This is a recap of conversations that stuck with me this year and quietly shaped how I think about photography, work and growth. Instead of short highlight clips I’ve pulled longer excerpts from full length podcast conversations so you can actually sit with the ideas and not just skim past them. Across these conversations, I kept hearing the same things come up. Self doubt, even when things are going well. The pressure to move faster rather than do it sustainably. Others just burnout from trying to do everything at once. None of these conversations are neat or perfectly finished but I hope they're snapshots of people in the middle of figuring things out and learning in real time. If you’ve been feeling behind, questioning your pace, or wondering whether you’re doing this the right way, I hope this episode reminds you that not having it all figured out doesn’t mean you’re failing. Most of the time, it just means you’re still learning.

LINKS TO FULL EPISODES:

LINKS TO GUESTS:

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Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikejeffreyphoto/

Editing and Post Production by Mossy Heart Media

Music Created by JWPATON

Isabella Alexis, Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2023, joins Mike to reflect on what really happens after you win the award you always dreamed of. At just 17, Isabella achieved a milestone many photographers chase for decades, but the moment didn’t bring instant clarity or certainty. Instead, it opened the door to deeper questions about purpose, patience, and what success actually looks like when the excitement fades. In this episode, Isabella shares the quiet reality of life after winning an award, how returning to the same work and showing up day after day shaped her creative identity and why paying attention to small moments matters more than chasing validation. Together they explore awards, burnout, faith, creativity, and building a sustainable creative life rooted in meaning rather than momentum. This conversation is a reminder that winning is rarely the end of the story, and often just the beginning.

Say Hi to Isabella

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Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikejeffreyphoto/

Editing and Post Production by Mossy Heart Media

Music Created by JWPATON

Mike is joined by his wife Emily for an honest conversation about the jokes, snarky comments, and quiet assumptions creatives often face at Christmas, especially when photography or creative work is not seen as a real job. Together they unpack why these comments happen, why they hurt more than criticism online, and how insecurity and generational ideas about work often sit underneath it all.

Emily brings insight from her background as a trained social worker with experience in mental health, helping frame these conversations with empathy and practical perspective. They also share ways to prepare for family gatherings, handle comments in the moment, and protect your energy during a season that can feel emotionally heavy.

They also share practical ways to prepare for family gatherings, handle uncomfortable conversations in the moment, and protect your energy during a season that can feel emotionally loaded. This episode is for anyone who wants to get through the holidays without having to justify their career or feel small for choosing a creative path. If you are a photographer or creative who feels anxious about seeing family over the holidays, this episode is for you.

Thanks for tuning in and if you did enjoy todays episode, make sure to leave a Rating or Review on your platform of choice.

Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube

Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikejeffreyphoto/

Emily's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theinfluencerswife/

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Gemma Higlett, Floral Designer, Stylist, and trained Marketer, joins Mike to unpack the marketing secrets every creative should know. They dive into why showing your face matters more than perfect work, how authenticity builds a stronger brand than aesthetics, and why sharing the messy middle of your journey is often the most powerful marketing you can do. Gemma talks about her transition from corporate PR and marketing into the creative world, the fears she had around being seen, and how learning to show up online transformed her business.

Together they explore practical marketing strategies creatives can put into action immediately, from getting over the fear of posting, to understanding what actually drives connection, to pricing your work with confidence instead of scarcity. They break down why so many creatives get stuck waiting for perfection, how to get real feedback from clients, and why relationships and collaboration will always outperform trying to build a business alone. Whether you are a photographer, florist, stylist or any kind of creative business owner, this episode will help you rethink your marketing, show up more consistently, and finally understand how to build a brand people connect with.

Say Hi to Gemma:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sub.subtle

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Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube

Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikejeffreyphoto/

Editing and Post Production by Mossy Heart Media

Music Created by JWPATON

Francisco Hernandez, Portrait Photographer and long time flash educator, joins Mike to unpack how photographers can build a signature style with flash photography. They explore the mindset behind creating consistent work, why flash gives you more control in unpredictable environments, and how understanding light can completely change the way you shoot. Francisco shares the early struggles that shaped his approach, the years spent experimenting with strobes and high speed sync, and the practical ways beginners can learn flash without feeling overwhelmed. Together they dive into style development, creative confidence, and why trying trends, even when they feel overdone, can still lead you toward your own unique look. Mike and Francisco break down how one light can transform an image, how to blend flash with natural elements, and why honest experimentation is the key to finding your voice. Whether you are new to off camera flash or looking to create a recognisable visual identity in your work, this episode will help you understand how flash can become the foundation of your signature style.

