Are you ready to unlock a world of opportunities and take your creative business to new heights? Join us as we explore the power of LinkedIn with the insightful Jeff Brown, a photography business mentor, bestselling author, and former Royal Navy photographer. With four successful businesses under his belt, Jeff now helps photographers worldwide build standout brands. Specializing in mindset, branding, and LinkedIn strategy, Jeff’s mission is to help photographers become the go-to experts in thei...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 63
The Secret Sauce to Drool-Worthy Food Photography Picture this: You're scrolling through Yelp, stomach rumbling, overwhelmed by choices, and then BAM! A perfectly lit, mouthwatering dish catches your eye, stopping you mid-scroll. The crisp edges of a golden-brown crust, the vibrant pop of fresh herbs, the glossy sheen of a perfectly plated sauce—it all screams, "Order me now!" Your decision is made. That, my friend, is the undeniable power of great food photography. But how do restaurants determ...
Feb 19, 2025•43 min•Ep. 62
Evolving Through Photography and Identity with Kris Connor Have you ever wondered how your personal experiences shape who you are as a creative? In this episode of Savory Shot, we dive deep into the journey of Kris Connor, an award-winning New York-based celebrity chef and restaurant photographer. With over 30 years behind the camera, Kris shares his unique perspective on how his life experiences have influenced his photography career. Meet Kris Connor Kris Connor is a well-known name in the wor...
Feb 05, 2025•35 min•Ep. 61
Discovering Your Creative Spark: A Conversation with Food Stylist Sheila Jarnes What if the most unexpected detours in life turned out to be your calling? Sheila Jarnes, a food stylist, prop stylist, and hand model based in Midcoast Maine, sat down to share her journey from environmental conservation to the deliciously visual world of food styling. With her hands in everything from gardening to cooking, Sheila’s story is a testament to the beauty of embracing curiosity and finding art in the eve...
Jan 24, 2025•44 min•Season 4Ep. 60
Feeling Stuck in Your Creative Business? You're Not Alone! Ever feel like you're pouring your heart and soul into your creative work but still struggling to make a living? Like you're stuck in a tug-of-war between your passion and the practicalities of running a business? In this episode of The Savory Shot, we’re delving into a topic that's close to the heart of every creative entrepreneur: building a sustainable business. Meet Tamera, Your Business Fairy Godmother! Tamera Darden is not only an ...
Jan 15, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 59
Feeling Burnt Out? You're Not Alone. Ever feel like you're running on fumes? Like you're pushing yourself so hard that something's gotta give? Yeah, me too. In this episode of The Savory Shot, we're diving deep into something we all face at some point: burnout. And trust me, it's a topic that's close to my heart. Meet Mica, a fellow creative who gets it. Mica McCook is an amazing food photographer from Austin, Texas. She's also the host of The Savory Shot, and she's been super open about her own...
Jan 15, 2025•11 min•Season 4Ep. 58
Ever felt lost and unsure of your next step? Like you're wandering in a fog, searching for a path to clarity? In this episode of The Savory Shot, we sit down with Rachel Steiner, a food photographer, entrepreneur, and stylist with over a decade of experience. Rachel shares her journey of self-discovery, navigating career transitions, and overcoming creative blocks and self-doubt. Overcoming Obstacles: We dive deep into the challenges of freelancing, the importance of open communication with clie...
Oct 02, 2024•33 min•Season 3Ep. 57
Alright, let's get real. Have you ever felt like you're kinda stuck in an old version of yourself? Like you've outgrown those clothes that used to fit so well? That was me with my old brand, "Austin Food Guide." It was comfy, familiar, but it just didn't feel right anymore. Is Your Brand a Reflection of Who You Are Today? In this episode of The Savory Shot, we're diving deep into my rebranding journey. It wasn't just about changing a logo or a website; it was about shedding old skin and stepping...
Sep 18, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 56
The Magic of Rebranding: When It's Time for a Soulful Shift Have you ever felt that whisper in your soul, that nudge that says, "There's more. You're meant for more"? Maybe it's a sense of stagnation in your business, a feeling that your brand isn't quite reflecting the beautiful evolution you've experienced. If that resonates, then friend, this episode is for you. The Heartbeat of Your Brand Today, we're immersing ourselves in the world of rebranding and its potential for transformation. Rebran...
