The Loud Lens: Photography's Middle Finger

A photographer once told me wedding photography was the lowest form of photography.Yeah… we need to talk about that.In this episode of The Loud Lens, we’re breaking down:Why wedding photography gets looked down onThe ego and hierarchy problem in the photography industryThe truth about skill, pressure, and responsibility in weddingsWhy poor-quality saturation is damaging perceptionAnd what ALL photographers can learn from thisBecause if you think wedding photography is “easy”… you’ve clearly never shot one.

If you’re a photographer struggling with Instagram engagement, low reach, or posting consistently without getting bookings—this episode is going to hit.We’re breaking down the truth about engagement pods, comment groups, and “support threads” in the photography industry—and why they might be the reason your content isn’t converting into paying clients.This isn’t just a rant. This is a deep dive into how Instagram actually works, including:How the algorithm learns who to show your content toWhy engagement from other photographers can limit your growthThe difference between likes and real client conversionHow audience targeting impacts your bookingsMore importantly—we get into what to do instead.You’ll learn how to:Create content that attracts real clients, not just photographersImprove your Instagram reach the right wayBuild engagement that actually leads to enquiriesShift your messaging to connect with your ideal audienceIf your content is getting likes but not bookings, or you feel stuck talking to the same people over and over again—this episode will show you exactly where you’re going wrong and how to fix it.

Photography isn’t dying, but it is confused. Between trends, social media, client expectations, and shifting ethics, no one seems to agree on what photography actually is anymore… or what it’s supposed to do. In this episode of The Loud Lens, we’re going deeper than surface-level debates. This is about the loss of clarity in the industry—why clients are confused, why photographers are copying each other, and why “just take good photos” isn’t enough anymore.

Photographers hear this all the time: "It’s unpaid… but you’ll get an amazing experience."In this episode of The Loud Lens, Khandie breaks down a real situation she faced this week — being offered a five-day overseas photography job with no pay.On the surface it sounded incredible: travel, a beautiful location, and an exciting retreat.But when you look closer?Five days of shooting quickly becomes two weeks of work once editing, delivery, preparation, and travel are factored in.And when the photography is being used to help a business attract paying clients, the question becomes unavoidable:Why is the photographer the only one expected to work for free?This episode dives into the mindset shift photographers must make when moving from hobbyist to business owner, including:• Why “exposure” is rarely real payment• The hidden workload behind destination photography jobs• Why international work involves more responsibility than people realise (insurance, experience, logistics)• The uncomfortable reaction you sometimes get when you say no• How to recognise when an opportunity benefits you… and when it’s simply unpaid labourIf you’ve ever been offered a “great opportunity” that didn’t include a pay cheque, this episode is for you.Because sometimes the most professional thing a photographer can say is:No.

You can be supportive, generous, and do everything “right”… and still end up as the villain in someone else’s story.In this episode of The Loud Lens, Khandie gets brutally honest about what it really means to be networked in the creative industry—and why visibility often comes with misunderstanding, misrepresentation, and straight-up playground politics.After being accidentally copied into an email thread where people were openly dismissing and laughing about her, Khandie breaks down the reality many photographers experience but rarely talk about:Why people create narratives about you (even when you’ve helped them)The psychology behind gossip, insecurity, and social positioningHow reputation is shaped in rooms you’re not inWhy being “nice” doesn’t protect you from criticismAnd how some creatives are building businesses… while others are still chasing validationThis isn’t about playing the victim.It’s about understanding the dynamics so they don’t control how you show up.Because the truth is—you can’t stop people talking.But you can decide whether it makes you shrink… or makes you sharper.🎙️ Expect blunt honesty, real industry examples, and the kind of conversation most people are too careful to have publicly.

Photographers are tired. Burnt out. Fed up of being asked for “just a few more images” or working around tiny budgets for massive expectations.But here’s the truth…It’s not just the clients. It’s how you’ve trained them.In this episode of The Loud Lens, I’m breaking down:Why apologetic language is quietly destroying your businessHow photographers blur the line between being “nice” and being walked all overThe real reason low-budget, high-demand clients keep finding youHow to separate YOU from your BUSINESS (and why that changes everything)And the blunt truth about photographers underpricing and dragging the industry downIf you’re exhausted from repeating yourself, bending your own rules, or feeling guilty for charging properly… this one’s for you.

