The Focused Professional Podcast continues its third season with a dynamic and insightful conversation featuring Ross Grieve FSWPP, a celebrated photographer whose career spans continents, genres, and decades.

From his roots in New Zealand to his base in Wales, Ross has explored photography in many forms, capturing everything from bungee jumpers and weddings to portraits, food, and his true artistic passion: street photography.

An ambassador for Lumix, Hobolite, and Calibrite, Ross brings both experience and enthusiasm to every discussion. He’s also no stranger to success, having won the Welsh Portrait Photographer of the Year title three times.

In this episode, Ross and host Joe dive into:

• Why printing your images is still essential in the digital age
• The ethics of street photography—and how to navigate tricky situations
• Choosing the right gear for candid urban shooting
• Turning a passion for street photography into a viable business
• Stories that shaped his unique photographic approach

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your work to the next level, Ross offers real-world advice, creative insights, and a reminder of the power of photography in its printed form.

Can Ross convince you to fall in love with prints again? Tune in to find out.

All images © Ross Grieve – reproduced here with permission.

Discover more of Ross Grieve’s work:

• Photography Website
• Follow him on Instagram: @rossgrievephoto

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The Focused Professional Podcast is back for Season 3, and they’re kicking things off with an inspiring conversation with none other than Frankie Adamson—wildlife and pet photographer extraordinaire.

Frankie made headlines this year after being named both Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Overall Photographer of the Year 2024 by The Society of Photographers. Her hauntingly beautiful image “Kiss of Death” stunned the judges and continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

A former teacher turned full-time photographer, Frankie’s lifelong passion for animals shines through in every frame—whether she’s capturing the quiet dignity of a lioness in Africa or the playful spark of a beloved pet in a bustling UK city. Now based back in the UK after living in Hong Kong, she’s building on her success with new personal projects and carving out a name for herself in the world of professional pet and wildlife photography.

In this episode, Frankie shares:

• The story behind her award-winning image “Kiss of Death”
• How she uses her knowledge of animal behaviour to connect with her subjects
• The transition from teaching to photography—and from Hong Kong to the UK
• The importance of community, growth, and staying inspired

Whether you’re a working photographer, an animal lover, or just someone looking for a dose of creative motivation, this is an episode worth tuning into.

Listen now to hear Frankie’s story, her journey, and her passion for the natural world.

All images © Frankie Adamson – all rights reserved – reproduced here with permission.

Discover more of Frankie’s work:

• Pet Photography Website
• Wildlife Photography Website
• Follow her on Instagram: @photography.byfrankie and @the.wildlife.side

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Our guest for episode 20 of the Focused Professional Podcast is Peter Rooney, a renowned creative portrait photographer originally from the UK, currently living in Thailand. He joins us to discuss his creative journey and his varied experiences as a British expat living and working overseas. Peter has won numerous accolades for his work, including a Fellowship with the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) and winning the MPA  (Master Photographers Association) International Photographer of the Year in both 2018 and 2019. He has also represented his country on more than one occasion for the World Photographic Cup.

In this episode, Peter takes us through his journey from the UK to Brunei, Malaysia, Bahrain, and finally Thailand. He shares his experiences of living and working in different cultures, highlighting the challenges and unique aspects of each location. From the strict regulations in Brunei to the vibrant and multicultural scene in Malaysia, Peter explains how these environments impacted his photography.

Peter takes us through his creative process, from finding inspiration in unlikely places to his approach to lighting and retouching. He describes how he improvised models and materials to create composites during lockdown and talks us through a unique approach to a family portrait that became a hit among his fellow expats. 

Finding clients for his work is quite a different process compared to many UK-based businesses. His frequent change of location has meant rebuilding his client base from scratch several times. Nevertheless, he has found ways of connecting with people through a creative, fun angle on portraiture, helping clients overcome the usual nerves or self-conscious feelings when sitting for a photographer.

Discover more of Peter’s work on his Instagram at peterrooneyart. His impressive portfolio showcases a range of creative images that reflect his unique style and vision.

Images © Peter Rooney (used here with permission)

Text & audio © Focused Professional 2024

Proudly sponsored by The Society of Photographers

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In episode 19 we focus on pet photography with one of the world’s top exponents of the genre. Australian photographer Belinda Richards has won many awards and titles for her work, including being The Society of Photographers overall photographer of the year in 2022. Belinda has worked with animals for many years and in different industries. Her time running a mobile dog grooming business and working for the local council in animal management have helped her to gain a deep insight into animal behaviour. She combines this extensive experience with her understanding of fine art and great camera skills to run an internationally renowned pet photography studio. 

