Episodes
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Our guest for episode 20 is Peter Rooney, a renowned creative portrait photographer originally from the UK, currently living in Thailand. He joins us to discuss his creative journey and his varied experiences as a British expat living and working overseas. Peter has won numerous accolades for his work, including a Fellowship with the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) and winning the MPA (Master Photographers Association) International Photographer of the Year in both 2018 and 2019. He has also represented his country on more than one occasion for the World Photographic Cup.
In this episode, Peter takes us through his journey from the UK to Brunei, Malaysia, Bahrain, and finally Thailand. He shares his experiences of living and working in different cultures, highlighting the challenges and unique aspects of each location. From the strict regulations in Brunei to the vibrant and multicultural scene in Malaysia, Peter explains how these environments impacted his photography.
Peter takes us through his creative process, from finding inspiration in unlikely places to his approach to lighting and retouching. He describes how he improvised models and materials to create composites during lockdown and talks us through a unique approach to a family portrait that became a hit among his fellow expats.
Finding clients for his work is quite a different process compared to many UK-based businesses. His frequent change of location has meant rebuilding his client base from scratch several times. Nevertheless, he has found ways of connecting with people through a creative, fun angle on portraiture, helping clients overcome the usual nerves or self-conscious feelings when sitting for a photographer.
Images © Peter Rooney (Used here with permission)
Discover more of Peter's work on his website at peterrooneyphotography.com or follow him on Instagram at peterrooneyart. His impressive portfolio showcases a range of creative images that reflect his unique style and vision.
Sponsored by The Society of Photographers
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In episode 19 we focus on pet photography with one of the world's top exponents of the genre. Australian photographer Belinda Richards has won many awards and titles for her work, including being The Society of Photographers overall photographer of the year in 2022. Belinda has worked with animals for many years and in different industries. Her time running a mobile dog grooming business and working for the local council in animal management have helped her to gain a deep insight into animal behaviour. She combines this extensive experience with her understanding of fine art and great camera skills to run an internationally renowned pet photography studio.
All of this would have seemed unlikely in her childhood given her initial fear of dogs. But, she overcame it and developed a lifelong passion for them, eventually naming her studio after one of her former pets. Her background in animal welfare has equipped her with unique skills that she brings into her photography sessions, ensuring that animals feel comfortable and relaxed.
Belinda's academic journey took her from the technical aspects of photography to aesthetics and fine art, all of which are evident in her work today. She is also interested in business and understands the importance of good marketing. Whether it is her competition images or finding new ways to reach new clients, Belinda is relentlessly creative. She builds in both the more profitable aspects of her work and time to create in order to keep both herself and her business healthy.
The combination of hard work, talent and a creative use of her unique skills and experience have made Belinda Richards one of the most respected pet photographers in the world. All of this comes from a place of passion - doing the work not just for money but for the love of it.
Images ©Belinda Richards (used here with permission)
To keep up with Belinda's work and her latest projects, you can visit her business website at frogdogstudios.com.au or her personal creative website at belindarichards.com. You can also follow her on social media platforms under the handles @BelindaRichardsArtist or @FrogDogStudios.
Sponsored by The Society of Photographers
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In Episode 18, Joe interviews Sean Gallagher, an independent photographer and filmmaker based in China. A fellow of the Royal Geographic Society with a passion for environmental issues, Sean is a multi-award-winning photojournalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic and on CNN.
After studying zoology, Sean stumbled upon photography by discovering an old family camera. His growing passion led him to teach himself how to develop his own prints and inspired him to seek out an internship at Magnum Photos. His time there fuelled his interest in photojournalism and gave him the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field.
Sean tells us how he came to live in China, driven by a fascination sparked by his father's stories of the country. He shares the challenges and rewards of building a career telling stories through images. Discover how he builds key relationships with both local communities and potential buyers. This isn't just a job for Sean - we get a real sense of passion for the stories he tells and a deep belief in the difference photojournalism can make to international issues.
Joe and Sean delve into the ethics of photojournalism, the role of awards, and the impact of storytelling through visuals. Sean offers insights into the technical and emotional aspects of his work, emphasizing the importance of being in the moment and the power of photography to cast light on global issues such as the climate crisis.
Whether you're an aspiring photojournalist or simply interested in what goes into creating compelling storytelling images, Sean's story is educational and inspiring.
Images © Sean Gallagher (Used here with permission)
To see more of Sean's work, please visit his website: gallagher-photo.com. You can also follow him on Instagram. For photography tips check out his educational YouTube channel, where you can also find his podcast "The Camera Doesn't Matter," featuring interviews with other photojournalists.
Sponsored by The Society of Photographers
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Fiona Elizabeth joins us to share her unexpected journey into wedding photography and the challenges she's faced along the way. Discover how Fiona balances the artistic and business aspects of her work and also helps others to do so through her Wedding Photographer Mentor programme. She is passionate about helping others to create successful wedding photography businesses, providing guidance and support drawn from her years of experience.
