Justin Mott

Justin Mott

@askmott

Justin Mott is an award-winning documentary, editorial and commercial photographer of American origin (Rhode Island) who has lived in Vietnam for almost two decades. With a professional career spanning more than 20 years, he is widely recognized for having carried out more than 100 assignments for The New York Times in Southeast Asia, in addition to collaborating with world-renowned media such as National Geographic, TIME, BBC and The Wall Street Journal. His career also includes a prominent television role as resident photographer and judge on the History Channel's Photo Face-Off program.


Through his educational platform and YouTube channel, AskMOTT, Justin is dedicated to teaching photography from a perspective based on real-world professional experience. Their focus is not on quick tricks or presets, but on helping photographers of all levels develop clarity, intention, and solid habits in their workflow. In addition to his business and teaching work, he is a strong advocate for wildlife conservation, leading long-term projects such as Kindred Guardians, where he documents the efforts of people dedicated to animal and environmental protection.

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Latest video

1

Leica M11 + Sony A1? My Experimental Kit

Published: May 16, 2026 · Duration: 3 min 41 sec · 637 views

Client approved experimenting with this Leica kit for a commercial photo shoot done in a documentary style but I’m still bringing my Sony A1 just in case. See my favorite camera gear and why here.
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Previous videos

19

This Photo Embarrassed Me - On Assignment for the New York Times

Published: May 13, 2026 · Duration: 2 min 38 sec · 1.9K views

In this episode, I break down a photograph I shot on assignment in Bali for The New York Times and explain why I actually hated this image for years before realizing it taught me one of the most important photography lessons of my career. As photographers, especially Leica photographers, street photographers, documentary photographers, and travel photographers, we often obsess over perfect composition, beautiful…

Photographers - You're Losing Money

Published: May 10, 2026 · Duration: 10 min 59 sec · 2.7K views

One of the biggest mistakes photographers make is not understanding the long-term value of their images. In this video, I break down photography contracts, licensing agreements, image usage rights, AI clauses, and why photographers need to stop giving away unlimited usage for free. Whether you are an amateur photographer, content creator, Leica shooter, commercial photographer, or someone trying to build a…

How to Sell Photography Prints Online - Don't Make These Common Mistakes

Published: Apr 29, 2026 · Duration: 10 min 22 sec · 2.9K views

Try the print store setup I’m currently using. It’s simple, clean, and handles everything in one place. 👉 Start your own Pic-Time print store ( 👉 View my print store and see how I structure everything: In this video, I break down exactly how to set up an online print store as a photographer without wasting time or making costly mistakes.

Photography Ethics Are Broken And No One Is Talking About It

Published: Apr 18, 2026 · Duration: 9 min 18 sec · 6.8K views

Photography ethics matter more than ever. In this episode, I break down a controversial example of staged photography being presented as reality and why that’s a serious problem for both professional and amateur photographers. As photographers, especially those working in documentary, street photography, and travel photography, we carry a responsibility to tell truthful stories.

The Truth About Photography Money, Clients, and Getting Hired

Published: Apr 17, 2026 · Duration: 53 min 52 sec · 37K views

In this episode, I sit down with creative director Tim McGuire to break down the real business of photography. If you’ve ever wondered how commercial photographers get hired, what day rates actually look like, or how big brands choose photographers, this conversation is packed with insight. Tim shares his experience working with major brands like Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and collaborations with companies like…

You’re Not Improving Because You Ignore This

Published: Apr 14, 2026 · Duration: 4 min 59 sec · 2.7K views

Join the AskMOTT Community Most photographers don’t have a gear problem. They have a thinking problem. In this episode, I break down my core photography principles that will help you instantly improve your photography, whether you are shooting with a Leica, Fuji, Sony, or any camera.

My Leica FAILED on Assignment… Here’s What Happened

Published: Apr 8, 2026 · Duration: 10 min 45 sec · 8.3K views

In this video, I take you behind the scenes of a real editorial photography assignment I shot for Smithsonian Magazine in Cambodia. This is not a highlight reel. This is what professional photography actually looks like when things go wrong.

