Welcome to Artist Date, the podcast where we dive deep into the art and business of photography. Join host Nicole Romanoff as she interviews talented photograph...
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Artist Date with Nicole Romanoff, we sit down with Carey Shaw, a talented photographer and emerging filmmaker with a unique perspective on storytelling through imagery. We dive deep into the creative process, the struggle to balance personal projects with paying work, and the ongoing challenge of setting boundaries as an artist.
From her beginnings in pinhole photography to documenting art exhibitions and tackling editorial work that often doesn’t pay but fuels the passion, this conversation is a must-listen for photographers and creatives navigating their artistic journey.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Carey Shaw transitioned from fine arts studies to a full-time career in photography.
The challenge of balancing commercial work with personal creative projects.
Why setting boundaries with clients is crucial for long-term success.
The impact of social media on self-image and how it affects portrait photography.
Technical insights into documenting art exhibitions and shooting in challenging lighting conditions.
The reality of editorial photography and why it’s often a passion project rather than a money-maker.
The importance of passive income streams like stock photography.
Why embracing your unique artistic style is key to attracting the right clients.
Quotes to Remember:
📸 “The work that inspires us is what attracts the paying work." – Nicole Romanoff
📸 “Shooting what you love will always shine through in your work." – Carey Shaw
📸 "It’s okay to say no. And sometimes, saying no is the most powerful thing you can do." – Carey Shaw
Links & Resources:
📍 Check out Carey Shaw’s portfolio: careyshaw.com
📍 Follow Carey Shaw on Instagram: @careyshaw
📍 Learn more about stock photography with Stocksy: https://www.stocksy.com
📍 Connect with Nicole on Instagram: @nicoleromanoffphoto
📍 Follow Artist Date on Instagram: @artistdatepodcast
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow creative!
This podcast was recorded and edited by S.J. Kardash of Full Color Studios in White Space Studios.
--------
47:52
Tonya Wanner: Finding Your Unique Voice in Dance Photography
In this episode of Artist Date, I'm joined by my longtime friend and incredibly talented photographer, Tonya Wanner. We dive deep into her journey from working as an insurance broker to becoming a sought-after dance photographer, capturing the essence of dancers in a way that sets her apart in the industry.
Inside This Episode:
Tonya’s unexpected transition into photography while on maternity leave
The pivotal moment that led her to focus on dance photography
How she found her unique style capturing dancers in the in-between moments
The power of saying “yes” early on and how she learned to set boundaries
The importance of lighting and how it shapes the art of dance photography
Her experience learning from world-renowned dance photographers at the Pada de Dance Conference
The growth of her business and the evolution of her team
Overcoming physical challenges and pivoting her approach to shooting
What’s next for Tonya, including mentoring other photographers and expanding her reach
Key Takeaways:
Follow Your Instincts: Tonya shares how listening to her gut led her to make bold career moves that ultimately shaped her success.
Embrace Change: From switching careers to adapting after an injury, she proves that growth often comes from the most unexpected places.
Collaboration Over Competition: The power of community, mentorship, and trusting the right people in your industry.
Key Quotes from Tonya:
"I wasn’t looking for the perfect jump or pose—I was drawn to the in-between moments that told the real story of the dancer."
"Stepping into the unknown is terrifying, but it’s where all the magic happens."
"Lighting isn’t just about visibility—it’s about shaping the emotion and movement in a photo."
"I had to pivot, learn to let go, and trust my team—growth is never a solo journey."
"The best marketing is showing the world what you’re most passionate about."
Where to Find Tonya:
Instagram: @TonyaWannerPhotography
Listen & Subscribe:
Tune in to Artist Date every Tuesday for inspiring conversations with creatives who are making waves in their industries. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! And follow us on Instagram, @artistdatepodcast
--------
1:00:52
Bob Deutscher: The Art & Craft of Food Photography
In this episode of Artist Date, I sit down with Bob Deutscher, a talented food photographer based in Saskatoon. Bob shares his journey from discovering his creative side in childhood, including his early fascination with cameras and time at a fine arts school, to building a thriving career in commercial food photography. We talk about the challenges of self-teaching, the balance between artistry and craftsmanship, and the unique aspects of photographing food for brands like Co-op. Bob also dives into his creative process, from pre-shoot planning to editing, and shares valuable advice for aspiring food photographers.
What You'll Learn:
How Bob transitioned into food photography and built a successful niche career
The value of embracing new challenges with confidence and learning through hands-on experience.
How he and his wife built a dedicated food photography studio
The blend of artistry and craftsmanship in commercial photography
Bob’s approach to lighting, composition, and editing in food photography
The realities of working with commercial clients and delivering on their vision
His dream projects and future aspirations
Memorable Quotes:
“A true artist is someone who creates purely for themselves. I think of myself more as a craftsman with an artistic touch.”
