop. It’s typically easier to “fix” a detail during the shoot than it is to photoshop later.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: And how would you define your style?
Brian Hudson: I love capturing images that tell a story and inspire the viewer to think about how an image was captured. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: As an artist, what is it like to inspire a viewer to think about the story behind your images?
Brian Hudson: Knowing what it took to create a certain image and seeing it through from the initial idea to the final edit, I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Speaking of a sense of pride, what are your biggest accomplishments thus far? 
Brian Hudson: First and foremost, my son! I’ve also been fortunate to photograph some of the biggest sporting events in the world and had the opportunity to work with some incredible people. In 2022, I won a Sports Emmy Award for my work on the Superbowl LVI Pre Game Show with NBC Sports. 

We are thrilled to have Brian Hudson on board for The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale Volume 3. He’s a wonderful talent that will empower us to do what we do best: showcase and celebrate the stories of the Valley’s business owners. To learn more about Brian and working with Brian Hudson Productions on your next photographic project, reach out here. And don’t forget to tell him Scout sent you!

Photographer Spotlight: Gothgloss Photography

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our hyperlocal story-telling mission with Contributor Spotlights.

In preparing to produce a new guide, we scout the Valley for the best creative talent to help us bring our vision — and the stories of our members — to life. And we’re thrilled to welcome photographer, Stephanie Neiheisel of Glothgloss, to the creative team of The Scout Guide Volume 3.

After years working on every aspect of a shoot (more on that later), Stephanie stepped behind the lens. And it’s from this new perspective that she lends her creativity to brands, offering editorial imagery with an edge that pushes boundaries and expectations of brand photography. Her style tells a story, which, here at The Scout Guide, we’re all about.

To introduce you to the talent behind the stunning imagery you’ll see in Volume 3, we took time out of our busy shoot schedules to chat about how she got behind the lens and what keeps her inspired.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Stephanie, we are so thrilled to have you on board to shoot Volume 3 of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale. Let’s start from the beginning, how did you get into photography?
Stephanie Neiheisel: I have always loved photography and I always joke that I wish it had chosen me sooner. I took photography classes all three years of high school and a semester of college and continued to dabble throughout my early 20s. As a makeup artist and agency owner I learned how to take all of my own images and short videos. Slowly over time, I found myself picking up the camera more often than makeup brushes. The transition was effortless.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s talk about that time before you put down the brushes and picked up a camera. How has that shaped your photographic career?
Stephanie Neiheisel: As a successful makeup artist for over 10 years and an agent for 4, I developed an acute awareness that everything from a commercial set to a large bridal party is essentially a moving piece of art. Honing my skills as a makeup artist, educator, and then agency owner allowed me to build a robust community of hair and makeup artists, photographers, curators, and set designers which in turn left me with an incredible drive to move behind a camera. There isn’t a single aspect of a set I haven’t worked on before, so I can relate to my clients and the crew which, in my experience, makes for a fun and comfortable environment. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: With such prolific experience what, in your opinion, makes for a great photoshoot?
Stephanie Neiheisel: A collaborative team. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but a fluid, kind team will always achieve a beautiful result.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s talk specifics, what kind of photography do you specialize in?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Beauty, brand, product, and commercial.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Given your background, that seems a natural choice. It’s one of the many reasons we were so eager to work with you. Another being your signature style. How would you describe your photographic style?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Moody, luxe, clean, and editorial. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What inspires you and your style?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Cheryl Strand’s quote, “put yourself in the way of beauty” helps me express this in the best way. I’m drawn to beautiful experiences, beautiful environments, and beautiful stories. I find beauty in the smallest of things. I walk around with “photo lens eyeballs.” I truly want to feel the beauty in everything. This feeling became heightened when I became a mother.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: How do you nurture this mentality?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Architecture, travel, and experience new places and meeting new people. Travel always opens my eyes new ideas.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Agreed, travel always broadens our horizons. But let’s bring things back home… What do you love about photographing here in the Valley?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Arizona is full of incredible talent. And it’s an honor to meet new people who trust me to capture their talent and vision.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What aspect of your work as a photographer do you find most fulfilling?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Helping brands tell their stories through beautiful visuals.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What are your biggest accomplishments thus far?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Being a momma. My daughter is my greatest inspiration, blessing, and accomplishment.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: We’ve saved our favorite question for last… When you’re not behind the lens, where can we find you around town?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Ooooh I love this question. Sottise is one of my go-to restaurants. Monsoon Market for yummy natural wines and gifts. Local Nomad is my go-to spot for specialty items and where I buy all my gifts for events. Berdenas because they make a great London Fog (for us non-coffee drinkers). SkinFit with Jenna for my facials (she is magic). Slain Studios with Oanh for my manicures. Nina K Beauty with Hope for my Brows. Buck & Rider because the seafood is amazing and they have the best happy hour. 

