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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Tesni Ward got into photography after years of taking photos on family holidays. She switched to full-time photography after being made redundant at short-notice ahead of a dream holiday.
Tesni specialises in wildlife photography because she enjoys being in nature and building relationships with the animals she photographs. She offers workshops and one-to-ones to share her knowledge and passion for photography.
Tesni encourages photographers to explore and appreciate common species, as they can offer unique and rewarding photography opportunities.
Tesni is an OM System Ambassador, which has had a positive impact on her career. During the podcast she discusses her transition to using Olympus cameras and the impact it has had on her career. She highlights the support and community she has found with Olympus (now OM System), as well as the emotional and technical benefits of using their equipment. Tesni also shares her experiences with wildlife photography, including the challenges of photographing badgers and hares in low-light conditions. She emphasises the importance of prioritising the welfare of wildlife and shares her approach to dealing with inappropriate behaviour from humans. Tesni expresses her desire to lead workshops on photographing badgers and her favourite locations for wildlife photography. She also discusses a project she had with swans on a local lake and her plans for future photography locations.

Takeaways

• Tesni got into photography after booking a holiday and buying a big lens, shortly before being made redundant.
• She specialises in wildlife photography and enjoys building relationships with the animals she photographs.
• Tesni offers workshops and one-to-ones to share her knowledge and passion for photography.
• She encourages photographers to appreciate and photograph common species, as they can offer unique opportunities.
• Tesni is an OM System Ambassador, which has had a positive impact on her career.
• Photographing wildlife in low light can be challenging, but Tesni shares her strategies for capturing great shots.
• Tesni prioritizes the welfare of wildlife and approaches inappropriate behaviour from humans with education and diplomacy.
• She aspires to lead workshops on photographing badgers.

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OM System
This episode is sponsored by OM System. Empowering consumers and professionals alike with innovative digital cameras, lenses, audio recorders, and binoculars, OM System's precision optics and groundbreaking technology open up new possibilities for capturing life's most precious moments.

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Shona Perkins, a photographer specialising in intentional camera movement (ICM) and seascapes, shares her journey into photography and her passion for capturing the beauty of the sea. She discusses the meditative state she enters when photographing waves and the importance of connecting with the beach. Shona also talks about the challenges of finding time for her own photography while running workshops and retreats. She emphasises the deep connections formed during these experiences and the joy of seeing others go on a photographic journey.

Shona Perkins discusses the meticulous planning and organisation required to run successful photography workshops and retreats. She explains the importance of not just teaching photography skills, but also facilitating, engaging and motivating participants. Shona also talks about the evolution of her workshops and how she has adapted them to accommodate different weather conditions and participant preferences. She shares her excitement about her upcoming exhibition and the collaboration with another artist, Fee Dickson Reid.

Shona also answers questions about staying comfortable on wide-open beaches, her editing process, and her favourite lenses for seascape ICM photography. She mentions Northumberland and Cornwall as her favourite UK coastal locations and expresses her desire to shoot ICM photography in Cape Cod, USA.

Takeaways

• Photography can be a meditative and immersive experience.
• Connecting with the subject matter, such as the beach and the sea, can enhance the photographer's experience.
• Running workshops and retreats can be a rewarding way to share knowledge and create deep connections with other photographers.
• Finding a balance between personal photography and teaching can be challenging, but it's important to make time for one's own creative pursuits.
• Meticulous planning and organisation are essential for running successful photography workshops and retreats.
• Teaching photography skills is important, but facilitation, engagement, and motivation are equally crucial.
• Workshops and retreats evolve over time and can be adapted to accommodate different weather conditions and participant preferences.
• Collaborating with other artists can lead to exciting opportunities, such as joint exhibitions.
• Getting the best results in camera reduces the need for extensive editing.
• The 24-70mm lens is a favourite for seascape ICM photography.
• Northumberland and Cornwall are Shona's favourite UK coastal locations, and Cape Cod is on her bucket list for shooting ICM photography.

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Cewe
Thank you to CEWE, Europe's leading photo printing company, for supporting this podcast. CEWE offers an extensive range of high-quality photo products, including the award-winning CEWE PHOTOBOOK. Creating a CEWE PHOTOBOOK of your amazing holiday captures the essence of your adventures in a tangible form. It is a timeless reminder of the unforgettable moments that would otherwise be just sitting on your hard drive or phone. A CEWE PHOTOBOOK allows you to revisit and cherish those moments for years to come. Visit cewe.co.uk for more inspiration.

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In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, host Angela Nicholson interviews the talented visual artist Paloma Tendero. Known for her unique exploration of themes such as heredity, illness, and identity, Tendero's work captivates audiences by blending photography and fine art to create powerful visual narratives.

Paloma shares her artistic journey, beginning with her childhood fascination with photography. She recounts how her passion for capturing moments started when she was gifted a compact camera at the age of ten and later inherited an old SLR camera from her grandfather. These early experiences fuelled her love for photography and inspired her to pursue a degree in Fine Art and a Master’s in Photography.

In this episode, Paloma delves into the personal experiences that shape her work, including her own health challenges and the impact of her family’s medical history. She explains how these experiences inspired her to explore the complex relationships between health and illness and the ways in which they intersect with identity.

Paloma also discusses her current project, 'Shifting Bodies' which was developed as part of the 70:15:40 Project. This project challenges the conventional notion of health as the natural state and explores the dualities of the human experience. She shares her creative process, including the innovative use of expired film and sculptural elements, which add depth and texture to her work.

Throughout the episode, Paloma Tendero provides valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by female photographers, highlighting the importance of confidence and persistence in pursuing artistic goals. Her advice to aspiring photographers encourages them to seek opportunities that align with their vision and to embrace failure as a vital part of growth and creativity.

Takeaways

• Photography can be a cathartic process for exploring personal experiences and emotions.
• The creative process can involve both planning and freestyling, allowing for flexibility and spontaneity.
• Female photographers may face challenges in promoting themselves and putting their work out there, but programs and competitions targeted at women can provide extra encouragement.
• Photographing oneself can present challenges and a remote cable or an assistant is useful depending on the specific requirements of the project
• Paloma's project and image titles and captions are often developed after the images are created, but in some cases, they may be determined beforehand to guide the creative process.

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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.

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Landscape photographer, Lizzie Shepherd shares her journey into photography and how she moved from being a hobbyist to becoming a professional. She discusses the challenges and joys of running workshops and one-to-one tuition, as well as the importance of printing her own photographs. Lizzie also talks about the impact of social media on the photography industry and the need for photographers to find their own direction.
Lizzie discusses her experience of exhibiting her photography and judging photography competitions. She mentions the challenges of finding local galleries that are a good fit for her work and the importance of selling prints through her website.
Lizzie also shares her approach to judging photography competitions, emphasising the need for a balance between initial impact and deeper emotional connection. She talks about her favourite places to photograph, her bucket list destinations and her preference for responding to the conditions rather than planning her images. She also provides tips on processing colours to achieve a balanced and calming tone in landscape photographs.

Takeaways

• Transitioning from a hobbyist to a professional photographer takes time and confidence.
• Running workshops and one-to-one tuition can be rewarding but it's important to understand the needs and motivations of the participants.
• Printing photographs allows for greater control and a more tactile experience compared to viewing images on a screen.
• Social media has changed the landscape of photography, but it's important for photographers to stay true to their own vision.
• Exhibitions and selling prints can be a fulfilling way to share and showcase one's work. However, it can be challenging to find local galleries that are a good fit for your work. Selling prints through a website can be a successful alternative.
• When judging photography competitions, look for images that have an initial impact and evoke an emotional response.
• Lizzie's favourite places to photograph include the highlands and islands of Scotland, Harris and Lewis, and local woodland areas.
• Her bucket list destinations include New Zealand, Tasmania and Greenland.
• Lizzie's approach to processing colours involves lifting shadows, reducing clarity and shooting in gentle light to create soft and calming tones.
• She prefers to respond to the conditions rather than planning her images, allowing for spontaneity and exploration in her photography.

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In this conversation, Emily Endean, a freelance outdoor photographer, discusses her journey from working in insurance to becoming a photographer, the evolution of her style, the impact of personal projects and her experience as a Fujifilm ambassador. She also shares insights on using Instagram for marketing and the importance of personal projects in photography. Photographer Emily discusses her transition from traditional landscape photography to a more versatile approach, the impact of living in a campervan on her business and her preferences in photography and travel.

Takeaways

• Emily's transition from a different career to photography was a slow and organic process driven by her passion for photography and the need for a feel-good factor in her life.
• The validation and confidence boost from being a Fujifilm ambassador had a significant impact on Emily's career, leading to regular clients and a portfolio to attract new clients.
• Personal projects are essential for photographers to pursue their passion and creativity, providing opportunities for growth and learning.
• Using Instagram as a marketing tool has been beneficial for Emily, allowing her to reach out to clients and build her career.
• The documentary approach and the lessons learned from personal projects can be applied to commercial work, adding depth and authenticity to the photography. Transitioning from traditional landscape photography to a more versatile approach
• Living in a campervan has positively impacted Emily's career and brought a feeling of freedom.

Connect with Emily
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Fujifilm
This podcast is supported by Fujifilm, one of the best-known photography brands in the world. Fujifilm’s award-winning X Series and GFX system cameras and lenses are suitable for all types of photographers and videographers. Each has been developed utilising the experience gained from more than 90 years in the industry, featuring unique film simulation modes that everyone knows and loves.

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