The Pretty Focused Podcast
The Pretty Focused Podcast is your go-to resource for aspiring food photographers and food bloggers looking to elevate their photography skills. Hosted by the creator of Pretty Focused, each episode dives into practical tips for capturing stunning food photos, insights on running a successful photography business, and interviews with professionals. Whether you're aiming to improve your food blog visuals or turn your passion into a career, this podcast offers expert advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and actionable strategies to help you take your food photography to the next level.
What is Pretty Focused?
Pretty Focused is an online course and community that trains food photographers to work for food bloggers. We connect our students with potential clients inside of our Buyers Club when they graduate.
Episodes
30 episodes
What We Wish We Knew When We Started Pretty Focused | Coaches Corner | Coach Stephanie and Coach Ivy
As two of Pretty Focused’s early grads, Stephanie and Ivy have faced, and overcome a lot of common challenges. In this episode, they share the truths about photography, clients, and confidence that they learned through their experience. Their i...
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Episode 30
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33:44
Why Julie No Longer Chases Trends — and What She Does Instead | Behind the Blog | Julie Menghini
Julie talks about the freedom that came when she stopped trying to keep up with what everyone else was doing. Hear how she learned to trust her instincts, focus on her own strengths, and build a business rooted in timeless creativity instead of...
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Episode 29
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44:59
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Pricing Confidence for Photographers: Where to Start | Coaches Corner | Coach Tialyn
If pricing feels confusing or uncomfortable, this episode is for you. Tialyn simplifies the process with clear steps for setting and standing by your rates. You’ll finish with a plan—and the confidence—to price like a pro.Get your Fre...
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Episode 28
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52:22
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What It’s Really Like to Take the Pretty Focused Course | Grad Spotlight | Kalee Haasbeek
Ever wonder what Pretty Focused students actually experience? Kalee gives an honest look at her journey—from learning camera basics to landing paying clients. Her story will help you picture what your own success could look like.Get y...
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Episode 27
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32:36
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How Melissa Keeps Her Photography Clients Coming Back | Grad Spotlight
Client retention is key to any business, and Melissa has mastered it. In this episode, she shares the strategies that help her stay top of mind with clients. Her story proves that success comes from both skill and service.Get ...
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Episode 26
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47:22
Everything Food Bloggers Should Know About Website Design | Behind the Blog
In this episode, Madison breaks down the most common mistakes new bloggers make when designing their sites. From layout choices to branding decisions, she explains what really matters. Her advice will give you clarity and confidence as you buil...
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Episode 25
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53:00
Sold Out in 48 Hours: How Brittany’s First Portfolio Took Off | Grad Spotlight
Brittany is a true Pretty Focused success story, after graduating she sold her whole portfolio in just 48 hours! Before Pretty Focused, Brittany was stuck in a marketing role that wasn’t fulfilling and took precious time away from her family. I...
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Episode 24
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51:55
The Chaotic Table: How Stephanie Is Building Her Brand | Behind the Blog
Stephanie walks us through how she created her blog, The Chaotic Table, as an extension of her photography career. She’s honest about the challenges and excited about the opportunities ahead. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested ...
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Episode 23
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39:48
What to Do When You Lose a Client (Without Losing Confidence) | Coaches Corner | Coach Tialyn
From shifting budgets to changing business directions, there are many reasons clients move on. In this episode, you’ll hear how to separate what’s in your control from what isn’t—and why that distinction matters. Tialyn offers practical advi...
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Episode 22
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57:40
From Learning to Earning: Malak’s Story With Pretty Focused | Grad Spotlight | Malak Yassin
I loved chatting with Malak about her journey through Pretty Focused—she’s honest about the learning curve and just as real about the wins that came with it. She walks us through how she built her skills step-by-step and what made the course st...
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Episode 21
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39:52
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Food Blog Growth Strategies: Lessons from Broken Oven Baking | Behind the Blog | Broken Oven Baking
In this episode, Kayla Burton reveals how she built a successful food blog from scratch in just two years. Without prior blogging knowledge, she learned everything from photography to SEO through hands-on experience. Now, she helps others ac...