Hear the stories behind her impactful personal projects, including a poignant photographic essay based on the struggles of those living in a refugee camp in Calais. Her time there clearly moved her deeply and left a lasting impact on her as an artist and as a person. She then takes us on the road to her Fellowship in fine art with her "Atrophy" project. Inspired by the housing crisis and the many houses left empty and falling into disrepair, Fiona created a series of images with models on location that was to become her successful Fellowship qualification panel.
We also touch on the difficulties of imposter syndrome - even in the face of great success winning a category award in the Icon photography competition in Vegas and working as a judge at The Society of Photographers Convention. Fiona shares openly and honestly in this exclusive interview.
Images © Fiona Elizabeth (used here with permission)
The Wedding Photography Mentor website
Fiona's Instagram
Sponsored by The Society of Photographers
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Immerse yourself in the world of renowned outdoor photographer, Curtis Jones. Join us as Curtis shares the highs and lows of his ongoing journey exploring the most isolated environments on the planet. Find out what motivates him and how his approach has changed over the years. He shares his passion not only to photograph these places but also to study the rich history, culture, flora, and fauna, so he can enthuse and educate those he guides.
In this episode, Curtis tells us about his initial experiences in expedition and adventure photography. From this more documentary approach, he has evolved into an artist, teacher and guide. Modern life with its electronic devices can make it hard to achieve a deep connection with nature and Curtis shares his own struggles with this as well as his hope that he can help others to connect with the locations he takes them to.
The podcast delves deep into the emotional elements of Curtis's work, giving listeners an insight into the sense of satisfaction derived from capturing ever-evolving scenes. The remote, sometimes harsh locations have a profound impact on Curtis as well as opening up opportunities for extraordinary images. Through Curtis you can experience the joys, the anxieties, and the liberating aspects of being an outdoor photographer.
Joe & Curtis explore the difference it can make when photographers connect more with the location and why various "rules" and traditions of landscape photography can limit your art. They also discuss the different levels of enjoyment to be gained when sharing the locations that have refuelled them as introverts with groups of photographers and explorers. Whether you are an aspiring photographer or simply a nature enthusiast, this episode offers a very personal perspective on outdoor photography and the art of being 'in the moment'.
Images © Curtis Jones (used here with permission)
For more of his portfolio, please visit Curtis' website
Curtis on Instagram
This episode is sponsored by The Society of Photographers
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Join host Joe Lenton in episode 15 of the Focused Professional Podcast as he welcomes Terry Donnelly - an award-winning, multi-genre Master Photographer with over 250 international accolades. Hear how he has honed his abilities across a range of genres, avoiding being pigeon-holed into one type of subject.
We compare and contrast the skills and approach needed for sports and architectural photography - 2 of Terry's main genres. Discover how you can get accredited as a professional football and rugby photographer like Terry. He loves his photography and feels privileged to get to chase the perfect moment in Premier League matches, revelling in the fast-paced action.
Learn about Terry's principles of maintaining high standards, putting clients first, and running a values-based photography business. Listen to him candidly share his thrill of overcoming challenges and his motivation to capture the perfect photograph, despite the anxieties stirred by the notorious imposter syndrome.
Ever wondered what a brand ambassador is and does? As a long-term ambassador for Sony, Rotolight and Fotospeed, Terry shares how it gives him opportunities to come alongside and help people at trade fairs as well as helping to promote the brands.
Terry inspires listeners to use their talent for effecting change and pursuing passion through photography. He also emphasises the value of competitions, awards and self-improvement projects in a photographer's career. He has ambitious goals for his work, not least aiming to achieve the coveted "Photographer of the Year" title with the Society of Photographers. But his aims also go beyond trophies and certificates - he wants to make a significant contribution to red squirrel conservation and the air ambulance service. He helps us realise that photographs can be more than just spectacular images, they can be vehicles for significant societal change.
Images © Terry Donnelly (used here with permission)
For more of his portfolio please visit Terry's website
Terry's Instagram
This episode is sponsored by The Society of Photographers
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World-renowned portrait photographer Rachel Owen joins Joe to share her experiences and the learning curve that led to her becoming a highly respected wedding photographer and international-award-winning composite artist. Rachel describes how she discovered her goals, aimed high and worked hard until she achieved her incredible success. She now helps other photographers along the journey, teaching and critiquing their work.
Over the years Rachel has professionally shot several different genres of portraits, including her latest main offering - bridal boudoir. Having experienced burnout, frustration at not reaching the standard she aspired to and then pivoting to keep herself sane, her story is one of perseverance, diversification and committed hard work that can inspire photographers going through hard times. She also speaks about some of her influences as an artist and how she came to work on projects with a message, such as her "Response" art book, inspired by the turmoil of the Covid pandemic.
