The Tilt and Shift Photography Business Podcast
In the Tilt and Shift photography business podcast, we take motivational stories far beyond inspiration: we analyze and apply the insights from photographer’s and creatives' stories to improve our own businesses. Photographer coach Bobbi Barbarich digs deep with entrepreneurs and photography industry leaders to mine their stories for the skills, invaluable insights and practical tips on how to tilt your life’s framework and shift your perspective, using the powers of empathy, connection, and community, in this wild and messy world of creative entrepreneurship. www.bobbibeducation.com
65: WORDS of WISDOM for PHOTOGRAPHERS
Today I'm sharing some words of wisdom for photographers, garnered from my experiences and insights from attending the Doc Day photography conference.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, these reflections are sure to scratch you right where you have an itch. Whether you knew you needed to hear them or not!
Thank you to @docday_ @foundationworkshops and @tylerwirken @johndolanphotog @reportagestudios and @kheffache_studios for sharing your insights! You gave us so many morsels to chew on, and so delicious!
YOU CAN SUPPORT THE...
64: What's MISSING from your PORTFOLIO?
It's not what's in your photography portfolio... it's what's MISSING from your PORTFOLIO.
What's MISSING is why people aren't hiring you to be their wedding or family photographer.
I just finished up a month of free photography portfolio reviews with photographers from all walks of life and stage of career and two things were blindingly apparent.
And it's those two things that will elevate your portfolio beyond the vast and endless sea of photographers.
Listen closely to this episode to...
63: When ADVERSITY creates AUTHENTICITY with Tyler Wirken
If you're a person who tends to avoid anything you might not be the best at, this episode is for you.
I've got photographer, mentor and leader of Foundation Workshops (@foundationworkshops) Tyler Wirken (@wirkenphoto) to chat all things that are challenging but simple.
This is a man who knows how to shift a perspective, and I'm stoked to have him on the show.
You can sign up for Tyler's free Foundation Workshop webinar The Art of Seeing (March 18th) right here: https://www.foundationworkshops.com/s...
62: Three EXPECTATIONS to DROP in 2026
2026 is the year you get your portfolio right. Sign up for a free photography portfolio review with me during the month of January:
https://calendly.com/meet-bobbi/office-hours
After several years of mentoring wedding and family photographers, I've witnessed many ways we hold ourselves back from artistic fulfillment and from building a sustainable photography business.
In this episode, I share three of the most common expectations that limit photography business success.
Call them assumptions or ways of thinking, these three expectations...
61: SEEING with a LOVING GAZE with Rachel Larsen Weaver
Today we talk all things life and death and photos in between.
My guest is family photographer and educator Rachel Larsen Weaver, a mother of five and wise embracer of chaos.
If you're yearning for honesty in your photographic journey, Rachel shares a remarkably simple and effective technique for photographers of all kinds to open their minds to seeing with a loving gaze.
Connect with Rachel here: https://www.rachellarsenweaver.com/
To sign up for a free portfolio review with Bobbi before January 31, 2026...
60: It's time to go BACK to the BEGINNING with Two Mann Studios
When two of the biggest forces in wedding photography QUIT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY, I'd call that a shift. A holy sh*t shift.
I sit down with Erika and Lanny Mann to talk all things life, why they quit and what's next.
Unsurprisingly, their candid honesty and pure passion for photography will leave you with many things to chew on.
To SAVE $100 on their best course yet, Photography for Life, click here.
To sign up for a FREE WEBSITE REVIEW with...
59: When TROLLS do you a FAVOUR
I got trolled today. And the serendipity with which it arrived in my inbox was fascinating!
The trolling was an illuminating opportunity to review my business practices and mindset shifts I've worked on over the past few years.
Listen in to hear all about how sometimes, those trolls can do you a big favour.
YOU CAN SUPPORT THE TILT AND SHIFT PODCAST HERE:
https://buymeacoffee.com/tiltandshift
Want to work on your business mindset? CONNECT WITH ME...
58 How we FAIL our PHOTOGRAPHY CLIENTS
Today I'm sharing more about failure!
Episode 57 revealed the importance of embracing failure in creative pursuits, particularly in photography. So in this episode, I dive into how we fail our photography clients when we conform to client expectations.
