My Creative Journey (Photography Podcast)

Mike Jeffrey
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Hosted by Wedding Photographer and Nikon Australia Ambassador Mike Jeffrey, each episode explores real and honest stories behind photographers who are putting themselves out there. It's not just the wins, but also the doubts, pivots, failures and mindset shifts that have shaped their creative journey. If you care about growth, community and becoming the kind of photographer who's still around in 10 years, this podcast is for you. New episodes release every Monday!

  1. 3D AGO

    S04 E14 - Flash Fundamentals Every Wedding Photographer Should Know (with Laura Shepherd)

    Laura Shepherd is a wedding photographer, flash enthusiast and educator based in Portland, Oregon known for her bold, editorial style and refreshingly simple approach to off camera flash. In this episode, we go deep into flash photography and break down why so many photographers overcomplicate it. Laura shares how she learned flash early in her career, why she believes light is creative rather than technical and intimidating and how simplifying education has become part of her mission. We also dive into her journey from working in marketing at Nike, to becoming a corporate flight attendant, to discovering photography during 2020 and completely changing her life. She talks openly about imposter syndrome, burnout, social media, and what it means to be an introvert building community online. If flash has ever confused you, intimidated you, or felt overly technical, this conversation will help you rethink it completely. Laura's Off Camera Flash Guide: https://www.laurashepherdimages.com/product-page/master-guide-to-off-camera-flash Say Hi to Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurashepherdimages/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laura_shepherd_images Sign up for updates from Laura about new courses & guides: https://mailchi.mp/09a9bef98304/laura-shepherd-images-email-list In this episode we talk about: - Why flash doesn’t have to look flashy - How to actually understand aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and flash working together - The biggest mistakes photographers make when learning flash - Why copying someone else’s settings will never work - TTL vs manual on real wedding days - How to recognise flash in other people’s work - Using higher apertures like f/8, f/11 or even f/14 for that editorial look - When one flash is enough and when two lights make sense - How to get comfortable moving your flash off camera Thanks for tuning in and if you did enjoy todays episode, make sure to leave a Rating or Review on your platform of choice. Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikejeffreyphoto/ Mike's TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mikejeffreyphoto/ Editing and Post Production by Mossy Heart Media https://www.mossyheartmedia.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/mossyheartmedia/ Music Created by JWPATON https://www.instagram.com/jwptn/

    1h 27m

  2. FEB 15

    S04 E13 - The Mindset You Need to Start Teaching Photography (with Gunawan)

    Gunawan has built a strong name for himself in Astrophotography. He runs in person workshops, he has worked with major brands and now he is asking a bigger question…. How do you turn everything you’ve learned into something you can sell? In this episode, Mike and G unpack what it really looks like to move into photography education. Not some fake polished version, but the real version with doubts, imposter syndrome and the fear that you're not ready yet. G shares his goal of launching an astrophotography course and expanding into workshops as Mike talks through the exact hurdles he is facing right now. Automation, Platforms, Pricing, Confidence, Audience expectations. All of it is in this episode. We want to show you that you do not need to be the best to teach. You only need to be a few steps ahead of the person you are helping. But you have to be willing to put yourself out there and learn as you go. This episode is not a polished masterclass. It's just two photographers and friends figuring it out in public. If you have ever thought about teaching, launching a course, or running workshops, this episode is for you. Join the waitlist for Gunawan's Astrophotography Course: https://red-imagination-photography.kit.com/880d1a3724 Tourhero x Gunawan Bali Photography Tour 2026: https://www.tourhero.com/en/epic-adventures/indonesia/the-island-illuminated-a-bali-photography-journey-with-g-gunawan-280333558 Connect with Gunawan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/red_imagination_adventure/ Thanks for tuning in and if you did enjoy todays episode, make sure to leave a Rating or Review on your platform of choice. Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikejeffreyphoto/ Mike's TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mikejeffreyphoto/ Editing and Post Production by Mossy Heart Media https://www.mossyheartmedia.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/mossyheartmedia/ Music Created by JWPATON https://www.instagram.com/jwptn/

    1h 11m

  3. FEB 9

    S04 E12 - You Don’t Have to Niche Down to Succeed in Photography (with Chihiro Yanagi)