Sep 04, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 55
Ever wondered what it really takes to make it as a food photographer? Are you curious about the behind-the-scenes magic, the challenges, and the unglamorous realities? Well, get ready to have your questions answered and your curiosity satisfied! Skyler Burt: The Honest Voice of Food Photography In this episode of Savory Shot, I had a raw and real conversation with Skyler Burt, the brilliant mind behind the "We Eat Together" YouTube channel. Skyler, a seasoned photographer and educator, didn't ho...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 54
Feedback: Friend or Foe? We've ALL Felt That Sting! Ever felt like feedback was a sucker punch instead of a helpful nudge? You're not alone. We all cringe at the thought of someone critiquing our work. But what if I told you feedback is actually a GIFT? A secret weapon to unlock your true potential? In this episode of "The Savory Shot," we're diving headfirst into the messy, beautiful world of feedback. We'll unpack why it's so damn hard to hear and even harder to give. Buckle up, because we're ...
Jul 26, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 53
Embrace the Beauty of Slow Living: A Conversation with Alanna O'Neil Have you ever paused to consider the magic in the everyday moments of your life? How often do we truly appreciate the simple beauty around us? Today, I invite you to explore this idea with our guest, Alanna O'Neil, a designer and photographer from Maui, Hawaii. Alanna grew up on a farm in Vermont, a place where the kitchen garden was the heart of her childhood, shaping her unique perspective on life and photography. In our late...
Jul 11, 2024•53 min•Season 3Ep. 52
Feeling Overwhelmed by Networking? Have you ever walked into a room full of strangers and felt your heart race, wondering how on earth you’re supposed to connect with anyone? You’re not alone. Networking can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. What if I told you that building authentic relationships is simpler than you think? Turning Fear into Connection Mica shares her personal journey, filled with relatable anecdotes and practical tips. From the nerves of attending events to the magic of...
Jun 26, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 51
Celebrating 50 Episodes: A Journey of Heart and Soul Have you ever started something with a dream but wondered if you'd have the stamina to see it through? Today, we're diving into a milestone that celebrates perseverance, community, and love—the 50th episode of The Savory Shot podcast. The Heart of the Journey What does it take to reach 50 episodes of a podcast? For Mica McCook, it's been a rollercoaster ride filled with doubt, joy, and a deep commitment to authenticity. When Mica started this ...
Jun 12, 2024•15 min•Season 3Ep. 50
Have you ever felt awkward talking about your own successes? Many of us have been there – the uneasy feeling when sharing our accomplishments as if we're bragging. But what if self-promotion didn't have to feel so cringy? In the latest episode of The Savory Shot podcast, host Mica McCook tackles this exact topic. Mica offers a refreshing perspective on why self-promotion is essential for success. Embracing Self-Promotion: From Discomfort to Confidence Mica dives deep into the discomfort many of ...
Jun 01, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Ever found yourself wondering how to get your photography business noticed amidst the flood of visuals online? You're not alone! Every photographer grapples with the challenge of standing out and effectively reaching potential clients. Today, let's explore some game-changing tips that can turn your love for photography into a successful career. Introducing Expert Insight: Julie Skarwecki Joining us is Julie Skarwecki, a photo consultant who has helped countless photographers elevate their career...
May 15, 2024•57 min•Season 3Ep. 48
Is your passion for creativity consuming your peace? Today, let's dive deep into a conversation that's close to many of our hearts but often neglected—self-care in the creative industry. Joining us is Michael Hilgers, a licensed therapist who specializes in helping creatives navigate the emotional rollercoaster of their professions. Meet Michael Hilgers: Therapist to the Creatives Michael brings a unique perspective to the table, blending his expertise in therapy with an understanding of the cre...
May 01, 2024•40 min•Season 3Ep. 47
Have you ever wondered if you're really on the right career path? Imagine the courage it takes to step off a predictable path and plunge into the unknown. That's the story of Evan Sung, a former literature student who walked away from the planned road for something different. Meet Evan Sung: A Portrait of Change Evan Sung wasn't always destined to be a food photographer. His initial academic journey in literature seemed set, but deep down, Evan felt a disconnect. His real passion lay elsewhere—i...
Apr 17, 2024•50 min•Season 3Ep. 46
Ready to Unleash Your Creativity? Hey there, creative souls! Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank canvas or a daunting project, wishing you had all the resources in the world to make something magical? Well, what if I told you that magic isn't about having it all—it's about making the most of what you've got? Intrigued? Let's dive into the latest episode of "The Savory Shot" to uncover the secrets of creativity from constraints! Discover the Power of Less In this solo episode, Mica Mc...
