The Pretty Focused Podcast
 The Pretty Focused Podcast is your go-to resource for aspiring food photographers and food bloggers looking to elevate their photography skills. Hosted by the creator of Pretty Focused, each episode dives into practical tips for capturing stunning food photos, insights on running a successful photography business, and interviews with professionals. Whether you're aiming to improve your food blog visuals or turn your passion into a career, this podcast offers expert advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and actionable strategies to help you take your food photography to the next level. What is Pretty Focused? Pretty Focused is an online course and community that tr...
What My Boys Really Remember About Growing Up with an Entrepreneur Mom | Founder's Focus
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Have you ever wondered what your kids will remember about these busy years? I asked my boys to tell me the truth about growing up with an entrepreneur mom, and their perspective completely changed mine. This episode is packed with laughs, sweet moments, and a reminder that your kids often see your hard work very differently than you do.
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What Are You Underestimating: Founder’s Focus
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Nine years ago, Pretty Focused didn't start with a business plan, a course, or a vision for serving thousands of women. It started with a simple conversation and a friend who wanted to learn how to work from home.
In this special anniversary episode, I'm reflecting on the journey from a single training video recorded for one friend to a community that has helped women build businesses, support their families, and create opportunities they never thought possible.
Along the way, I've learned four powerful lessons about opportunity, growth, community...
6 Things the Buyers Club Grant Showed Us | Coaches Corner | Coach Lauren
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In this episode, we unpack six key lessons from the Buyers Club hiring grant applications. I share what surprised us most and what it says about the direction of the industry. We also explain how photographers can use this information to level up their businesses.Â
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Is the Market Over Saturated? | Founder's Focus
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“Is it too late to start?” That’s the real question behind the idea of oversaturation. In this episode, I unpack where that fear comes from and why it shows up so often. You might be surprised by how open the market actually is when you look closer.
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Want to learn more about the Buyers Club? - https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2405760/episodes/18551353-the-buyers-club-explained-how-we-set-photographers-up-for-success
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Building a Food Photography Business While Working Full-Time | Grad Spotlight | Stephanie Fenton
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Stephanie had the degrees and the teaching experience—but she wanted to apply her skills in a more specialized and creative way. This episode focuses on her move from instructing students to starting her own food photography business.
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How Kristina Turned a Layoff into an Opportunity | Grad Spotlight
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What do you do when the job that you depended on for so long suddenly disappears? Well today's guest, Kristina found herself in that exact position. And instead of starting over somewhere else, she decided to build something that was her own. In this episode, we're going to talk about how being laid off pushed her to grow her own blog, strengthen her photography, build confidence, and ultimately led her to landing her dream client inside of the Buyer's Club.
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What Our 2025 Grad Survey Results Revealed | Founder's Focus
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This episode dives into the numbers and stories from Pretty Focused graduates. You’ll hear how grads diversify their offerings, what they’re charging, how many clients they serve, and how the year’s challenges and successes are shaping the future of their businesses. If you’re curious about where your own path could lead, join us for practical takeaways you can apply today.
Survey Results: http://prettyfocused.com/grad-survey-25
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Check out our Pricing Related Episode! -https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2405760/episodes/17718736-what-to-do-when-you-lose-a-client-without-losing-confidence-coaches-corner-coach-tialyn
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The Experience Required: Who is Pretty Focused For? | Founder's Focus
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One of the questions I get all the time is, “Is Pretty Focused for beginners or experienced photographers?” In this episode, I break down what’s easier and what’s more challenging for both levels. No matter where you’re starting, I explain what really determines success in food photography.
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The Experience Required: Who is Pretty Focused For? | Founder's Focus - free workshop https://prettyfocused.easywebinar.live/event-registration-4
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More Than a Course: The System That Leads to Clients | Founder's Focus
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Making money as a food photographer isn’t just about knowing how to use your camera. In this episode, I explain how we move our students from technical skills into consistent execution and client readiness. The path to profit isn’t accidental—it’s intentional.
