Shows
The School Photo PodcastEp 8 - Neil Sweeney: Mastering the Hustle, Heart & Health of BusinessEpisode 08 – The School Photo Podcast
What happens when you mix entrepreneurial drive, a passion for team culture, and a seriously sharp business brain? Well add in some great teeth and a tan and you get Mr Neil Sweeney!
In this in-person episode, Neil joins us to talk through his journey from commercial property sales and security to high-growth startups and now into the world of school photography as Managing Director at Carmel Jane Photography.
We dive into:
What healthy business culture really looks like (hint: it's more than pizza Fridays)
Why trust an...
2025-04-071h 35
The School Photo PodcastEP 7 – Building Brilliance in School Photography with MagsWelcome to another exciting episode of The School Photo Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Mags – a powerhouse in the nursery and school photography space – and our very first female guest on the show!
Mags shares her incredible journey from launching her own bespoke nursery photography business to acquiring a school photography company with over 90 schools. With boundless energy and insight, she discusses the creative techniques she uses to capture natural, joyful moments in early years settings, the value of entertainers on set, and the challenges of growing a team that meets her high standards.
2025-03-181h 21
The School Photo PodcastEp 6 - "Laugh First, Click Later – Doogie’s Photo Day Philosophy"🎧 Episode 6 – Laugh First, Click Later – Doogie’s Photo Day Philosophy
In this episode, we sit down with Northern Ireland’s very own Doogie Douglas – a school photographer who brings banter, heart, and hustle to every job.
Doogie shares how he swapped civil engineering for the chaos and charm of school photography, how he wins over even the most camera-shy kids, and why being silly is a serious business advantage.
We talk:
📸 His hilarious tricks for making kids laugh
📆 Why February might be the new photo season
🔥 The realities of building a “lifestyle business”
❤️ How 15...
2025-03-092h 10
The School Photo PodcastEp 5 - "Think Outside the Lens": Marcelo Alvarado’s Journey in School Photography in ChileEpisode Description:
In this episode of The School Photo Podcast, I sit down with Marcelo Alvarado from Magic Photography Chile, a school photography disruptor with a fascinating backstory. From working on cruise ships to building one of the fastest-growing photography businesses in South America, Marcelo shares how he grew from zero to 30,000 students photographed in just a few years.
We dive into:
📸 How Marcelo transitioned from entertainment to photography
📸 The strategy behind Magic Photography’s rapid growth
📸 The power of networking and industry innovation
📸 Building strong relationships with schools and educators
...
2025-02-221h 06
The School Photo PodcastEp 4 - "Photography, Business & Bold Moves – Inside David Lloyd’s Success"🔹 Episode Summary In this episode of The School Photo Podcast, host Lee Brooker sits down with David Lloyd, Managing Director of Aperture Portraits, to discuss his journey through the school photography industry. From unexpectedly losing his job in 2012 to building one of the UK’s most recognised school photography businesses, David shares the key lessons he’s learned, the game-changing strategies that have propelled Aperture forward, and his vision for the future of school photography.
🔹 Key Topics Covered - David’s Start in Photography (2006): From assisting at weddings to stepping into school photography.
- The sudden closi...
2025-02-221h 19
The School Photo PodcastEP 3 -“Revenge is Best Served Successful” – Ian Hatch’s StoryIn this episode of The School Photo Podcast, we’re joined by Ian Hatch, a true veteran of the school photography industry. With over 30 years of experience, Ian has seen it all—from starting out in a high-street studio, growing a photography business to 1,500 schools, working at Tempest Photography, and ultimately building his own successful brand in Cornwall.
We chat about:
✅ Ian’s journey into school photography (spoiler: he didn’t plan it!)
✅ The power of relationships in retaining school contracts
✅ How technology and AI are shaping the future of school photography
✅ Ian’s Moving Memories...
2025-02-061h 10
The School Photo PodcastEp 2 - 📸 "50 years in the game – Andy Molloy Spills All on School Photography!"Episode Summary:
In this episode of The School Photo Podcast, I'm joined by industry veteran Andy Molloy, who has been in school photography for over five decades! Andy shares his fascinating journey, from growing up in a family of photographers to pioneering change in the Spanish school photography market.
We discuss:
📸 How Andy’s father introduced colour school photography in the UK
🇪🇸 The challenges and opportunities of bringing digital and online ordering to Spain
🚀 The role of AI, automation, and new technology in transforming the industry
🎭 Why personality and engagement matter more than just pr...
2025-02-051h 24
The School Photo PodcastEp 1 - Harri Olkinuora - "From Film to AI: How School Photography Has Transformed"In this very first episode of The School Photo Podcast, we sit down with Harri Olkinuora, a key figure in the school photography industry, to discuss the past, present, and future of school photography.
Harri shares his incredible journey—from his early days in football management to becoming a leading voice in school photography software solutions. He reveals:
✅ How technology and AI are transforming school photography
✅ Why collaboration is the key to survival in an evolving market
✅ The biggest mistakes photographers are making (and how to fix them)
✅ Entertaining industry stories, including a parent s...
2025-02-0459 min
The School Photo PodcastWhat is The School Photo Podcast?Here is a brief 5 minute explanation of our plan and mission and what we are looking to achieve from this very niche podcast.
We would love to welcome on new guests, so please visit www.schoolphotopod.com to get involved.
Thanks, Lee
2025-02-0404 min
2025-01-3100 min