Zach Ancell “fell” into photography while running track at the University of Oregon, snapping photos of his teammates that eventually sparked a commercial career. His competitive drive to be the best fueled his success—until a life-altering moment forced him to confront his deepest fear: losing his wife. Death was something Zach had always kept locked away, but a series of events at 35 cracked that box wide open.
As he began questioning everything—his career, his ambitions, and what it means to live fully—Zach found himself on a journey of self-discovery. That exploration led him to create When We Die, a podcast and call-in series where people share their stories, beliefs, and reflections about death, purpose, and what comes after.
Follow Zach and his show and get all his links HERE
Keep the conversation going with us here at Creative Camp:
Drop us an email or a DM over on Instagram.
Support the show by buying us a coffee (we love chai lattes)
Sign up for our weekly-ish Camp Bulletin ., where we drop nuggets about industry insights, creative opportunities and the latest show.
We'd love a review as it helps others know to listen as well as it helps us get found among the plethora of podcasts. If you're Spotify leave a comment on the show, and on Apple give us a review.
How can we work together:
1:1 consulting - Shelly's been a business coach and photographer since 2010.
sponsor the podcast
invest in one of our courses
invite Shelly to speak to your group or be on your stage
Got another idea? Drop us an email: hello@shellywaldman.com
In this episode, Phoebe Nelson of Pandrd Design Co shares her journey from in house graphic designer to full time muralist (yes that's painting cool designs on walls all over the world).
We dive into changing the mindset around be grateful to be an artist, aka the starving artist, to get paid for your work, and value what you do. She shares about lessons learned about sexism and speaking with confidence, why site visits are not necessary, and how her contract has developed over the years.
We discuss the slippery slope artists face when working for free to build a portfolio as well as those that are doing it for "fun" and the broader impact that has on the artist community.
We get into money talk. Her biggest money challenge in the last 3 years and her biggest financial win along with new things she's trying out this year, how she finds assistants in the places she's painting, and lessons learned about
Check out Phoebe's work, her resources for artist, and more:
Keep the conversation going with us here at Creative Camp:
Drop a DM over on Instagram @creativecamp.pro and share you thoughts on the episode: something you learned, related to, or someone to interview.
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Sign up for our weekly-ish Camp Bulletin ., where we drop nuggets about industry insights, creative opportunities and the latest podcast show.
Did you know that if you leave a review, or a comment, it helps get our show in front of others? Yep. It helps us get found among the plethora of podcasts. And if you really love the episode and want to others to listen too, share a screenshot or a snippet on your social feed and tag us. So we can love you back.
How can we work together:
1:1 Creative Sidekick: Shelly's been a business coach/stragist and photographer since 2010. She's opening up limited spots to work together in 2026.
Sponsor the podcast: yes, we're looking for both episode and show sponsors. If you want to get in front of creatives (photographers, artists, graphic designs, etc) here's where you'll find them.
we have creative camp and creative campfire merch shop coming in November
Invite Shelly to speak to your group or be on your stage
Got an idea you want to pitch us or collaborate on: Drop us an email: hello@shellywaldman.com
#ArtisticValue #Muralist #PhoebeNelson #FinancialLiteracy #dontbeastarvingartist
Jamie Kingham is a renowned lifestyle commercial photographer based in Reno, celebrated for his dynamic and engaging visual storytelling.
With over two decades of experience, Jamie's career has seen a significant evolution from fashion photography in London and New York to capturing the essence of outdoor and lifestyle imagery.
His journey has been marked by profound personal and professional transitions, including a pivotal move back to Reno, where he embraced new creative challenges and redefined his identity.
Jamie's exploration of AI in his work has opened new avenues for creativity, allowing him to craft innovative treatments and visual concepts that push the boundaries of traditional photography.
Connect with Jamie at jamiekingham.com,
follow him on Instagram at @jamie.kingham,
or connect on LinkedIn at Jamie Kingham.
Keep the conversation going with us here at Creative Camp:
Drop us an email or a DM over on Instagram.
Support the show by buying us a coffee (we love chai lattes)
Sign up for our weekly-ish Camp Bulletin ., where we drop nuggets about industry insights, creative opportunities and the latest show.
We'd love a review as it helps others know to listen as well as it helps us get found among the plethora of podcasts. If you're Spotify leave a comment on the show, and on Apple give us a review.
How can we work together:
1:1 consulting - Shelly's been a business coach and photographer since 2010.
sponsor the podcast
invest in one of our courses
invite Shelly to speak to your group or be on your stage
Got another idea? Drop us an email: hello@shellywaldman.com
Around the campfire today I have an engaging conversation with Colorado based, outdoor lifestyle photographer Ryan Dearth.