I'm talking about curating your portfolio by your own interests, not expectations, and how THAT is ultimate path toward personal success and client satisfaction.
YOU CAN SUPPORT THE TILT AND SHIFT PODCAST HERE:
https://buymeacoffee.com/tiltandshift
AND CONNECT WITH ME HERE:
Reach...
57: WHY you NEED to FAIL with Janina Brocklesby of Reportage Studios
Fear of failure is the bane of many a creative, and us wedding photographers are no different. I hear it from nearly every one of my mentees and students, and I must admit I sometimes struggle with it, too. But my guest shares some insight about failure, and why it's something we actually need to do.
Janina Brocklesby of Reportage Studios (https://reportage-studios.com/) in the UK is a documentary wedding photographer and will speak at DocDay in February (https://docday.international/).
YOU CAN SUPPORT THE TILT AND SHIFT...
56 The SECRET to WEDDING and FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY PRICING
Today we're talking about all things pricing. How to price your wedding or family photography, how to market and how to make your business survive. I talk in depth about the complexities of pricing in the wedding and family photography business, emphasizing what nearly all pricing models leave out: your mindset around self-worth, and values-based marketing. I encourage you to embrace your unique identity and to market yourself authentically, rather than conforming to boring and predictable industry standards. I also offers insight into building a sustainable business and the undeniable impact of working with a mentor in this journey.<...
55: TWO TIPS to help make HARD DECISIONS
In this mind-bending episode, I talk about how to evaluate life choices, particularly for us in the photography business.
I go over how to explore two ends of the same spectrum: an ideal day and the worst-case scenario. We'll do this to empower intentional decision-making.
You'll get a handle on taking charge of your life, and making informed choices that align with your desires and aspirations.
I hope you find this exploration helps you make some hard decisions.
YOU CAN SUPPORT THE TILT AND SHIFT PODCAST HERE:
<...54 How PHOTOGRAPHERS can better serve NEURODIVERSE CLIENTS
In this enlightening conversation, I talk with family photographer Stacey Fiesel about photography and neurodiversity, exploring how personal experiences shape professional practices.
Stacey shares her journey as a photographer who specializes in working with neurodiverse families, emphasizing the importance of compassion, understanding, and adaptability in creating inclusive photography sessions.
Stacey gives us numerous helpful tips to photograph neurodiverse children, and you're encouraged to embrace education as a means to combat stigma and enhance their client experiences.
Connect with Stacey here: https://www.feasiblephotography.com/<...
53 The Power of Personal Projects
Don't forget my upcoming creativity retreat, focused on reconnecting with nature and enhancing your creative processes. COME TO MY RETREAT IN AUGUST! Sign up for details here!
This week, I'm talking about the power of personal projects in photography.
Personal projects can boost creativity, serve as acts of self-love, and help you find new perspectives of the world.
I'll share my experiences with personal projects, the significance of breaking photography rules, and the joy of creating without pressure.
I also talk about zines as a way to document personal journeys and main...
52 Finding the COMFORT in DISCOMFORT with The Richters
Today I get to share a deep and engaging conversation with The Richters, a couple known for their genuinely wild and free approach to photography and weddings. Moni and Pol share their views on inspiration and creativity, the journey of their relationship and business, and the significance of personal projects.
The Richters share their insights on vulnerability, trust, and how photography can heal us, emphasizing the need for patience and genuine connections in how they do their work. They also reflect on the societal pressures surrounding expectations in the wedding industry, and the value...
51 The Power of Boundaries in Business
Today I share my experiences and insights gained from a recent trip, emphasizing the importance of setting and maintaining personal boundaries!
I talk about how boundaries affect both personal and professional relationships, and how recognizing physical sensations can help us uphold our boundaries.
I encourage you to reflect on your own boundaries and I share some practical steps for establishing them to enhance mental and emotional well-being.
Takeaways
It's essential to take action on inspiration to make it meaningful.
Setting boundaries is crucial for personal well-being.<...
