Simplicity is not just an aesthetic choice. It is a business approach that can give photographers more clarity, more consistency, and more confidence. For newborn photographer Victoria Burcusel, removing the excess helped her strengthen her style, streamline her process, and build a studio experience that truly reflects her values.

In this episode, Victoria shares her journey from Romania to New Zealand to Australia and how each chapter shaped her creative identity. We talk about choosing a niche, learning from trusted mentors, developing strong lighting skills, and the power of creating with intention instead of relying on every prop or trend that comes along.

Victoria opens up about the mistakes she made early in her career, the pressure she felt to buy everything, the studio redesign that changed everything for her clients, and the freedom that came when she stopped trying to please everyone. Her honesty about growth, refinement, and staying true to what she loves will resonate with photographers in every stage.

If you have ever felt overwhelmed by trends, props, comparison, or the pressure to do more, Victoria’s story will encourage you to simplify, trust your foundations, and create from a place of confidence.

What’s in this episode:

• [02:15] Victoria’s journey from Romania to New Zealand to Australia
• [05:10] How she discovered newborn photography and why it clicked
• [08:20] The early overwhelm of buying too many props
• [10:42] Learning from mentors and what truly moved the needle
• [13:55] How simplifying her studio transformed her style
• [16:20] Lighting foundations and why they matter more than props
• [18:40] Creating a client experience that feels calm and intentional
• [21:05] The moment she stopped trying to please everyone
• [24:10] Why consistency creates confidence for both artist and client
• [26:50] Advice for photographers who feel unsure of their style

If you have ever felt overwhelmed by trends, props, comparison, or the pressure to do more, this conversation with Victoria will reassure you that less can truly lead to more.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

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Props come and go. Trends cycle in and out. But creativity, craftsmanship, and connection are what truly make a photography brand last.

In this episode, I am joined by sisters Lindsey Stock and Amy Guenther of The Newborn Nerds. We talk about what really goes into designing timeless props, why color never goes out of style, how to use trends without losing yourself, and the details that elevate even the simplest setups.

Lindsey and Amy open up about embracing growth, navigating copycats, staying inspired as artists, and the leap of faith it took to expand their prop business. Their honesty about risk, creativity and longevity will inspire any photographer who wants to create art that truly stands out.

If you have ever wondered how to keep your style original in a fast-changing industry, this conversation is full of encouragement and practical wisdom.

What’s in this episode:

• [02:40] Why props created by photographers hit differently
• [06:20] Color theory and why single tones never go out of style
• [09:45] The biggest mistakes photographers make when styling newborn sessions
• [12:00] The tiny details that elevate a setup
• [18:45] Challenging yourself creatively with unexpected prop requests
• [20:15] Why you should experiment with models before trying new poses on clients
• [22:00] Navigating copycats and staying rooted in originality
• [25:00] The leap of faith behind scaling their prop business

If you want to create cleaner, stronger and more timeless images with fewer props and more intention, this episode with Lindsey and Amy will help you return to the heart of your craft.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat!

Photographers sometimes assume luxury is reserved for studios, but today’s guest proves that a high-end experience can thrive right inside your clients’ homes.

Chelsea Hickey, the award-winning photographer behind Chicky Little Photography, specializes in in-home newborn storytelling sessions outside of Boston. Averaging $7,000 newborn sales and $4,000 across all genres, she’s built a thriving luxury brand rooted in service, simplicity, and confident systems.

In this conversation, Chelsea shares how she made the leap from burnout-pricing to sustainable profit, why luxury is really about ease and service, and how to confidently guide clients through IPS without feeling “salesy.” She also breaks down money mindset, transparent pricing, outsourcing retouching, and why understanding your cost-of-doing-business will completely change your business.

If you’ve ever dreamed of higher sales, smoother sessions, and a brand that feels elevated without being overwhelming, this episode is a game-changer.

