Around the campfire today I have an engaging conversation with Colorado based, outdoor lifestyle photographer Ryan Dearth.

He shares his journey from a military upbringing and taking a job in the world of physics, before exiting the science world to become a full-time freelance photographer.

He discusses the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from weddings to editorial + travel photography, and now into brand work that can keep him closer to home.

Ryan emphasizes the importance of building a portfolio, networking, and reflects on the evolution of his style, the significance of follow-up to maintain connections, and the shift towards lifestyle photography.

We also touch on differences between Instagram and LinkedIn as platforms for networking and community building, and the importance of finding one's voice in photography.

Takeaways

• Ryan's journey into photography began with a military upbringing and a passion for capturing moments.
• The leap into full-time photography was driven by a desire for fulfillment and fear of stagnation.
• Building a portfolio is essential for establishing a career in photography.
• Transitioning from weddings to editorial work allowed Ryan to explore new creative avenues.
• Finding a personal voice in photography is an ongoing process that evolves over time.
• Travel photography opened doors to new experiences and cultural understanding.
• Networking and follow-up are crucial for maintaining professional relationships.
• Social media platforms serve different purposes in a photographer's career.
• Community and collaboration are vital for growth in the photography industry.
• Embracing change and adapting to new opportunities is key to long-term success.

Follow Ryan:

Instagram

Linkedin

Portfolio

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 stageGot another idea? Drop us an email: [email protected]

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mike Brennan, a creator and communicator who tells stories on pages and stages.

In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of creativity for mental health. Mike shares his journey from working in high-pressure design environments to embracing art as a personal healing practice. Discover how his daily creative habit has not only helped him navigate depression but also inspired others to find hope and redemption through art.

Whether you're a creative professional or someone seeking solace in art, this episode offers valuable perspectives on embracing creativity as a pathway to healing.

Mike's latest book, "Blue: A Story of Letting Go," is a poignant fable about dealing with loss and finding closure. It's available on Amazon along with his other works.

Visit mikebrennan.me, where you'll find resources on his daily creative habit and live event sketching.

Don't miss Mike's upcoming talk at the mental health marketing event in Franklin, Tennessee, on October 7th and 8th, where he'll share insights on using creativity as a tool for mental wellness.

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 engaging conversation, Lauren and Shelly discuss a project and pricing challenge faced by a design friend of Lauren's.

They explore strategies for billing, the impact of economic uncertainty on the creative industry, and the significance of maintaining mental health while pursuing creative passions.

The dialogue emphasizes the need for flexibility and resilience in the face of changing circumstances, encouraging listeners to find solutions and adapt their approaches to thrive in their creative endeavors.

Takeaways

• It's important to take care of your voice as a creative.

• Client conversations can be challenging, especially regarding budgets.
• Understanding client expectations is crucial for successful proposals.
• Billing strategies should encompass all time spent on a project.
• Flexibility in pricing can help maintain client relationships.
• Creative professionals often undervalue their time and efforts.
• Economic uncertainty affects client budgets and project opportunities.
• Mental health is vital for sustaining creativity and passion.
• Finding solutions is better than dwelling on frustrations.
• Engaging with the creative community can provide support and insights.

Want to learn more about pitching? Get on the waitlist before tickets go on sale September 9, 2025 for 10% off.

Get on the list

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting and Reflecting on Challenges

02:45 Navigating Client Expectations and Budget Constraints

05:14 Creative Solutions for Pricing and Project Management

08:20 The Importance of Mental Health in Creative Work

10:59 Exploring Flexibility and Adaptability in Business

13:58 Share Your Thought With Us

Support the how by ⁠buying us a coffee⁠

Keep the conversation going:

drop us DM over on Instagram @creativecamp.pro or send us an ⁠email⁠ [email protected] more thoughts, insights and industry happenings?

We drop it in our weekly-ish Camp Bulletin .

This show is independently produced, edited and put together by Shelly Waldman.

Keywords

creative entrepreneurship, client relationships, pricing, negotiating, budgeting, billing strategies, mental health, economic uncertainty, design industry, photography, freelance work, project management

🎙️ Mastering the Art of Pitching in Photography with Rachel Korinek

Keywords: photography, pitching, client communication, ghosting, networking, mindset, proposals, follow-up strategies, personal connections, business photography

In this episode of Creative Camp, Shelly Waldman sits down with Rachel Korinek of Two Loves Studio to dive into the intricacies of pitching in the photography business.

From navigating ghosting and client communication to crafting tailored proposals and building authentic personal connections, this conversation explores what it really takes to get noticed (and get replies) as a photographer.

You’ll hear strategies for follow-ups, tips for shifting your mindset around rejection, and why data and personal connection play such a big role in booking the right clients. Shelly and Rachel also share details about their upcoming workshop, Pitching Essentials (October 6, 2025), designed to help photographers refine their pitching process and communicate value with confidence.

