Artist Date with Nicole Romanoff: Conversations on Creativity, Courage, and Photography

Nicole Romanoff
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Welcome to Artist Date, the podcast where we dive deep into the art and business of photography. Join host Nicole Romanoff as she interviews talented photographers, uncovering their career journeys, creative processes, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer, a seasoned professional, or simply a lover of the visual arts, Artist Date offers insights and inspiration for every stage of your creative journey. In addition to captivating interviews, solo episodes explore business strategies, pricing, and practical tips to help you thrive as a creative entrepreneur. Tune in, get inspired, and let’s grow together—one artist date at a time!

  1. FEB 3

    Liam Richards: From Photojournalism to the Grey Cup

    In this episode of Artist Date, I sit down with Liam Richards, founder of Electric Umbrella Images, to talk about a career built on trust, ethics, and adaptability. From early days in photojournalism to shooting major sporting events like the Grey Cup, Liam shares what it means to work on the front lines of storytelling, how he navigates high-pressure environments, and why community-focused work has always been at the heart of his studio. This conversation is an honest look at longevity, responsibility, and building a creative business rooted in integrity. Key Takeaways Story always comes before the image. Strong photography is grounded in context, responsibility, and intention, not just aesthetics. Sports photography is about anticipation. Knowing the game, the flow, and the moments before they happen is just as important as technical skill. Ethics matter in visual storytelling. The way images are captured and shared carries real responsibility, especially in news and community work. Adaptability is essential for longevity. From breaking news to corporate campaigns, being able to shift roles and environments keeps a career sustainable. Community shapes creative work. Staying rooted locally while working on national and global stories builds trust and perspective. A studio is more than a brand name. Building a business beyond your personal identity creates space for collaboration and growth. You do not have to post everything right away. Sitting with your work can change how you see it, and sometimes waiting brings clarity. Loved this conversation? Subscribe to the Artist Date newsletter so you never miss an episode. If this one resonated, share it with a photographer or creative who is curious about sports, storytelling, or building a values-driven career. Follow along for behind-the-scenes moments and new episode updates: @nicoleromanoffphoto @artistdatepodcast You can also watch the full episode on YouTube by clicking HERE. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

    57 min

  2. JAN 27

    Jackie Kalch: The Art of Honest Weddings

    In this episode of Artist Date, I sit down with Calgary-based wedding photographer Jackie Kalch, whose work blends relaxed editorial beauty with documentary honesty. Jackie shares how her path from engineering to photography shaped her technical confidence, how her Bulgarian roots taught her to value simplicity and story, and how motherhood shifted the way she documents weddings and families. This conversation is full of perspective, creative clarity, and a reminder that the most powerful images are the ones that bring you right back to how it felt. Key Takeaways Your past life becomes your creative advantage. Jackie’s engineering background shaped how she learns, problem-solves, and builds consistency in her work. Study what you love, then translate it. Instead of copying, Jackie breaks images down like a case study to understand what draws her in and why. Film forces intention. Shooting film slows you down, changes your decision-making, and helps you trust the moment over perfection. Trends will change, story will not. Styles evolve fast, but honest emotion and lived-in images always hold value. Motherhood shifts your lens. Becoming a parent changed what Jackie notices and what she prioritizes in wedding and family storytelling. The best moments happen during cocktail hour. Jackie’s favorite part of the day is where guests relax, connect, and become fully themselves. Be both approachable and invisible. Great documentary work requires comfort, trust, and the ability to blend into the room without freezing it. Perfection is not the goal. Social media is a highlight reel, but real galleries hold the full story, including the imperfect frames that feel the most true. Loved this conversation? Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Artist Date. If this one resonated, share it with a photographer friend who loves film, storytelling, and documenting real life. Follow along here for more behind-the-scenes and new episode updates: @nicoleromanoffphoto @artistdatepodcast And you can watch the full episode on YouTube by searching Artist Date Podcast. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