He shares his journey from a military upbringing and taking a job in the world of physics, before exiting the science world to become a full-time freelance photographer.
He discusses the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from weddings to editorial + travel photography, and now into brand work that can keep him closer to home.
Ryan emphasizes the importance of building a portfolio, networking, and reflects on the evolution of his style, the significance of follow-up to maintain connections, and the shift towards lifestyle photography.
We also touch on differences between Instagram and LinkedIn as platforms for networking and community building, and the importance of finding one's voice in photography.
Takeaways
Follow Ryan:
Keep the conversation going with us here at Creative Camp:
How can we work together:
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mike Brennan, a creator and communicator who tells stories on pages and stages.
In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of creativity for mental health. Mike shares his journey from working in high-pressure design environments to embracing art as a personal healing practice. Discover how his daily creative habit has not only helped him navigate depression but also inspired others to find hope and redemption through art.
Whether you're a creative professional or someone seeking solace in art, this episode offers valuable perspectives on embracing creativity as a pathway to healing.
Mike's latest book, "Blue: A Story of Letting Go," is a poignant fable about dealing with loss and finding closure. It's available on Amazon along with his other works.
Visit mikebrennan.me, where you'll find resources on his daily creative habit and live event sketching.
Don't miss Mike's upcoming talk at the mental health marketing event in Franklin, Tennessee, on October 7th and 8th, where he'll share insights on using creativity as a tool for mental wellness.
Keep the conversation going with us here at Creative Camp:
How can we work together:
In this engaging conversation, Lauren and Shelly discuss a project and pricing challenge faced by a design friend of Lauren's.
They explore strategies for billing, the impact of economic uncertainty on the creative industry, and the significance of maintaining mental health while pursuing creative passions.
The dialogue emphasizes the need for flexibility and resilience in the face of changing circumstances, encouraging listeners to find solutions and adapt their approaches to thrive in their creative endeavors.
Takeaways
Titles
Navigating the Creative Landscape
Client Expectations in a Changing Economy
Chapters
00:00 Reconnecting and Reflecting on Challenges
02:45 Navigating Client Expectations and Budget Constraints
05:14 Creative Solutions for Pricing and Project Management
08:20 The Importance of Mental Health in Creative Work
10:59 Exploring Flexibility and Adaptability in Business
13:58 Share Your Thought With Us
Support the how by buying us a coffee
Keep the conversation going:
drop us DM over on Instagram @creativecamp.pro or send us an email hello@shellywaldman.comWant more thoughts, insights and industry happenings?
We drop it in our weekly-ish Camp Bulletin .
This show is independently produced, edited and put together by Shelly Waldman.
Keywords
creative entrepreneurship, client relationships, pricing, negotiating, budgeting, billing strategies, mental health, economic uncertainty, design industry, photography, freelance work, project management
🎙️ Mastering the Art of Pitching in Photography with Rachel Korinek
Keywords: photography, pitching, client communication, ghosting, networking, mindset, proposals, follow-up strategies, personal connections, business photography
In this episode of Creative Camp, Shelly Waldman sits down with Rachel Korinek of Two Loves Studio to dive into the intricacies of pitching in the photography business.
From navigating ghosting and client communication to crafting tailored proposals and building authentic personal connections, this conversation explores what it really takes to get noticed (and get replies) as a photographer.
You’ll hear strategies for follow-ups, tips for shifting your mindset around rejection, and why data and personal connection play such a big role in booking the right clients. Shelly and Rachel also share details about their upcoming workshop, Pitching Essentials (October 6, 2025), designed to help photographers refine their pitching process and communicate value with confidence.
Whether you’re just starting your business photography journey or looking to tighten up your client communication strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
🔑 Episode Takeaways
Networking is essential for building lasting relationships in photography
Clear client communication helps mitigate ghosting
Mindset shifts can change how you handle rejection
Follow-up strategies keep conversations alive and build trust
Personal connections increase the likelihood of booking work
Tailored pitches resonate more than generic ones
Data can guide and improve your pitching strategies
Strong portfolios matter — but solving client problems matters more
Authenticity in communication is the real differentiator
📝 Chapters
00:00 – Introduction and Networking Skills
01:12 – The Business of Photography: Pitching and Proposals
04:54 – Understanding Ghosting and Client Communication
08:44 – Mindset Around Pitching and Follow-Up Strategies
12:11 – Building Relationships and Long-Term Engagement
15:54 – Crafting the Perfect Pitch: Detail and Context
19:56 – Crafting Effective Client Communications
25:51 – Building Personal Connections in Business
30:51 – Recap and Workshop Announcements
💬 Memorable Soundbites
“Ghosting is a very loaded word.”
