Humble Togs Podcast

Kurt Sneddon

The Humble Togs Podcast is a conversation-driven show about the humans behind the cameras. Each episode sits down with a member of Humble Togs Club for an honest 30–45 minute conversation about their life, their path into photography, and the experiences that shaped them as creatives and as humans. This isn’t a technical photography podcast. You won’t hear deep dives into camera settings, gear reviews, or complicated lighting diagrams. Instead, this show focuses on the real stories photographers carry with them. Photography attracts people from every background imaginable. Teachers, parents, engineers, nurses, artists, people rebuilding their confidence, people chasing a long-delayed creative dream, and people who simply want to make something meaningful in the middle of busy lives. The Humble Togs Podcast gives those people a voice. Each episode is an interview with a member of the club that explores the journey behind the images — the wins, the doubts, the pivots, the unexpected turns, and the moments that made someone fall in love with photography in the first place. Many photographers quietly struggle with comparison, imposter syndrome, and the feeling that everyone else has things figured out. Hearing someone else say, “I’ve felt that too,” can be deeply powerful. These conversations are meant to remind listeners that uncertainty, self-doubt, and creative frustration are normal, even necessary, parts of the process. Alongside member stories, host Kurt Sneddon also shares openly about his own journey as a photographer and business owner — including the parts people usually leave out. The successes, the failures, the setbacks, the grind of building a creative business, and the reality that even experienced professionals are constantly figuring things out as they go. Success in photography — and in any creative field — isn’t a straight line. It’s messy, unpredictable, and often harder than it looks from the outside. The goal of this podcast is to make that reality visible, and to show that progress is possible when people support each other instead of competing against each other. At its core, The Humble Togs Podcast is about community. It’s about hearing real stories from real photographers who care about creativity, growth, and helping each other get a little better over time. It’s about creating a space where photographers feel encouraged rather than judged, supported rather than compared, and connected rather than isolated. If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one struggling to figure things out, this podcast is for you. And if you believe photography communities should lift people up instead of tearing them down, you’ll feel right at home here. Welcome to The Humble Togs Podcast - where photographers share the journey, not just the highlight reel.

  1. 3d ago

    Don’t Photograph Bar & Bat Mitzvahs from the Sidelines | With Julian Coleman

    Bar Mitzvahs & Bat Mitzvah Celebrations. How do you photograph them? What does storytelling actually mean in photography—and do you really need to niche down to build a successful photography business? In Episode 13 of The Humble Togs Podcast, Kurt speaks with UK-based photographer and videographer Julian Coleman. Julian first picked up a camera more than 45 years ago, later building a career in videography before finally confronting his fear of photographing professionally. Over the past four years, he has developed a varied stills photography business covering weddings, corporate events, personal branding, charity galas, headshots, and Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. Julian shares why moving between different photography genres has made him a stronger photographer—and why refusing to niche down can work when your business and marketing already connect you with the right clients. Kurt and Julian also unpack the often-confusing idea of storytelling in photography. They explore how composition, emotion, context, foreground, background, post-production, and the viewer’s personal experiences can all influence the story an image communicates. They also discuss Julian’s passion for fine-art photography, why some images can take months to finish, and why a photograph does not need to connect with everyone to be successful. The final part of the episode dives into photographing Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Julian explains: • The religious and celebration elements photographers need to understand • Why cultural knowledge and sensitivity matter • How Mitzvah photography compares with weddings • Capturing fast dancing, flag throwing, family portraits, and unexpected moments • Why photographers should experience or assist at a Mitzvah before photographing one themselves • How getting involved with the guests leads to more genuine candid photographs • Why staying ready matters when once-in-a-lifetime moments suddenly unfold • Why it's so important to get into the action and photograph an event like a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah up close and personal, not from the sidelines! This episode is for photographers interested in event photography, visual storytelling, building confidence, finding clients, or creating a career without forcing themselves into one narrow niche. Humble Togs Club is a community for photographers who want useful support without the egos, gatekeeping, or photo-bro nonsense. Join the community at humbletogsclub.com. Follow the podcast and leave a rating to help more photographers find the show.