50 Five Limitations to Boost your Creativity
In this episode, I discuss the creative process, emphasizing the importance of limitations and discomfort in fostering creativity. Drawing from my conversation with photographer Anastasia Pagonas in Episode 49, I give you, dear photographer, actionable steps to break free from perfectionism and explore your creativity through specific limitations. I also bring you details for my upcoming retreat designed to help creatives connect with nature to open your comfort zones in adventure, art and life itself. Get the details here: https://cool-lab-340.myflodesk.com/lets-retreatTakeaways:The creative process varies for everyone; there's no right or wrong way.Limitations can actually enhance...
49 The Creative Process with photographer Anastasia Pagonas
Anastasia Pagonas and I delve into the intricate relationship between personal identity and photography. We explore how family influences, childhood experiences, and the therapeutic nature of photography shape artistic expression. Anastasia shares her preference for film over digital photography, emphasizing how limitations enhance the creative process. Our discussion also highlights the significance of community, mentorship, and the need for genuine connections in producing meaningful photography.
Ultimately, we advocate for entering the creative process as a means to discover inspiration and authenticity in one's work, while finding confidence to view personal work as client work for a sustainable...
FOLLOW UP to Episode 48: How to break up with Meta
Straight from my cozy clothes meandering morning thought dump... Summary
In this episode, I discuss my decision to leave Meta and explore alternative platforms like the Foto app, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal values with social media choices. I encourage you to consider your own position in the evolving digital landscape.
Takeaways:
I'm deeply cutting time on Meta due to its values not aligning with mine.Foto app as an alternative platform.Support platforms that align with personal values.How to consider social media choices.There are...48 How to break up with Meta
Do you want to talk with me about leaving Meta? Chat with mehere.
STORYTELLER’S SCHOOL ENROLMENT is OPEN! Join my 12-week group mentorship for documentary-interested photographers! Get on the wait listhere or chat with me here.
Feeling like your phone controlsyou? Spending hours on Instagram but getting nowhere? It’s time to break up with Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and take back your power. In this episode, I’m sharing why I’m stepping away from these platforms, how they’ve quietly taken over our lives, and what YOU can do t...
47 Family Photographer Kirsten Lewis is Unsupervised
STORYTELLER’S SCHOOL ENROLMENT is OPEN! Join my 12-week group mentorship for documentary-interested photographers! To join, chat with me here.
Kirsten Lewis has been called the godmother of documentary family photography. She’s been on a 14-year long journey to publish her work, and it is finally happening! Kirsten is an excellent storyteller not only in photographs but also in conversation… listen to this episode to get a full perspective on the dedication, trials and triumphs it takes to publish a book. To purchase Kirsten Lewis’ Book Unsupervised, click here.
In this...
The ONE THING that's MISSING from your photography business
STORYTELLER’S SCHOOL ENROLMENT CLOSES FEB 18! Join my 12 week group mentorship now!Learn more here orchat with me here.
In this bonus episode, I share the one thing that's holding you back from a successful photography business.
Key Takeaways
Permission from others can hinder personal dreams.
Self-discovery is crucial for building a successful photography business.
Authenticity in work attracts the right audience.
Education often lacks the element of personal permission.
Finding one's values is essential for creative expression.
Storyteller's School unc...
46 Are You The 2024 Word of The Year?
STORYTELLER’S SCHOOL ENROLMENT is OPEN! Join my 16-week group mentorship for documentary-interested photographers! Get on the wait list here or chat with me here.
Have you ever felt like you’re wearing a mask as you move through the day? What if the key to feeling fulfilled and connected was as simple as being your true self? But what is your true self, anyway?
What’s Covered in This Episode
Why “authenticity” was the buzzword of 2024 and why it still matters in 2025.
The two types of in...
45 Where we learn to surrender
Enrolment for my flagship group mentorship program for documentary-interested photographers is opening soon! Get on the wait list here or chat with me here.
Are you a perfectionist? What if I told you that the key to unlocking your creativity, and peace, lies in something as simple, and challenging, as surrender? In this episode, I break down why surrendering is a superpower you didn’t know you needed and how embracing discomfort can lead to the most inspiring moments of your life and work. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying the weight...
44 Practice and Process with documentary family photographer Niki Boon
Enrolment for my flagship group mentorship program for documentary-interested photographers is opening soon! Get on the wait list here or chat with me here.