    42 min

  3. JAN 20

    Rebecca Frank: Create With Soul, Not for the Scroll

    In this episode, I’m sitting down with Calgary-based wedding and couples photographer Rebecca Frank for a heart-forward conversation about intention, imperfection, and what it means to keep growing—even when it means becoming a beginner again. We talk about the realities of building a sustainable photography career, why film has brought Rebecca back to the “why” behind her work, and how to stay inspired in a world that constantly pulls us toward speed, trends, and perfection. If you’ve been craving a creative reset, this episode is your reminder to slow down, feel more, and make work that actually means something. Key Takeaways Heart over hustle. You can make good money in photography, but long-term success requires real passion and intention. Let yourself be a beginner again. Film (and any new craft) challenges your ego, but that discomfort is where growth lives. Intention changes everything. Film slows you down, asks you to commit, and forces you to shoot with purpose. Your lab matters. Scanning, consistency, and trust with a lab can dramatically shape the final look of your film work. Inspiration comes from living. Personal projects, design, and experiences outside of work keep creativity alive. People matter more than size. The best weddings aren’t about guest count—they’re about the energy, love, and story. Make them feel something. The goal isn’t perfect images—it’s emotional images that let people see themselves and their people. Feedback is a gift. Even when it stings, it’s the fastest path to better systems, stronger boundaries, and better work. Loved this conversation? If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe so you never miss a Tuesday drop. Share it with a photographer friend who needs a creative reset, and leave a review, it helps more artists find the show. Follow along for behind-the-scenes + updates: @nicoleromanoffphoto @artistdatepodcast  AND subscribe to the Artist Date newsletter and be the first to know when a new podcast drops: Subscribe here! Don’t forget: you can watch full episodes on YouTube: search Artist Date Podcast and hit subscribe.

    56 min

  4. JAN 13

    Chris Nicholls: How to Stand Out When Everyone’s a Photographer

    In this episode, I’m joined by legendary fashion and beauty photographer Chris Nicholls to talk about how to stand out when everyone’s a photographer. We explore his journey from a shy, nature-loving kid with a camera to creating iconic fashion and celebrity imagery, and why experimentation—not perfection—is the key to work that truly lasts. Chris shares how he builds trust on high-pressure sets, his philosophy on lighting and large-scale productions, and what it really takes to create images that rise above the noise. Key Takeaways Everything is practice. No image is final—each shoot is a step toward the next, better one. Good isn’t enough anymore. In a world flooded with images, excellence is what creates distinction. Start with a framework, not a script. Mood boards guide the vision, but flexibility creates magic. Trust fuels great work. Whether photographing celebrities or collaborators, alignment is everything. Lighting is a language. Understanding how light behaves is what elevates an image from nice to unforgettable. Failing is part of the process. The strongest images often come after the first attempts don’t work. Create more than you consume. Mastery comes from time with the camera, not time scrolling. Beautiful light is a gift. Photographing someone well is about helping them see what’s already there. Loved this conversation? If this episode resonated with you, subscribe so you never miss a new Tuesday drop. Share it with a photographer friend who needs a creative reset, and leave a review to help more artists find the show. Follow along for behind-the-scenes + updates: @nicoleromanoffphoto @artistdatepodcast You can also watch full episodes on YouTube—search Artist Date Podcast and hit subscribe. 🎥 Watch Chris Nicholls’ fashion video series “The Shot” here: https://youtu.be/4HRJBdYQObA?si=z8GrQpQNGSSckkR8