  2. Jul 7

    How to Improve Your Photography Without Buying More Gear | With Edmundo Oliver

    Are you waiting to buy a better camera before you start taking better photos? In this episode of The Humble Togs Podcast, I’m joined by Humble Togs Club member Edmundo Oliver for a conversation about improving your photography without falling into the endless gear trap. Edmundo is primarily a street photographer, and this episode is a great reminder that photography is not really about having the newest camera, the sharpest lens, or the most expensive setup. It’s about learning how to see, slowing down, noticing what other people walk past, and using the gear you already have to create something meaningful. We talk about phone photography, DSLR vs mirrorless cameras, shooting with prime lenses, working with a 50mm, and why limitations can actually make you a better photographer. Edmundo shares how street photography can become almost meditative — not just walking around snapping random photos. We also get into honest feedback, why photographers don’t need to be brutal to be helpful, and why supportive communities help people grow faster than ego-driven spaces full of gear flexing and vague critique. There’s also a conversation around AI, portrait photography, product photography, and where human connection still matters in a changing photography industry. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I’ll take better photos when I get better gear,” this episode is your reminder to pick up the camera you already have and go shoot. Connect with Edmundo Oliver: Website: https://www.edoliverphoto.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wicked_sm_studio/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edoliver.photogra Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wsmstudio.bsky.social Flashes: https://app.flashes.blue/profile/wsmstudio.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14K8ZjztGUo/ Connect with Kurt Sneddon: Website: https://www.kurtsneddon.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humbletogsclub TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@humbletogsclub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byKurtSneddon/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bykurtsneddon/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@humbletogsclub Join Humble Togs Club — a photography community for photographers who aren’t jerks to each other: https://www.humbletogsclub.com/ Stay humble and keep chasing awesome.

  3. Jun 26

    How to Sell Photos Online: Is Art Storefronts Worth It? | With Rob Urquhart

    A lot of photographers dream of selling their work as artwork. Not client galleries. Not weddings. Not headshots. Actual prints. Landscapes, wildlife, travel images, fine art photography, and the kind of work someone might want to hang on their wall. But how do you actually sell photos online? Do you need a platform like Art Storefronts? Is Art Storefronts worth it? Should you use Zenfolio, SmugMug, Shopify, Etsy, or something else? In this episode of the Humble Togs Podcast, Kurt talks with fine art photographer Rob Urquhart about his real-world experience selling photography prints online while also working full time. Rob shares what led him to Art Storefronts, what he liked about the platform, what has been slower than expected, and why he is also looking at alternatives like Zenfolio and SmugMug. But the biggest lesson in this episode is not really about the platform. It is about connection. Kurt and Rob also talk about lead magnets, email lists, social media, AI content, open edition vs limited edition prints, finding your market, and why photographers need to think beyond just uploading images and hoping someone buys. This is a grounded conversation for photographers who have ever googled “how to sell photos online” or wondered whether Art Storefronts is worth it for selling photography prints. In this episode: • Rob’s journey into photography after turning 50 • Why online print sales can be slow • Why giveaways and lead magnets do not always attract buyers • Selling artwork in local cafes and real-world spaces • How storytelling helps people connect with a photograph • Why photographers need to understand their actual market • Using AI tools like HeyGen and ChatGPT for content creation • Why “getting off your butt” might beat another website platform Connect with Rob Urquhart: Website / Online Gallery: https://www.roburquhart.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nerdnetwork/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roburquhartphotos/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@photonerdpro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nerdnetworkinc/ Keep up with Kurt Sneddon: Website: https://www.kurtsneddon.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bykurtsneddon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bykurtsneddon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byKurtSneddon/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bykurtsneddon/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@humbletogsclub Join Humble Togs Club: https://www.humbletogsclub.com/

  4. Jun 14

    Community Over Competition | A chat between Sydney's Best Headshot Photographers

    Sydney headshot photographers Sally Flegg, Luke Stambouliah, Kate Williams and Kurt Sneddon discuss photography, actors headshots, creativity, business and community. Most photographers are taught to see other photographers as competition. Protect your secrets. Don't share too much. But what if that's completely backwards? Between them, these photographers have spent decades photographing actors, creatives and professionals across Sydney, New York, Los Angeles and London, building some of the most recognized names in actors headshots. In this special roundtable episode, Sally, Luke, Kate and Kurt sit down for an honest conversation about photography, creativity, business, actors headshots, community, and what it really takes to build a long-term career behind the camera. We talk about: How each of us got started in photography The connection between actors and photographers Technical training vs learning on the job Pricing, business and building a sustainable career Why photographers buy too much gear Art school, creativity and finding your style Imposter syndrome and self-doubt Horror stories, unpopular opinions and lessons learned after 20+ years in the industry A special mention also goes to Alex Vaughan, who was originally scheduled to join us for this roundtable but had to pull out due to a family commitment. Hopefully we'll get Alex on the podcast soon. If you're a photographer who's ever felt isolated, overwhelmed, or like everyone else is ahead of you, this one's for you. Guests 📸 Sally Flegg https://www.sallyflegg.com.au https://www.instagram.com/sallyfleggphotography 📸 Luke Stambouliah https://lukestambouliah.com https://www.instagram.com/lukestambouliah 📸 Kate Williams https://www.katewilliams.net.au https://www.instagram.com/katesyourmate Connect with Kurt Sneddon: Humble Togs Podcast https://podcast.humbletogsclub.com By Kurt Sneddon https://www.kurtsneddon.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kurtsneddon Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kurtsneddon TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kurtsneddon YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@humbletogsclub If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another photographer who could use a reminder that they don't have to build their photography journey alone. And if you'd like to join the club that flies the "Community Over Competition" flag high, come join us at www.humbletogsclub.com

