029 — Frank Ockenfels III

In this episode of Fail Hard, host Will Hall sits down with legendary photographer Frank Ockenfels III, whose iconic imagery has shaped some of the most defining moments in entertainment. From Breaking Bad and Mad Men to The Bear and American Horror Story, Frank’s visual storytelling has left an indelible mark on television. His work extends to blockbuster films like Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Hunger Games—yet these only hint at the breadth of his prolific 40-year career.
 
Frank's creative reach spans beyond film and television, with deep roots in the music industry. He’s photographed everyone from Snoop Dogg and Gwen Stefani to cult icons like Tom Waits and Bad Brains, and his work has appeared in every major publication. But what truly sets Frank apart is his ability to capture more than just a subject’s likeness—his portraits are emotional narratives, revealing something deeper and unexpected.
 
In this episode, Frank reflects on the importance of risk-taking, pushing creative boundaries, and embracing failure as a necessary part of growth. He shares his philosophy of creating raw, emotionally resonant work that defies convention. Frank also delves into his long-standing collaboration with David Bowie, a partnership that epitomizes the magic of creative experimentation and collaboration. Whether working on polished commercial projects or gritty gallery pieces, Frank’s photography remains fearless, always embracing the beauty of imperfection.
 
CREDITS
Guest: Frank W. Ockenfels III 
https://fwo3.com/
https://www.instagram.com/fwo3
 
Host: Will Hall
https://www.willhall.co
https://www.instagram.com/willhall.co/
https://www.youtube.com/@willhallco
 
Engineer: Martin Nayeri
https://kariom.art/
https://www.instagram.com/kariomart/
 
Associated with ByDesign
https://www.bydesign.global/
 
Sponsored by Adobe.