If you’re constantly attracting low-budget enquiries, there’s something deeper happening than “people don’t value photography.”In this episode, I break down:– Why value is subjective– How buyer psychology actually works– What misalignment means in creative business– Why education doesn’t always convert– The difference between premium pricing and premium positioningThis isn’t about shaming budget clients.It’s about understanding markets, perception, and how to attract the right segment without resentment.Because the truth?You don’t need everyone to value you.You need alignment.

Let’s kill the martyr narrative in photography.You don’t get a badge for burnout.You don’t get a trophy for sticking it out.And “never quit” is not always good advice.In this deep dive, Khandie explores:• The psychology behind quitting• Why creatives stay too long• When persistence becomes self-sabotage• How to tell if you’re evolving or avoiding• What to ask yourself before walking awayIf you’ve been thinking about quitting something — a niche, a service, a platform, or even photography altogether — this episode will challenge you in the best way.This one might sting a little. Good.

Jealousy isn’t rare in photography. It’s constant.What’s rare? Emotional maturity.In this episode of The Loud Lens, I unpack the real psychology behind jealousy in creative industries, why it hits so hard, why social media amplifies it, and how scarcity thinking keeps photographers stuck.I’m answering a listener’s question honestly.Yes, I’ve felt it. Here’s what it taught me.This isn’t soft self-help.It’s strategic self-awareness.Because jealousy can either sharpen your ambition —or expose your insecurity.You choose.

You can photograph people in public. That’s the law.But should you?In this episode of The Loud Lens, we dive headfirst into one of the most heated debates in photography: shooting the homeless, photographing children, documenting vulnerability, and whether “raising awareness” is sometimes just ego in disguise.If a parent asked you why you need their child’s photo… could you justify it?If you claim you’re exposing social issues… where’s the action beyond your portfolio?We break down:Legal vs ethical responsibilityDocumentary tradition vs Instagram cultureThe busker tipping debate“Low hanging fruit” accusationsAnd where personal boundaries should sitBalanced. Honest. Uncomfortable. Let’s talk about it properly.

More photographers than ever are walking away from the industry — not because they’re untalented, but because they’re broke, burnt out, and stuck in oversaturated markets.In this episode of The Loud Lens, I answer a listener who’s on the edge of quitting photography and heading back to a 9–5. We break down what’s actually going wrong, the lies photographers are sold about success, and the business shifts that could change everything — or help you walk away without shame.If you’ve ever thought, “Is it just me?” — this one’s for you.In the episode I mention StudioNinja and so here is the link to that: Use this promo code: BANR82R315P478 and get 20% off your subscription. www.studioninja.co

At some point, being “just a photographer” stopped being enough.Now you’re expected to show up online, share constantly, build a following, stay relevant, and somehow keep your creativity intact — all while trying to attract clients, brands, and viewers who are quietly judging your legitimacy by your numbers.In this episode of The Loud Lens, Khandie gets brutally honest about the reality of sharing your work online. From the dopamine hit of likes and validation, to the burnout that follows, the pressure to perform creativity, and the emotional cost of visibility — this is a no-nonsense conversation for photographers who feel stuck between making work they love and playing the social media game.We talk about trolling, copycats, influencer culture, why having a following has become a weird form of credibility, and how marketing photography has fundamentally changed — for better and worse.If you’re new to photography and already overwhelmed, or you’ve been doing this long enough to feel jaded by ever-changing platforms, this episode is your reminder that you’re not imagining it — the pressure is real.And you’re not failing. You’re just navigating a system that was never built for artists.

They called me brave — but courage isn’t free.In this episode, Khandie talks openly about what it really costs to speak out in the photography industry. From being offered £100 to cover a fashion show with full usage rights, to calling out exploitative practices, bad behaviour, and industry nonsense that too many people quietly tolerate.This isn’t about being controversial for attention — it’s about having standards, boundaries, and integrity in a creative industry that often rewards silence over honesty.Khandie shares how speaking up has shut doors, lost opportunities, and made her “difficult”… but also how it’s opened better ones. Books, a loyal community, a reputation built on trust, and a platform rooted in consistency rather than clout.If you’ve ever been told to be grateful, keep quiet, or stop rocking the boat — this episode is for you.Blunt. Honest. Unapologetic.Welcome to The Loud Lens.

