Carey Shaw: Finding Your Creative Balance

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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.