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.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    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.

    44 min
  2. 2D AGO

    Failing Forward: The Mistakes That Actually Made Us Better | With Erin Brooks

    Nobody likes talking about their mistakes. Most people hide from them. Or feel shame about the idea of failing. But if you’ve been doing photography (or living as a human lol) for any amount of time… you’ve made them. Bad shoots. Missed moments. Edits that didn’t land. Situations where you walked away thinking, “That could’ve gone a lot better.” In this episode, I sit down with Erin Brooks to talk about the side of photography most people try to hide. The mistakes. Not the highlight reel. Not the polished portfolio. The stuff that actually shapes you. Because Erin. like me, doesn’t pretend she got everything right from the start. She shares the moments that didn’t go to plan… what went wrong… and what she did next. And that’s the part most people skip. We get into: The early mistakes that shook her confidenceWhat it feels like when a shoot doesn’t go how you hopedHow she handled those moments instead of walking awayThe difference between “failing” and actually learningWhat changed in her approach after things went wrongWhy making mistakes is part of getting better (whether you like it or not)How to keep going when your confidence takes a hit This episode is a good reset. Because if you’re in a phase where things aren’t clicking… or you feel like you’re behind… or like you should be better than you are right now… that’s not a sign to stop. It’s part of what you need to do every day, to learn, grow and get that little bit better every day. Without failure, growth isn't possible. Listen to more:https://podcast.humbletogsclub.com Connect with Erin:https://www.instagram.com/erinbrooksphotographer/ https://www.erinbrooksphotographer.com/ Join Humble Togs Club:Humble Togs Club is my private community for photographers who support each other and grow together. No ego. No gatekeeping. Just real progress. 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 — it helps more photographers find this and realise they’re not the only ones figuring it out as they go.

    38 min
  3. Why Posting Your Work Feels So Hard (And How to Push Through It) | With Kate Mitchell

    4D AGO

    Why Posting Your Work Feels So Hard (And How to Push Through It) | With Kate Mitchell

    In this episode of The Humble Togs Podcast, Kurt sits down with Humble Togs Club member Kate Mitchell — a headshot and branding photographer who’s built her business through persistence, honesty, and pushing through self-doubt. Kate shares her journey from picking up a camera as a kid, to running a successful legal business, to eventually stepping into photography full-time after a major life reset. But this episode isn’t about a perfect success story. It’s about what actually happens behind the scenes: The hesitation to put your work out thereThe fear of being judged by other photographersThe pressure to feel “ready” before you start showing up Kurt and Kate dig into: What “branding photography” really means (and why the label doesn’t matter as much as people think)The difference between planning everything vs shooting instinctivelyWhy connection with your client matters more than technical perfectionReal stories from shoots — including difficult clients, awkward moments, and things going wrong One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is Kate’s recent breakthrough: After years of holding back, she finally committed to posting her work consistently — despite the fear. And that shift is already changing everything. This episode is a reminder that most photographers aren’t stuck because they lack skill… They’re stuck because they’re afraid to be seen. And we're here to change that. 💬 Key ThemesConfidence vs competenceFear of criticism in photography communitiesConstructive feedback vs judgmentSimplicity in shooting and styleBuilding momentum through action 🔗 Join the CommunityIf you’re tired of toxic photography groups and want a place where you can actually grow: 👉 Join Humble Togs Club https://www.humbletogsclub.com A community where photographers help — not humiliate. ⭐️ Enjoying the Podcast?If you loved this episode: Leave a reviewFollow the podcastShare it with another photographer who needs to hear it! Find Kate Mitchell at: https://katemitchellphotography.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/katemitchphotos/ https://www.facebook.com/katemitchellphotography/ Follow Kurt at: 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 (Humble Togs Club): https://www.youtube.com/@humbletogsclub

