We’re closing out Season 2 by sharing the biggest mistakes we’ve made in our food photography businesses (so you don’t have to).
From underpricing and overdelivering to ignoring our network and struggling with work-life balance, we’re laying it all out candidly and honestly. These are the things we wish we’d known earlier, and the hard-earned lessons that shaped how we work today.
Expect real talk about money, boundaries, productivity, and long-term growth. All that with plenty of takeaways you can apply to your own journey.
It’s the kind of episode we wish we had when we were starting out. See you there!
RESOURCES WE MENTION:
THANK YOU to Tether Tools for sponsoring this season of the podcast 🧡
Use our code FOCUS10 for 10% off your next purchase in the Tether Tools store: https://tethertools.com/?ref=167.
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
Follow us on Instagram 📸
If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️
We’re pulling back the curtain on how we market our businesses to generate leads - no fluff, no gatekeeping.
In this episode, we’re sharing the marketing strategies that have genuinely worked to bring leads into our food photography businesses. From, Instagram through past projects, alternative social media platforms to targeted pitching a.k.a. reaching out to brands with specific project ideas in mind.
We also talk about how optimizing our websites and using location-based SEO helps clients find us organically.
Whether you're just starting out or trying to build more consistent leads, we’re giving you a real-world look at what’s working right now, and how you can make it work for you too.
THANK YOU to Tether Tools for sponsoring this season of the podcast 🧡
Use our code FOCUS10 for 10% off your next purchase in the Tether Tools store: https://tethertools.com/?ref=167.
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
Follow us on Instagram 📸
If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️
We’re firm believers that great photography is more about skill than kit.
Creativity, storytelling, and understanding light will always matter more than having the latest gear. But since many of you have asked, we’re pulling back the curtain on what we use to get the job done.
In this episode, we share the cameras, lenses, and tools we rely on in our food photography work and why we chose them.
We’re also chatting about our experience with Tether Tools (our Season 2 sponsor!) and how tethering has helped improve our workflow on set.
LINDA’S GEAR
BODY + LENSES:
TRIPOD:
LIGHTS:
SOFTBOX:
MARTA’S GEAR
BODY + LENSES:
TRIPOD:
Manfrotto MT055 XPRO 3 with ball head MHXPRO-BHQ2
LIGHTS:
SOFTBOX:
THANK YOU to Tether Tools for sponsoring this season of the podcast 🧡
Use our code FOCUS10 for 10% off your next purchase in the Tether Tools store: https://tethertools.com/?ref=167.
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
Follow us on Instagram 📸
If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️
Ever felt like walking away from it all? You’re not alone.
In this special crossover episode with Rosslyn and Mikyla from the Food Photography Corner Podcast, we’re getting real about the moments we almost gave up on our food photography journeys - and how we turned things around.
We talk about the early struggles, the biggest challenges (hello, money stress, burnout, and self-doubt), and the powerful turning points that helped us keep going. From mindset shifts to business wins, practical strategies, and the support systems that lifted us up - this is a raw and honest look at the reality behind the glossy images.
If you're in need of a reminder that you're not alone - and that growth is still possible - this one’s for you.
RESOURCES WE MENTION:
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
Follow us on Instagram 📸
If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️
One of the trickiest parts of running a creative business? Explaining your pricing in a way that feels confident, professional, and empathetic.
In this episode, we talk about how to educate clients on everything that goes into a photography project - from the planning, creative direction, and logistics, to your workflow, timelines, and what your fee actually includes. We also explore ways to communicate your value through branding tools.
And when objections come up? We talk about how to handle them with clarity and grace - whether it’s explaining your fee structure or responding when a client says, “That’s too expensive for us.”
THANK YOU to Tether Tools for sponsoring this season of the podcast 🧡
Use our code FOCUS10 for 10% off your next purchase in the Tether Tools store: https://tethertools.com/?ref=167.
RESOURCES WE MENTION:
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
Follow us on Instagram 📸
If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️
Many photographers struggle to communicate the true value of their work and as a result, their services are often seen as just another expense.
In this episode, we explore how to shift that perspective.
We discuss why F&B brands need strong visual content, the real pain points creatives help solve, and how impactful imagery can directly benefit a client’s business. From improving brand presence to driving sales, we break down the tangible value of what we do and how to confidently price your services to reflect it.
THANK YOU to Tether Tools for sponsoring this season of the podcast 🧡
Use our code FOCUS10 for 10% off your next purchase in the Tether Tools store: https://tethertools.com/?ref=167.