Reminding herself of the privileged position she is in, being chosen to photograph key moments in people's lives, Rachel has a client-centred business focused on delivering the best she can. As an artist she isn't afraid to break the rules and she thrives on the joy of creativity. Her playful side not only uses a range of items to convey metaphorical meaning, but she even hides elements in her images for the viewer to discover.
Rachel Owen is a photographer at the top of her game. Join us as she unveils her unique process for creating captivating photographic compositions, including how she turned a lack of space to her advantage - pushing her to hone her compositing skills which now allow her to create unique narrative images with depth of meaning.
Don't miss the chance to learn from her experiences and insights in this episode!
Images © Rachel Owen (used here with permission)
Visit Rachel Owen's website to see more of her work.
This episode is sponsored by The Society of Photographers
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In this riveting 13th episode of the Focused Professional podcast, our host Joe Lenton interviews professional photography coach, Mark Rossetto. Get ready for a deep dive into marketing, the role of discipline, motivation and supportive community for building a successful photography business. Mark and Joe share their passion for nurturing the potential in photographers and helping them to run their business in a way that suits their personality. They highlight some of the essential structure we all need to have in place, while emphasising the flexibility with which we can work around that.
Get insights into creating a unique and meaningful brand through consistent, active, and individualised marketing strategies. Mark & Joe offer advice for navigating common pitfalls and connecting with your target audience authentically. Great businesses don't happen by accident. Photographers need to be willing to put in a lot of hard work to enjoy the benefits of a career in the industry and be wary of the temptation of apparent shortcuts.
Don't miss this great opportunity to wrestle with what underpins a successful photography business and build your future in the photography industry.
Images © Mark Rossetto (used here with permission)
PPBN website
Mark Rossetto's website
This episode is sponsored by The Society of Photographers
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Welcome to the 12th episode of the Focused Professional Podcast. This episode features the brilliant Renée Robyn, known for her world class photography and composite images. With 25+ years of experience in the industry, she has plenty of stories to tell! We explore some of the challenges of working for commercial clients, from pricing to rights management, NDAs, working to a brief and more.
Renee shares her journey towards the publication of her forthcoming book, recognising the importance of getting the right people on board for a great result. We discover how she developed a new product "15 minutes of Chaos" to adapt to a new market in her current situation and her ongoing search for a new studio to base herself at.
Hear about Renee's love for languages and how learning them is both a way for her to de-stress and to keep her brain healthy. Listen to anecdotes about Canadian politeness, panicked discussions on Photoshop forums because of her cats and those difficult decisions when it comes to pleasing or potentially losing clients. Whether you are a seasoned professional, a photography enthusiast, or just enjoy stories about working in the photography industry, this podcast has it all.
Images © Renee Robyn (used here with permission)
Renee Robyn's website
Text & audio © Focused Professional 2024
This episode is sponsored by The Society of Photographers
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We begin season 2 of The Focused Professional Podcast with another world class international photographer and educator, Gary Hughes. He is particularly known and in demand for his headshot photography. Gary recently put himself through the adrenaline-inducing ordeal of having his work scrutinised by a panel of 5 judges (one of whom was your host Joe Lenton) to gain his Fellowship qualification with The Society of Photographers. In this episode he starts by sharing how he found the process both terrifying and rewarding. We then delve deep into his experiences of running a photography business that have led to his success today.
Gary isn't afraid of change - on the contrary - he embraces it and uses it to adapt his business and flourish. He takes us through various ways in which we can keep track of the vital signs of our businesses and make decisions about our next steps. For Gary, the path to success isn’t just about financial security, but is driven by ambition and the pursuit of accomplishment, as well as quite simply enjoying time with his family.
There is plenty of useful advice here for both new and more experienced photographers. Gary encourages listeners to guard their creativity by prioritizing commercial viability and reinforces how crucial it is to make swift business decisions rooted in practicality. He encourages entrepreneurs to put processes in place, such as outsourcing certain tasks, that ultimately make for a more balanced and enjoyable workspace.
From selecting the right work to prioritizing your own well-being, this episode presses the need for business acumen among creative individuals. As Gary shares his journey of successful transition from generalist to a specific genre photographer, he reiterates the power of a strong value proposition and choosing the "right people." Through real-world examples and personal anecdotes, Gary challenges popular ideas and provides an honest and realistic roadmap for building a fulfilling, self-sustaining creative enterprise. It is a must-listen for emerging photographers looking to navigate this ever evolving, fast-paced industry with an innovative and persevering mindset.