We are thrilled to have Stephanie Neiheisel on our creative team for The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale Volume 3. To learn more about Stephanie and inquire about working with Gothgloss on your brand photography head here. Don’t forget to tell her Scout sent you!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Why are you excited to be a new member of the TSG team?  

Stephanie Neiheisel: I love the team so much and how enthusiastic they are about supporting the local community here in Phoenix. 

Photographer Spotlight: Carl Schultz

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Contributor Spotlights.

Photographer Scott Baxter

For nearly two decades, photographer Carl Shultz of Schultz Digital has dedicated his considerable talents to capturing Arizona, photographing everything from its unique landscapes and architecture to its equally unique inhabitants. And so, when we set out to produce The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale — to scout a photographer who would help us tell the stories of the Valley’s entrepreneurs — Carl Schultz was a natural choice. And we’re thrilled to share we’ll be working with him on Volume 3!

In anticipation of shooting Volume 3, we chatted with Carl about his craft. From what inspired his career to what keeps him motivated, the Arizona native shares what makes photographing in the Valley so special.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: So let’s get started… What was your first experience with photography and what inspired you to start your business?
Carl Schultz: Back in the 90’s I worked in the video gaming industry and my job was to take images that were used to create texture maps for 3D models. That’s when I discovered photography. So I bought the best digital camera available at the time and fell in love with the instant gratification of digital photography. I’ve been taking photos ever since and the rest is history.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What an interesting way to get your start in photography! You’ve obviously moved on from the video game industry a while ago. What area of photography would you consider to be your specialty?
Carl Schultz: I’m interested in the intersection of portraiture and architectural photography to create interesting juxtapositions. For example, I’ll photograph clients in-studio with high-quality lighting, then transpose them into a unique setting to tell an engaging story.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: It sounds like that would require a lot of creativity and envisioning. Where do you look for inspiration?
Carl Schultz: I spend more time editing the photos than I do actually taking the pictures, so what I’m seeing and noticing during the editing process is where I get most of my inspiration. It gives me the opportunity to visualize different combinations of scenes, subjects, and settings to picture the final result.

Photography courtesy of Carl Schultz.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: You spend a lot of time photographing people, but not everyone is going to be comfortable in front of the camera. What would you say makes for a good photoshoot?
Carl Schultz: It’s a combination of things, chief of which is how the subject feels. As a photographer, one of my goals is to provide a calming effect and put people at ease during our sessions. Having good chemistry with the client makes them feel more comfortable. And, of course, a great setting is essential. A lot of times the setting for composites is in my studio where I can control the lighting and make my subjects look their best. But wherever I’m shooting, lighting is essential. Lighting is everything.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: You’re clearly very passionate about forming a connection with your subjects. Would you say this is the aspect of your work you find most fulfilling?
Carl Schultz: I love getting to know the subjects I’m working with during the process of creating a photo moment. As a naturally reflective person, I appreciate capturing that memory and returning to it days, months, or even years later.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: As a reflective person, what keeps you motivated for what’s next?
Carl Schultz: In addition to photography being an opportunity to connect with new people, I love the challenge it presents. As a digital photographer, I create art with a fast turnaround that brings you back to that exact time, place, and chapter in one's life. With every image I take, I always want to be proud of my work because you never know who is going to see it.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What is your experience like viewing your work?
Carl Schultz: I will look at it for a long time. Step away. And then come to it the next day and make sure I still like it. I have to digest it.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: You’re a Phoenix native and you’ve made an incredible career here. What’s special about photographing in the Valley
Carl Schultz: Within an hour of driving through the state, you experience a huge variety of scenery, each evoking a different feeling.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: You’ve spent a lot of time here at home in the Valley. What are your favorite local spots?
Carl Schultz: I think Arizona has the most incredible plants so I would pick the Desert Botanical Garden and Cave Creek, where there is abundant access to nature. I also love Cattle Track. I have a studio there and you’re always surrounded by other artists. It has remained virtually untouched so it still has that old Scottsdale feel and look. Aside from places, my favorite things to do when I am not working include playing music on the guitar and drums, and definitely riding one of my motorcycles.

You can view a selection of Carl’s work on the pages of The Scout Guide Phoenix Volume 1 and Volume 2. To view more of Carl's stunning portfolio and learn more about working with him, reach out to him directly here. Don’t forget to tell him Scout sent you!

Photographer Spotlight: Scott Foust Studios

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Contributor Spotlights.

Helmed by Scott Foust, the eponymous Phoenix-based photography studio is an invaluable photographic resource for the Valley - and The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale. When setting out to Scout the Valley, Editor Sasha Clements knew the talented photographer and was delighted to connect with Scott following the launch of Volume 1. Over coffee and conversation, the two agreed to collaborate on photography for the next issue of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale.