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Episode 20
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38:40
How to Stay Inspired as a Photographer: Tips from 17 Years in the Industry | Coaches Corner
Creativity can be hard to sustain, and Alicia knows that firsthand. After 17 years in photography, she’s learned what works when the inspiration runs dry. In this episode, she shares practical tips and deeper reflections to help you rediscov...
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Episode 19
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40:54
How Pretty Focused Helped Renee Launch Her Photography Career | Grad Spotlight | Renee Moore
Renee joined Pretty Focused with big dreams and a love for photography, but what she gained went far beyond the camera. From hands-on training to confidence in finding clients, she shares how the course shaped her journey. If you’ve ever won...
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Episode 18
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33:13
From Hobby to Thriving Blog | Behind the Blog | My Plant Based Family
Today’s episode of the Pretty Focused Podcast is one that feels full circle for me and I can’t wait for you to hear it.I am sitting down with Holly Yzquierdo from My Plant-Based Family...
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Episode 17
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51:45
Maximizing Efficiencies in Your Photography Workflow
In this episode I'm joined by the incredible Tialyn (Tia), a longtime Pretty Focused coach, business strategist, and our go-to efficiency expert. She’s led masterminds, hosted bootcamps, and helped hundreds of students streamline their workf...
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47:36
Real Talk from the Founder’s Seat! | Founder's Focus | Melodee Fiske
We flipped the script this week.Instead of me interviewing someone else, Coach Rhadonda turned the tables and interviewed me and I had no idea what questions she was going to ask. I was slightly nervous...but I think I managed ...
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Episode 15
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1:09:26
From Starting Small to Going All In | Grad Spotlight | Gavin Murphy
In this Grad Spotlight, I’m joined by Gavin Murphy, who, alongside his wife Nicole, has built a thriving food photography and writing business that gives their family the freedom and flexibility they were looking for. Before Pretty Focused, ...
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Episode 14
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35:37
Food Blogging in 2025 | Behind the Blog | Megan Porta
What a year 2024 was for the food blogging world.From shifts in traffic to new technology (hello, AI), it was a year full of questions—but also full of growth, clarity, and incredible comebacks.On the latest episode of the Prett...
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38:34
9 Simple Steps to Improve Your Recipe Writing | Coaches Corner
In this episode of the Pretty Focused Podcast, we’re joined by Niki, our expert recipe development coach with a rich culinary background. She walks us through 9 common mistakes that can sabotage your hard work. With real-life examples and pract...
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Episode 12
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1:05:57
3 Things I'm Doing Differently | Founder’s Focus | Melodee Fiske
This year, I’m committed to leading with more authenticity than ever—and in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what that really means. Tune in to hear my whole story as I share my heart for Pretty Focused. Get your Free T...
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Episode 11
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16:01
Flexibility & Family: Amy Smith’s Path to Success | Amy Smith | Grad Spotlight
In this inspiring episode, we’re shining a light on one of our grads, Amy Smith! Join us for a heartfelt conversation about Amy’s journey—how she took a leap of faith, navigated challenges, and found success in a way that fits her life perf...
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Episode 10
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39:26
How to Establish Working Relationships That Last!
Come find out what it takes to create a solid working relationship and thrive! In this episode I sat down with Rachel Gurk and Tialyn John, a Food Blogger and Photographer who have been working together for almost 5 years! Get ready to take som...
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Episode 9
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52:17
11 Tips for Building a Portfolio with Confidence - Coaches Corner
If you're struggling to build a great portfolio, don’t miss out on these insider tips from our incredible coaches, Lindsay and Amber. They share the biggest mistakes they see in student portfolios—and the game-changing tweaks that will give ...
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Episode 8
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1:18:21
Avoid these Recipe Writing Mistakes | Erin Gierhart | Behind the Blog
"Writing recipes for food blogs isn’t just about listing ingredients—it’s about making them clear, precise, and actually useful! I sat down with Erin Gierhart from State of Dinner to chat about what goes into creating recipes that food bloggers...
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Episode 7
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1:04:13
A Brighter Future is Possible, Learn How | Daniella Ziade | Grad Spotlight
In this episode, I talk with Daniella, who transitioned from costume design and event photography to building a thriving food photography business. Join us as we discuss her journey, the challenges she faced, and how she reignited her creativit...
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Episode 6
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52:44