Eat Capture Share - a podcast for food bloggers

In today's episode (169) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, I'm talking with Hawaii based designer and food photographer, Alanna O'Neil. Alanna shares her food photography journey and evolution, her top trick for using Instagram to find paying food photography clients, and her thoughts on what it really means to tell a story through your photography. Alanna’s intuitive, down-to-earth wisdom will inspire you to trust your creative instincts and let your inner food photographer guide the way.

Here's what else you can expect from today's episode...

• Alanna introduces herself.
• Alanna gives her best advice to food photographers struggling to find their visual voice.
• Alanna explains how to stay true to your own style while working with brands.
• Alanna gives her top tips for finding clients.
• Alanna gives step-by-step advice for how to cold pitch to clients.
• Alanna shares her strategies for incorporating visual storytelling into her food photography.
• We talk about how to balance food and lifestyle photography within our creative work.
• Alanna talks about why resisting the pressure to create videos has been the best choice for her creative voice.

LINKS MENTIONED:

• Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!
• My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photography
• Alanna’s website, Instagram and Visual Voices Collective
• How to hone your food photography style – Eat Capture Share podcast episode number 134
• Find out more about my Food Photography & Food Styling Online Foundation Course HERE
• Find the full show notes HERE
• Find my Instagram HERE 

In today’s mini solo episode (168) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, I’m opening up and sharing some of the biggest mistakes I’ve made in my creative business this year.

I love celebrating wins, but it’s equally important to reflect on what hasn’t worked to allow for further growth in the months and years to come. My hope in sharing where things went wrong in my business this year is twofold: I hope there are some mistakes here that you can learn from and avoid in your own creative business and I hope that you’ll see it’s not always smooth sailing, even 11 years into building a career within the food photography, content creation and educator space.

Here’s what else you’ll learn in today’s episode:

• Final invitation: Apply for the Fearless Focus mastermind.
• Why prioritising one area of your business can make all the difference and what happens when you spread yourself too thin.
• How and why my Instagram strategy has held back and affected my bottom line.
• The key mistake I made as an educator (if you're looking to teach, create online courses and sell workshops this is a MUST LISTEN).
• How I overcame my resistance to creating online courses, and what finally helped me break through.
• I chat about the role of vulnerability in building a strong personal brand.
• I explain why storytelling matters just as much as value and strategy.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated with your social media growth, or wondered how to grow any aspect of your creative business, this episode will give you practical ideas for moving forward.

LINKS MENTIONED:

• Find out more and apply for my Fearless Focus Mastermind & Mentoring Program HERE
• Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!
• My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photography
• Find out more about my online courses HERE
• How to create great reels! - Eat Capture Share Podcast episode number 132
• Vanessa Lau
• Find out more about my Food Photography & Food Styling Online Foundation Course HERE
• Why I made less money in my business this year
• Don't become a food photographer or food content creator
• Find out more about my free Instagram Food Photography Challenge HERE
• How I overcame setbacks in my food photography business. Read more about it in this blog post HERE
• Find the full show notes and all my on-air mentoring session links HERE
• Find my Instagram HERE 

In today's episode (167) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, you'll be listening in to the final creative business mentoring session of 2025.

I’m working one-on-one with Audrey, a full-time New York–based food photographer who wants to book more (and better!) food photography clients. This episode is packed with practical tips to strengthen your pitching strategy, attract dream clients, and make the most of the content you’re already creating.

Because the thing is, growing a successful food photography or content creation business isn’t always about inventing something brand new. Often, the biggest results come from doubling down on proven strategies, doing them consistently, strategically, and really, really well.

Here's what else you can expect from today's episode...

• I share more information about the Fearless Focus Mastermind and Mentoring Program.
• A detailed review of Audrey’s cold pitching strategy — including the key areas she needs to improve to increase her success rate.
• Common blind spots in cold pitching (so you don’t make the same mistakes!).
• How to write more intentional and effective pitching emails that actually get noticed.
• Tips to fine-tune your follow-up schedule so brands are more likely to respond.
• One of my very best email subject lines to use when pitching food brands.
• The types of brands to avoid pitching and where to focus your energy instead.
• How to assess which marketing strategies to let go of — and which ones to double down on for real results.
• The surprising business superpower Audrey didn’t know she had (and how you might have one too!).
• Smart strategies to increase the lifespan of your content, so it works harder for you.
• Why SEO is worth your time and energy as a food photographer or food content creator.
• A hands-on review of Audrey’s Instagram profile, with practical tips to help her (and you!) attract more clients.

