Jonathan Zoeteman: What It Really Takes to Create for the Long Haul
As we wrap Season 1 of Artist Date, we’re closing out with a deeply grounding and thoughtful conversation with Calgary-based photographer, writer, and creative entrepreneur Jonathan Zoeteman. A Canon ambassador and co-founder of the creative community Socality and House A31, Jonathan shares insights on burnout, creative flow, and why the long game matters more than ever in our fast-paced world.
In this episode, Nicole and Jonathan dive into how staying connected to curiosity, rest, and rhythm can help us avoid burnout and build more meaningful creative lives. From his first photo of a future NHL goalie to hosting large-scale community events with Canon, Jonathan’s journey is a testament to following your passion, building community, and staying true to yourself—without rushing the process.
What to Expect:
Jonathan’s early beginnings in photography and creative community building
The origin and evolution of Socality and the power of in-person creative experiences
Reflections on burnout, sustainability, and building “recovery systems” as a creative
Writing on Substack and using personal reflections as creative practice
The difference between creative output for validation vs. curiosity
Becoming a Canon ambassador and the value of loyalty and long-term vision
Why the “slow burn” is often the most rewarding path
Key Quotes:
“What are the things we need to do in life that bring us back into the flow, keep us in that river—which is where we're most creative, where we're most aligned?”
“Photography found me. I never said I wanted to be a photographer. But looking back, I realize the signs were always there.”
“You can’t live a meaningful creative life long-term without solving your own problems first.”
“Creativity isn’t rocket science. It’s showing up, making something, shipping it—and doing it again.”
Connect with Jonathan:
Instagram: @jonathanzoeteman
Substack: @jonathanzoeteman
Socality Events: @socality
Stay Connected
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Thank you for joining us for Season 1! We’ll be back in September with a brand new season full of honest conversations, creative truth-telling, and stories to inspire your next big leap. Until then, take time to rest, refill your creative well—and maybe even go on a few artist dates of your own.
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Gabriella Iazzetti: Embracing Imperfection in Family Photography
Today on Artist Date, I’m joined by Seattle-based family photographer Gabriella Iazzetti—a storyteller with a laid-back, editorial eye and a deep love for documenting honest connection. Originally from Brazil, Gabby opens up about her journey as an immigrant and how motherhood inspired her to turn her lifelong love of photography into a thriving business in the U.S.
We dive into the power of embracing imperfection during family sessions, how she builds trust with clients, and her approach to capturing emotion through film, Polaroids, and minimal direction. Gabby also shares how her background in advertising and photojournalism continues to shape her intuitive and emotion-first workflow.
Whether you're a family photographer looking to refine your client experience or someone who loves slow, thoughtful conversations about art, this one is full of wisdom and warmth.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
Why Gabby leans into imperfection and spontaneity in her sessions
How her son taught her to let go of “perfect” and embrace the moment
Practical ways she supports families during shoots, including wardrobe and location guidance
Her film photography process (and favorite Polaroid camera!)
The transition from agency life in Brazil to creative entrepreneurship in the U.S.
Why she believes photographers should stop copying others and start connecting more deeply
KEY QUOTES:
“My son taught me to take pressure off kids and just let them be.”
“Sometimes the photo tells you it needs to be black and white.”
“I want families to feel like they don’t have to perform. I want them to just be.”
“The best photos happen when clients feel calm and connected—not when they’re trying to pose perfectly.”
CONNECT WITH GABBY:
📸 Instagram: @iazzetti.photos
🌐 Website: www.iazzettiphotos.com
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Speedy Photo Lab (Seattle)
Sony A7IV with 24-50mm lens
Vintage Polaroid cameras from eBay
Phil Chester Presets (Daydreamer + Editorial Pack)
CALL TO ACTION:
Loved this episode? Be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help more creatives discover the Artist Date Podcast. Follow along on Instagram @artistdatepodcast for behind-the-scenes content and weekly episode drops. New episodes every Tuesday!
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Adam Reiland: Evolving Your Photography Career to Commercial Photography
In this episode of Artist Date, I’m joined by Adam Reiland, a Regina-based photographer who has made the leap from weddings and portraits into the world of commercial photography. We talk about the quiet pivot moments that often happen behind the scenes—the shoots that reignite your spark, the risks you take when you decide to shift your focus, and the inner permission you have to give yourself to evolve.
If you’re a photographer considering a pivot into commercial work—or just craving a deeper creative connection to what you do—this is a must-listen.
Key Quotes:
“That one shoot cracked something open—it felt like I had finally created something that looked like what I wanted to be doing.”
