Artist Date

Laura Bainborough: Building a Creative World

On this episode of Artist Date, I’m joined by the brilliant and multi-talented Laura Bainborough of @laurajoyphotography, who is not only a seasoned lifestyle and commercial photographer, but also the founder of Gemini Productions — a venture dedicated to creative direction and set design.
We dive into Laura’s artistic journey, including the emotional moment that pulled her toward photography, how she builds imaginative visual worlds for her clients, and the creative practices she uses to stay inspired. From commercial shoots for KY Jelly and Bootlegger to pitching fashion-forward editorial concepts, Laura shares openly about pushing past creative blocks, embracing multi-passionate pursuits, and redefining what “your style” can look like.
If you've ever felt boxed in by your own aesthetic or unsure how to expand into new creative offerings, this one’s for you.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:
The powerful moment that made Laura leave interior design for photography
How she built her business and took the leap into full-time freelance work
The difference between inspiration and imitation — and the importance of credit
Why she resists “niching down” and loves working across styles and moods
How her new venture, Gemini Productions, blends art direction and set design
Exercises to build your creativity like a muscle
What art direction really involves — and how it adds value for brands
Laura’s vision for sustainable fashion campaigns and dream editorial shoots
KEY MOMENTS:
00:00 – Introduction: Embracing multiple styles & following creative intuition
02:10 – Laura’s pivot from interior design to full-time photography
04:30 – A box of her grandmother’s photos that changed everything
06:45 – A humbling lesson in imitation and the power of giving credit
08:30 – Creating during COVID and unexpectedly hearing from an artist’s studio
11:00 – Why she avoids niching down and how it helps her thrive
14:00 – The pressure of having “a consistent style” on social media
17:00 – Commercial campaigns: KY Jelly, VEET, Bootlegger
20:50 – What art direction actually is — and who it’s for
24:40 – Building imaginative sets and creating visual “worlds” for brands
26:30 – Laura’s creative rituals: palette prompts & fake brand campaigns
30:00 – Nicole shares a spring-themed shoot idea inspired by their convo
32:00 – Maris Jones, Chapel Rhone sets, and creative direction goals
33:40 – Laura’s big goals for the next 5–10 years
KEY QUOTES:
“Some of my favorite work came from going against what I thought I needed to do.”– Laura Bainborough
“Creativity is a muscle. You have to keep exercising it, even when inspiration is low.”– Laura Bainborough
“If the idea started in my brain, I can probably execute it more clearly too.”– Laura Bainborough
“Just because you don’t fit in one box doesn’t mean you’re not an artist. You might just be multi-passionate.”– Nicole Romanoff
CONNECT WITH LAURA:
@laurajoyphotography
@gemini_productions
FOLLOW NICOLE AND THE PODCAST:
@nicoleromanoffphoto
@artistdatepodcast
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If this episode sparked something in you, share it with a fellow creative or leave a review — it helps more photographers and artists discover the show. Thanks for listening, and as always: stay curious and follow your creative instincts.

Shannon Willis: Crafting Branding Photos That Actually Connect

In this episode of Artist Date, I’m joined by Toronto-based branding photographer Shannon Willis—a true expert when it comes to crafting meaningful, story-driven brand imagery. Shannon gets real about her journey from corporate life to full-time photography, what it actually means to be a branding photographer, and the thoughtful process she brings to every shoot.
She dives deep into how she creates an intentional, supportive experience for her clients—from pre-shoot discovery calls to personalized playlists and editing workflows using tools like Capture One, Evoto, and Photoshop. We also talk about imposter syndrome, trusting your instincts, and why niching down might be the biggest gift you can give your creative business.
Whether you're a photographer, a creative entrepreneur, or someone who wants to show up more confidently in your work—this episode is full of insights that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to elevate your brand.
What You’ll Learn:
How Shannon transitioned from the corporate world to full-time photography
Why niching down in your business creates clarity (and attracts dream clients)
Her intentional branding shoot process—from first call to final delivery
The tools she swears by to edit quickly and beautifully
How she builds deep trust with clients (and why referrals fuel her business)
Why your personality is your superpower as a creative
 Favorite Quotes:
“Branding is about every sense—sight, sound, even smell. It’s the full experience.”  
“It’s not about the perfect pose. It’s about making people feel seen.”  
“You have to show what you want to be hired for. If you're dreaming of branding work, go create it.”  
 “I’m not here to slap a preset on and call it a day. Everything I do is intentional.”
Let’s Stay Connected!
✨ Follow Shannon on Instagram: @shannonwillis.ca  
🎙 Follow the podcast for more inspiring convos: @artistdatepodcast
📸 Hang out with me on Instagram: @nicoleromanoffphoto
 