What’s in this episode:

• [02:00] Chelsea’s start in photography and the burnout that forced a pivot
• [04:00] Why she chose in-home newborn sessions over a traditional studio
• [05:00] What luxury actually means (and why service is the foundation)
• [06:00] How she structures her in-home newborn workflow from start to finish
• [08:00] What Chelsea shifted to average $7K newborn sales
• [10:00] Reframing IPS as service, not sales
• [11:00] Overcoming money mindset, and pricing fears
• [13:00] Working less, earning more, and taking 6–7 vacations a year
• [17:00] Paying yourself and the tax lesson that changed everything
• [20:00] Transparent pricing without overwhelming clients
• [23:00] Outsourcing retouching + why “Who Not How” changed her workflow
• [29:00] Gift certificates, portfolio building sessions & how to use them wisely
• [30:00] The first small step toward the luxury market
• [31:00] Chelsea’s courses & resources for photographers

If the luxury world has ever felt like something other photographers could access but not you, Chelsea’s guidance will help you see what’s possible and what you can start shifting right now.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat!

“You will never feel ready. Ready is not a feeling. It is a decision.”

Every photographer reaches a moment when they wonder if they are truly ready to charge. The doubt, the imposter syndrome, the fear of disappointing someone. It all shows up right when you are trying to step into the next version of your business.

In this episode, I share the honest truth about knowing when you are ready to charge, what actually matters before you take that leap, and what does not matter nearly as much as you think. You will hear how free work shaped my early years, why validation is not the same as growth, and how consistency will give you more confidence than waiting for permission ever will.

What’s in this episode:

• [00:15] My story of charging before I felt ready
• [01:00] The hidden pitfalls of staying in “free session” mode
• [01:45] Validation versus genuine improvement
• [02:50] Skills you actually need before you begin charging
• [03:40] Simple business foundations that help you feel prepared
• [04:20] Why the feeling of readiness never arrives
• [05:10] The most common mistake new photographers make
• [05:55] How to know if your work is consistent enough
• [06:30] A gentle pep talk if you are scared to charge

Stepping into paid work is not about being perfect. It is about being trustworthy, consistent, and willing to learn as you go. If you have been waiting for the moment you finally feel ready, this episode will help you see that you may already be there.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Some artists teach by accident. Others teach because they can’t help but pay attention: to connection, to people, and to themselves. Today’s guest, Rachel Larsen Weaver, is absolutely the latter.

Rachel is an artist, educator, and photographer whose work celebrates audacious self-love, body affirmation, and the beauty of everyday life. In this conversation, we explore long form sessions, the power of noticing, how motherhood shapes creativity, and why self-portraiture is often the key to accepting ourselves more fully.

Rachel also shares deeply encouraging insight about self-perception, authenticity, and why your energy and presence matter more than perfection.

If you’ve ever struggled with confidence, boundaries, or believing you belong in your own work, this episode is the gentle, grounding guide you need.

What’s in this episode:

• [02:00] Rachel’s journey from writing to photography
• [05:00] How teaching helped her reverse-engineer her creative process
• [07:00] Personalizing sessions through deeper client connection
• [08:00] What long form sessions are (and what makes them so powerful)
• [11:00] Why “behind-the-scenes” isn’t always worth the distraction
• [16:00] Representation, body diversity, and “finding myself in portraits”
• [20:00] Audacious self-love and how our own baggage affects clients
• [23:00] Self-portraiture as a pathway to seeing yourself with kindness
• [26:00] Motherhood, interruptions, and using life as creative fuel
• [29:00] The practice of noticing as a doorway to presence
• [34:00] One small detail photographers miss in sessions
• [36:00] Using thoughtful questions to shift energy and build trust
• [38:00] Why clients want to feel heard, not just photographed

If you’ve ever wrestled with confidence or felt unsure about stepping into your own images, this conversation will show you how self-love and visibility can transform both your art and the way you move through the world.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

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“We remember the handful of tough clients louder than the hundreds who adored us.”

Every creative knows this feeling. You have a mountain of glowing reviews, grateful clients, emotional gallery reveals, and people who sing your praises, yet your brain fixates on that one person who wasn’t happy.

In this episode, I talk about the clients who live rent free in your head and why our brains cling to negativity so fiercely. I share real stories from my own fifteen years in business, the painful lessons those clients taught me, and how to finally stop letting one unhappy client define your worth or your work.

You will hear how to reclaim your confidence, reinforce your boundaries, and release the emotional weight of people who were never meant to stay.