  5. Jun 2

    The Dating Photography Niche | Confidence, Google Ads & Getting the Reps In | With Georgie Greene

    Most photographers don’t think about dating apps when they think about photography. Headshots? Sure. Weddings? Definitely. Families, branding, portraits? Yep. But dating photography? That’s where Georgie Greene saw a gap. In this episode, I sit down with Georgie to talk about how she built a photography business around helping people get better photos for dating apps, especially men who don’t have good photos of themselves. But this conversation is about more than dating profiles. It’s about reinvention. Georgie spent 23 years working at the ABC before being made redundant. Then, five years ago, she picked up what she calls a “proper posh camera” and started again. No big ego. No pretending she had it all figured out. Just curiosity, hard work, and a willingness to get the reps in. Georgie talks about doing over 130 low-paid shoots through a photography platform, which she describes as learning professional photography on steroids. Georgie built her own website. She learned SEO. She learned Google Ads. We get into: Dating photography as a real niche Why so many men need better photos for dating apps Reinventing yourself after redundancy Starting photography later and feeling like you’re behind Why getting the reps in matters What low-paid photography platforms can teach you How Georgie helps nervous clients relax SEO, Google Ads, business listings, and organic traffic Why photographers need to understand marketing Why finding a specific niche can make it easier to get found online You don’t always need to do what every other photographer is doing. Sometimes the better move is to look for the thing nobody else is paying attention to yet. Then do the work. Listen to more: https://podcast.humbletogsclub.com Connect with Georgie: Website: https://georgiegreenephotography.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgiegreenephotography/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiegreene/ Join Humble Togs Club: Humble Togs Club is my private community for photographers who support each other and grow together. https://www.humbletogsclub.com Follow Kurt Sneddon: Website: https://www.kurtsneddon.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bykurtsneddon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bykurtsneddon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byKurtSneddon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bykurtsneddon/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@humbletogsclub Enjoying the podcast? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you’re listening.

  6. May 19

    Turning Neurodiversity Into A Photography Superpower | With Elle Paradisis

    Turning Neurodiversity Into A Photography Superpower | With Elle ParadisisWhat happens when the thing that once made you feel different… becomes your greatest strength? In this episode of The Humble Togs Podcast, Kurt sits down with photographer Elle Paradisis to talk about late-diagnosed autism and ADHD, creativity, rejection sensitivity, confidence, and building a photography business around genuine understanding instead of performance. Elle shares her journey from feeling misunderstood growing up… to discovering a powerful niche photographing autistic families in a way that makes them feel safe, seen, and understood. This is a deeply honest conversation about: neurodiversity and creativityfamily expectations around “real careers”learning photography later in lifefear of rejection and failurecreating emotionally connected family portraitsbuilding trust with children on the spectrumwhy empathy matters more than perfectionand how supportive communities can completely change someone’s confidence We talk about what actually makes a successful photography business — and why connection, patience, and emotional intelligence often matter far more than technical perfection. If you’ve ever felt “different,” struggled with confidence, or wondered whether there’s really a place for you in photography… this episode is for you. Follow Elle Paradisis: Website: https://www.ellementalfocusphotography.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellementalfocusphotography/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellementalfocus Listen & Follow The Humble Togs Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/humble-togs-podcast/id1891909472 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2t5Wd1Dl06JH7IgpTBRdWO Universal Podcast Link: https://podcast.humbletogsclub.com Follow Kurt Sneddon: Website: https://www.kurtsneddon.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bykurtsneddon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bykurtsneddon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byKurtSneddon/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bykurtsneddon/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@humbletogsclub 📸 Join Humble Togs Club: https://www.humbletogsclub.com

  7. May 1

    She Built a Photography Business While Raising Kids and Studying Full-Time | With Katelynn Parker