Photography has always been political — from war images and censored exhibitions to street photography, protest culture, and pop stars like Bad Bunny shaking up the Super Bowl.In this episode of The Loud Lens, Khandie breaks down why “neutral art” is a myth, how power controls which images get celebrated, and why opting out of activism is still a political choice.If you’ve ever been told to “keep politics out of your work,” this episode will make you uncomfortable — and that’s the point.

I recently spoke at a major photography event in London.Capital city. Big name. And yet… the room was quieter than I expected.This episode isn’t a rant, a drag, or an attack on any one event. It’s a much bigger conversation the photography industry keeps avoiding.Are photography events dying?Or are we quietly killing them by staying home while complaining that the industry feels disconnected, repetitive, and stale?In this episode of The Loud Lens, I deep dive into:Why so many photographers have stopped attending industry eventsThe real blockers: cost, timing, burnout, confidence, and valueWhy “it’s the same stuff every year” is both valid and dangerousHow online education has trained us to stay homeWhy not all events are created equal (and why some deserve criticism)What event organisers need to do better if they want to surviveAnd why choosing not to attend still has consequences for your career and the industry as a wholeI also talk openly about why I’m still saying yes to events, including speaking at The Photography & Video Show at the NEC, and why I believe these spaces matter if they evolve, attract new voices, and actually serve their audience.This is a real conversation about accountability on both sides.If events don’t attract new eyes, they won’t survive.And if photographers disengage entirely, we don’t get to complain when the industry gets quieter, smaller, and more out of touch.As always, I want to hear your take.Why did you stop going? And what would actually make you come back?

I was offered a paid brand deal — and I said no.Not because I hate working with brands.Not because I’m trying to look virtuous.But because I was asked to say I loved something I hadn’t tested or used in my real workflow.In this episode of The Loud Lens, I talk honestly about standards in online creation, the difference between influencers and real ambassadors, and why trust matters more than short-term campaigns.This isn’t a brand-bashing episode. It’s a conversation about credibility, long-term partnerships, and why honesty makes better marketing — for creators and brands.If you’re a creator feeling pressured to perform enthusiasm, or a brand looking for partners people actually believe, this one’s for you.

* I say pepper spray. I mean the gas used. Most people assume its pepper. Thats illegal in the UK. Photographing protests is one of the most powerful things a photographer can do — and one of the most dangerous.From the viral moment of a photographer throwing his Leica to another person as he was being kneeled on by police in the US, to increasing censorship, legal intimidation, and hostility toward cameras in public spaces, this episode of The Loud Lens tackles what it really means to document resistance in 2026.Khandie speaks from lived experience: being pepper sprayed, threatened, and paradoxically invited and resented by protestors to unpack the ethical, legal, and physical realities of photographing protests in the UK and the US.This isn’t a hype episode. It’s a hard‑hitting, safety‑first, anti‑censorship conversation about power, responsibility, and knowing when the image is worth the risk — and when it isn’t.This episode covers:The real dangers photographers face at protestsLegal rights (and grey areas) in the UK vs the USWhy protest photography matters — even when it’s uncomfortableWhen photographers become the storySafety, ethics, censorship, and survivalStrong language. Strong opinions. Real talk.

What happens when photographers get too comfortable online?In this episode of The Loud Lens, Khandie dives into the most unhinged, out-of-pocket, and jaw-dropping confessions photographers openly admit in Facebook groups, comment sections, and behind-the-scenes industry spaces.From leaving weddings early.To turning up hungover…To openly admitting they hate their clients…Yes — photographers are really saying this out loud.This is a confessional-style episode exploring the wild side of photography culture, oversharing, burnout, influencer normalisation, and the behaviours that quietly damage trust between photographers and clients.Expect dark humour, brutal honesty, and real talk about:Photographer confessions and unprofessional behaviourWedding photography red flags clients never seeBurnout vs accountability in creative businessesBoundary issues photographers normaliseHow “relatable content” is eroding industry trustThis episode isn’t about naming names — it’s about recognising patterns, calling out nonsense, and asking why this behaviour keeps getting validated.⚠️ Content Warning: Strong language, uncomfortable truths, second-hand embarrassment.