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More Than a Course: The System That Leads to Clients | Founder's Focus - 7 Day Trial http://prettyfocused.com/7-day-trial
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The Buyers Club Explained: How We Set Photographers Up for Success
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In this podcast, I explain exactly what The Buyers Club is and why it exists. You’ll learn who it’s for, how members use it, and the problems it solves for growing food businesses. If you’ve been curious but unsure, this episode gives you clear answers.
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Free Workshop - Start a Food Photography Business at Home https://prettyfocused.easywebinar.live/event-registration-4
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Will There Still Be Demand? Food Photography, AI, and the Future of the Industry
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AI isn’t going away—and neither are food photographers. This episode looks at the future of food blogging and how photographers can continue to thrive in a changing industry.
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From Full-time Baker to Food Photographer: How Pretty Focused Helped Jeanette Diversify Her Business
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Listen in as Jeanette McKee, a full-time baker, discusses how developing her skills through Pretty Focused led to new opportunities. She shares how the experience impacted her confidence and future direction. This episode focuses on outcomes, not just coursework.
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Courses mentioned in this episode:
Flash Masterclass -https://prettyfocused.com/flash-masterclass
Keyword Bootcamp - https://prettyfocused.com/masterclasses
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The Buyers Club Grant (and How to Apply for It)
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We’re granting $500 to three Food Bloggers to use inside the Buyers Club!!
In this episode I break down what the Hiring Grant covers and how members can take advantage of it, don’t miss your chance to apply!Â
No purchase is necessary to apply for the Buyers Club Hiring Grant. Grant recipients are selected through an application review process and are not chosen at random. Grant funds must be used in accordance with the program terms. Individual experiences may vary and do not guarantee specific results. Full grant detai...
Work from Home as a Virtual Assistant: An Inside Look at 90 day VA | Founders Focus
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If you’re curious about working from home as a virtual assistant, this episode explains how the 90 Day VA supports that transition. We cover what participants actually do inside the program and how it leads to real opportunities.
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*This post contains affiliate links which means we may receive a small commission for qualified purchases
Check Out 90 Day VA Here! - Â https://www.90dayva.com/open-enroll1?fpr=melodee68Â
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How to go Full time as a Food Photographer | Coaches Corner | Ivy & Rhadonda
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Learn how to structure your work, pricing, and client outreach to generate a full time income. Ivy and Rhadonda share realistic tactics that help photographers transition from hobby to full-time business. This episode shows what works and what doesn't.
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Strategic Planning for Bloggers: How Michelle Streamlined Her Entire Business | Behind the Blog
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In this episode Michelle shares the exact strategic planning methods she uses to organize her blog operations, manage workload, and prepare for long-term growth.
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Check out Michelle’s Blog! - https://blackberrybabe.com/
Connect with Michelle on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/blackberrycooks/
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Tips for Reviewing Your Year | Coach’s Corner | Coach Lauren
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In this first episode of the year, Melodee and Lauren look back at 2025 and talk through a simple, practical way to reset your mindset, your time, and your business — without overcomplicating things.
They cover how to recognize real progress, evaluate what’s actually working, and focus on the few things that matter most as you move forward this year.
Whether you’re just getting started, in the middle of the work, or already taking clients, this episode will help you step into 2026 with confidence and momentum.
What New Students Can Expect When They Join Pretty Focused | Grad Spotlight | Susie Newton
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Listen in as Susie provides a straightforward look at what the course covers, how long it’s taking her, and what she’s getting out of it. She explains the challenges and wins from her perspective as a student. It’s a practical guide for anyone considering enrollment.
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Inside the Pretty Focused Mastermind: Jenn’s Practical Takeaways | Coach's Corner | Coach Jenn
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In this episode Jenn outlines the most valuable lessons she learned during the Mastermind. She highlights the business structure, goal-setting, and problem-solving strategies she now uses daily. It’s a behind-the-curtain look at the program’s lasting impact.