    1h 3m

  5. 2025-12-16

    Taiya Davidsen: Creating the Work You Want to Book

    In this episode of Artist Date, I’m sitting down with Calgary-based wedding photographer Taiya Davidsen, a storyteller known for her warm presence, calm energy, and relaxed editorial-meets-documentary style. Taiya shares how she went from shooting friends’ grad photos to building a thriving wedding business, why client experience and word of mouth are the real secret to longevity, and how she stays grounded in the beautiful chaos of a wedding day. We also talk about shooting with intention, energy-matching your clients, finding confidence behind the camera, getting published, and why creating the work you want to book is the fastest way to grow. Key Takeaways Client experience is everything. What people remember about how you made them feel matters just as much as the photos. Calm is contagious. Showing up grounded and collected helps your clients relax—and sets the tone for the entire day. Energy-matching creates better images. Reading the room (and your couple’s personalities) leads to more natural, authentic photos. Simple posing creates endless variety. Small shifts in angles, hands, and direction can create a full gallery from one location. Back-of-camera builds instant trust. If clients feel nervous, a quick preview can boost confidence and deepen collaboration. Word of mouth is the best marketing. Great work + great experience creates a snowball effect through friends, family, and bridal parties. Features are a creative milestone. Publications can be deeply fulfilling—especially in a digital world—but they’re not the only growth lever. Create what you want to book. Planning shoots (even for free at first) is how you show your vision and attract aligned clients. Loved this conversation? If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you’d subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a photographer friend who’s building their business right now. Follow along for behind-the-scenes and weekly inspiration: @nicoleromanoffphoto and @artistdatepodcast  and don’t forget you can watch the full episode on YouTube.

    35 min

  6. 2025-12-09

    Nick Merzetti: Fashion Photography, AI, and the Future of Image-Making

    In this episode of Artist Date, Nicole sits down with Toronto-based fashion and commercial photographer Nick Merzetti for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, courage, and navigating a rapidly changing industry. From finding photography later in life after biotech and creative writing, to dealing with social anxiety, to the wild story of a single fashion show that changed his entire career, Nick shares honestly about what it really takes to make your own luck. They talk about AI as a tool (not a shortcut), staying creatively relevant as we age, exploring your inner artist, and why being a strong, compassionate “captain” on set matters more than having the fanciest gear. It’s an inspiring, grounded conversation for any photographer wondering how to keep making meaningful work in an uncertain future. Key Takeaways Your path doesn’t have to be linear – Nick tried creative writing and biotech before a single trip with a borrowed camera gave him that “lightning bolt” moment and changed everything. You’re never “too late” to start – Both Nicole and Nick found photography professionally later in life, proving that your thing can find you in your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. Compulsion to create is the real “why” – For Nick, the core motivation isn’t money or clout; it’s the feeling of being proud of something he’s made and the emotional nourishment that comes from creating. Make your own luck through connection – His career inflection point came from saying yes to a fashion show, pushing through social anxiety, and walking into a room he technically wasn’t supposed to be in — which led to major campaigns and runway work. Being a strong captain matters more than being the smartest tech – Technical skills and understanding light are essential, but what really makes a shoot work is clear vision, communication, planning, and the ability to lead a team with confidence. AI is a tool, not a substitute for integrity – Nick shares how he uses AI to solve real production and post-production problems (like hair and budgets), while calling out the ethical issues of passing fully AI-made images off as photography. Inspiration lives in community and solitude – Surrounding yourself with artists who challenge you, walking through galleries, moving your body, and spending time away from screens can all help you hear your inner artist more clearly. Invest in the next chapter of your craft – From moving into creative direction and motion work to saving for self-funded passion projects, Nick talks about scaling your skillset so your vision — not just your shutter — is what clients hire you for. Loved this conversation? If this episode sparked something in you: Subscribe to Artist Date wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Share this conversation with a photographer or creative friend who needs encouragement in this season. Follow on Instagram: @nickmerzetti @nicoleromanoffphoto @artistdatepodcast Watch this episode on YouTube by searching “Artist Date Nicole Romanoff Nick Merzetti” and subscribe to the channel for more creative conversations.

