The Female Soulpreneurs - The #1 Photography Podcast for Female Photography

How do you go from loving the ocean to building a surf and ocean photography business? In episode 68 of The Female Soulpreneurs, we chat with Kanari from Eyes Between Lines, a female surf and ocean photographer based in NSW, Australia.

Kanari came to one of our in-person photography workshops, and we wanted to hear about her journey: the struggles, the wins and everything in between. Hearing another woman’s story can be the roadmap you need, and when we share what we’ve learned, we all grow together as a community.

In this episode, we chat about:

• ​Finding your photography niche as an ocean and surf photographer
• ​What it’s really like to invest in a photography workshop (and whether it’s worth it)
• ​The biggest takeaways and what Kanari changed in her photography business afterwards
• ​Overcoming self-doubt and comparison as a creative
• ​What she wishes she’d known when starting out as a photographer
• ​Advice for women thinking about joining a photography workshop
• ​What’s next for Kanari Zukoshi

Want to learn surf photography in person? Find all the details about our women’s photography workshops in New Zealand, Australia and France here

Follow Kanari on Instagram or check out her website

You can take beautiful photos and still have an empty calendar. In this episode, Leonie (Surfgirlnz) and Nami (Nami Creative) talk about the business side of photography that nobody teaches you. They cover how to price your photography for profit, how to market your photography business so it brings in real enquiries, and how to build a signature style that gets you booked and referred.

A good marketer will outbook a good photographer. If that stings a little, this one’s for you.

This episode is for you if:

• You have paying photography clients, but your bookings are inconsistent
• You feel awkward saying your prices out loud
• You post on Instagram and hope someone enquires
• You’ve done a photography workshop or course and want to know what comes next

In this episode, we cover:

• Why talent isn’t what’s holding most photographers back
• Pricing for profit, not just bookings, and why undercharging leads to burnout and resentment
• Knowing your costs, your time and your capacity, because vague goals bring vague results
• How to say your price with confidence
• Moving from “post and hope” to a simple marketing system using Instagram, Google Business Profile and SEO together
• Why going viral rarely turns into bookings, and how to turn views into paying clients
• Following up on enquiries, which is where so many bookings get lost
• Creating a signature photography style and a premium client experience that gets people referring you

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Noosa (Australia) workshop in November here

Starting a photography business and not sure where to begin? In this episode of The Female Soulpreneurs, Leonie and Nami share 13 things they did on their photography journey that they recommend to every beginner photographer. They cover pricing, bookings, mindset, money and how to get your first clients.

This episode is for you if:

• You’re a new photographer and don’t know where to start
• You keep talking yourself out of opportunities because you don’t feel “qualified” yet
• You’re not sure what to invest in for your photography business
• You’re struggling with photography pricing, bookings or burnout
• You want to turn photography into a real business, not a hobby that makes a bit of money

Weekly recap:
Sunshine, waves and that first summer feeling. Our Raglan photography workshop is officially sold out, and there are only 2 spots left for our Noosa workshop. Plus Nami’s latest shoot with Jaya, and Leonie’s unexpected house move after her place flooded.

13 photography business tips for beginners:

1. Say yes to opportunities that scare you. Leonie’s first surf shoot at Single Fin Mingle, and why she sent the photos to Surfline anyway. Her rule: if you’re talking yourself out of something, do it. If you’re talking yourself into something, don’t.
2. Reinvest in your photography business. Websites, subscriptions, camera gear, mentorship. Even the questionable investments taught us something. Ask yourself: does this bring me closer to the life I want?
3. Work on your mindset. Being self-employed is hard, and so is working for someone else. Choose your hard. Community makes a huge difference.
4. Don’t overcharge at the start. Our hot take on photography pricing: your nervous system needs time to catch up with your worth. When resentment creeps in, it’s time to raise your prices.
5. Track your bookings in a spreadsheet. Build in breathing room for editing and to protect your energy.
6. Do shoots just for fun to keep your creativity and inspiration alive.
7. Reach out to influencers. Nami’s golden formula for collaborations.
8. Send a questionnaire before every shoot.
9. Show up online and be authentic.
10. Connect with other photographers and creatives in the industry.
11. Find or create a preset that matches your style. Consistent editing means clients know exactly what they’re booking.
12. Ask for reviews. Google reviews are great for SEO and for getting found by new clients.
13. Focus on the tasks that make you money. If you’re not making money, you don’t have a business yet.

