Creative Campfire: Conversations for Creative Entrepreneurs

What happens when the vibes stop being enough?

In this episode, I’m joined by operations strategist Samantha MacKinnon — my partial COO and the person helping me rein in the chaos behind the scenes.

We get into what it really takes to move from scattered ideas to focused execution, why most creatives struggle with prioritization, and how data (yes, even if you hate it) can actually give you more freedom — not less.

We also talk about building systems that support your brain (not fight it), the difference between collecting knowledge vs. implementing it, and why sometimes the most important question isn’t if something will work… but how.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too many ideas, unclear on what’s actually moving your business forward, or resistant to looking at your numbers — this one’s for you.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Why most creatives are stuck in “focus” (and how to get out of it)

• The balance between data + intuition in decision-making

• How to prioritize when you have too many ideas

• The real reason your business might feel scattered

• Why “you can’t run a business on vibes alone"

• The shift from knowledge consumption → implementation

• How to build systems that actually support your workflow

• What happens when you bring on a team (and why it can still feel messy)

• The power of asking harder questions in your business

• You can’t grow what you’re not measuring

• Data doesn’t remove creativity — it supports better decisions

• If you say yes to everything, nothing gets done

• Systems should flex to you, not the other way around

• Sometimes the problem isn’t the strategy — it’s a lack of focus

🔗 Resources & Links

• Samantha MacKinnon
  → https://samanthamackinnon.com/

• Fixer Series (Sam’s monthly workshop + resources)
  → https://samanthamackinnon.com/fixr-series

• Social Life (community mentioned in the episode)
  → https://photocamp--ohsierra.thrivecart.com/social-life-2026-6/

• Tiny Experiments
  (Referenced for procrastination: head, heart, hand)

Keep the conversation going with us here at Creative Camp:

• Drop us an ⁠email⁠ or a DM over on ⁠Instagram⁠.

• Support the show by ⁠buying us a coffee⁠ (we love chai lattes)

In this episode, Lauren and Shelly unpack the biggest lessons from Shelly's recently completed Pitch Essentials course co-created with Rachel Korinek of Two Loves Studio.

They cover the full arc of landing clients as a freelance photographer — from cold outreach anxiety and client calls, to portfolio strategy and the long game of follow-up.

Whether you're brand new to pitching or 19 years in, this conversation is full of practical, real-world takeaways. Both hosts get candid about their own struggles and wins, making it feel less like a masterclass and more like a conversation with two smart friends who've figured a few things out.

•      What pitching really means vs. marketing — and why you can't skip it no matter how established you are

•      Call confidence: why getting on the phone beats email almost every time

•      How to extract the right information on a client call so you can actually quote the job accurately

•      Portfolio strategy: who is your website really for — ad agencies or direct-to-brand clients?

•      Shelly's 5-touch outreach sequence: zines → LinkedIn → DM → capabilities deck → coffee chat

•      The referral ask — and why most photographers aren't doing it

•      Why you should focus on doing the work instead of chasing the ROI

"The most important thing on a call is that it's an opportunity for them to get to know your personality. Yes, you need the information, but at the end of the day, you can follow up if you miss something."

— Lauren Liz

"People are not being ghosted — people are just being overworked. You're that 15th spam email, basically."

— Shelly Waldman

"Focus on doing the action you can control versus putting all your energy into worrying about the result, which you can't really control."

— Lauren Liz

Resources and links:

Pitch Essentials Course — co-created by Shelly Waldman & Rachel Korinek of Two Loves Studio

XYZED Printing — where Shelly prints her zine/mini-magazine: exwhyzed.com

Ian Tuttle — photographer whose work Shelly references: ituttle.com

The 12 Week Year — book referenced by Lauren on tracking actions within your control: store.12weekyear.com

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen Covey's"Circle of Influence" concept referenced by Shelly: franklincovey.com

Creative Mornings — in-person creative community events with groups worldwide: creativemornings.com

Hosts bio:Shelly Waldman is a photographer, educator, and the founder of Creative Campfire. After 10 years in finance and an economics degree in hand, she swapped spreadsheets for studio lights — but kept her love of strategy.

Now based in London, Shelly blends creativity and businessacumen to help photographers and creative entrepreneurs build sustainable, profitable careers.
Lauren Liz Kress is a commercial and editorial photographer specializing in vibrant lifestyle food, beverage, portrait, and brand storytelling imagery.