LINKS MENTIONED:

• Find out more and apply for my Fearless Focus Mastermind & Mentoring Program HERE
• Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!
• My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photography
• Audrey’s website and Instagram
• How to make money doing what you love, with Nikki Rausch – Eat Capture Share podcast episode 33
• What every food photographer needs to know about pricing! – Eat Capture Share podcast episode 97
• Sign up to my free 5-day food photography business challenge (includes a pitching template!)
• See how to use your photos in a reel here
• Find the full show notes (& previous mentoring sessions) HERE
• Find my Instagram HERE

In today's episode (166) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, you'll be listening in on another creative business mentoring session. I’m working one-on-one with Anna - a talented food photographer, recipe developer and content creator who is looking to take her career to the next level. 

It’s a raw and honest conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable creative career - from landing more clients to creating reliable income streams. If you’ve ever felt stuck, second-guessed yourself, or longed to turn your food photography and content creation dreams into a profitable business, this episode is for you.

Here's what else you can expect from today's episode...

• I share more information about the Fearless Focus Mastermind and Mentoring Program.
• A behind-the-scenes look at the magic wand exercise we start the session with — an inspiring way to dream big about the creative business you really want (you’ll want to try this yourself!).
• The truth about Anna’s current income streams — and the new monetisation opportunities that could transform her business.
• The single most important area Anna needs to focus on right now to increase her income (and how you can apply this too).
• A deep dive into what’s already working beautifully in Anna’s business — and how to build on it.
• Why the self-fulfilling prophecy could be holding you back more than you realise.
• Marketing strategies that actually work — including one that’s perfect for introverts.
• An honest discussion about the sacrifices involved in building a content creation business — and whether they’re worth it for you.
• How often you really need to market in order to see results.
• The mindset blocks standing between you and the business you dream of — and how to start dismantling them.
• A step-by-step pitching strategy (plus my #1 pitching tip you don’t want to miss!).
• How Anna could build out digital assets to create more consistent revenue.

LINKS MENTIONED:

• Find out more and apply for my Fearless Focus Mastermind & Mentoring Program HERE
• Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!
• My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photography
• Anna's Instagram and website  
• Madrid food photography, styling and social media workshop 2018. Read more about it in this blog post HERE
• Find links to episodes and blog posts all about my journey in self-publishing, here (see “links mentioned”)
• Find the full show notes and links to all previous on-air mentoring sessions HERE
• Find my Instagram HERE 

In today's episode (165) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, I'm chatting with family photographer and host of This Can't Be That Hard podcast, Annemie Tonken, thereby continuing our business focused podcast episodes!

Annemie shares how she created a recurring revenue business model for her photography business and how you can too! We talk about how recurring revenue can help you create a sustainable and profitable creative business without the overwhelm. Annemie is a fountain of practical wisdom, and her insights are bound to spark new ideas for your own food photography business journey. 

Here's what else you can expect from today's episode... 

• I share more details about the Fearless Focus Mastermind and Mentoring Program.
• Annemie introduces herself. 
• We chat about how Annemie developed a recurring revenue model and how you can too.
• Annemie explains why her photography subscription model became the key to saving her business.
• We dig into how a membership offer can be tailored for food photographers.
• We explore how to tell if a membership model is the right fit for your photography business.
• Annemie gives her top tips for a successful membership launch.
• Annemie shares practical strategies to make your food photography business more sustainable and profitable.

LINKS MENTIONED:

• Find out more and sign up to the wait list for my Fearless Focus Mastermind & Mentoring Program HERE (signing up to the wait list gets you early access, before doors open in August 2025)
• Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!
• My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photography
• Annemie's website and Instagram
• Instagram strategies for photographers – Eat Capture Share podcast episode number 161
• Talking all things business with my coach, Rick Mulready – Eat Capture Share podcast episode number 98
• Find the full show notes HERE
• Find my Instagram HERE 

In today's episode (164) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, you'll be listening in on another creative business mentoring session. I’m working one-on-one with Kerri — a food photographer and recipe developer at the very start of her career – to explore ways of monetising her content and finding paying food photography clients. If you're unsure how to get your food photography business off the ground, or feel lost when it comes to marketing your food photography or food content creation services, then this episode is for you!

