Advertise on podcast: The Art & Soul Show - Photography Podcast for Newborn and Family Photographers

“Is overdelivering actually just overcompensating because you’re scared?” That thought struck me because sometimes the urge to give more and more isn’t just generosity, it’s fear. Fear of not being enough, fear of disappointing clients, fear of rejection. In this episode, I’m unpacking the tension between generosity and overcompensation. I’m sharing how I’ve learned to find the sweet spot where giving feels joyful, not draining and why believing your work and presence are enough might be the most generous gift of all. What’s in this episode: [00:35] Why overdelivering isn’t always generosity[01:45] How fear sneaks in and moves the bar higher and higher[03:00] What clients actually want (hint: not hundreds of images)[04:15] The endless loop of overdelivering and exhaustion[05:45] Experiments with setting limits and boundaries[07:20] Learning to sit with “enough” and trust your art[08:00] Why generosity rooted in fear isn’t generosity at allIf you’ve ever felt caught in the loop of ‘more, more, more,’ this episode is a reminder that your art, your presence, and your energy are already enough For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

“Sometimes losing is exactly what reveals your highest value.” There was a time when a simple Facebook cover contest left me devastated. I wanted the win, the validation, the proof that I belonged. But when the results came in and I realized the winning photographer had bought likes, something unexpected happened. I discovered the deeper truth about what I value most in my business and in myself. In this episode, I share the story that taught me my highest value and why integrity has outlasted every trend, contest, and moment of comparison. You will hear how this experience reshaped the way I measure success, why shortcuts never build long-term businesses, and how knowing your highest value can anchor you in every season of entrepreneurship. What’s in this episode: [00:35] The Facebook photography contest that sent me spiraling [01:45] Why the competition loss hurt more than I expected [04:25] The invisible contests photographers compete in every day [05:10] Why shortcuts never build sustainable success [06:00] Understanding what your highest value really is [07:30] Reframing losing and defining success on your own terms Integrity will carry your business farther than any contest, trend, or temporary win. When you root your work in what you value most, you build something no one can take from you. For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

“What if business feels easy and instead of celebrating it, you feel uncomfortable?” So many of us carry the belief that the harder we work, the more successful we’ll be. We believe that worth equals hours, and that struggle is proof we’ve earned our success. But what if that’s not true? In this episode, I’m unpacking the belief that success has to come from hard work and hustle. I’m even sharing how I’m  learning to celebrate ease as a sign of growth and mastery, not something to feel guilty about, and why letting things feel light might actually be the goal. What’s in this episode: [00:30] Why “easy” can feel uncomfortable[01:00] How we tie worth to hours and effort[01:45] The editing example that revealed Lisa’s belief about value[02:20] Why clients don’t care how long editing takes.[03:00] When ease turns into self-sabotage[03:45] Rewriting the story that struggle = success[04:40] Celebrating ease as masteryEase doesn’t mean you’re lazy. It means you’ve grown into the kind of artist who can create with confidence and flow. For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

“My math is not your own math.” Every photographer has been told what they should charge, how they should structure their packages, and which business model is the only “real” or “professional” one. And for many of us, those formulas feel more like pressure than clarity. In this episode, I’m sharing the hard truth I learned the long way: your math is not supposed to look like anyone else’s. Your expenses, your goals, your energy, and your definition of success are completely unique. The moment you stop trying to copy someone else’s formula is the moment your business starts to feel like yours again. What’s in this episode: [00:35] The moment pricing shame made me question everything [01:40] Raising rates because you were told to and how it can backfire [02:30] Why copying someone else’s formula rarely works [03:50] The problem with one-size-fits-all pricing and business advice [04:40] How IPS and other business models only work when they fit you [05:20] The four pillars of your personal math [06:00] How defining success changes everything [07:00] Numbers, fear, shame, and the stories we attach to them [08:10] What your business can look like when it aligns with your life Your business does not need to follow someone else’s equation to be legitimate. When you build your pricing and structure around your life, your goals, and your energy, everything becomes more sustainable. For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

