SheClicks Women in Photography

Send us Fan Mail
Award-winning photographer and video journalist Jo Kearney joins Angela Nicholson on the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast to talk about a career that has taken her across the world in search of stories.
Jo began as a print journalist before moving into video journalism at a time when smaller digital cameras were transforming the industry. An early trip to southern Sudan led to stories that made the top news bulletin for Associated Press for three days running and helped launch a career covering major events across Asia, the Middle East and beyond.
Alongside her news work, Jo developed a passion for stills photography, particularly travel photography centred on people and their stories. She explains why she likes to arrive with a rough plan but also leave room for the unexpected, how journalism shapes the way she looks for pictures and why some of her strongest projects have emerged simply through being curious about a place.
Jo also shares the story behind the image that made her the overall winner of the 2026 World Food Photography Awards. Photographed in a Soviet era sanatorium in Tajikistan, it was not originally conceived as a food photograph at all.
The conversation also touches on some of Jo’s most challenging assignments, including the Asian tsunami and the rescue of child soldiers in Sierra Leone, as well as the changing world of news photography and video.
Jo and Angela discuss the value of photography competitions, researching trips without over-planning them and why personal projects need somewhere to go rather than remaining unseen on a computer.
It’s a fascinating conversation about travel photography, photojournalism, curiosity and finding stories in unexpected places.

Connect with Jo
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Support the show

Send us Fan Mail
Mexican visual artist and photographer Citlali Fabián joins Angela Nicholson to discuss how trust, patience and collaboration can transform the portrait-making process.
Citlali grew up in Oaxaca, where her father ran a photo printing shop. Watching people bring in their film and return to collect their photographs gave her an early understanding of photography as an extension of memory. Her grandmother’s careful approach to being photographed also showed her how much meaning a single image can hold for future generations.
As Citlali’s interest developed, she began exploring photography as a way to tell stories about indigenous identity, migration, family and community. Her work places the people she photographs at the centre of the creative process, giving them an active role in deciding how they are represented.
This approach is particularly important in Bilha: Stories of My Sisters, the series that earned Citlali the title of Photographer of the Year at the 2026 Sony World Photography Awards. Created with women from her region, the project celebrates people whose work supports their communities and inspires younger generations.
Citlali explains how she shared contact sheets with each participant, invited them to help select their portrait and developed the final illustrations through conversation and feedback. She also discusses the importance of honouring someone’s decision when their preferred image differs from the photographer’s choice.
During the conversation, Citlali reflects on imposter syndrome, indigenous representation and the value of seeking guidance from people you trust. She also explains why photographers should resist pressure to produce work quickly and focus instead on creating something meaningful.
It is a thoughtful conversation about portrait photography, identity and the responsibility that comes with telling someone else’s story.
Takeaways
Build trust before reaching for the camera
Meaningful portraits often begin with conversation. Taking time to understand someone can reveal the details, places and experiences that matter most to them.
Include people in how they are represented
A photographer may prefer one image but the person in the portrait may feel differently. Collaboration can produce work that feels both visually strong and personally truthful.
Do not rush the creative process
Good work does not always arrive quickly. Allowing ideas to develop can lead to stronger images and more thoughtful decisions.
Look closely at the stories around you
Photographers often overlook familiar people, places and experiences. Personal stories can offer a distinctive perspective that nobody else can provide.
Ask trusted people for guidance
Imposter syndrome can make it difficult to recognise the value of your work. Constructive support from a teacher, mentor or fellow photographer can help you move forward.
Protect your values and wellbeing
Not every opportunity is fair or worthwhile. It is acceptable to decline work that does not respect your time, values or contribution.
Connect with Citlali
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn
Support the show