Whether you’re just starting your business photography journey or looking to tighten up your client communication strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

🔑 Episode Takeaways

• Networking is essential for building lasting relationships in photography

• Clear client communication helps mitigate ghosting

• Mindset shifts can change how you handle rejection

• Follow-up strategies keep conversations alive and build trust

• Personal connections increase the likelihood of booking work

• Tailored pitches resonate more than generic ones

• Data can guide and improve your pitching strategies

• Strong portfolios matter — but solving client problems matters more

• Authenticity in communication is the real differentiator

📝 Chapters

00:00 – Introduction and Networking Skills
01:12 – The Business of Photography: Pitching and Proposals
04:54 – Understanding Ghosting and Client Communication
08:44 – Mindset Around Pitching and Follow-Up Strategies
12:11 – Building Relationships and Long-Term Engagement
15:54 – Crafting the Perfect Pitch: Detail and Context
19:56 – Crafting Effective Client Communications
25:51 – Building Personal Connections in Business
30:51 – Recap and Workshop Announcements

💬 Memorable Soundbites

• “Ghosting is a very loaded word.”

• “What is the problem you’re solving for that client?”

• Website: Two Loves Studio

• Instagram: @twolovesstudio

• Email: [email protected]

• Instagram: @creativecamp.pro

If you enjoy Creative Camp, you can support us by buying us a coffee.

📢 Stay in the Loop

Want more insights, industry updates, and behind-the-scenes thoughts? Subscribe to the Camp Bulletin → Sign up here.

Ben Moore is now known for his incredible architectural urban landscapes. But he didn't start out photographing buildings. His winding journey to find his niche and build his creative eye took time and a lot of photos.

We dive into his back story, hear about how taking Instagram seriously changed the trajection of his work and opened doors to partnerships and friendships.

The Book: "Above & Across London", featuring over 170 aerial images by Ben, of the city’s historic architecture, bustling streets, and notable landmarks through all season of the year.🌟 It's now available for pre-order at Trope.com and will be in stores September 16th!

We also cover:

• His love for automative photography
• Drones
• NFTs - why are they still on your site
• Printing a book means editing differently than for screen (we mention this episode with Chris Wojcicki)
• partnerships with Nikon and Adobe
• travel to New York and Berlin
• and a running theme throughout is the power of relationships

Check out all of Ben's work and social links

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube

We want to hear from you. Share your questions for us to answer on the show, be a guest or nominate someone by dropping us an email or send us a DM over on Instagram.

Support the show by buying us a coffee.

We have info, workshops and more that we pop into our less than weekly-ish Camp Bulletin . Sign up⁠ to stay in the loop.

Want to to work with us:

Shelly is available for teaching, mentoring and speaking opportunities both in person and virtually. She is also open to hosting your brand's podcast.

We offer company trainings on how to take on the job images to use for company promotion and social feeds as well as photography workshops on both the craft and the business side.

Check out our website for more info.

Lastly, the London Experience is a 4 day reset, recharge, creative and business boost, September 28-Oct 2. Come for the whole experience or pop in for one day. All the info and tickets can be found here.

Ever think about the one moment that changed your whole creative path?

For Tom Crooke, it started with $500 from his grandfather. Instead of spending it on rent, he bought a camera. At the time, he was an actor making showreels for friends on the side — until a chance gig with a jewelry company landed in his lap... and changed everything.

No more acting. Full-time video.
Now he runs Bobbin Unlimited Video, working with brands, agencies, and passionate people.

In this episode we talk about:
– Mistakes and unexpected wins
– Contracts, boundaries, and lessons the hard way
– What he'd do if I gave him $10K today

--------------------Let's get together in person. Join us for the London Experience Sept 28 - Oct 2nd.

This four-day immersive experience is designed for commercial photographers and creative entrepreneurs craving inspiration, community, and business clarity.

Can't commit to all four days? No problem grab a day pass! Keep the conversation going by:

sending us an email or a DM on Instagram.

Support the show by buying us a chai or coffee

Want more thoughts, insights and industry happenings? We drop it in our semi- weekly Camp Bulletin⁠.

Want to work with us? Here's how:

+ speaker: we love talking about all things marketing, business and photography

+ workshop: we have several.

+ business development (coaching): done with you. we work with folks 1:1 to help you create a plan you can attack.

I’m calling this one The Money Shift—because that’s exactly what Xanthe Appleyard of Oh Sierra has been living. From “sweet, let me buy that” and overdraft life… to getting to zero, taking ownership, and actually looking at her numbers (go figure).

After hearing Xanthe and her husband Frank open up about their debt on their podcast Love You to the Core, I knew I had to bring her on to go deeper. We talk about shame, survival mode, self-trust, and how she’s redefining what a “rich life” looks like—from the inside out.