    Photographers should niche down, choose one style and stick to it! Sounds familiar right. But what if you enjoy a lot of different things? In this episode, I’m joined by Chihiro Yanagi to talk about creativity, identity and why doing everything can actually bring more joy and success. Creativity should feel enjoyable. It shouldn’t feel like a test you’re constantly failing. This isn’t a conversation about ignoring advice or doing things the wrong way. It’s about trusting where you are and giving yourself room to grow. Chihiro also shares the story of how she found photography unexpectedly lonely when she moved from Japan to Australia. This led her to start Senpo, a photo walk community designed to help people find others to create with. It started as a simple post asking if anyone wanted to go for a photo walk. What followed truly surprised her. Say Hi to Chihiro on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/picsbychii/ Keep up to date with SENPO Photowalks https://www.instagram.com/senpo.photowalk/ Thanks for tuning in and if you did enjoy todays episode, make sure to leave a Rating or Review on your platform of choice. Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikejeffreyphoto/ Mike's TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mikejeffreyphoto/ Editing and Post Production by Mossy Heart Media https://www.mossyheartmedia.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/mossyheartmedia/ Music Created by JWPATON https://www.instagram.com/jwptn/

    59 min

  4. FEB 1

    S04 E11 - 30 Years of Photography Taught Me This About Passion and Purpose (with Gavin Blue)

    Gavin Blue OAM is the founder and current president of Heartfelt Australia New Zealand, a volunteer run charity that provides free professional photography to families experiencing stillbirth, terminal illness, or life threatening conditions in children. Since its founding, Heartfelt has grown to more than 300 volunteer photographers and has supported over 19,500 families across Australia and New Zealand. In addition to his photographic work, Gavin has been a long standing leader within the photography industry, previously serving as president of the Australian Commercial and Media Photographers association and contributing to national photographic awards and professional standards. In recognition of his service to the community through Heartfelt, Gavin was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2019. In this episode, Gavin shares reflections from three decades behind the camera, what photography has taught him about purpose, and how personal loss led to the creation of one of Australia’s most impactful photography charities. Volunteer/Donate with Heartfelt - https://heartfelt.org.au/get-involved Say Hi to Gavin: Website - https://www.gavinblue.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gavinbluephoto/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gavinbluephoto/ Thanks for tuning in and if you did enjoy todays episode, make sure to leave a Rating or Review on your platform of choice. Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikejeffreyphoto/ Mike's TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mikejeffreyphoto/ Editing and Post Production by Mossy Heart Media https://www.mossyheartmedia.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/mossyheartmedia/ Music Created by JWPATON https://www.instagram.com/jwptn/

    55 min

  5. JAN 25

    S04 E10 - Cinematic vs Documentary Photography: What We All Get Wrong (with Cailee Maeve)

    Cailee Maeve is a Wedding, Couples & Family Photographer known for her cinematic style and her honest approach to storytelling through photography. In this episode, we talk about why candid photography is one of the most misunderstood concepts in photography, and why many so called candid photos are far more directed than photographers like to admit. We talk through the difference between candid, documentary, cinematic, and storytelling photography, why these styles often get confused, and how photographers can figure out which approach actually suits them instead of copying trends or hiding behind buzzwords. Cailee also opens up about her journey back into photography, how motherhood reshaped the way she sees moments and memory and why she feels more aligned shooting emotional, story driven work rather than trying to be completely hands off. Later in the conversation, we dive into her recent growth on Instagram, what it feels like to suddenly have more eyes on your work, how she deals with criticism and pushback online, and how she is learning to stay true to her style while stepping into teaching and education. Say Hi to Cailee Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/caileemaevephotography Website - https://www.caileemaevephotography.com Thanks for tuning in and if you did enjoy todays episode, make sure to leave a Rating or Review on your platform of choice. Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikejeffreyphoto/ Mike's TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mikejeffreyphoto/ Editing and Post Production by Mossy Heart Media https://www.mossyheartmedia.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/mossyheartmedia/ Music Created by JWPATON https://www.instagram.com/jwptn/