Send us Fan Mail
Award-winning automotive photographer and Nikon Europe Ambassador Amy Shore joins Angela Nicholson for a fascinating conversation about creativity, storytelling and why developing your own photographic style has never been more important.
Although Amy is best known for her evocative images of classic cars, this episode quickly reveals that her work is really about people, adventure and the stories that connect them. She explains how an unexpected route from studying silversmithing to photographing weddings and eventually becoming one of the UK's leading automotive photographers shaped the way she sees the world through her camera.
Amy discusses why natural light plays such an important role in her photography, how she approaches major events such as Goodwood Revival and why trusting your own instincts is far more valuable than trying to copy someone else's style.
The conversation also explores the changing photographic landscape, including the rise of artificial intelligence. Amy shares why she believes authentic photography created by real people will become even more valuable in the years ahead, arguing that genuine emotion and honest storytelling can never be replaced.
Along the way, Angela and Amy also talk about working as a woman in the automotive industry, balancing a successful freelance career with family life and the importance of finding confidence in your own creative voice.
Whether you photograph cars, wildlife, landscapes, weddings or family life, this episode is full of thoughtful advice about developing your style, embracing authenticity and creating photographs that genuinely reflect the way you see the world.
Takeaways
Developing your own photographic style takes time, experimentation and confidence.
Storytelling is often more powerful than technical perfection.
Creative limitations can encourage stronger, more imaginative photographs.
Authentic images create deeper emotional connections than those that simply look impressive.
Building a successful photography career means trusting your instincts rather than following trends.
The most memorable photographs reflect your own perspective, not someone else's.
Connect with Amy
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Support the show

Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson chats with pet, wildlife and creative nature photographer Philippa Huber.
Based in Wiltshire, Philippa has built a successful photography business around her love of animals, creativity and beautiful printed artwork. But her journey has been anything but conventional.
From learning darkroom techniques after moving to France and travelling the world, to life aboard a narrowboat and creating a thriving pet photography business, Philippa has always preferred to embrace opportunities rather than overthink them.
Angela and Philippa discuss how selling wildlife prints at local markets eventually led to photographing dogs, and how one unexpected request helped shape the direction of her business. They also talk about the importance of printed photographs, balancing creativity with commercial work and why understanding clients is just as important as understanding your camera.
Philippa shares how moving from a Nikon D750 to a Nikon Z8 transformed her pet photography and explains why knowing your equipment inside out gives her the confidence to work instinctively.
The Six From SheClicks questions bring even more insight, covering everything from life on a canal boat and dream commissions to photographing energetic dogs and adapting to different situations.
Above all, Philippa's story is a reminder that you don't have to know exactly where you're heading before you begin. Sometimes the best things happen when you stop waiting, trust yourself and simply give it a go.
Takeaways
You don't have to know exactly where you're heading before taking the first step. Experience often teaches more than endless planning.
Starting with the equipment and knowledge you already have is often enough to begin moving forward.
Understanding what your audience or clients value is just as important as developing your own creative style.
Taking time to photograph purely for enjoyment can help keep creativity alive and prevent burnout.
Learning your camera and refining your technical skills gives you the confidence to adapt to different situations.
Staying open to opportunities and being willing to try something new can lead to unexpected and rewarding directions.
Connect with Philippa
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Support the show

Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson speaks with interdisciplinary artist and photographer Sujata Setia about storytelling, trauma, healing and the role photography can play in creating connection.
Sujata’s work explores social justice, gender-based violence, identity and lived experience. Originally from India, she moved to the UK in 2009 and began her photographic journey while navigating new motherhood and an uncertain future. What started as photographing her daughter soon became a way to process emotion, communicate and rebuild connection.
Angela and Sujata discuss how photography became a bridge between mother and child, before exploring the evolution of Sujata’s practice from family portraiture into deeply personal and socially engaged work. Sujata shares the emotional journey behind her award-winning project A Thousand Cuts, which won the Creative category at the 2024 Sony World Photography Awards.
The conversation explores the responsibility of photographing sensitive subjects, the importance of working ethically with survivors and how visual beauty can encourage audiences to engage with difficult themes. Sujata also talks honestly about imposter syndrome, financial realities in the arts and the courage required to keep sharing meaningful work.
Throughout the episode, Angela and Sujata reflect on vulnerability, storytelling and the belief that photography can help create understanding and change.
This is an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about using creativity to confront silence, process pain and connect with others through art.
Takeaways
Photography can become a powerful tool for communication when words feel difficult.
Personal experiences often shape the most meaningful creative work.
Vulnerability and honesty can help build trust with subjects.
Difficult stories deserve thoughtful, ethical and respectful representation.
Creative careers often evolve in unexpected directions over time.
Persistence and courage matter more than waiting to feel confident.
Connect with Sujata
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn
Support the show