Say Hi to Francisco:

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Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikejeffreyphoto/

Editing & Post Production by Mossy Heart Media

Music Created by JWPATON https://www.instagram.com/jwptn/

Cass Edwards is a Perth based sports photographer who has gone from shooting local ice hockey games to photographing major sporting events across Australia. In this episode of My Creative Journey, Mike digs into Cass’s journey, her rapid rise in the industry and the huge wave of self doubt and imposter syndrome that followed her even as her career took off. Cass talks openly about what it's like as a woman in a male dominated industry and why the pressure and comparison can hit harder behind the scenes than people realise.

Alongside the mindset conversations, the episode is packed with practical advice for breaking into sports photography, building a portfolio without elite access, learning gear under pressure and understanding how to find your place in a saturated and competitive field. Cass also shares insights on burnout, community, workflow, and the small daily habits that keep her grounded.

Say Hi to Cass:

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Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikejeffreyphoto/

Editing & Post Production by Mossy Heart Media

Music Created by JWPATON https://www.instagram.com/jwptn/

Mike chats with Karen Sadek, Personal and Business Brand Photographer, and Stacey Rolfe, Family Newborn Photographer and Founder of Tog Hub, for a conversation about understanding your personal brand & finding a community within Photography. Karen has spent her career empowering entrepreneurs through authentic brand imagery and is also the face behind Sydney Lifestyle Photography Facebook community. Stacey combines her background as a former lawyer with her expertise in client experience and systems, guiding photographers toward businesses that are structured, sustainable and aligned with their lives. Together they explore how creatives can find their people, why building a photography career alone can limit growth, and how in person connection can unlock clarity and confidence. They also share the defining moments in their own journeys, the role of personal branding and visibility and the importance of stepping into rooms that support who you are becoming, including the upcoming Glow Gala.

Glow Gala is a Sydney based in person celebration for creative women, bringing together photographers, entrepreneurs and storytellers for a night of connection, inspiration and community.

Grab a Ticket - https://events.humanitix.com/the-glow-gala

Say Hi to Karen - https://www.instagram.com/foundher.studios

Karen's Website - https://karensadek.com/

Say Hi to Stacey - https://www.instagram.com/staceyrolfephotography/

Stacey's Website - https://staceyrolfephotography.com/

Check out Tog Hub - https://www.instagram.com/toghub/

Thanks for tuning in and if you did enjoy todays episode, make sure to leave a Rating or Review on your platform of choice.

Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube

Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikejeffreyphoto/

Mike's TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mikejeffreyphoto/

Editing & Post Production by Mossy Heart Media https://www.www.mossyheartmedia.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/mossyheartmedia/

Music Created by JWPATON

Sometimes positive motivation isn’t enough, and it’s the fear, pressure, and “toxic fuel” that pushes you into action. As they say, having something to run away from can be far more useful than having something to run toward, especially at the start. I share personal stories and practical insights on how to turn fear into purpose, embrace the discomfort of the beginning, and finally take the steps you’ve been putting off, whether it’s launching a creative project, growing your business, or chasing a dream you’ve been hesitant to start.

My Episode on Kickin It With Creatives

Follow Mike on Instagram | TikTok

Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube

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Camp Photography is our multi-day retreat where Wedding Photographers from across Australia come together for styled shoots, workshops, and community building, but this year’s event was anything but smooth. In this episode, I’m joined by my wife Emily, who helped me plan and run the camp, to share the unfiltered behind-the-scenes of our biggest event yet. We're spilling it all from the moments that pushed us to our limits to what we learned from the chaos. If you’ve ever wondered what really goes down when you put on a put on a massive photography retreat, this is the story you won’t hear anywhere else.

NEW MERCH ALERT - 'Hey Mike' Pink Hoodies are now for Sale

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Follow Mike on Instagram | TikTok

Editing & Post Production by Mossy Heart Media. Check out their Website & Instagram.

Music Created by JWPATON. Check out his work on Instagram.

Anissa Dev is a San Diego-based Couples & Family Photographer who built her business Photographing Weddings, but eventually realised the career she had created no longer aligned with the life she wanted. In this episode, Anissa shares the honest story behind why she walked away from wedding photography and how that decision opened the door to a more fulfilling path. One that includes Family Photography, Education, Content Creation, and a slower, more intentional pace of work.

We talk about the pressure to stick with Weddings even when they’re no longer sustainable and how motherhood reshaped her perspective as both a creative and a business owner. Anissa also opens up about rebuilding her business after taking time off for maternity leave and the emotional side of sharing everything online. If you're a full-time photographer or someone thinking about pivoting into a different niche, this episode is full of thoughtful insights and encouragement from someone who’s actually made the leap.

Say Hi to Anissa on Instagram or TikTok

Find Presets & Other Education on Anissa's Website

Thanks for tuning in and if you did enjoy todays episode, make sure to leave a Rating or Review on your platform of choice.

Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube

Follow Mike on Instagram | TikTok

Editing & Post Production by Mossy Heart Media. Check out their Website & Instagram.

Music Created by JWPATON. Check out his work on Instagram.