What does it take to turn small gigs into a thriving creative business? This week, Mike chats with James Di Stefano, a Wedding and Event Photographer from Perth, Australia, who went from shooting $50 birthday parties to capturing high-end weddings at venues like the Ritz Carlton. James has also turned his attention to Instagram in recent months and increased his following to over 10,000 people by sharing short form videos.

In this episode James shares his insights on:

Whether you’re a budding creative or an established professional, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiring lessons to help you elevate your craft and business. 

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

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

This is a Compilation Episode with Snippets from Mike's 5 Favourite Episodes of 2024. It includes conversations with Australian Wedding Photographer Josh Huggett, YouTube Sensation Julia Trotti, Aussie Marriage Celebrant Pippa Moore, UK Wedding Photographer Andrew Keher & Wildlife Photographer Karolina Noree.

If you enjoyed any of the Conversations in this episode, make sure you check out the full episodes. In order of appearance;

00:00 - Introduction

06:48 - Josh Huggett (S02 E04)

18:12 - Julia Trotti (S02 E13)

29:43 - Pippa Moore (S02 E09)

39:58 - Andrew Keher (S02 E07)

51:29 - Karolina Noree (S02 E02)

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

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

If you have ever battled with Imposter Syndrome, struggled to price your work or find your style then this episode is for you. This week Mike is joined by Jasmine Pollock, a photographer navigating the early stages of her career and carving out her place in the creative world. Jasmine’s story is about more than just photography, it’s about finding the courage to start, embracing uncertainty, and following a path that feels true, even when it’s unexpected.

We dive into Jasmine’s journey, starting with a birthday gift, a Polaroid camera, that sparked her love for photography. She shares how that small start led to buying second hand DSLRs, enrolling in a TAFE course, and discovering the joy of working with people through events and weddings. Along the way, we discuss the pressures and challenges of capturing life’s biggest moments, like weddings, and how she turns those nerves into creative energy.

Jasmine also opens up about the emotional side of her journey. The struggle to confidently call herself a photographer, her transition from studio setups to working with real people and dynamic settings & balancing a part-time job while building her photography business.

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer, a creative just starting out, or someone searching for the courage to pursue their dreams, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a lot of heart.

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

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

In this episode, Mike chats with Regan Shorter, a talented content creator and storyteller, to explore her journey from a small town in Oklahoma to collaborating with brands like Joby, Adobe Lightroom, and Lingoda. Regan shares how she transitioned from photography to user-generated content (UGC), creating authentic ads that resonate without needing a massive social media following.

They dive into what UGC is, why it’s so impactful in today’s digital world, and how Regan has turned her creative spark into a sustainable career—one that allows her to be location-independent and true to herself. From her time living abroad in France to a surprise moment when her photo ended up on the wall of B&H in New York, Regan’s story is full of inspiring insights for creatives at any stage.

If you’ve ever wondered how to work with brands, make a career out of your passion, or overcome the fear of putting yourself out there, this episode is packed with wisdom, tips, and encouragement.

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

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

In this episode, Mike chat's with Gunawan who is an extremely talented Wedding Photographer with over 20 years experience, an Astrophotography Educator and Nikon Australia Creator. They discuss Gunawan's inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Indonesia to building a thriving creative career in Australia. G shares how resilience, gratitude, and a passion for storytelling have shaped his work, along with insights into teaching workshops, finding your tribe, and staying true to your values as an artist. Whether you’re a photographer or a dreamer, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement to help you chase your goals.

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

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

This week Mike chats with Danielle Henry, a nurse of over 10 years who’s taken a bold new step into the world of professional photography. Danielle shares her journey of discovering a passion for capturing moments, building a business from scratch, and navigating the challenges of balancing family, nursing, and her growing creative career.

In this episode they dive into:

Whether you’re exploring a creative career, struggling with self-doubt, or curious about the balance of passion and practicality, Danielle’s story is filled with relatable moments and valuable insights. Tune in to hear how embracing discomfort, investing in growth, and finding joy in the process can lead to incredible opportunities.

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

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

This week Mike chats with Steve Fettis, a talented and self-taught Wedding Filmmaker from the UK who turned a chance opportunity into a thriving full-time career. Together, they explore the art and heart of wedding filmmaking, diving deep into Steve’s unique approach to capturing life’s most unforgettable moments.

From the challenges of managing client expectations to the creative process of selecting the perfect soundtrack, Steve shares invaluable insights for creatives and entrepreneurs alike. Discover how authenticity, humour, and connection have shaped his journey, and why embracing your personal style is the key to thriving in a competitive industry.

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

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Julia Trotti is a trailblazing photographer and YouTube creator, known for her engaging tutorials and authentic behind-the-scenes content. Her journey has inspired countless photographers to dream big and pursue their passions. Starting her career as a photo retoucher, Julia transitioned into wedding photography before dedicating herself fully to YouTube. While her path hasn’t always been smooth — battling introversion & self-doubt — her 600,000+ subscribers are a testament to the impact of her work. In this episode, Julia shares how she made the leap to becoming a full-time YouTuber, her experiences collaborating with top brands like Sony, Nikon, and Lumix, and her exciting new venture: Aperty, a portrait retouching software developed with Skylum. Supporting yourself through creativity is something that most creatives struggle with and Julia shares openly about how she generates income through her work, including selling her own presets through digitalfilmactions.com. If you’re ready to be inspired and take your own creative journey to the next level, don’t miss this conversation. Tune in now and share the episode with a fellow creative who could use a boost of motivation!

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Check out Julia Trotti's photo retouching software Aperty

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Ever dreamed of leaving it all behind to pursue what truly excites you? Ben Hargreaves did exactly that. Once pulling in a six-figure income in a corporate job, he traded it all to follow his passion for car photography and content creation. A leap that took plenty of planning, grit, and relentless dedication. In this episode, Mike sits down with Ben to dig into his five-year plan for breaking free from a life that no longer inspired him and the strategic steps he took to get there in just 18 months. Through sharing his journey Ben has built a rock-solid following of over 700,000 people on Instagram and nearly 200,000 on YouTube. His story is a testament to what’s possible with commitment, resilience, and an unshakable belief in oneself.

In this episode Mike & Ben discuss the challenges of leaving behind a comfortable life, the strategies Ben used to grow his audience, and the mindset shifts necessary to follow your passion — even when it seems risky. Whether you're considering your own career pivot, or just looking for a dose of motivation to keep going, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways. Tune in to discover what’s truly possible when you choose to follow your passion.

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Jay Dekony is a New York City-based wedding Filmmaker and Photographer known for her unique, authentic style that’s making waves in the industry. In this episode, Jay shares her creative journey — how she got started, the challenges she faced, and how she’s built a successful media company from the ground up. Like many creatives, Jay’s path hasn’t been an overnight success. Standing out in NYC’s crowded creative scene took effort, and Jay turned to social media to do just that. By sharing her personality and distinctive approach to working with clients, she’s now fielding more inquiries than she can handle and has even reached a point where she can hire friends to join her team. Jay’s story is truly inspiring, and Mike is thrilled to bring it to you. Enjoy! 

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

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