Photographers love to say Facebook is dead.It isn’t.They’re just using it like Instagram — and that’s the problem.In this episode of The Loud Lens, photographer, author, and industry speaker Khandie Rees explains how Facebook actually works for photographers, why it’s one of the strongest trust-building platforms available, and how it quietly converts clients when used correctly.This episode covers:Why Facebook is a relationship platform, not a discovery oneWhat Facebook reach and interaction really meanHow trust is built through familiarity and conversationWhy business pages matter more than you thinkHow photographers misuse Facebook groupsReal examples of Facebook content that works for wedding, family, boudoir, and commercial photographersWhich Facebook stats actually matter — and which don’tIf Instagram introduces potential clients to you, Facebook often reassures them that you’re the right choice.This episode explains how — without chasing trends, virality, or burnout.

Evoto’s AI headshot feature sparked intense backlash — not just because of AI, but because of how trust, transparency, and communication were handled.In this episode of The Loud Lens, Khandie examines publicly visible product features, marketing language, and industry reaction to unpack why photographers felt blindsided — and what this moment reveals about the fragile relationship between tech platforms and creative professionals.This is not an accusation or an anti-AI rant.It’s a measured discussion about perception, responsibility, and why how innovation is introduced matters.

Why Instagram Isn’t Working for Your Photography Business (And It’s Not the Algorithm)Instagram isn’t dead — but the way most photographers use it absolutely is.In this episode of The Loud Lens, photographer, author, and industry speaker Khandie Rees breaks down the biggest social media pitfalls photographers fall into on Instagram — from follow-for-follow and engagement pods to chasing viral reach with zero business return.This isn’t another “post more Reels” episode.Instead, Khandie explains what Instagram terms actually mean in plain English, including:What “viral reach” really is (and why it rarely leads to bookings)What Instagram considers real interaction vs surface-level noiseHow photographers actually build trust on social mediaWhat showing authority looks like without becoming salesy or arrogantWhy likes and followers don’t equal clientsWhich Instagram stats actually matter for service-based photographersIf you’re a photographer using Instagram to grow a business — not just a following — this episode will help you stop chasing tactics and start using the platform with clarity and intent.🎙️ Next episode: why Facebook works completely differently for photographers — and why most people get that wrong too.

Photography courses and mentors are everywhere right now from Instagram ads and free webinars to high-ticket masterminds and group coaching programmes.In this episode of The Loud Lens, photographer and mentor Khandie Rees takes a calm, honest look at the rise of photography education and what photographers should actually check before spending their money.This isn’t an anti-course episode but a reality check. We talk about how to assess photography courses and mentors properly, how to spot smoke-and-mirrors marketing, and how to tell the difference between ethical education and overpromising sales funnels.You’ll learn:What questions to ask before buying a photography course or mentorship How income claims and testimonials can be misleading without contextThe difference between learning from a working photographer vs a full-time educatorWhen mentorship can genuinely help your photography business growHow to avoid pressure-based sales tactics and rushed decisionsIf you’re a beginner photographer, a hobbyist looking to go professional, or a working photographer considering investing in education, this episode will help you make informed decisions — without shame, hype, or fear of missing out.The Loud Lens is a blunt, honest photography podcast for creatives who want transparency, better business practices, and real conversations about the industry.

This is allegedly as the issue is ongoing and is my opinions. A US photographer as been issued a cease and desist by Amy Louise Taylor of Amyl and the Sniffers over the alleged exploitation of her image — and photographers everywhere should be paying attention.In this episode of The Loud Lens, Khandie Rees breaks down the lawsuit without hype, without misinformation, and without legal myths. We explore the difference between owning copyright and having the right to commercially exploit someone’s image, why “editorial use only” actually matters, and how photographers keep getting caught out by contracts, consent, and the digital afterlife of images.This isn’t celebrity gossip — it’s a real-world cautionary lesson for photographers who sell prints, promote work online, shoot editorial, or assume that pressing the shutter gives them unlimited rights.Topics covered:Copyright vs licensing vs consent (UK vs US explained)GDPR and whether it applies to photographs in the UKWhy “fine art” doesn’t magically bypass legal responsibilityThe biggest legal myths photographers still believeHow to protect yourself, your clients, and your reputationBlunt, informed, and unapologetically honest — this episode is required listening for photographers who want to stay professional in a rapidly changing digital and legal landscape.