Want to know the secret to making truly resonant family photographs? Documentary family photographer Nikki Boon shares how her unique practice and process allow her to reveal the beautiful grit in everyday chaos. Nikki’s approach truly redefines what family photography can be.
In this episode:
Why Nikki believes time and patience are the keys to authentic photography.
How...
43 Three Tips for Top Notch Testimonials
Enrolment for my flagship group mentorship program for documentary-interested photographers is opening soon! Get on the Storyteller’s School wait list here.
Wondering why your testimonials feel... meh? In this episode, I’m sharing simple but powerful tips every photographer needs to know to get testimonials that truly shine. If you’re tired of seeing generic feedback like “Great photos, highly recommended,” and want reviews that capture your unique style and bring in more dream clients, you’re in the right place!
In this episode, we cover:
42 Two Tips for Raw, Emotive, Vulnerable Photographs
HOT TIP: perfectionism is ruining your best photos.
If you’re caught up in making everything “just right,” you are missing raw, powerful moments. So this episode is your wake-up call! Discover how letting go of “perfect” can actually make your photos come alive.
In this episode, we cover:
Why chasing perfection holds you back from real, honest photography.
The game-changing impact of presence over perfection in every shot.
Two simple, practical tips to help you stay present while shooting.
Why ditching th...
41 The Truth about becoming a Luxury Wedding Photographer with KT Merry
Enrolment for Storyteller’s School, my flagship group mentorship program for documentary-interested photographers, is opening soon! Get on the wait list here.
Ever wonder what it really takes to become a luxury wedding photographer? This episode with KT Merry is a must-listen for anyone who dreams of capturing love stories and creating fine art in the world’s most stunning locations. KT gets real about the highs, lows, and everything in between – sharing the raw, honest truth about the journey to the top and what you need to make it there.
I...
40 How to Make Marketing work for YOU
Your definitive guide to documentary wedding and family photography skills: the DEFINITELY DOCUMENTARY mini course is right here! EVERYTHING you need to know about documentary wedding and family photography, at an affordable price, with forever access to the 8 hours of video instruction… to do at your own pace! Definitely Documentary mini course.
Ever feel like you’re putting loads of energy into marketing but still not attracting the clients who really appreciate what you do? I’ve been there. That’s why I sat down with Annemie Tonken on This Can’t Be That Hard to sh...
39 Marketing matters with Annemie Tonken
Your definitive guide to documentary wedding and family photography skills: the DEFINITELY DOCUMENTARY mini course is right here! EVERYTHING you need to know about documentary wedding and family photography, at an affordable price, with forever access to the 8 hours of video instruction… to do at your own pace!
What if the secret to thriving in photography isn’t just about taking stunning photos, but mastering the art of marketing? In this episode, we’re talking with Annemie Tonken, a family photographer who’s proving that marketing matters just as much as the work behind the camera. She reveals...
38 The secret to amazing photo composition
NEW! Now you can get the coaching homework prompts delivered to your inbox!
Get on my group mentorship, Storyteller’s School, wait list here. Or, sign up for my mini course on documentary wedding and family photography, Definitely Documentary, right here!
Want to improved your photo composition? Struggling to know where to stand when composing a photo? In this episode, I’m spilling the tea on a mind-blowing composition secret that will transform your photography game forever!
In this episode, you’ll discover:
The...
37 Why is everyone talking about their why?
Enrolment for my flagship group mentorship program, Storyteller’s School, for documentary-interested photographers is opening soon! Get on the waitlist here.
What’s the big deal with everyone talking about their ‘why’? Is it just another buzzword, or does it hold the key to having a business AND living a life that truly aligns with who you are?
In this episode, I sit down with brand photographer Praise Santos McKenna of Build your Business Podcast to have a real, honest conversation about this popular topic. We chat about the journey o...
36 The brand advice you need to hear. With brand photographer Praise Santos
Your definitive guide to documentary wedding and family photography skills: the DEFINITELY DOCUMENTARY mini course is right here! Course is available now. Learn EVERYTHING you need to know about documentary wedding and family photography, at an affordable price, with forever access to the 8 hours of video instruction… to do at your own pace!
Ready to transform your brand and ditch the hustle? In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Praise Santos McKenna, a brand photographer who’s redefining what it means to build a business with heart. Praise is not only a bran...
