Artist Date with Nicole Romanoff: Conversations on Creativity, Courage, and Photography

Kayla Rocca: The Power of Kindness, Connection, and Creative Grit

Toronto-based photographer Kayla Rocca shares how loss, resilience, and persistence shaped her creative path—from theatre student and Drake Hotel server to shooting Hollywood Reporter’s TIFF portrait studio and campaigns for Netflix, Airbnb, and Roots. We talk about how art became her therapy, the importance of networking with kindness, and how she built a career on trust, teamwork, and genuine curiosity rather than ego.
Key Takeaways
Grief can be a catalyst. Picking up a camera during loss became Kayla’s path to healing—and ultimately, her career.
Say yes before you’re ready. Shooting everything early on taught her lighting, storytelling, and adaptability faster than any course.
Kindness compounds. A simple follow-up email to an old connection led to her dream job at TIFF 10 years later.
Teamwork builds confidence. Lighting techs, stylists, and digitechs aren’t background players—they’re creative partners.
Drop the ego. Confidence comes from curiosity and collaboration, not knowing it all.
Learn to price without fear. Knowing your worth changes how you show up, negotiate, and create.
Follow your fuel. Shoot what excites you most—whether that’s celebrities, stories, or beauty—it all starts with passion.
Loved this conversation?
Subscribe to Artist Date wherever you listen to podcasts.
Share this episode with a photographer or creative who’s ready to take bold steps in their career.
Follow @nicoleromanoffphoto and @artistdatepodcast on Instagram for behind-the-scenes insights and more!
Sign up for the weekly newsletter here!
Watch on YouTube — click here to watch and subscribe!

Jon Taylor - Headshots with Heart

New York–based photographer Jon Taylor shares how he became a go-to for dancers and musical-theatre headshots—without buying into hustle culture. We talk about his seven-minute “mini minis” at Broadway Dance Center, why authenticity now beats trends, how a studio changed his work overnight, and the mindset homework he gives clients so their photos feel human, not performed. It’s a calm, collaborative approach every photographer can learn from.
Key Takeaways
Authenticity > trends. Casting wants you, not a costume—post-pandemic, realness reads.
Collaboration is 50/50. Let your subject’s expertise guide accuracy and trust.
Calm direction wins. Breathing, empathy, and clear goals dissolve nerves faster than hype.
Prep the mind, not just the wardrobe. Mood boards and intention setting beat vague adjectives.
Space changes everything. A studio unlocked new lighting, movement, and confidence overnight.
Community over competition. NYC’s photo scene thrives on relationships, not rivalry.
“Express, don’t impress.” Simpler moments often make the strongest, most honest portraits.
Find your lane. Pivoting from fashion to performers helped Jon clarify his voice and attract his people.
Loved this conversation?
Subscribe to Artist Date wherever you listen to podcasts.
Share this episode with a photographer or performer who’d love Jon’s grounded approach.
Follow @NicoleRomanoffPhoto and @artistdatepodcast on Instagram for behind-the-scenes insights and more!
Watch on YouTube - Click here to watch and subscribe!

Jonathan Zoeteman: What It Really Takes to Create for the Long Haul

As we wrap Season 1 of Artist Date, we’re closing out with a deeply grounding and thoughtful conversation with Calgary-based photographer, writer, and creative entrepreneur Jonathan Zoeteman. A Canon ambassador and co-founder of the creative community Socality and House A31, Jonathan shares insights on burnout, creative flow, and why the long game matters more than ever in our fast-paced world.
In this episode, Nicole and Jonathan dive into how staying connected to curiosity, rest, and rhythm can help us avoid burnout and build more meaningful creative lives. From his first photo of a future NHL goalie to hosting large-scale community events with Canon, Jonathan’s journey is a testament to following your passion, building community, and staying true to yourself—without rushing the process.
What to Expect:
Jonathan’s early beginnings in photography and creative community building
The origin and evolution of Socality and the power of in-person creative experiences
Reflections on burnout, sustainability, and building “recovery systems” as a creative
Writing on Substack and using personal reflections as creative practice
The difference between creative output for validation vs. curiosity
Becoming a Canon ambassador and the value of loyalty and long-term vision
Why the “slow burn” is often the most rewarding path
Key Quotes:
“What are the things we need to do in life that bring us back into the flow, keep us in that river—which is where we're most creative, where we're most aligned?”
“Photography found me. I never said I wanted to be a photographer. But looking back, I realize the signs were always there.”
“You can’t live a meaningful creative life long-term without solving your own problems first.”
“Creativity isn’t rocket science. It’s showing up, making something, shipping it—and doing it again.”
Connect with Jonathan:
Instagram: @jonathanzoeteman
Substack: @jonathanzoeteman
Socality Events: @socality
Stay Connected
Want more conversations like this in your inbox?📬 Sign up for the Artist Date Newsletter: Artist Date Newsletter Sign Up
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @artistdatepodcast
Thank you for joining us for Season 1! We’ll be back in September with a brand new season full of honest conversations, creative truth-telling, and stories to inspire your next big leap. Until then, take time to rest, refill your creative well—and maybe even go on a few artist dates of your own.

