The photographers who come home with photos they love? They didn't just show up. They planned. 

In this episode, I'm walking you through the 2026 Milky Way season, month by month, including what to prioritize, when to practice, and how to set yourself up for the images you actually want to create.

Download the free PDF guide here as the companion to this episode:
https://www.kristinerosephotography.com/mwguide

This is part planning resource, part permission slip to approach the year with intention, whether you're returning after a long winter, chasing your first Milky Way photo, or somewhere in between.

Key Takeaways

The Season Has Three Distinct Phases: Early season (April through June), peak season (July and August), and late season (September and October) each call for a different mindset. Early season is for shaking off the rust and experimenting without pressure. Peak season is for creating the images you've been building toward. Late season is for savoring them.

Every Month Has Its Own Gift: April offers the wide arch of the Milky Way before it climbs too high. May gives you the most total shooting hours of any month. And September, my personal favorite, lets you shoot after dinner and still be home before midnight. Knowing what each month offers helps you plan for what you actually want.

August 12th Is a Date Worth Circling: This year, new moon falls on August 12th, which is also the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. It doesn't happen often. If there's one date to clear your calendar for in 2026, this is it.

Planning Doesn't Have to Be Complicated: Pick one or two target images for each phase of the season. Early. Peak. Late. Write them down. That's the start. Once you ask the question, you've already done more than most.

Conclusion

The season is already here. And the photographers who create images they love this year are the ones who thought about it before the clear nights arrived.

What does it really mean to be an artist today? In this eye-opening solo episode, let’s peel back the curtain on the often-unspoken systems of the art world. From art school degrees and gallery representation to grants, residencies, and direct-to-collector sales, I will offer an honest, reflective, and sometimes humorous look at the evolving ecosystem of how art is created, valued, and sold.

Key Takeaways:

• Photography is Art: Claiming your identity as an artist is the first step in seeing your work differently—and valuing it accordingly.
• Direct-to-Collector Sales Are the New Frontier: Artists no longer need to rely solely on galleries. Selling directly is now a viable, respected path.
• Understanding the Institution: The traditional art world—grants, residencies, commercial galleries, and biennials—still holds sway and comes with specific rules.
• Primary vs. Secondary Markets: Explains how art sales move from artist to collector (primary) and from collector to collector (secondary), and why it matters.
• Educational Pathways: A BFA may open doors in galleries, but success doesn't require formal education—especially as norms shift.
• Know Your “Why”: Are you in this for legacy, impact, income, or all three? Your goals determine which branch of the art world tree you climb.

Conclusion:

This episode is a deep dive into the broader art economy and your potential place within it. Whether you're just starting to monetize your photography or you're questioning your next move,  I encourage you to zoom out, explore the full landscape, and most importantly—ask yourself: What do I really want? Because understanding the system helps you play your game, your way.

If this episode sparks curiosity, don’t miss related episodes:

• Ep. 32 – Passion or Profit? You Decide
• Ep. 34 – Unlocking Your Success: Your Four Biggest Struggles
• Ep. 35 – Building Your Dream Photography Business
• Ep. 50 – Creating a Body of Work
• Ep. 51 – Top 10 Website Mistakes
• Ep. 52 – What It Takes to Make It

Visit afterdarkphotographypodcast.com for show notes, resources, and more ways to dive deeper.

As a photographer looking to build or improve your website, wouldn’t you like to know the 10 biggest mistakes photographers make when creating their websites? In this episode I explain why in the age of social media we need a website, avoiding perfectionism paralysis, and driving traffic to the website through various strategies. 

Episode highlights:

• Prioritize having a website that exists and functions rather than waiting for it to be perfect.

• Strategies for driving traffic to the website and curating portfolios to showcase the best and most relevant work.

• Websites mistakes around being responsive, mobile-friendly, and tracking analytics

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this episode provides actionable tips for improving your online presence and attracting more clients. 

Don't miss out on the opportunity to elevate your photography business by joining us for the upcoming website week event, where you can gain in-depth guidance and support to take your website to the next level. 

You can sign up here:
https://www.kristinerosephotography.com/websiteweek-2

In our latest episode we focus on the importance of a central theme or intention. A cohesive body of work not only enhances artistic expression but also opens doors for exhibitions and sales. It's a journey that allows for profound exploration of ideas.

A body of work allows photographers to embrace diverse experiences, connect with various communities, and explore different perspectives. This journey of intentional creation enriches both the artist and the audience, leading to a deeper, more meaningful connection through photography.

Episode Highlights:

• Find a common theme in your image collection for a cohesive body of work.

• Seek diverse experiences and perspectives to shape your photography.

• Progress through stages: imitation, exploration, consistency, mastery to develop a unique style.

• A clear theme offers boundaries and focus, streamlining creativity.

• Central theme and intention deepen the artistic and viewer experience.