35 When wedding photography clients get divorced
Your definitive guide to documentary wedding and family photography skills: the DEFINITELY DOCUMENTARY mini course is right here! Course is available now. Learn EVERYTHING you need to know about documentary wedding and family photography, at an affordable price, with forever access to the 8 hours of video instruction… to do at your own pace!
In this episode, I dig deeper into the emotional complexities that surround wedding photography, especially when the couple we’re taking photos of later divorces. Many photographers might feel guilt and discomfort, like I did, when our work becomes a source of p...
34 I am not a Wedding Photographer with Ian Weldon
Your definitive guide to documentary wedding and family photography skills: the DEFINITELY DOCUMENTARY mini course is right here! Course drops August 15, but early birds save 15% before August 15 with code DDEARLY15! Definitely Documentary mini course
In this episode, we sat down with Ian Weldon to discuss the ever-changing landscape of wedding photography. He shares his personal experiences along with professional insights on how to capture authentic moments - capturing real, imperfect moments over staged, fairy tale shots. He also shares his views on balancing commercial success with his artistic vision, and the power of community-driven...
33 What to do when the metaphorical paper is blank. Conversation with educator Lisa Devlin
Your definitive guide to documentary wedding and family photography skills: the DEFINITELY DOCUMENTARY mini course is right here! Course drops August 15, but early birds save 15% before August 15 with code DDEARLY15! Definitely Documentary mini course
In this episode of Tilt and Shift Photography Podcast, we’re gladly joined by Lisa Devlin, a wedding and editorial photographer, and the founder of Photography Farm. She happily shares her personal experience, from transitioning photography niches to hustle culture to overcoming challenges in the industry. She reminds us that life is a blank piece of paper and that we ha...
32 Time is Money. How to always have enough of both
NEW! Now you can get the coaching homework prompts delivered to your inbox! Sign up for the homework prompts here!
Hey, photographer!
Running your own business is amazing, right? But every so often, it can feel like we’re working all the hours and not seeing the results we’d like. We’ve all been there – feeling a little overwhelm, wishing there were more hours in the day, and wondering if we’ll how to achieve some of the pricing targets we have for our photography business.
31 This is Reportage. Conversation with documentary photographer Alan Law
What makes documentary wedding photography so special? Why do some photographers dedicate their careers to the unpredictability and scriptless craft of documenting, not directing, wedding photography? In this episode, we sit down with Alan Law, a UK wedding photographer and founder of “This is Reportage.” Join us as we discover what sets documentary photography apart from other genres of wedding photography.
What’s Covered in This Episode:
Alan’s Journey. How he transitioned from traditional to documentary photography.
Philosophy. Alan’s belief that wedding photography should tell a story, not just make...
30 Make Meta Great Again
NEW! Now you can get the coaching homework prompts delivered to your inbox! Sign up for the homework prompts here!
Okay, let’s be honest – sometimes Instagram (and social media in general) feels like a total drag, right? But what if there was a way to make it fun again? In this episode, I’m sharing my experiment with using Instagram to build a deeper connection with my audience, all based on the classic marketing idea of “know, like, and trust.”
What’s Covered
Why we can grow to hate social media
Getting peo...
29 Do WTF you want to do. Conversation with family photographer Didi Von Boch
Ever struggle with the gear, the setup, and getting everything perfect for a shoot? Join us as Didi Von Boch breaks down how remote shooting simplified her workflow and let her focus on what matters most – doing wtf she wants as she photographs people!
Overcoming the technical hurdles of remote photography.
Finding beauty in the messy, awkward, and perfectly imperfect moments.
Why trusting your gut as an artist is essential.
Deepening connections with clients through remote shooting.
Finding the right balance: remote work vs. traditional shooting methods.
Di...
28 How Dreaming helps your Business Brain
Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions in your business? Like you’re hitting a wall when it comes to fresh ideas? Let’s unlock that! In this episode, I break down why dreaming is vital for your business success and give you actionable exercises to start dreaming big and unleashing creativity.
What’s Covered:
Dreaming as a skill. Learn how dreaming gets shut down as you grow up and how to reclaim it.
Fear of dreaming. Confront the fear of failure and fear of success that hold you back...