What’s in this episode:

[00:30] Why one unhappy client feels louder than ninety-nine good ones
[01:40] Real stories of clients who shook my confidence
[02:10] Why pain imprints deeper than praise
[04:00] When clients drain your energy and cross boundaries
[04:50] Why resentment is a warning sign
[05:20] The importance of policies, limits, and saying no
[06:00] Rewiring your brain to stop letting negativity lead
[07:15] How to evict a client from your mental real estate
[07:45] A mindset shift to reclaim your confidence and energy

The tough clients are not the full story. When you let them take up less space in your mind, you can finally focus on the clients who valued you, the work you are proud of, and the truth of the business you have built.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Art is changing and very fast. But even as technology evolves, our creativity and human touch will always matter most.

In this episode, I’m joined by Olguta Goddard of Oh My Goddard Photography to talk about artistry, authenticity, and navigating creativity in the age of AI. Olguta shares how she’s stayed grounded in her artistic vision, protected her energy, and kept creating from the heart, even when trends, tools, and expectations shift around her.

We talk about finding your creative rhythm again, balancing rest and reinvention, and trusting your instincts when it feels like the industry is moving faster than ever.

If you’ve been questioning what creativity looks like in a world of AI and constant change, this episode is for you.

What’s in this episode:

• [02:18] Why authenticity matters more than algorithms
• [05:32] How AI is changing the conversation around art and inspiration
• [10:07] Staying connected to your creative voice through rest and reflection
• [13:45] When comparison creeps in and how to reclaim your energy
• [17:58] Boundaries that protect your art and your sanity
• [21:34] A reminder that your art is still needed in a changing world

If you’ve been craving permission to slow down, reconnect with your creativity, and trust your own artistic eye again, this conversation with Olguta will help you remember why your art still matters.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

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“Everyone tells you to charge more. No one tells you what happens when you actually do.”

Photographers love success stories. The ones where raising your rates brings dream clients, bigger sales, and overnight growth. But what about the other side? The side no one talks about online. The side where you raise your prices and the inquiries slow to a halt, your confidence cracks, and you wonder if you just broke your business.

In this episode, I share what really happened when I raised my rates before I was ready. You’ll hear the emotional rollercoaster that followed, the pressure of industry expectations, and the mindset spiral that so many photographers silently go through.

More importantly, we’ll talk about why pricing is personal, why your math will never look like anyone else’s, and how to build a definition of success that actually fits your life, energy, and goals.

What’s in this episode:

[01:40] The shame and pressure photographers feel around pricing
[02:20] Photographer emotional math and why it wrecks confidence
[03:30] Why pricing is not one size fits all
[04:40] Understanding the real cost of your life and business
[06:20] How your definition of success evolves over time
[07:25] What it really means when inquiries slow after raising rates
[08:00] The four reminders you need before changing your prices

You’re allowed to define success in a way that fits your life, your energy, and the clients you want to serve. Your pricing doesn’t have to match anyone else’s to be valid.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Creativity isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s the quiet seasons that bring us home to ourselves again.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kelsey Freeman of Kelsey Freeman Photography, and we’re diving into what it really looks like to show up online and take care of your creative energy at the same time. We talk about TikTok wins and the reality behind them, how to develop the confidence to post imperfectly, and the burnout that can sneak up when your creativity becomes “content”.

Kelsey generously shares how stepping back helped her step forward again with more clarity, healthier boundaries, and content rooted in connection rather than performance.

If you’ve ever felt torn between needing to “be visible” and needing to breathe, this episode is the permission slip you’ve been waiting for.

What’s in this episode:

• [00:00] Kelsey shared how she grew through viral content
• [02:20] The real-life impact of a post that took off
• [04:50] Why going “viral” isn’t always victory
• [07:15] Making content on social media that feels like you
• [09:30] Building confidence on camera even if you feel cringey
• [14:50] When creativity collapses into burnout
• [18:40] Boundaries, rest, and coming back to joy
• [24:10] A pep talk for artists afraid to return after a break

If you’ve ever felt torn between visibility and burnout, this conversation will show you a healthier, happier way to show up and be seen.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat!

“Clients aren’t a social life.”

As photographers and creatives, we give so much of ourselves to our clients, creating joy and memories for their families. But if we’re not careful, our clients can become our only source of adult connection and the loneliness that creeps in is real.

