Leah O'Connell

Episode 52: Staying Open to Growth, Redefining Risk, and Betting on Yourself with Annemie Tonken

In this podcast episode of Photo Fuel, I sit down with Annemie Tonken—photographer, educator, and host of the This Can’t Be That Hard podcast—for a thoughtful, no-fluff (but metaphor filled!) conversation about what it really takes to run a sustainable photography business in a changing world.

This conversation goes beyond productivity hacks or pricing formulas, because while all those logistics are so important, they are secondary to the heart and brains of your business. In this episode, we talk about things like how handle discomfort and failure, the parallels between business and parenting, and how to find peace and momentum even when things feel hard.

podcast episode with Annemie Tonken about photography business

Inside this Podcast Episode with Annemie Tonken

We also go deeper into the real (and perceived) risk at stake with starting a creative business a

Addressing risk and ego in entrepreneurship
The difference between recognizing misalignment and quitting
Uncovering your strengths and leaning into opportunity despite changes in your style, season of life, the market, and more
How to raise your prices or shift your editing style without blowing up your business
Building predictability with your income in a seasonal or uncertain market
How to find peace, empowerment, and creative fuel in tough times