“We carry so much that was never ours to begin with.” Photographers are natural caretakers. We carry emotions, expectations, tension, family dynamics, weather, naps, meltdowns, and even outcomes we cannot control. And without realizing it, we start walking around with armfuls of things that were never ours to hold. In this episode, I share the question that changed everything for me: Is this mine to carry? You will hear how this simple question can lift an invisible weight off your shoulders, help you stop absorbing other people’s stress, and allow you to focus on what is actually yours: your integrity, your consistency, your creativity, and your heart. What’s in this episode: 00:35] Why photographers carry more than they realize[01:40] How we absorb client stress and taking it on as your own[02:50] When business outcomes feel personal even when they are not[04:20] Putting down what was never yours to hold[05:00] What is yours to carry in your business[06:00] How carrying the wrong things leads to burnout[07:00] Asking the question that helps you release what is too heavyYou are not meant to carry everything. When you begin putting down what is not yours, you finally have room to hold what truly matters. For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Most photographers think better gear, stronger marketing, or a new strategy will fix what feels stuck in their business. But often, the real shift starts somewhere deeper. In this episode, I’m sitting down with mindset and business coach Johl Dunn to talk about the beliefs, habits, and internal patterns that shape how photographers show up, grow, and succeed. Johl shares how comparison, fear, and old conditioning can quietly hold people back, even when they are doing everything “right” on the surface. We talk about the role of daily habits, emotional energy, and aligned action, why marketing works best when it reflects who you actually are, and how confidence builds through awareness, not perfection. Johl also opens up about his own journey from photographer to coach and what finally led him to follow the work that felt most aligned. This conversation is a reminder that growth in business rarely starts with tactics. It starts with how you think, how you show up, and what you believe is possible. What’s in this episode: [00:03:00] The first invisible problem most photographers face when they feel stuck[00:06:30] Busy work vs the actions that actually move a business forward[00:07:30] Building a sales and marketing engine that works today[00:09:00] Why showing up as yourself attracts the right clients[00:12:30] Identity shifts and letting go of old labels that hold you back[00:14:30] Understanding trauma, beliefs, and how they shape confidence[00:16:30] Habits and routines that create real momentum in business[00:22:00] Subconscious beliefs that keep photographers playing small[00:23:30] Comparison, confidence, and letting go of perfection[00:26:30] Staying true to your style instead of chasing trends[00:27:30] Curiosity, humility, and learning through failure[00:29:00] Frequency, energy, and attracting aligned clients[00:31:30] Handling difficult clients without losing confidence[00:33:30] What makes someone coachable and ready for growthIf you have ever felt stuck, second-guessed your direction, or wondered why the “right strategies” are not working, this conversation will help you reconnect with the mindset, habits, and alignment that truly create momentum. 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!

“We’re the shock absorbers: women and especially mothers. We absorb everything so everyone else can keep going.” When I heard Michelle Obama say those words, I had to pause and breathe. Because it named something I have been feeling for years: the invisible emotional labor of holding everything together, both at work and at home. In this heartfelt episode, I’m sharing what it means to be the “shock absorber” in your family and business and how it slowly depletes your energy, creativity, and joy. I’m also exploring how to step back, set boundaries, and finally give yourself permission to rest. What’s in this episode: [00:40] What it means to be the “shock absorber”[01:20] The invisible weight women carry every day[02:10] Why overstimulation leads to shutdown[03:00] The emotional cost of absorbing everyone’s moods[04:00] Letting go of the need to fix everything[05:10] You don’t need a breakdown to justify a break[06:00] How to rest without guilt and reclaim your softnessBeing dependable doesn’t mean being depleted. This episode is your reminder that you can be the soft place without being the shock absorber 24/7. For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

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!

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/

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!

“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/

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!

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!

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!

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!