Overwhelm and feeling stuck are common experiences that can hinder productivity and well-being. By questioning the reality of demands, examining thoughts and stories, and shifting language and thoughts, it is possible to overcome overwhelm. Similarly, acknowledging and accepting feeling stuck, identifying underlying fears, and taking imperfect action can help overcome the feeling of being stuck. Breaking tasks down into smaller, manageable steps and prioritizing rest and relaxation are also effective strategies. Remember, it's okay to take a break and believe in yourself to overcome challenges.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding the two components of overwhelm

• Techniques for overcoming overwhelm in your photos and business

• Taking imperfect action and techniques for actually getting in to action

• How to get out of being “stuck” and what truly keeps you stuck

When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. Come join us in the facebook group for this podcast where we chat about the episodes and all things night photography.

Despite the cold weather, there are still plenty of opportunities for night sky photography in winter. Planning and researching based on your location is important, and software like Stellarium can help you figure out where and when to see different celestial objects. 

We talk about opportunities for tracked and untracked photography, planning your shots, execution, and things to keep in mind when the weather can be extreme.

Episode highlights:

1. Moon photography opportunities
2. Orion and winter Milky Way compositions
3. Deep-sky targets
4. Cold weather considerations

If you need a dose of inspiration to get you out and shooting during the cold winter months this is it! Happy shooting.

Today, I want to talk about my goals and plans for the year 2024. I believe that setting intentions and being intentional are key to achieving our desired outcomes. 

One of the frameworks I follow for goal setting is the SMART framework. It helps me stay focused and accountable. I like to plan my year month by month, with one main goal for each month. This way, I can break down my goals into manageable tasks and stay on track.

Episode Highlights:

Documenting goals and creating a plan: It's crucial to write down our goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. By doing this, we can stay organized and have a clear direction. I personally find it helpful to have a visual representation of my goals and progress.

Revenue goals and adjusting them: As a business owner, setting revenue goals is important. However, it's essential to know our numbers and adjust our goals if necessary. This flexibility allows us to adapt to changing circumstances and make informed decisions.

Having a clear endgame and strategic goals: To streamline and grow our business, we need to have a clear endgame in mind. This means having a long-term vision and setting strategic goals that align with it. 

In this episode, I also shared my goals for each month of the year, including a platform switchover, a website week challenge, re-recording course content, hosting the Stella Nova conference and more!

As we wrap up, I want to encourage you to take the time to clarify your own goals for the year 2024. Whether you plan on a monthly or quarterly basis, outline both your professional and personal aspirations. 

Remember to document your journey and reflect on your achievements throughout the year. And most importantly, find moments of connection and joy in your pursuit of your goals. Craft a fulfilling life and take care of yourself.

In this episode, I take a deep dive into my year, reflecting on my goals, accomplishments, and the lessons I've learned along the way. Join me as I share my experiences, challenges, and the impact I've had on others.

Episode Highlights:

Setting Goals and Achieving Them-

• Throughout the year, I set quarterly goals and worked tirelessly to achieve them. From launching my business class to creating the Shoot to Sell Society, I pushed myself to a place I didn’t think I could get to.

Overcoming Challenges and Expressing Gratitude-

• Despite facing obstacles like a forest fire and flooding near my home, I practised resilience. I learned the importance of celebrating accomplishments and expressing gratitude for the opportunities that came my way.

Taking Risks and Making an Impact-

• By starting the Shoot to Sell Society and teaching others about business, I stepped out of my comfort zone and experienced vulnerability. In return I got to witness the positive impact I had on the lives of others.

Key Questions for Reflection:

• What was something you wanted to work on this year? Did you make progress?
• What was something you could have done better this year?
• Did you learn something new?
• Did you take a risk?
• Did you have an impact on someone elses life?

As I reflect on this year, I am filled with gratitude for the support of my audience and the opportunities that came my way. I encourage you to embrace authenticity, create meaningful work, and put good into the world. By doing so, we can look back on the year with pride, knowing that we have made a positive impact on others.

This is what we've been waiting for. How it all comes together and gets us our final image.

The first step in that is understanding our ISO and how that is the same and different with digital cameras (vs ASA films speeds of yore) and how it contributes to our overall exposure.

As promised, here is the ISO scale, in FULL stops, as I told you in the episode:
ISO 100
ISO 200
ISO 400
ISO 800
ISO 1600
ISO 3200
ISO 6400
ISO 12800
ISO 25600
ISO 51200
ISO 102400
ISO 204800

The real star of our show is the histogram, and if you can get that concept in an auditory manner here on the podcast then I dare say you are laughing when it comes to putting it into practice!

I might not have mentioned equivalent exposures in this blurb because I want you to actually listen to the podcast... so, just forget I said anything about them and get listening!

P.S.
I would love for you to sign up for my free Your First Milky Way Photo training here if you haven't already:

https://kristinerosephotography.com/yourfirstmilkywayphoto

Part 3 should be a breeze after getting through Part 2: Aperture. 

I do this on purpose actually, give you the setting and control that takes some mind wrangling to wrap our heads around and then let you breeze through this episode that is all about our Shutter Speed. 

Shutter Speed is synonymous with motion, though when we're shooting at night the rules are a wee-bit different than what we're used to during the day.

