Creative Campfire: Conversations for Creative Entrepreneurs

Jacquette M. Timmons and I dive into the complexities of pricing in the creative industry.

In this engaging conversation, Jacquette shares her unique perspective on the phrase 'charge what you're worth,' exploring its cultural implications and the importance of aligning personal and business finances.

Discover how to navigate the emotional and financial aspects of pricing, and learn why understanding your value goes beyond simple equations.

Tune in for insights that will help you build a thriving business without sacrificing personal financial health.

Follow Jacquette on her platforms:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Website / Blog

Podcast

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 *BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL COMING ON OUR COLLOB PITCH TEMPLATES*

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

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

Zach Ancell “fell” into photography while running track at the University of Oregon, snapping photos of his teammates that eventually sparked a commercial career. His competitive drive to be the best fueled his success—until a life-altering moment forced him to confront his deepest fear: losing his wife. Death was something Zach had always kept locked away, but a series of events at 35 cracked that box wide open.

As he began questioning everything—his career, his ambitions, and what it means to live fully—Zach found himself on a journey of self-discovery. That exploration led him to create When We Die, a podcast and call-in series where people share their stories, beliefs, and reflections about death, purpose, and what comes after.

Follow Zach and his show and get all his links HERE

Instagram

Show

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, Phoebe Nelson of Pandrd Design Co shares her journey from in house graphic designer to full time muralist (yes that's painting cool designs on walls all over the world).

We dive into changing the mindset around be grateful to be an artist, aka the starving artist, to get paid for your work, and value what you do. She shares about lessons learned about sexism and speaking with confidence, why site visits are not necessary, and how her contract has developed over the years.

We discuss the slippery slope artists face when working for free to build a portfolio as well as those that are doing it for "fun" and the broader impact that has on the artist community.

We get into money talk. Her biggest money challenge in the last 3 years and her biggest financial win along with new things she's trying out this year, how she finds assistants in the places she's painting, and lessons learned about

Check out Phoebe's work, her resources for artist, and more:

• Instagram: @PANDRDesignCo
• Website: panderdesignco.com
• Designing for Murals Workshop Nov 12, 2025

Keep the conversation going with us here at Creative Camp:

• Drop a DM over on ⁠Instagram⁠ @creativecamp.pro and share you thoughts on the episode: something you learned, related to, or someone to interview.

• Keep us caffinated and show us you care ⁠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 podcast show.

• Did you know that if you leave a review, or a comment, it helps get our show in front of others? Yep. It helps us get found among the plethora of podcasts. And if you really love the episode and want to others to listen too, share a screenshot or a snippet on your social feed and tag us. So we can love you back.

How can we work together:

• 1:1 Creative Sidekick: Shelly's been a business coach/stragist and photographer since 2010. She's opening up limited spots to work together in 2026.

• Sponsor the podcast: yes, we're looking for both episode and show sponsors. If you want to get in front of creatives (photographers, artists, graphic designs, etc) here's where you'll find them.

• we have creative camp and creative campfire merch shop coming in November

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

• Got an idea you want to pitch us or collaborate on: Drop us an email: [email protected]

#ArtisticValue #Muralist #PhoebeNelson #FinancialLiteracy #dontbeastarvingartist

Jamie Kingham is a renowned lifestyle commercial photographer based in Reno, celebrated for his dynamic and engaging visual storytelling.

With over two decades of experience, Jamie's career has seen a significant evolution from fashion photography in London and New York to capturing the essence of outdoor and lifestyle imagery.

His journey has been marked by profound personal and professional transitions, including a pivotal move back to Reno, where he embraced new creative challenges and redefined his identity.

Jamie's exploration of AI in his work has opened new avenues for creativity, allowing him to craft innovative treatments and visual concepts that push the boundaries of traditional photography.

Connect with Jamie at jamiekingham.com,

follow him on Instagram at @jamie.kingham,

or connect on LinkedIn at Jamie Kingham.

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]

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.