Every January, photographers swear this will be the year everything changes: more bookings, better clients, more money, less burnout. And every year… most of them end up exactly where they started.In this episode of The Loud Lens, Khandie Rees delivers a brutally honest New Year reality check for photographers who are tired of spinning their wheels. This isn’t a motivational pep talk. It’s a deep dive into why most photography goals fail, why talent isn’t the problem, and why behaviour — not mindset — is what actually holds photographers back.We talk about the illusion of progress, why goal-setting without systems is pointless, how overconsumption of courses and content becomes procrastination, and what real change actually looks like in a photography business.If you’re a photographer heading into 2026 feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated — this episode will either wake you up or piss you off. Possibly both.This episode is for photographers who are ready to stop lying to themselves and start doing the work.

Clients don’t just ask for photos — sometimes they ask for tax fraud, fake invoices, unpaid labour, and “just one more thing” until the job triples.\n\nIn this episode of The Loud Lens, Khandie reads real, anonymised submissions from photographers who’ve been put in wildly uncomfortable positions by clients — from being asked to take work off the books, to cash “discounts”, to turning up for one shoot and being expected to deliver sixty different images. This isn’t about bashing clients. It’s about why these requests happen, why saying yes is dangerous, and how photographers can set boundaries without tanking their reputation. If you’ve ever agreed to something that made your stomach drop, stayed quiet to avoid conflict or wondered if you were the problem. This episode is for you.🎙️ Expect blunt truth, real examples, and practical scripts you can actually use.

Are you tired of shelling out cash for “business events” that feel more like cult meetings than actual marketing?In this brutally honest episode of The Loud Lens, Khandie tears into the world of networking breakfasts, empowerment brunches, “boss babe summits,” and overpriced marketing retreats — exposing exactly why so many photographers walk away inspired… but still broke.You’ll learn:How to spot a scammy marketing event before you waste your moneyThe psychological tricks organisers use to pressure you into buyingRed flags that scream “this room is not for you”What REAL business events look like (the ones where actual clients hang out)How to choose events that actually lead to bookings, partnerships, and growthWhy so many people running marketing events aren’t running real businessesAnd how photographers keep getting sucked into the hypeThis is NOT another fluffy “networking is important” episode.This is a deep dive into the marketing industry’s weirdest psychology, fakest gurus, and biggest money pits — and a practical guide to choosing events that actually move your photography business forward.Perfect for:Photographers who are sick of wasting time, sick of being sold to, and ready to market smarter rather than louder.Listen now, take notes, and stop funding other people’s delusions of grandeur.

A recent Vanity Fair photoshoot of the Trump administration sparked backlash — not for policy, but for appearance. In this episode of The Loud Lens, photographer and author Khandie Rees digs into the ethics of realism in photography, misogyny disguised as critique, and why audiences are deeply uncomfortable with unfiltered imagery. Is it wrong to show people as they actually appear? Or are we so conditioned by filters, PR imagery, and political branding that reality now feels like an attack? This episode explores portrait ethics, power, consent, editorial intent, and the responsibility of photographers working in political and documentary spaces.

One year.Dozens of rants.Millions of opinions.And somehow The Loud Lens became one of Spotify’s top-shared and most-talked-about shows of 2025.In this anniversary special, I break down what actually happened this year: the wins, the setbacks, the trolls, the breakthroughs — and why I’m only just getting started.

Photographers! the 2025 UK Budget is about to f*ck with your profits. Hard. If you drive to shoots, run a studio, rely on freelance income or price your work like it’s still 2022, you need this episode.We break down how frozen tax thresholds, rising petrol and travel costs, overhead inflation, business-rates changes, and pension restrictions will hit creative businesses. More importantly: you’ll learn what to do NOW to stop your photography business bleeding money next year.Blunt, honest, and essential listening for any UK photographer wanting to survive 2026. This is just my opinion and I urge you to seek advice from qualified professionals, not just some random loud mouth on the internet ok!?