The biggest thing we need to pay attention to with our shutter speed is blur due to camera instability or settings (and whether or not we want it)

As promised, here is the shutter speed scale, in FULL stops, as I told you in the episode, full seconds are denoted by " after the number:
30"
15"
8"
4"
2"
1"
1/2
1/4
1/8
1/15
1/30
1/60
1/125
1/250
1/500
1/1000
1/2000

I would love for you to sign up for my free Your First Milky Way Photo training here if you haven't already:
https://kristinerosephotography.com/yourfirstmilkywayphoto

The next step in our world domination, I mean camera mastery is to understand how our lens controls the amount of light getting recorded and the actual way the photo looks beyond exposure.

That comes down to three factors:
Aperture
Focus Point
Focal Length

This episode will walk you through everything you need to know (that you didn't know you needed to know) about your lens and how it affects our image. 

Yes it gets technical.

Yes you need to know all of it! So grab a notepad (or notes app) and let's go.

As promised, here is the aperture scale, in FULL stops, as I told you in the episode:
F 1.4
F 2.0 
F 2.8
F 4.0
F 5.6
F 8
F 11 
F 16
F 22
F 32

I would love for you to sign up for my free Your First Milky Way Photo training here if you haven't already:
https://kristinerosephotography.com/yourfirstmilkywayphoto

This is the first in a 4-part series on mastering your camera.

As we’re going into my free training: Your First Milky Way Photo I wanted to get everyone on the same page and up and running with your gear. No matter if you regularly use it, or if your camera is quietly crying in a corner gathering dust (no judgement here!)

In this episode we will cover:
Understanding the components of a DSLR or ILS camera 
Knowing how to handle and care for the camera and lenses.
Getting familiar with the camera's manual settings and modes.
Getting to know the the physical camera

There are 3 more parts to this series:
Part 2: Aperture
Part 3: Shutter Speed
Part 4: ISO and Exposure

What happens when creativity doesn’t feel the same anymore? When the places that once sparked inspiration now carry the weight of memory and change?In this first episode of a new series, Conversations with Kristine, we dive into the evolving nature of creativity, what it means when your creative spark shifts, and how to navigate those quiet, uncertain in-between spaces. This isn’t a how-to or a checklist. It’s a walk through the emotional landscape of change and the gentle path back to artistic connection.

Key Takeaways 

Creativity as a State of Being, Not a Task: 

Instead of chasing results or forcing output, let yourself experience creativity as a way of living. It's not about doing more, it’s about slowing down enough to notice, to feel, to be. Your art doesn’t need to prove anything. It can simply be an expression of who you are.

Permission to Pause: 

You don’t have to hustle your way back to inspiration. This episode invites you into the “waiting place” a space where stillness is sacred, and nothing needs to happen yet. Drawing on the wisdom of Oh, The Places You’ll Go, we talk about the power of letting yourself linger there for a while.

Small Nudges Over Big Breakthroughs:

Big breakthroughs are overrated. Sometimes, it’s the tiniest “ping” a half-thought, a fleeting image, a quiet yes, that leads you forward. You don’t need a grand vision to begin again. You just need to pay attention.

Habit Stacking with Intention: 

One practical tool shared is layering intention into existing habits. Kristine shares how daily post-school-drop-off walks have become sacred time for reflection, letting ideas rise gently instead of forcing them.

Conclusion
 
This episode is a heartfelt reminder that creativity doesn’t always look productive. Sometimes it looks like wandering, like waiting, like whispering ideas into a notebook with no plan at all. And that’s okay.

You don’t have to have the answer. You don’t have to rush your return.
 But you can start by asking:

Wherever you are in your creative journey, this is your invitation to slow down and listen.

I took a break, just over 2 months off of social media and here with you on the podcast.

It’s hard to believe that it’s only been that long, given everything that has happened in that time. Including an amazing conference, being evacuated due to forest fires, flash floods and more.

This podcast is about why I took that time off, and what I learned during my time away. My though behind this episode is to let you benefit from what I took the time off to learn - both what my goal was and what I learned indirectly.

Now I’m not really one for suspense or click bait, so here are my 4 biggest lessons from 2 months away:

Lesson #1 - Get Curious
Lesson #2 - Find Connection
Lesson #3 - Professional Help
Lesson #4 - Have fun

How are these relevant to photography? Well for that you’ll have to listen to the episode ;)

When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. Come join us in the facebook group for this podcast where we chat about the episodes and all things night photography.

You can also watch the video version of this on my YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3RqS1rOlxY

Hooooboy – are you ready for a really important conversation about night photography?

Yes, I’m about to get very technical, and this could be one of the most important episodes you ever listen to on the theory of light and signal as it pertains to Milky Way photography.

Not convinced? Ok, how about this: Do you want to capture stunning images of the Milky Way that have depth, clarity, and amazing colour? If you said yes then you need to have a deep understanding of how signal is created and captured, which is exactly what you will get from this episode.

People often ask me how I create my images. And my perspective is that it takes both the technical and the creative working in conjunction together. Today’s episode is one of the technical pieces that are often very misunderstood and that you will see a ton of incorrect information about on the internet just because people don’t know... well, what they don’t know.

So grab a snack and tuck in, it’s time to learn!

What does it take to be a Master Milky Way photographer?

Well, it takes going that first step out your door and getting started. But if we’re being transparent here that is 100% true, it’s not really helpful.

What is helpful, is knowing where you are at in your journey and the steps you need to take along the path.

That is this episode. I’ve built out custom levels and metrics for being a Milky Way photographer and I invite you to listen and see where you fit.

