The Art & Soul Show - Photography Podcast for Newborn and Family Photographers

Lisa DiGeso, The Milky Way
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Welcome to the Art and Soul Show where we dive heart-opening chats on photography, business, life and that messy in-between. You're more than a photographer. You're an artist, a dreamer, a business boss, and a creative. Listen in for conversations and advice on running a photography business, mindset, and creativity. This is the place you can go when you need a boost of encouragement, a kick in the pants, and inspiration to pick up your camera.

  1. 6D AGO

    Rising From the Rubble: When Your Business Feels Like It’s at Rock Bottom

    “Rock bottom in business is not a sign of failure. It’s a signpost.” At some point, every creative entrepreneur will face a season when business feels like it’s crumbling: the clients aren’t booking, the passion is gone, or life circumstances make it feel impossible to keep going. In this episode, I share how to rise from those “rubble” seasons with honesty, clarity, and resilience. You’ll hear my perspective on why rock bottom isn’t the end; it’s often the beginning of building something more sustainable, aligned, and life-giving. What’s in this episode: [00:35] What hitting rock bottom in business can look like[01:40] Why rock bottom is a signpost, not a failure[03:00] The shame of rubble seasons and why no one posts about them[03:45] First steps for rising: pausing, honesty, and simplification[05:00] The role of support and community in rebuilding[05:40] Returning to your why and redefining success on your termsRock bottom might feel like the end, but it can actually be the beginning, the moment you stop chasing someone else’s version of success and start building one that truly fits your life. For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

    7 min

  2. FEB 4

    When You Stop “Shoulding” and Start Listening with Fruzsina Jonas

    There comes a moment in every photographer’s journey when the rules stop working, even though you are doing everything “right.” The templates feel tight. The “right” way feels wrong. And the business advice you are trying to follow does not actually match the people sitting in front of you. In this episode, I sit down with Fruzsina of Captured Magic to talk about what happens when you stop building your business around what you should do and start listening to what your clients are actually asking for. We talk honestly about pricing, packages, wall art, digitals, and the confidence it takes to trust your own judgment instead of chasing industry formulas. Fruzsina shares how her pricing evolved over time, why she offers different options for different clients, and how learning to observe her clients’ behavior helped her shape a business that feels aligned instead of forced. We also talk about the emotional side of newborn photography, holding space for new parents, and why empathy and flexibility matter just as much as technique. This conversation is a powerful reminder that you know your clients better than anyone else, even when you are second-guessing yourself. When you listen closely and build from that place, your business becomes calmer, clearer, and far more sustainable. What’s in this episode: [00:02:30] Fruzsina’s journey into newborn photography and building a business in a new country[00:06:30] Why trends and props eventually stopped serving her clients[00:09:00] Creating a studio experience that feels like home, not a showroom[00:12:30] Home studio versus rented studio and why pricing does not depend on location[00:14:00] Why pricing and packages are the hardest part of the business[00:15:00] Offering different session types to meet different client needs[00:16:00] Why prints lost value for many clients and how wall art shifted instead[00:17:30] Letting go of “one right way” to run a photography business[00:21:00] Supporting new parents emotionally during sessions[00:24:00] Managing emotional energy and difficult dynamics during shoots[00:29:00] A simple reset for photographers who feel stuck or overwhelmedIf you have ever felt torn between industry advice and your own instincts, this conversation with Fruzsina will remind you that you are not behind, and that building a business around your real clients is not only allowed. It is so powerful. For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/ Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat!

    38 min

  3. JAN 28

    Building a Profitable Photography Studio Without Burnout with Talea Wright

    Pricing is not just a numbers game. It is the foundation of a sustainable photography business. In this episode, I chat with Talea Wright to have an honest conversation about pricing, cost of doing business, and what it truly takes to build a profitable studio that lasts. Talea shares her experience opening her first studio at twenty years old, navigating pricing mistakes early on, and learning how to charge in a way that supports both her clients and her life. We talk about why so many photographers underprice their work, how studio expenses and overhead impact pricing decisions, and why selling products is not about being pushy but about serving clients well. Talea also shares how clarity, education, and confidence play a major role in helping clients understand the value of what they are investing in. This conversation is a practical look at pricing from someone who has built a long-term business by doing the math, honoring her worth, and committing to sustainability over shortcuts. What’s in this episode: [03:30] How studio ownership impacts pricing decisions[06:00] Common pricing mistakes photographers make early on[09:30] Understanding the cost of doing business beyond session fees[13:00] Why underpricing leads to burnout[16:30] Selling products as part of client care, not pressure[19:30] Educating clients so pricing feels clear and aligned[23:30] Creating pricing that supports long-term sustainability[27:30] Confidence, consistency, and standing behind your numbersIf pricing has ever felt confusing, uncomfortable, or overwhelming, the amazing advice in this episode from Talea will help you rethink how you charge and why it matters. For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/ Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat!

