The Photo Diaries Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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In this particular episode, Grace Costa addresses common editing mistakes she observes in the photography industry, particularly in the commercial photography space. She focuses on five key areas: overuse of high key editing, excessive use of presets and filters, missing focus, heavy vignetting, and neglecting color balance and color casts.

Grace emphasizes the importance of high-quality editing for both personal and client work, stressing that attention to detail and subtle adjustments can dramatically improve the overall aesthetic of a photograph. She encourages listeners to experiment and refine their editing process, advocating for a more nuanced and thoughtful approach to achieve professional-looking results.

To book a 1:1 Private Editing workflow session with Grace click here

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Grace discussed the importance of scaling a business and being prepared for more clients, emphasizing the need for organization and streamlining processes. She shared her personal experience of transitioning from a manageable client base to handling multiple inquiries daily. Grace also highlighted the benefits of using automated electronic contracts and reminders, and encouraged the listeners to consider their current systems and processes.

Studio Ninja Affiliate link for my listeners - Use this promo code: BYQR429X04F3X3 and get 20% off your subscription to the world's most user-friendly photography business software, Studio Ninja!

Get ready to work with me to grow your business - Hit the link to learn more about my mentoring sessions
https://www.gracecosta.com/learn-photography-2/

Support the show

Find Grace at www.gracecosta.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ONLY NEWSLETTER https://www.gracecosta.com/subscribe/

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIES https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/

Resources for photographers https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

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You might be surprised to learn that until now, I have never seen a Wes Anderson film, that is, until today! Mind completely blown. I can’t believe it’s taken me till now to get here, but sign me up. I am getting on the bandwagon and joining his cheer squad!

In this episode I reflect on Asteroid City and the ways in which photographers can learn from Wes Anderson’s charming and distinctive visual style. We delve into:

• Use of colour
• Composition and framing
• Set design
• Characters

Now excuse me while I head down a Wes Anderson rabbit hole!

Links

• My National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023 entry, Portrait of Zachary - https://ftp.portrait.gov.au/npppphoto/104155/
• National Photographic Portrait Prize 2024 entry details - https://www.portrait.gov.au/nppp-callforentries.php
• Asteroid City on IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14230388/

Don’t forget to go and download my free “Mega List of Photo Competitions” over at https://www.gracecosta.com/photo-comps-mega-list/

Until next time friends, thanks for hanging out!

Grace x

Connect with Grace:

https://www.gracecosta.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/
https://www.gracecosta.com/blog/
https://www.facebook.com/gracecostaphotographer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-costa-829b2837/

Support the show

Find Grace at www.gracecosta.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ONLY NEWSLETTER https://www.gracecosta.com/subscribe/

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIES https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/

Resources for photographers https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

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In this final episode of the season, I give you the lowdown on stock libraries. They’re not a lot of work and they can be a really great tool to earn some extra cash. Now, I’m not saying you’re going to be able to give up your day job, but it’s more a set and forget philosophy for the longer-term.

To get you started, we cover:

• Why you should do this
• How much you can expect to earn
• How super easy it is to do
• How to incorporate it into your workflow
• Using data to increase your visibility
• What macrostock and microstock photography
• The process of uploading
• Why your content might get rejected

Links

• Adobe Stock - https://stock.adobe.com/
• Shutter Stock Referral CODE - https://share.shutterstock.com/grace35
• Wirestock - https://wirestock.io/
• Depositphotos - https://depositphotos.com/ 
• Dreamstime - https://www.dreamstime.com/

Don’t forget to go and download my free “Photo Comps Mega List” over at https://www.gracecosta.com/

I’ll be taking a break before starting the next season, so be sure to get in touch if you have any suggestions for season two. I’m here for you, and I’m an open book! What do you want to know?

Until next time friends, thanks for hanging out!

Grace x

Connect with Grace:

https://www.gracecosta.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/
https://www.gracecosta.com/blog/
https://www.facebook.com/gracecostaphotographer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-costa-829b2837/

Support the show

Find Grace at www.gracecosta.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ONLY NEWSLETTER https://www.gracecosta.com/subscribe/

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIES https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/

Resources for photographers https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

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Today on the show we chat with the delightful Bec Hughes. She’s a brand strategist and creative business coach, well qualified having spent 15+ years as a strategy, design, and business development leader in agency-land in the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia.

With over 20 years’ experience in the creative industry, Bec’s mission is to close the gap between creative and business, so designers and creators thrive, without losing their sanity or their creative mojo. 

She’s here today to help us raise the bar in our business!

We delve deep into communicating your personal and brand values, and what the heck that even means!