Gabriella Iazzetti: Embracing Imperfection in Family Photography

Today on Artist Date, I’m joined by Seattle-based family photographer Gabriella Iazzetti—a storyteller with a laid-back, editorial eye and a deep love for documenting honest connection. Originally from Brazil, Gabby opens up about her journey as an immigrant and how motherhood inspired her to turn her lifelong love of photography into a thriving business in the U.S.
We dive into the power of embracing imperfection during family sessions, how she builds trust with clients, and her approach to capturing emotion through film, Polaroids, and minimal direction. Gabby also shares how her background in advertising and photojournalism continues to shape her intuitive and emotion-first workflow.
Whether you're a family photographer looking to refine your client experience or someone who loves slow, thoughtful conversations about art, this one is full of wisdom and warmth.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
Why Gabby leans into imperfection and spontaneity in her sessions
How her son taught her to let go of “perfect” and embrace the moment
Practical ways she supports families during shoots, including wardrobe and location guidance
Her film photography process (and favorite Polaroid camera!)
The transition from agency life in Brazil to creative entrepreneurship in the U.S.
Why she believes photographers should stop copying others and start connecting more deeply
KEY QUOTES:
“My son taught me to take pressure off kids and just let them be.”“Sometimes the photo tells you it needs to be black and white.”“I want families to feel like they don’t have to perform. I want them to just be.”“The best photos happen when clients feel calm and connected—not when they’re trying to pose perfectly.”
CONNECT WITH GABBY:📸 Instagram: @iazzetti.photos🌐 Website: www.iazzettiphotos.com
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Speedy Photo Lab (Seattle)
Sony A7IV with 24-50mm lens
Vintage Polaroid cameras from eBay
Phil Chester Presets (Daydreamer + Editorial Pack)
CALL TO ACTION:Loved this episode? Be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help more creatives discover the Artist Date Podcast. Follow along on Instagram @artistdatepodcast for behind-the-scenes content and weekly episode drops. New episodes every Tuesday!

Adam Reiland: Evolving Your Photography Career to Commercial Photography

In this episode of Artist Date, I’m joined by Adam Reiland, a Regina-based photographer who has made the leap from weddings and portraits into the world of commercial photography. We talk about the quiet pivot moments that often happen behind the scenes—the shoots that reignite your spark, the risks you take when you decide to shift your focus, and the inner permission you have to give yourself to evolve.
If you’re a photographer considering a pivot into commercial work—or just craving a deeper creative connection to what you do—this is a must-listen.
Key Quotes:
“That one shoot cracked something open—it felt like I had finally created something that looked like what I wanted to be doing.”“There’s a difference between work that pays and work that pushes you forward. I’m learning to make room for both.”“You can’t step into a new chapter if you’re still clinging to the one that’s no longer serving you.”
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Adam made the transition from portraits and weddings to commercial/editorial photography
What to pay attention to when you're craving a shift in your career
Why making space for creative projects can open doors to new opportunities
How to overcome the fear of inconsistency when your style or niche begins to shift
Lessons from working with brands and the importance of saying no to the wrong work
Connect with Adam:Instagram: @adam_reiland_photographyWebsite: https://www.adamreiland.com/
Connect with Nicole:  
Instagram: @artistdatepodcast and @nicoleromanoffphoto
Join the Artist Date Community:Enjoyed the episode? If you loved this conversation, please subscribe to Artist Date, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow creatives! The next episode drops on Tuesday, June 3rd at 12:00 a.m. CST.
Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly newsletter for exclusive content and be the first to learn about the latest episodes!
Organize your creative business with the tool I swear by – get 30% off HoneyBook at nicoleloveshoneybook.com

