Send us a Text Message. This SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast episode features US-based wedding photographer Vanessa Joy. Vanessa is a multi-award-winning photographer who likes to ensure clients have fun and blends classic imagery with photojournalism. She's also a popular speaker at events, a widely respected business coach, and a Canon USA Explorer of Light. 

With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Vanessa shares her journey from teaching Spanish to building a successful photography business. Vanessa began her career working for her high school photography teacher, assisting with weekend weddings. This hands-on experience proved invaluable as she learned the ins and outs of the business. She then taught Spanish to pay the bills while growing her own photography side business. Once her photography income matched her teaching salary, Vanessa made the leap to photography full-time. In the podcast, Vanessa discusses the importance of working for other photographers early on. She emphasizes soaking up as much knowledge as possible from more experienced photographers before launching one's own business. Vanessa also shares how she navigates client expectations, delivers storytelling albums and guides clients into natural-looking posed shots. Vanessa also discusses finding a balance between shooting weddings and teaching. There's valuable advice for photographers at any stage, from starting out to growing a successful business over decades in the industry.

Connect with Vanessa
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
YouTube

Canon
This podcast is supported by Canon, a leading technology company founded in Japan in 1937. Canon is dedicated to helping people reimagine and push the boundaries of what is possible through imaging. Canon believes in living and working together for the common good to develop a better society and a more inclusive and equitable world. Support the Show.

Vanessa Joy: Learn with other Photographers

Our interview-style podcast is hosted by Angela Nicholson, founder of SheClicks - an award-winning community for female photographers. It features influential women from the photographic industry speaking about their experiences, what drives them and how they got to where they are now.&nbsp;

Arts

Literature

Performing Arts

Design

Food

Fashion & Beauty

Visual Arts

Technology

Tech News

Podcasting

Gadgets

Software How-To

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, host Angela Nicholson welcomes the talented Verity Milligan, an award-winning photographer based in Birmingham, UK. Verity is renowned for her stunning cityscapes of Birmingham and her breathtaking photographs of the natural world. Besides her personal projects, Verity creates content for globally recognized brands and has been a long-standing judge for the Landscape Photographer of the Year competition.

The conversation begins by highlighting Verity's enthusiasm for photography. Verity shares her exhilarating experiences of waking up at dawn, driven by the chance to capture unique, foggy landscapes. Her passion is evident as she describes the thrill of photographing rare weather conditions and sharing those moments with others.

Verity's journey into photography is unconventional. Initially, on an academic path, she pivoted from a master's degree in American visual culture and a stint running an independent cinema to teaching media theory and documentary filmmaking. Her photography journey began as a hobby and gradually became her career, leading her to choose between academia and freelancing. Ultimately, her love for photography won, allowing her to embrace a creative and flexible lifestyle.

Angela and Verity delve into the nuances of Verity's work, discussing how her background in documentary filmmaking influences her photography. Verity emphasizes the importance of storytelling and lighting, which she carries over from her video work to her still images. This narrative-driven approach sets her work apart, making her photographs not just visually stunning but also emotionally compelling.

The episode also explores the practical aspects of Verity's career, including her approach to client work and the challenges of managing expectations. Verity shares insights into her freelance life, the joy of outdoor photography and the delicate balance of maintaining creativity while fulfilling commercial demands. She highlights the importance of personal projects, which not only fuel her passion but also attract clients who appreciate her unique style.

Verity leads workshops, using her teaching experience to inspire and educate others. She emphasises the emotional connection with the landscape over technical perfection, fostering a supportive environment for her participants.

The discussion touches on the representation of women in photography. Verity notes the progress made but acknowledges the need for more female voices in senior roles, judging panels, and editorial positions. 

Throughout the episode, Verity's genuine love for photography shines through. Whether capturing the beauty of Birmingham or the rugged landscapes of the Lake District, her work is a testament to her dedication and artistic vision.

Verity Milligan's journey is a reminder of the joy that comes from following one's passion and the endless possibilities that lie within the art of photography.

Connect with Verity
Website
Instagram
Facebook
X
YouTube

CEWE
Thank you to CEWE, Europe's leading photo printing company for supporting this podcast. CEWE offers an extensive range of high-quality photo products, including the award-winning CEWE PHOTOBOOK, Wall Art, Calendars, and Prints. They also host the world's largest photo competition, the CEWE Photo Awards. It's free to enter and you ca Support the Show.

