B&H Photography Podcast
Episode: Next Frame: Trailblazing a Philadelphia Photo Community, with CJ Wolfe
Date: January 29, 2026
Host: Derek Fassbender
Guest: CJ Wolfe (Founder, Immortal Vision Studio and Agency)
Episode Overview
This episode of the B&H Photography Podcast, hosted by Derek Fassbender, features Philadelphia-based photographer and entrepreneur CJ Wolfe. Wolfe shares the journey from picking up his first camera as a college athlete to founding Immortal Vision Studio—a thriving creative hub, rental studio, agency, and nonprofit focused on uplifting disenfranchised youth. The conversation focuses on the intersection of personal drive, community building, and entrepreneurship, exploring how CJ’s determination and leadership transformed not just his own career, but the creative landscape of Philadelphia.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Early Days: Hustle, Learning, and the First Camera ([02:37]–[05:09])
- Transition from Free to Paid Work:
- Wolfe began by photographing friends and classmates for free, building confidence and skill by sheer volume—sometimes up to eight shoots a day.
- Notable moment: The same day he bought his Canon 5D Mark III, he landed a shoot with Lil Uzi, learning settings and shooting on the fly.
"Learning how to do my exposure triangle in one night and not getting it and felling and not liking this photo... But it was all part of the process." – CJ Wolfe [03:23]
- Self-Education & Technical Mastery:
- Wolfe emphasizes the importance of developing technical skills, not just shooting for fun.
- Host Derek relates to the importance of fundamentals:
"The educator in me is like...from the beginning, you wanted to be good at the craft." – Derek Fassbender [04:22]
From Athlete to Entrepreneur: The Mindset Shift ([06:25]–[10:29])
- Sports as a Crucible for Success:
- CJ credits determination and leadership learned as a student athlete for his drive and approach to business and art.
- Focus on “team over self,” yet recognizing the value in personal ambition.
"Team together, each achieve more. However, you have personal goals...We all have different goals and aspirations. Mine was always this determination on how can I win—how can I win together." – CJ Wolfe [07:03]
- Leadership Style:
- CJ was often made team captain despite being naturally shy—he led by example more than words.
- This approach translated into building a community where his story and effort inspired others.
Building a Community Studio: From Personal Project to a Cornerstone ([10:29]–[15:45])
- Studio Beginnings in Kensington:
- Chose a location in Kensington—Philadelphia’s toughest neighborhood—without fully knowing its reputation.
- The space became a launching pad not just for CJ, but for other local amateur creatives needing access and opportunity.
- Learned the technical and business side of running a studio by touring other local studios and asking questions.
- Memorable moment:
"I didn't know what C stands were...But I had a vision..." – CJ Wolfe [11:08]
- Community-First Approach:
- As needs grew (requests for equipment, technical support), the business adapted to serve the grassroots creative community, not just high-profile clients.
- The studio helped incubate many local creatives who started out with little knowledge or resources.
Growing the Business: Gear, Grit, and Guidance ([15:45]–[20:01])
- Boutique Experience & Equipment Strategy:
- CJ’s focus was on differentiation—creating a studio that feels unique and welcoming, with a continual upgrade of gear as finances and experience allowed.
- Grit and resourcefulness: Using notebooks and backpacks as sandbags before affording the real thing.
"We was using notebooks as our sandbags. We're using book bags as our sandbags. Part of I couldn't afford it, but I didn't know what it was." – CJ Wolfe [17:04]
- Learning from Others:
- Value of seeking mentorship and advice from older photographers and other studio owners.
- Advocates putting yourself out there—conferences, workshops, asking questions directly.
Nonprofit Work: The CJ Wolfe Foundation ([20:01]–[24:38])
- Mission:
- Founded to expose Black youth in Philadelphia—especially those affected by violence—to photography, offering education, opportunity, and mentorship.
- The importance of trusting and empowering a talented team, notably Carissa Augustine, who formalized and structured the foundation’s operations.
- Notable quote:
"You can do a lot alone. I shouldn't go way farther with someone." – CJ Wolfe [21:15]
- Creating True Community:
- The studio doubles as a safe haven and educational resource. CJ wants it to be a space where young people’s lives are genuinely changed through creative exposure.
