On this episode of The PHYS Podcast, Tyson Martin sits down with two inspiring creatives whose work exists at the intersection of photography, culture, entrepreneurship, and artistic innovation: Joseph Pekara of Pharaoh171 Photography & Pharaoh171 Films and Jordan Jurr, co-owner of Wood & Slate.

Together, they share the story of a unique creative partnership that brings photography beyond the frame and transforms visual storytelling into lasting works of art.

Joseph Pekara – Pharaoh171 Photography & Pharaoh171 Films

Joseph “Sagonige Yanasi” Pekara is an internationally recognized photographer and filmmaker whose work has helped shape conversations around music, Indigenous culture, fashion, and identity.

Throughout his distinguished career, Joseph has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, including Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Wale, 50 Cent, Wu-Tang Clan, DJ Snake, Nappy Roots, Erica Banks, Hieroglyphics, and many others. His photography is rooted in storytelling, cultural preservation, and creating images that honor both the moment and the people within it.

Through every project, Joseph's goal remains the same: to create photographs that preserve history, celebrate culture, and tell meaningful stories that endure beyond a single moment in time.

Jordan Jurr – Wood & Slate

Jordan Jurr and his wife are the creative force behind Wood & Slate, a company dedicated to transforming photographs into handcrafted pieces of art using premium materials such as Baltic birch, slate, white leather, and glass.

Their work gives photographers, artists, and families a unique way to showcase meaningful images through custom-designed artwork that elevates photography from digital files into tangible heirlooms. Whether displayed in homes, businesses, galleries, or hospitality spaces, Wood & Slate's creations bring a new dimension to visual storytelling.

Together, Joseph and Jordan discuss their creative partnership and their recent collaboration with The Ritz-Carlton Club Aspen Highlands, a project that combines photography, Indigenous fashion, fine art presentation, and luxury hospitality into a powerful visual experience.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Joseph Pekara's journey as an internationally recognized music and Indigenous fashion photographer
• Stories from working with artists including Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Wu-Tang Clan, Wale, DJ Snake, and 50 Cent
• How Indigenous culture and storytelling influence Joseph's creative vision
• The story behind Wood & Slate and its innovative approach to displaying photography
• Jordan Jurr's entrepreneurial journey and passion for handcrafted artwork
• How photography can evolve from an image into a lasting art piece
• The collaboration between Joseph Pekara and Wood & Slate
• Behind-the-scenes insights into their project with The Ritz-Carlton Club Aspen Highlands
• The role collaboration plays in expanding creative possibilities

This episode is a powerful exploration of photography, entrepreneurship, cultural storytelling, and artistic innovation.

Joseph and Jordan demonstrate how creativity becomes even more impactful when artists, makers, and entrepreneurs work together toward a shared vision. Their collaboration highlights the many ways photography can move beyond traditional boundaries to become an immersive and lasting artistic experience.

Whether you're a photographer, artist, entrepreneur, collector, creative professional, or someone passionate about meaningful storytelling, this conversation offers valuable insight into the power of collaboration and the future of photographic art.

The most powerful creative work often happens when different perspectives come together to build something greater than either could create alone.

Follow Joseph Pekara:
Instagram: @pharaoh171photography

Follow Wood & Slate:
Instagram: @woodandslatehome