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What We Wish We Knew When We Started Pretty Focused | Coaches Corner | Coach Stephanie and Coach Ivy
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As two of Pretty Focused’s early grads, Stephanie and Ivy have faced, and overcome a lot of common challenges. In this episode, they share the truths about photography, clients, and confidence that they learned through their experience. Their insights will save you time, stress, and doubt.
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Why Julie No Longer Chases Trends — and What She Does Instead | Behind the Blog | Julie Menghini
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Julie talks about the freedom that came when she stopped trying to keep up with what everyone else was doing. Hear how she learned to trust her instincts, focus on her own strengths, and build a business rooted in timeless creativity instead of temporary trends.
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Check out Julie's Blog Here! - https://hostessatheart.com/
Follow Julie on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/hostessatheart/
Follow Julie on Facebook! - https://www.facebook.com/hostessatheart/Â
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Pricing Confidence for Photographers: Where to Start | Coaches Corner | Coach Tialyn
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If pricing feels confusing or uncomfortable, this episode is for you. Tialyn simplifies the process with clear steps for setting and standing by your rates. You’ll finish with a plan—and the confidence—to price like a pro.
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What It’s Really Like to Take the Pretty Focused Course | Grad Spotlight | Kalee Haasbeek
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Ever wonder what Pretty Focused students actually experience? Kalee gives an honest look at her journey—from learning camera basics to landing paying clients. Her story will help you picture what your own success could look like.
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How Melissa Keeps Her Photography Clients Coming Back | Grad Spotlight
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Client retention is key to any business, and Melissa has mastered it. In this episode, she shares the strategies that help her stay top of mind with clients. Her story proves that success comes from both skill and service.
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Everything Food Bloggers Should Know About Website Design | Behind the Blog
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In this episode, Madison breaks down the most common mistakes new bloggers make when designing their sites. From layout choices to branding decisions, she explains what really matters. Her advice will give you clarity and confidence as you build your own blog.
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Sold Out in 48 Hours: How Brittany’s First Portfolio Took Off | Grad Spotlight
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Brittany is a true Pretty Focused success story, after graduating she sold her whole portfolio in just 48 hours! Before Pretty Focused, Brittany was stuck in a marketing role that wasn’t fulfilling and took precious time away from her family. In this episode, she shares how Pretty Focused helped her transition into food photography and recipe development. Her story shows exactly what’s possible when you decide to pursue your passion.
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The Chaotic Table: How Stephanie Is Building Her Brand | Behind the Blog
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Stephanie walks us through how she created her blog, The Chaotic Table, as an extension of her photography career. She’s honest about the challenges and excited about the opportunities ahead. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in starting a blog of their own.
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What to Do When You Lose a Client (Without Losing Confidence) | Coaches Corner | Coach Tialyn
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From shifting budgets to changing business directions, there are many reasons clients move on. In this episode, you’ll hear how to separate what’s in your control from what isn’t—and why that distinction matters. Tialyn offers practical advice for navigating client loss with resilience and confidence.
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Book a 15 Minute Business Coaching Discovery Call with Tialyn - https://tialynjohn.com/
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From Learning to Earning: Malak’s Story With Pretty Focused | Grad Spotlight | Malak Yassin
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I loved chatting with Malak about her journey through Pretty Focused—she’s honest about the learning curve and just as real about the wins that came with it. She walks us through how she built her skills step-by-step and what made the course stand out. If you’re looking for motivation and a clear example of what’s possible, this episode is for you.
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Food Blog Growth Strategies: Lessons from Broken Oven Baking | Behind the Blog | Broken Oven Baking
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In this episode, Kayla Burton reveals how she built a successful food blog from scratch in just two years. Without prior blogging knowledge, she learned everything from photography to SEO through hands-on experience. Now, she helps others achieve their food blogging goals with Food Blog Coaching.
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Check Out More from Kayla!