My 3-Lens System After 20 Years as a Pro Photographer

Published: Mar 24, 2026 · Duration: 10 min 8 sec · 16K views

In this video, I break down the only three focal lengths I’ve relied on throughout my career as a professional photographer: 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm. More importantly, I explain why I choose each lens and how it directly impacts storytelling, composition, and your relationship with your subject. Whether you’re shooting with a Leica M system, Sony, or any camera, understanding focal length is essential to improving your…

The Truth About Leica M Cameras (From a Pro Photographer)

Published: Mar 18, 2026 · Duration: 15 min 26 sec · 17K views

In this video, I share my honest experience using Leica M cameras after years of real-world professional use. This is not a spec review or comparison video—this is a working photographer’s perspective on the Leica M10, M10-D, and M11, pushed to their limits on editorial assignments, personal projects, and commercial shoots. If you’re a Leica photographer, or considering investing in the Leica M system, this video…

The Truth About Being a Professional Photographer (No One Talks About This)

Published: Mar 16, 2026 · Duration: 13 min 16 sec · 4K views

What is the real life of a professional photographer? In this episode, photographer Justin Mott shares the honest truth about building a career in photography. While social media often makes photography look glamorous — wildlife adventures, luxury hotels, magazine assignments, and international travel — the reality of being a professional photographer is far more complicated.

How To Be A Terrible Photographer

Published: Mar 2, 2026 · Duration: 12 min 3 sec · 3.6K views

In this episode, I break down how to be a terrible photographer — and more importantly, how to avoid the most common mistakes in wedding photography and professional photography in general. After attending two weddings as a guest, I found myself doing what photographers do best: observing, critiquing, and analyzing everything from lens choice to positioning, movement, communication, editing, and professionalism. If…

My Home Golf Simulator Set Up - Garmin R50

Published: Mar 1, 2026 · Duration: 1 min 49 sec · 865 views

A quick tour of my home golf simulator and putting green using the Garmin R50. I'm a photographer, not a pro golfer, just wanted to share this set up that I had put in at my Hanoi apartment.

Camera Companies Are Making You A Terrible Photographer

Published: Feb 21, 2026 · Duration: 7 min 8 sec · 4.6K views

Shop Wotancraft Bags ( Are camera brands and photography influencers really helping you become a better photographer — or just selling you gear? In this episode, I break down the uncomfortable truth about camera launches, brand ambassadors, YouTube photography influencers, and why many amateur and intermediate photographers plateau after learning the basics. As a professional photographer who has worked inside…

How Amateur Photographers Can Create Meaningful Work

Published: Feb 17, 2026 · Duration: 8 min 31 sec · 3.3K views

In this powerful photography storytelling episode, I share the long-term photojournalism project that changed my life and reshaped how I see meaningful photography. Nearly 20 years ago, I began documenting the lasting effects of Agent Orange in Vietnam. After an early publication in Newsweek, I realized something important: photography doesn’t need awards, major publications, or viral attention to matter.

How This Pro Learned Photography

Published: Feb 12, 2026 · Duration: 6 min 21 sec · 2.2K views

How do you actually get started in photography — without falling into the gear trap? In this episode, I break down the fundamentals of photography for beginners and serious amateurs who want to improve fast. Just the principles that built my 20-year professional photography career.

Photographing Gibbons - Natural Soundtrack

Published: Jan 28, 2026 · Duration: 52 sec · 376 views

This Photo Story Exercise Will Instantly Improve Your Photography

Published: Jan 25, 2026 · Duration: 12 min 36 sec · 5.4K views

In this episode, I break down the single most effective photography exercise I’ve used to consistently improve my work—and the same one I teach in my workshops, one-on-one mentorships, and professional assignments. This isn’t about chasing viral images, trends, or quick wins. It’s about slowing down, building a multi-image story, and learning how to truly see.

The Project That Gave My Photography Purpose Again

Published: Jan 22, 2026 · Duration: 10 min 51 sec · 1.8K views

This episode is about finding purpose in photography and why long-form documentary work still matters in a fast, disposable content world. I revisit one of the most important projects of my career: documenting the last two northern white rhinos on Earth and the caretakers who have devoted their lives to protecting them. After nearly two decades working as a photojournalist—shooting editorial assignments, commercial…

Billingham Ten-16 Review for Leica D-Lux, Fuji X100 & Ricoh GR

Published: Jan 15, 2026 · Duration: 8 min 49 sec · 4K views

Compact cameras like the Leica D-Lux, Fuji X100 series, and Ricoh GR have changed how many photographers shoot. Smaller setups mean fewer distractions and more chances to actually carry a camera every day. In this video, I share my honest, real-world review of the Billingham Ten-16 and why it works so well for compact camera users.

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