So you want to be a photographer: Transform your skills and build a profitable photography business

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Leading celebrity and portrait photographer Gina Milicia discusses how to get the most out of your photography, including all the gear and gadgets you need. She chats to photography enthusiast Valerie Khoo on how to pose people, scout the best locations, and more. Useful tips, practical advice – and even some gossip – to help you get ahead, behind the lens!

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Recent Reviews
  • natefire22
    Thank you, Gina Milicia and Valerie Khoo!
    The podcast has been described as a valuable resource for photographers of all skill levels. It's heartening to know that this podcast will continue to provide guidance and inspiration indefinitely. The wealth of knowledge shared in a clear and organized manner is genuinely appreciated. Thank you, Gina Milicia and Valerie Khoo!
  • magda stolte
    Amazing podcast
    This podcast has taught me so much about photography. Gina is an amazing photographer and shared all of her knowledge in such a fun and entertaining way. Gina and Valerie are wonderful joy to listen to and learn from
  • KT8ird
    Engaging and Informative Podcast
    There is so much to learn about the art and science of photography. I have been enjoying photography for a few years. But it is daunting - so much to learn and some of it can be too technical. What I learn from this podcast is a perfect fit for my skill set, is easily understood, and there are supporting show notes as well as examples to help illustrate the subject matter. I am learning lots of new techniques and the show also helps reinforce or correct/refine what I've learned in the past. This podcast so fun to listen to - the dynamic between the professional photographer, Gina, and the "budding" photographer and interviewer, Valerie, is very fun and enthusiastic (I feel like I'm hanging out with my buddies at a coffee shop). The facebook community is very engaging and I love working through challenges with other members. I'm so glad I ran across this resource, thanks to you and your team for producing it!
  • Lburzynski
    The best photography podcast!
    I discovered Gina and Valerie at the beginning of the pandemic and have listened (and re-listened) faithfully ever since. Gina generously shares her decades worth of tips, tricks, hacks, and McGyverisms for all things related to photography with easy-to-understand entertaining explanations. Val keeps the discussion moving with insightful questions, while sharing practical business tips and action plans. These ladies are a pure joy to listen to, and I’m learning so much from them. I’ve, recently become a member of the Goldies, something I now wish I’d done a long time ago. Thank you, Gina and Val! Keep up the GREAT work!
  • stacy_ideus
    Didn’t know how much I needed this!
    Stacy here in Midwest USA! Stumbled upon your podcast randomly and didn’t know exactly how much I needed you in my life! Gina and Val… You truly make me laugh every day and remind me how much I love this job. Portrait photography requires so many different skills and you cover them all! I’ve been at this for 20 years and you’ve sparked something new in my brain to keep me curious. Thank you so much!
  • BrianBecnel
    I Can’t Wait for Thursday
    I started listening around the third episode. Every week the information that Gina shares is so spot on and perfect timing. Gina and Valerie’s obvious friendship and rapport make the energy on each episode a ray of sunshine. I wish the episodes were longer. I would double my commute to work and stay in the car to hear more. Gina’s style of teaching absolutely inspires me. The community she and Valerie are encouraging on Google+ has been such a wonderful place to share and learn from other wonderful photographers.
  • maya.singapore
    My favorite podcast ever
    I love listening to Gina and Valerie, they have such a good relationship and that makes the podcast so fun to listen to. They are funny and incredibly knowledgeable on every topic they speak about on the podcast. Listening to the podcast in the evenings is my favorite way to relax and take my mind off of anything that is stressful. I would absolutely recommend this podcast to friends and family. Thank you and keep up the great work! Love the podcast!
  • photogirl1983
    Top notch!
    I’ve been listening to the podcast for some time now, I remember to write a review every time Valerie says “if you have a few seconds to leave us a review, we’d appreciate it.” Then, I carry on listening and after soaking in all the knowledge I can and laughing hysterically, I forget all about the review. I absolutely love this podcast, Gina and Valeries banter, combined with the amazing lessons Gina gives with her awesome analogies (which I love!) makes this podcast fun and so easy to learn. Photography is obviously a very visual art and when I first saw this podcast pop up I scoffed a little and thought “how!?” Gina and Val, that’s how! The inspiration I get from listening and visualizing is priceless! I’m so glad I started listening and so thankful for all I’ve learned! Thank you ladies for taking the time and energy to put this on week after week! I’ve enjoyed every moment! Keep up the excellent work!!