    39 min

  4. JAN 21

    The Art of Connection in Photography with Russell Jackson

    Connection is what turns a photograph into a memory. In this episode, I sat down with Russell Jackson to talk about the power of connection in photography and why the way your clients feel during a session matters just as much as the final images. Russell shares how prioritizing presence, emotional safety, and genuine interaction creates photographs that move people long after the session ends. We talk about how connection shows up in subtle ways like touch, proximity, and quiet moments, why forced smiles often disconnect us from real emotion, and how slowing down allows photographers to capture something far more meaningful than perfection. Russell reflects on powerful sessions that changed the way he sees photography and the responsibility that comes with documenting life’s most meaningful moments. This conversation is a reminder that photography is not just about light, lenses, or technique. It is about people, relationships, and the stories we are trusted to hold. What’s in this episode: [02:00] Russell’s photography beginnings in South Africa and how wildlife and documentary work shaped his eye[07:00] Why Russell views newborn photography as family photography and the importance of celebrating connection[12:00] Moving away from props and distractions to focus on emotion and relationships[18:00] How physical closeness, touch, and proximity create stronger emotional images[19:00] Helping reluctant dads feel comfortable and present during sessions[20:00] The responsibility photographers carry when images become a family’s most important memories[22:00] Why forced smiles disconnect emotion, and how Russell encourages natural expression[35:00] Letting go of comparison and focusing on growth, confidence, and your own lane[51:00] How curiosity keeps artists evolvingIf you have ever worried about getting everything “right” during a session, this conversation with Russell will gently remind you that real connection, not perfection, is what creates photographs that last. For full show notes, resources, links, and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/ Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat!

    54 min

  5. JAN 14

    Mind Your Own Business: Artistic Clarity with Victoria Burcusel

    Simplicity is not just an aesthetic choice. It is a business approach that can give photographers more clarity, more consistency, and more confidence. For newborn photographer Victoria Burcusel, removing the excess helped her strengthen her style, streamline her process, and build a studio experience that truly reflects her values. In this episode, Victoria shares her journey from Romania to New Zealand to Australia and how each chapter shaped her creative identity. We talk about choosing a niche, learning from trusted mentors, developing strong lighting skills, and the power of creating with intention instead of relying on every prop or trend that comes along. Victoria opens up about the mistakes she made early in her career, the pressure she felt to buy everything, the studio redesign that changed everything for her clients, and the freedom that came when she stopped trying to please everyone. Her honesty about growth, refinement, and staying true to what she loves will resonate with photographers in every stage. If you have ever felt overwhelmed by trends, props, comparison, or the pressure to do more, Victoria’s story will encourage you to simplify, trust your foundations, and create from a place of confidence. What’s in this episode: [02:15] Victoria’s journey from Romania to New Zealand to Australia[05:10] How she discovered newborn photography and why it clicked[08:20] The early overwhelm of buying too many props[10:42] Learning from mentors and what truly moved the needle[13:55] How simplifying her studio transformed her style[16:20] Lighting foundations and why they matter more than props[18:40] Creating a client experience that feels calm and intentional[21:05] The moment she stopped trying to please everyone[24:10] Why consistency creates confidence for both artist and client[26:50] Advice for photographers who feel unsure of their styleIf you have ever felt overwhelmed by trends, props, comparison, or the pressure to do more, this conversation with Victoria will reassure you that less can truly lead to more. For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/ Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat!

