The Unfiltered Lens

What happens when you ask chat gpt if you're the best photographer and it says no? In this episode, I’m sharing what happened when I asked ChatGPT who the best wedding photographer in Rutland was, and why I didn’t show up. It opened up a much bigger conversation about SEO, online visibility and what it really means to grow a wedding photography business in a crowded market.I talk honestly about the tension between creativity and strategy, and how easy it is to assume that strong work alone should make you discoverable. It doesn’t. SEO matters, but not at the expense of your brand or the type of clients you want to attract.This episode breaks down the practical steps I’m taking to refine my online presence, improve my wedding photography SEO, and make sure my work is seen by the people it speaks to most. It’s a grounded look at how to balance artistry with smart marketing, and how to build a photography business that grows with intention rather than noise.If you’ve ever questioned your place in the industry, this one will ground you.💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.And before you go some goodies for you:If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free monthPicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

Season 2 opens with the conversation I needed to have the moment the lights went down. After months off the mic and one of the biggest creative pushes of my career, I wanted to talk honestly about what it took to prepare and deliver my Nine Dots talk.I’m joined by Frances Foster, a friend, peer and fellow speaker who walked the same path, carried the same pressure and stood on the same stage.This is the debrief no one shares. The weeks of uncertainty. The last minute click. The internal noise. The five minutes before walking on. The moment you realise the room is with you. And the aftermath that hits harder than you expect.If you’ve ever wondered what speaking at an industry event really demands, or you’re considering doing it yourself one day, this conversation is the closest you’ll get without standing under the lights.Season 2 starts here.💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.AND this season - all episodes are available to watch over on ⁠Youtube⁠⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.And before you go some goodies for you:If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free monthPicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

In this episode, I discuss the concept of digital hoarding, reflecting on my experiences and the impact it has on creativity and productivity. It’s really about importance of taking action rather than accumulating saved content, and I’ll share strategies to combat digital hoarding, encourage you to trust your instincts and focus on creating rather than saving.💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.And before you go some goodies for you:If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free monthPicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

In this episode, I open up about the quiet wave of copying that's been sweeping through creative industries. I've experienced firsthand the frustration of seeing my work and ideas copied, and the emotional impact it has. From photographers to small business owners, many of us face the challenge of copycats. I share my personal journey through the anger and existential questions about originality and authenticity. Despite these challenges, I've found ways to reclaim my voice and continue creating from a place of inner clarity. Join me as I explore the fine line between inspiration and imitation, and why it's crucial to stay true to your unique vision.💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.And before you go some goodies for you:If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free monthPicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

In this episode, I sit down with award-winning celebrant Louise Gather of KickAss Gatherings to unpack why content that copies, conforms or hides behind trends is killing connection — and what to do instead. We talk honestly about marketing, being visible without selling out, and the difference between creating content and chasing validation.From the value of delayed wedding recaps to the myth of the algorithm, this is a no-fluff, unfiltered take on what it really means to stand out as a creative in the wedding industry. No templates. No ego. Just clarity, guts, and a reminder that your voice is your brand.💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.And before you go some goodies for you:If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free monthPicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

Are you posting to get booked—or to get clapped for?In this episode of The Unfiltered Lens, I’m calling out the messy truth most photographers avoid: you're probably stuck in a loop of posting only what looks good, not what actually sells your service.But you don't have to choose between posting for praise or for clients. You need both! I’ll walk you through how to balance your feed so it connects and converts, using my three go-to content pillars. And also suggest how to create your own. No fluff, no ego - just a real look at what actually works.🎯 You’ll learn:The difference between content that builds brand vs. content that booksThe 3 types of posts every wedding photographer should be cyclingHow to stop second-guessing what to share and start posting with purposeLet’s make your content do the damn job.💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.And before you go some goodies for you:If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free monthPicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

In this episode I am joined by Amanda from Amanda Steele Flowers ( @amandasteeleflowers ) and we get into the real stuff behind floristry and the wedding industry — from building genuine client relationships to the pressures of social media and keeping up with trends. We talk about why education matters, how content creators are changing the game, and what the future might look like with AI in the mix. It’s a grounded, honest chat about the reality of growing a creative business today.💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.And before you go some goodies for you:If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free monthPicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

