Send us a text

Kelly Brown shares her journey from a hobbyist to a professional photographer, beginning with her first encounter with photography while working on a construction site. This initial interest led her to selling photos at markets, before she eventually transitioned to wedding and family photography.

She reflects on how learning photography with film shaped her, recalling the excitement of waiting to see the developed prints, and contrasts this with the advantages of digital photography. Kelly also talks about the addictive nature of photography, the importance of being selective in capturing images, and the challenges involved in the culling process.

Kelly highlights how both positive and negative feedback have been crucial in pushing her to refine her skills. She also opens up about the challenges and anxieties she faced at the beginning of her career, including physical limitations and self-doubt. She explains her decision to specialise in newborn photography and the success she found in that niche. Additionally, Kelly shares her experiences of teaching photography, including the opportunity to lead a class on CreativeLive.

She discusses her focus on education, especially in newborn photography, and describes how she shifted to online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding fulfilment in helping others reach their goals. Kelly emphasises the importance of mastering the technical aspects of photography and maintaining creative control. She also underscores the value of understanding the business side of photography, offering advice for running a successful photography business.

Kelly encourages photographers to engage in personal projects to keep their passion and inspiration alive. She also highlights the importance of developing a unique style in newborn photography to stand out in the industry.

Takeaways

• Learning photography on film can teach valuable skills in composition and decisiveness.
• Digital photography allows for instant gratification and more efficient workflow.
• Being selective in capturing images can lead to a more impactful portfolio.
• Word-of-mouth referrals can be a powerful way to grow a photography business.
• Positive and negative feedback can both be valuable in pushing you to improve your skills.
• Focusing on a specific niche, like newborn photography, can lead to success and recognition.
• Teaching photography can be a rewarding way to share knowledge and connect with others in the industry.
• Learning the technical aspects of photography and having full creative control are essential for photographers.
• Understanding the business side of photography is crucial for running a successful photography business.
• Working on personal projects helps photographers maintain their passion and creativity.
• Developing a unique style is important in standing out in the newborn photography industry.

Connect with Kelly
Website
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

Support the show

Send us a text

Violeta Sofia, a portrait photographer, shares her journey into photography and her passion for capturing the essence of people. She discusses how her father sparked her interest in photography and how she found her niche in portrait photography.
Violeta also talks about the importance of personal projects and how she balances them with commercial work. She shares her experience of networking and building connections in the industry, as well as her approach to funding her projects. She also discusses her involvement in the 70:15:40 project and her evolving project 'Hand Masters'.
In addition, Violeta offers advice to other female photographers and emphasises the importance of applying for opportunities and not doubting oneself. She also highlights the need for more representation and inclusivity in photography competitions and projects.
Violeta shares her process for her Hand Masters shoots, including using multiple devices and involving a team or her husband when possible. She expresses pride in having her work displayed at the National Portrait Gallery and using her voice to create change.

Takeaways

• Photography can be a powerful medium for self-expression and connecting with others.
• Personal projects allow photographers to explore their passions and make a meaningful impact.
• Building connections and networking are essential for finding opportunities in the photography industry.
• Funding personal projects can be challenging but is necessary for creating impactful work.
• The 70:15:40 project provides support and recognition for female photographers.
• Photographers should apply for opportunities and don't doubt themselves.
• Advocate for more representation and inclusivity in photography
• Experiment and have fun with your creative process
• Be proud of your achievements and use your voice to create change
• Dream big and aim to photograph influential figures

Connect with Violeta
Website
Facebook
Instagram
X

MPB
This podcast is supported by MPB, the world's largest platform for used photography and videography kit. MPB has transformed the way people buy, sell and trade equipment, making photography more accessible, affordable and sustainable. MPB is proud to partner with SheClicks to help support women photographers and their work.

Support the show

Send us a text

Mary Jo Hoffman, a photographer and creator of the blog 'Still', discusses her journey from aeronautical engineer to photographer and the evolution of her daily photography project. She shares insights into her creative process, including the use of white backgrounds and the challenges of composition.
Mary Jo Hoffman discusses her photography practice and techniques, including her choice of equipment and shooting settings. She emphasizes the importance of minimal equipment and using just enough to capture her subjects.
Mary Jo also talks about the mindfulness practice that photography has become for her and the knowledge she has gained about her bio-region through her daily practice. She also talks about her appreciation for the beauty in dead animals and the inspiration she draws from nature.
Mary Jo shares her approach to choosing subjects on days with an abundance of options and discusses her influences, including photographer Karl Blossfeldt. She mentions her plans for future projects and the possibility of publishing another book.

Takeaways

• Photography can be a creative outlet and a mindfulness practice.
• Working on a daily photography project can help develop skills and knowledge about one's environment.
• Choosing a specific background, such as white or black, can create a consistent aesthetic in a photography project.
• The art of composition can be challenging to master, but experimentation and practice can lead to growth.
• Travelling with a photography project requires planning and flexibility to ensure continuity.
• Editing techniques can be developed over time to achieve desired results in post-processing.
• Finding inspiration in nature can lead to unique and captivating images.
• Choosing subjects can be challenging on days with an abundance of options, but focusing on specific elements or themes can help narrow down the choices.
• Being open to influences and exploring different visual arts can enhance creativity and artistic growth.
• Planning future projects based on personal interest and enjoyment can lead to fulfilling and rewarding creative experiences.

Connect with Mary Jo
Website
Instagram

Support the show