Kassandra Donaldson: The Magic of Honest Emotion

In this heartwarming and vulnerable conversation, photographer Kass Donaldson shares how she captures emotion-rich wedding days by leading with empathy, ditching rigid shot lists, and leaning into the unique energy of every couple. From the candid chaos of Super 8 film to the calming rituals that help her manage anxiety, Kass walks us through her process, mindset, and journey of growth over the last 10 years in business. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of how to trust your gut, create authentic client experiences, and build a business that supports both your passion and peace.
Key Quotes:“The more pressure you put on yourself, the less joy you get to feel.”“You're photographing people's lives happening—but you have to make sure you're living yours, too.”“People don't want perfection—they want to feel something when they look at their photos.”“If I heard someone say to themselves what I say to myself, I’d tell them to stop being so hard on themselves.”“Let your thoughts go. Blank slate of mind. That’s how you shoot more creatively.”
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Kass uses film, digital, and Super 8 to tell dynamic wedding stories
The power of emotional awareness in client relationships
Why she avoids copy-paste shot lists and leads with intuition instead
Her exact tips for calming anxiety before a shoot
How hiring an assistant changed everything for her business and mental health
The subtle magic of observing people and letting the moment unfold
Connect with Kass:Instagram: @kassdonaldsonWebsite: kassandradonaldson.com
Join the Artist Date Community:Want more creative inspiration in your inbox? Be the first to know about new episodes, tools, and resources for photographers and creatives. Sign up here! https://nicoleromanoff.myflodesk.com/artist-date-podcast-signup
Organize your creative business with the tool I swear by – get 30% off HoneyBook at nicoleloveshoneybook.com

Eymeric Widling: What Interiors Photography Really Takes

There’s no one way to build a creative career—and this week’s guest proves that beautifully. On this episode of Artist Date, host Nicole Romanoff sits down with Calgary-based architecture and interiors photographer Eymeric Widling, whose unconventional path into photography took him from journalism school, to the world of car culture, and eventually into designing magazine-worthy interior images.
Whether you’re an emerging photographer, a creative stuck in comparison, or someone exploring your own niche, this episode is a masterclass in following your instincts and trusting your evolution—even when the path isn't linear.
We explore:
Why Eymeric left journalism and fell in love with image crafting over image capturing
How photographing tuner cars became the perfect training ground for lighting interiors
The difference between shooting for architects, builders, and interior designers
His exact tools, tilt-shift lenses, and behind-the-scenes editing process
Why he avoids trends, sticks to what works, and chooses to slow down
This isn’t just about shooting beautiful spaces—it’s about building a career that reflects who you are.
Key Quotes:
“There are so many different ways to get from A to Z—and the best way is probably not the one someone else took.”
“I think of what I do as crafting images, not just capturing them.”
“What works for someone else’s business, gear, or style doesn’t always translate. Know yourself, and build from there.”
“My clients aren’t just hiring me to take a photo of a room. They’re hiring me to show how that room feels.”
“Sometimes the best frame isn’t the perfect view—it’s the perfect story.”
Connect with Eymeric Widling
Instagram: @eymeric.widlingWebsite: eymericwidling.com
Stay in the Creative Loop
Get behind-the-scenes updates, creative lessons, and early access to upcoming episodes by signing up for the Artist Date newsletter: Sign Up Here!
Follow along on Instagram at @artistdatepodcast
Artist Date is available wherever you get your podcasts. If this episode inspired you, forward it to a friend or creative peer—it’s a reminder that there’s no formula, just your own unique way forward.
 