This is a really powerful exercise that will help you identify exactly what you need to work on moving forward and give you clarity and perspective around where you are in your journey.

You can download a worksheet here to fill out as you listen to the episode:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18tT_nufXEZE39S4feb8ZqUVDRpZkxw9T/view?usp=sharing

You can sign up for my free training: Your First Milky Way Photo here - https://www.kristinerosephotography.com/yourfirstmilkywayphoto

Are you just getting started in night photography? 

This episode is mostly gear based, but looks a little wider as well at what you need to know to get started.

I have a lot of links to gear mentioned in the podcast, so I’ll keep this short here, and if you want all of the links to everything I talk about in today’s podcast please go to the show notes page: https://www.afterdarkphotographypodcast.com/blog/37

To sign up for the Your First Milky Way Photo free training go to:
https://www.kristinerosephotography.com/yourfirstmilkywayphoto

You can also watch the video version of this on my YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTKiOCYhrkk

This is the first episode that I did for the secret podcast experience, the "From Passion to Profit Bootcamp" and there was such resounding feedback on the metrics and scale of where people are at as photographers that I decided to post it here on our regular podcast feed for everyone to enjoy and reference. Please note that the Facebook group and other additional resources are not currently available, but I will post again the next time I run this live!

Are you a nightscape photographer looking to improve your skills and take your photography to the next level?

In this episode, we explore the four biggest struggles/mistakes that nightscape photographers and enthusiasts face, and provide practical tips and solutions to overcome these challenges and achieve success in your photography endeavours.

Join me as we delve into the topics of confidence, imposter syndrome, style/niche, and overwhelm. We’ll explore ways to push through fear, find your unique style, and create work that is both personally fulfilling and artistically impactful. 

From practicing regularly and seeking feedback, to understanding your "why" behind photography and acting like an entrepreneur while creating like an artist, we provide actionable steps and advice to help you overcome common struggles and achieve your goals.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and inspiration to help you navigate the challenges of nightscape photography and improve your skills, and to discover the joy and fulfillment that comes with creating and sharing your unique vision with the world.

You can also watch the video version of this on my YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onQywTNVG-Y

Do you ever feel like your love for photography could be more than just a hobby? What if you could make a living doing something you're passionate about? In this episode of my podcast, we're going to talk about "going pro"

Now, I know the word "monetize" can sound a bit intimidating, but hear me out. Making money from your photography doesn't have to mean selling out or compromising your artistic vision. In fact, I’m sick of the starving artist trope and about ready to burn it to the ground (you with me?!)

But let's be real, it's not all sunshine, rainbows and butterflies magically carrying us money. There are challenges that come with turning your photography into a business.

In this episode I don’t hold back. We're going to look at those roadblocks head-on, and I identify the ones that were the biggest and most surprising to come up for myself personally on this journey.

And if you're feeling a bit lost or unsure, don't worry. I'm going to give you an exercise at the end of the episode to help you figure out if turning your photography into a business is the right path for you.

So grab a cuppa and join me. Who knows? By the end of it, you might just be inspired to take your photography to the next level and start making a living doing what you love!

To sign up for the From Passion to Profit Bootcamp, an exclusive podcast experience go to: https://www.kristinerosephotography.com/p2pbootcamp

Core Values list: https://www.discoveryourvalues.com/list-of-personal-values

Introduction 

This episode explores how creativity—particularly photography—can serve as a powerful tool for building resilience, processing difficult emotions, and reconnecting with ourselves and our communities. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by current events or simply seeking more meaningful creative practices, this conversation offers practical guidance for using photography as a pathway to greater presence and peace. 

Key Takeaways 

Understanding Our Current Reality 

• We're living in a time of immense change and uncertainty, carrying the weight of collective stress from various sources
• There's a difference between being informed and being consumed by the constant news cycle
• Our nervous systems are designed to respond to uncertainty, often making it difficult to create, connect, or truly rest

A Framework for Resilience

• Acknowledge: Give yourself permission to name the uncertainty and stress you're carrying
• Get Curious: Shift from overwhelm into exploration by asking what's within your reach
• Take Action: Make small, intentional steps that bring you back to yourself, your creativity, and your community

The Power of Photography as a Restorative Practice

• Photography, especially night photography, naturally encourages mindfulness, patience, and presence
• The act of creating something—regardless of its "quality"—reminds us of our agency in uncertain times
• Photography asks us to slow down and connect with something greater than ourselves
• Looking through a lens helps us process and relate to the world differently

Small Creative Practices for Building Resilience

• Five-Minute Reset: Take just a few minutes to photograph something that catches your eye
• Notice Your Environment: Pay attention to light, color, and composition in your everyday surroundings
• Let Go of Perfectionism: Remember that the value is in the act of creation itself, not the outcome
• Visual Journal: Use photography to document small moments of beauty in your daily life

Building Connection Through Creativity

• Photo Walks: Invite a friend or neighbor to walk and take pictures together
• Photo Pen Pals: Exchange meaningful photos with distant friends instead of just texting
• Editing Dates: Meet with creative friends to work on projects together
• Voice Memo Exchanges: Share audio notes about what you're noticing while creating
• Community Art Exchanges: Organize small-scale art sharing between friends

