What Photography Taught Me About Podcasting (and Bidding Farewell to My 30s) | ep7
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What if you’re not starting from scratch—just starting from experience?
As I say goodbye to my 30s, I’ve been thinking a lot about how photography shaped not only my career but my creative mindset. In this special episode, I reflect on what 20 years behind the camera taught me about podcasting—and why that foundation still supports everything I create today.
Whether you're pivoting creatively, embracing a new medium, or wondering if your past skills still matter… this episode is for you. Spoiler: They do.
Time Stamps
00:00 Reflecting on a Creative Journey
03:05 Lessons from Photography to Podcasting
05:59 Embracing Imperfection in Creation
09:10 Understanding Your Audience
11:59 The Evolution of Creative Goals
15:08 Crafting Consistency Over Frequency
18:01 Building on Past Experiences
Have you ever felt like you were starting from scratch—only to realize you weren’t?
As I prepare to say goodbye to my 30s, I’ve been reflecting on the creative path that brought me here. It all began 20 years ago with a black-and-white film photography class at the University of Puerto Rico. That one decision—to study audiovisual communication—shaped how I see the world and ultimately how I show up today as a podcast strategist and creative coach.
Even though I’ve shifted from photography as a business to podcasting as a calling, I’ve come to see how deeply those photography lessons still shape how I create content.
So today, I want to share how my photography background still influences my podcasting—and how you can apply these creative insights to your own journey.
1. Framing Is Everything: Start With Your Story
Photography teaches us: What you choose to include (or exclude) in the frame shapes the story.
In podcasting: Your episode’s structure, title, and message clarity all create the listener’s experience.
Try this:
Define your episode’s promise before recording.
Let that guide your title, intro, and CTA.
Cut out fluff that distracts from the message.
Action Step: Write one sentence that summarizes your episode. Use it to guide everything else.
2. Light = Energy: Your Tone Sets the Mood
In photography, light shapes emotion. In podcasting, your voice is the light.
Listeners can feel your energy through:
Tone
Pace
Presence
Try this:
Record a quick tone check.
Use editing and music to shape emotional flow.
Choose sound that complements your theme.
Action Step: Play back your intro and ask: Would I want to keep listening?
3. Don’t Wait for Perfect Conditions
Some of my best photos came from chaotic, imperfect moments—and so have my best podcast episodes.
You don’t need:
A flawless script
A perfect mic
A quiet room
You need purpose.
Try this:
Batch record with light outlines.
Set a timer for 20 minutes and talk to one listener.
Hit publish—even if it’s not “perfect.”
✨ Action Step: Name your ideal listener. Create for them, not everyone.
4. Your Subject Comes First: Speak to Your Audience
In photography, I always framed the subject so they felt seen.
In podcasting, your subject is your listener.
Try this:
Ask your audience what they’re struggling with.
Reflect that struggle in your intro.
Spark curiosity in the first few seconds.
Deliver the promise. End with one small CTA.
✨ Action Step: Start your next episode with a question your audience is already asking.
5. Every Creative Phase Has Its Season
Photography was my first creative language. Podcasting is the new one.
We evolve—and so should our content.
Try this:
Revisit your podcast goals quarterly.
Let your format evolve with you.
Test mini series or themes.
Be transparent when you pivot—and bring your audience with you.
Action Step: Ask: Is this format still aligned with how I want to create and connect?
6. Consistency = Craft, Not Frequency
The number one question I got as a photographer? “What camera do you use?”
Now as a podcaster: “What mic is best?”
Truth: Gear helps. But your message matters more.
Try this:
Build a 2–3 episode buffer.
Prioritize message and rhythm over perfection.
Focus on creating content that’s evergreen.
Action Step: Ask: Would I revisit this episode in a year?
BONUS: Repurpose Evergreen Content for Longevity
One of my best-performing episodes was a simple list: 25 Things to Start Your Podcast on YouTube.
It was easy to produce, aligned with my business pillars (YouTube + podcasting), and repurposable.
Pro tip:
Think in content pillars.
Create list-style or how-to episodes.
Tweak titles to stay current year-round.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Starting Over
As I close out this chapter of my life, I’m reminded that I’m not starting from scratch—I’m building on 20 years of creative experience. Photography taught me to see. Podcasting taught me to speak. Both have helped me build a business rooted in storytelling and strategy.
If you’re pivoting or evolving, trust that your past experience still matters—it’s all part of your foundation.
Need Help With Your Podcast Strategy?
I work with creatives and entrepreneurs to build podcast strategies that feel aligned, effective, and authentic.
Hola, I’m YeseniA!
I’m passionate about helping coaches, educators, and creative entrepreneurs how to launch and grow a profitable, and purpose-driven brand online through video and podcasting.
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