All of this would have seemed unlikely in her childhood given her initial fear of dogs. But, she overcame it and developed a lifelong passion for them, eventually naming her studio after one of her former pets. Her background in animal welfare has equipped her with unique skills that she brings into her photography sessions, ensuring that animals feel comfortable and relaxed.

Belinda’s academic journey took her from the technical aspects of photography to aesthetics and fine art, all of which are evident in her work today. She is also interested in business and understands the importance of good marketing. Whether it is her competition images or finding new ways to reach new clients, Belinda is relentlessly creative. She builds in both the more profitable aspects of her work and time to create in order to keep both herself and her business healthy.

The combination of hard work, talent and a creative use of her unique skills and experience have made Belinda Richards one of the most respected pet photographers in the world. All of this comes from a place of passion – doing the work not just for money but for the love of it. 

To keep up with Belinda’s work and her latest projects, you can visit her business website at frogdogstudios.com.au or her personal creative website at belindarichards.com. You can also follow her on social media platforms under the handles @BelindaRichardsArtist or @FrogDogStudios.

Images © Belinda Richards (Used here with permission)

Text & audio © Focused Professional 2024

Proudly sponsored by The Society of Photographers

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Join host Joe Lenton in episode 17 of the Focused Professional Podcast as he welcomes Fiona Elizabeth who will share her unexpected journey into wedding photography and the challenges she’s faced along the way. Discover how Fiona balances the artistic and business aspects of her work and also helps others to do so through her Wedding Photographer Mentor programme. She is passionate about helping others to create successful wedding photography businesses, providing guidance and support drawn from her years of experience. 

Hear the stories behind her impactful personal projects, including a poignant photographic essay based on the struggles of those living in a refugee camp in Calais. Her time there clearly moved her deeply and left a lasting impact on her as an artist and as a person. She then takes us on the road to her Fellowship in fine art with her “Atrophy” project. Inspired by the housing crisis and the many houses left empty and falling into disrepair, Fiona created a series of images with models on location that was to become her successful Fellowship qualification panel. 

We also touch on the difficulties of imposter syndrome – even in the face of great success winning a category award in the Icon photography competition in Vegas and working as a judge at The Society of Photographers Convention. Fiona shares openly and honestly in this exclusive interview.  

Images © Fiona Elizabeth (used here with permission)

Text & audio © Focused Professional 2024

Proudly sponsored by The Society of Photographers

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Immerse yourself in the world of renowned outdoor photographer, Curtis Jones on the Focused Professional Podcast. Join us as Curtis shares the highs and lows of his ongoing journey exploring the most isolated environments on the planet. Find out what motivates him and how his approach has changed over the years. He shares his passion not only to photograph these places but also to study the rich history, culture, flora, and fauna, so he can enthuse and educate those he guides.

In this episode, Curtis tells us about his initial experiences in expedition and adventure photography. From this more documentary approach, he has evolved into an artist, teacher and guide. Modern life with its electronic devices can make it hard to achieve a deep connection with nature and Curtis shares his own struggles with this as well as his hope that he can help others to connect with the locations he takes them to.

The podcast delves deep into the emotional elements of Curtis’s work, giving listeners an insight into the sense of satisfaction derived from capturing ever-evolving scenes. The remote, sometimes harsh locations have a profound impact on Curtis as well as opening up opportunities for extraordinary images. Through Curtis you can experience the joys, the anxieties, and the liberating aspects of being an outdoor photographer. 

Joe & Curtis explore the difference it can make when photographers connect more with the location and why various “rules” and traditions of landscape photography can limit your art. They also discuss the different levels of enjoyment to be gained when sharing the locations that have refuelled them as introverts with groups of photographers and explorers. Whether you are an aspiring photographer or simply a nature enthusiast, this episode offers a very personal perspective on outdoor photography and the art of being ‘in the moment’.

Images © Curtis Jones (used here with permission)

Text & audio © Focused Professional 2024

Proudly sponsored by The Society of Photographers

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Join host Joe Lenton in episode 15 of the Focused Professional Podcast as he welcomes Terry Donnelly – an award-winning, multi-genre Master Photographer with over 250 international accolades. Hear how he has honed his abilities across a range of genres, avoiding being pigeon-holed into one type of subject.

We compare and contrast the skills and approach needed for sports and architectural photography – 2 of Terry’s main genres. Discover how you can get accredited as a professional football and rugby photographer like Terry. He loves his photography and feels privileged to get to chase the perfect moment in Premier League matches, revelling in the fast-paced action. 