Apr 04, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 45
Welcome back to another episode that’s going to sprinkle your day with creativity and inspire your journey, no matter what field you're in! Today, we're chatting with the incredibly talented Emilie Fosnocht, a food and prop stylist who's turning everyday meals into art. Emilie's journey from Philadelphia to the bustling streets of London and back has filled her with insights and experiences that she's here to share with us. So, buckle up as we dive into the world of food styling, prop designing,...
Mar 20, 2024•33 min•Season 3Ep. 44
Ever felt like you're just not cut out for photography because you don't have the high-end gear? Oh, friend, I've been there, thinking my dreams were bigger than my budget. But guess what? It's not about the gear; it's about your vision. This episode peels back the curtain on starting small in food photography, showcasing my (your host) journey from using basic tools to creating mouthwatering masterpieces. We dive into why embracing limitations can actually be your biggest creative advantage. Jo...
Mar 06, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 43
Dive into today's episode, where Aran shares her journey from switching a career in business and economics to becoming a renowned food stylist, author, and photographer in Seattle. Overcoming personal challenges and embracing authenticity, she discusses the art of test shooting, the impact of ChatGPT, and maintaining a personal voice in the industry. Aran also explores the future of food photography amidst evolving technology. Join us to be inspired by Aran's story, blending tradition with innov...
Feb 21, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 42
Alright, picture this: You're in an elevator, that dream client beside you, and bam! You've got seconds to wow. This episode's your guide to making those seconds count. We dive into the heart of your photography, finding that gold nugget of an elevator pitch that makes you unforgettable. It's about passion, vision, and a dash of strategy, all rolled into one. We're mixing real talk with real advice, aiming for that emotional tug. So grab your notepad, and let's craft your pitch to open doors and...
Feb 07, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 41
In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Christina Peters, an esteemed food photographer whose journey is as flavorful as her work. Christina shares her inspiring story, from challenging family norms to establishing her path in photography to her evolution from traditional darkroom techniques to mastering the digital age. She delves into the artistry behind capturing culinary stories, offering insights that blend technical skill with creative flair. This episode is a look behind the lens an...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 40
As the first rays of 2024 light up our studios, this episode opens the door to a world where your creativity and business acumen coexist. Imagine yourself at this crossroads, camera in hand, ambition in heart, ready to redefine your approach to food photography. But here's the twist: the path ahead is lined with challenges. How do you harmonize the demands of a bustling photography business with the whispers of self-compassion? This episode dives deep into this conundrum, peeling back layers of ...
Jan 10, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 39
In this engaging episode of The Savory Shot Podcast, we sit down with Francesco Sapienza, a former engineer turned acclaimed food photographer. Francesco takes us through his transformative journey from a technical career to mastering the art of food photography in the bustling city of New York. He delves into the nuances of lighting, composition, and the emotional connection in photography while emphasizing the significance of passion and adaptability in the creative industry. His story not onl...
Dec 14, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 38
Get ready for a treat in today's episode. We're chatting with the amazing Lisa Homa, a food styling genius with 25 years of experience under her belt. Lisa's here to spill the beans on what it takes to make food look irresistibly delicious. She's going to give us the inside scoop on breaking into food styling, and trust me, it's an art form that's way deeper than just making dishes look pretty. Snag your go-to munchie and come along as we plunge into the tantalizing, and sometimes unexpected, re...
Nov 29, 2023•46 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Welcome to episode 36 of "The Power of R.E.S.T.," where your host, Mica, delves into the transformative art of resting. Kicking things off with a heartfelt shoutout to our tribe of listeners, Mica unravels a tale of caution from a tarot reader: slow down or burn out. Today's chat is all about reimagining rest, not as wasted time, but as a rich, essential pause. Mica decodes R.E.S.T: Recharge, Embrace, Set, Tune, and shares strategies for making each one a pillar in our daily lives. Join the move...
Nov 08, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 36
In this interview with Simi Jois, a food photographer, she discusses her journey into the world of culinary optics and the importance of capturing the essence of a brand through photography. Simi emphasizes the need for asking questions and understanding the brand's values to create impactful and aligned imagery. She also shares insights on creative blocks, the beauty of innocence in photography, and the importance of taking breaks to allow creativity to ferment and percolate. Would you like to ...
Oct 25, 2023•55 min•Season 2Ep. 35
In this episode of "The Savory Shot," host Mica dives into the importance of personal projects for creators. She shares personal stories and insights, emphasizing how personal projects ignite creativity, fuel growth, and differentiate photographers in the industry. Through practical advice and relatable experiences, Mica inspires listeners to embrace personal projects as a means of self-expression, professional development, and client attraction. Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/gues...
Oct 12, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 34