With nearly 20 years in the industry, she collaborates with brands, publications, and restaurants while also serving as an educator, and board member of APA Atlanta. Based between Atlanta and Puerto Rico, she’s passionate about creative community, inclusive productions, and meaningful storytelling.

 Stay in Touch:

•      Drop us an email or DM us on Instagram creativecamp.pro

•    Support the show by buying us a coffee (we'd love a chai latte!)

•      Sign up for our weekly-ish Camp Bulletin —industry insights, creative opportunities, and the latest show

•      We'd love a review! On Spotify, leave a comment on the show. On Apple Podcasts, leave us a review — it helps others find us among the plethora of podcasts out there.

 More ways to work with us:

•      1:1 Consulting — Shelly has been a business coach and photographer since 2010

•      Sponsor the podcast

•      Invest in one of our courses

•      Invite Shelly to speak to your group or be on your stage

•      Got another idea? Email us: [email protected]

SEO Keywords & Tags

The Squiggly Line Career & The Courage to Pivot with Danae Karachaliou of Writing Pajamas

In this episode of Creative Campfire, Shelly sits down with Danae Karachaliou — founder of Writing Pajamas — to talk about career pivots, identity shifts, and what it really means to build something that feels aligned.

From pharmacy school to food photography to copywriting, Danae’s path is anything but linear. But as she shares, the thread was always there — writing.

This conversation dives into:

• What happens when the dream you built no longer fits

• The difference between creating for yourself vs. clients

• Why talking about the thing you want to do matters (before you’re doing it)

• How to reintroduce yourself after a major pivot

• Why marketing is shifting from strategy-heavy to human-first

• The danger of outsourcing your creativity to AI

• And why you’re allowed to change your mind

One of the biggest takeaways?

“The worst thing you can do is outsource your brain power and creativity.”

We also explore what ethical marketing looks like today, how brands like Patagonia changed the game, and why personality-driven copy is becoming the future.

If you're in the middle of a pivot — or quietly questioning your next chapter — this one is for you.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Danae Karachaliou
  Website: https://writingpajamas.com
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writingpajamas

• Social Life (community run by Xanthe Appleyard) doors open again March 23! A special ⁠link just for my campers

• Episode 7 with Xanthe Appleyard (Social Life founder)

• Patagonia (brand example discussed)

• The Moth (storytelling organization mentioned)

• 99% Invisible (podcast referenced)

• Roman Mars (host of 99% Invisible)

• Reuters article Meta is earning a fortune on a deluge of fraudulent ads

In this engaging conversation, Shelly Waldman and Rachel Korinek delve into the intricacies of pitching in the photography industry. They discuss the importance of crafting effective pitch decks, tailoring presentations for clients, and the value of visual storytelling. The duo shares insights from their experiences, emphasizing the role of templates and collaboration in creating standout presentations. They also touch on the significance of feedback and continuous improvement in the pitching process, ultimately encouraging photographers to showcase their unique value to clients.

Rachel Korinek is a Toronto-based professional food photographer and the founder of Two Loves, a studio and online education platform blending her love of food and photography. Originally from Australia, Rachel creates bright, expressive imagery that celebrates real food, emotion, and storytelling. She works remotely with clients worldwide and travels for select projects.

Takeaways

• Pitching is often overlooked but crucial for success.
• Tailoring presentations to client needs enhances engagement.
• Visual storytelling is key in making a strong impression.
• Templates can streamline the pitching process and save time.
• Collaboration can lead to innovative ideas and improvements.
• Feedback from clients is essential for growth and refinement.
• A strong portfolio should reflect the work you want to be hired for.
• Understanding client expectations can lead to better outcomes.
• Continuous improvement is vital in the creative industry.
• Success in pitching can lead to more opportunities and collaborations.

Resources:

EP 10: Pitching Mindset and What to Send

Canva great for building templates (google slides, Adobe Express work too)

About Creative Camp:

Shelly Waldman is a commercial photographer and entrepreneur, and the founder of Creative Camp. She hosts Creative Campfire, featuring honest conversations about business, creativity, and building a sustainable creative career.

Keep the conversation going:

• Drop us an ⁠email⁠ or a DM over on ⁠Instagram⁠.

