The Loud Lens: Photography's Middle Finger

Recorded live at The Photography & Video Show 2025 at ExCel London, this episode captures my second talk at the show — a brutally honest dive into creativity in photography. The room was packed, the energy was high, and the message? Simple: stop chasing trends and start creating with intention. This isn’t a fluff piece. It’s a raw, real conversation about what it means to be creative in a satu...

What if you had to legally admit you Photoshopped that selfie? In this episode, I dive deep into Norway’s groundbreaking law that forces influencers and advertisers to label retouched or surgically enhanced images. From the impact on mental health and self-esteem to the real-world shift in photography styles, we’re talking about why this law matters way beyond Norway. Plus, I’m calling out (and pr...

It’s 1:30 AM, and I should be asleep. But instead, I’m recording this because if I’m being real, my mind won’t shut up. This is the side of being a full-time photographer no one talks about. The financial stress, the burnout, the self-doubt that keeps you awake at night wondering if you should just quit." So screw it. No filters, no sugarcoating—just the raw, unedited truth about what it real...

If you’re struggling to book clients, feeling stuck in your photography business, or wondering why some photographers are fully booked while you’re barely scraping by—this episode is for you. I surveyed 100 clients and uncovered EXACTLY why they hired me over the competition… and let me tell you, it’s NOT what you think." 🚀 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ The biggest mistakes photograp...

Struggling to book photography clients? Feeling stuck and unsure how to grow your business? You’re not alone. Most photographers have NO IDEA how to market themselves, and they end up wasting time on tactics that don’t work. In this episode/video, I’m sharing one of my BEST photography business hacks—using mini headshot sessions as a loss leader to attract high-paying corporate clients. If you’re...

Photographers, if you keep landing bad clients—guess what? It’s your fault. Stop blaming “cheap people” and start fixing the mistakes you’re making that invite them in. In this episode of The Loud Lens , I break down exactly why bad clients keep finding you, from low prices to weak contracts, endless revisions, and falling for the classic “exposure” scam. I’ve seen it all, and if you don’t start t...

🚨 The Photography & Video Show 2025 has moved from NEC Birmingham to ExCeL London – was it worth it? 🚨 In this honest, no-BS review , I break down: ✅ The highs & lows of the show ✅ The big NEC vs. ExCeL debate ✅ My experience as a speaker ✅ What photographers & content creators need to know Whether you attended or are considering going in the future, this video gives a real, bala...

Hate networking? You’re not alone. Whether you're an extroverted oversharer or an introvert avoiding eye contact , this episode is for you. We’re talking about how to network as a photographer—without toning yourself down, faking it, or becoming a cringe LinkedIn bro. 📸 Inside This Episode: ✅ Why networking events feel like speed dating for work (and how to survive them) ✅ How extroverts AN...

Photographers, artists, creatives—if you exist online, chances are you’ve dealt with hate, trolls, and unsolicited ‘advice’ . Why do people feel the need to tear down creatives? Especially women in male-dominated fields ? In this episode of The Loud Lens , I get real about: 🔥 The types of trolls creatives face & how to handle them. 🔥 Why some people just love to hate on photographers. 🔥 Whe...

Photographers—listen up! You might think you have full control over your shots, but what if I told you a simple logo in the background, a public landmark, or even a nighttime shot of the Eiffel Tower could land you in legal trouble ? Brands, locations, and even graffiti artists are coming for photographers who don’t know the rules. In this episode of The Loud Lens , we’re breaking down real-life c...

Award-winning photographer" sounds impressive—but is it legit or just a paid flex? In this no-BS episode, I’m exposing the dark side of photography awards. From dodgy pay-to-win schemes to popularity contests that reward clout over talent, I’m breaking down what’s real, what’s a scam, and whether clients even care. But it’s not all bad—some awards actually mean something, and I’ll tell you wh...

