SheClicks Women in Photography

• Sue Flood: How Persistence Led to a Career in Wildlife Filmmaking and Photography

  Send us a textIn this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson chats with Sue Flood, an acclaimed photographer, filmmaker and zoologist with a deep love for wildlife and adventure. Sue’s journey has taken her from growing up in North Wales to working with the BBC’s Natural History Unit on iconic documentaries like The Blue Planet and Planet Earth, collaborating with Sir David Attenborough. Her determination, patience and passion have led her to capture breathtaking images of wildlife in some of the world’s most extreme locations.Sue shares the challenges she faced in breaking into the industry, including the persistence it took to land her dream job with the BBC after years of knocking on doors. She talks about her early inspirations, how she gained experience and the turning points that helped shape her career. From swimming with humpback whales in Tonga to photographing emperor penguins in Antarctica, her stories offer a fascinating insight into life as a wildlife photographer and filmmaker.Throughout our conversation, Sue also discusses the ethics of wildlife photography, the importance of conservation and how photographers can approach animals without disturbing them. She offers invaluable advice for those looking to work in wildlife filmmaking or photography, emphasising the power of perseverance and seizing opportunities when they arise.Whether you're an aspiring wildlife photographer, a fan of nature documentaries, or simply love hearing behind-the-scenes stories from the field, this episode is packed with inspiration. Tune in to hear how Sue turned her childhood dream into a reality, proving that with passion and persistence, anything is possible.TakeawaysPersistence is key in breaking into any competitive industry – keep pushing forward despite setbacks.Gaining hands-on experience, whether through volunteering or personal projects, is invaluable for building skills and credibility.Ethical wildlife photography requires patience, respect for nature and an understanding of animal behaviour.Building strong professional relationships and networking can open unexpected doors and lead to new opportunities.Preparation and adaptability are essential when working in challenging environments, from extreme cold to remote locations.Entering photography competitions can be a great way to gain recognition, confidence and exposure for your work.Connect with SueWebsiteXInstagramFacebookSupport the show

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• Erica Hawkins: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Creative Confidence

  Send us a textIn this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson speaks with Erica Hawkins, a multi-award-winning documentary wedding photographer whose work has been exhibited at prestigious venues such as the National Portrait Gallery for the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize. Erica's journey into photography was anything but straightforward, and her story is as inspiring as her creative approach to storytelling.  From her early passion for filmmaking to her unexpected pivot into photography, Erica shares how a career in art publishing helped shape her unique vision. Despite achieving notable successes, including being featured on Don't Tell the Bride early in her career, Erica struggled with imposter syndrome, battling a persistent inner critic that made her doubt her talents.  The turning point came in 2020 when Erica faced a life-altering cancer diagnosis. This experience gave her a fresh perspective, allowing her to quieten the negativity and embrace her creativity with renewed confidence. Now, Erica combines her documentary approach with a deep understanding of her client's stories to create authentic, emotive images.  In this heartfelt conversation, Erica discusses the challenges of imposter syndrome and how it impacts photographers, offering actionable advice to help others recognise the difference between healthy self-reflection and destructive self-doubt. She also shares insights into her work-life balance, emphasising the importance of setting goals, staying true to your style, and finding joy in photography.  Whether you're a seasoned pro or a budding photographer, Erica's experiences and wisdom will inspire you to overcome self-doubt, embrace your creativit, and craft a photography career or hobby that reflects your unique vision.  Listen now to discover Erica's incredible story and learn how to silence your inner critic while growing as a photographer. Takeaways1. Recognising and addressing imposter syndrome is key to unlocking your full creative potential. Learn to differentiate between self-reflection that helps you grow and self-doubt that holds you back.2. Life challenges can be opportunities for personal and professional growth. Embracing a new perspective can lead to greater creativity and confidence in your work.3. Authentic storytelling in photography resonates deeply. Focus on capturing genuine moments rather than striving for technical perfection.4. Confidence builds over time through experience and reflection. Setting achievable goals and celebrating milestones can help reinforce self-belief.5. Balancing work and personal life is crucial for long-term success. Define success on your terms and don’t let external pressures dictate your priorities.6. Connecting with a supportive community can provide encouragement and inspiration. Sharing experiences and learning from others helps foster both personal and professional growth.Connect with EricaWebsiteInstagramSupport the show