“There’s a difference between work that pays and work that pushes you forward. I’m learning to make room for both.”
“You can’t step into a new chapter if you’re still clinging to the one that’s no longer serving you.”
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Adam made the transition from portraits and weddings to commercial/editorial photography
What to pay attention to when you're craving a shift in your career
Why making space for creative projects can open doors to new opportunities
How to overcome the fear of inconsistency when your style or niche begins to shift
Lessons from working with brands and the importance of saying no to the wrong work
Connect with Adam:
Instagram: @adam_reiland_photography
Website: https://www.adamreiland.com/
Connect with Nicole:
Instagram: @artistdatepodcast and @nicoleromanoffphoto
Join the Artist Date Community:
Enjoyed the episode? If you loved this conversation, please subscribe to Artist Date, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow creatives! The next episode drops on Tuesday, June 3rd at 12:00 a.m. CST.
Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly newsletter for exclusive content and be the first to learn about the latest episodes!
Organize your creative business with the tool I swear by – get 30% off HoneyBook at nicoleloveshoneybook.com
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Kassandra Donaldson: The Magic of Honest Emotion
In this heartwarming and vulnerable conversation, photographer Kass Donaldson shares how she captures emotion-rich wedding days by leading with empathy, ditching rigid shot lists, and leaning into the unique energy of every couple. From the candid chaos of Super 8 film to the calming rituals that help her manage anxiety, Kass walks us through her process, mindset, and journey of growth over the last 10 years in business. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of how to trust your gut, create authentic client experiences, and build a business that supports both your passion and peace.
Key Quotes:
“The more pressure you put on yourself, the less joy you get to feel.”
“You're photographing people's lives happening—but you have to make sure you're living yours, too.”
“People don't want perfection—they want to feel something when they look at their photos.”
“If I heard someone say to themselves what I say to myself, I’d tell them to stop being so hard on themselves.”
“Let your thoughts go. Blank slate of mind. That’s how you shoot more creatively.”
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Kass uses film, digital, and Super 8 to tell dynamic wedding stories
The power of emotional awareness in client relationships
Why she avoids copy-paste shot lists and leads with intuition instead
Her exact tips for calming anxiety before a shoot
How hiring an assistant changed everything for her business and mental health
The subtle magic of observing people and letting the moment unfold
Connect with Kass:
Instagram: @kassdonaldson
Website: kassandradonaldson.com
Join the Artist Date Community:
Want more creative inspiration in your inbox? Be the first to know about new episodes, tools, and resources for photographers and creatives. Sign up here! https://nicoleromanoff.myflodesk.com/artist-date-podcast-signup
Organize your creative business with the tool I swear by – get 30% off HoneyBook at nicoleloveshoneybook.com
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Eymeric Widling: What Interiors Photography Really Takes
There’s no one way to build a creative career—and this week’s guest proves that beautifully. On this episode of Artist Date, host Nicole Romanoff sits down with Calgary-based architecture and interiors photographer Eymeric Widling, whose unconventional path into photography took him from journalism school, to the world of car culture, and eventually into designing magazine-worthy interior images.
Whether you’re an emerging photographer, a creative stuck in comparison, or someone exploring your own niche, this episode is a masterclass in following your instincts and trusting your evolution—even when the path isn't linear.
We explore:
Why Eymeric left journalism and fell in love with image crafting over image capturing
How photographing tuner cars became the perfect training ground for lighting interiors
The difference between shooting for architects, builders, and interior designers
His exact tools, tilt-shift lenses, and behind-the-scenes editing process
Why he avoids trends, sticks to what works, and chooses to slow down
This isn’t just about shooting beautiful spaces—it’s about building a career that reflects who you are.
Key Quotes:
“There are so many different ways to get from A to Z—and the best way is probably not the one someone else took.”
“I think of what I do as crafting images, not just capturing them.”
“What works for someone else’s business, gear, or style doesn’t always translate. Know yourself, and build from there.”
“My clients aren’t just hiring me to take a photo of a room. They’re hiring me to show how that room feels.”
“Sometimes the best frame isn’t the perfect view—it’s the perfect story.”
Connect with Eymeric Widling
Instagram: @eymeric.widling
Website: eymericwidling.com
Stay in the Creative Loop
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Follow along on Instagram at @artistdatepodcast
Artist Date is available wherever you get your podcasts. If this episode inspired you, forward it to a friend or creative peer—it’s a reminder that there’s no formula, just your own unique way forward.
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!
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