Think your paid gigs will bring in more dream clients? Think again. The real game-changer? Personal projects. In this episode, I’m diving into why shooting for yourself—not just for paying clients—will actually land you better gigs, bigger opportunities, and a stronger brand. If you’re stuck doing the same boring work and wondering why no one’s booking, this might be the wake-up call you need. 🚨...

When does street photography cross the line? A mother in Scotland is pushing for a legal rethink after a street photographer captured an image of her child at a Christmas market—without consent. The law is (mostly) on the photographer’s side, but is that enough? In this episode of The Loud Lens, Khandie Rees tackles the legal grey areas, the ethical debates, and the brutal reality of photographing...

In this heartfelt episode of The Loud Lens, I sit down with Kerri, a brilliant photographer who’s breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a neurodivergent creative. We explore her journey with autism and ADHD, how these experiences shape her photography, and the challenges she faces in a world that often tokenizes neurodiversity. Together, we dive into the struggles of wanting genuine...

Are you a beginner photographer feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or pressured to spend big on gear? You're not alone. In this episode of The Loud Lens, we explore the struggles every new photographer faces, from self-doubt and creative blocks to the relentless marketing machine convincing you that you need the latest equipment to succeed. Learn how to break through mental blocks, develop your skills wi...

Join me and Amanda /Luna the talent behind https://linktr.ee/AdornWithAttitude. She is who I go to for my marketing help and branding decisions. A very accomplished and supremely talented person. Photographers are amazing at capturing stories—but why do so many struggle to tell their own? In this episode of The Loud Lens, I sit down with a designer, creative, photographer, and marketer to unpack w...

Is running a photography studio all it's cracked up to be? In this raw and eye-opening episode of The Loud Lens, I sit down with my long-time friend and incredible portrait photographer, Nils Bratby, to uncover the harsh realities of studio life. Nils shares why he walked away from a profitable business, the creative struggles that led to his decision, and what it really takes to balance passi...

Think photography is all about six-figure incomes and glamorous shoots? Think again. In this episode of The Loud Lens , Khandie breaks down the cold, hard truth about the money side of photography. From the sneaky costs that drain your budget to how to land your first £100 client without losing your mind—or your bank account—we’re diving deep into the numbers no one talks about. Forget the Instagr...

Image theft isn’t just wrong—it’s damaging the entire photography industry. In this episode of The Loud Lens , I dive into why photographers steal other people’s work, how it undermines trust, and why staying silent about it makes us complicit. From the shady shortcuts to the damage it causes to honest professionals, I’m unpacking the harsh realities of image theft. Plus, practical tips for protec...

Christmas is over, the leftovers are questionable, and it’s time to get serious about your photography business. In this episode of The Loud Lens , we’re dishing out no-BS advice on how to prepare for 2025 without falling into post-crimbo sales traps. From targeting the right clients for your niche (yes, even boudoir photographers) to avoiding shiny new gear you don’t need, we’re breaking down exa...

Photographers, it’s time to call out the cringe-worthy, facepalm-inducing mistakes we all see (and sometimes make). Thank you to everyone who sent in their confessions! From trusting shady clients to buying useless gear, this episode of The Loud Lens spills the tea on the dumbest decisions photographers make—and how to stop sabotaging your own career. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting...

Authenticity is your secret weapon, not just a buzzword. In this episode of The Loud Lens with Khandie Rees , I’m getting real about why perfection is overrated, unrelatable, and frankly exhausting. We’ll dive into the stats and stories that prove being raw and real connects better with your audience—and translates into trust, engagement, and sales. Plus, I’ll share practical tips for photographer...

Welcome to the very first episode of The Loud Lens with Khandie ! 🚨 In this bold debut, Khandie kicks things off with a no-holds-barred conversation about why playing loud is the new playing safe in both photography and business. If you're tired of following the rules and ready to stand out, this episode is your wake-up call to embrace the power of creativity, audacity, and a bit of rebellion. In...