Here's what else you can expect from today's episode...

• I share yet more information about the Fearless Focus Mastermind and Mentoring Program.
• We dive into smart, sustainable ways Kerri can show up on social media consistently and build a thriving food content creation business — while still being fully present as a parent.
• I reveal the one crucial area of your food photography business to prioritise if monetisation is your #1 goal.
• We talk through simple yet powerful tweaks to optimise your blog or website so it naturally attracts high-quality, paying clients.
• We dig into what it really means to 10x your main marketing strategy — and why it’s a non-negotiable move if you want lasting financial success.
• I explain why delegating too early could slow your growth — and how to know exactly when to bring others on board.
• We explore how mastering the art of pitching can completely shift your trajectory as a food photographer.
• I share how to turn “free work” into real, paid opportunities.
• Kerri opens up vulnerably as we unpack the real blocks holding her back from monetising her creative work.

LINKS MENTIONED:

• Find out more and sign up to the wait list for my Fearless Focus Mastermind & Mentoring Program HERE (signing up to the wait list gets you early access, before doors open in August 2025)
• Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE!
• My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE!
• Kerri’s Instagram and website
• SEO for food photographers and food bloggers – Eat Capture Share episode 74
• On-air mentoring session: Finding your brand identity on social media – Eat Capture Share episode 163
• Episodes with previous Fearless Focus mentees:
• How to go from 10k to 100k followers on Instagram! – episode 157
• Working with a food stylist – episode 135
• How this micro food influencer earned $10,000 a month! – episode 121
• How to turn food photography into a profitable side hustle – episode 119
• How to build a restaurant photography business – episode 112 
• How to perfect your food styling and iPhone photography – episode 89
• Zayne’s Plate Instagram and Book
• Find the full show notes HERE

In today's episode (163) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, you'll be listening in on a creative business mentoring session. I’m working one-on-one with Corinne — a private celebrity chef, food content creator and passionate forager — as we refine her personal brand and turn her social media into a powerful tool for attracting aligned clients. If you're feeling stuck on what to post on Instagram, or unsure how to use social media strategically to grow your creative business, this episode is packed with practical insights just for you.

Here's what else you can expect from today's episode...

• I reveal exciting news about the next round of my Fearless Focus Mastermind and Mentoring Program.
• I talk about why you need to start looking at your content through the eyes of your audience.
• We look at how to connect the dots between your Instagram content and the offers and services in your business.
• I provide a fresh take on building content pillars that truly reflect your holistic personal brand.
• We examine why honing in on your distinguishing factor is essential for standing out online.
• We do a deep dive into the often-overlooked power of voiceovers in food content.
• We take a behind-the-scenes look at hooks, timing and storytelling that actually convert.
• We go into how I map out my content around a launch — and why Corinne (and you!) should do the same.

LINKS MENTIONED:

• Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE!
• My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE!
• Corinne’s website & Instagram
• Private chef Rob Li
• Form Nutrition - Grab your 20% discount using the code KIMBERLY20 at checkout (applies to sales in the UK, US and EU)
• Find out more and sign up to the wait list for my Fearless Focus Mastermind & Mentoring Program HERE (wait list gets early access, before doors open August 2025)
• Join my Instagram Masterclass waiting list HERE
• My styling course on Domestika
• How to go from 10k to 100k followers on Instagram! – episode 157
• Working with a food stylist – podcast episode 135
• How this micro food influencer earned $10,000 a month! – episode 121
• How to turn food photography into a profitable side hustle – episode 119
• How to build a restaurant photography business – episode 112 (see full show notes for link)
• How to perfect your food styling and iphone photography – episode 89 (see full show notes for link)
• Find full show notes HERE

In today's episode (162) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, I'm talking with food photographer Ronald Cova about his creative journey and how he uses artificial light to craft his distinctive photography style.

Ronald shares how he made the bold decision to leave his engineering degree and pursue his passion for photography — a leap that ultimately led him to a thriving career behind the camera. We dive deep into the gear he swears by for artificial lighting, how he developed his personal aesthetic, and why embracing your unique creative voice matters more than ever.

If you're looking to refine your food photography, experiment with artificial light, or simply gather some inspiring, actionable advice, this episode is for you.