Where to find Xanthe:

• Podcast
• Substack
• Instagram
• Website

The London Experience Sept 28 - Oct 2, learn more and get the waitlist bonuses that expire on July 20th.

Keep the conversation:

Drop us an email or a DM over on Instagram.

Support the by buying us a coffee

Want more thoughts, insights and industry happenings? We drop it in our weekly-ish Camp Bulletin . ⁠Sign up⁠ to stay in the loop.

If you learn something, let us know. If you think a friend would enjoy this let them know, and if you want others to learn something too drop us a review. It helps spread the word.

We don't talk enough about money as creatives and photographers. This is more than pricing, this is the mindset, habits, and lessons we learned from our upbringing til now. So I'm inviting various folks on to share their money stories, and journeys.

To kick things off, I’m joined by my longtime friend and former colleague Jenny Flores.

Jenny and I first met during my decade in banking, when I was a financial analyst at Citibank. She led Community Development for the San Francisco region before moving on to Bank of the West, and later, Wells Fargo. Just days into her new role leading Small Business Growth at Wells, COVID hit and Jenny had to pivot fast. She co-designed the $420 million Open for Business Fund, which helped keep 336,000 small businesses alive through the pandemic.

Today, Jenny is building AMH Catalyst, a venture capital firm reimagining access to capital for women founders. The firm has both a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm and a for-profit side, using AI and blockchain to reshape how funding and support are distributed.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The money habits Jenny learned as a child

• How one book on money changed her entire approach

• The lessons she’s teaching her daughter now

• Why she launched her own venture capital firm — and how it’s structured to create long-term change

Stay in Touch:

Jenny Flores

LinkedIn

AMH Catalyst Center Website LinkedIn Creative Camp:Keep the conversation going over on Instagram. Drop us a DM, or tag us in your post/story.

Support the show by buying us a coffee

We shared our thoughts, insights and industry happenings, and drop it in our weekly-ish Camp Bulletin⁠Sign up⁠ to stay in the loop.

🎟️ The Creative Camp: London Experience is coming September 28–October 2!
This four-day immersive experience is designed for commercial photographers and creative entrepreneurs craving inspiration, community, and business clarity.

✨ Waitlist tickets go on sale July 2.
Join the waitlist now to get $400 off, a 1:1 coaching session, and first access to one of just 12 spots.

👉 Get all the details + sign up at creativecamp.pro/london-experience

Shelly met Chris at Creative Supper Club dinner in Los Angeles, thanks to Caydie McCumber. They happened to sit next to each and quickly found common ground, as they were both embarking to live overseas. Shelly in London, and Chris to Barcelona.

The conversation hasn't stop since that dinner. That's why when you hop into this episode we're already in conversation.

We dive into AI and how Chris has used it with a client to show ideas for a Cannes project, which was green lit. Then we move into his graphic design background that infuses with and complimented by photography, video and animation.

All that mixed with his love of music, storytelling and books, ignited a passion project that he's been thinking about for ages. We get into the nitty gritty of how he found contributors, did a Kickstarter campaign, pushed through the unknowns and uncertainty, to finding a publisher that could bring his project to life.

Chris is now looking for contributors for book two, all about Spain. Hop over to the magazine (aka book) @pigeon_mag_ and check out Chris' IG and website too:@somekidstudio     somekidstudio.com

Want to support us by treating us to a warm beverage? ⁠We'd be so happy. ⁠

Are you on the Camp Bulletin? We pull together industry happenings, photo jobs, retreats, and add our insights and stories. ⁠Sign up⁠ to stay in the loop.

Our very first in person experience is coming to London, September 28 - Oct 2. It's four days (with a bonus VIP) for creative entrepreneurs .

Those Seeking Real Connection & Inspiration
If you’re craving a break from screens and endless online meetings, this experience is for you—a chance to refill your creative well and spark fresh ideas through hands-on activities and meaningful conversations.

Get on the Waitlist to learn more, and get Shelly's birthday special (yes her birthday is June 24th). You'll be notify via email when the tickets are available. There's room for 12.

Today's episode is full of insights on:

• Burn Out; how burnt is your toast, will depend on what action steps and how much time you will need to recover, reset and rise again.
• Learning on the job; never wanting to be in that situation again.
• Gear that has had the biggest impact on our work
• how we built meaningful connections
• Advice on breaking into a specific niche of photography

For those interested in niching down we have a great workshop with Commercial Athletic and Wellness photographer, Caydie McCumber, check it out here

Want to support the show? Treat us to a warm beverage.

We pull together industry happenings, photo jobs and more and drop it in our weekly Camp Bulletin along with our insights and stories. Sign up to stay in the loop.