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• Hannah Couzens: Finding Success by Staying True to Your Photography Style

  Send us a textIn this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson welcomes Hannah Couzens, a renowned portrait photographer and Sony Imaging Ambassador. With years of experience behind the camera, Hannah has built a reputation for her expertise in lighting, her engaging teaching approach and her ability to bring out the best in her subjects. Her philosophy, "Come as strangers and leave as friends," perfectly encapsulates her warm and inviting style.Hannah’s journey into photography began in her teenage years when a friend introduced her to the magic of film photography. From that moment, she was captivated by the way a camera and light could shape an image. She went on to study photography and quickly immersed herself in the industry, gaining experience across a range of genres before focusing on portraiture.During the episode, Hannah shares key moments from her career, including a personal loss that led to a life-changing opportunity in New Zealand, which gave her a fresh perspective and helped refine her skills. She talks about the importance of staying true to your creative voice, even when industry trends tempt you to stray. Hannah also discusses her transition into teaching and how she simplifies lighting techniques to make them accessible to all photographers.As a Sony Imaging Ambassador, Hannah explains how she initially resisted switching to mirrorless but was quickly won over by the technology’s capabilities. She also answers questions from SheClickers about her favourite personal projects, working with teams and the business side of photography.If you’re passionate about portrait photography and want insight from an experienced professional, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Listen now and take your photography to the next level!Connect with HannahWebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeSonyThis podcast is supported by Sony, maker of class-leading camera equipment and cutting-edge technologies – like the Global Shutter in the Alpha 9 III which won the SheClicks 2024 Award for Innovation.TakeawaysHere are six key takeaways from the episode that you can apply to your own photography or photography business:Lighting is key to great portraits – Mastering lighting techniques can elevate your portrait photography. Understanding how to shape and control light helps create depth, mood and impact.Stay true to your style – Following trends can be tempting, but developing and sticking to your unique photographic style will help attract the right clients and set you apart.Photography is about more than just the camera – Technical skills are important, but posing, composition and directing your subject play a crucial role in creating strong portraits.Photography is 80% people skills, 20% technique – A great portrait comes from making your subject feel comfortable and confident. Developing strong communication skills is just as important as knowing camera settings.Continuous learning keeps you ahead – Whether it’s new camera technology, lighting setups, or refining posing techniques, stay curious and committed to learning.Building a photography business takes strategy – Success in photography isn’t just about taking great images. MarketiSupport the show

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• Stephanie Johnson: Discovering Creative Freedom and Connecting to the Landscape Through ICM