  • Jurhfjfjgjfhfjf
    Takes to long to get to the meat.
    Takes to long to get to the meat of the episode.
  • TFitch44
    Life Changer
    I have been meaning to write a review for some time and now that I have some free time on my hands, what a perfect time. This podcast as changed my life. Aside from all the things I have learned, Gina and Valerie are very inspiring and supportive. I learned so much from being a Goldie member as well. Sadly I need to take a break for finacial reasons, but I will be back. The best part about the podcast is after awhile you feel like you know Gina and Valerie personally. LIke you sitting right next to them or you can pop by for a glass of Champagne any time...well as long as you bring some Nutella as well. Keep up the great work and thank you so much for all you do for the photography community.
  • LensWiz
    Best Photography Podcast on the Internet
    Gina not only shares her tips, tricks and secrets to great professional photography, her interactions with Valerie (yoga beach babe) make the listener feel like we are participating in the show. Valerie does her best to keep Gina on track and reels her in when she wanders to far from topic. And often times at the end of the podcast we get to learn a new Aussie slang word or phrase of the day. This podcast never gets old. It’s always enjoyable, I always learn something useful and it never fails to make me laugh out loud at some point in the discussions. Great back and forth and wonderful conversation! The hosts, who feel like close personal friends at this point are an anticipated and welcome part of my week.
  • SirEmeraldKnight
    Thank you
    As someone who is looking to start a photography business, I found this podcast to be very informative, and entertaining. Highly recommend having a listen. Keep it up!
  • Urban479
    My Current Favorite!
    This is my favorite podcast currently! I’m an aspiring photographer and I love listening and learning with Gina and Val. So much good information and fun to boot! I’ve been having a blast binging all the episodes going back to the beginning.
  • JBruner2005
    My All-Time Favorite Photography Podcast
    When I was looking for a good photography podcast, I passed So You Want to Be a Photographer up at first, thinking that I really needed to support a podcast that was “Made in the USA.” I know. That’s pretty bad, huh? But, something made me keep coming back to this podcast. I am so thankful I did. I have listened for years now. The time, photographic knowledge, and effort that Gina and Valerie both put into this podcast is amazing. Gina has a way of teaching that you are able to understand quickly, and she is such an inspiration ... not to mention a fabulous photographer. Listening to Gina and Valerie conversing together is like hanging out with your best buds, and not only do I get great information, but I get laughs, too. The podcast led me to Gina’s Gold Community as well, which is a real goldmine of mentoring and education by Gina. Check it out if you really want to take your photography to the next level. These ladies are the real deal. Thank you both for all the time you put into the podcast, and indeed, all that you do for the photographic community. LOVE!
  • Dylan from the US
    Thankful the expertise!
    I’ve been listening to this podcast for about two years now, and I’m grateful that Gina and Valerie have given photographers a chance to eavesdrop on great interviews and learn from Gina’s experience. Each episode is an instant add to my playlist.
  • JasonCoons37
    Great information
    What an wealth of information. Excellent information, a great variety of topics and interesting guest. The time and effort put into this podcast is amazing.
  • Suzismurfs
    Dynamic Duo
    I cannot thank you enough for your time and efforts! I listen during my commute everyday and I’m learning so much. The entertainment is unmatched as well- I laugh quite a bit while the knowledge soaks in.
  • M3bella
    Useful, practical tips and advice!
    I love these 2 hosts! Gina and Valerie - in no particular order ;) - give such useful, PRACTICAL advice that's not full of techie talk. A fellow photographer on a Facebook group mentioned this podcast, now I'm HOOKED! I've literally started at episode 1 and I think I'm into the 30's or 40's now. These 2 make me laugh; their banter is hilarious!