Whether you’re a beginner photographer, a surf photographer or a creative turning a passion into income, this episode will help you build a photography business that lasts.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Noosa (Australia) workshop in November here

Not sure which camera lens to buy first? In this episode of The Female Soulpreneurs, surf photographer Leo and portrait photographer Nami talk about the one lens every photographer should start with: the 50mm f/1.8, often called the "nifty fifty." It's affordable, lightweight and great in low light, and it's the only lens Leo uses for her surf photography.

This episode is for you if…

• You're a beginner photographer and don't know which lens to buy first (or you don't want to spend thousands)
• Your photos struggle in low light and you can't get that dreamy, blurry background (bokeh)
• You shoot surf photography, portrait photography, or both and want one lens that does it all
• You keep thinking new camera gear will make you a better photographer
• You want to travel light and keep your photography kit simple
  

In this episode we cover:

1. The best beginner lens for photographers, and why the 50mm f/1.8 is so underrated
2. Why a 50mm prime lens is great for surf photography in the water
3. Why the 50mm f/1.8 is perfect for women's portrait and maternity photography
4. When it's time to upgrade to an f/1.4 or f/1.2 lens, a zoom, a fisheye or a wide angle
   

Plus a weekly recap: our visit to Te Whaanga Retreat, a live Spark community call, dinner at Isobar, good surf in Raglan, goddess and maternity shoots, and our latest matcha delivery.

Our message: you have permission to keep it simple. Start with a 50mm f/1.8 and learn to really see.

Join us in Noosa! Our next women's photography workshop is on 28 November in Noosa, and we're celebrating Leo's birthday too. Spots are limited

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Noosa (Australia) workshop in November here

Struggling to know what to share on your Instagram stories as a photographer? In this episode of The Female Soulpreneurs, Leonie (Surfgirlnz) and Nami share 10 Instagram story strategies that help photographers build trust, increase story views and create a real connection with their audience, so followers turn into fans and, eventually, clients.

This episode is for you if:

• You're a photographer on Instagram but don't know what to post on your stories
• Your Instagram story views are low and engagement is dropping
• You only use stories to reshare your reels and posts
• You want your followers to know, like and trust you and your photography brand

What we cover:

• What Instagram stories are really for (hint: it's not growth)
• Why your story viewers are your biggest fans
• 10 Instagram story ideas for photographers that add value and build trust
• A sneak peek at our next episode: how to use Instagram stories to get more photography bookings

Why Instagram stories matter for photographers:Instagram stories aren't a growth tool. They're for nurturing the followers you already have. Stories let people get to know you, build trust over time, keep your audience engaged on your page and keep them invested in your life and business. Almost everyone watching your stories already follows you, which makes them your super fans. They're getting exclusive, temporary, behind-the-scenes content they won't see anywhere else.

10 Instagram story strategies for photographers:

1. Post around 5 stories a day. Document your day as it happens with original content, not reposted reels.
2. Create content people look forward to. For Leonie, that's daily surf check photos and videos from Raglan. For Nami, it's motherhood moments with Aiko. Try a predictable series, like your morning drink, but keep it easy to sustain.
3. Show behind the scenes. Setting up your tripod, prepping for a photoshoot, a selfie with clients. BTS content is gold for building trust.
4. Use question boxes. Invite your audience to ask you anything.
5. Run Instagram polls. Let followers vote (like when we asked which Turo car to pick, or Leonie's upcoming helmet sticker colour). Voting makes people feel invested, and polls are great for selling too.
6. Film yourself talking. Talking-to-camera stories show your personality, voice and energy, and create the strongest personal connection. Always add captions, since most people watch with the sound off.
7. Share more than photography. Your personal life, interests, likes and dislikes help followers find common ground and feel like they know you.
8. Share recommendations. Favourite restaurants, food, brands, books and movies. This can also help attract brand partnerships.
9. Spread your stories throughout the day. Leave a few hours between posts to stay at the front of the story lineup, and avoid resharing feed posts, which can hurt story views.
10. Use Instagram highlights. Curate what new visitors see first when they land on your profile.

✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Spark community here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our New Zealand (Raglan) workshop in October here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Noosa (Australia) workshop in November here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our France (Biarritz) workshop in June 2027 here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

How to Create Strong Client Galleries | Photography Business Tips

Struggling with how many photos to put in a client gallery? In this episode, we break down exactly how to build client galleries that showcase your range as a photographer — without overwhelming your clients or burning hours on editing.

