PHOTO 374: The final episode
In this final episode, we pay tribute to Gina Milicia and the impact she has made on photographers around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this final episode, we pay tribute to Gina Milicia and the impact she has made on photographers around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ok, we get it. You love shooting with daylight. And either you think that learning to use flash is hard or you think it’s not the look you’re after. The reality is that mastering flash will not only improve your photography by leaps and bounds, it gives you much greater flexibility, enables you to shoot in the most challenging situations and provides you an edge in the way you create your images. San Francisco-based photographer Luci Valentine used to be in the same boat. But she’s now embraced ...
Is it time to get out of your comfort zone? Whether that’s trying a new technique or working with strangers, it can give your photography a new lease on life – even if it seems a little daunting at first. In this episode, Brisbane-based photographer Kerri Setch discusses how she wen beyond her comfort zone. Kerri used to find the idea of approaching strangers for photos daunting. She discusses how she overcame this fear and thrived. Kerri covers: the importance of living in the moment and lesson...
You might be technically brilliant but if you’ve been shooting for a while, there is a chance your images may appear dated. If you want to ensure you maintain an edge with your photography, discover these five reasons your images may look outdated – and how to fix this. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets at GinaMilicia.com. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live masterm...
Meet Orlando-based photographer Brian Becnel, whose portrait and event photography oozes authenticity. His love of finding the beauty in everyone he sees translates into authentic and relaxed portraits. We chat about starting out on his photography journey; workshops and education, the first moment he realised this could be a side hustle; seeing the beauty in everyone; shooting authentically, how Brian relaxes his models, reading the cues clients give you; the photographer he always dreamed of b...
Meet Jannene Meyer, an award winning pet photographer located on the Gold Coast of Australia. We chat about: making the transition from what you ‘think’ you should be photographing to following your heart and photographing what you love; working with assistants, the power of mentors, Facebook marketing, 3rd party promotions, the importance of standing out in a crowded market, doggy markets, in person sales and heaps more. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for...
We chat to guest photographer Karla Livney about making the transition from corp life to the creative life, playing the long game, the importance of creating your own website, photographing the stuff you love vs the work you think you should be doing, how working for charities is a great way to grow your business, learning to light and developing confidence, saying no to certain gigs is just as important as saying yes, gear and much more. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to t...
Family portraits are often in danger of looking cliched. But you can create, compose and style stunning family group shots that look more like professional lifestyle shots instead of awkward or uncomfortable photos. This week we discuss the steps you need to take to ensure you’re taking family photos that stand out – and that your clients will love! Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets at GinaMilicia.com. Join the dynami...
You can take the guesswork out of which lens to use after listening to this episode. You’ll discover how to determine the ideal lens for your portraits in every situation. Do you need to go wide or long? Lens choice and proximity to your model can make a huge difference to how your images and model will look in an image. This week we discuss the different focal lengths and when and why to shoot wide vs long. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips an...
We’re back, after a short hiatus! And today we’re discussing the top 5 factors you need to incorporate to make your photography side hustle a success! This advice could change your life! Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Find out more at ginamilicia.com. R...
Top photographers reveal their tips that could change the way you shoot. We chat with: Sean Tucker about selecting authentic subject matter that is meaningful to the photographer and why seeking honest critiques and ignoring social media praise is a game-changer. Also street photographer Julia Coddington on how to get close to people in street photography and by close I mean uncomfortably close. And Joel Grimes shares an inspiring story about dealing with rejection and how he nearly let an Art D...
Discover the biggest ‘a-ha’ moments from masters of photography. We hear from photographer and New York Times bestseller Nick Boothman shares the best way for portrait photographers to connect with the people they photograph and get authentic reactions. He also shares the best smile tip ever! You’ll discover Nat Geo photographer Ami Vitale’s advice on how to pitch a magazine editor. This advice is gold and many photographers miss out on gigs because they fail at pitching. Documentary photographe...
Meet photographer Brenda Petrella who took a leap of faith when she left her cushy job as a cancer researcher for a tree change and life as a landscape photographer. She is a Vermont-based landscape and nature photographer, the founder of Outdoor Photography School , and the host of the Outdoor Photography Podcast. We chat about how it feels to make that leap of faith, why every portrait photographer should embrace the landscape photography, the importance of leaving some shots to the imaginatio...
It’s never too late to start a photography business. Meet photographer Rebecca Martin. Not only is she a mother of eight, she’s grandmother to 11 kids! Rebecca picked up a camera to start recording her babies, and now runs a successful wedding and portrait business. She’s started working with her daughter Lena as a second shooter and talks about the lessons she’s learned, posing and directing large groups and the importance of preplanning shoots, the importance of the 1 percenters, creating high...
Meet photographer Anna Hornby, who does fine art lifestyle, virtual and family photography. Anna walks us through a virtual shoot and discuss: shooting on an iphone and getting over the tech cringe, directing and posing and find great light virtually, her influences, finding inspiration everywhere, growing a new business, editing and shooting with an edit in mind and more! Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the d...