“Shooting food is the best kind of photography—you get to eat it afterward!”
“I love the challenge of delivering a client’s vision and pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible.”
Connect with Bob Deutscher:
Instagram: @bobdeutscher
Stay Connected:
Follow Artist Date on Instagram: @artistdatepodcast
Follow Nicole on Instagram: @nicoleromanoffphoto
--------
20:39
Jocelyn De Moissac: Creating Connection Through Creativity
In this inspiring episode of the Artist Date Podcast, Nicole sits down with Jocelyn, a talented photographer and ceramicist from Saskatoon, to dive into her creative journey spanning 15 years. From her beginnings as a hairstylist to building a thriving photography business, Jocelyn shares how she transitioned into photography during a pivotal life moment, developed her signature style, and embraced her multifaceted creative identity.
They discuss the value of connection in photography, how Jocelyn balances family life with a busy career, and the lessons learned from stepping outside her comfort zone. Jocelyn also reveals her passion for creating meaningful moments, her foray into ceramics, and her thoughts on embracing creativity at every stage of life.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Jocelyn’s journey from hairstyling to photography and what inspired her creative evolution.
The importance of creating a comfortable environment for clients during shoots.
How Jocelyn balances her roles as a photographer, ceramicist, and mom.
The challenges of running a photography business and the lessons learned along the way.
Why Jocelyn caps her shoots to prioritize quality over quantity.
Her thoughts on aging as a creative and embracing personal evolution.
Jocelyn’s experience with publishing her own magazine and what’s inside.
Key Quotes:
“I’ve learned to lean into what makes me happy and be with the people that bring joy into my life.”
“Find your tribe. It’s so important to connect with like-minded people who inspire and uplift you.”
“The moments you capture—whether it’s bedtime routines or a wedding day—are the little things that become the most cherished memories.”
Resources Mentioned:
Jocelyn’s Instagram: @demophotostudios
Jocelyn’s ceramics: @klae.ceramics
Jocelyn’s magazine: Available in hard copy on her website https://www.demostudios.ca/
Follow Nicole:
Nicole’s Instagram: @nicoleromanoffphoto
Artist Date Podcast: @artistdatepodcast
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Jocelyn on Instagram for more updates on her work in photography and ceramics. Don’t forget to check out her magazine for a deeper dive into her creative world!
--------
35:30
Alicia Marie: Empowering Self-Love Through Boudoir Photography
In this episode of Artist Date, I sit down with Alicia Marie, a boudoir photographer whose work goes far beyond the camera. Alicia has built a career around empowering women to embrace their beauty, vulnerability, and individuality. From her early days as a high school teacher to creating a thriving photography business in Saskatoon, Alicia shares how she stumbled into boudoir photography and turned it into a platform for celebrating self-love.
We discuss the challenges of working in a field that often faces societal backlash, the power of creating safe spaces for women, and how Alicia has developed her signature moody, natural-light style. Whether you're a photographer looking to break into boudoir or someone curious about the transformative power of this art form, Alicia’s insights will leave you inspired.
What You'll Learn:
How Alicia got her start in boudoir photography (including her very first shoot in her bedroom!)
Why creating a safe, judgment-free space is essential in boudoir photography.
How Alicia collaborates with her long-time makeup artist, Kelsey, to build trust and confidence with clients.
The importance of understanding and celebrating different body types in posing.
The role social media has played in growing her business and breaking down barriers in the boudoir industry.
How Alicia deals with societal backlash and embraces her role as an advocate for women’s empowerment.
Why education and mindset are crucial for photographers looking to work in boudoir.
Resources and Mentions:
Follow Alicia on Instagram: @aliciamphoto and @aliciamphoto_boudoir
Explore Alicia’s work on Patreon: Alicia Marie Intimate Portraits
Makeup artistry by Kelsey Ray: @kelseyrae_mua
Connect with Nicole:
Follow on Instagram: @nicoleromanoffphoto @artistdatepodcast
Website: www.nicoleromanoff.com
Subscribe & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us bring inspiring stories like Alicia’s to more creatives like you.
Welcome to Artist Date, the podcast where we dive deep into the art and business of photography. Join host Nicole Romanoff as she interviews talented photographers, uncovering their career journeys, creative processes, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Whether you’re an aspiring photographer, a seasoned professional, or simply a lover of the visual arts, Artist Date offers insights and inspiration for every stage of your creative journey.
In addition to captivating interviews, solo episodes explore business strategies, pricing, and practical tips to help you thrive as a creative entrepreneur.
Tune in, get inspired, and let’s grow together—one artist date at a time!