Earning Trust and Changing Perceptions ([24:38]–[27:14])
- Winning Over Skeptics:
- Initially, some clients were reluctant due to the neighborhood’s reputation, but word of mouth and glowing experiences changed minds.
"When you're hot, they're going to confine you...No matter what, if you're hot and you're doing something great and it's undeniable, people are going to come find you and they going to rock with you." – CJ Wolfe [25:12]
- Success in Kensington paved the way for a second location in Germantown, expanding the reach.
- Initially, some clients were reluctant due to the neighborhood’s reputation, but word of mouth and glowing experiences changed minds.
Looking Ahead: Franchising and Expansion ([27:14]–[29:22])
- Future Plans:
- Ambition to franchise the studio concept in other underserved cities—considering markets like Chicago, Baltimore, Charlotte, and New York.
- Current focus remains on solidifying the Philadelphia flagship as an “icon” and staple of the city's creative scene.
"Once we get some more work done here in the city...I think we'll be ready to branch out." – CJ Wolfe [28:30]
Personal Artistic Goals and Advice ([31:09]–[36:15])
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Balancing Art and Business:
- CJ hopes to take a sabbatical to return to personal photography projects, possibly exploring basketball or music around the world.
- Encouraged by the host to take time for personal creativity:
"You're already way ahead of the curve. You have all the time in the world to focus on you..." – Derek Fassbender [33:08]
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Key Advice for New Photographers:
"Always have your camera ready to shoot because you never know what you need capture that day. But I think he more so stating that always be ready and open to learn and to see new things and see new perspectives." – CJ Wolfe [33:54]
- Emphasizes adaptability, open-mindedness, and the modern photographer’s need to understand videography, marketing, and storytelling.
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Mantra:
"Adding value to others. Contributing to other people's success is such a good mantra, not just for business, but for life..." – Derek Fassbender [36:15]
Strategic Focus for 2026 ([36:37]–[37:58])
- Flagship Location & Big Events:
- Plans to open a standalone flagship boutique (6,000–10,000 sq ft) and leverage Philadelphia's major upcoming events (FIFA, MLB All-Star, 250th Anniversary, March Madness) to maximize opportunities for studio community members.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Leadership and Community:
"A lot of these creators...come to Immortal Vision Studio because they know my story and they know the exact groundwork that I put in, day in, day out, to perfect my photography skills." – CJ Wolfe [08:30]
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On Self-Education:
"YouTube is free, right? Podcasts like this are free that you can listen to and learn from, and you can study from people...you can learn from their stories and learn from their mistakes." – CJ Wolfe [07:03]
-
On Trust and Growth:
"First, I had to set up the systems to show them how we do it. Then I had to embrace how they would do it themselves. And I had to trust that." – CJ Wolfe [21:15]
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On Adding Value:
"Nowadays, photographers, you're just not a photographer. Like, there's so much more to that now and you have to be able to be open up, knowing what marketing look like..." – CJ Wolfe [33:54]
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Time | Topic | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:37 | CJ picks up a camera; the learning curve and energy of his early shoots | | 06:25 | Sports as a foundation for determination and leadership in creative entrepreneurship| | 10:29 | Why and how he started a rental studio in Kensington | | 17:04 | Gear acquisition strategy; learning through necessity and mentorship | | 20:01 | Launching and structuring the nonprofit, trusting the team | | 24:38 | How the studio changed perceptions about the neighborhood | | 27:14 | Future franchise plans and expansion criteria | | 31:09 | CJ’s vision for the next five years; making impact his primary focus | | 33:54 | Key advice for new photographers—always be ready, adaptable, and open | | 36:37 | Upcoming projects, plans for flagship location, and opportunities in 2026 |
Where to Find CJ Wolfe
- Website: immortalvisionstudio.com
- Instagram & Social: @immortalvisionstudio, @cjxwolf
"And that's woof with the E and Studio S T U D I O no S just yet." – CJ Wolfe [38:58]
Final Thoughts
This episode is a masterclass in how vision, leadership, and a community-first ethos can transform both creative careers and neighborhoods. CJ Wolfe’s journey offers potent inspiration for photographers and entrepreneurs alike—emphasizing self-education, adaptability, mentorship, and, above all, the power of creating value for others.