Learn about Terry’s principles of maintaining high standards, putting clients first, and running a values-based photography business. Listen to him candidly share his thrill of overcoming challenges and his motivation to capture the perfect photograph, despite the anxieties stirred by the notorious imposter syndrome.

Ever wondered what a brand ambassador is and does? As a long-term ambassador for Sony, Rotolight and Fotospeed, Terry shares how it gives him opportunities to come alongside and help people at trade fairs as well as helping to promote the brands.

Terry inspires listeners to use their talent for effecting change and pursuing passion through photography. He also emphasises the value of competitions, awards and self-improvement projects in a photographer’s career. He has ambitious goals for his work, not least aiming to achieve the coveted “Photographer of the Year” title with the Society of Photographers. But his aims also go beyond trophies and certificates – he wants to make a significant contribution to red squirrel conservation and the air ambulance service. He helps us realise that photographs can be more than just spectacular images, they can be vehicles for significant societal change.

Images © Terry Donnelly (used here with permission)

Text & audio © Focused Professional 2024

Proudly sponsored by The Society of Photographers

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World-renowned portrait photographer Rachel Owen joins Joe on the Focused Professional podcast to share her experiences and the learning curve that led to her becoming a highly respected wedding photographer and international-award-winning composite artist. Rachel describes how she discovered her goals, aimed high and worked hard until she achieved her incredible success. She now helps other photographers along the journey, teaching and critiquing their work.

Over the years Rachel has professionally shot several different genres of portraits, including her latest main offering – bridal boudoir. Having experienced burnout, frustration at not reaching the standard she aspired to and then pivoting to keep herself sane, her story is one of perseverance, diversification and committed hard work that can inspire photographers going through hard times. She also speaks about some of her influences as an artist and how she came to work on projects with a message, such as her “Response” art book, inspired by the turmoil of the Covid pandemic. 

Reminding herself of the privileged position she is in, being chosen to photograph key moments in people’s lives, Rachel has a client-centred business focused on delivering the best she can. As an artist she isn’t afraid to break the rules and she thrives on the joy of creativity. Her playful side not only uses a range of items to convey metaphorical meaning, but she even hides elements in her images for the viewer to discover.

Rachel Owen is a photographer at the top of her game. Join us as she unveils her unique process for creating captivating photographic compositions, including how she turned a lack of space to her advantage – pushing her to hone her compositing skills which now allow her to create unique narrative images with depth of meaning.

Don’t miss the chance to learn from her experiences and insights in this episode!

Images © Rachel Owen (used here with permission)

Text & audio © Focused Professional 2024

Proudly sponsored by The Society of Photographers

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In this riveting 13th episode of the Focused Professional podcast, our host Joe Lenton interviews professional photography coach, Mark Rossetto. Get ready for a deep dive into marketing, the role of discipline, motivation and supportive community for building a successful photography business. Mark and Joe share their passion for nurturing the potential in photographers and helping them to run their business in a way that suits their personality. They highlight some of the essential structure we all need to have in place, while emphasising the flexibility with which we can work around that. 

Get insights into creating a unique and meaningful brand through consistent, active, and individualised marketing strategies. Mark & Joe offer advice for navigating common pitfalls and connecting with your target audience authentically. Great businesses don’t happen by accident. Photographers need to be willing to put in a lot of hard work to enjoy the benefits of a career in the industry and be wary of the temptation of apparent shortcuts.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to wrestle with what underpins a successful photography business and build your future in the photography industry.

Images © Mark Rossetto (used here with permission)

Text & audio © Focused Professional 2024

Proudly sponsored by The Society of Photographers

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Welcome to the 12th episode of the Focused Professional Podcast. This episode features the brilliant Renée Robyn, known for her world class photography and composite images. With 25+ years of experience in the industry, she has plenty of stories to tell! We explore some of the challenges of working for commercial clients, from pricing to rights management, NDAs, working to a brief and more.

Renee shares her journey towards the publication of her forthcoming book, recognising the importance of getting the right people on board for a great result. We discover how she developed a new product “15 minutes of Chaos” to adapt to a new market in her current situation and her ongoing search for a new studio to base herself at. 

Hear about Renee’s love for languages and how learning them is both a way for her to de-stress and to keep her brain healthy.  Listen to anecdotes about Canadian politeness, panicked discussions on Photoshop forums because of her cats and those difficult decisions when it comes to pleasing or potentially losing clients. Whether you are a seasoned professional, a photography enthusiast, or just enjoy stories about working in the photography industry, this podcast has it all.

Images © Renee Robyn (used here with permission) 

Text & audio © Focused Professional 2024

Proudly sponsored by The Society of Photographers

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