The Lifted Lens

Going full-time as a photographer can look so dreamy from the outside… but what’s the reality? In this honest chat, I’m sharing my own journey, the mindset wobbles, the financial realities, and the things I wish I’d known before making the leap. If you’re balancing photography alongside another job and wondering “could I actually do this full-time?” — this one’s for you. A grounded, encouraging conversation about building a business that supports your life, not burns you out.

In this episode of The Lifted Lens, I’m chatting about something every photographer experiences at some point… quiet enquiry periods.

I’m sharing what I personally do when business feels slow, both practically and mentally — from staying visible online and reconnecting with past clients, to navigating self-doubt and avoiding panic decisions.

If your inbox has felt a little quieter lately, this episode is your reminder that slower seasons are normal and you’re definitely not alone.

Around 60–70% of my photography clients are repeat clients… and that’s no accident 🤍

In this episode, I’m sharing how to get repeat clients in your photography business and why they’re the key to staying fully booked without constant marketing.

We’ll cover:
✨ Why clients come back
✨ How to create a memorable client experience
✨ Simple ways to turn one-time clients into lifelong clients

If you’re a family or newborn photographer wanting a more consistent, sustainable business — this one’s for you.

If you’ve been feeling stuck or uninspired in your photography business, this episode is for you.

We’re talking about why self-care isn’t a luxury — it’s essential for your creativity. From burnout and overworking to slowing down, working with your energy, and simple things like early nights, journaling, or even getting your nails done… it all plays a bigger role than you think.

A gentle reminder that you don’t need to do more to feel inspired again — you just need space 🤍

Mini sessions don’t have to feel stressful, last-minute, or like you’re scrambling to fill spaces.

In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 simple steps I follow every time I launch mini sessions — from the early planning stages right through to filling those final slots.

We’ll chat about how to:

• Plan sessions your clients actually want
• Feel prepared and confident before you launch
• Build a bit of excitement beforehand
• Show up and share your offer clearly
• And gently create that urgency that gets them booked

If you’ve ever launched minis and thought “why isn’t this filling?” — this will help everything feel a lot clearer (and a lot easier).

✨ If you want a deeper step-by-step, you can grab my Mini Session Manual HERE.

If you’re an outdoor family photographer, you’ll know the weather can be one of the biggest challenges.

In this episode of The Lifted Lens Podcast, Sophie Bowdler shares how she handles unpredictable weather during outdoor photography sessions — from cloudy skies and wind to last-minute forecast changes.

You’ll hear practical tips on choosing weather-friendly locations, communicating with clients, planning mini sessions, and staying calm when conditions aren’t perfect.

Because great outdoor family photography isn’t about perfect weather — it’s about knowing how to adapt and still create beautiful images.

In this episode, I’m joined by intuitive business coach, hypnotherapist and tarot reader Emma Sullivan for a relaxed, honest conversation about inner work and entrepreneurship.

We talk about tarot, hypnotherapy, journaling, mindset and nervous system support — and how all of it can shape confidence, visibility, decision-making and growth in your business.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, struggled with self-doubt, or known deep down you need to trust your intuition more, this one’s for you.

A grounded, open chat about blending a little bit of woo with real-life business growth. ✨

Manifestation isn’t about wishing harder — it’s about who you’re becoming.

In this episode, I’m sharing a grounded, real-life take on manifestation for photographers — from vision boards and visualisation to embodying the version of you who already runs the business you want.

Because belief changes behaviour.
And behaviour changes results.

Imposter syndrome is something so many photographers and creative business owners experience — especially when growing, raising prices, becoming more visible, or stepping into education.

In this episode, I’m sharing how imposter syndrome shows up in real life, why it doesn’t mean you’re failing, and how it can actually be a sign that you’re moving forward in your business.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re winging it, not experienced enough, or worried you’re not worth what you charge — you are not alone.

This episode will help you reframe imposter syndrome, build confidence in your photography business, and keep showing up even when self-doubt is there.

For a long time, I thought working more was the only way to grow my business. More shoots, more hours, more pushing.

In this episode, I’m sharing a quiet, honest chat about why I changed my business model, what wasn’t working anymore, and how choosing a kinder, more sustainable way of working has changed everything.

A gentle reminder that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of your life 🤍