Kate Kirkman: Building Confidence and Evolving a Photography Business

SheClicks Women in Photography

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In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson speaks with Sony Imaging Ambassador Kate Kirkman, a multi-talented photographer known for her exceptional wedding, boudoir, portrait and commercial photography, as well as her more recent ventures into videography.
Kate opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her career, including her journey to mastering technical skills like flash photography, an achievement that significantly boosted her confidence and transformed her approach to shoots. She shares how this confidence has been instrumental in evolving her business and diversifying into new genres like video production.
Relocating to Cornwall in 2023 brought fresh opportunities and challenges for Kate and her husband Brent, who has also started lecturing in video at Falmouth University. Kate reflects on how building local connections and embracing community have helped establish a new foundation for their hybrid photography business while maintaining ties with clients across the UK.
Angela and Kate also delve into the growing importance of videography in photography businesses, discussing how they’ve adapted to meet client demands and integrate storytelling across both mediums.
Throughout the episode, Kate offers valuable insights into managing a photography business, from navigating imposter syndrome and balancing technical mastery with creative storytelling to maintaining a healthy work-life balance in a competitive industry.
Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or a seasoned professional, Kate’s candid reflections and practical advice will leave you inspired and motivated.
Listen now to discover how Kate Kirkman continues to evolve as a photographer, adapt to new challenges, and stay creatively inspired in a rapidly changing industry.
Connect with Kate
Kate Hopewell-Smith Photography
Muse Boudoir Photography
byLumiere
Instagram
Facebook
Sony
This podcast is supported by Sony, maker of class-leading camera equipment and cutting-edge technologies – like the Global Shutter in the Alpha 9 III which won the SheClicks 2024 Award for Innovation.
Takeaways
1. Master Your Craft
Building technical skills, such as mastering lighting or new techniques, can significantly boost your confidence and elevate your photography.
2. Adapt to New Environments
Relocating your business is challenging, but maintaining strong relationships and actively networking in your new community can create new opportunities.
3. Diversify Your Services
Incorporating videography or exploring new genres helps keep your business relevant and adaptable to client needs.
4. Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Recognise unfair comparisons and focus on personal growth rather than external perceptions to build self-confidence.
5. Streamline Your Workflow
Effective business management, including using tools for automation and organisation, is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
6. Embrace Lifelong Learning
Staying creative and inspired often requires continuous learning and embracing challenges, leading to personal and professional growth.

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Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Relocating the business to Cornwall (00:01:06)

3. Shooting more video (00:08:02)

4. What's exciting about photography and video at the moment? (00:12:23)

5. The Photography and Video Show 2025 (00:14:51)

6. Six from SheClicks (00:15:52)

7. Advice for aspiring photographers (00:16:36)

8. Navigating imposter syndrome in the photography business (00:23:29)

9. Becoming a 'preferred supplier' in wedding photography (00:28:56)

10. Getting time with the bride and groom for photography (00:31:07)

11. Balancing the technical requirements of photography with the creative (00:33:49)

12. Managing multiple businesses (00:39:17)