All images © Gary Hughes (used here with permission)
See more examples of his headshot, commercial and other photography on Gary's website
Gary on Instagram
Text & audio © Focused Professional, 2024
This episode is sponsored by The Society of Photographers
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In episode 10 of the Focused Professional Podcast, we dive into the world of fine art portraiture and photography training with renowned photographer and teacher, Martina Wärenfeld. This world class artist shares her varied experiences from recent surprise successes in Vegas to the reality of being a professional in a changing economic climate.
Martina shares how her approach to competitions has changed, using them in different ways as part of her career strategy. She speaks openly and honestly about her struggles, whether that is understanding the apparent whims of social media advertising or remembering the right technical terms when teaching! Martina dispels the myth of the "perfect expert", showing us instead that all of us are always learning and evolving. Together, we explore the importance of understanding your own personality for developing a photography business.
Join us in this journey of learning, growing, and gaining inspiration to develop a photographic style and solid business. It's a fantastic blend of artistry, resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and humorous anecdotes intended to fuel continual learning, development, and passion in photography
Some of Martina's images:
Visit Martina's Website for Fine Art Portraiture & Teaching
If you would like to keep up to date with the latest images and news from Martina then please follow her on Instagram
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In Episode 9 of the Focused Professional Podcast, we have an exclusive interview with special guest, Kris Anderson. A double master from Icon and recent winner of the in camera division at the Icon awards, Kris shares his passion for creating impactful images and visual storytelling. We discuss a range of topics from dealing with imposter syndrome and learning from failures, to exploring unorthodox photographic techniques and working towards a Fellowship panel.
Plus, get a sneak peek into Kris's personal life, his move from Canada to Australia, and his love for snow!
The image that won the in camera division at Icon:
One of Kris' most well known composites:
An example of Kris' storytelling through images:
See more of Kris' images on the Images By Anderson website
Or follow him on Instagram to keep up with his latest work
Kris Anderson is a Double Master with Icon International Photography Awards, a Fellow with The Society of Photographers, an NZIPP Master with Distinction and has won numerous awards on the international stage for his outstanding images.
He is also now famous for the 2 word phrase at the end of his behind the scenes video
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Our special guest for this episode is Terrie Jones, Head of Judging & Personal Development Manager at The Society of Photographers. As you will hear, Terrie has a strong passion for helping photographers with self-development. She is always looking to improve how things are done and explains one example of this - why the scoring system was recently updated for the 20x16 print competition. Find out how pets help her and her family live more healthily and get a teaser of one of her latest goals.
The Societies of Photographers website
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Swiss wedding photographer Steffi Blochwitz joins us in this episode to talk about photography, self-image, her cats and more. She recently won the 20x16 Print Wedding - Open Photographer of the Year & the Wedding - Couple Together Photographer of the Year titles with The Societies of Photographers. Here she is with her cat "Nuts"!
Some Examples of Steffi's work:
Follow Steffi on Instagram
Visit Steffi's website
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Special guest Neil Shearer shares his story and also his thoughts on creativity, CGI, AI, and more. Neil is a qualified Fellow (IFSWPP) and recently won the 20x16 Print Advertising & Commercial Photographer of the Year title.
Images ©Neil Shearer, 2024
See more of Neil's commercial photography and personal work
You can also keep up to date with his latest projects by following Neil on Instagram
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Hanna Neret, the creative trophy-collecting genius from Sweden joins us in this episode. Her images have won numerous accolades including the 2022 Societies Photographer of the Year. She gives us an insight into how she creates her masterpieces and what motivates her.
Images ©Hanna Neret. See more of her work on Hanna's Instagram
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FSWPP Master Photographer Scott Johnson joins us to share what motivates him in his photography. Famous for his world class wedding photography, Scott is also diversifying both for his business and personal enjoyment. Enjoy his amusing anecdotes and find out what Scott couldn't do without if he is to remain a nice guy!
See more of Scott's work at The Edge website
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Why set goals? How should we choose them in the first place? Motivation comes from our needs. Having more of our needs met leads to a greater sense of satisfaction. Setting goals based on our motivators and needs helps to ensure that we are aiming for something that has genuine purpose and meaning for us. It can also make persevering through difficulties that much easier. This episode of the Focused Professional Podcast looks in detail about the role that goals can play for us.
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Does your business suit your personality? As professional photographers we are essentially our brand. So, if we keep trying to do things that don't work for our personality then there is a good chance that people will notice some dissonance in our brand. By understanding ourselves better we can find ways of doing activities such as marketing in ways that are more natural for us. This not only makes it easier for us, it also means that our prospective clients will see a more authentic brand.
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How can we be happy as professional photographers? The key lies in our motivation. If we are able to work in line with our motivators then we can feel happier and that we are achieving more. Ignoring what really motivates us can leave us frustrated and unhappy. This episode is an introduction to motivating factors that can affect photographers when running their own business. It is presented by Joe Lenton, mentor & business coach at Focused Professional.