• Support the show by ⁠buying us a coffee⁠ ( love chai lattes)

• Sign up for our weekly-ish ⁠Camp Bulletin⁠ ., where we drop nuggets about industry insights, creative opportunities and the latest show.

• We'd love a review as it helps others know to listen as well as it helps us get found among the plethora of podcasts. If you're Spotify leave a comment on the show, and on Apple give us a review.

How can we work together:

• 1:1 consulting - Shelly's been a business coach and photographer since 2010.

• sponsor the podcast

• invest in one of our courses

• invite Shelly to speak to your group or be on your stage

• Got another idea? Drop us an email: [email protected]

**ANNOUNCEMENT** Pitching Essentials returns this February:

• Foundation Class: February 5

• Pro Track: Starts February 6

Pitch Essentials teaches photographers how to communicate their ideas with clarity and confidence — using visual tools and clear structure to communicate ideas and value at every stage of outreach.

👉 All details and tickets:
http://courses.twolovesstudio.com/pitch-essentials

Summary:Photographer Suzanne Clements joins Shelly Waldman to talk about creativity, marketing, and building a sustainable photography career. Suzanne shares her unexpected path from painting to photography, how she developed her bold visual style, and why personal projects are essential for growth.

They dive into idea generation, creative collaboration, packaging projects for clients, and navigating today’s marketing landscape — from Instagram fatigue to the power of consistent email outreach.

Suzanne gets into the nitty gritty of how she manages her list, verifies emails and why she uses small batch mail merge rather than a service like Mailchimp or Flodesk.

This is a candid conversation about experimenting, adapting, and staying creatively engaged in an ever-changing industry.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Suzanne Clements Portfolio: https://www.suzanneclements.com/

• Suzanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzannecgd

• ZeroBounce (Email Verification): https://www.zerobounce.net/

• Streak CRM for Gmail: https://www.streak.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Suzanne Clements

01:31 Suzanne's Journey into Photography

04:35 The Shift from Painting to Photography

07:21 Finding Your Style and Voice

11:25 The Importance of Feedback and Consultancy

13:44 The Role of Conversations in Growth

16:57 The Magic of Post-Production

18:30 Creative Projects: Skater Girls and Beyond

29:38 Navigating Creative Expenses

32:55 Exploring the Beauty of Simplicity in Photography

35:43 Transforming Ideas into Visual Stories

38:09 The Evolution of Marketing Strategies

46:40 Leveraging Automation in Creative Marketing

53:13 From Concept to Completion: Documenting the Creative Process

56:30 Crafting Engaging Emails

58:49 Manual Email Strategies for Better Engagement

01:01:46 The Importance of Curated Email Lists

01:06:11Leveraging Technology for Email Marketing

01:10:20 Warming Up Your Email for Success

01:15:41 Maximizing Creative Downtime

01:19:59Navigating Communication in a Changing Industry

Keep the conversation going with us here at Creative Camp:

• Drop us an ⁠email⁠ or a DM over on ⁠Instagram⁠.

• Support the show by ⁠buying us a coffee⁠ (we love chai lattes)

• Sign up for our weekly-ish ⁠Camp Bulletin⁠ ., where we drop nuggets about industry insights, creative opportunities and the latest show.

• We'd love a review as it helps others know to listen as well as it helps us get found among the plethora of podcasts. If you're Spotify leave a comment on the show, and on Apple give us a review.

How can we work together:

• 1:1 consulting - Shelly's been a business coach and photographer since 2010.

• sponsor the podcast

• invest in one of our courses

• invite Shelly to speak to your group or be on your stage

• Got another idea? Drop us an email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Creative Campfire Podcast, Shelly Waldman and co-host Lauren Liz sit down to reflect on 2025, looking at all the thrones and roses.

Together, they unpack the moments that shaped the year both personally and professionally: navigating divorce, ending a close friendship and business partnership, grieving the loss of beloved pets, and the quiet courage it took for Lauren to come out (again) as queer to family and friends.

This conversation is honest, tender, and grounded in the belief that our creative work doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Life changes us and our businesses, boundaries, and identities evolve right alongside it.

Rather than offering a polished highlight reel, Shelly and Lauren talk openly about what it looks like to reflect on a year with compassion, clarity, and truth — making space for grief, growth, and what’s next.

If you’re approaching your own year-in-review feeling tender, uncertain, or in transition, this episode is an invitation to slow down and reflect with honesty.

