The Lifted Lens

Have you ever launched mini sessions, posted "Bookings now open!"... and then heard nothing but crickets? In this episode, I'm sharing some of the biggest mistakes I made when I first started running mini sessions, what I've learnt over the years, and why selling out your mini sessions has so much more to do with your launch strategy than the Instagram algorithm. I also share a l...

In this episode, I'm sharing my journey with money mindset, from years of undercharging and overdelivering to slowly learning that making a profit doesn't make you greedy. We'll chat about the money stories we carry, how they show up in our businesses, some of the books that have helped me ( Get Rich, Lucky Bitch  by Denise Duffield-Thomas and  The Big Leap  by Gay Hendricks), and why...

If you’re a photographer  and  a mum, this episode is for you. I’m chatting honestly about the juggle of running a business around school runs, family life, mental load, and trying to carve out time for yourself somewhere in the middle of it all. No perfect routines here — just a real conversation about finding a rhythm that works for  your  season, lowering the pressure, and building a business t...

If I had to start my photography business from absolute scratch in 2026 — no clients, no audience, no fancy website — what would I actually do? In this practical episode, I’m breaking down the simple steps I’d focus on first to start building momentum, attract those first bookings, and grow with confidence (without getting overwhelmed trying to do  all the things  at once). If you’re new to photog...

Going full-time as a photographer can look so dreamy from the outside… but what’s the reality? In this honest chat, I’m sharing my own journey, the mindset wobbles, the financial realities, and the things I wish I’d known before making the leap. If you’re balancing photography alongside another job and wondering  “could I actually do this full-time?”  — this one’s for you. A grounded, encouraging...

In this episode of The Lifted Lens, I’m chatting about something every photographer experiences at some point… quiet enquiry periods. I’m sharing what I personally do when business feels slow, both practically and mentally — from staying visible online and reconnecting with past clients, to navigating self-doubt and avoiding panic decisions. If your inbox has felt a little quieter lately, this epi...

Around 60–70% of my photography clients are repeat clients… and that’s no accident 🤍 In this episode, I’m sharing how to get repeat clients in your photography business and why they’re the key to staying fully booked without constant marketing. We’ll cover: ✨ Why clients come back ✨ How to create a memorable client experience ✨ Simple ways to turn one-time clients into lifelong clients If you’...

If you’ve been feeling stuck or uninspired in your photography business, this episode is for you. We’re talking about why self-care isn’t a luxury — it’s essential for your creativity. From burnout and overworking to slowing down, working with your energy, and simple things like early nights, journaling, or even getting your nails done… it all plays a bigger role than you think. A gentle reminder...

Mini sessions don’t have to feel stressful, last-minute, or like you’re scrambling to fill spaces. In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 simple steps I follow every time I launch mini sessions — from the early planning stages right through to filling those final slots. We’ll chat about how to: Plan sessions your clients actually want Feel prepared and confident before you launch Build a bit of excite...

If you’re an outdoor family photographer, you’ll know the weather can be one of the biggest challenges. In this episode of  The Lifted Lens Podcast , Sophie Bowdler shares how she handles unpredictable weather during outdoor photography sessions — from cloudy skies and wind to last-minute forecast changes. You’ll hear practical tips on choosing weather-friendly locations, communicating with client...

In this episode, I’m joined by intuitive business coach, hypnotherapist and tarot reader Emma Sullivan for a relaxed, honest conversation about inner work and entrepreneurship. We talk about tarot, hypnotherapy, journaling, mindset and nervous system support — and how all of it can shape confidence, visibility, decision-making and growth in your business. If you’ve ever felt stuck, struggled with...

Manifestation isn’t about wishing harder — it’s about who you’re becoming. In this episode, I’m sharing a grounded, real-life take on manifestation for photographers — from vision boards and visualisation to embodying the version of you who already runs the business you want. Because belief changes behaviour. And behaviour changes results.

Imposter syndrome is something so many photographers and creative business owners experience — especially when growing, raising prices, becoming more visible, or stepping into education. In this episode, I’m sharing how imposter syndrome shows up in real life, why it doesn’t mean you’re failing, and how it can actually be a sign that you’re moving forward in your business. If you’ve ever felt like...

For a long time, I thought working more was the only way to grow my business. More shoots, more hours, more pushing. In this episode, I’m sharing a quiet, honest chat about why I changed my business model, what wasn’t working anymore, and how choosing a kinder, more sustainable way of working has changed everything. A gentle reminder that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of your life 🤍

I’ve just put my prices up — and I’m right in that familiar post-price-rise wobble. In this episode, I’m sharing an honest, in-the-moment chat about the self-doubt that can show up after raising your prices, why it happens every time, and how I’m reminding myself of what changed for the better the last time I did this. A gentle listen for photographers building sustainable, aligned businesses and...

Welcome to  The Lifted Lens  — a podcast for motherhood and family photographers who want to grow a successful business without sacrificing their life, energy, or wellbeing. I’m Sophie, a family photographer, mentor, and mum, and in this short intro episode I’m sharing what this podcast is all about — why I created it, who it’s for, and what you can expect from future episodes. This podcast blends...