Loved this episode? Share it to your stories, tag us, and leave a review to help more creatives discover the show!

Joyce Charat: Lighting, Pitching & Chasing Big Dreams

In this international episode of Artist Date, Nicole sits down with the wildly talented Joyce Charat, a French-born, LA-based fashion and beauty photographer making serious waves in the commercial and editorial world.
 
Together, they dive into:
Joyce’s journey from skateboarding videographer to full-time fashion photographer  
How she transitioned from film school to discovering a love for Photoshop  
The highs and lows of pitching major clients (and how to do it well)  
Her lighting preferences, favorite modifiers, and go-to gear  
Building a portfolio that aligns with your dream clients  
The real talk on pricing, licensing, and quoting commercial jobs  
Her jaw-dropping shoot with a giraffe in Kenya (yes, really)  
Why she believes every photographer should be doing test shoots  
Editing, retouching, and what makes or breaks an image in post  
Staying creatively inspired, avoiding burnout, and what’s next for her career
Whether you're dreaming of shooting fashion, refining your lighting skills, or figuring out how to land those top-tier clients, this conversation is packed with wisdom, transparency, and inspiration.
 
Follow Joyce Charat:  
Instagram: @joycevisuals
Website: joycecharat.com 
 
Love this episode? Share it on social and tag us @artistdatepodcast + @nicoleromanoffphoto to let us know your biggest takeaway.

Emma Brown: The Art of Real Moments in Photography

Emma Brown of Emma Victoria Photography joins me to chat about creating timeless, candid images, shooting 30 weddings a year while raising a little one, and her take on trends like off-camera flash and the film resurgence. We also dive into the balance between posing and prompting, how she stays inspired, and the challenges of running a photography business solo.
 
Highlights include:  
Emma’s laid-back lifestyle and newborn session approach  
Her gear of choice and favorite lenses  
Thoughts on second shooters and client relationships  
Where she finds inspiration and what she’s working toward next
👉 Follow Emma: @emmavictoria.photo 
🌐 Visit: emmavictoriaphotography.com
 
🛠️ Tools we love:  
Use my affiliate links to get exclusive deals:  
HoneyBook – the CRM that saves your sanity 
Repurpose.IO – the easiest way to post content across every platform
 
📬 Stay connected!  
Follow [@nicoleromanoffphoto](https://www.instagram.com/nicoleromanoffphoto) and [@artistdatepodcast](https://www.instagram.com/artistdatepodcast)  
Sign up for the weekly newsletter: Here!

Laura Woodward: From Newsroom to Wedding films, and the Art of Storytelling

In this episode of Artist Date, host Nicole Romanoff sits down with journalist and wedding videographer Laura Woodward for a conversation about storytelling, balancing multiple careers, and finding her unique style in videography. From shooting her first wedding with a CTV broadcast camera to filming over 100 weddings, Laura shares insights on creativity, trends, and what truly makes a compelling story—whether it's a news report or a wedding film.
 
Why Listen?
Discover how Laura balances a full-time career in journalism with running a successful wedding videography business.
Gain insight into the differences and similarities between storytelling in news and wedding films.
Learn how trends in wedding videography have evolved and why Laura embraces a more candid, upbeat style.
Hear Laura’s approach to editing, color grading, and structuring a compelling wedding film.
Get behind-the-scenes insights into working with photographers, capturing emotion, and storytelling through video.
Find out Laura’s aspirations for the future, from working on larger productions to making more self-serving creative projects.
 