  • 2 Jetta Owner
    Normal people who explain the mysteries of photography
    I’m a busy professional who listens to Gina during traffic filled commutes and I apply what I learn to enjoy my hobby. Gina has a way of explaining hyper technical topics in way that an enthusiast can understand. The topics cover a broad range of interesting areas of the field. Each show provides a heap of practical advice and the guests are engaging. Top notch podcast.
  • anayagem photography
    New energy
    I’m a fairly new photographer that loves taking pictures as a hobby but I’ve decided to make a career of it. Recently I’ve grown a bit frustrated because I’m just not fully satisfied with how my pics have come out and was thinking of upgrading my photography gear. During a long drive I became curious to see if there were any photography podcasts. After listening to episode 266 I immediately had a new energy and an appreciation for my current gear. Thank you both so much for this podcast. I am a fan for life!
  • Shut ter up
    Thanks for teaching this old dog new tricks
    I don’t usually take time to write reviews because I’m running from my son’s school, practices or his games and listening to Gina and Valerie in my car. They crack me up talking about their pets, kids, their honest mistakes, and exciting lifestyle. But then they seem to have a real, down to earth home life after a busy day or trip. A great mix of everything I need in my day, knowledge, humor, and honesty. I started listening to the podcast over a year ago because I love to mess around taking action photos of my son’s games. The parents and kids always seem to love the photos and always ask when I will send out the next photos. Little do they know how long it takes to go through the hundreds of photos I take at every game lol. I wanted to learn so much more about photography and how to edit but didn’t know anyone who could teach me. I’m a slow learner and haven’t had much luck in the past learning on line probably because I’m a bit older than the average High School student parent😝. But Gina has found a way to teach me (She is just talking to me right?) in a way I can always learn something new. I hate to admit it but I regularly listen to the same episode 2 to 3 times so I get a better understanding of the topics. I always have many other distractions in the car since my Golden doodle and Malta Poo love riding with me to my son’s school, games, or my daily McDonalds Diet Coke fix (I’m addicted). Because of these Podcasts I have improved immensely, but still very very amateur and I make tons of mistakes, but getting better everyday because Gina has taught me why “my mistake” happened. In spite of my lack of knowledge and creativity my improvement from listening to Gina and Valerie has caused me to now receive calls and texts quite often asking me to do team, Senior, family, and other photos. I still turn most all down because I don’t have the skill to do photos that are such important milestones and honestly sport action photos are my favorite. I just want to thank you for making this enthusiast improve her photography as well as keeping me smiling as I learn. Please know you both are greatly appreciated. Betsy (Mom, Grandma, and Team Mom)
  • Crystie F.
    Expanding my Knowledge and Worldview one Episode at a Time
    This is my favorite podcast! Gina and Val have managed to capture my tiny attention span with their playful stories and plethora of information about photography and life in general. Having always lived in small town rural Pennsylvania in the States, it is amazing to be able to learn from experts who live on another continent and travel around the globe. Not only does it add to my photography knowledge, but also expands my worldview. I have especially enjoyed episodes like 200 and 228 - they are full of both photography and “down to earth” life tips. I will continue to listen and soak it up! Thanks Gina and Val!
  • Kasey Cingel
    Great Podcast
    I’ve never rated a podcast on iTunes before but this podcast is just so good! They don’t just answer surface level questions - Gina and Valerie really get into what you need to know. I didn’t find the podcast until recently so catching up on old episodes is literally all I do!
  • lake1918
    Amazing!
    Such a great podcast!
  • Loving Life 😄
    Thanks!
    Just got my entry DSLR for Christmas & I’m shooting on manual thanks to your podcast & all the great information! Gina & Valerie are in my ear all day while I work & I can’t wait to get home everyday to practice what I have learned! The Best! May be ready for Gold soon!
  • Command3r369
    The Perfect Photography Petagog
    I was first intoduced to Gina Milicia through The Beginner Photography Podcast with Raymond Hatfield and I was instantly struck by her humor and vast knowledge of photography, so I began to tune in. Gina's quick wit and and Valerie's contagious giggle keeps me smiling to myself as I go about my day job. I cannot reccomend this podcast enough for anybody looking to learn more about the craft of photography! Easy listening and easy learning from the perfect photography petagog!