One thing we know is having a support has been a must.

Keep the conversation going with us here at Creative Camp:

• Drop us an ⁠email⁠ or a DM over on ⁠Instagram⁠.

• Support the show by ⁠buying us a coffee⁠ (we love chai lattes)

• Sign up for our weekly-ish ⁠Camp Bulletin⁠ ., where we drop nuggets about industry insights, creative opportunities and the latest show.

• We'd love a review as it helps others know to listen as well as it helps us get found among the plethora of podcasts. If you're Spotify leave a comment on the show, and on Apple give us a review.

How can we work together:

• 1:1 help with, Shelly, who's background in finance and photography get her a unique perceptive as a coach and business manager. We're opening spots in Feb for working together. Drop us a dm to learn more.

• sponsor the podcast

• invest in one of our courses

• invite Shelly to speak to your group or be on your stage

• Got another idea? Drop us an email: [email protected]

In this episode of Creative Campfire, Shelly sits down with creative producer, photographer, and The Naked Room podcast cohost Kelly Garthwaite for a wide-ranging conversation about creative careers, pivots, and what it really means to build something new when the path forward isn’t clear.

Kelly shares her journey from technical writing to photography, to photo editor at NFL Network, to her seven-year run at Red Bull Media House, and the leap into entrepreneurship that didn’t unfold the way she expected.

Together, they unpack the realities of freelancing, advocating for yourself inside big organizations, the emotional whiplash that can come when a well-thought-out plan that doesn’t land, finding the creative spark in podcasting and predictions for 2026.

The conversation weaves through:

• Why relationships matter more than résumés

• What brands actually look for when hiring creatives

• The unseen labor of production and why photographers are asked to wear too many hats

• Podcasting as a creative lifeline and space for honest, human conversation

• The cultural shift toward analog, slower creativity, and real connection

• Why community (especially women supporting women) matters now more than ever

This episode is an honest look at reinvention, trust, and staying human in an increasingly automated, transactional creative industry.

Topics Covered:

• Creative pivots and nonlinear careers

• Life inside Red Bull Media House

• Hiring photographers: talent vs. personality

• Burnout, boundaries, and people-pleasing

• Why “efficiency” is hard to sell to brands

• Podcasting as a creative and emotional outlet

• The future of media, streaming, and AI

• Slowing down: film photography, analog rituals, and patience

• Women using their voices and building community

Kelly is a creative producer and former photo editor at Red Bull Media House who now co-hosts The Naked Room podcast. Known for her empathy, collaboration, and deep industry knowledge, Kelly is passionate about honest storytelling, community-building, and keeping creativity human.

🎙 The Naked Room Podcast – available on Spotify, YouTube & all podcast platforms

🔗 Kelly on LinkedIn, Substack, Instagram (photo), Instagram (pod)

Keep the conversation going with us here at Creative Camp:

• Drop us an ⁠email⁠ or a DM over on ⁠Instagram⁠.

In this episode of Creative Campfire, I sit down with Sam Cornwall — photographer, digital tech, and creator of The Photo Glossary — for a deep, honest conversation about what really makes a professional set run smoothly.

We talk about learning to see light, why soft skills matter just as much as technical ones, and the industry knowledge that’s slowly disappearing as fewer photographers come up through assisting.

From hybrid roles and chain of command to pricing equipment, managing clients, and building trust on set, this episode is packed with insight for photographers, assistants, and creatives navigating commercial work today.

Whether you’re early in your career or deep in it, this conversation will help you understand not just how sets work — but why they work best when communication, clarity, and leadership are prioritized.

In this episode, we cover:

• ​Why learning to “see” light starts long before you touch a strobe
• ​The difference between technical skills and creative vision
• ​How environment and lived experience shape your eye
• ​Why soft skills are missing from most photography education
• ​The importance of chain of command on set
• ​Hybrid roles, efficiency, and modern crew structures
• ​Why photographers should understand equipment costs and fees
• ​The thinking behind The Photo Glossary and preserving industry knowledge
• ​What newer creatives are missing — and how to close that gap

The Photo Glossary Info:

• ​Substack
• ​Instagram
• ​Website
• ​Wiki

Referenced Tools & Software

• ​Capture One
• ​Adobe Lightroom
• ​Photoshop
• ​Profoto
• ​Adorama
• ​Dropbox
• ​WeTransfer
• ​Hightail
• ​PIBOX (Frame.io alternative)