You're not broken. You're seasonal.Balance is one of the most misused words in the creative business world—especially in wedding season, when your workload triples and your energy plummets. So let’s drop the pressure and get honest.In this episode of The Unfiltered Lens, we unpack:Why daily or weekly balance doesn’t work in a seasonal businessHow to reframe your expectations to match your actual rhythmThe root of creative guilt—and how to move through itSustainable strategies that support you through the chaos, not just outside of itYou’re not meant to be operating at full capacity all year. You’re allowed to work in cycles. You’re allowed to rest without earning it. You’re allowed to build systems that suit your season—not someone else’s idea of consistency.This isn’t about perfection. It’s about clarity, self-trust, and learning to grow without grinding yourself into the ground.💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginafernandesphotography/ I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.And before you go some goodies for you:If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free monthPicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

You’ve heard the phrase “community over competition” a hundred times but what does it actually mean in real life? In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and fellow creative Sarah Carter, and we chat honestly about comparison, connection, and how the whole ‘support your peers’ vibe works when we’re all trying to grow our own thing.No fluff, no filters - just a real conversation about the highs, lows, and grey areas of community in the creative world.Expect laughs, honesty, and maybe a little calling-out of the performative stuff we all see online.👉 Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahcarterphotography/🎙️ New episodes every Friday – follow the pod so you don’t miss one!💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.And before you go some goodies for you:If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free monthPicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

Sometimes it’s cliquey AF—and that’s okay.We hear it everywhere: community over competition. But behind the pastel quotes and group selfies, the wedding industry can be cliquey, exclusive, and low-key performative. And if you’ve ever felt on the outside of it—you’re not imagining it.In this episode of The Unfiltered Lens, we unpack:The unspoken social ladders in the industryWhy “community” is often more aesthetic than actionHow to stop tying your value to being includedWhat real support actually looks likeAnd why not being in the cool club might be your biggest strengthThis one’s for the creatives who feel like they’re orbiting spaces they can’t quite access. You're not the problem. You’re just waking up to the gap between branding and reality.💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ginafernandesphotography/ I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.And before you go some goodies for you:If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free monthPicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

We need to talk about what’s happening on wedding days.In this episode, I unpack the rising pressure to create and share content—immediately—and how it’s starting to chip away at the actual experience couples are meant to be having. From florists filming first looks, to planners posting private vows, to guests watching the day through their phones... content fatigue is real. And it’s not just affecting clients, it’s affecting us too.This isn’t a takedown. It’s a call-in. A reminder of the line between documentation and exploitation—and how easy it is to cross when we’re chasing relevance over reverence.I’m sharing:Why sneak peeks aren’t always the service we think they areHow unplugged ceremonies may have accidentally created space for content creatorsThe emotional toll of being expected to post instantlyWhat we, as creatives, can do to protect the sanctity of the dayAnd five tangible ways to shift how we approach weddings moving forwardIf you’ve ever felt uncomfortable with how performative weddings are becoming, or questioned your own role in the race to post—this one’s for you.💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.And before you go some goodies for you:If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free monthPicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREEwedding industry | content fatigue | social media | wedding memories | unplugged ceremonies | photography | wedding suppliers | content sharing |wedding planning |emotional moments |

Feeling stuck, blocked, or like you're constantly at war with yourself? You are so not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Emma – a Therapeutic Coach and Advanced Hypnotherapist who helps women and creatives reclaim their freedom, joy, and alignment.We dive into the invisible “boxes” we’ve been put in, how to break out of them, and what it really takes to rebuild your life from a place of deep self-trust. If you've been living by someone else’s rules, struggling with creative burnout, or secretly craving a big change – this one’s for you.🔗 We talk about:Why self-trust is so hard (and how to start rebuilding it)How to spot when you’re stuck in a mental boxThe difference between alignment and conditioned successThe truth behind fear, guilt, and the pull to change your life🎧 Press play – and prepare to feel seen.You can find Emma over on instagram under: @emmahumphreycoachingand: https://emmahumphreycoaching.com/You can find me over on Instagram: @ginafernandesphotography If you enjoyed this episode, please take a second to leave a quick review – it genuinely helps more than you think. Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.And before you go – if you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year.

In this bonus, last minute (and slightly chaotic) episode of The Unfiltered Lens, I hand the mic over to two very special guests — my kids! They ask the questions, I do my best to answer, and together we explore what it’s really like to be a photographer, business owner, and parent all rolled into one.This unscripted chat is full of honest moments, unexpected laughs, and a reminder of why I do what I do.Whether you’re a parent, a creative, or just here for a more personal peek behind the scenes, this one’s for you.