Eluvier Acosta: The Truth About Breaking Into Fashion Photography

In this episode of Artist Date, I'm joined by Calgary-based fashion photographer Eluvier Acosta—co-founder of Mass Studios and a rising force in editorial photography, with features in L’Officiel, Schon, and campaigns for brands like Hillberg & Berk.
Eluvier’s journey into the world of fashion photography didn’t follow the traditional path—and that’s exactly what makes his story so powerful. From washing dishes after a layoff to landing features in major magazines, he shares what it really takes to build a career without connections, big budgets, or shortcuts.
We dive deep into how to pitch editorials, create work that stands out, build a community around your craft, and stay true to your vision—even when the industry feels impossible to break into.
If you're a photographer dreaming of seeing your name in print, building a studio, or simply wondering if you have what it takes, this episode will remind you: you don't have to rush, copy trends, or wait for permission. You just have to start.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Eluvier transitioned from the oil and gas industry to editorial fashion photography
Why collaboration and community are key to sustainable creative growth
The real strategy behind pitching to magazines (and why rejections are part of the process)
How to create authentic editorials that resonate with editors
Why slow growth builds stronger careers—and how to trust your own timing
The story behind building Mass Studios into a creative hub for photographers in Calgary
Key Quotes:
“Most of the time, it’s not about being the best. It’s about being brave enough to hit send.”
“You don’t always need to create a persona—sometimes you just need to make your subject feel seen.”
“Success isn’t a sprint—it’s a slow bloom. You water the seeds, you show up, and eventually the right people will find you.”
“The moment you try to do it all yourself is the moment the quality of your work suffers. Let people shine at what they do best.”
“We’re so obsessed with rushing success, we forget why we started creating in the first place.”
Follow Eluvier Acosta:Instagram: @eluvieracostaWebsite: eluvieracosta.com
Book Mass Studios:Studio Website: massstudiosintl.com
Stay Connected:
Follow @artistdatepodcast on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments, guest quotes, and creative inspiration.
Want more? Sign up for the Artist Date newsletter to get episode drops, resources, and creative insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Save 30% off on HoneyBook:www.nicoleloveshoneybook.com

Aidan Tooth: How TikTok Turned Her Dance Photography Into a Thriving Career

Signup for a Flodesk trial and save 50%: nicolelovesflodesk.com
Toronto-based dance photographer Aidan Tooth never set out to go viral — but after picking up a camera during the pandemic, she grew a TikTok following of over 35,000 and racked up more than 2 million views on her creative dance photography videos.
That online visibility opened major real-world doors, landing her partnerships with brands like Samsung and helping her carve out her own standout space in the competitive world of dance photography.
In this inspiring conversation, we dive into how Aidan transitioned from dancer to photographer, how she built her audience from scratch, and the lessons she learned about trusting herself, standing out, and turning passion into lasting opportunity.Whether you're building your photography career, growing your brand online, or navigating a creative pivot, this episode is packed with real, actionable insights.
Key Moments from the Episode:
(1:29) Aidan’s dance background and how the pandemic sparked her photography career
(7:00) Learning photography through self-portraits during lockdown
(10:42) How she directs dancers and why her dance training gives her a unique edge
(18:02) How landing a brand deal with Samsung changed her career
(23:30) Dance photography trends and standing out without comparison
(26:38) Her editing process, favorite lighting gear, and shooting style
(30:26) Struggles with imposter syndrome, burnout, and setting boundaries
(34:50) Going viral on TikTok and the unexpected impact on her career
(38:10) Aidan’s top advice for creatives just starting out
(39:06) Her vision for the future and exploring new creative directions
 
Favorite Quotes:
"Photography was always something I wanted to do, but I never had the time to dive into it — until the world stopped."
"Every shoot teaches you something new — the key is just to keep showing up."
"Being comfortable in front of the camera is number one — you can tell when someone truly feels at ease."
"You don't need to reinvent the wheel. If it’s working and it feels like you, keep going."
"Saying no has been one of the hardest but most important things I've learned to do."
Follow Aidan Tooth:
Instagram: @aidan.tooth
TikTok: @aidantoothphotography
Website: www.aidantooth.com
Follow Artist Date:
Instagram: @artistdatepodcast
Follow Artist Date:
Sign up for the Artist Date Newsletter
Call to Action:
Loved this conversation?It would mean so much if you subscribed, left a review, or shared this episode with a friend who needs a little inspiration.Tag us when you listen — we love hearing what stood out to you!

Laura Bainborough: Building a Creative World

Signup for a Flodesk trial and save 50%: nicolelovesflodesk.com
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
SIGN UP FOR THE PODCAST NEWSLETTER:
Be the first to know when an episode drops 
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.