Key Moments & Takeaways:
- "It’s a full-circle moment." Laura shares how she started filming weddings using a CTV news camera and how her gear has now surpassed what she once used for journalism.
- The Art of Balancing Two Careers: Laura explains why she continues to pursue both journalism and wedding videography, despite the intense workload.
- "Your first shot should be like a first date." Laura applies the principles of news storytelling to wedding videos, ensuring an engaging and emotionally compelling experience for the viewer.
- From Cookie Cutter to Unique Stories: How Laura transitioned from making slow, dramatic wedding films to a more authentic, candid, and fun storytelling approach.
- Super 8 & Trends in Videography: Why Laura started shooting Super 8 film and how she navigates industry trends while staying true to her creative style.
- "Shoot to edit." Laura’s biggest tip for videographers: think about the edit while shooting to ensure a seamless and compelling final film.
- Advice for Couples Booking a Videographer: What to look for in a wedding video and how to choose the right storyteller for your big day.
- Paris Photoshoot with Delaney: Behind the scenes of Laura’s recent creative project in Paris, working with models and capturing dreamlike footage.
 
Connect with Laura:
- Website: [lovelauravideos.com](https://lovelauravideos.com)
- Instagram: [@lovelauravideos](https://www.instagram.com/lovelauravideos)
 
Follow & Subscribe:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Artist Date and leave a review! Follow Nicole on Instagram at @nicoleromanoffphoto and check out more episodes featuring creatives sharing their journeys.

Aaron Sinclair: The Process of Filmmaking

In this episode of Artist Date, host Nicole Romanoff sits down with filmmaker and photographer Aaron Sinclair to discuss his creative journey from music to filmmaking, the challenges of independent film production, and his latest feature film, The Wild. Aaron shares insights into the filmmaking process, the difference between cinematography and videography, and how storytelling through visuals and music continues to shape his work.
 
They also dive into the intricacies of editing, directing, and navigating film festivals, along with the creative highs and inevitable struggles of bringing a project to life. Whether you're a filmmaker, photographer, or simply a lover of cinema, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.
 
Key Moments & Takeaways:
- (00:00) Introducing Aaron Sinclair: The first filmmaker to appear on Artist Date, Aaron talks about his creative background and how he transitioned from music into film.
- (02:27) Cinematography vs. Videography: Aaron breaks down the differences and why the term "cinematic photography" is a bit of a misnomer.
- (09:31) From Music to Film: How Aaron’s love for music and sound design influenced his approach to filmmaking.
- (17:26) Film Inspirations: Aaron reflects on how Mulholland Drive and other abstract films influenced his visual storytelling.
- (22:18) Writing The Wild: How a short film concept evolved into a full-length feature, written in just one week.
- (31:45) The Challenges of Indie Filmmaking: Wearing multiple hats in production, editing, and promotion.
- (40:57) The Film Festival Circuit: What it takes to get an independent film into major festivals and the challenges of breaking into the industry.
- (55:29) What’s Next? Aaron talks about his next feature film and the future of his filmmaking career.
 
Memorable Quotes:
“Cinematography is about creating a world within the frame.”
“The hardest part of directing is realizing the more hats you wear, the less directing you actually do.”
“Writing The Wild came in a flow state—it was one of those rare times where the story just poured out.”
“If you want to make films, just start. You have to be bad at it first.”
 
Where to Watch & Connect with Aaron:
Watch The Wild: thewildmovie.ca
Instagram: @aaronsinclair.film
Website: aaronsinclairfilm.com
 
Enjoyed the episode?
If you loved this conversation, please subscribe to Artist Date, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow creatives! Follow Nicole on Instagram at @artistdatepodcast and @nicoleromanoffphoto

Lisa Christoffel: The Art of Fine Art Photography

In this episode of Artist Date, I sit down with the incredibly talented fine art photographer, Lisa Christoffel of Lisa Catherine Photography. Lisa’s work has a timeless, editorial feel that evokes emotion and elegance. We talk about her journey into photography, her love for film, the balance of motherhood and entrepreneurship, and the process of building a luxury brand. Lisa shares her thoughts on workshops, getting published, and what’s next for her—including taking over Belle Lumière Magazine!
 