If you've ever blamed a "saturated market" for why your work isn't being seen — this one's for you. In this episode, I share what I’ve learned about standing out in a sea of talent, why bold voices book better than safe ones, and the truth about why playing small won’t protect you. It’s not about shouting louder — it’s about showing up as you. Unfiltered, magnetic, and unforgettable.💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.And before you go some goodies for you:If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free monthPicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

Boudoir photography isn’t just about lace and poses - it’s about confidence, power, and flipping the script on how we see ourselves. In this episode, I’m joined by Esther, a wedding & boudoir photographer who’s on a mission to help people feel fierce as hell in their own skin.We get into how Esther creates a safe space for clients, what really goes on behind the scenes, and why this genre is about so much more than sex appeal. We also talk about finding your ‘why,’ and building a business that feels aligned is the key to longevity. You can find Esther over on @essieloutriffittphotography💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography - I also have a broadcast channel set up just for this podcast.⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way! It genuinely helps more than you think. And if you know another photographer who’d love this convo, share it with them or stick it on your Instagram Stories.Got a topic you want me to cover or a guest you’d love to hear from? Drop me a message – I’m always open to ideas.And before you go some goodies for you: If you're not already using Studio Ninja for your client management, I’ve got a cheeky little code for you: use GFNINJA to get 50% off your first year. Game changer!!Editing photos can take up a lot of time, but AfterShoot simplifies the culling & editing process, letting you focus on the creative side. It’s magic and no wonder they have a magical unicorn as their logo!USE CODE: GINAFERN10 for 10% off after your 1st free monthPicTime helps you create personalised galleries that impress clients and bring in extra income through print sales.USE CODE: VAY4PQ for your first month FREE

Can you really call yourself a luxury wedding supplier if you've never experienced luxury service yourself? In this episode of The Unfiltered Lens, I'm cutting through the fluff to talk about what luxury really means and why just slapping the word on your website isn’t going to cut it.Whether you're a photographer, planner, florist or stylist trying to break into the high-end space, we’re digging into client psychology, real-life examples, and why observing luxury service in action might be the missing link in your business.No gatekeeping - just honest perspective. Let’s get into it.🗳 Spotify poll: Do you think you can serve a luxury market without ever experiencing it yourself? 💬 DM me your thoughts on Instagram @ginanfernandesphotography⭐️ Like the episode? A quick review goes a long way!

Are you actually fully booked… or just smart with your marketing? 👀 In this episode, I’m diving into the wedding industry’s favourite passive-aggressive drama: the so-called “fake fully booked” strategy.We’re talking about the blurred line between confidence and deception, why looking busy works (even if your calendar isn’t bursting), and how to build genuine momentum that brings in real bookings, without lying.Because spoiler alert: sounding in demand isn’t shady. It’s survival. If you’re tired of tiptoeing around your availability in case someone judges you? This one's your permission slip to back yourself boldly.🎧 Listen now & step into your booked-and-busy energy.

Here’s the truth most people won’t say out loud: we’re all winging it. In this episode, I’m talking about the myth of having it all figured out, and why waiting to feel “legit” is one of the biggest things that keeps us stuck.From photographers to business owners to creatives in general—imposter syndrome hits hard, but the secret is… nobody really knows what they’re doing. And actually? That’s kind of freeing.So if you’ve been feeling behind or like you're faking it, this one's a reminder that you’re more normal than you think.

Let’s be honest, waiting to feel “ready” is a trap. In this first episode, I’m diving into the messy truth about starting before you’ve figured it all out. Whether it’s launching a podcast, putting yourself out there as a creative, or saying yes to something that scares the hell out of you… this is your sign to stop waiting for permission.There’s power in winging it. There’s growth in showing up unsure. And there’s freedom in finally getting started.

Today marks season two of The Unfiltered Lens. New cover art, fresh headspace, same intention. This space is where I get to talk honestly about the wedding industry, creativity, and the parts of this job we don’t always say out loud.We’re in the winter stretch of the wedding calendar. Everything drops into a quieter rhythm. It’s the season where most of us go inward. We reflect, we recalibrate, we hibernate a little. But it’s also the best moment to set direction. Small goals, big goals, the ones you’ve ignored all year. Winter gives you room to think. Use it.Across this season I’ll be releasing two episodes a month. Short, sharp, clear. I want these chats to slot easily into your week, whether you’re editing, commuting or walking the dog.I’m also thinking about doing a goal setting episode. Something practical, something you can actually use to shape the next season of your business. If you want that, tell me.And remember, I don’t have a separate Instagram for the podcast. Everything lives under Gina Fernandes Photography. Follow there, stay close, and hit join on the broadcast channel because that is where all the episode updates go first.Thanks for being here. Let’s make season two thoughtful, intentional and bloody useful.