Summary

Paul Seibert is a door-off-the-chopper aerial photographer. But he didn’t start there. He started as a jazz saxophonist. Then a landscaper. Then a guy with a camera who couldn't not take pictures. In this episode, we talk about how purpose creeps up on you. We dig into his strengths, his leap into full-time photography, and how he’s navigating a creative industry in the age of AI. Paul’s story is a masterclass in betting on yourself, doing the reps, and building a life that’s yours. Not easy. Yours.

About Paul Seibert

Photographer Paul Seibert has over 15 years experience in the field of photography. Paul’s
areas of photography span many genres, but he is most widely known for his aerial
photography. Although he has contributed to multiple photo publications, Paul’s first solo
publication with Rizzoli Books “New York From The Air” is was released in 2022. Along with
being a full time creator, Paul has also run large social media accounts, created, directed,
produced and hosted Youtube series. Paul has worked with brands such as Canon USA, New
York Road Runners, Tropicana, Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation, New York or Nowhere,
National Parks Conservation Assoc., and Empire State Realty Trust. Community and education
are two passion areas of Paul’s creative life, and supporting young creatives is an extremely
important part of Paul’s life outside of his creative activities.

Top 5 CliftonStrengths:

• Strategic – Paul sees routes others miss.

• Ideation – Creativity isn’t a flair. It’s a frequency.

• Learner – He’ll teach himself whatever the moment demands.

• Achiever – Not flashy. Just gets it done.

• Futuristic – Vision-led. Outcome-driven.

Follow his work on:

• Youtube
• Instagram

Takeaways

• Don’t wait for clarity. Walk into it.

• Community isn’t a bonus. It’s fuel.

• Start with joy. Let discipline carry it.

• Frame defines focus—in photos and in life.

• “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

• “I wasn’t insecure—I just didn’t advertise it yet.”

• “You can’t dream in a bubble if you’re in relationship.”

• “Arrival is a fallacy. You’ll need a vision past success.”

• “Frame it. Then shoot. That’s how clarity works.”

Chapters

00:00 – Cold open: Who is Paul Seibert?
02:00 – From jazz sax to Santa Fe sunsets
06:00 – Landscaper by day, photographer by instinct
10:00 – Strengths, strategy, and seeing what others miss
17:00 – Community makes you better, faster
24:00 – Making the leap: from winter chainsaws to full-time creator
35:00 – Helicopters, high vantage points, and betting on wonder
46:00 – Arrival fallacy and the danger of chasing the next thing
54:00 – AI, creativity, and staying human
01:00:00 – Advice to younger self: Don’t get comfortable
01:07:00 – Closing thoughts on longevity and grit

About Paul SeibertTakeawaysSound BitesChapters