S03 E13 - He's Photographed the NBA & Coldplay: How Travis Hayto built his Dream Career
Travis Hayto is a Live Events Photographer and the founder of SoCo Studios, a creative agency producing high-impact photo and video content for brands, events and sporting organisations. He’s shot everything from the NBA to the AFL Grand Final and even Coldplay Stadium Concerts. Travis has built a career working behind the scenes at some of Australia’s biggest events and if you've been on social media lately you've probably seen his BTS Videos on TikTok or YouTube.
In this episode, Travis shares how he went from volunteering courtside at basketball games to leading a full creative team. We talk about growing a photography career in the sports and events world, building a business that lasts, and what it really takes to stay creatively fulfilled over the long term.
You’ll also hear us chat about:
The early days of freelancing and saying yes to everything
The story behind some of Travis’ most memorable shots
Creating content while on the job
The mindset that’s helped him land major gigs
How and why he built a team
And why small jobs matter just as much as the big ones
Whether you’re a working photographer or just curious about what goes into shooting some of the biggest events in the world, there’s so much insight in this one.
Say Hi to Travis on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube
Learn more about Soco Studios on their Website
Thanks for tuning in and if you did enjoy todays episode, make sure to leave a Rating or Review on your platform of choice.
Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube
Follow Mike on Instagram | TikTok
Editing & Post Production by Mossy Heart Media. Check out their Website & Instagram.
Music Created by JWPATON. Check out his work on Instagram.
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1:15:14
S03 E12 - The Best Way to Start a Wedding Photography Business with Josh Huggett
Josh Huggett returns to the podcast to share the unfiltered, behind-the-scenes story of how Wedding Mania 2024 went from a wild idea in a voice memo to a three-day photography workshop that gave away real weddings. We talk about what worked, what didn’t, and why running a workshop in Australia is a completely different beast. Josh talks candidly about the emotional side of choosing couples, the financial risks of running workshops, and what he’s changing this year to make the experience even better. We also chat about my own upcoming retreat, Camp Photography, and how it’s designed to be a more hands-on, skill-building experience with a real sense of community. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating educational events that are actually valuable, and not just expensive styled shoots, this episode is packed with lessons, honesty, and a behind-the-scenes look at what’s next.
Come to Camp Photography: https://www.mikejeffrey.co/campphotography
Join Wedding Mania: https://joshuahuggettmedia.com/weddingmania
Say Hi to Josh on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube
Thanks for tuning in and if you did enjoy todays episode, make sure to leave a Rating or Review on your platform of choice.
Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube
Follow Mike on Instagram | TikTok
Editing & Post Production by Mossy Heart Media. Check out their Website & Instagram.
Music Created by JWPATON. Check out his work on Instagram.
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1:06:07
S03 E11 - I Reduced My Prices and I Made More Money with Zoe Joy Mobbs
Zoe Joy Mobbs, a Newborn & Family Photographer, joins me on the podcast to share her journey of turning a lifelong passion into a thriving creative business. Zoe opens up about how her personal experiences with fertility struggles & motherhood have shaped the emotional connection she brings to her work. We also dive into the realities of running a photography business in a small town where competition is high and word of mouth spreads quickly. Zoe did something crazy last year by lowering her pricing structure and it actually transformed her business for the better. We also talk about the importance of human interaction and how staying true to yourself is the key for long-term success. Whether you're a photographer or creative business owner, you'll find plenty of practical advice and heartfelt inspiration in this episode.
Say Hi to ZOE on Instagram, Facebook or her Website
Thanks for tuning in and if you did enjoy todays episode, make sure to leave a Rating or Review on your platform of choice.
Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube
Follow Mike on Instagram | TikTok
Editing & Post Production by Mossy Heart Media. Check out their Website & Instagram.
Music Created by JWPATON. Check out his work on Instagram.
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59:43
S03 E10 - Starting a Photo Video Business alongside your Partner with Alex & Britt Hall
Britt and Alex Hall from Chasing Sunsets, a Husband-and-Wife Wedding Photo Video team sit down with Mike this week to talk about their Creative Journey, both together and apart. Known for their stunning visuals, creative self-portraits, and positive vibes, these two have become icons in the online photography space. In this episode, Alex & Britt recount their story from first meeting at a McDonald’s drive-thru to building a successful photography brand and growing an online community that values authenticity and education.
They also talk about what it really looks like to run a business as a couple, how they transitioned from hobbyists to professionals, and why self-portraits played such a crucial role in building their portfolio. Britt & Alex share the highs and lows of creating content online, how they come up with ideas, and what they’ve learned about shooting together, setting boundaries, and showing up consistently — even when it's hard.
If you're a Wedding Photographer, Videographer or Content Creator looking to connect deeper with your audience, build a sustainable business with heart, and create content that actually helps people, this one’s for you.
Say Hi to Britt & Alex on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube
Check out their Website at chasingsunsetsphotoandfilm.com
— Click here for the Sunset Chaser Lightroom Preset Pack —
Thanks for tuning in and if you did enjoy todays episode, make sure to leave a Rating or Review on your platform of choice.
Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube
Follow Mike on Instagram | TikTok
Editing & Post Production by Mossy Heart Media. Check out their Website & Instagram.
Music Created by JWPATON. Check out his work on Instagram.
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1:32:26
S03 E09 - Breaking Limiting Beliefs on Pricing & Valuing your Own Work (Solo Episode with Mike)
In this solo episode, Mike gets real about the messy journey of building a creative business. From struggling with pricing his work to relaunching his photo editing course, Mike shares the lessons that only come from doing the work — even before you feel ready. He talks about the power of starting before you're "there," the freedom that comes from letting go of perfectionism, and why your pricing should reflect your value, not what you think people can afford.
Mike dives into the importance of understanding your audience, building a personal brand, and creating live, in-person experiences that truly connect. Teaching isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about showing up, learning from every class, and making each iteration better than the last. He opens up about turning people away, navigating self-doubt, and why passion—not just profit—should drive your creative work.
Plus, he shares behind-the-scenes insights from a recent Nikon Australia project and challenges you to ask yourself: What would it take for you to host something? Because the business you're meant to succeed in might not be the one you’re running right now. This episode is your reminder to embrace the process, show up as yourself, and go all-in on doing you.
Follow Mike Jeffrey on Instagram | TikTok
Thanks for tuning in and if you did enjoy todays episode, make sure to leave a Rating or Review on your platform of choice.
Check out the Video Podcast on YouTube
Editing & Post Production by Mossy Heart Media. Check out their Website & Instagram.
Music Created by JWPATON. Check out his work on Instagram.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
05:11 - Course re-Launch
34:36 - Nikon NDA Project
44:04 - Camp Photography
This isn’t just a Photography Podcast. It’s a deep dive into the minds of creative people—what drives them, what scares them, and how they push through challenges to do what they love. My Creative Journey is for creatives, entrepreneurs, and dreamers ready to overcome fear, embrace new challenges, and unlock their full potential. Each week, Mike sits down with photographers, videographers, artists, and visionaries who have turned their passions into thriving careers. Through real stories, actionable advice, and practical strategies, you’ll learn how to break through creative blocks, step outside your comfort zone, and build a life and career that truly inspires you. Whether you’re just starting out or already established, this podcast will give you the mindset shifts and tools you need to grow.
New episodes release every Monday!
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