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In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson speaks with Sony Imaging Ambassador Kate Kirkman, a multi-talented photographer known for her exceptional wedding, boudoir, portrait and commercial photography, as well as her more recent ventures into videography.

Kate opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her career, including her journey to mastering technical skills like flash photography, an achievement that significantly boosted her confidence and transformed her approach to shoots. She shares how this confidence has been instrumental in evolving her business and diversifying into new genres like video production.

Relocating to Cornwall in 2023 brought fresh opportunities and challenges for Kate and her husband Brent, who has also started lecturing in video at Falmouth University. Kate reflects on how building local connections and embracing community have helped establish a new foundation for their hybrid photography business while maintaining ties with clients across the UK.

Angela and Kate also delve into the growing importance of videography in photography businesses, discussing how they’ve adapted to meet client demands and integrate storytelling across both mediums.

Throughout the episode, Kate offers valuable insights into managing a photography business, from navigating imposter syndrome and balancing technical mastery with creative storytelling to maintaining a healthy work-life balance in a competitive industry.

Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or a seasoned professional, Kate’s candid reflections and practical advice will leave you inspired and motivated.

Listen now to discover how Kate Kirkman continues to evolve as a photographer, adapt to new challenges, and stay creatively inspired in a rapidly changing industry.

Connect with Kate
Kate Hopewell-Smith Photography
Muse Boudoir Photography
byLumiere
Instagram
Facebook

Takeaways

1. Master Your Craft
Building technical skills, such as mastering lighting or new techniques, can significantly boost your confidence and elevate your photography.

2. Adapt to New Environments
Relocating your business is challenging, but maintaining strong relationships and actively networking in your new community can create new opportunities.

3. Diversify Your Services
Incorporating videography or exploring new genres helps keep your business relevant and adaptable to client needs.

4. Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Recognise unfair comparisons and focus on personal growth rather than external perceptions to build self-confidence.

5. Streamline Your Workflow
Effective business management, including using tools for automation and organisation, is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

6. Embrace Lifelong Learning
Staying creative and inspired often requires continuous learning and embracing challenges, leading to personal and professional growth.

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In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson speaks with the multi-talented Delaney McQuown, a photographer, digital technician and artist based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Delaney’s work, which spans commercial and fine art photography, is defined by its vibrant use of colour and a fearless approach to self-portraiture. In 2024, she won the Claire Aho Award for Women Photographers at the World Food Photography Awards (formerly the Pink Lady Food Photography awards)for her striking self-portrait, BLT Contemplation.

Delaney shares how she first discovered photography as a teenager, building on her love for art nurtured in a creatively supportive household. Her education at the University of Cincinnati further honed her skills, combining fine art principles with practical experience through a co-op programme. Now, as a photographer at OMS Photography, she balances the demands of commercial projects with her passion for personal work.

A significant theme of this episode is Delaney’s self-portraiture project, which she describes as a therapeutic journey to embrace her own image. This project has evolved into a series designed to help other women experience the same sense of liberation. Her latest series, *Swimsuit Season*, invites women to shed societal pressures and embrace their authentic selves in a playful and empowering environment.

Angela and Delaney also discuss the challenges and rewards of entering photography competitions, the impact of winning awards, and the importance of persistence. Delaney offers valuable advice for photographers looking to submit their work, encouraging them to trust their intuition and focus on creating for themselves.

Tune in to this inspiring conversation to learn how Delaney is redefining beauty and creativity through her bold and vibrant photography. Don’t miss her practical tips, heartfelt insights, and infectious passion for empowering women through the lens.

Takeaways

1. The Therapeutic Power of Self-Portraiture
Delaney shares how her self-portraiture journey helped her confront insecurities and embrace her image, inspiring her to create empowering experiences for other women.

2. Blending Fine Art and Commercial Photography
Delaney discusses how her fine art background influences her bold, colourful commercial photography, creating a unique and vibrant style.

3. Winning the Claire Aho Award
Delaney reflects on the impact of winning the prestigious Clarie Aho Award, which reignited her passion for entering competitions and validated her creative vision.

4. Encouraging Women to Redefine Beauty
Through projects like Swimsuit Season, Delaney creates spaces for women to express themselves authentically and challenge societal beauty standards.

5. The Importance of Entering Competitions
Delaney emphasises the value of submitting work to competitions, encouraging photographers to embrace the process without fear of rejection.

6. Balancing Commercial Work and Personal Projects
Delaney highlights how her commercial photography job provides technical skills and support, which she applies to her deeply personal creative projects.

Connect with Delaney
Website
Instagram
OMS Photography

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Join us for a special episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, where Angela Nicholson, founder of SheClicks, revisits some of her favourite moments from the first 20 episodes. In this highlights episode, we hear insightful answers from 12 talented photographers featured in the popular Six from SheClicks segment.

Cristina Mittermeier opens the episode by discussing how she uses photography to inspire environmental action through powerful storytelling. Tracy Calder shares the creative journey behind her award-winning ‘Plant Scars’ series, while Rachael Talibart explains how weather conditions influence her approach to seascape photography.

Christie Goodwin reflects on managing personal feelings when photographing challenging subjects in the music industry. Fashion photographer Lindsay Adler offers expert tips for working with models, ensuring natural and dynamic poses. Meanwhile, portrait photographer Carolyn Mendelsohn reveals how she creates a collaborative environment that helps subjects feel at ease.
Kate Kirkman explains how she balances her varied photography businesses, from weddings to boudoir and commercial work. Music photographer Scarlet Page shares career advice for aspiring photographers, emphasising persistence and making the most of every opportunity.

Food photographer Donna Crous reveals her sources of inspiration, from seasonal ingredients to vibrant colour combinations. Marina Spironetti highlights what separates great travel photography from holiday snapshots.
Brooke Shaden discusses how creative shifts can lead to unexpected fine art concepts, while Amy Bateman underscores the value of continuous learning to keep evolving as a photographer.

This episode is packed with practical tips, creative insights and personal stories from these extraordinary photographers. Listen now for a dose of inspiration and expert advice to fuel your own photographic journey!

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.
Now is a great time to look back over the last year and put together a PHOTOBOOK of all your photographic highlights. A CEWE PHOTOBOOK is a great way to remember all those wonderful family gatherings, spontaneous snapshots and epic holidays.

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