Gear Acquisition Syndrome — GAS — is ruining photographers.Not because gear is bad, but because we’re being sold the lie that the next camera, lens, or shiny upgrade will magically fix our work, our confidence, or our careers. Spoiler: it won’t.In this brutally honest Loud Lens episode, Khandie Rees gets real about the psychology, marketing manipulation, and industry bullshit driving photographers into unnecessary upgrades, debt, and disappointment.She shares her own journey — from shooting her first magazine front cover on a Nikon D90, to slowly upgrading through a D7000, a D750, and now mirrorless — all without falling for hype or ego traps.You’ll learn:🔥 Why clients don’t give a single hoot what camera you use🔥 How to tell when you’re upgrading out of need vs insecurity🔥 The toxic marketing cycle that keeps photographers feeling “behind”🔥 Why second-hand gear is smart business, not a downgrade🔥 How GAS is actually a confidence issue, not a gear issue🔥 The questions you must ask before dropping cash on new kit🔥 Why skills will always beat specs — alwaysIf you’ve ever said “I’ll be able to deliver better work once I upgrade”…This is the episode you need.And it might just save you a LOT of money.Got your own GAS horror story or your proudest old-camera achievement?

Struggling with bookings? This episode dives into how photographers can use December to boost visibility, prep their marketing, refresh their portfolio, and build strong client pipelines for January. Practical, blunt, and packed with actionable steps.

Everyone’s banging on about “elevating the client experience,” but let’s be honest — most of you don’t actually know what that means. It’s not props, coffee bars, or buzzwords. It’s clarity, communication, and giving a damn from first message to final gallery. In this episode, Khandie rips the fluff off the phrase and breaks down how to actually give your clients a professional experience worth paying for.#marketing #photography #photobusiness

What happens when you get sick and you’re self-employed?In this brutally honest episode, Khandie Rees breaks down how photographers can protect themselves from financial and reputational disaster when illness strikes. From contract clauses and client communication to backup plans and insurance — this is the unsexy but essential stuff that keeps your business alive.🎙 Listen now on The Loud Lens — because pretending you’ll never get sick isn’t a business plan.

Most clients don’t know the bloody difference between a good photo and a strategic photo.And honestly? A lot of photographers don’t either.In this brutally honest episode of The Loud Lens, Khandie Rees tears into one of the biggest creative industry blind spots: why “pretty” doesn’t always perform. From influencers chasing aesthetics that don’t sell, to business clients who want Vogue when they need LinkedIn credibility. We’re unpacking why beautiful photos can still be bad strategy.Expect real talk, real examples, and a bit of tough love about how to stop being “just a photographer” and start being a visual strategist.Whether you shoot branding, portraits, or creative campaigns — this episode will change how you think about your camera, your pricing, and your purpose.👀 In this episode:The brutal truth about why “nice” photos don’t always make moneyHow to educate clients (without doing free marketing work)When to say no to ideas that won’t serve their brandReal-world examples from influencer shoots, business headshots & rebrandsHow to shift from “good photo” to strategic photography💬 Join the discussion: Is your biggest client challenge explaining this difference — or are we the problem? Tell me your story in The Loud Lens Facebook group📸 Follow Khandie on YouTube & Instagram for BTS, mentoring, and more blunt truths about running a creative business that actually pays.

Everyone’s crying that bookings are slow, but few are actually doing the one thing that gets clients — pitching.In this episode, Khandie dives into the real talk behind pitching your photography to businesses — from understanding what brands actually want, to writing an email that doesn’t sound desperate, to why sitting around waiting for “discovery” is the fastest way to go broke.Whether you’re in Northampton or New York, the truth’s the same: followers don’t pay your bills — clients do.And the photographers who treat pitching like marketing (not begging) are the ones still standing when everyone else is panicking.If you’ve ever said “I just need more visibility,” this episode’s your wake-up call.It’s time to be seen — because you made them look.🎧 Listen now for a no-fluff breakdown on how to pitch, who to pitch to, and how to stop underselling your damn self.Grab tickets for the BIPP bash here: https://www.bipp.com/the-bipp-big-bash-2025/#TheLoudLens #PhotographyBusiness #FreelanceLife #PitchLikeAPro #CreativeEntrepreneur #PhotographerMindset #UKPhotography #BusinessOfPhotography #MarketingForPhotographers

Every photographer and their bloody ring light is selling Christmas Minis right now — but are you actually making money, or just burning out for mince pie money? In this episode, Khandie rips open the truth about mini sessions: how to market them properly, why most photographers get them wrong, and how to make real profit without wrecking your sanity.She dives into pricing, burnout, scarcity marketing, and how to upsell products the smart way (including her collab with my-picture.co.uk, who make affordable, UK-made products perfect for your festive sessions — use code Khandie15 for 15% off).If you’re planning Christmas Minis, this is your festive wake-up call. Brutal honesty, real maths, and no bullshit.🎧 Listen now and learn how to shoot smarter, sell better, and stop being Santa’s underpaid elf.