In this episode, I’m sharing my honest reflections on hidden loneliness, why client interactions can’t replace real friendship, and how to start making space for joy and connection outside of business and family roles.

What’s in this episode:

• [00:35] The hidden loneliness of working from home
• [01:30] Why client interactions aren’t the same as friendship
• [02:30] How loneliness shows up in sneaky ways
• [03:20] The irony of creating joy for clients but not for ourselves
• [04:45] Why fun and friendship have to be intentional
• [05:40] A gentle reminder: you are more than your business and motherhood

This is your reminder that you’re allowed to have joy and connection outside of your work and motherhood — because you deserve it

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Newborn photography is part art and part patience, and no one embodies that balance like Johna Musarra of Three J’s Photography.

In this episode, Johna joins me to share her journey from 20 years at Starbucks to 13 years behind the camera as a full-time newborn photographer. We talk about how her style evolved through trial and error, the importance of patience (both with babies and yourself), and how she helps students bridge the gap between “good” and “great.”

She also reveals her approach to color harmony and client styling, how she handles unusual requests (grab your antlers and baby poop stories), and what she’ll be teaching at the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat. Johna also shares the moment she stopped chasing trends and started creating from her heart and it’s a lesson every artist needs to hear.

What’s in this episode:

• [03:00] The story behind the name Three J’s Photography
• [05:00] How her style evolved through trial and error
• [06:00] Why patience matters more than perfection
• [10:00] Teaching workshops and helping photographers grow
• [11:00] Creating cohesive color harmony in every gallery
• [13:00] Staying confident when clients request something different
• [17:00] Following your creative instincts
• [19:00] Avoiding trends and finding what makes your work unique
• [20:00] Beating creative boredom without buying more props
• [27:00] Owning your growth and celebrating how far you’ve come
• [31:00] Johna’s 2025 Retreat class on wrapping and maximizing setups

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat!

“If your business looks amazing online but secretly drains the life out of you, that’s a problem.”

In a world obsessed with aesthetics, metrics, and viral posts, it’s easy to confuse visibility with success. But what if the business that truly supports your life doesn’t photograph well for Instagram?

In this episode, I’m getting honest about redefining success, setting boundaries, and building a business that feels aligned, not just impressive. I’m giving you a look into my own lessons about letting go of over-delivering, working weekends, and chasing trends, and inviting you to create a version of success that actually feels good inside your real life.

What’s in this episode:

• [00:35] Why your business doesn’t need to look “impressive” online
• [01:00] How Instagram rewards performance over peace
• [01:45] What success really looks like behind the scenes
• [02:30] The cost of over-delivering and over-working
• [03:00] Why visibility isn’t the same as joy
• [03:45] Redefining success on your own terms
• [04:40] Choosing peace and alignment over aesthetics

You don’t need a business that wins the algorithm. You need one that gives you your life back.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Newborn photography is an art—but it’s also a responsibility. Ensuring baby safety while ALSO protecting your own body is key to a long, successful career. But when it comes to caring for our own bodies, how can we actually fit that into our busy photographer lives?

Well, Jamie Noyes, a photographer with a background in physical therapy, is here with her best tips for caring for ourselves while we care for our infant clients.

In this episode, Jamie and I talk through baby safety and proper infant posing, how to build connections with clients during sessions, and the common mistakes she sees photographers making that can lead to injuries. Plus, she’s breaking down simple stretches and habits photographers can use to relieve pain that might already be bothering you.

If you’ve been interested in body mechanics (both for yourself and your clients), this episode with Jamie is one you can’t miss!

What’s in this episode:

[00:00] Intro

[01:51] Jamie’s unique history in physical therapy and how it’s influenced her photography career

[07:40] The safety concerns around certain photography poses for babies

[12:37] What photographers can do to prevent common injuries and pain from their profession

[18:09] Stretches and exercises that photographers can use to relieve pain from common injuries

[21:38] Small habits that photographers can incorporate to take care of their bodies

[25:08] A little pep talk for photographers that are doubting themselves or their abilities

[29:47] Jamie’s lightning round

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat!

“Your energy is a luxury item—and not everyone can afford it.”

When Taylor Swift said this, it hit me right in the gut. Because it’s true: your energy, presence, and emotional labor aren’t disposable. They’re rare, valuable, and worth protecting.