Expanding Creative Connection in Communities

• Create little free art galleries for neighborhood exchanges of small creative works
• Partner with camera clubs, libraries, or community centers to organize accessible photo walks
• Establish community display spaces for rotating exhibitions on simple themes
• Use photography as a way to help people connect with their surroundings and each other

Conclusion
 
This episode reminds us that creativity isn't a luxury—it's a necessity for navigating uncertain times. When we engage in photography and other creative practices, we aren't disengaging from the world's problems but rather restoring ourselves so we can show up more fully. These small creative acts create ripple effects that extend far beyond ourselves, influencing our families, communities, and perhaps even the wider world. By finding moments of presence and connection through our art, we build the resilience needed to face challenges and continue finding light in the darkness.

My friend, I don’t want to alarm you, but we are entering a digital dark age.

No, I am not talking about our soon to be AI overlords (though I am trying to be nice to them so I’m in their good graces when they take over).

I am talking about something much more relevant to us as photographers. 

And that’s all those darn photos you have sitting on your harddrive, or maybe multiple harddrives, maybe the cloud, your phone, floppy disks stashed away in the abc of your closet?! (Ok I can’t help with that last one)

I recently got a package from my aunt, it was full of pictures of my mom from when she and my dad were just wee young-uns and I wasn’t even around yet (youngest of 3 here!)

What a gift to receive, to get to see a bit more into the past of my mom when she’s not here anymore to tell me those stories.

What will your kids/nieces/nephews/dog kids get in 50 years? A USB drive that doesn’t work because everything is loaded directly through their skin into their brain? A digital picture frame with outdated software?

We print less and less, and yet the print is what Aristotle would call the final form of our images. 

So let’s dive into this episode where I give you a primer on all things printing!

What if I told you that the key to success could be found in your failures? As a recovering perfectionist, that is a hard pill to swallow for me, but over the years I can see how my very “failures” have contributed to my success now.

This episode is about why I want you to fail, and how you can use that failure to do better and get to your goal more quickly.

If you are tired of feeling defeated every time you hit a roadblock on your path to success then it's time to see failure as the ultimate opportunity. Embrace the bumps in the road and learn how to turn them into stepping stones toward your goals. 

Tune in and hear how to:

    "Flip Your Failure": Instead of viewing failure as a roadblock, think of it as a stepping stone to success! This episode teaches you how to turn those "uh-ohs" into "a-ha!" moments.

    "Fail Forward": Don't let setbacks actually set you back! You'll learn strategies to move past failure and keep pushing towards your goals. It's all about embracing the stumble and using it to your advantage.

    "Develop a Growth Mindset": Want to thrive in the face of failure? We talk about growth mindsets. This episode reveals how to cultivate this powerful perspective to reach your goals more effectively (and yes, with failing along the way)

Get ready to see failure in a whole new light and discover the power of embracing the inevitable on your road to greatness.

Psst. I talk about this in the episode, but I’ll be releasing details soon on my brand new business program “ Shoot to Sell Society” and you can sign up to be the first to know everything by going to: https://www.kristinerosephotography.com/business

You can also watch the video version of this on my YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=447SHDMqeKE

Astrophotography is different from any other genre of photography.  Portraits, Products, Landscapes, Food, Sports - what do they all have in common? They are photographing something that exists here on earth. And you could correctly make the argument in landscape-astrophotography (or nightscapes) that we are too.

But I believe the big difference is that in our photos the inclusion of a celestial body is key. I could just take landscape photos during the day, but it’s the connection I find between the landscape and the stars that create the meaning in my work.

And that means photographing the stars, shooting something that is not physically here on earth.

Why does that matter? Because there are specific challenges and constraints that come from having a subject that is not part of our earth. The benefit is that our view of the cosmos is predictable and pretty “constant” which means that we can come up with categories and rules to work within for our image creation.

This episode looks at the differences between astrophotography and other genres and then goes into the different types of Milky Way photos that you can create. 

Spoiler alert, every Milky Way image you take can be broken down into 6 categories. And while some may bristle at the idea their images can be categorized. I find there is freedom that comes when you know you are working within specific bounds.

If I gave you a camera and said- go create an amazing photo that will make me smile and I’ll buy it from you… What would you do? The options would be limitless.

But what if I gave you a camera and said - go and create an amazing photo that will make me smile and I’ll buy it from you. I love the landscape that you live in and the phone photos from the hike you went on last week had stunning views. I can’t believe that there are wildflowers already this early in the year.

All of a sudden I’ve given you constraints and limits. If you wanted to sell me a photo you would very likely go back on that hike and take better photos of the wildflowers and the scenery. 

The latter is setting you up for success, and that is the premise behind this episode. You will have clarity and be better able to reach your goals when you have the constraints to work within to get there. You can’t play the game well if you don’t know the rules,  so let’s figure out those rules and get going.

Hello Winter, shall we just stay inside and be warm under the covers? Or do we brave going out to shoot the night sky in the cold (for those of us in the north). If we do, what is there to even shoot?

Well, you are in luck. Winter skies generally have less humidity in them and are clearer and you get treated to the spectacle that is Orion. 