Key Moments & Takeaways:  
Lisa’s transition into fine art photography and how she fell in love with film.  
Her go-to cameras and film stocks (and why she stockpiled Fuji 400H!).  
The evolution of her style and how she built a luxury photography brand.  
The importance of investing in education and workshops.  
Her thoughts on aging in photography and why experience is invaluable.  
The reality of being a wedding photographer while balancing a family.  
Her approach to editorial and commercial work.  
The big news: Lisa is taking over Bellumiere Magazine!  
Memorable Quotes:  
"You want to share what you want to keep shooting and you want to shoot what you love."
 "If you don’t believe in yourself, who will? You just have to go for it. The worst case is a no—but if you don’t try, you’ll never know."
 "Experience is priceless. The ability to anticipate moments and know what’s going to happen before it happens is something that comes with time."
  
Where to Find Lisa Christoffel:  
- Website: lisacatherinephotography.com  
- Instagram: @lisacatherinephoto
- Bellumiere Magazine: Stay tuned for updates on Lisa’s new role!
  
Connect with Artist Date Podcast:  
- Instagram: @nicoleromanoffphoto @artistdatepodcast
- Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a rating—it helps more creatives discover the show!  
  
New episodes drop every Tuesday. Thanks for tuning in!
 

Claire Friesen: Embracing Imperfection and Creativity

What if your most imperfect photo was your most powerful one?  
 
In this inspiring episode of Artist Date, Nicole sits down with Claire, the creative force behind Doxa Photography, to dive deep into the magic of embracing imperfection in art. Known for her emotionally rich wedding and family photography—shot primarily on film—Claire shares how burnout led her to rediscover joy, curiosity, and creativity through analog photography.  
 
This conversation touches on vulnerability, chasing connection over perfection, and finding beauty in everyday moments. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just beginning your creative journey, Claire’s insights will inspire you to let go of fear, embrace the flaws, and create from a place of authenticity and heart.  
 
Highlight Reel: Must-Listen Moments  
(04:36) — How burnout led Claire to fall back in love with photography through film.  
(13:59) — Embracing imperfection: Why your "mistakes" can make your art stronger.  
(25:48) — Claire’s strategy for landing international gigs through simple outreach.  
(36:46) — Capturing raw, unposed family moments that feel real and intimate.  
(52:51) — Hosting creative retreats that focus on rest, art, and community.  
 
What You'll Learn:  
- Claire’s journey from hobbyist to full-time photographer  
- How embracing imperfection reignites creative passion  
- Practical tips for incorporating film photography into weddings  
- Building genuine client connections through vulnerability and trust  
- Strategies for staying creatively fulfilled outside of client work  
- The importance of rest and retreat for long-term creative growth  
 
Memorable Quotes:  
 "The best photograph is the one that you took. Sometimes there isn’t a chance to go back." – Claire  
 "If you’re afraid you’re not good enough, get better. Practice. You are capable of so much more than you think." – Claire  
 "I want to capture the kind of photo you can smell, taste, and feel—one that truly brings you back to the moment." – Claire  
 
Connect with Claire:  
Instagram: @doxaphotography 
Website: www.doxaphotography.com
 
Connect with Nicole:  
Instagram: @nicoleromanoffphoto @artistdatepodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nicoleromanoff
Website: www.nicoleromanoff.com and www.artistdatepodcast.com