  • sunny-in-cali
    Long time listener! Excellent podcast!
    For the past 2+ years This is the only photography podcast I listen to over and over and keep coming back to for each new episode—-and of course I frequently go back and revisit previous episodes! Gina and Val are consistently engaging and I always get a good laugh during the first few minutes of “catching up” and banter between the hosts before Gina launches into the always outstanding discussion of the topic of the day in a way that makes you feel like she’s in your living room having a “chat.” She also frequently interviews experts throughout the industry to provide inspiration and relevant insights into the world of photography that embrace Gina’s personal style of passing on years of knowledge and “hacks” and tips that would take the rest of us a long time to figure it out on our own. Of course, I frequently am inspired to buy another giant jar of Nutella after running many miles a day with Gina and Valerie on my playlist as my running buddies.
  • Djg06
    Great show!
    One of the best photography podcasts I’ve listened too! Not only do you learn some great things, Gina let’s you in on her world so you understand what goes on in a shoot. What makes this a great podcast is the humor in every episode as well! These two make an amazing podcast.
  • KKKKunal
    Shukriya (Thank you) for the podcast
    Hi Gina and Valerie, Thanks fo the podcast, I find your podcast to be very funny and entertaining.i love the the way you explain the topics. I look forward to the new episode every week. Thanks Kunal from Kreativelens Photography.
  • NewDayPhoto
    Better than Nutella!!
    I’ve never listened to podcasts, but decided to click on the fun purple button when it popped up on the screen in my car. Because the iPhone knows all, it suggested this particular podcast to be my first. What a magical concoction of information!! Gina has an incredible gift of breaking down information into a useable format! Her banter with Valerie is entertaining and they both bring a lot to the table. I listen nonstop while I do chores around my farm and I’ve learned a crazy amount in a short time! The variety of topics make their podcast one that applies to people in all stages of photography. Thank you, Gina and Valerie, for all that you do!!
  • san diego blurr
    A photography inspiration for me
    Gina and Valerie provide me with several valuable tips each episode. More than mere tips, the new knowledge has been a changing force in my 30 plus year photography hobby. The shows are entertaining and enjoyable enough to keep listening on these merits alone! The hosts are good friends who bring out the best in each other. Hearing Valerie’s laugh is a must! She’s funny, organized, super smart, and a learner now building her photography. Gina talks like a friend I enjoy, starts with a few stories, and works up to a steady tide of tips that keep coming one after the other. I’m getting the benefit of a professional who has mastery of the subject!
  • theviewfromscottsoffice
    To the moon and back.
    If you are looking for a great educational and entertaining podcast look no further. I’ve tried a lot of photography podcasts and I always come back to Gina and Val. Sitting and listening to the two of them banter in itself would be enough to keep me coming back but the true treasure here is Gina’s knowledge and her willingness to share it with the rest of us. Not only does she pass on her knowledge in the show but she will also take time out of her busy schedule to personally comment and answer questions in the Facebook group. Don’t take my word for it, give them a listen and maybe like me you too will love the show to the moon and back.
  • Heydw
    I love this podcast!
    I love this podcast! Gina and Val have a great dynamic, both very funny women who clearly enjoy working together. Val does a great job of clarifying whenever I’m not entirely certain what Gina is saying 😂 and Gina’s passion and expertise are infectious and invaluable, and a lot more interesting than I’ve found in other photography podcasts. Plus, the huge backlog of episodes means there’s an episode for pretty much everything. My photographs got a LOT better after I began listening to this podcast, and I get very excited when I can predict Gina’s advice now hahaha. THANK YOU Gina & Val!