Food Blog Coaching -Â https://foodblogcoaching.com/
Broken Oven Baking - https://brokenovenbaking.com/
Kayla’s Instagram! - htt...
How to Stay Inspired as a Photographer: Tips from 17 Years in the Industry | Coaches Corner
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Creativity can be hard to sustain, and Alicia knows that firsthand. After 17 years in photography, she’s learned what works when the inspiration runs dry. In this episode, she shares practical tips and deeper reflections to help you rediscover joy in your work.
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How Pretty Focused Helped Renee Launch Her Photography Career | Grad Spotlight | Renee Moore
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Renee joined Pretty Focused with big dreams and a love for photography, but what she gained went far beyond the camera. From hands-on training to confidence in finding clients, she shares how the course shaped her journey. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to go through Pretty Focused, this episode gives you the inside scoop.
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From Hobby to Thriving Blog | Behind the Blog | My Plant Based Family
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Today’s episode of the Pretty Focused Podcast is one that feels full circle for me and I can’t wait for you to hear it.
I am sitting down with Holly Yzquierdofrom My Plant-Based Family. If you’ve heard me talk about the veggie burger that changed my life, this is that story and Holly is that friend.Â
Holly is an OG blogger who turned a personal health...
Maximizing Efficiencies in Your Photography Workflow
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In this episode I'm joined by the incredible Tialyn (Tia), a longtime Pretty Focused coach, business strategist, and our go-to efficiency expert. She’s led masterminds, hosted bootcamps, and helped hundreds of students streamline their workflow so they can work less and earn more.
Tia opens up about her early days as a food photographer, juggling littles and a full-time job, and how she had to figure out a faster way. If you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck in slow motion, this episode is packed wi...
Real Talk from the Founder’s Seat! | Founder's Focus | Melodee Fiske
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We flipped the script this week.
Instead of me interviewing someone else, Coach Rhadonda turned the tables and interviewed me and I had no idea what questions she was going to ask. I was slightly nervous...but I think I managed to do okay!
It was completely unfiltered, deeply personal, and honestly one of the most candid conversations I’ve had on the podcast.
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From Starting Small to Going All In | Grad Spotlight | Gavin Murphy
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In this Grad Spotlight, I’m joined by Gavin Murphy, who, alongside his wife Nicole, has built a thriving food photography and writing business that gives their family the freedom and flexibility they were looking for. Before Pretty Focused, Gavin was working in a school cafeteria while finishing college. Five years later, he's running a business that replaced his original career path and has no plans of looking back.
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Food Blogging in 2025 | Behind the Blog | Megan Porta
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What a year 2024 was for the food blogging world.
From shifts in traffic to new technology (hello, AI), it was a year full of questions—but also full of growth, clarity, and incredible comebacks.
On the latest episode of the Pretty Focused Podcast, I sat down with Megan Porta—host of Eat Blog Talk and blogger at Pip and Ebby—to unpack what really happened in 2024, how bloggers are moving forward, and why the future is still so full of possibility.
Here’s what we talk about:
9 Simple Steps to Improve Your Recipe Writing | Coaches Corner
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In this episode of the Pretty Focused Podcast, we’re joined by Niki, our expert recipe development coach with a rich culinary background. She walks us through 9 common mistakes that can sabotage your hard work. With real-life examples and practical tips, she helps you level up your process and sharpen your skills. If you’re serious about recipe writing, this one’s for you.
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3 Things I'm Doing Differently | Founder’s Focus | Melodee Fiske
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This year, I’m committed to leading with more authenticity than ever—and in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what that really means. Tune in to hear my whole story as I share my heart for Pretty Focused.Â
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Flexibility & Family: Amy Smith’s Path to Success | Amy Smith | Grad Spotlight
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In this inspiring episode, we’re shining a light on one of our grads, Amy Smith! Join us for a heartfelt conversation about Amy’s journey—how she took a leap of faith, navigated challenges, and found success in a way that fits her life perfectly.
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