We cover: 

• What we be talking about when referring to our value as a photographer
• Why your work alone will not be enough to set you apart
• How to show off our expertise and specialism
• Why your photographic niche is so important
• Why it’s important to talk about the impact of your work
• What do we mean by brand personality
• Creating ‘sizzling starters’ to heighten engagement
• Stories can we share to help connect with our clients

Links

• Bec Hughes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bechughesbranding/
• Bec Hughes Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bechughesbranding
• Bec Hughes website - https://bechughes.com/
• 50 Ways to Elevate and Communicate Your Value - https://bechughes.com/elevate-your-value/
• 7 Profit Plumping Strategies Training - https://bechughes.com/profit/
• The C word podcast with Bec Hughes - https://bechughes.com/podcast/

Don’t forget to go and download my free “Photo Comps Mega List” over at https://www.gracecosta.com/

Until next time friends, thanks for hanging out!

Grace x

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Connect with Grace:

https://www.gracecosta.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/
https://www.gracecosta.com/blog/
https://www.facebook.com/gracecostaphotographer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-costa-829b2837/

Support the show

Find Grace at www.gracecosta.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ONLY NEWSLETTER https://www.gracecosta.com/subscribe/

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIES https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/

Resources for photographers https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

Send us a text

Darby is a brand strategist and content marketer, passionate about turning great businesses into irresistible brands.

Throughout her career, Darby has worked on marketing and brand strategies for some of Australia’s leading brands. She is passionate about helping business owners create memorable brands stand out from the crowds - through the power of branding and brand strategy.

In this episode we cover:

> Standing out in the crowd

> Using your about page to speak to your target audience, without oversharing

> Difference between branding and marketing

> Brand messaging

> Understanding who your people and ideal audience are

> Crafting engaging captions

> Brand consistency across web, social media and other touchpoints 

> What a brand strategy actually looks like

> Understanding and developing and explaining your brand values

> Not getting distracted by others in your field 

Links

• Darby Lyndon Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/darbylyndon/
• Darby Lyndon website - https://www.darbylyndon.com/
• Brand Chats podcast on Apple podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/brand-chats/id1629334371
• Brand Chats podcast on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yll9RT5k3CfwUrg51Ywcq
• Grace interview on Brand Chats - Promoting your brand experience through the power of imagery with Grace Costa - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1NPSR2RMlKuVOo6RVip4Yj?si=NmRRQMDDTR2_ibxdY419lQ

And friends, to claim your special offer of a 15% discount on a brand therapy session with Darby, hit her up on Insta and mention the Photo Diaries Podcast!

Until next time friends, thanks for hanging out!

Grace x

Connect with Grace:

https://www.gracecosta.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/
https://www.gracecosta.com/blog/
https://www.facebook.com/gracecostaphotographer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-costa-829b2837/

Support the show

Find Grace at www.gracecosta.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ONLY NEWSLETTER https://www.gracecosta.com/subscribe/

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIES https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/

Resources for photographers https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

Send us a text

In this episode I talk about something I’ve very passionate about - brand imaging. 

I cover how to curate a library of images that builds trust by showing who we are, what we do, and insight to our values. Sharing this type of imagery into your communications can really elevate your brand - giving you a professional edge and brand cohesion. 

We cover off on all of the elements you need to capture your brand, including:

• personal branding images
• storytelling images and
• product and lifestyle images

This episode is great for business owners that want to lift their game and professionalise their brand imagery and presence. It’s also really great for any photographers wanting to get into brand photography and need some ideas and tools for their toolkit!

Links

• Adobe Stock images > https://stock.adobe.com/
• Wirestock > https://wirestock.io/
• Shutterstock images > https://www.shutterstock.com/
• Check out the brand photography I did for The Seed Cycle > https://theseedcycle.com.au/ 

Don’t forget to go and download my free “Photo Comps Mega List” over at https://www.gracecosta.com/

Until next time friends, thanks for hanging out!

Grace x

Connect with Grace:

https://www.gracecosta.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/
https://www.gracecosta.com/blog/
https://www.facebook.com/gracecostaphotographer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-costa-829b2837/

Support the show

Find Grace at www.gracecosta.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ONLY NEWSLETTER https://www.gracecosta.com/subscribe/

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIES https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/

Resources for photographers https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

Send us a text

Ferne Millen is a multidisciplinary commercial photographer and creative artist whose main focus is on storytelling through photography and installation. Ferne lives in beautiful Jan Juc on the surfcoast of Victoria on Wadawurrung country and from a young age her love of culture and the land was nurtured by her parents who took her and her siblings to many national parks to enjoy the natural world. 