    52 min

  7. 2025-12-02

    Emilie Iggiotti: Authentic Branding in an AI-Obsessed World

    Episode Summary From Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean to a thriving portrait and branding business in Edmonton, photographer Emilie Iggiotti has never taken the conventional path. In this conversation, Emilie shares how she left law school behind, built a values-driven brand centered on real people and minimally retouched images, and created a three-scene branding framework that helps clients feel seen, not just styled. We talk about recovered people-pleasing, rush fees and boundaries, light-touch editing, and how to hold onto authenticity in an era where AI “perfection” is just a click away. If you’ve ever questioned your style, your pricing, or your stance on retouching, this episode is both grounding and galvanizing. Key Takeaways From law to lenses: Emilie walked away from a legal career in France after the 2007 financial crisis, discovering photography through scrapbooking and slowly building a business from the ground up. Portraits beyond milestones: She creates space for women to be photographed outside of weddings, motherhood, or family roles—simply because they exist, feel good, and want to celebrate who they are right now. Three-scene branding framework: Emilie structures every branding shoot around three “scenes”—classic portraits, action shots that show the work, and relaxed portraits that reveal the human behind the brand. Boundaries for recovered people-pleasers: She shares how being a “recovered people pleaser” taught her to say no, protect her process, and recognize when a client isn’t ready or aligned for a branding session. Rush fees with intention: Inspired by graphic designers, Emilie introduced a rush-editing fee for clients who need images within a few days—creating a fair exchange for faster turnaround without burning out. Editing that honours reality: Working primarily in Lightroom with natural, punchy tones, Emilie embraces minimal retouching—removing temporary blemishes but rejecting heavy body/face alteration. Taking a stand in the age of AI: Emilie is vocal about not wanting to create cartoon-like, AI-level perfection, instead championing real faces, real skin, and imperfect humanity as a core brand value. Leading with values, not trends: From who she works with to how she edits, Emilie uses her values as a filter for every decision, trusting that the right clients are looking for honesty over hyper-polish. Loved this conversation? If this episode with Emilie resonated with you, make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss future conversations with photographers and creatives. Share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder that their real, imperfect self is more than enough to build a beautiful brand. Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes, episode updates, and more: @nicoleromanoffphoto @artistdatepodcast You can now watch full episodes on YouTube – just search “Artist Date Podcast”, hit subscribe, and join us there visually too. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

    40 min

  8. 2025-11-25

    Alyssa Lancaster: The Unfiltered Reality of Fashion Photography

    At just 25, Toronto-based fashion and beauty photographer Alyssa Lancaster has already shot at New York and Milan Fashion Weeks, collaborated with Tiffany & Co., and built a career rooted in authenticity and emotion. In this episode, Alyssa shares how her early move from the West Coast to Toronto shaped her artistic path, what she’s learned from working behind the lens in a fast-paced industry, and why she believes real artistry begins with intention—not imitation. It’s a conversation about finding your creative voice, embracing imperfection, and redefining what beauty looks like in today’s fashion world. Key Takeaways Create from intention, not imitation. Alyssa shares how authenticity drives her work and helps her stay true to her creative vision. Your story shapes your art. Her journey from growing up out West to shooting global campaigns taught her to see beauty in imperfection. Body positivity is more than a trend. Alyssa’s work celebrates real people and real beauty, showing how diversity and emotion connect with audiences. Experimentation builds confidence. She spent months shooting personal projects to refine her lighting, posing, and creative direction. Fashion evolves, and so should you. Alyssa’s shift from editorial to commercial work shows the importance of growth and adaptability. The business side matters. From finding mentors to understanding finances, Alyssa opens up about what it really takes to build a photography career. Connection is everything. Her human-first approach reminds us that great photography begins with trust and conversation. Your art is your fingerprint. Alyssa encourages creators to lean into what makes their work unique—because no one else sees the world like you do. Loved this conversation? 🎧 Subscribe to Artist Date with Nicole Romanoff wherever you get your podcasts. 💬 Share this episode with a fellow creative who needs the reminder to stay authentic. 📸 Follow @nicoleromanoffphoto and @artistdatepodcast for behind-the-scenes stories and upcoming guest features. ▶️ Watch the full episode on YouTube for more creative conversations and visual inspiration.

    38 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Welcome to Artist Date, the podcast where we dive deep into the art and business of photography. Join host Nicole Romanoff as she interviews talented photographers, uncovering their career journeys, creative processes, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer, a seasoned professional, or simply a lover of the visual arts, Artist Date offers insights and inspiration for every stage of your creative journey. In addition to captivating interviews, solo episodes explore business strategies, pricing, and practical tips to help you thrive as a creative entrepreneur. Tune in, get inspired, and let’s grow together—one artist date at a time!

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