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In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, host Angela Nicholson talks to landscape and outdoor photographer Courtney Victoria about the journey from creative overwhelm to building a calm and focused photography practice.

Courtney shares how she went from studying fine art and theatre design to discovering her love for photography in the university darkroom. After time spent working in a camera shop and teaching English in South Korea, she began exploring landscape photography, and eventually developed a passion for macro work and mindful image-making.

Now based in the South West of England, Courtney is a full-time content creator and photographer, running workshops, sharing her process on YouTube and helping others connect with nature through their cameras.

She talks about how she deals with creative paralysis, why journaling is essential to her process and how she manages the pressures of being visible online. From running a business to exploring small forest scenes, Courtney offers valuable insight into balancing passion with practicality.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to reconnect with your creativity, Courtney’s story is a reassuring reminder that it’s okay to start small, take your time and trust your instincts.

Takeaways

• Starting before you're ready helps overcome creative paralysis. You don’t need to feel confident to begin — confidence often follows action.
• Journaling can be a powerful tool to clear mental clutter. Writing things down helps organise thoughts and unlock creativity.
• Nature photography encourages mindfulness. Slowing down and observing your surroundings leads to more intentional image-making.
• You don’t need a huge audience to succeed. Building trust and connection with a small, loyal community can be just as rewarding.
• Teaching others can strengthen your own skills. Workshops and sharing your process deepen your understanding of your craft.
• Multiple income streams can support a creative career. Combining content creation, workshops, writing and partnerships can build a sustainable business.

Connect with Courtney

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Instagram
YouTube
Facebook

CEWE

This episode is brought to you by CEWE - Europe's leading photo printing company and their hero product, the CEWE Photobook that is the proud recipient of the Which? Best Buy award.

You know those thousands of photos sitting on your phone or hard drive? With a CEWE Photobook, you can turn your memories into a beautiful, high-quality album that you’ll want to show off. Every page is fully customisable and you can pick from a range of sizes, finishes, and layouts, designing every detail with their easy-to-use editor — or let their Smart Assistant help. So if you’re ready to do something real with your photos, head over to cewe.co.uk.

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In this episode, Angela Nicholson speaks with Anna Sparham, Curator of Photography for the National Trust. Anna’s career spans over two decades in the museum and gallery sector, including 15 years at the Museum of London. Now responsible for more than half a million photographs in the National Trust’s collections, Anna’s work uncovers the rich and often surprising stories hidden in the archives.
Anna shares how her lifelong passion for photography, first sparked by her father’s teaching and time spent in the darkroom as a child, led her to a career in photographic curation. She talks about the importance of not just preserving photographs, but also interpreting them and bringing them to life for the public.
We explore the creation of the book 100 Photographs from the Collections of the National Trust, how she chose the images, and why some of the most powerful photographs come from unknown or amateur photographers. Anna also discusses her own personal photography journey, including a creative project based in her local park using large-format film and cyanotypes to reconnect with her own photographic voice.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in photography, storytelling, or curatorial work. It offers a fascinating look behind the scenes at how the National Trust is working to make its photographic collection more accessible and engaging, and how images from the past continue to shape our understanding of the world today.

Takeaways

• Curatorial work is deeply collaborative – it involves engaging with colleagues, researchers, and the public to bring stories to life.
• Historical photography offers timeless inspiration – images from the past can still shape how we see and photograph today.
• Photography projects thrive on consistency – regular practice builds both confidence and creative vision.
• Editing is as important as capturing – selecting the right images helps define the message and narrative.
• Material qualities matter – original prints, negatives and contact sheets all tell different parts of a story.
• Curation connects past and present – showcasing historical images can make them meaningful to contemporary audiences.

Connect with Anna

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LinkedIn
National Trust Collections
National Trust
100 Photographs from the Collections of the National Trust

CEWE

This episode is brought to you by CEWE - Europe's leading photo printing company and their hero product, the CEWE Photobook that is the proud recipient of the Which? Best Buy award.

You know those thousands of photos sitting on your phone or hard drive? With a CEWE Photobook, you can turn your memories into a beautiful, high-quality album that you’ll want to show off. Every page is fully customisable and you can pick from a range of sizes, finishes, and layouts, designing every detail with their easy-to-use editor — or let their Smart Assistant help. So if you’re ready to do something real with your photos, head over to cewe.co.uk.

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In this episode, Angela Nicholson talks with Emily Lowrey, wedding photographer turned YouTuber, who runs the popular Micro Four Nerds channel.

Emily’s journey into photography began as a way to cope with extreme shyness, using her camera as a way to connect with others. What started as a safe space soon grew into a thriving wedding photography career that lasted more than a decade. Alongside her weddings, she developed a passion for small cameras and everyday photography, which later inspired her YouTube channel.

She shares how she transitioned from weddings to creating content, why she has stuck with Micro Four Thirds, and how photography has shaped her confidence and career. Emily also discusses her proudest moments, from being featured in a YouTube campaign to working with Panasonic on a major camera launch.

This conversation is full of encouragement for photographers and creators alike, with advice on starting a channel, finding your niche, and staying authentic.

Takeaways

• Photography can be a powerful tool for building confidence and self-expression.
• Authenticity matters more than emulating others, your voice has value.
• Choosing a niche thoughtfully can help shape a sustainable creative path.
• Perseverance and consistency are key to long-term growth in any field.
• Boundaries and balance protect creativity and prevent burnout.
• Every experience, from challenges to achievements, contributes to your unique story.

Connect with Emily

Website
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram

CEWE

This episode is brought to you by CEWE - Europe's leading photo printing company and their hero product, the CEWE Photobook that is the proud recipient of the Which? Best Buy award.

You know those thousands of photos sitting on your phone or hard drive? With a CEWE Photobook, you can turn your memories into a beautiful, high-quality album that you’ll want to show off. Every page is fully customisable and you can pick from a range of sizes, finishes, and layouts, designing every detail with their easy-to-use editor — or let their Smart Assistant help. So if you’re ready to do something real with your photos, head over to cewe.co.uk.

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In this inspiring episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson speaks with award-winning photographic artist Laura Pannack, celebrated for her intimate portraits and thoughtful long-term documentary projects.

Laura shares how her journey into photography began in childhood, surrounded by the magic of her father’s darkroom. But it was during a fine art foundation course that she truly fell in love with photography, discovering the emotional depth and creative freedom that working with film can bring. She talks about the meditative quality of shooting on analogue and why not knowing exactly what you’ve captured until later is part of the joy.

Throughout the conversation, Laura discusses the importance of curiosity in her work, and how she selects projects that are universal, emotionally resonant and deeply human. Whether she’s working with vulnerable communities or exploring youth and identity, her aim is to connect, to learn and to tell stories that inspire empathy.

Angela and Laura also delve into the realities of sustaining a creative practice—from finding funding and managing production to staying motivated during slow patches. Laura talks openly about self-doubt, creative blocks and how entering awards and attending photography events has helped her grow her confidence and network.

With honesty, humour and insight, Laura reflects on what keeps her inspired, the challenges she faces and the lessons she's learned over two decades in the industry.

If you're a photographer looking for guidance, encouragement or simply some thoughtful conversation about creativity and connection, this episode is a must-listen.

Connect with Laura

Website
Instagram
Facebook

CEWE

This episode is brought to you by CEWE - Europe's leading photo printing company and their hero product, the CEWE Photobook that is the proud recipient of the Which? Best Buy award.

You know those thousands of photos sitting on your phone or hard drive? With a CEWE Photobook, you can turn your memories into a beautiful, high-quality album that you’ll want to show off. Every page is fully customisable and you can pick from a range of sizes, finishes, and layouts, designing every detail with their easy-to-use editor — or let their Smart Assistant help. So if you’re ready to do something real with your photos, head over to cewe.co.uk.

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Romanian photographer Mihaela Noroc joins Angela Nicholson in this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast to talk about her global portrait project, The Atlas of Beauty. Mihaela has spent more than a decade travelling the world and photographing women from diverse cultures, backgrounds and generations. Her aim? To challenge stereotypes and show that beauty is everywhere.

She shares how a disheartening experience at university caused her to step away from photography for years and how travel helped her reconnect with her passion. What began as a personal project on the streets of foreign cities quickly became a viral success, eventually leading to two published books and a growing international following.

Mihaela opens up about the realities of life on the road, how she approaches women for portraits and the importance of building trust. She discusses why she doesn’t limit her work to a specific look or age group and how her own struggles with body image inspired her to broaden the world’s understanding of beauty.

Now a mother, Mihaela continues her work with a new sense of balance, often taking her family along and exploring analogue photography as a slower, more meaningful way of working. Her reflections on beauty, confidence and resilience are a reminder of the power photography has to change how we see each other and ourselves.

Connect with Mihaela

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

CEWE

This episode is brought to you by CEWE - Europe's leading photo printing company and their hero product, the CEWE Photobook that is the proud recipient of the Which? Best Buy award.

You know those thousands of photos sitting on your phone or hard drive? With a CEWE Photobook, you can turn your memories into a beautiful, high-quality album that you’ll want to show off. Every page is fully customisable and you can pick from a range of sizes, finishes, and layouts, designing every detail with their easy-to-use editor — or let their Smart Assistant help. So if you’re ready to do something real with your photos, head over to cewe.co.uk.

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In this inspiring episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, host Angela Nicholson chats with photographer, journalist and Leica Ambassador Lara Platman. Lara is known for documenting endangered crafts, cultural heritage and the theatrical world of historic motor racing.
Lara’s story begins with printing images with her father in their home larder-turned-darkroom, an experience that laid the foundations for her love of film photography. After studying fine art and specialising in photography and sound installations, Lara carved out a career that spans the Royal Opera House, Country Life magazine and The Telegraph.
A pivotal influence on her journey was discovering photographers Lee Miller and Madame Yevonde, trailblazers whose work showed her the power of storytelling, independence and visual experimentation. Lara’s admiration for these women is palpable, and she credits them with helping her develop the confidence to carve her own creative path.
Now a regular at events like Goodwood Revival and Le Mans Classic, Lara’s images capture the backstage moments of motor racing, intimate portraits of drivers, engineers and vintage machinery, often taken by night using her beloved Leica M6 and Noctilux lens.
In this episode, Lara discusses her creative process, her commitment to shooting with intention and why she believes photography is both therapeutic and transformative. She also shares the story behind her Leica ambassador role and her approach to teaching others.
Whether you are passionate about analogue photography, drawn to historic narratives or seeking inspiration from pioneering women in the arts, this episode is sure to ignite your creative spark.

Takeaways

• Trust your artistic instincts – Lean into what feels creatively fulfilling, even if it’s not conventional.
• Learn from pioneering women – Studying past trailblazers like Lee Miller can shape your own photographic voice.
• Be open to unexpected opportunities – A surprising commission or chance meeting can redirect your whole career.
• Embrace analogue techniques – Film photography offers a tactile, intentional experience that shapes your vision.
• Tell the whole story – Great photography captures more than the moment; it reveals the scene, the people and the purpose.
• Teaching others teaches you – Sharing knowledge helps clarify your own ideas and keeps your creativity fresh.

Connect with Lara

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• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

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In this episode, Angela Nicholson speaks with pioneering sports photographer Eileen Langsley, who built a remarkable career capturing the world’s top athletes. From her start as a PE teacher in Sheffield to photographing 14 Olympic Games, Eileen has broken barriers and challenged outdated stereotypes through her powerful imagery.

Eileen discusses how she got into photography in the 1970s and '80s, driven by the lack of strong images of women in sport. Despite facing industry-wide sexism, she persisted and became one of the most respected voices in Olympic coverage, working for organisations like the International Gymnastics Federation and covering sports from gymnastics and figure skating to rugby and athletics.

She shares the skills needed to succeed in sports photography, including deep sporting knowledge, anticipation, and technical precision, and reflects on the industry’s evolution over the decades. From darkroom prints to digital workflows and crowded press pits, she has seen it all and shares candid, sometimes moving reflections on her journey.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sports, photography, or the tenacity it takes to challenge the status quo and build a lasting legacy.

Takeaways

• Deep knowledge of your subject is essential – Understanding a sport improves your timing, anticipation and ultimately your imagery.
• Persistence pays off – Even when opportunities are few and rejection is common, staying the course can lead to a rewarding career.
• Preparation isn’t just technical – Scouting angles, understanding athlete routines and watching warm-ups are all part of the process.
• You can’t rely on equipment alone – Great photography comes from timing, skill and creative vision, not just the latest camera gear.
• Visibility matters – Creating honest, respectful imagery of women in sport helps shift perceptions and challenge stereotypes.
• Your attitude counts – Professionalism, humility, and being a good colleague are as important as the images you produce.

Connect with Eileen

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Books

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In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson is joined by Amina Mohamed, founder and executive director of Cameras for Girls. Amina shares her compelling story of being forced to flee Uganda as a child and how that early trauma inspired her to create meaningful change for women across Africa.

After a 15-year career in Canada’s film and television industry, Amina felt a calling to return to Uganda. There, she witnessed firsthand the challenges young women face in accessing education and employment, particularly in media and journalism. From this experience, Cameras for Girls was born.

Through the programme, women receive year-long training in photography, storytelling and essential business and digital skills, including AI and podcasting. More than just technical knowledge, the project builds confidence, fosters safety and provides pathways to paid work—an essential part of Amina’s mission to tackle poverty, inequality and unemployment.

Angela and Amina discuss ethical storytelling, representation in the media and how women’s voices bring compassion and nuance to visual narratives. Amina also explains why she uses the word ‘inpower’ rather than ‘empower’, emphasising that women already hold the power within.

This episode is a moving insight into how photography can break down barriers and help women take control of their own stories. A must-listen for anyone interested in visual storytelling, gender equality and making a difference.

Takeaways

• Storytelling is a powerful tool for social change and advocacy.
• Ethical storytelling prioritises consent, respect and cultural sensitivity.
• Confidence is one of the most valuable skills women can build through photography.
• Real impact requires more than training; it needs pathways to paid work.
• Representation matters; women tell stories with empathy and depth.
• Supporting others doesn’t always mean giving power—often it’s helping them unlock their own.

Connect with Amina

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Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
LinkedIn

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In this heartfelt episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson speaks with Jovis Howieson, the founder of the Urban Photographers Club. Jovis discovered photography in 2018, picking up her first cameras almost on a whim, and was drawn to the streets and stories unfolding around her.

What began as a lockdown photography challenge among friends turned into a growing international community, rooted in respect, kindness and shared creativity. Jovis talks about how she never imagined leading a photography movement, but her promise to create a photo book and exhibition for her friends eventually led to a public showcase at the Fujifilm House of Photography and the birth of the Urban Photographers Club.

Throughout the episode, Jovis shares her emotional and intuitive approach to photography. She values the act of shooting more than the outcome and is driven by feeling and connection rather than technical perfection. Her insights on photographing respectfully, staying emotionally present, and creating a welcoming space for others make this a rich and inspiring listen.

Angela and Jovis also discuss gear, techniques, street photography etiquette and the evolution of the art form in a digital and AI-influenced world.

Whether you’re new to photography or have years behind the lens, this episode offers inspiration to anyone wanting to connect more deeply through their camera.

Takeaways

• Focus on the process of photography rather than obsessing over perfect results.
• Building a community can start with simple promises and shared creativity.
• Respect and kindness should guide your photographic practice, especially in street work.
• Emotional awareness can deepen your photographic vision.
• Having clear intent behind each shot is vital for ethical storytelling.
• Creating opportunities for lesser-seen talent helps diversify the photography world.

Connect with Jovis

Urban Photographers Club Website
Instagram
LinkedIn

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In this episode, landscape and coastal photographer Lucie Averill joins Angela Nicholson to talk about her slow, mindful approach to photography and creativity. Based in Cornwall, Lucie creates calming, reflective images inspired by the changing light and moods of the coast. Her photography is shaped by a deep connection to place and a commitment to slowing down and really noticing her surroundings.

Lucie’s journey into photography really began with a digital camera in the early 2000s. She was working full-time as a teacher, but the ability to instantly see her images sparked a fascination that grew into a passion. Eventually, she stepped away from teaching to pursue photography full time.

Angela and Lucie explore how observation and patience are essential parts of her process. Lucie talks about the importance of returning to the same locations, watching light change and ideas emerge. Even when she doesn’t make an image, the time spent looking helps lay the foundation for future creativity.

The conversation also touches on how a printing workshop helped Lucie discover the right paper and techniques to bring out the best in her images, turning printing into a deeply rewarding part of her practice.

Lucie’s story is a gentle reminder that success in photography doesn’t have to be fast or driven. Instead, slowing down and seeing more deeply can lead to richer creative expression and a more meaningful path.

Takeaways

• Slow observation improves your photography – Time spent looking helps build awareness and stronger creative instincts.
• Repetition builds understanding – Returning to familiar places helps you learn how light, tides and landscapes shift.
• Printing enhances creative clarity – Seeing your work on paper helps you understand it more deeply and refine your process.
• Success doesn’t need speed – A fulfilling creative life can grow naturally when you follow your own pace.
• Photograph for yourself first – Work that’s rooted in your own passions and observations often resonates the most.
• Let ideas develop over time – There’s no need to rush; creativity often emerges from quiet and thoughtful reflection.

Connect with Lucie
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