Verity Milligan: The Thrill of Morning Light and Misty Moments

Send us a Text Message. In the latest episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, host Angela Nicholson engages with the esteemed wildlife photographer and fundraiser Margot Raggett. A figure synonymous with passion and purpose, Margot has carved a niche in wildlife conservation through her photographic prowess and the founding of the groundbreaking 'Remembering Wildlife' book series. These books not only celebrate the artistry of numerous wildlife photographers but also have raised over a million pounds for conservation efforts worldwide.

Margot's journey in photography is both inspirational and deeply personal. Starting with her initial foray into photography during a safari in the Maasai Mara, she recalls purchasing her first DSLR camera, a decision spurred by a last-minute realisation that she was expected to have one for the safari. Her narrative weaves through the pivotal moments of her career, highlighting her transformation from a corporate PR professional to a dedicated wildlife conservationist. This transformation was catalysed by an encounter with the harsh realities of elephant poaching, driving her to use her skills and network to make a tangible difference in the world.

During the podcast, Margot discusses the intricate balance required between capturing the raw beauty of nature and respecting the subject in wildlife photography. She stresses the importance of being present 'when the magic happens', a phrase that encapsulates her approach to photography: a blend of readiness, technical skill and a bit of serendipity - and having the right kit. Her commitment is palpable as she describes the challenging yet rewarding process of creating each book in the 'Remembering Wildlife' series, designed to awe, inspire, educate and fund conservation efforts.

Her accolades, including an MBE for her contributions to wildlife conservation and the SheClicks Outstanding Achievement Award for 2024, underscore her impact and dedication. Margot's story is not just about capturing the perfect shot but about making each shot count and connecting with others to conserve wildlife for future generations.

This episode of SheClicks is more than just a podcast; it's a call to action, wrapped in the stories and successes of one of wildlife photography's most influential figures.

Connect with Margot
Website
Facebook
X
Instagram
Remembering Wildlife Support the Show.

Margot Raggett: Finding and Making Beautiful Images on a Mission for Wildlife Conservation

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to another engaging episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, where we dive deep into the hearts and behind the lenses of women who are defining the photographic industry. This episode features the remarkable Ellie Rothnie, a seasoned wildlife photographer whose journey behind the camera began as a child and has evolved into a career that spans the globe. Ellie, a Canon ambassador, is particularly known for her stunning images of Dalmatian pelicans, but her photographic portfolio covers a wide array of species.

Ellie's approach to photography is refreshingly spontaneous. She never sets out with a fixed image in mind, which she believes could lead to frustration. Instead, she keeps a mental wishlist of shots, ready to capture them should the perfect conditions arise. This method allows her the flexibility to be present in the moment and truly engage with her surroundings, whether she's on a day trip or a longer expedition.

In conversation with Angela Nicholson, founder of SheClicks and the podcast host, Ellie shares insights from her photographic journey. Her career didn't start in photography; initially, Ellie worked in marketing. However, a pivotal encounter with renowned wildlife photographer Paul Souders in Kenya changed her trajectory. This meeting ignited her passion for wildlife photography, setting her on a path that would see her leave her office job to pursue photography full-time in 2016.

Ellie reminisces about her early days with her father, photographing hedgehogs in their garden, a memory that underpins her lifelong fascination with capturing wildlife. Her narrative is a compelling blend of personal anecdotes and professional experiences, illustrating her evolution from a casual photographer to a respected professional in the field.

Listeners will find inspiration in how Ellie describes the supportive nature of the SheClicks community, a network that encourages female photographers to pursue their passions and develop their unique styles. The discussion also touches on practical aspects of wildlife photography, from the unpredictability of animal behaviour to the technical challenges posed by different environments.

This podcast episode not only showcases Ellie Rothnie's incredible talent and dedication but also illustrates that with passion and perseverance, you can create the career and life you want. So, whether you're a budding photographer or a seasoned pro, tune in for a dose of inspiration and a behind-the-scenes look at the art and soul of wildlife photography as shared by Ellie Rothnie.

Remember to subscribe to the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast on your favourite platform to catch every insightful episode. Join us as we explore more stories that capture the essence of creativity and courage in photography.

Connect with Ellie
Website
Facebook
Instagram
X
LinkedIn

Canon
This podcast is supported by Canon, a leading technology company founded in Japan in 1937. Canon is dedicated to helping people reimagine and push the boundaries of what is possible through imaging. Canon believes in living and working together for the common good to develop a better society and a more inclusive and equitable world. Support the Show.