Hundreds of gorgeous images printed across tens of thousands of guides later, the sentiment remains. And whether you’re capturing one of life’s - or business’s - great moments, Scott Foust Studios delivers magical photographic moments. Just peruse the pages of Volume 2 to see how the masterful visual storyteller captured the personalities of the people behind some of the most beloved local businesses.

With talented photographers, assistants, videographers, graphic designers, and retouch artists on the team, Scott Foust Studios is an easy choice for advertising, commercial, and editorial photography. And whether it’s for commissioned portraits or events, Scott lends his eye and decades of expertise to every step of the creative process. We’re thrilled to have Scott return as part of the creative team for Volume 3.

Recently, we turned the [figurative] lens on the photographer himself to chat about his creativity, inspiration, and his quintessential ability to realize his client’s vision.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What inspired you to pursue a career in photography?
Scott Foust: My mother taught painting and introduced me to the art at a very young age. My dad introduced me to photography when I was 12 years old. I never looked back.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What aspect of the work do you find most fulfilling?
Scott Foust: I find the opportunity to work with people the most fulfilling. I love creating an experience with them and how rewarding it is to create an image they love.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: As an entrepreneur and creative, what is your ‘why?’
Scott Foust: I’m motivated when someone reaches out to me to let me know they enjoyed the experience and, more importantly, the photos I captured of them.

Photography courtesy of Scott Foust.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: You have decades of experience. What are your essential elements for a good photoshoot?
Scott Foust: Every photoshoot is a team effort. And it’s essential that everyone involved is on the same page, especially regarding what the end result should look and feel like.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How do you stay inspired?
Scott Foust: I love scrolling through Instagram to see what the younger talent is doing.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: While your career began prior to the digital era, social media now reigns supreme. What is it like to see your photos in print publications like The Scout Guide?
Scott Foust: It’s incredibly rewarding. I feel so proud.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: As a photographer, what attracted you to the Valley?
Scott Foust: Like many before me, the geography, lighting, and weather, which make for stunning backdrops.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Do you have any favorite places to shoot?
Scott Foust: Of course! Favorite include my studio, Desert Botical Gardens, The Phoenician Resort, Silverleaf, Arizona Science Center (outside), and the Valley’s many stunning private residences.

Scott Foust Studios specializes in meeting a breadth of photographic needs: from fine art family portraits and graduation photos to corporate events and commercial shoots. Undoubtedly, it is Scott’s unique commitment to understanding his clients (and their vision) combined with fabulous artistic expertise that facilitates this impressive breadth. To learn more about working with Scott and his team for your personal or professional photographic needs, reach out to his team here. And don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!

Contributor Spotlight: Marci Symington of TEXAZTASTE

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Contributor Spotlights.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s work highlighting the best of the Valley would be far from comprehensive without Marci Symington, author and photographer of the popular food blog, TEXAZTASTE. As our Culinary Contributor, Marci lends her excellent palate and writing to our Dine Like a Local series. In many ways, the series is an extension - a taste, if you will - of TEXAZTASTE, which serves up fresh reads and good eats.