RESOURCES WE MENTION:
The ChatGPT Prompt:
Create a buyer persona for a marketing director [Job Role] with [10 Years Experience] who works at a company in a in the [food and beverage industry] in Europe [Location] doing £50million [Average Annual Revenue] who is interested in purchasing [food photography services]. Include the following information:
Name: fictional nameResponsibilities: Top 5 roles or dutiesGoals: top 5 goals or motivationsChallenges: top 5 needs or challengesDaily Life: a short backstory including relevant emotions
Marta's socials:
https://foodsbymarta.com/
Linda's socials:
https://lindahermansphotography.com/
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️
We’re diving into how to get clients on board with larger, longer-term contracts, and how to upsell your services strategically using practical tools.
From identifying the right opportunities to structuring offers that feel like a no-brainer, we’re sharing the real tactics that have helped us land our highest-profit jobs to date.
If you're ready to boost your revenue and build stronger, longer-lasting client relationships, this episode is for you.
THANK YOU to Tether Tools for sponsoring this season of the podcast 🧡
Use our code FOCUS10 for 10% off your next purchase in the Tether Tools store: https://tethertools.com/?ref=167.
RESOURCES WE MENTION:
Marta's socials:
https://foodsbymarta.com/
Linda's socials:
https://lindahermansphotography.com/
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️
Today, we sit down with the incredibly talented Yessica Duque, a commercial food photographer known for her bold visuals, meticulous styling, and empowering presence in the industry.
Yessica shares her journey into photography, the moments and mentors that shaped her path, and how she built a thriving business rooted in creativity. We dive into her shooting process, the importance of tethering (shoutout to Tether Tools!), and the tools that help make her worlflow efficient and professional.
Whether you're just starting out or scaling your food photography business, this conversation is full of insight, wisdom, and heart.
Yessica's Portfolio, Instagram and Podcast.
THANK YOU to Tether Tools for sponsoring this season of the podcast 🧡
Use our code FOCUS10 for 10% off your next purchase in the Tether Tools store: https://tethertools.com/?ref=167.
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️
In this episode, we uncover the ins and outs of restaurant photography - from how to break into the industry to pricing, workflows, contracts, gear, and more.
We share real challenges we’ve faced, tips on pitching to the right clients, and what really happens behind the scenes during a restaurant shoot.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your process, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights.
THANK YOU to Tether Tools for sponsoring this season of the podcast 🧡
Use our code FOCUS10 for 10% off your next purchase in the Tether Tools store: https://tethertools.com/?ref=167.
Inside this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(00:30) - Welcome to the episode
(01:02) - Ways to get into restaurant photography
(06:56) - How to find the right restaurants to pitch to
(09:04) - Workflow for restaurant shoots
(14:52) - Typical timelines for restaurant projects
(18:16) - Gear we bring to a restaurant shoot
(20:10) - Contracts and licensing in restaurant photography
(23:34) - How to price restaurant work
(31:52) - The 20-60-20 rule in restaurant photography
(33:50) - Challenges we've faced and overcome
(41:21) - Bringing assistants to restaurant shoots
(45:43) - Until next time!
RESOURCES WE MENTION:
Marta's socials:
https://foodsbymarta.com/
Linda's socials:
https://lindahermansphotography.com/
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️
In this open and honest conversation, Marta shares her path into food photography - from early childhood inspirations to leaving her corporate career and stepping into full-time photography, just one month before the 2020 pandemic changed the world.
She opens up about her international journey from Poland to the UK and back, and how those experiences have shaped both her perspective and her business.
Tune in for a heartfelt episode filled with personal insights, lessons learned, and the power of embracing change.
THANK YOU to Tether Tools for sponsoring this season of the podcast 🧡
Use our code FOCUS10 for 10% off your next purchase in the Tether Tools store: https://tethertools.com/?ref=167.
Marta's socials:
https://foodsbymarta.com/
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️
In this candid and inspiring kickoff to Season 2, Linda shares her journey into the world of food photography - from what first sparked her interest to the people and resources that helped shape her business.
She reflects on how her work and mindset have evolved, what’s changed since the early days, and the lessons she's learned along the way.
A must-listen for anyone at any stage of their creative business journey.
THANK YOU to Tether Tools for sponsoring this season of the podcast 🧡
Use our code FOCUS10 for 10% off your next purchase in the Tether Tools store: https://tethertools.com/?ref=167.
Resources we mention in this episode:
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️
Join us on the latest episode of Focus & Flourish as we explore the art of blending diverse interests and genres in photography.