  Send us a textIn this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson chats with Stephanie Johnson, a self-taught photographic artist renowned for her mastery of Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) and multiple exposure techniques. Stephanie is the founder of the ICM Photography Magazine, a digital publication dedicated to showcasing creative work, and she also leads workshops across the UK and US.  Stephanie’s journey into photography began 30 years ago with a film SLR in Okinawa, Japan, but it wasn’t until a transformative trip to Ireland in 2015 that she rediscovered her passion. Following a challenging period in her personal life, Stephanie turned to photography to reconnect with her creative self. It was during this time that she discovered ICM, a technique that aligned perfectly with her artistic vision and deep connection to the landscape.  Throughout the conversation, Stephanie shares the joys and challenges of mastering ICM, a technique that relies on movement, intuition, and experimentation. She discusses how ICM allowed her to connect more deeply with both local and distant landscapes, turning even the most ordinary scenes into opportunities for creative exploration.  Stephanie also reflects on the role of photography in personal growth, explaining how embracing imperfections and letting go of expectations helped her find freedom both behind the camera and in life. Her advice to photographers? “Don’t wait for perfect conditions, start moving the camera and see what happens.”  Tune in to hear how Stephanie transformed her creative journey, built a thriving ICM community and continues to push the boundaries of her art. Whether you’re new to ICM or an experienced photographer, her insights will inspire you to see the world and your photography in a new way.Takeaways 1. Embrace Imperfection for GrowthStephanie highlights that creativity thrives when you let go of expectations. Experimenting with ICM teaches you to embrace imperfections as part of the artistic process and personal growth.  2. Start Moving and See What HappensWith ICM, there’s no right or wrong way to begin. Stephanie encourages photographers to pick up their camera, start moving it and let the results guide their creative journey.  3. Find Beauty in Every SceneWhether photographing the grand landscapes of Ireland or the subtler scenery of Iowa, ICM allows you to connect deeply with the landscape and see beauty in unexpected places.  4. Creativity Can Be Therapeutic Stephanie shares how photography, especially ICM, played a vital role in her emotional healing. Engaging in creative practices can offer stability and joy during challenging times.  5. Consistency Builds Style Stephanie emphasises the importance of "doing the work." Regularly practising ICM not only hones your skills but also helps develop a distinctive style that reflects your vision.  6. Experiment with Gear and Techniques From using neutral density filters to experimenting with multiple exposures and Lensbaby lenses, Stephanie shows that pushing your creative boundaries can lead to exciting new discoveries.Connect with StephanieWebsiteInstagramFacebookICM Photography MagazineSupport the show

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• Kate Kirkman: Building Confidence and Evolving a Photography Business

  Send us a textIn this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson speaks with Sony Imaging Ambassador Kate Kirkman, a multi-talented photographer known for her exceptional wedding, boudoir, portrait and commercial photography, as well as her more recent ventures into videography.  Kate opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her career, including her journey to mastering technical skills like flash photography, an achievement that significantly boosted her confidence and transformed her approach to shoots. She shares how this confidence has been instrumental in evolving her business and diversifying into new genres like video production.  Relocating to Cornwall in 2023 brought fresh opportunities and challenges for Kate and her husband Brent, who has also started lecturing in video at Falmouth University. Kate reflects on how building local connections and embracing community have helped establish a new foundation for their hybrid photography business while maintaining ties with clients across the UK.  Angela and Kate also delve into the growing importance of videography in photography businesses, discussing how they’ve adapted to meet client demands and integrate storytelling across both mediums.  Throughout the episode, Kate offers valuable insights into managing a photography business, from navigating imposter syndrome and balancing technical mastery with creative storytelling to maintaining a healthy work-life balance in a competitive industry.  Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or a seasoned professional, Kate’s candid reflections and practical advice will leave you inspired and motivated.  Listen now to discover how Kate Kirkman continues to evolve as a photographer, adapt to new challenges, and stay creatively inspired in a rapidly changing industry.Connect with KateKate Hopewell-Smith PhotographyMuse Boudoir PhotographybyLumiereInstagramFacebookSonyThis podcast is supported by Sony, maker of class-leading camera equipment and cutting-edge technologies – like the Global Shutter in the Alpha 9 III which won the SheClicks 2024 Award for Innovation.Takeaways1. Master Your Craft  Building technical skills, such as mastering lighting or new techniques, can significantly boost your confidence and elevate your photography.  2. Adapt to New Environments  Relocating your business is challenging, but maintaining strong relationships and actively networking in your new community can create new opportunities.  3. Diversify Your Services  Incorporating videography or exploring new genres helps keep your business relevant and adaptable to client needs.  4. Overcome Imposter Syndrome  Recognise unfair comparisons and focus on personal growth rather than external perceptions to build self-confidence.  5. Streamline Your Workflow  Effective business management, including using tools for automation and organisation, is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.  6. Embrace Lifelong Learning  Staying creative and inspired often requires continuous learning and embracing challenges, leading to personal and professional growth.  Support the show

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