Whether it’s for TEXAZTASTE, Dine Like a Local, or one of her national columns, you’ll find Marci posing the questions. Yet we were fortunate enough to convince her to relinquish her role as interviewer and step into the shoes of interviewee. It was a delightful opportunity to get to know the lady behind the lens (and keyboard) of our favorite food blog, which covered everything from her shift in careers (think cubicle to restaurant booth), exactly why she took that leap, and where’s she’s been eating lately.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Our readers know your culinary tastes quite well, but not necessarily the woman behind the palate. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Marci Symington: Like many in the Valley, I grew up elsewhere, namely in Texas. I am the youngest of 5 children; our father was a General in the Army and met my mother while stationed in San Antonio. They lived all over the world, and I was born during his last assignment at NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) in Colorado Springs, CO. Although my father was originally from Mississippi, they settled in San Antonio, where my mother was raised, boasting to be a 6th generation Texan. I moved to Arizona to attend graduate school at Thunderbird School of Global Management and met a cute Arizona boy who convinced me to stay. Three children and twenty-five years later, I proudly call Arizona home!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Hence the name, TEXAZTASTE! A wonderful nod to your origin. Can you share a little bit about the origin of the blog?
Marci Symington: My husband and I were in Sedona at the Elote Café, enjoying the best of what Sedona has to offer: great margaritas and Chef Jeff Smedstad’s Southwest cuisine in the stunning setting of Red Rock Country. I was taking pictures of the entire weekend, from our hikes to our hotel - L’Auberge de Sedona - to our meals, and was struck by the thought that I wanted to share this with my mother, as we often had this type of exchange with one another. However, she had passed away a year prior. I had spent that year in a fog of grief, and this trip to Sedona was the first time that I had some clarity about the whole experience of being an “orphan.” I had been reading some food and travel blogs and just felt compelled to start my own blog, to continue that conversation and connection with my mom. 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How did you settle on a name?
Marci Symington: Coming up with a name was the hardest part. Ultimately, I felt that no one could really know me unless they understood the fact that being raised in Texas was an integral part of who I am today, even after having spent the last 25 years in Arizona. So, after a day of hiking and with a belly full of enchiladas and tequila, TEXAZTASTE was born.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: You mentioned that you earned an International MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. Yet, now you’re a sought-after freelance writer and photographer. That’s quite the shift in trajectory! How did that stark transition begin?
Marci Symington: Working as a CPA introduced me to the local business scene, but I swore off working in a cubicle after enrolling in culinary school. I didn’t know where my career was going, but getting a Degree in Culinary Arts from the Arizona Culinary Institute was a pivotal moment in my life; I knew I had to do something in the culinary world. It was at this time I lost both my parents while raising three small children. Writing for me started as a type of therapy at first, and helped me transition between two different phases of my life.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Where does TEXAZTASTE come into the picture?
Marci Symington: What started out as essentially a travelog helped me uncover the burgeoning food scene in Arizona. Through social media, I met other bloggers and writers who encouraged me to start honing my photography skills. Invitations to media events started rolling in and the next thing I knew I was labeled an “influencer,” something I had - ironically - never heard of at the time. I met some wonderful people who encouraged me to take my writing to local and national publications. Ultimately my path became clear: writing about the food scene merged my love for the culinary/hospitality industry with my background in business and culinary arts.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Who are you currently writing for?
Marci Symington: Currently, I am also a contributor for A Taste of AZ - a local publication dedicated to highlighting the best of local food and drink - and have a column called Drinking and Dining from A to Z in The Tasting Panel, a national publication for the wine and spirits industry.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What aspect of your work do you find most fulfilling?
Marci Symington: I love helping people tell their stories. I feel that many don’t realize how inspiring their stories of overcoming obstacles and pursuing their passions can be. I am also struck by the love that each and every one has for Arizona.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: If you could have dinner with one person who would it be?
Marci Symington: Too hard to name just one! Other than reliving one more night with my parents – my dad telling his dirty jokes while my mom swirls her wine, admonishing him – I would have to say a young Ernest Hemingway, like Paris in the ’20s Ernest Hemingway… kind of like a scene out of the movie “Midnight in Paris.”

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: When you’re not writing or dining, where can we find you?
Marci Symington: Either hiking one of Arizona’s amazing hiking trails or in the Texas Hill Country where my sister and I now own what was my mother’s pride and joy, an 1893 restored schoolhouse.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What do you love most about living and working in the Valley?
Marci Symington: Again, it’s hard to name just one thing. I love the people I meet, their passion for this state, and the energy at the local farmers' markets. I love Fall when the nights cool down as much as I like a hot summer day when the only respite from unrelenting heat is a dunk in the pool. I love that there are so many different microclimates within a 3 hour drive. And I love that Native American culture is honored and respected throughout our cuisine.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: We have a hunch that the next question will be a hard one to narrow down, as well. If you can, will you share your favorite cocktail around town?
Marci Symington: For the full, though ever-evolving list, you must follow me on Instagram or subscribe to The Tasting Panel - especially if you’re asking for my favorite cocktail around town. I will say that I have a soft spot for the margarita at CRUjiente because margaritas are quite possibly the most perfect cocktail ever invented and Chef Hinojosa hails from my beloved San Antonio.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What about restaurants?
Marci Symington: When it comes to restaurants, I have a few go-to favorites… For date night: FnB or Francine. If I’m with my family, who have very specific tastes (as you can imagine) and are now grown, we celebrate at Tratto or Houston’s when we’re together. For a girls' lunch? Arcadia Farms or The Henry. And for an al fresco experience: Virtu Honest Craft.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: You’re, of course, passionate about our culinary scene. But are there any organizations or charities close to your heart?
Marci Symington: Absolutely! I have a special place in my heart for Phoenix Swim Club, where all three of my children had the best coaches and life experiences. I’m also very passionate about The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, as my mother passed away from leukemia. I also serve on the board of Arizona Women’s Board, an organization committed to the prevention of kidney disease through awareness, education, and research. Their Authors Luncheon is my favorite event of the year.

For more fabulous, insider-approved culinary recommendations and reviews, follow along with Marci Symington of TEXAZTASTE on Instagram. There, you’ll find ample inspiration for your next meal out, no matter what you’re craving. Don’t forget to tell her Scout sent you!