    1h 50m

  6. JAN 19

    EPISODE 100 - 7 Reasons Photographers Get Stuck and How to Move Forward

    Photographers don't fail because they lack talent. They fail because of the patterns they fall into under pressure. In this episode, Mike breaks down seven personality traits that can quietly hold your photography business back, even when you are working hard and doing “all the right things.” This isn't a conversation about cameras, presets or marketing hacks. It's about waiting for permission before acting, relying on motivation instead of discipline and letting your money anxiety drive decisions. If your photography business feels stuck, this episode offers a different place to look. Thanks for tuning in and if you did enjoy todays episode, make sure to leave a Rating or Review on your platform of choice. Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mycreativepodcast/ Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikejeffreyphoto/ Mike's TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mikejeffreyphoto/

    1h 15m

  7. 12/28/2025

    S04 E08 - Photography Lessons I Didn’t Learn Until 2025

    This is a recap of conversations that stuck with me this year and quietly shaped how I think about photography, work and growth. Instead of short highlight clips I’ve pulled longer excerpts from full length podcast conversations so you can actually sit with the ideas and not just skim past them. Across these conversations, I kept hearing the same things come up. Self doubt, even when things are going well. The pressure to move faster rather than do it sustainably. Others just burnout from trying to do everything at once. None of these conversations are neat or perfectly finished but I hope they're snapshots of people in the middle of figuring things out and learning in real time. If you’ve been feeling behind, questioning your pace, or wondering whether you’re doing this the right way, I hope this episode reminds you that not having it all figured out doesn’t mean you’re failing. Most of the time, it just means you’re still learning. LINKS TO FULL EPISODES: Divya (S03 E02) – https://youtu.be/iJ_MWrsGO-Y Sam (S03 E03) – https://youtu.be/XV_oGAxom14 Travis (S03 E13) – https://youtu.be/8JllschYoqM Natasha (S03 E08) – https://youtu.be/7yPolIo23-8 Alex & Britt (S03 E10) – https://youtu.be/WX2Bv0DU1dE Cass (S04 E03) – https://youtu.be/z21keVd9Mh4 LINKS TO GUESTS: Divya Gordon - https://www.instagram.com/divyagordonfilm/ Sam Cousins - https://www.instagram.com/samcshoots/ Travis Hayto - https://www.instagram.com/travishayto/ Natasha Simpson - https://www.instagram.com/dawnphotography.com.au/ Alex & Britt Hall - https://www.instagram.com/chasingsunsetsllc/ Cass Edwards - https://www.instagram.com/cassandraedwards_/ Thanks for tuning in and if you did enjoy todays episode, make sure to leave a Rating or Review on your platform of choice. Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikejeffreyphoto/ Mike's TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mikejeffreyphoto/ Editing and Post Production by Mossy Heart Media https://www.mossyheartmedia.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/mossyheartmedia/ Music Created by JWPATON https://www.instagram.com/jwptn/

    1h 10m

  8. 12/21/2025

    S04 E07 - The Truth About Winning Photography Awards. It’s Not What You Think. (with Isabella-Alexis Balisky)

    Isabella Alexis, Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2023, joins Mike to reflect on what really happens after you win the award you always dreamed of. At just 17, Isabella achieved a milestone many photographers chase for decades, but the moment didn’t bring instant clarity or certainty. Instead, it opened the door to deeper questions about purpose, patience, and what success actually looks like when the excitement fades. In this episode, Isabella shares the quiet reality of life after winning an award, how returning to the same work and showing up day after day shaped her creative identity and why paying attention to small moments matters more than chasing validation. Together they explore awards, burnout, faith, creativity, and building a sustainable creative life rooted in meaning rather than momentum. This conversation is a reminder that winning is rarely the end of the story, and often just the beginning. Say Hi to Isabella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byisabellaalexis Website: https://www.isabellaalexis.com Thanks for tuning in and if you did enjoy todays episode, make sure to leave a Rating or Review on your platform of choice. Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikejeffreyphoto/ Mike's TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mikejeffreyphoto/ Editing and Post Production by Mossy Heart Media https://www.mossyheartmedia.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/mossyheartmedia/ Music Created by JWPATON https://www.instagram.com/jwptn/

    1 hr
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About

Hosted by Wedding Photographer and Nikon Australia Ambassador Mike Jeffrey, each episode explores real and honest stories behind photographers who are putting themselves out there. It's not just the wins, but also the doubts, pivots, failures and mindset shifts that have shaped their creative journey. If you care about growth, community and becoming the kind of photographer who's still around in 10 years, this podcast is for you. New episodes release every Monday!

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