In today’s episode, you’ll learn where and when to find Orion in the sky, what gear I recommend to use, and when as well as the settings to use based on your gear.

You can see a few screenshots from Planit Pro that I reference during the podcast on my website!

Welcome January, it’s nice to have you here with your cold winds, short days and long nights. Oh and resolutions, “word of the year”, goals and so on.

I’m not one for resolutions, but I do use the start of a fresh calendar year to plan out my next 12 months. Which in turn gives me a bunch of mini-goalposts through the year and lets me plan pretty much everything.

On my list is a brand new offering teaching photographers how to monetize their photography. My brain has been rolling over everything I’ve learned in my past 15 years of working as a professional photographer and filling up my walls with post-it notes.

I realized that it was easy for me to create my goals for this year because it was easy to decide what to do next in my business (and the goals then followed) because of the work I’ve already been doing.

The hard part is getting started, once you’ve started and the ball is rolling and you have inertia to carry you along. 

This podcast is the answer to where to get started. We’ll dive into having a proper goal, how to use that goal to inform what to do next, and the menu of options you have to generate income with your photography.

As I mention in the episode, you can sign up to be the first to know about my Shoot to Sell Society by going to: https://www.kristinerosephotography.com/business

You can also watch the video version of this on my YouTube channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXsIOkLDXyc

What do you think it takes to get to the next level - in your photography, your life, your business?

I can tell you when I made the leap to quit corporate creative and work in my business full time it wasn’t because I had a new business model, or because of the new marketing tactics that I learned, or even because I took a business course.

All of those things happened, but they were possible because of one evening years before, when I sat on a swingset in Kenneth Walker Park throwing balls for Jazz after my son was in bed.

If you’re ready to take your photography to the next level (whatever that looks like for you) I will walk you through how to do that in this episode.

Spoiler alert, I won’t be teaching you any fancy new techniques. I will be asking you to reflect on what your goals are, and what is holding you back from them.

I’ll be sharing how to identify what is keeping you from reaching your goals and 5 steps to overcoming those blocks so you can move forward.

The end of the year brings time for reflection (and candy canes, hot chocolate, way too much Mariah Carey on the radio, and the right amount of pies being baked…) and in this episode I’ll be taking you on a mental journey through space and time that will help next year be the best  you’ve ever had.

From my family to yours I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’ll see you in 2023!

When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, share it to your Instagram or Facebook stories and tag me. @kristinerosephotography

And if you want to take the conversation deeper I’d love to have you inside my podcast Facebook group here!

Welcome to the 12 days of Christmas.

I’m putting on my #kristinetheenabler Santa hat and giving you my best recommendations for gear this year.

Feel free to send this episode to a loved one who might be buying you gifts this year!

Links for the things I mentioned in the episode are on my website!

Let’s get this out of the way. This is not an episode about New Year’s Resolutions. In fact, I don’t make any and don’t recommend you do either (though, you do you, if that’s your thing).

This is an episode about this past year, and the upcoming year. Why? Because to know where we are going, we need to know where we came from. When we ignore what got us to where we are we are more likely to perpetuate things that are less than ideal.

If you have photography goals for next year then you definitely need to evaluate what happened this year.

In this episode, I give you the 4 questions I ask myself at the end of each year and why I think they will help you too. 

And I take the time to go over my photography business from the past year from a bird’s eye view, with what worked and didn’t work. And how the lessons I’ve learned this year shape up what I’m getting up to next year.

If you’re a current student or prospective one who is wondering when I’ll be running certain classes and what workshops etc. I will be doing next year, this is the place to get the insider knowledge  – BEFORE my team and I get the fancy websites and emails all put together (because that all takes time).

I’m excited to do this episode every year and look back on what I said I was going to do and what I actually did, and plan my next steps moving forward.

In today's episode, I'm diving deep into a topic that's been coming up constantly in my photography communities - artificial intelligence and its role in night photography. Whether you're excited about AI's potential or concerned about its impact on our craft, I'll help you understand what's really happening with AI in our Photoshop workflows and why I believe it won't replace the magic of capturing the night sky.

Key Takeaways:

Let's Talk About AI in Photoshop 

• I'll explain when you can stick with RAW editing and when you need Photoshop
• We'll explore the difference between those flashy generative AI tools and the helpful AI features already in our workflows
• I'll share some of my favorite time-saving AI tools like Select Sky (with a cool trick for reflections!)
• You'll learn how AI is making our selection and masking work so much faster

Why AI Won't Replace Night Photographers (Yet!) 

• The truth about AI's struggles with accurate star patterns
• Why local conditions like light pollution and atmospheric effects matter
• How seasonal changes and latitude affect our night sky shots
• The importance of maintaining astronomical accuracy in our edits

Navigating the Ethics of AI 

• My thoughts on AI using our images for training
• How to balance sharing our work while protecting our creative rights
• Why we need better transparency from companies
• The importance of staying flexible as technology evolves

Where I Think We're Heading 

• Why I believe our core workflow won't disappear
• How AI will complement (not replace) our existing skills
• The exciting potential for new creative tools
• Ways AI might actually give us more time to shoot

The Human Touch in Photography 

• Why being in the field can't be replicated by AI
• The importance of sharing our complete creative journey
• How we connect with our audience beyond just the final image
• What makes our role as photographers truly special

What You'll Get From This Episode: I'm sharing my real-world perspective on AI as someone who's been teaching Photoshop since 2008. You'll learn how to think about AI tools in your workflow, understand what they can (and can't) do for your night photography, and feel more confident about embracing helpful AI features while maintaining your artistic integrity. Whether you're worried about AI taking over or just curious about how to use these new tools effectively, this episode will help you navigate the changing landscape of photography while staying true to your creative vision.