  • Crowbard
    Time to Reflect
    I've been listening to this remarkable show for three years now, and I don't think I've missed a single episode. I continue to be amazed by the depth and detail of each episode--how Gina and Valerie manage to pull that off each and every week given their hectic schedules is beyond me, but I am truly grateful for it! Over the course of those these years, I have learned a tremendous amount both through the podcast and the online community. This has helped me to recognize that my freaky obsession with photographing leaves, snail shells, and other general debris is referred to as still life photography in polite circles (evidently, I don't frequent those). Unfortunately, this peculiar predilection is a tricky hunger to feed--nutella solo just doesn't quite cut it. So I do sometimes find myself wishing that the focus on portrait and lifestyle would shift occasionally, to light on other types of photography. That said, I absolutely LOVE the interviews--the ones with Donato Dicamillo and Julia Coddington were amazing, so please keep them coming!! Oh, and maybe interview a still life guy sometime? I could make a couple of recommendations... ;) Keep up the great work!
  • Raymond Hatfield - BPP
    So you want to know if this podcast is any good?
    The So you want to be a photographer podcast is a true gem for photographers of all skill levels. Ginas experiance is shines through and its clear she knows whats shes talking about! The back and forth between her and Valerie makes you feel like you are in the same room with 2 old friends just talking about cameras and life. I suggest this podcast to anyone with a camera in their hand!
  • Brooke Craven
    Awesome Podcast!!
    GIna & Valerie, hosts of the So You Want to be a Photographer podcast, highlights all aspects of photography, art and more in this can’t miss podcast! The host and expert guests offer insightful advice and information that is helpful to anyone that listens!
  • Jeff Schwandt
    What a gold mine!
    I am blown away by the gold mine of knowledge and wisdom that Gina & Valerie share in each episode of this pod cast! I know all the basics of shooting from my days with my first SLR, but I never had any training in how to pose people and my only experience with lightning is my old Vivitar flash. Ever since my wife bought me a DSLR, I have had a resurgence of interest to learn more about lighting, posing, post-processing, etc. My goal is to go beyond family & landscape shots to something profitable. This podcast is an awesome resource for all of that and more! Gina has a ton of great insights and is gracious enough to share them with whoever will listen. Plus, Gina & Val are a hoot. My only worry is that I might pick up an Australian accent. Guess that would be “alroight.”
  • Sept. 4, 2011
    Favorite Podcast!
    I receintly discovered this podcast and I'm so glad I did. I orginially thought that I didn't know who Gina Milicia was until I noticed that she is the author of several ebooks I purchased a few years back! No wonder I love this podcast so much because if you have ever seen her books, she is incredibly thorough and has so many visual images to help your understanding of photography, posing, lighting, etc. Now I get to soak in even more of her knowledge as I listen to the podcast. I also love how Valerie Khoo adds her own explanations, questions or clarifications to something Gina is talking about and takes everything to that next level of understanding. A podcast never ends where I feel that they didn't quite cover something I wanted to hear, and that amazes me every time. It feels like you're sitting with two friends and sharing your passion of photography with each other. I just love it!
  • TupeloBlossom
    Like having two really fun and smart friends :)
    Love listening to Gina and Valerie! I learn and laugh at the same time.
  • Velosopher
    Great podcast that evolves!
    I highly recommend this podcast! G and V do a great job of keeping it fresh and changing the focal point! Over the past couple of years it has grown from a basic approach to photography to one where they really speak to the development of your photography. I think that’s because they regularly absorb questions/themes from listener inputs and then integrate those challenges into the podcasts. They frequently take a question as a starting point and come at it from different angles that ends up inspiring you to try something new and understandable. It is hard for a podcast to stay relevant-this one keeps growing and I find myself becoming a more loyal listener!
  • Sonjarhae
    So helpful, funny and real
    After 10 years of dreaming about making photography more central in my life, I’m taking the leap and getting my business off the ground. I have a toddler and am due any day with baby #2, run a business consulting gig part time and am building this creative business from the ground up. Listening to this podcast is like having two mentors in my back pocket without having to find childcare or juggle schedules. Thank you so much for sharing your insights!
  • Green dude8888
    Uplifting, Insightful, Encouraging!