    37 min
  4. Making Friends with Imposter Syndrome | With Matt Wilson

    MAR 24

    Making Friends with Imposter Syndrome | With Matt Wilson

    Imposter Syndrome: Friend or Foe? (And When Do You Get to Feel Like A “Professional Photographer"?)At what point do you actually become a “real” photographer? Because for a lot of creatives… that moment never comes. There’s always another level. Another photographer you come across that makes you feel like you’re not quite there yet. Even at the top. Think about names like Annie Leibovitz or Roger Deakins — do they feel like they’ve “made it”? Or are they still chasing something better? Welcome back to The Humble Togs Podcast — where photographers of all experience levels share the journey, not just the highlight reel. In this episode, I dig into something almost every photographer wrestles with: imposter syndrome. Not the fluffy version. The real version. The one that sticks around… even after years (or decades) of doing the work. I’m joined by Matt Wilson, a photographer and member of Humble Togs Club who works behind the scenes at The Daily Show alongside names like Trevor Noah, Jon Stewart, and Michael Che. And even in rooms like that… That voice still shows up. “I’m not really a photographer yet”“I just got lucky”“Do I belong here?” We break down where that voice actually comes from — and why it gets louder the more you compare yourself to what you see online. In this episode:Why imposter syndrome is way more normal than you thinkHow social media quietly distorts your sense of progressThe truth about “model portfolios” vs real, paid client workWhy chasing a specific style or niche can stall your growthWhat actually builds confidence over time (hint: it’s not validation) We also get into the reality of building a photography career — from early TFP shoots to finding your footing working with real people, real clients, and real expectations. Because the goal isn’t to one day feel like a “real photographer.” That’s a moving target. The shift is this: If you're showing up, and committed to improving (and failing!) every day, you already are one. Imposter syndrome doesn’t go away. So stop trying to beat it. Learn to work alongside it. Make friends with it. Acknowledge it's there. … then get back to shooting. To follow Matt go to: https://www.instagram.com/pbsthephotographer Follow Kurt at: 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 (Humble Togs Club): https://www.youtube.com/@humbletogsclub Join the club at 👉 www.humbletogsclub.com

    48 min
  5. The Problem With “Constructive Criticism” in Photography

    MAR 24

    The Problem With “Constructive Criticism” in Photography

    Most “constructive criticism” in photography… isn’t constructive at all. Welcome to the very first episode of The Humble Togs Podcast — where photographers of all experience levels share the journey, not just the highlight reel. This podcast exists for a reason. Because a lot of photographers (especially beginner photographers) have had the same experience… You post your work, ask for “constructive criticism”… and walk away feeling worse than when you started. So before we go any further — if you’re here to genuinely learn, grow, and be part of a space where photographers actually support each other… you’re in the right place. And if you’re one of those photo bros who just like tearing people down in the comments… you can probably keep scrolling. In this first episode, Kurt Sneddon breaks down what’s really going on with photography criticism — why so much of it misses the mark, and how something that’s meant to help can quietly chip away at your confidence. Because the truth is… a lot of feedback in photography isn’t actually constructive. It’s vague. It’s ego-driven. And it often says more about the person giving it than the work itself. You’ll hear: why most photography feedback isn’t as helpful as it soundsthe difference between real constructive criticism and disguised judgmenthow bad critique culture affects confidence, creativity, and growthwhat useful, supportive feedback actually looks like in practice If you’ve ever shared your work and walked away second-guessing yourself — feeling like maybe you’re not as good as you thought, or like you don’t belong — this episode will hit close to home. And more importantly, it’ll help you reframe what’s actually happening. Because it’s not that you can’t handle criticism. It’s that a lot of what’s out there… isn’t worth listening to. This isn’t just a podcast about photography. It’s about creating a space where people can actually grow without feeling like they’re going to get torn down for trying. If that sounds like something you’ve been looking for — welcome. You can feel at home here. Follow Kurt at: 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 (Humble Togs Club): https://www.youtube.com/@humbletogsclub To join Humble Togs Club, go to www.humbletogsclub.com

    11 min

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.