    42 min

  6. JAN 7

    From Trend Cycles to Original Creations: How the Newborn Nerds Built a Thriving Prop Brand

    Props come and go. Trends cycle in and out. But creativity, craftsmanship, and connection are what truly make a photography brand last. In this episode, I am joined by sisters Lindsey Stock and Amy Guenther of The Newborn Nerds. We talk about what really goes into designing timeless props, why color never goes out of style, how to use trends without losing yourself, and the details that elevate even the simplest setups. Lindsey and Amy open up about embracing growth, navigating copycats, staying inspired as artists, and the leap of faith it took to expand their prop business. Their honesty about risk, creativity and longevity will inspire any photographer who wants to create art that truly stands out. If you have ever wondered how to keep your style original in a fast-changing industry, this conversation is full of encouragement and practical wisdom. What’s in this episode: [02:40] Why props created by photographers hit differently[06:20] Color theory and why single tones never go out of style[09:45] The biggest mistakes photographers make when styling newborn sessions[12:00] The tiny details that elevate a setup[18:45] Challenging yourself creatively with unexpected prop requests[20:15] Why you should experiment with models before trying new poses on clients[22:00] Navigating copycats and staying rooted in originality[25:00] The leap of faith behind scaling their prop businessIf you want to create cleaner, stronger and more timeless images with fewer props and more intention, this episode with Lindsey and Amy will help you return to the heart of your craft. For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/ Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat!

    34 min

  7. 12/31/2025

    How to Build a High-End In-Home Newborn Brand with Chelsea Hickey

    Photographers sometimes assume luxury is reserved for studios, but today’s guest proves that a high-end experience can thrive right inside your clients’ homes. Chelsea Hickey, the award-winning photographer behind Chicky Little Photography, specializes in in-home newborn storytelling sessions outside of Boston. Averaging $7,000 newborn sales and $4,000 across all genres, she’s built a thriving luxury brand rooted in service, simplicity, and confident systems. In this conversation, Chelsea shares how she made the leap from burnout-pricing to sustainable profit, why luxury is really about ease and service, and how to confidently guide clients through IPS without feeling “salesy.” She also breaks down money mindset, transparent pricing, outsourcing retouching, and why understanding your cost-of-doing-business will completely change your business. If you’ve ever dreamed of higher sales, smoother sessions, and a brand that feels elevated without being overwhelming, this episode is a game-changer. What’s in this episode: [02:00] Chelsea’s start in photography and the burnout that forced a pivot[04:00] Why she chose in-home newborn sessions over a traditional studio[05:00] What luxury actually means (and why service is the foundation)[06:00] How she structures her in-home newborn workflow from start to finish[08:00] What Chelsea shifted to average $7K newborn sales[10:00] Reframing IPS as service, not sales[11:00] Overcoming money mindset, and pricing fears[13:00] Working less, earning more, and taking 6–7 vacations a year[17:00] Paying yourself and the tax lesson that changed everything[20:00] Transparent pricing without overwhelming clients[23:00] Outsourcing retouching + why “Who Not How” changed her workflow[29:00] Gift certificates, portfolio building sessions & how to use them wisely[30:00] The first small step toward the luxury market[31:00] Chelsea’s courses & resources for photographersIf the luxury world has ever felt like something other photographers could access but not you, Chelsea’s guidance will help you see what’s possible and what you can start shifting right now. For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/ Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat!

    35 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    How Do I Know I'm Ready to Charge?

    “You will never feel ready. Ready is not a feeling. It is a decision.” Every photographer reaches a moment when they wonder if they are truly ready to charge. The doubt, the imposter syndrome, the fear of disappointing someone. It all shows up right when you are trying to step into the next version of your business. In this episode, I share the honest truth about knowing when you are ready to charge, what actually matters before you take that leap, and what does not matter nearly as much as you think. You will hear how free work shaped my early years, why validation is not the same as growth, and how consistency will give you more confidence than waiting for permission ever will. What’s in this episode: [00:15] My story of charging before I felt ready[01:00] The hidden pitfalls of staying in “free session” mode[01:45] Validation versus genuine improvement[02:50] Skills you actually need before you begin charging[03:40] Simple business foundations that help you feel prepared[04:20] Why the feeling of readiness never arrives[05:10] The most common mistake new photographers make[05:55] How to know if your work is consistent enough[06:30] A gentle pep talk if you are scared to chargeStepping into paid work is not about being perfect. It is about being trustworthy, consistent, and willing to learn as you go. If you have been waiting for the moment you finally feel ready, this episode will help you see that you may already be there. For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

    7 min
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4.9
out of 5
75 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Art and Soul Show where we dive heart-opening chats on photography, business, life and that messy in-between. You're more than a photographer. You're an artist, a dreamer, a business boss, and a creative. Listen in for conversations and advice on running a photography business, mindset, and creativity. This is the place you can go when you need a boost of encouragement, a kick in the pants, and inspiration to pick up your camera.

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