In this episode, I share how I've learned to guard my energy in my photography business and life. From saying no to summer sessions that drained me, to slowing down during newborn shoots, to setting boundaries that honor my time and creativity, you’ll see how important it is to reframe the value of your energy for yourself and your clients.

What’s in this episode:

• [00:35] Why your energy is not cheap or disposable
• [02:12] How energy leaks show up in photography work and life
• [06:45] A personal story about saying “no” to client sessions for rest
• [12:20] How calming energy transformed a stressful newborn shoot
• [16:40] Practical ways to protect your energy as a photographer

Tune in to learn how protecting your energy helps you show up more fully as a photographer, create sustainably in your business, and live with intention.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

What happens when a self-proclaimed perfectionist swaps carefully posed newborn photography for the chaos of in-home lifestyle sessions? For Natasha Sewell, it meant rethinking everything she knew about photography.

In this episode, Natasha tells the story of how she transitioned from posed newborn photography to in-home lifestyle sessions. She shares how she prepares for the unexpected, helps clients feel at ease, and ensures every session flows naturally. 

Plus, she’s breaking down the biggest mistakes photographers make in client communication, how to use your website to bring in more business, and the lesson she wishes every photographer would learn earlier in their career.

If you want to communicate and create stronger connections with your clients, this episode with Natasha is for you!

What’s in this episode:

[00:00] Intro

[02:00] Why and how Natasha transitioned from newborn to in-home lifestyle photography

[05:36] How Natasha plans for the unexpected and prepares her clients ahead of time in each of her in-home sessions

[10:15] How Natasha helps her client to feel comfortable and creates opportunities for natural moments to occur

[11:30] How photographers can use their websites to create more business and client opportunities

[16:55] Some of the biggest mistakes Natasha sees other photographers making in their client communication

[18:55] Personal projects and other ways that Natasha reinvigorates her creativity

[26:15] One lesson that Natasha wishes photographers would learn earlier in their careers

[30:22] Natasha’s lightning round

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat!

“If I’m not tired and busy, I’m probably not doing enough.”

Sound familiar? So many of us as photographers are grinding ourselves down with work and stress because that’s just what it takes to run a successful business, right? And if we’re struggling with it, it’s because we’re just not dedicated enough? 

No friends. That’s not right. Burnout is NOT a normal state of being. 

And in this episode, I’m explaining why. I’m also sharing some of the sneaky ways that burnout can show, how we can come back from burnout, and what burnout actually says about us as photographers.

Let’s dig in!

What’s in this episode:

[00:00] Intro

[00:35] Why burnout isn’t a badge of success

[01:44] Some of the different ways that burnout can show up

[04:46] Some steps we can come back from burnout

[06:30] What burnout says about you and your life AND what it doesn’t

Tune in to this episode to learn what burnout does and doesn’t say about us as photographers and business owners!

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat!

Have you had this thought? “I’m so overwhelmed. Maybe it would be better just to walk away from this work entirely.”

If you have, you’re not alone. So many of us find ourselves in this position: overworked, overbooked, and with no end in sight. And we don’t know how to get ourselves out without giving up completely.

So in this episode, I’m sharing my own personal story of finding myself in this tough spot, what I did to climb out of the hole I’d dug for myself, and the steps I’m taking to avoid this in the future. Just because we need rest, it doesn’t mean that we’re a failure… and taking a break doesn’t mean that we have to be done forever.

Let’s dig in!

What’s in this episode:

[00:00] Intro

[00:35] That moment when we just want to quit and walk away and the gentle truth we need to hear about these moments

[01:39] A personal story about reaching my own breaking point

[03:35] What happened when I pressed pause on parts of my business

[05:00] How to tell if it’s time to rest or actually move on from certain parts of your business and steps you can take to find clarity

[08:35] Some personal news about my business (and this podcast!)

Tune in to this episode for advice on how to give ourselves time to rest instead of giving up!

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat!

Slowing down isn’t always easy—but for Tiffany Crenshaw, it’s become essential. As a photographer, mentor, and mom of four, Tiffany has learned how to build a business that aligns with her life instead of competing with it. 

In this episode, she shares how her priorities have shifted in recent years and how she’s helping other women create businesses that actually support their families. Tiffany opens up about building sustainability into her schedule, why pricing is about more than numbers, and how she’s navigating slower seasons and a changing economy with creativity and care. 