She has a deep connection to country and the First Nations people that have become a strong focus of her work. We explore this and much more in our chat this episode.

We explore:

> her work with local indigenous community and how that work came about
> the blend of corporate community objectives and creative exploration
> entering photo awards and leveraging images for new opportunities
> storytelling and being true to your voice 

Links

• Ferne Millen instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/fernemillenphotography/
• Ferne Millen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fernemillenphotography/
• National Portrait Prize 2015 ‘who’s that lady” https://www.portrait.gov.au/npppphoto/44501/
• National Portrait Prize 2014 ‘Raphael and his children https://www.portrait.gov.au/npppphoto/18065/

Don’t forget to go and download my free “Photo Comps Mega List” over at https://www.gracecosta.com/photo-comps-mega-list/

Until next time friends, thanks for hanging out!

Grace x

Connect with Grace:

https://www.gracecosta.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/
https://www.gracecosta.com/blog/
https://www.facebook.com/gracecostaphotographer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-costa-829b2837/

With respect I wish to Acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land in which we live and work- the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people and all the First Nations people, Elders, past, present and emerging.

Support the show

Find Grace at www.gracecosta.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ONLY NEWSLETTER https://www.gracecosta.com/subscribe/

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIES https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/

Resources for photographers https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

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Paul Osta believes in providing his clients with the best wedding experience ever. In our chat he shares how does it. You can hear the passion in his voice that he was born to do this, and I can bet that you’d want him as your wedding photographer too!

He takes preparation and his service to the next level too! So even if weddings arent your specialty, I know you’re going to learn a lot that you can apply to your practice. Never stop learning!

Some of the things we cover are:

> Trends in wedding photography
> Business tools of the trade
> How do you decide what to outsource, cause you can’t do it all!
> His super impressive ‘surprise and delight’ for his couples
> And shares some really important advice to young players that he wishes he knew 20 years ago.

Links:

• Paul Osta website: https://paulostaphotography.com.au/
• Paul Osta  instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/paul.osta.photography/
• Studio Ninja referral code: AYLV9W48MAQMU8 https://www.studioninja.co/
• Pictime referral Code: UK2WB3 https://www.pic-time.com/?locale=en
• Handmade Australian Albums & presentation products: https://albumsaustralia.com.au/
• Stripe https://stripe.com/au
• Photo Mechanic https://home.camerabits.com/
• Fundy Designer https://www.fundydesigner.com/

Don’t forget to go and download my free “Photo Comps Mega List” over at https://www.gracecosta.com/

Until next time friends, thanks for hanging out!

Grace x

Connect with Grace:

https://www.gracecosta.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/
https://www.gracecosta.com/blog/
https://www.facebook.com/gracecostaphotographer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-costa-829b2837/

Support the show

Find Grace at www.gracecosta.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ONLY NEWSLETTER https://www.gracecosta.com/subscribe/

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIES https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/

Resources for photographers https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

Send us a text

Have you ever had fantasies of being a fashion and advertising photographer? Photographing brands like Apple, Disney as well as models and celebrities. Sounds pretty cool huh? Imagine your work up on billboards? Well, you’re going to love my chat with the fabulous Stef King, a successful fashion, beauty, editorial and advertising photographer from Perth, Western Australia. Her work regularly appears in local and international magazines, advertisements and media campaigns.

We’ve been friends for a while now and I’m thrilled she was able to join us and share her insights in developing her impressive career. 

We cover:

> Ways to get started in the industry
> The difference between editorial and advertising photography
> Image usage and licence rules
> Engaging a Producer to assist with pricing, licencing, client liaison, organising permits, travel etc
> Mastering studio flash techniques
> How to work with a Creative or Art Director
> Inside her recent shoot for Disney
> Working in bright sunny conditions
> How to you market your business in Perth to reach a broader audience
> The importance of personal creative work

Links

• Stef King website: https://stefking.com.au/
• Stef King instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/stefkingphoto/
• Stef King Studio instagram:
• https://www.instagram.com/stefkingstudio
• Stef King LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stef-king-383a2262/
• Learn with Stef https://learnwithstefking.substack.com/p/welcome
• Getty Images (content licence agreement):  https://www.gettyimages.com.au/eula
• Christina Force photography mentor and representation: https://christinaforce.net/

Until next time friends, thanks for hanging out!

Grace x

Connect with Grace:

https://www.gracecosta.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/
https://www.gracecosta.com/blog/
https://www.facebook.com/gracecostaphotographer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-costa-829b2837/

Support the show

Find Grace at www.gracecosta.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ONLY NEWSLETTER https://www.gracecosta.com/subscribe/

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIES https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/

Resources for photographers https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/