“What is the problem you’re solving for that client?”
🔗 Connect with Rachel Korinek
Website: Two Loves Studio
Instagram: @twolovesstudio
✉️ Connect with Shelly & Creative Camp
Email: hello@shellywaldman.com
Instagram: @creativecamp.pro
Newsletter: Sign up for the Camp Bulletin
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📢 Stay in the Loop
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Ben Moore is now known for his incredible architectural urban landscapes. But he didn't start out photographing buildings. His winding journey to find his niche and build his creative eye took time and a lot of photos.
We dive into his back story, hear about how taking Instagram seriously changed the trajection of his work and opened doors to partnerships and friendships.
The Book: "Above & Across London", featuring over 170 aerial images by Ben, of the city’s historic architecture, bustling streets, and notable landmarks through all season of the year.🌟 It's now available for pre-order at Trope.com and will be in stores September 16th!
We also cover:
Check out all of Ben's work and social links
We want to hear from you. Share your questions for us to answer on the show, be a guest or nominate someone by dropping us an email or send us a DM over on Instagram.
Support the show by buying us a coffee.
We have info, workshops and more that we pop into our less than weekly-ish Camp Bulletin . Sign up to stay in the loop.
Want to to work with us:
Shelly is available for teaching, mentoring and speaking opportunities both in person and virtually. She is also open to hosting your brand's podcast.
We offer company trainings on how to take on the job images to use for company promotion and social feeds as well as photography workshops on both the craft and the business side.
Check out our website for more info.
Lastly, the London Experience is a 4 day reset, recharge, creative and business boost, September 28-Oct 2. Come for the whole experience or pop in for one day. All the info and tickets can be found here.
Ever think about the one moment that changed your whole creative path?
For Tom Crooke, it started with $500 from his grandfather. Instead of spending it on rent, he bought a camera. At the time, he was an actor making showreels for friends on the side — until a chance gig with a jewelry company landed in his lap... and changed everything.
No more acting. Full-time video.
Now he runs Bobbin Unlimited Video, working with brands, agencies, and passionate people.
In this episode we talk about:
– Mistakes and unexpected wins
– Contracts, boundaries, and lessons the hard way
– What he'd do if I gave him $10K today
--------------------Let's get together in person. Join us for the London Experience Sept 28 - Oct 2nd.
This four-day immersive experience is designed for commercial photographers and creative entrepreneurs craving inspiration, community, and business clarity.
Can't commit to all four days? No problem grab a day pass! Keep the conversation going by:
sending us an email or a DM on Instagram.
Support the show by buying us a chai or coffee
Want more thoughts, insights and industry happenings? We drop it in our semi- weekly Camp Bulletin.
Want to work with us? Here's how:
+ speaker: we love talking about all things marketing, business and photography
+ workshop: we have several.
+ business development (coaching): done with you. we work with folks 1:1 to help you create a plan you can attack.
I’m calling this one The Money Shift—because that’s exactly what Xanthe Appleyard of Oh Sierra has been living. From “sweet, let me buy that” and overdraft life… to getting to zero, taking ownership, and actually looking at her numbers (go figure).
After hearing Xanthe and her husband Frank open up about their debt on their podcast Love You to the Core, I knew I had to bring her on to go deeper. We talk about shame, survival mode, self-trust, and how she’s redefining what a “rich life” looks like—from the inside out.
Where to find Xanthe:
The London Experience Sept 28 - Oct 2, learn more and get the waitlist bonuses that expire on July 20th.
Keep the conversation:
Drop us an email or a DM over on Instagram.
Support the by buying us a coffee
Want more thoughts, insights and industry happenings? We drop it in our weekly-ish Camp Bulletin . Sign up to stay in the loop.
If you learn something, let us know. If you think a friend would enjoy this let them know, and if you want others to learn something too drop us a review. It helps spread the word.
We don't talk enough about money as creatives and photographers. This is more than pricing, this is the mindset, habits, and lessons we learned from our upbringing til now. So I'm inviting various folks on to share their money stories, and journeys.
To kick things off, I’m joined by my longtime friend and former colleague Jenny Flores.
Jenny and I first met during my decade in banking, when I was a financial analyst at Citibank. She led Community Development for the San Francisco region before moving on to Bank of the West, and later, Wells Fargo. Just days into her new role leading Small Business Growth at Wells, COVID hit and Jenny had to pivot fast. She co-designed the $420 million Open for Business Fund, which helped keep 336,000 small businesses alive through the pandemic.
Today, Jenny is building AMH Catalyst, a venture capital firm reimagining access to capital for women founders. The firm has both a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm and a for-profit side, using AI and blockchain to reshape how funding and support are distributed.
