In this episode of The Loud Lens, things get a little more casual — more two mates chatting than a polished seminar. But trust us, it’s packed with the kind of honesty creatives actually need to hear.

I’m joined by Phil from Wildlife Dreams (www.wildlife-dreams.com), who I met after giving a talk at The Photography & Video Show. That one random conversation? It turned into a full-blown creative trip to Estonia, where I ended up photographing the Estonia Fashion Festival and capturing wildlife in a hide.

We talk about:

• How just showing up as yourself can open wild doors

• The power of real, human connection in creative careers

• Why trying to “market yourself” to death doesn’t work

• And why neither of us gives a toss about clout

If you’ve been feeling stuck, unseen, or just plain over the fake networking grind — this episode is a reminder that genuine connection will always take you further than likes and logos.

No fluff. No fake strategy. Just two creatives having a proper chat about how the good stuff happens when you’re not trying so hard.