Struggling to get clients? Feel like your photography business is invisible?In this episode, I’m breaking down EXACTLY how I’d market my photography business right now if I was flat broke, had no clients, and no budget — just pure hustle and strategy.This is a real, blunt, no fluff 7-day plan that actually works in 2025 — especially if you’re a UK-based photographer trying to build your name locally.We’re talking:💬 Using Facebook groups without being spammy🤝 How to collaborate with purpose🎯 Turning your personality into free marketing🧠 Creating content that builds trust, not just likes💣 Building real momentum when you’ve got no money.#marketing #photography

Congratulations! You’ve been selected as one of the Top 50 Visionary Creative Innovators of 2025!…Just send us £250 and we’ll email your certificate.Yeah. We’re going there. In this episode of The Loud Lens, I’m calling out the bullshit behind pay-to-play photography awards, the fake prestige machine, and the obsession with being “award-winning.” Let’s talk about the money, the ego, and the marketing spin — and whether buying your own applause is ever worth it.

It’s been one year since I wrote Take The F*cking Lens Cap Off* . The book that pissed some people off, empowered others, and reminded me exactly who the hell I am.In this honest anniversary episode, I’m unpacking why I wrote it, what it cost me, and why I’m still not going anywhere. This is my love letter to the loud, the defiant, and every creative who’s ever been told to stay small.We’re talking naysayers, growth, authenticity, and taking up space in an industry that still pretends to be polite. Consider this your wake-up call — and your reminder that no one’s coming to save your dream.If you needed a sign to stand up, speak out, and take the damn lens cap off… this is it.#TheLoudLens #KhandieRees # photography #CreativeBusiness #PhotographerLife #UnfilteredPhotography #CreativeRevolution #NoGatekeeping #WomenInPhotography #RealTalkCreative #BluntTruths #OwnYourVoice

Specially requested episode from The Loud Lens facebook group. How do you market your photography business when you have no money and very few clients. So after some thought and planning, here is a 7 day plan that might help. I hope it does. I dont have all the answers but this HAS worked for me before. Feel free to request any episodes yourself and let me see if you impliment any of the tips!#photography #marketing #free

I only went and got myself another swanky guest! This time it is Matt Curtis who is an award winning photographer and big deal at The BIPP who is massive believer in heirloom photography work over the dispoable imagery the algorithm seems to thrive on. Have prints had their day or should we push them more?Find out more about Matt here:www.mattcurtisphotography.comwww.facebook.com/mattcurtisphotographyhttps://www.instagram.com/mattcurtisphotographyGrab tickets for the BIPP Big Bash 2025: https://www.bipp.com/the-bipp-big-bash-2025/

When a viral reel exposed a supplier perplexed over a photographer charging £150 for image use/access, the internet split. But beneath the outrage lies a bigger issue: GDPR, contracts, copyright, and the messy expectations between suppliers at weddings. In this episode, Khandie Rees breaks down the reality of who owns what, why photographers charge, and why your business needs to understand usage rights before you kick off on Instagram.

I will admit that resetting yourself in business is so important but what actually does that mean? Is it another cliche buzzword some self professed social media guru is gonna sell me an overhyped overpriced course about? Nah its a legit thing. In this episode of The Loud Lens, Khandie talks about how she resets to keep her business mind sharpe and her work on track.

He started out filming tutorials in his garage and now works with Adorama, runs sold-out workshops, and collaborates with some of the biggest names in photography. But being a photography educator isn’t the same as being a working photographer.In this episode, I sit down with my mate Gavin Hoey to get real about:Why he swapped shooting jobs for teaching thousands onlineThe difference between pleasing clients vs. pleasing audiencesWhat big brands really expect from educatorsThe burnout, the critics, and the “you’re not a real photographer” brigadeWhether free tutorials have wrecked photography educationThis isn’t your usual polished interview. Expect honesty, laughs, and a few hard truths about what it takes to build a career teaching photography in 2025.Follow Gavin:YoutubeAdoramaInstagram#gavinhoey #teaching #photography