In this episode, we talk about:
The money habits Jenny learned as a child
How one book on money changed her entire approach
The lessons she’s teaching her daughter now
Why she launched her own venture capital firm — and how it’s structured to create long-term change
Stay in Touch:
Jenny Flores
AMH Catalyst Center Website LinkedIn Creative Camp:Keep the conversation going over on Instagram. Drop us a DM, or tag us in your post/story.
Support the show by buying us a coffee
We shared our thoughts, insights and industry happenings, and drop it in our weekly-ish Camp BulletinSign up to stay in the loop.
🎟️ The Creative Camp: London Experience is coming September 28–October 2!
This four-day immersive experience is designed for commercial photographers and creative entrepreneurs craving inspiration, community, and business clarity.
✨ Waitlist tickets go on sale July 2.
Join the waitlist now to get $400 off, a 1:1 coaching session, and first access to one of just 12 spots.
👉 Get all the details + sign up at creativecamp.pro/london-experience
Shelly met Chris at Creative Supper Club dinner in Los Angeles, thanks to Caydie McCumber. They happened to sit next to each and quickly found common ground, as they were both embarking to live overseas. Shelly in London, and Chris to Barcelona.
The conversation hasn't stop since that dinner. That's why when you hop into this episode we're already in conversation.
We dive into AI and how Chris has used it with a client to show ideas for a Cannes project, which was green lit. Then we move into his graphic design background that infuses with and complimented by photography, video and animation.
All that mixed with his love of music, storytelling and books, ignited a passion project that he's been thinking about for ages. We get into the nitty gritty of how he found contributors, did a Kickstarter campaign, pushed through the unknowns and uncertainty, to finding a publisher that could bring his project to life.
Chris is now looking for contributors for book two, all about Spain. Hop over to the magazine (aka book) @pigeon_mag_ and check out Chris' IG and website too:@somekidstudio somekidstudio.com
Want to support us by treating us to a warm beverage? We'd be so happy.
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Our very first in person experience is coming to London, September 28 - Oct 2. It's four days (with a bonus VIP) for creative entrepreneurs .
Those Seeking Real Connection & Inspiration
If you’re craving a break from screens and endless online meetings, this experience is for you—a chance to refill your creative well and spark fresh ideas through hands-on activities and meaningful conversations.
Get on the Waitlist to learn more, and get Shelly's birthday special (yes her birthday is June 24th). You'll be notify via email when the tickets are available. There's room for 12.
Today's episode is full of insights on:
For those interested in niching down we have a great workshop with Commercial Athletic and Wellness photographer, Caydie McCumber, check it out here
Want to support the show? Treat us to a warm beverage.
We pull together industry happenings, photo jobs and more and drop it in our weekly Camp Bulletin along with our insights and stories. Sign up to stay in the loop.
In this episode, we’re kicking off a two-part series inspired by a thoughtful list of questions Lauren received from a photography student. We dive into what it really means to find your style, how to start building a client base, and what branding looks like early in your career. Along the way, we share a few stories from our own humble beginnings — the missteps, the lessons, and the moments that helped shape the creative businesses we have today. Whether you’re just starting out or circling back to reconnect with your "why," this one’s for you.Want to reat us to a warm beverage? Hot chocolate sounds good about right now.
https://buymeacoffee.com/creativecamp We're hanging out over on IG, so drop us a DM with your insigths or questions: @creativecamp.pro
And join the Camp Bulletin for the latest
Lauren Hubbard and I dive into why she's moving away from her current studio management system. It's a clear reason, and that leads us into talking about other options we've collectively tried.
As well as we get into email systems, and the difference between CRMs and studio management software.
Heat up your drink and pull up a chair by the fire.
Want to treat us to a warm beverage?
Coffee for Lauren and a Chai for Shelly.
http://buymeacoffee.com/creativecamp
Hop over to IG to keep the conversation going:
http://instagram.com/creativecamp.pro
Join our camp bulletin to stay in the loop.
Welcome to the kick off episode of Creative Campfire pod where we talk about life as a creative entrepernuer.
Your campsite hosts, Shelly Waldman and Lauren Hubbard are multi-skilled, commerical photographers, who have a lot to share.
In this episode, we touch on our background stories, why we started this podcast, Lauren's love for Notion, converastions we're hearing in the field (which we will get into more with future episodes.)
If you’re in to having candid conversations all things spanning the work and life of being a creative entrepreneur…grab a warm beverage, pull up a chair, and come sit by the fire with us.
Want to treat us to a warm beverage?
Coffee for Lauren and chai for Shelly ⬇️
Hop into our community
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