Adam Wayne stands out in a way in which his photography ties him to St. Louis and its people. Adam sees the city as a network of connections: the Arch not only as landmark but as a motif woven into leaves, puddles and architecture. He discusses personal coincidences like shared birthdays that deepen his sense of place and the way a photograph can freeze the sound and feeling of a moment.

We talked about photography as memory-making; how a single image can return him to the exact feeling he had when he pressed the shutter—and how that enduring link is central to his ambition to create "legendary" shots. Adam’s advice for aspiring photographers is find your own style, focus on what excites you, and practice relentlessly. We discussed how framing, timing and attention to surroundings matter more than expensive gear, and how persistence leads to opportunities—commissions, gallery residencies, and repeat buyers. Follow Adam on Instagram at @adamwayne_arts, visit his displays at local galleries and the Arch Store, and consider supporting local artists who help people see familiar places in new ways.

[00:00] Opening Tease

[00:22] Intro

[01:18] Sponsor And Quote

[02:09] Adam Returns

[02:41] Butcher Shop Life

[03:17] Dog Food Side Business

[05:31] Photography Philosophy

[07:53] Short Frame Explained

[09:31] Fine Art Identity

[12:26] Where To Buy Prints

[13:21] Why Metal Prints

[14:17] Arch Obsession

[16:36] Studio Wall Stories

[19:56] No Filters Old Camera

[23:57] Break And Sponsors

[25:56] Editing App Workflow

[27:25] Quick Photo Editing Tricks

[28:05] Phone vs Camera Settings

[29:26] Competitive Creative Mindset

[31:02] Arch Reflection Heart Shot

[32:39] Where to See His Work

[33:59] Advice for New Photographers

[38:19] Selling Prints and Classics

[41:00] Break and Sponsor Messages

[43:03] Days of the Day

[46:10] Funny Signs and Wrap Up

Previous Conversation on Saint Louis In Tune-The Brilliance is in the Simplicity

Takeaways:

• I manage Max's Deli and Butcher Shop in Florissant and balance that work with photography as a serious, ongoing creative side hustle.
• I focus my photography on short-frame compositions, using angle and light to highlight unique St. Louis details rather than broad landscape shots.
• We talked about how reflections, water patterns, and small framing windows produce emotionally resonant images that invite viewers to pause and study details.
• I prefer metal prints for original work because they offer a high-gloss, durable, frameless presentation that preserves sharpness and color vibrancy.
• We discussed practical workflow improvements like syncing my Canon to a phone, using the Photo Editor app, and editing quickly on mobile for faster publishing and sharing.
• I recommend that photographers find a niche, practice consistently, and develop a signature style rather than trying to replicate someone else’s work.
• We highlighted commercial strategies: exhibiting at local galleries, participating in art fairs, placing work in retail outlets like the Arch store, and accepting commissions.
• I shared that certain images can become perennial best-sellers, and that focused effort on composition and presentation has resulted in meaningful sales and gallery interest.

• Adam Wayne Arts - Instagram
• Adam Wayne Arts - Home Page
• Adam Wayne - Soulard Art Gallery

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#adamwayne #adamwayne_arts #soulardgallery #gatewayarch #localphotography