Focused Professional

• Cracking Headshots with Hannah Couzens

  In Episode 24 Joe is joined by portrait and headshot specialist Hannah Couzens. A Sony camera ambassador, Profoto educator, and award-winning business owner known for her live stage demonstrations, Hannah is a leading light in the photography world. Listen as she shares her passion for teaching and offers insights into achieving powerful portraits. For her, sharing knowledge and experience is vital for the ongoing health of our industry. Hannah is a natural whether working one to one or speaking on stage in front of hundreds of people. Her friendly, straightforward manner help her to connect with everyone from photography beginners to seasoned celebrities coming for a headshot. She is keen for people to learn in depth, not just copying shots but being able to have real control to create their own masterpieces. Balancing professional life with personal commitments is a challenge for any professional and Hannah shares how becoming a parent has reshaped her approach to work and business. She discusses the stress and pressures of being self-employed in the photography industry, offering insights into how she copes and manages her busy schedule. Whether it is in response to new technology, our evolving industry or changes in her own life, Hannah adapts and keeps moving forward, leading the way for others. There are many skills needed to be a consistently high quality portrait photographer. As well as the technical side, Hannah emphasises the importance of empathy, connecting with the subject and helping people to feel at ease. She adapts her approach to suit the situation, whether that is for a confident executive, busy celebrity or fearful individual struggling with being in front of the camera. This episode is packed full of important lessons for aspiring photographers and professionals alike. Hannah provides practical tips on building a successful photography business, connecting with clients, and staying true to your style. Whether you're an experienced photographer or just starting out, listen in to learn and be inspired. Visit Hannah Couzens' website Keep up with her regular news on Instagram All images © Hannah Couzens - used here with permission

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• World Wedding Photography Legend Sanjay Jogia

  Welcome to episode 23 of the Focused Professional Podcast. Join us for a deep conversation between host Joe Lenton and one of the world's elite wedding photographers, Sanjay Jogia from Eye Jogia Photography. Sanjay has been recognised as one of the top six wedding photographers in the world. He is a Master Photographer with The Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers and an ambassador for many brands including Canon, Calibrite and Tether Tools. Find out what this involves - the perks, the responsibilities and the opportunities for helping to develop the camera equipment of the future. If you are a Canon photographer you might discover that he is responsible for some of your favourite camera features! This episode goes from super-geeky technicalities to the philosophical and emotional basis of Sanjay's work. From dealing with stress and the pressure of being at the top of the industry to ongoing personal growth, Sanjay shares deeply and openly from his personal journey. Personal tragedies can be formative for artists and both Joe and Sanjay are no exception to this. Listen to how they have harnessed trauma for their ongoing growth and forge ahead, refusing to give up.  Drop in on this fascinating discussion with Sanjay for valuable lessons, inspiration and deep reflection. If you are interested in capturing powerful emotions through your lens and you want to be an authentic artist then this episode is for you. All images © Sanjay Jogia - used here with permission

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• Streets Ahead with Ross Grieve

  In this episode Joe chats with Ross Grieve FSWPP. Ross is an ambassador for several brands including Lumix, Hobolite and Calibrite. He has an impressive track record in competitions, including 3 wins of the Welsh Portrait Photographer of the Year. From his early days back in New Zealand to his current home in Wales, Ross has had a passion for photography in various forms. From bungee jumping to weddings, portraits to food, he has worked professionally in a variety of contexts.  Prints are very important to Ross and he encourages listeners to get their work printed to appreciate how special physical images can be for both the creator and customers. Can he convince you of their power too?  One genre that he is particularly well known for in international competitions and among art collectors is street photography. He takes us through some telling experiences that have shaped his approach and how he views the ethics of this sometimes contentious art form. Ross shares some simple but effective tips for staying on the right side of people, choosing which gear to use when out and about and how to go about making money from street photography. All images ©Ross Grieve - reproduced here with permission Take a look at Ross Grieve's website www.rossgrieve.com Follow Ross on Instagram

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• Photography on the Wild Side - Frankie Adamson

  We kick off Season 3 of the Focused Professional Podcast with wildlife and pet photographer Frankie Adamson. She recently won both the wildlife photographer of the year and the overall photographer of the year titles with the Society of Photographers. Her dramatic image "Kiss of Death" stunned the judges and is continuing to wow audiences around the world (see below).  Former teacher Frankie has a lifelong passion for animals. Whether photographing people's dogs in a city centre or lions on the plains in Africa, she uses her understanding of animal behaviour to help her craft her award-winning images. Having recently moved back to the UK from Hong Kong, she is using her success and ongoing personal projects to establish herself as a go-to expert in her area. Drawing on the support of the photography community, Frankie is building her business and finding new challenges to keep herself growing.  Whether you're an aspiring photographer, a wildlife enthusiast or a professional photographer keen to learn from others' experiences, this episode will give you insight into Frankie Adamson's career and approach to her photography. Experience her passion for the natural world and her joy at creating lasting works of art for dedicated pet owners. Images ©Frankie Adamson - used with permission See more of her work and keep up with the latest news on her websites and Instagram accounts: http://www.thewildlifeside.com/ - Instagram @the.wildlife.side https://www.photographybyfrankie.com/ - Instagram @photography.byfrankie   

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• An Expat Artist in Asia - Peter Rooney

  Our guest for episode 20 is Peter Rooney, a renowned creative portrait photographer originally from the UK, currently living in Thailand. He joins us to discuss his creative journey and his varied experiences as a British expat living and working overseas. Peter has won numerous accolades for his work, including a Fellowship with the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) and winning the MPA  (Master Photographers Association) International Photographer of the Year in both 2018 and 2019. He has also represented his country on more than one occasion for the World Photographic Cup. In this episode, Peter takes us through his journey from the UK to Brunei, Malaysia, Bahrain, and finally Thailand. He shares his experiences of living and working in different cultures, highlighting the challenges and unique aspects of each location. From the strict regulations in Brunei to the vibrant and multicultural scene in Malaysia, Peter explains how these environments impacted his photography. Peter takes us through his creative process, from finding inspiration in unlikely places to his approach to lighting and retouching. He describes how he improvised models and materials to create composites during lockdown and talks us through a unique approach to a family portrait that became a hit among his fellow expats.  Finding clients for his work is quite a different process compared to many UK-based businesses. His frequent change of location has meant rebuilding his client base from scratch several times. Nevertheless, he has found ways of connecting with people through a creative, fun angle on portraiture, helping clients overcome the usual nerves or self-conscious feelings when sitting for a photographer.   Images © Peter Rooney (Used here with permission)   Discover more of Peter's work on his website at peterrooneyphotography.com or follow him on Instagram at peterrooneyart. His impressive portfolio showcases a range of creative images that reflect his unique style and vision.   Sponsored by The Society of Photographers

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