Here's what else you can expect from today's episode...

• Ronald introduces himself.
• Ronald shares why he chose to formally study photography and the pros and cons of formal education versus being self-taught.
• We hear how Instagram helped grow Ronald’s photography business and how it might help yours too.
• Ronald shares some personal advice for discovering and developing your own signature food photography style.
• Ronald explains how he uses artificial light to create beautiful, professional-quality images and how you can do the same.
• Ronald gives his top gear recommendations for anyone starting or refining their artificial lighting setup.

LINKS MENTIONED:

• Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!
• My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photography
• Ronald’s Instagram, website and lighting gear
• Form Nutrition - Grab your 20% discount using the code KIMBERLY20 at checkout (applies to sales in the UK, US and EU)
• Find out more about my online Reels for Food Content Creators Course HERE and grab your discount using code PODCAST10 at checkout! 
• Find the full show notes HERE
• Find my Instagram HERE

In today's episode (161) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, I'm talking with family photographer and host of the This Can't Be That Hard podcast, Annemie Tonken. But this time, the tables have turned — Annemie is interviewing ME for her show!

We dive deep into a topic that so many food photographers ask about: Is it still possible to grow a following and book clients on Instagram in 2025? (Spoiler alert: it is!) I’m sharing practical, proven strategies you can start using right away to boost your reach, attract the right clients, and create content that converts.

Here's what else you can expect from today's episode...

• The biggest misconceptions photographers still have about Instagram — and why they’re holding you back.
• My top three Instagram strategies for standing out and growing your audience.
• How to use Instagram effectively to expand your reach and connect with your ideal clients.
• The difference between what to post on your Instagram grid vs. Instagram Stories. 
• My best advice for curating a picture-perfect Instagram grid.
• The one most powerful thing you can do on Instagram to see real results.
• Bonus: My essential tips for improving your storytelling and making your posts resonate.

LINKS MENTIONED:

• Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!
• My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photography
• Annemie's website and Instagram
• Instagram Strategies for Photographers with Kimberly Espinel – This Can’t Be That Hard episode 318
• Form Nutrition - Grab your 20% discount using the code KIMBERLY20 at checkout (applies to sales in the UK, US and EU)
• Find out more about my online Reels for Food Content Creators Course HERE and grab your discount using code PODCAST10 at checkout! 
• Find the full show notes HERE
• Find my Instagram HERE 

In today's episode (160) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast (the first of season 14!) I'm chatting with brand strategist, creative director, food stylist and host of the Nourishing Creativity podcast, Carla Contreras.

If you've lost focus and vision in your creative business, or just feel stuck and are ready to make the rest of 2025 count, then this is your episode! Tune into a nourishing chat where we explore working with the inevitable changes in our businesses and showing up fully as creative beings. Carla's fearless, positive energy will encourage you to embrace opportunities and growth in your business this year. 

Here's what else you can expect from today's episode...

• Carla introduces herself.
• We talk about how to re-connect to your goals (or your word of the year) and why it matters.
• Carla gives her best strategic advice for how creatives can embrace change on Instagram.
• Carla shares her story of how and why she made a major pivot in her creative business.
• We share the secret to staying successful in our creative businesses.
• We talk about how we balance creating content for brands versus creating content for ourselves.
• Carla explains how she's continued to grow her audience despite spending less time on Instagram (you won't want to miss this nugget of wisdom!). 

LINKS MENTIONED:

• Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!
• My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photography
• We backed out of buying our dream home. Read more about it in this blog post HERE
• Instagram post on not selling our home
• Carla's website, podcast, Instagram and Substack
• Quarantine Cooking Tips for Health and Joy - Eat Capture Share Podcast episode number 41
• Sharing Beautiful Things Even in Dark Times, with Kimberly Espinel - Nourishing Creativity episode 109
• How to Create Community + Share on Instagram with Kimberly Espinel - Nourishing Creativity episode 2
• How to go from 10k to 100k followers on Instagram! – Eat Capture Share Podcast episode 157
• Form Nutrition - Grab your 20% discount using the code KIMBERLY20 at checkout (applies to sales in the UK, US and EU)
• Find out more about my online Reels for Food Content Creators Course HERE and grab your discount using code PODCAST10 at checkout! 
• Find the full show notes HERE
• Find my Instagram HERE