Delaney Denham: Chasing Light and Living Fully

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the Artist Date Podcast, host Nicole Romanoff sits down with lifestyle and wedding photographer Delaney Denham for an intimate conversation that weaves through creativity, vulnerability, and the unexpected paths life takes us on. Delaney shares her journey from pursuing healthcare to finding her true calling behind the lens. The two dive into the challenges of being a single creative while capturing love stories, the magic of travel photography, and how embracing vulnerability has shaped Delaney's art and life. Get ready for laughter, personal reflections, and actionable insights for every creative soul.
Key Points:
Delaney's Journey into Photography
From nursing and kinesiology studies to picking up a camera during COVID-19.
The influence of a friend who encouraged her to buy her first camera.
Travel and Destination Photography
Shooting weddings across Italy, New York, and Las Vegas.
How sharing travel photos on Pinterest unexpectedly led to international bookings.
The Emotional Power of Imagery
Delaney's approach to making photos feel cinematic and authentic.
Finding inspiration from films and capturing emotion through composition and space.
The Struggles of Being Single as a Photographer
The unique experience of photographing love stories while seeking your own.
Vulnerable moments of longing and living vicariously through clients.
"Sometimes I’m capturing the very thing I long for, and it’s both beautiful and bittersweet." – Delaney Denham
Creative Growth and Breaking Out of Comfort Zones
The importance of trying new styles, playing with lighting, and breaking creative boundaries.
Lessons from workshops and how different photographers see the same scene uniquely.
Lessons in Self-Worth and Artistic Confidence
Overcoming the pressure of social media validation.
Embracing imperfections and finding joy in the creative process.
Standout Quotes:
"Why do we need a reason to travel? You can just travel if you want to." – Delaney Denham
"I want my photos to make you feel something." – Delaney Denham
"Out of all the photographers in the world, you want me? That’s a gift." – Delaney Denham
"Being single and photographing love—sometimes you’re capturing the very thing you long for." – Delaney Denham
"Sometimes I’m capturing the very thing I long for, and it’s both beautiful and bittersweet." – Delaney Denham
"Better today than I was yesterday. Better tomorrow than I am today." – Delaney’s personal mantra
Resources & Links:
Follow Delaney on Instagram: @delaneydenham_
Delaney's Website: https://www.delaneydenham.com/
Loved this episode? Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram and tag @artistdatepodcast and @delaneydenham! If Delaney’s journey inspired you, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Your support helps us keep bringing you heartfelt conversations with incredible artists.

Carey Shaw: Finding Your Creative Balance

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Artist Date with Nicole Romanoff, we sit down with Carey Shaw, a talented photographer and emerging filmmaker with a unique perspective on storytelling through imagery. We dive deep into the creative process, the struggle to balance personal projects with paying work, and the ongoing challenge of setting boundaries as an artist. 
 
From her beginnings in pinhole photography to documenting art exhibitions and tackling editorial work that often doesn’t pay but fuels the passion, this conversation is a must-listen for photographers and creatives navigating their artistic journey.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
 How Carey Shaw transitioned from fine arts studies to a full-time career in photography.
The challenge of balancing commercial work with personal creative projects.
Why setting boundaries with clients is crucial for long-term success.
The impact of social media on self-image and how it affects portrait photography.
Technical insights into documenting art exhibitions and shooting in challenging lighting conditions.
The reality of editorial photography and why it’s often a passion project rather than a money-maker.
The importance of passive income streams like stock photography.
Why embracing your unique artistic style is key to attracting the right clients.
 
Quotes to Remember:
📸 “The work that inspires us is what attracts the paying work." – Nicole Romanoff
📸 “Shooting what you love will always shine through in your work." – Carey Shaw
📸 "It’s okay to say no. And sometimes, saying no is the most powerful thing you can do." – Carey Shaw
 
Links & Resources:
📍 Check out Carey Shaw’s portfolio: careyshaw.com
📍 Follow Carey Shaw on Instagram: @careyshaw
📍 Learn more about stock photography with Stocksy: https://www.stocksy.com
📍 Connect with Nicole on Instagram: @nicoleromanoffphoto
📍 Follow Artist Date on Instagram: @artistdatepodcast
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow creative! 
 
This podcast was recorded and edited by S.J. Kardash of Full Color Studios in White Space Studios.