Ellie Rothnie: Embracing the Unpredictability of Wildlife Photography

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to the latest episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, where we delve into the journeys of women in the photographic industry. Your host is Angela Nicholson, founder of SheClicks, a community dedicated to supporting female photographers. This episode features an enlightening conversation with Tracy Calder, a talented photographer, editor, and writer known for her contributions to various consumer magazines, books, and prestigious exhibitions like those at the Photographer's Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Tracy's passion for photography was ignited early, thanks to a camera gifted by her father when she was just around 10 years old. This episode explores her photographic and writing pursuits, which she describes as parallel interests that allow her to tell compelling stories through both imagery and words. Tracy's career trajectory is inspiring, starting with her role at Outdoor Photography magazine, leading to the inception of the Close Up Photographer of the Year competition—an event celebrating the art of macro and micro photography.

During the discussion, Tracy shares anecdotes from her early experiences, such as her first creative photography project involving a box of fruit, which marked the beginning of her lifelong engagement with the craft. She also discusses her educational path, highlighting a pivotal moment at university that broadened her perception of photography beyond beautiful landscapes to a powerful narrative medium.

Tracy's contributions to the photographic community are profound, especially through her co-founding of the Close Up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) competition. This platform not only showcases the intricate beauty of close-up photography but also encourages photographers to learn and explore the minutiae of the natural world continually. Her insights into the therapeutic aspects of photography, particularly its ability to slow down time and foster mindfulness, are especially poignant.

This episode looks at Tracy Calder's professional life and explores her personal philosophy about photography and storytelling. Her approach emphasises emotion and storytelling over technical perfection, advocating that the true measure of a photograph's success is the feeling it evokes in the viewer.

For anyone interested in the intersections of photography, storytelling and personal expression, this podcast offers a deep dive into the experiences that shape a photographer's career and creative outlook. 

Connect with Tracy
Instagram
CUPOTY website
CUPOTY Instagram
CUPOTY Facebook
CUPOTY X Support the Show.

Tracy Calder: Ferrero Rocher and the Storytelling of Close-Up Photographer of the Year

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson sits down with Wanda Martin, an acclaimed photographer whose unique eye and remarkable journey from the countryside of Hungary to the heart of London's photographic scene have captivated many. Wanda, now a Canon Ambassador, director, visual artist, and a notable figure in the world of photography, shares insights into her creative process, her roots, and the power of photography.

Wanda recounts her initial encounter with photography, nurtured by her father, a photographer himself, who introduced her to the craft despite his reservations about her pursuing a career in the field. This early exposure, coupled with a Canon EOS 20D, ignited a lifelong passion that eventually led her to professional photography, defying her father's hopes of her choosing a more conventional path.

Despite starting with digital photography, Wanda also delves into the analog world, mastering the art of shooting and processing black and white film under her father's guidance. This blend of digital immediacy and analog depth characterizes her approach, allowing her versatility across commercial and personal projects.

The conversation also touches upon Wanda's artistic influences, notably the painterly and cinematic qualities that infuse her work with a distinct aesthetic. She expresses a particular fondness for the pre-Raphaelite movement and filmmakers like Wong Kar-Wai, whose use of light and colour significantly influence her photographic style.

Wanda shares her experiences navigating the photography industry, emphasizing the importance of networking and social media in establishing a presence. She reflects on the evolving landscape of fashion photography, acknowledging the increasing representation of women behind the lens.

Her narrative is one of creativity and connection to the subjects she captures. From self-portraits that delve into personal narratives to collaborations with musicians and actors, Wanda aims to offer a glimpse into the souls of her subjects.

Listeners are treated to a deep dive into Wanda's creative ethos and her aspirations for future projects.

This episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast highlights Wanda Martin's remarkable career and artistic vision and serves as an inspiration for aspiring photographers everywhere.

Connect with Wanda
Website
Instagram
Vimeo

Canon
This podcast is supported by Canon, a leading technology company founded in Japan in 1937. Canon is dedicated to helping people reimagine and push the boundaries of what is possible through imaging. Canon believes in living and working together for the common good to develop a better society and a more inclusive and equitable world. Support the Show.

Vanessa Joy: Learn with other Photographers

Download our free app to listen on your phone