She also shares practical tools for automating and eliminating tasks, the power of community, and how she uses simple, personal marketing strategies that go far beyond Instagram.

If you’ve ever felt like hustle culture doesn’t work for your life—or your values—this conversation with Tiffany will feel like a breath of fresh air. Let’s dive in!

What’s in this episode:

[00:00] Intro

[01:51] How Tiffany’s life and priorities have been shifting lately

[03:51] How Tiffany finds ways to slow down and manage her life and business without regret

[09:52] Tiffany’s advice for time and schedule management

[11:34] How Tiffany thinks about navigating the difficulty in the current economic landscape

[18:51] How Tiffany helps other women find and create their own communities 

[21:03] Tiffany’s thoughts on marketing without solely relying on Instagram

[25:02] Tiffany’s lightning round

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Family Retreat!

We’ve all felt that pang—a new photographer that’s blowing up right in our home town, a beautiful session at a location you’re just dying to shoot, or maybe something small like seeing more comments or compliments on another creative’s work instead of yours.

This jealousy doesn’t often feel good, bringing shame, guilt, and resentment if we don’t address the root causes. But jealousy doesn’t mean that we’re bad or heartless. It’s an opportunity for us to grow and learn more about ourselves.

In this episode, I’m sharing why we all experience this jealousy at some point in our photography careers, how to harness our jealousy into something useful instead of harmful, and my own personal story of jealousy. We don’t have to let it take over our lives, friends.

Let’s dig in!What’s in this episode:

[00:00] Intro

[00:30] Why everyone—photographers included—experience jealousy sometimes 

[01:42] The quote that shifted my perspective on jealousy 

[03:18] How we can harness jealousy as a tool to grow instead of letting it turn into resentment

[04:49] How getting curious can help us pinpoint what’s underneath jealousy

[05:15] A personal story of navigating my own jealousy

Tune in to this episode for how to navigate these sticky, jealous feelings that come with comparison and creativity!

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat!

We all come to photography from different angles, but for Melissa Barnes, loss and love cemented her affection for the medium. But photography isn’t her only love. Melissa is also a full-time architectural designer and doesn’t plan on giving up either career anytime soon. 

In this tender episode, Melissa shares her family history, how it’s shaped her love of photography, why she has no plans to become a full-time photographer, and how her cultural heritage shapes her art and work. She also shares how she captures those tender, romantic moments for her clients and why these connections give her so much joy.

If you’re ready to give deep into capturing those romantic moments on camera, this episode with Melissa is one you can’t miss! Let’s dive in!

What’s in this episode:

[00:00] Intro

[02:05] The family tragedies that propelled Melissa into her love of photography

[04:56] Why Melissa isn’t—and doesn’t want to be—a full-time photographer

[06:14] How Melissa captures love and romance in ordinary places

[09:46] How Melissa’s cultural heritage influences her photography work

[13:00] Where many styled shoots fall flat and how Melissa thinks they could be more equitable

[15:38] How being a multi-passionate person has affected Melissa and her work

[19:34] Melissa’s lightning round

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Family Retreat!

Some photographers find their passion after becoming a parent—but for Cally Petersen, photography came first. And over the years, her love for it has only grown deeper. Now a decade into her business, Cally has built a creative life that reflects her values, honors her limits, and stays true to her “why.”

In this episode, Cally shares how she found photography before motherhood, how her confidence and presence have grown over time, and what helps her genuinely enjoy showing up online. She walks us through how she approaches branding sessions with intention, how she structures her calendar to align with her energy, and why certain sessions bring her back to the heart of her work.

If you’ve ever felt pulled between business growth and a slower, more grounded life, this episode with Cally is one you can’t miss! Let’s dive in.

What’s in this episode:

[00:00] Intro

[02:16] How Cally found photography pre-parenthood and how she has grown more grounded in her “why” over time

[09:14] What has helped Cally to enjoy showing up online

[13:56] How Cally approaches her branding photography sessions

[19:23] How Cally keeps her calendar aligned and stays booked throughout the year

[24:21] The types of sessions that remind Cally of her “why”

[30:00] Cally’s lightning round

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

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We’ve all had those moments of feeling stuck in-between something. Either we’re waiting for a new stage of life or we’re on the verge of a breakthrough and what we’re doing currently just isn’t working quite right. 