    This podcast is like having 2 best friends in your pocket, explaining all of the ins and outs of how to improve your photography from all angles. Between making me laugh out loud and and dispensing advice that gets to the heart of my burning questions, they provide consistent and targeted messages of encouragement and positivity. So much of what Gina and Valerie discuss touches not just on improving both technical and business skills, but on how to be kind to yourself on this journey and dig deep...then dig deeper to challenge yourself and overcome insecurity and fear. I am a mother to 3 wonderful children, and want to use my photography to someday start a nonprofit. I was a social worker for 10 years, and continue to look for ways to blend my love of photography with helping others. I'm inspired by Gina and Valerie to pursue my goals, and to form connections within my community to see how I can have a positive impact. As a side note - you guys are seriously hilarious. I typically listen on my daily run in the woods - and will someday be sending you a bill for my injuries when I inevitably trip and fall whilst laughing out loud. The dynamic friendship you share is so much fun, thanks for letting us be a part of it! My only complaint is that I wish the episodes were longer! Keep up the great work!
  • TGreen826
    826
    I loved this podcast but recently Valeries keeps her mic on speaker or something. All I can hear is her typing and clicking her mouse when she isn't talking. Please fix this.
  • British transplant in Florida
    How did I survive before finding this podcast?
    I have been hooked since the first few minutes of listening to this podcast. Having binge listened for the past couple of months, I am almost up to date and already concerned about my imminant withdrawal symptoms since I will soon have to wait for new episodes. Gina, Valerie and frequent guest star Gary have helped me to re-discover my love for photography which had been on the back burner for a while. Valerie must be a mind reader, as she somehow manages to ask Gina the exact questions that I need to know at precisely the right time. Gina’s generosity with sharing information that she has learned the hard way for us over the course of her career has saved me from so many potential disastrous situations that I am already forever grateful. Gina describes complex information in such a unique and easy to understand way that it takes the mystery out of concepts that I had always thought were extremely complicated in the past. The show notes that accompany each episode are succinct, easy to follow and are brilliant recaps of the episode. No longer can I walk by a jar of Nutella without thinking about Gina and my stereotypical definition of a “cat lady” has dramatically changed since listening to Valerie gush about her devotion to Rexy and on occasion Rocky. Please don’t ever stop creating new episodes or underestimate how funny the episodes are that involve champagne.
  • Duckwriter74
    Wonderfully informative
    Gina and Valerie share great information in a friendly and upbeat manner. As a budding photographer, I can't count how many great tips I've taken away from just the first 10 episodes!
  • sideways
    Informative AND Entertaining!!
    I have been in the photography business for four years now and started listenening to podcasts as a way to keep up with the industry and learn new techniques. I stumbled into Gina and Valerie's podcast and was hooked!! I learn something new every time I listen. Thanks Gina and Valerie and keep it up!!
  • Nunyaz
    Stop What You are Doing NOW
    If you are looking for a photography podcast . . . this is it. Unsubscribe from all of the other ones and listen to Gina and Valerie. These ladies will cover the topics your looking for and won't get on a rant about any gear wars.
  • TMN80
    Great podcast for photographers!
    I finally made the decision to follow both my curiosity and passion and get serious about my photography. In doing so, I searched for podcasts that would help me in reaching my goal. Thankfully I found Gina and Val's podcast. It has been so beneficial and educational. I am excited to get the newly published podcast. I highly recommend this podcast for any photographers who want to take their craft to the next level!!
  • Jess Detlefsen
    Down-to-Earth Advice With a Dook of Fun
    Gina and Valerie discuss relevant topics in photography in an engaging, hilarious manner that makes me laugh out loud at my desk at work. I think in terms of pings and dooks of color now and have begun naming my camera bodies, too. Keep up the great work!
  • Infatuated in PA
    Indispensable, Irrefutable, Incontrovertible Informational Podcast
    Amazing information without pretense (unlike my title). If you are a photographer, the insight packed into every podcast is invaluable and entertaining! Thank you both for gifting us this incredible resource. (Can I pack anymore adjectives that start with 'i' in here? Lol. :) ) Looking forward to the next podcast!
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.