    Katelynn didn’t start with a thoroughly laid out business plan. She started with a camera, an online class, and a bit of curiosity. While living in Japan as a "military wife", she began learning photography by practicing on friends and their kids. From there, she built a real client base shooting family sessions and military graduations… eventually growing a thriving business in Joshua Tree — a place she originally thought wouldn’t work at all! She almost sold her camera gear at one point and was ready to give up! In this episode, we get into what it actually looks like to build a photography business in real life — not the polished version. We talk about: balancing photography with raising kids and studying full-timebuilding a client base whilst constantly have to relocate the familywhy connection matters more than “perfect” photosthe mistakes that made her betterand the reality that most of us are just figuring it out as we go If you’ve ever felt like you don’t have a clear plan or you’re behind where you should be… this one’s for you. Also check out Katelynn's blog about what changed for her when she met me on TikTok: https://www.bykatelynnparker.com/blog/how-a-random-tiktok-live-became-a-whole-new-creative-chapter 🔗 Katelynn’s LinksWebsite: https://www.bykatelynnparker.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katelynnparkerphotography_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katelynnparkerphotoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/120823098578700/ 🔗 Kurt Sneddon's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bykurtsneddonTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bykurtsneddonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/byKurtSneddon/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bykurtsneddon/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@humbletogsclub 🎧 Listen to more episodes wherever you get you podcasts or click here: https://podcast.humbletogsclub.com/ If this episode hits home, there’s a community built around exactly this kind of conversation inside Humble Togs Club. Join the Club here: https://www.humbletogsclub.com/ Please leave a review or a comment. That means a lot too as we begin to get the podcast off the ground!

  8. Apr 10

    She Almost Quit Photography After Getting Bullied Online... Now She's Booked Up | With Jessa Scott

    Most people don’t talk about this part of the creative process. The moment where you seriously consider quitting. Not because you don’t love photography… But because of how people treat you when you put your work out there. In this episode, I sit down with Jessa Scott — a photographer who went through exactly that. After being torn apart online when she was just starting out, Jessa hit a point where walking away from photography felt like the easiest option. And honestly… a lot of people do. But instead of quitting, she kept going. And what happened next is what makes this conversation worth listening to. Now she’s consistently booking clients, building real momentum, and showing up with a completely different level of confidence. We get into: What actually happened when she posted her work and got attackedHow that experience affected her confidence (and how long it stuck around)The turning point that stopped her from quittingWhat she focused on instead of chasing perfectionHow she started getting real client workThe difference between helpful feedback and the kind that just tears you downWhat she’d say to someone who’s right on the edge of giving up This one matters. Because if you’ve ever felt like you’re not good enough… or like everyone else has it figured out except you… you’re not alone in that. And you’re definitely not the only one who’s thought about quitting. Listen to more:https://podcast.humbletogsclub.com Connect with Jessa:https://www.instagram.com/glow_with_jessa/ https://hauteglowphotographywithjessa.mypixieset.com/ Join Humble Togs Club:Humble Togs Club is my private community for photographers who actually support each other and help each other improve. No egos. No gatekeeping. Just real growth. https://www.humbletogsclub.com Follow Kurt Sneddon:Website: https://www.kurtsneddon.com Humble Togs Club: https://www.humbletogsclub.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bykurtsneddon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bykurtsneddon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byKurtSneddon/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bykurtsneddon/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@humbletogsclub Enjoying the podcast?Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you’re listening — it genuinely helps more photographers find this and feel a little less alone in their journey.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Humble Togs Podcast is a conversation-driven show about the humans behind the cameras. Each episode sits down with a member of Humble Togs Club for an honest 30–45 minute conversation about their life, their path into photography, and the experiences that shaped them as creatives and as humans. This isn’t a technical photography podcast. You won’t hear deep dives into camera settings, gear reviews, or complicated lighting diagrams. Instead, this show focuses on the real stories photographers carry with them. Photography attracts people from every background imaginable. Teachers, parents, engineers, nurses, artists, people rebuilding their confidence, people chasing a long-delayed creative dream, and people who simply want to make something meaningful in the middle of busy lives. The Humble Togs Podcast gives those people a voice. Each episode is an interview with a member of the club that explores the journey behind the images — the wins, the doubts, the pivots, the unexpected turns, and the moments that made someone fall in love with photography in the first place. Many photographers quietly struggle with comparison, imposter syndrome, and the feeling that everyone else has things figured out. Hearing someone else say, “I’ve felt that too,” can be deeply powerful. These conversations are meant to remind listeners that uncertainty, self-doubt, and creative frustration are normal, even necessary, parts of the process. Alongside member stories, host Kurt Sneddon also shares openly about his own journey as a photographer and business owner — including the parts people usually leave out. The successes, the failures, the setbacks, the grind of building a creative business, and the reality that even experienced professionals are constantly figuring things out as they go. Success in photography — and in any creative field — isn’t a straight line. It’s messy, unpredictable, and often harder than it looks from the outside. The goal of this podcast is to make that reality visible, and to show that progress is possible when people support each other instead of competing against each other. At its core, The Humble Togs Podcast is about community. It’s about hearing real stories from real photographers who care about creativity, growth, and helping each other get a little better over time. It’s about creating a space where photographers feel encouraged rather than judged, supported rather than compared, and connected rather than isolated. If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one struggling to figure things out, this podcast is for you. And if you believe photography communities should lift people up instead of tearing them down, you’ll feel right at home here. Welcome to The Humble Togs Podcast - where photographers share the journey, not just the highlight reel.