I've aimed to give you practical insights while exploring the bigger questions about AI's role in our photographic future. Most importantly, I hope this episode helps you feel excited about the possibilities while understanding why your unique perspective and experience as a photographer will always be valuable.

Have you ever had a time when you needed to get something done and you just couldn’t do it? You knew that was the next step to get you farther along, and you were excited about it, but still, you found that you were getting distracted instead. 

If I’m being honest, this happens to me in busy times more than I would prefer. Like, say, the holiday season when I’m supposed to be slowing down and spending time with the kids but instead I'm juggling 20 different tasks at once.

I draft titled this episode “In defense of slow” in my head, because it seems like there is always a push to get more done, and to do it NOW, and more quickly, please and thank you.

That can spill over into photography and any creative hobbies that you have. There are times I have felt like If I’m not creating then there is something wrong with me.

On the other side of the coin, there are times when I want to be creating something, but find that it’s hard to get going and actually do the darn thing. 

That is the crux of today’s episode. The thing that keeps us from doing what we want to be doing, and why I believe that night photography is the antithesis of this problem. 

In this episode, you’ll discover why we struggle to do things (even enjoyable things) and how we can train our brains to counteract the programming we’re subjected to on a daily basis.

If you’ve ever lost 30 minutes to scrolling through reels or TikToks and wondered what just happened this episode is for you. And – spoiler alert – I’m not going to tell you to go on a social media sabbatical or to never scroll through TikToks either. I like my slow motion running dog reels WAY too much to suggest such a thing.

Part 2 of our Editing Night Photos series and it is time to get technical.

One of the biggest mistakes I see people making when they open Photoshop actually happens before they even get to the program.

It’s how we actually think about Photoshop and what it can do for our images.

Photoshop is not actually used to “fix” our images. And especially as night photographers where there is not a lot of room for recovery of images when there is so little light available to record in the first place.

No, instead Photoshop is a tool like any other that we use to help create our images. And when we are talking specifically night photography Photoshop is the tool that lets us break free from editing only single images in Lightroom or Adobe Camera Raw.

And like anything, we will do our best work in Photoshop when we understand the whole system. If you want to be able to create beautiful images using Photoshop then you need to have the right source material - ie. create the right photos.

Today’s episode is a bigger picture look at when do we start using Photoshop (vs just LR or ACR) and then more granular at the specific shooting techniques and how those work inside the Photoshop editing process.

If you want to learn more about all of this it will be covered in my 2-part free training series coming up November 1st and 3rd.

You can sign up here:
https://www.kristinerosephotography.com/photoshoproadmap

Photography is a mix of the technical and the creative, and it will come as no surprise that it is the same with editing. And so following that logic I decided to break up my first editing episodes here on the podcast into two parts.

This first episode explores the creative side of editing.

Night photography, and specifically Milky Way and other astrophotography is a genre in it’s own class. There are things about this type of photography that are not shared with many if any other genres. 

At some point (and perhaps it has already happened) you will be in a position where you have to defend the images you are creating, and your use of editing.

And when you are undertaking the journey of learning a new software, like Photoshop, you also need to have a plan. Which comes not only from understanding the technical, granular bits of the program, but also the larger creative purpose.

That is what today’s episode is all about at it’s core. Next week? We get technical!

Isn’t creative genius reserved for people who have something special?

At least that’s what society has often made artists out to be. Take a look in popular culture and you’ll see this idea perpetuated over and over again, like there is some gatekeeper to being a good artist and creative.

In reality that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Creativity and the expression of it (in our case the creation of actual photographs) comes from one place, having an idea.

And anyone can have an idea. You just need the right things to let that idea form in your head. Like everything in life it’s understanding how it all works, and then actually practicing it (and giving yourself permission to do things poorly at first)

Listen to this podcast to give you the behind the scenes look at how I come up with any idea, and specifically:

• The framework I use for coming up with new ideas, this can be applied to anyone for any new ideas they want to come up with. 
• What that framework needs in order to thrive and actually produce ideas you will be excited about.
• And hop a lane or two with me and talk about how this applies to your photographic style.

Welcome to another story spotlight episode.

In this podcast I invite you on a road trip with me, just down the way and off the highway - of all places. 

I talk about 3 images I created all near a similar spot and how the one that wasn’t planned became one of the most impactful images I’ve ever created. And as it follows, one of the best sellers at my recent gallery exhibit.

In this wandering, meandering journey you will see how everything brings you to this place in time and it is exactly where you need to be.

My intent is for you to find parallels to your experience in my story and pick the pieces that make sense for you to move forward and create something that touches you in a way these images do for me.

