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

Lisa DiGeso, The Milky Way
  • 4.9 (75)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 5H AGO

    The Psychology of Posing with Jodi Hendricks, Founder of Posers

    Confidence is not just something you feel. It is something your clients feel from you. This incredibly enjoyable episode features my conversation with Jodi Hendricks from Posers and J. Anne Photography. We talk all about the powerful connection between confidence, posing, and business growth. Jodi shares how the way you lead a session and make people feel affects everything from marketing word of mouth to pricing to how often clients come back. We dive into the psychology behind posing, why emotional intelligence matters just as much as technical skill, and how photographers often underestimate the authority they already hold. Jodi opens up about building her studio, transitioning from weddings to portraits, and the surprising way confidence can snowball into more bookings, stronger referrals, and higher income. This conversation is honest, funny, and deeply real. It is a reminder that your presence in the room matters just as much as your camera. What’s in this episode: [00:00:00] How posing confidence affects bookings, income, and word of mouth[00:01:00] Introduction to Jodi and her psychology-driven approach to portrait work[00:04:00] Transitioning from weddings into portraits and opening a studio[00:05:00] Tripling income in the first year and what changed[00:07:30] The authority photographers already have and often forget to use[00:15:30] Emotional intelligence and helping clients feel safe and comfortable[00:20:30] Why confidence shapes the entire client experience from start to finish[00:27:00] Honest conversation about anxiety, pressure, and the emotional side of running a businessIf you’ve ever felt the difference between a session that just “went fine” and one that truly lit a client up, this honest conversation with Jodi breaks down how to actually create that shift. 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!

    1h 14m

  2. FEB 25

    Am I Invited or is My Camera?

    Some invitations feel good. Others feel like a job you never agreed to. If you have ever been asked to “bring your camera” to a gathering you hoped to simply enjoy, you know exactly what I mean. In this solo episode, I am opening up about something many photographers keep quiet about. It is that sinking feeling when you realize you were invited because of what you can provide, not because they truly wanted you there. We talk about why this hits so hard, how easily resentment builds, and the quiet emotional labor photographers carry when our worth gets tied to our productivity. I am also sharing simple boundary phrases that protect your peace, along with some honest encouragement if you have ever felt taken for granted. You deserve to be valued for who you are, not for the gear you own. What’s in this episode: [00:00] The quiet sting of being invited as the photographer instead of the friend[01:00] Why these moments land deeper than people realize[02:00] The emotional load photographers carry at family events[03:00] Gear lending, prop borrowing, and feeling more “useful” than appreciated[03:40] Why it is okay to say no without guilt[05:00] Easy boundary scripts you can use right away[06:00] How to handle pushback when you hold a limit[06:45] A reminder that your presence matters, even when you are not producingIf you have ever felt invisible or taken advantage of as a photographer, this episode will help you step back into your worth. For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

    8 min

  3. FEB 18

    Branding, Burnout & Breaking Free: How Understanding Money and Brand Archetypes Can Revitalize Your Photography Business with Stacey Owen

    Your photography brand isn’t just about colors and logos—it’s a reflection of who you are. But what if you don’t fully understand yourself yet? In this episode, branding expert Stacey dives into the different money and brand archetypes that shape many photographers and how these archetypes influence your business more than you realize. She’s sharing how, instead of boxing us in, these archetypes can help us expand our business, our creativity, and our branding, especially if things have felt a little stale lately. Plus, she shares why photographers struggle with permission, how to break free from limiting beliefs, and why self-awareness is the foundation of a thriving brand. If you’re ready to learn more about yourself to build a better, stronger photography brand, this episode with Stacey is one you can’t miss! What’s in this episode: [00:00] Intro [02:24] How Stacey defines money and brand archetypes  [05:24] How these archetypes impact our photography businesses [10:02] Permission and why many photographers are often looking to someone else to give it to us (instead of offering it to ourselves!) [13:17] How to realign when we’re feeling disconnected from our brand and business [19:15] Common archetype misconceptions and how we can use them to grow as artists instead of boxing ourselves in [22:29] The biggest lessons photographers and artists need to hear about branding today [27:00] Stacey’s lightning round 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!

    31 min

  4. FEB 11

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (279)

Trailer

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.

Information

You Might Also Like