I’m Martin Depict, a Los Angeles based photographer and content director.
I’ve been working professionally behind a camera since 2010, when I earned my first check shooting product photography for brands like Volcom. Since then my work has evolved into portraiture, creator collaborations, and directing content across photography and video.
This channel is where I document that journey.
Through the Shoot To ILL vlog and podcast, I share the real process of building a creative career. The shoots, the gear, the lessons, the mistakes, and the moments in between. Some episodes dive into cameras and tools, but the real focus is the path of becoming better at the craft while figuring it out in real time.
If you're a photographer, filmmaker, or creative trying to carve your own lane, this channel is about documenting the work and growing through it.
Keep shooting.
Martin Depict
Just to recap some of the things that I was let down by in the unboxing that I streamed earlier today:
1. Vlog Combo isn't as pro as the camera (No extended battery attachment, No .5 lens attachment included, and DJI Mic Mini 2 doesn't have internal 32-bit float.)
2. No 1:1 aspect ratio video in any format, only 16:9 and 9:16, but you can shoot 1:1 in photos.
3. No LOG in Slo-Mo
4. No HDR, but D-Log 2 might be capable of it.
5. Variable ISO ranges are removed in manual LOG; we only get 400-6400 in D-LOG, no other options. Other ranges are available when LOG is turned off.
6. D-Log 2 only on the wide-angle lens (which is a reason why I think it might just be their HDR format).
Overall, very underwhelming; it seems to have lost features compared to the Pocket 3. Besides having a better LOG and 2nd Lens, you need a VND when shooting in Manual because you can't use the variable ISO ranges in LOG.
I might be being too hard on it, but you let me know?
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 1
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Martin Depict
Just a few photos from my Vlogchella 🎡
Comment any questions for a Q&A on the next podcast episode.
3 months ago | [YT] | 13
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Martin Depict
Being able to take panoramic photos on the #GFX100RF is easily my favorite feature of the camera. Here are a few from my trip to Wyoming in Oct. last year.
5 months ago | [YT] | 5
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Martin Depict
I’m stepping away from Instagram for now. It doesn’t feel like a place for photographers anymore. I don’t even post there. I mostly scroll, like, and comment to support friends. I may come back later to experiment with reels, but right now it feels less about creating and more about feeding an algorithm designed to keep people glued to their phones.
When I started SHOOT TO ILL, I did it believing YouTube is different. A place where consistency matters and the algorithm can eventually connect creators with the people who actually want to be there. That’s how real community gets built. I still believe that.
After my first two posts this year, I’m feeling confident. One video a week feels sustainable, even with my workload. I’ll be rotating between vlogs and podcast episodes every other week.
For the foreseeable future, I’m posting only on YouTube. I’ll share photos here on the community tab, and I’ll be around. If you have questions, ideas, or want to be part of the conversation, this is the place.
If you haven’t yet, check out my first vlog. I get personal, talk gear, and bring you along on a shoot.
Keep shooting,
Martin
5 months ago | [YT] | 3
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