Forget funnels, forget boosted posts. I’ve promoted my photography business in some seriously weird ways — and shockingly, they worked. From offering ‘just in case’ portraits after seeing a missing child poster with a bloody Snapchat filter, to running a Pay What You Can day where people literally paid me in cake, I’m lifting the lid on the marketing experiments that got me remembered.This isn’t marketing fluff. It’s scrappy, human, and it proves one thing: weird bloody works.Hit play and maybe you’ll find the guts to try something unconventional in your own business.Tickets for BIPP photo event in November 2025 https://www.bipp.com/the-bipp-big-bash-2025/Images of the rubbish https://khandiephotography.pixieset.com/press-khandie/

Think the only way to make money as a photographer is by pressing the shutter? Bollocks. In this episode of The Loud Lens, I rip apart the myth that your camera is your only money-maker.From selling digital products, running workshops, and teaching, to building communities, affiliate partnerships, and even monetising your bloody personality — I’m breaking down every way you can earn without taking a single photo.I’ll share real examples, my own experiences building books, mentoring, and this podcast, and give you the blunt truth about diversifying your income.Because here’s the real talk: if your entire business collapses the second you put the camera down, you don’t have a business — you’ve got a hobby.👉 DM me or join The Loud Lens Facebook group to share the weirdest way you’ve made money without a camera — I might read it on a future episode.#Find out about my mentoring here: https://www.khandiephotography.com/1-on-1-mentoring-with-khandie-photography/#makemoney #photography #mentoring

AI is creeping into the fashion industry but what happens when it starts to erase real people? In this episode, I break down how AI models and AI-generated imagery could impact plus-size fashion, diversity, and even the jobs of photographers, stylists, and creative directors.The fashion world already struggles with inclusivity. Plus-size bodies, disabled bodies, and people of colour are often treated as token gestures, not the norm. Now AI threatens to amplify those biases. Then creating a world where representation disappears altogether.As seen on ITV News, I’m speaking out about why fashion without humans isn’t fashion at all. It’s pixels of a biased, unworldly ideal.👉 Listen in for a blunt, honest take on:Why AI is biased against plus-size and diverse bodiesThe economic impact on fashion professionalsHow the industry risks losing its cultural soul to pixelsFashion needs humans—not just algorithms.

Rainy season and no studio? Stop panicking. In this Loud Lens episode, Khandie Rees goes in hard on survival strategies for photographers who don’t have an indoor space. From hiring studios the smart way (and marketing them so you don’t lose cash), to shooting in client homes or alternative locations, plus ways to keep money flowing when it’s too cold or wet outside — this is your blunt, no-nonsense guide to running a business without blaming the weather. Expect tough love, sharp tips, and a bit of humour to keep you moving.

This isn’t a hate fest on amateur photographers — we all start somewhere. But some amateurs? They just can’t be told. They leap into pro work without the skills, refuse critique, and confuse mates’ compliments with client-level quality. In this episode, I dig into the psychology behind it — from the Dunning–Kruger effect to social media dopamine hits, and even why some men can’t handle being corrected by women in this industry.If you’ve ever wondered why some photographers crash and burn, or how arrogance drags the whole industry down, this is the blunt truth you need to hear. And if you’re an amateur who listens, learns, and works hard — don’t worry, this isn’t about you. It’s about the ones who think they’re pros before they’re ready#PhotographyPodcast #DunningKruger #AmateurToPro #PhotographyBusiness #TheLoudLens

Everyone’s obsessed with going viral—but what happens when your business becomes all about chasing likes instead of serving clients? In this brutally honest episode of The Loud Lens, I dive into why so many photographers (especially here in the UK) are gambling on virality as their main marketing strategy—and why it’s a dangerous trap.We’ll get into:🔥 The good side of going viral (extra revenue streams, ad deals, visibility)🔥 The ugly side (burnout, forgotten clients, unsustainable business)🔥 Why trend-watching matters—and how to use tools like Google Trends, YouTube Trends, TikTok, and Instagram Explore to stay relevant without selling your soul🔥 Real examples of creators who won big—and those who crashed hardIf you’re a new photographer or struggling with your marketing, this episode will slap you with the reality check you need. Going viral is fun—but it’s not a business model.#photographypodcast #theloudlens #ukphotographers #viralcontent #photographybusiness