How do you build your photography skills and career when you are flat out busy, constantly on the road and have limited time? This week’s guest Danni Banchi does just that, combining her busy life driving trucks across the US with her love of photography. Find out more about she makes it work in this week’s episode. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers mon...
How do you take your photography to the next level? You may be surprised to know that it’s not about a specific technical skill or a particular piece of equipment. There are 5 strategies you need to consider if you truly want to excel and make it as a photographer. Discover them in this week’s episode. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials...
If you have a fulltime job, what steps can you take to build your photography side hustle? You’ll discover: Should you start a side hustle? What is your definition of success? What are the basics needed to start a side hustle? Learn the basics, practice, rinse and repeat. How to find your niche. Advertising and branding. And more. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community whi...
Meet Pauline Klemm, who had a sliding doors moment 3 years ago that completely changed her life when her brother, Michael, a gifted photographer, died tragically in India. Her decision to keep his camera and learn photography began as a way of sharing his legacy. This has now grown and Pauline’s life has grown and evolved in exciting ways. If you’ve ever been on the fence about embracing photography later in life or any age then this beautiful story is a must listen. We chat about: making the pi...
These days, there are countless options available to aspiring photographers who want to improve their skills? Podcasts, courses, mentoring, assisting, and more! So how do you choose the best method to fast track your own learning and ensure that you uplevel your skills effectively and efficiently? Discover this and more in this week’s episode. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our ...
Ever wanted to print your own image at home but achieve the professional output you would get from a lab? Meet multi award winning Australian photographer Ian van der Wolde, a successful Melbourne based commercial photographer who specialities include advertising, aerial, fashion, food, corporate, people, public relations, portraiture, product and industrial photography. Ian also specialises in digital colour management and fine art printing. We chat about: commercial photography and finding cli...
How do you take jaw-dropping astro photography? We talk to Michael Goh and you’ll discover: how Michael went from working with a corporate sponsor to full time commercial photographer shooting business events and astro photography for documentaries, WA Museum, WA tourism, WA opera and heaps more, getting his break as a commercial business event photographer, promoting his work via Linkedin, how he shoots his time lapse photography and timelapse tips for beginners, the rule of 500, why Michael pr...
How does commercial portrait photography differ from regular portrait photography? We talk to Jeroen Nieuwhuis on his work as a commercial portrait photographer. You’ll discover: how he landed his first commercial gig at 18, the importance of knowing how to pose and direct models, why you need good assistants, getting booked from personal projects by commercial clients, funding personal projects, gear preferences, working with art directors, how he lights and directs his images and heaps more. G...
Connecting with people when you’re taking their portraits can be challenging. Because a great shot is not just about the technical aspects of photography. It’s also about whether your subject is comfortable, relaxed and at ease with the camera. In this episode, you’ll discover the techniques you need to use when you’re directing shy, anxious, overconfident or difficult people. Find out about this and much more in this week’s episode. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the ne...
When you’re posing people, it can be easy to fall into the trap of letting them fall into awkward or cliched poses without even noticing. That could make or break a shot. So what kind of poses should you look out for? How can you avoid them? And if you find your subject doing one, what can you do to turn a “meh” pose into a winner? Find out about this and much more in this week’s episode. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom pre...
How do you achieve compelling shots with total strangers. We chat to Daryl and Judy Ford about: the pros and cons of two creatives living together, how Judy and Daryl used a photo tour guide to help them gain access to subjects living in remote locations, techniques they used to connect with complete strangers. Jude gives us her tips on applying for photographic grants, how they pack for their trips, gear recommendations, and heaps more! Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to th...
To drop or not to crop? And if you are going to crop, exactly where is the right spot? This episode is all about how to crop your portraits perfectly. You’ll discover: key cropping proportions that will make all the difference, why understanding the final use and purpose of the shot is so important, where you should NEVER crop, why you need to allow breathing space and so much more. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. ...
This episode is all about how to get of auto and master manual mode forever. If you’ve been scared to embrace manual mode fully, or you’re still relying on “aperture priority” or “shutter priority”, discover how these functions all relate to each other so that you can capture the kind of shots you’ve always wanted. Gina and Valerie discuss this and more. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Members...
What are the best portrait lenses for beginners, enthusiasts and pros? Everything you need to know about the lenses you need to take great portraits. What you need to consider about crop and full frame, wide versus long, zoom versus prime and much more. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes vi...
How to photograph high end looking products with entry level gear. It’s not your gear, it’s how you use it. In this episode, you’ll discover how to create high end looking product shots using entry level equipment. If you would like to watch the screenshare as we show how the techniques are done, go to Episode 345 on GinaMilicia.com You’ll discover: how high end images can be created in a small space with lighting kits under $200; how to photograph highly reflective products without reflections;...