Many in our industry feel constrained by the notion of mastering a singular niche, like food photography, and struggle to integrate other passions into their work.
In this candid discussion, we share our personal experiences and strategies for incorporating varied interests seamlessly into both personal projects and client work. Discover how embracing versatility can enhance creativity and open doors to new opportunities. Whether you're drawn to landscapes, portraiture, or still life, learn how to navigate the intersection of multiple genres to enrich your photographic journey.
Tune in to uncover insights and inspiration for embracing the richness of diverse photographic pursuits!
Resources we mention in this episode:
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️
Marta's socials:
https://foodsbymarta.com/
Linda's socials:
In this episode, we delve into the important topic of establishing a robust contract for photography projects.
Join us as we explore the components of a comprehensive contract, from setting clear terms on pricing and payment to outlining licensing rights and cancellation policies.
Should you consider charging a retainer? What key details should your contract include, such as shoot logistics, deliverables, and post-processing expectations?
Tune in as we break down the importance of contract clarity in safeguarding your business and fostering client relationships.
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️
Marta's socials:
https://foodsbymarta.com/
Linda's socials:
In this episode we discuss how to cultivate a positive and abundant money mindset.
As freelancers and business owners, it’s essential to be mindful of your thoughts and their profound influence on your daily actions and energy levels.
From understanding the significance of maintaining a 'financial cushion' to crafting a clear action plan with no room for doubt, we provide actionable strategies to propel your financial journey forward.
Tune in to gain invaluable insights towards financial empowerment.
Resources:
‘Secrets of the Millionaire Mind’ by T. Harv Eker
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️
Marta's socials:
https://foodsbymarta.com/
Linda's socials:
Understanding copyright terms, usage rights and licensing fees in the photography and videography industry is essential, so if you’ve ever struggled to navigate this topic, then this is the episode for you!
We talk about why you should never give away your copyright, how to explain licensing to clients and discuss various ways of negotiating usage rights with your clients.
Resources:
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️
Marta's socials:
https://foodsbymarta.com/
Linda's socials:
If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️
In this episode, we explore sales techniques for successful fee negotiations and share valuable insights from our experiences in negotiating fee discounts.
Discover the significance of a well-prepared fee estimate and gain insights into our practices for creating them. Plus, learn effective strategies for handling discovery calls.
Tune in for practical tips on navigating financial discussions with clients.
Resources:
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
Marta's socials:
https://foodsbymarta.com/
Linda's socials:
If you liked the episode, you can support us here ♥️
Setting your photography prices can be one of the most challenging tasks for your business.
In this episode, we share our experiences in setting our service fees and provide insights into how to calculate prices.
If you've ever wondered about how 'market rates' correlate with your fees, the best approach to calculating prices that leave you motivated, and how to communicate a fee increase to existing or returning clients, be sure to tune in to this podcast episode.
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
Marta's socials:
Linda's socials:
Have you ever felt that your own thoughts hold you back from success in your business?
If so, join us in our discussion around limiting beliefs that we’ve experienced, such as imposter syndrome, and how we overcame them.
Learn how you can reframe your perception of what’s happening in your business to create opportunities for growth and view obstacles as learning experiences.
We also share how making connections with other creatives can be a powerful creative outlet as well as a way of forging new friendships.
Resources we mention in this episode:
If you liked the episode, you can support us here ♥️
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
Marta's socials:
Linda's socials:
https://lindahermansphotography.com/
We apologise for the sound quality of this episode. We faced some challenges during the recording, but we assure you that we are committed to improving in the upcoming episodes. Thank you for your patience!
If you liked the episode, you can support us here ♥️
Pitching to new clients is arguably one of the least enjoyable activities within your photography business.
In this episode we share our opinions and experiences when it comes to cold pitching, how we’ve successfully pitched projects to new clients and when, if ever, is a good time to work for free. Plus, we touch on how to attract clients to you via your marketing strategy and online presence.
Resources we mention in this episode:
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
Marta's socials:
Linda's socials:
Focus & Flourish is a podcast for food photographers who are looking to start, grow and scale their creative business.
In this episode, we discuss the significance of your photography portfolio and how the work you showcase there impacts the clients you attract.
We also dive into how passion projects can be productive creative outlets that can enhance your portfolio and have the potential to generate work opportunities, as well as develop your creative knowledge and skills.
If you liked the episode, you can support us here ♥️
Marta's socials:
Linda's socials:
