So you want to be a photographer: Transform your skills and build a profitable photography business

In this final episode, we pay tribute to Gina Milicia and the impact she has made on photographers around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ok, we get it. You love shooting with daylight. And either you think that learning to use flash is hard or you think it’s not the look you’re after. The reality is that mastering flash will not only improve your photography by leaps and bounds, it gives you much greater flexibility, enables you to shoot in the most challenging situations and provides you an edge in the way you create your images. San Francisco-based photographer Luci Valentine used to be in the same boat. But she’s now embraced flash photography - and she did it in a week. She discusses: her past life as a publicist for bands like Snoop dog, Nine-inch nails, Dr Dre and No Doubt, how she overcame her reluctance to shoot with flash, the benefits of embracing the selfie, the garage lighting project, shooting high volume headshots of female leaders, attracting new clients vs chasing new clients, the positive benefits of giving, the amazing success of the front steps project, her flower photography, the benefits of personal projects and much more. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets at GinaMilicia.com. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Join the So you want to be a photographer: Podcast community Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it time to get out of your comfort zone? Whether that’s trying a new technique or working with strangers, it can give your photography a new lease on life – even if it seems a little daunting at first. In this episode, Brisbane-based photographer Kerri Setch discusses how she wen beyond her comfort zone. Kerri used to find the idea of approaching strangers for photos daunting. She discusses how she overcame this fear and thrived. Kerri covers: the importance of living in the moment and lessons dragonflies can teach us, why invest the extra time and effort in 1%ers and how clients react, how she used photography as therapy to overcome chronic fatigue, the moment she made the leap from day job to full time photographer, transitioning from daylight to flash, working with strangers as an introvert, and heaps more! Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets at GinaMilicia.com. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Join the So you want to be a photographer: Podcast community Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might be technically brilliant but if you’ve been shooting for a while, there is a chance your images may appear dated. If you want to ensure you maintain an edge with your photography, discover these five reasons your images may look outdated – and how to fix this. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets at GinaMilicia.com. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Join the So you want to be a photographer: Podcast community Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Orlando-based photographer Brian Becnel, whose portrait and event photography oozes authenticity. His love of finding the beauty in everyone he sees translates into authentic and relaxed portraits. We chat about starting out on his photography journey; workshops and education, the first moment he realised this could be a side hustle; seeing the beauty in everyone; shooting authentically, how Brian relaxes his models, reading the cues clients give you; the photographer he always dreamed of becoming. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets at GinaMilicia.com. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Join the So you want to be a photographer: Podcast community Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Jannene Meyer, an award winning pet photographer located on the Gold Coast of Australia. We chat about: making the transition from what you ‘think’ you should be photographing to following your heart and photographing what you love; working with assistants, the power of mentors, Facebook marketing, 3rd party promotions, the importance of standing out in a crowded market, doggy markets, in person sales and heaps more. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets at GinaMilicia.com. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Join the So you want to be a photographer: Podcast community Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We chat to guest photographer Karla Livney about making the transition from corp life to the creative life, playing the long game, the importance of creating your own website, photographing the stuff you love vs the work you think you should be doing, how working for charities is a great way to grow your business, learning to light and developing confidence, saying no to certain gigs is just as important as saying yes, gear and much more. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets at GinaMilicia.com. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Join the So you want to be a photographer: Podcast community Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Family portraits are often in danger of looking cliched. But you can create, compose and style stunning family group shots that look more like professional lifestyle shots instead of awkward or uncomfortable photos. This week we discuss the steps you need to take to ensure you’re taking family photos that stand out – and that your clients will love! Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets at GinaMilicia.com. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Join the So you want to be a photographer: Podcast community Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can take the guesswork out of which lens to use after listening to this episode. You’ll discover how to determine the ideal lens for your portraits in every situation. Do you need to go wide or long? Lens choice and proximity to your model can make a huge difference to how your images and model will look in an image. This week we discuss the different focal lengths and when and why to shoot wide vs long. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Find out more at ginamilicia.com. Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back, after a short hiatus! And today we’re discussing the top 5 factors you need to incorporate to make your photography side hustle a success! This advice could change your life! Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Find out more at ginamilicia.com. Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top photographers reveal their tips that could change the way you shoot. We chat with: Sean Tucker about selecting authentic subject matter that is meaningful to the photographer and why seeking honest critiques and ignoring social media praise is a game-changer. Also street photographer Julia Coddington on how to get close to people in street photography and by close I mean uncomfortably close. And Joel Grimes shares an inspiring story about dealing with rejection and how he nearly let an Art Director steal his dream of becoming a world-class advertising photographer. This advice could change your life! Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Find out more at ginamilicia.com. Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover the biggest ‘a-ha’ moments from masters of photography. We hear from photographer and New York Times bestseller Nick Boothman shares the best way for portrait photographers to connect with the people they photograph and get authentic reactions. He also shares the best smile tip ever! You’ll discover Nat Geo photographer Ami Vitale’s advice on how to pitch a magazine editor. This advice is gold and many photographers miss out on gigs because they fail at pitching. Documentary photographer Donato DiCamillo shares an incredible story about How he taught himself to use a camera while being in home confinement after his release from prison. Wildlife photographer Scott Bourne shares the importance of shooting intuitively and not being hung up on lenses plus an amazing hack to improve your way of telling stories. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Find out more at ginamilicia.com. Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet photographer Brenda Petrella who took a leap of faith when she left her cushy job as a cancer researcher for a tree change and life as a landscape photographer. She is a Vermont-based landscape and nature photographer, the founder of Outdoor Photography School , and the host of the Outdoor Photography Podcast. We chat about how it feels to make that leap of faith, why every portrait photographer should embrace the landscape photography, the importance of leaving some shots to the imagination and not having to shoot everything you see, how to be a socially, environmentally and ethically responsible landscape photographer, scouting locations, being in the moment, whether HDR overrated, finding great light, gear+settings and heaps more! Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Find out more at ginamilicia.com. Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s never too late to start a photography business. Meet photographer Rebecca Martin. Not only is she a mother of eight, she’s grandmother to 11 kids! Rebecca picked up a camera to start recording her babies, and now runs a successful wedding and portrait business. She’s started working with her daughter Lena as a second shooter and talks about the lessons she’s learned, posing and directing large groups and the importance of preplanning shoots, the importance of the 1 percenters, creating high-end images using budget gear, using creativity to take her work to the next level and heaps more! Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Find out more at ginamilicia.com. Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet photographer Anna Hornby, who does fine art lifestyle, virtual and family photography. Anna walks us through a virtual shoot and discuss: shooting on an iphone and getting over the tech cringe, directing and posing and find great light virtually, her influences, finding inspiration everywhere, growing a new business, editing and shooting with an edit in mind and more! Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Find out more at ginamilicia.com. Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you build your photography skills and career when you are flat out busy, constantly on the road and have limited time? This week’s guest Danni Banchi does just that, combining her busy life driving trucks across the US with her love of photography. Find out more about she makes it work in this week’s episode. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Find out more at ginamilicia.com. Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you take your photography to the next level? You may be surprised to know that it’s not about a specific technical skill or a particular piece of equipment. There are 5 strategies you need to consider if you truly want to excel and make it as a photographer. Discover them in this week’s episode. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Find out more at ginamilicia.com. Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you have a fulltime job, what steps can you take to build your photography side hustle? You’ll discover: Should you start a side hustle? What is your definition of success? What are the basics needed to start a side hustle? Learn the basics, practice, rinse and repeat. How to find your niche. Advertising and branding. And more. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Find out more at ginamilicia.com. Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Pauline Klemm, who had a sliding doors moment 3 years ago that completely changed her life when her brother, Michael, a gifted photographer, died tragically in India. Her decision to keep his camera and learn photography began as a way of sharing his legacy. This has now grown and Pauline’s life has grown and evolved in exciting ways. If you’ve ever been on the fence about embracing photography later in life or any age then this beautiful story is a must listen. We chat about: making the pilgrimage back to India, the moment Pauline decided to keep Michael’s camera that would change her life forever, the importance of mentors and education, dealing with imposter syndrome, the importance of slowing down, the benefits of working with assistants, how saying yes led her to her latest personal project with Baba Desi and heaps more! Discover this and more in this week’s episode. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Find out more at ginamilicia.com. Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These days, there are countless options available to aspiring photographers who want to improve their skills? Podcasts, courses, mentoring, assisting, and more! So how do you choose the best method to fast track your own learning and ensure that you uplevel your skills effectively and efficiently? Discover this and more in this week’s episode. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Find out more at ginamilicia.com. Read the show notes Email Gina and Valerie news@ginamilicia.com Visit GinaMilicia.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.