It can be a deeply frustrating place to find ourselves both in life and in our photography businesses. But it doesn’t have to last forever, and we can come out the other side of this messy middle stage stronger and more invigorated.

So in this episode, I’m sharing what the messy middle is for many photographers, why it can be so overwhelming when we’re in it, and some practical steps for navigating through this stage just a little bit faster.

Let’s dig in!

What’s in this episode:

[00:00] Intro

[00:30] What the “messy middle” is when it comes to our businesses

[02:29] How this messy middle causes us to question ourselves and our businesses

[04:22] What this in-between stage actually means about our business

[05:00] Some steps you can take to move through this messy middle stage

[10:20] An encouragement for anyone currently navigating this stage

Tune in to this episode for how to navigate being in the messy middle of your photography business!

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat!

In photography circles, influencer marketing sometimes gets a bad rap. From getting ghosted after photographing a session or having filters applied to your hard work, it can feel intimidating to step into this realm.

But in this episode, Cydnee Jex is here to walk through her whole process of working with influencers. She shares how she finds influencers to work with, how she sets expectations and boundaries, how she approaches the whole process from a very practical angle, and why, at the end of the day, she loves working with influencers!

Plus, she’s giving us a sneak peek at her upcoming Maternity and Newborn Summit, including  why she loves making in-person connections and how potential educators can apply to teach.

If you’re ready to start adding influencers into the marketing plan for your photography business, this episode with Cydnee is one you can’t miss!

What’s in this episode:

[00:00] Intro

[02:12] All about the upcoming Maternity and Newborn Summit 

[10:51] Why in-person connection is so important

[16:24] How Cydnee started working with influencers

[20:23] Common mistakes when photographers try out influencer marketing for the first time

[22:44] How to approach the dreaded “filters” conversation with influencers

[30:18] How to talk about payment in collaboration with influencers

[31:39] Cydnee’s lightning round

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Family Retreat!

After nearly two decades of working, it would be understandable for any photographer to feel a little less enthusiastic about their work. But not Kim Hildebrand! She’s still honing her skills and stoking her passion for capturing those tender real life moments.

In this episode, Kim shares how she’s managed to grow and find stability over her last 17 years as a photographer. She shares the lessons she learned early on, how systems have helped her find consistency and balance, and how she’s helping other photographers do the same. 

Plus, she’s sharing what keeps her passion alive and why she loves photographing families so much. It’s the “why” that keeps her going. If you’re ready to lay the groundwork for a long and fulfilling photography career, this episode with Kim is one you can’t miss! Let’s dive in!

What’s in this episode:

[00:00] Intro

[02:29] How Kim’s style has evolved over her long photography career

[09:11] How Kim puts families at ease during her in-home photography sessions

[12:34] Kim’s PhotoBoss Frameworks and how developing systems over her decades as a photographer changed her business for the better

[19:14] Common signs that tell photographers that they need more systems in place

[23:00] How Kim keeps the passion for her photography going after nearly two decades

[28:35] Kim’s early career mistake that ended up as an invaluable learning moment

[32:37] Kim's lightning round

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Family Retreat!

When it comes to… basically anything, everyone has an opinion, and our photography and businesses are rarely exempt. And because our work is often so personal, the feedback can hit hard.

But not all feedback is useful, relevant, or even true. It is just information, and we get to choose what to do with that information and how much we let it affect us.

In this episode, I’m sharing why feedback can feel so personal in creative businesses, how to navigate different types of feedback in our photography businesses, and how we can differentiate helpful feedback that can help us grow from the feedback that isn’t serving us.

Let’s dig in!

What’s in this episode:

[00:00] Intro

[00:53] Why feedback can cut so deep and how we can use it to grow

[01:39] How to handle feedback on your pricing

[03:30] How to navigate feedback from disappointed clients

[06:26] Navigating critiques, both from genuine feedback and from the trolls

[09:00] What feedback is… and what it’s not

Tune in to this episode for some advice on taking the feedback that serves your business and leaving what does not!

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/podcast/

Grab your spot for the 2025 Online Newborn Retreat!