And though the story of these images is a little slower, like a lazy late summer’s eve - they come together along a throughline and you’ll understand ⬇️⬇️

• How the act of remembering influences what we do today
• Why you don’t need trips to amazing places to create amazing images
• How planning gets us the images we envision and leaves a margin for magic

Last week I did a crazy thing and live streamed a photoshoot of the Milky Way - yes in real time - in front of almost 500 students!

I had no idea if I would actually be able to pull it off, but you know the saying - you can’t win the game if you don’t play it. 

So I decided to go all in and do it. And it worked so well.

Except the thing people didn’t see was how nervous I was leading up to it. And the best feedback I got is that people liked the little things that happened live that made them realize I make mistakes too (dead battery, bad framing, lens heater over the lens… you know ;) 

Which made me realize more than ever it’s important to put ourselves out there, especially when it can feel like we’re a bit out of our depth. You never know who you are helping.

But we can get tripped up because our brain starts doing things to keep us safe. Change = new = scary and probably will get us eaten by a tiger. It’s best just to keep doing what we know… right?

Our brain is amazing, and sneaky AF. 

This is a vulnerable episode for me, which in turn I hope helps you dig into these ideas for yourself - because that is where the magic happens and we can uplevel everything in our life, including our photography.

When you are done listening to this episode you will know:

• What it takes to get to your next level in photography
• Why you don’t have to be the best at something
• What your procrastination is really hiding
• Tools for how to master the mind game of photography

There are a variety of reasons to listen to a podcast, but I’m making an educated guess that you are here to learn more about photography. And that is what today’s episode  is all about. 

Learning something new as an adult is very different from how we learned in the traditional schooling system. There are a lot of options available to us and it can be hard to know which is the right one. And based on your background and experience level different methods will be more or less useful to you individually.

All of the different ways have pros and cons to them - which I am going to go over in depth in this episode - but they also have hidden costs that we might not think about. 

Prioritizing learning something new as an adult, and especially something that is a hobby and doesn’t fit in neatly to the “need” category of everyday adult life (ie. responsibilities!) can be difficult. So choosing the best way for you and maximizing the impact is important. Especially with a creative hobby like photography.

When you are done listening to this episode you will know:

• Your unique advantage to learning a new skill
• Why forgetting something you learned is a good thing
• How to choose the best learning option for your specific goal
• Tools for how to maximize the impact of your learning

• Why we are wired to be fearful at night, and how it is and isn’t still applicable
• How to think about fear at night in a new way
• Why I think being scared of the dark is a good thing
• New ways to work through any fear that comes up

Night photos don’t have to be lifeless and dark, in fact there is a ton of light available at night/ You just have to understand how to control or create the light and how it will influence the final image. In this episode we deep dive into light so that you will understand the best way to bring out the foreground in your images.

It starts with a chase and morphs into a life changing experience. Hear the unexpected science behind why Milky Way photography is a life changing experience.

In this episode, I dive deep into the impact of creativity on navigating grief. Sharing personal stories and insights into the grieving process, I discuss how creative outlets like photography and gardening can serve as anchors during tough times. We'll explore the healing power of nature, the importance of rituals, and how to keep moving forward on the healing journey.

Key Takeaways

• Creativity can be a powerful tool for processing grief and finding healing.
• Being in nature has numerous benefits for our mental and physical health.
• Rituals provide a structured way to process emotions and bring a sense of control during chaotic times.

Journeying Through Grief
I start by discussing grief and how it affects everyone differently. Grief is a non-linear process, and it’s important to acknowledge and honor each person's unique experience.

The Role of Creativity in Grief
I explore how creativity can help in processing grief. Sharing personal experiences, I explain how creating art, whether it's photography or gardening, or something else that provides a physical anchor for our emotions. I talk about how I used photography to connect with my late mother and the therapeutic value of creating something meaningful.

The Healing Power of Nature
Next, I delve into the benefits of being in nature, citing studies that show how it reduces stress and promotes healing. Spending time outdoors, whether through photography or gardening, has helped me cope with grief and find peace.

The Importance of Ritual
I discuss the concept of ritual and its role in healing. I share how I unintentionally created rituals around my photography practice, explaining how these structured activities brought comfort and helped me process my emotions. Having a set process and intention behind creative activities can be incredibly healing.

Grief, while deeply personal and often overwhelming, can be navigated through intentional acts of creativity and connection with nature. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope you find solace and inspiration in your own creative practices.


Links mentioned in this training:
Influence of Forest Therapy on Cardiovascular Relaxation in Young Adults:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2014/834360

How nature nurtures: Amygdala activity decreases as the result of a one-hour walk in nature:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-022-01720-6

Most new photographers spend their time mastering technical details in their images. But what if I told you that is not the best way to create work that people stop and pay attention to?

Listen to Masterclass students reflect on why they get out at night and create images of the Milky Way. How many of the responses resonate with you?

Have you ever wondered why some images you see online get lots of interactions and others seem to only have crickets- even when the images look on par with each other? People often think marketing is the secret sauce to getting photos noticed, but there is something buried deep underneath that marketing that is even more important.

Ah the age old question, is photography art and are you an artist? Oh and why in the heck should you care, because you should indeed care. Here is my take having experienced BOTH sides.