We cover:
✔️ Why variety beats volume (and how to mix wide shots, close crops, candids, and posed portraits for a gallery that tells the full story)
✔️ The 70/30 colour-to-black-and-white ratio that keeps your galleries feeling balanced, emotional, and timeless
✔️ How many photos to actually include in your packages — and why over-delivering (even a little) makes clients feel taken care of
✔️ The simple, affordable gallery delivery tool we use to send professional client galleries without a big monthly spend

Whether you're a wedding photographer, portrait photographer, or surf photographer building your own gallery delivery system, this episode gives you a practical framework you can use on your very next shoot.

✨ Sign up to Pixieset here

✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Spark community here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our New Zealand (Raglan) workshop in October here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Noosa (Australia) workshop in November here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our France (Biarritz) workshop in June 2027 here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode is for you if:

• Your photos don’t come out great when it’s early in the morning or late in the evening 
• You want to make the most of your photos when there’s not much light 
• You want to shoot intentional motion blur, not accidental

What we cover in this episode:

1. How to create more light with your camera in low light conditions 
2. How to play it safe in low light conditions 
3. How to use low light for long exposure photos 

✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Spark community here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our New Zealand (Raglan) workshop in October here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Noosa (Australia) workshop in November here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our France (Biarritz) workshop in June 2027 here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode is for you if:

• You've built a beautiful website that nobody actually finds
• You're relying entirely on Instagram and referrals for bookings
• You don't know what SEO actually means, just that everyone says you need it
• You've heard the term "keywords" and immediately tuned out
• You want to actually rank on Google instead of hoping people stumble on you

What we cover in this episode:

1. Why SEO matters more for photographers than almost any other creative business
2. The exact 10-point checklist to actually rank higher
3. Real numbers from Nami's own site audit
4. What NOT to waste time on

10 Things Every Photographer Needs to Fix:

1. Fix your internal linking — Google can't rank pages nothing links to. Every service page needs links from your homepage and blog.
2. Write keyword-rich H1s and titles — Your homepage title needs your service + location (e.g. "Women's Portrait Photographer Raglan, NZ"), not just your business name.
3. Add unique alt text to every image — not generic repeated text; describe what's actually in each photo, naturally including keywords.
4. Target your closest wins first — check Search Console for terms you're already ranking position 5-15 for; those are faster wins than starting from zero.
5. Build an FAQ block on every service page — this helps both traditional Google ranking and being pulled into AI search answers (ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews).
6. Fix technical issues — inconsistent URL casing, duplicate H1 tags, broken links all quietly hurt you.
7. Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile— often the single biggest lever for local ranking.
8. List your business consistently across directories— Finda, Bing Places, Yellow NZ, Eventfinda for workshops, Airbnb, — same name/address/phone everywhere.
9. Get reviews, consistently — review volume and recency directly affect local search ranking.
10. Write content that answers real questions — blog posts targeting exactly what your dream client is searching (e.g. "when to book a maternity session”, what to wear to a maternity session”), not just portfolio galleries.

✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Spark community here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our New Zealand (Raglan) workshop in October here⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our France (Biarritz) workshop in June 2027 here⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode is for you if...

• You've ever wondered what actually happens behind the scenes at one of our workshops
• You're dreaming about joining us in Raglan this October but aren't sure it's "for you"
• You love a good behind-the-scenes trip recap

• You're curious what "finding your tribe" really looks like in real life

What we cover in this episode...

1. Our full week in Australia - travel, prep, and the workshop itself
2. Just how international this community actually is (and why that blows our minds every time)
3. The moments that made this one feel different — dolphins, catering, no-camera guests, past attendees showing up again
4. Behind-the-scenes chaos (the car that didn't fit in the garage, motel life after the fancy Airbnb)
5. Why October 17th in Raglan is happening whether you're local or flying in from anywhere

✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Spark community here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our New Zealand (Raglan) workshop in October here⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our France (Biarritz) workshop in June 2027 here⁠⁠⁠

This episode is for you if

• You've ever discounted your prices out of guilt, not strategy
• You add "just one more freebie" to make a sale feel fair
• You feel weird charging what your work is actually worth
• You've compared your prices to someone else's and panicked
• - You want to build a business, not just a hobby that pays sometimes

What we will cover in this episode:

1. Why photographers offer discounts too quickly
2. Where the Guilt of charging properly Comes From
3. What Undercharging Actually Costs
4. How to charge your worth

✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Spark community here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our New Zealand (Raglan) workshop in October here⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our France (Biarritz) workshop in June 2027 here⁠⁠