Keep the conversation going with us here at Creative Camp:

• ​Drop us an ⁠email⁠ or a DM over on ⁠Instagram⁠.
• ​Support the show by ⁠buying us a coffee⁠ (we love chai lattes)
• ​Sign up for our weekly-ish ⁠Camp Bulletin⁠ ., where we drop nuggets about industry insights, creative opportunities and the latest show.
• ​We'd love a review as it helps others know to listen as well as it helps us get found among the plethora of podcasts. If you're Spotify leave a comment on the show, and on Apple give us a review.

How can we work together:

• ​1:1 consulting - Shelly's been a business coach and photographer since 2010.
• ​sponsor the podcast
• ​invest in one of our courses
• ​invite Shelly to speak to your group or be on your stage
• ​Got another idea? Drop us an email: [email protected]

In this episode of Creative Campfire, Shelly sits down with powerhouse sports photographer Amanda J. Cain, the first Black female team photographer in the NHL and now head photographer for the Detroit Pistons.

Amanda shares how she carved out her lane in sports, the realities of in-house photography, the importance of being multi-skilled, the challenges of career advancement inside teams, and how she integrates art direction and graphic design into her creative identity.

We cover:

• Creative direction for media day

• Mentorship + honest advice for up-and-coming sports creatives

• Why freelancing freedom matters

• The highs and lows behind the scenes — beyond the highlight reel

• Her sneaker obsession and the art-direction ideas it inspires

• Her upcoming rebrand + personal weekly project

If you’ve ever wondered what it actually looks like to build a career in pro sports photography — this is your episode.

Where to Find Amanda

Instagram: @amanda.j.cainPortfolio: amandajcain.photoshelter.com

More places to find Amanda

Keep the conversation going with us here at Creative Camp:

• Drop us an ⁠email⁠ or a DM over on ⁠Instagram⁠.

• Support the show by ⁠buying us a coffee⁠ (we love chai lattes)

• Sign up for our weekly-ish ⁠Camp Bulletin⁠ ., where we drop nuggets about industry insights, creative opportunities and the latest show.

• We'd love a review as it helps others know to listen as well as it helps us get found among the plethora of podcasts. If you're Spotify leave a comment on the show, and on Apple give us a review.

How can we work together:

• 1:1 consulting - Shelly's been a business coach and photographer since 2010.

• sponsor the podcast

• invest in one of our courses

• invite Shelly to speak to your group or be on your stage

• Got another idea? Drop us an email: [email protected]

"We're all work in progress... We're always, growing. That's why I like to show the imperfections in a lot of my photography. I like to show that like, it's that wabi-sabi approach to it." - PJ Agbay

In this episode, Shelly sits down with Philadelphia-based commercial, editorial and food photographer PJ Agbay to explore his creative journey — from shooting on an iPhone in high school to becoming a full-time commercial photographer, community builder, and published artist.

PJ shares how breakdancing at his local rec center shaped his sense of belonging, why community is at the heart of his work, and how he’s building a creative ecosystem in Philly.

He also breaks down his transition into commercial photography, learning usage and licensing, building confidence with pricing, and how manifesting big goals by sharing them out loud, led him to shoot for Bon Appétit and Food & Wine.

We dive into studio culture, personal growth, networking-as-dating, Substack writing, and how saying your dreams out loud can change everything. If you’re building a creative career rooted in connection, this conversation is full of sparks.

Keep up with PJ:

Website

Instagram

Substack

Other folks and organizations mentioned in the show:

• Caydie McCumber — Photographer & educator

• Two Loves Studio / Rachel Korinek — Pitching Essentials co-creator
  

• Bon Appétit
  

• Food & Wine Magazine
  

• • Elijah Crawford — Director/producer

  
  

  • The Maker’s Table — Creative dinner series co-created by Shelby and Alex

  If one of your 2026 goals is to pitch stronger and communicate your value more clearly, check out the Pitching Template Bundle designed my Shelly here at Creative Camp & Two Loves Studio. There are 8 customizable pitch templates that will help you stand out.

  50% off from Nov 28 - Dec 1, 2025 with code BF50 at checkout.
  https://courses.twolovesstudio.com/pitching-templates