Welcome to Episode 29 of the Focused Professional Podcast. In this episode, Joe chats with Dario Righetto, a highly respected figure in the international photography community known for his expertise in printing and as a judge. Dario sketches out for us his journey into the photography industry and his passion for supporting artists. Growing up in Venice, inspired by the stunning architecture, art and Italian countryside, art has been in his blood from a young age. He still continues his childhood love for painting and is known as a skilled illustrator.

In fine art printing, Dario finds a home for his blend of artistic and scientific interests, harnessing developing technology to create exquisite prints for some of the world's best photographers. He is trusted for competition prints and qualification panels by those at the top of their game. Dario loves to help people get into printing their work and he quickly debunks myths around the complexity of the process and emphasizes the value it adds to the craft, both artistically and professionally.

Along with his wife Sarah Edmunds, Dario created the Judging Room to extend the benefits of attending print judging to more photographers at various international events. This is a great educational resource and also fun for the judges involved who benefit from one another's diverse perspectives and skillsets. We touch on the benefits of combining different cultures and the global need for a wide range of voices. Art is never finished - it needs all of our contributions.

Images courtesy of Dario Righetto - used with permission.

You can follow Dario on Instagram or join the Love Edits Facebook group

Please visit the Love Edits website for more information on the Judging Room, Dario's print services and to learn key editing skills

Welcome to episode 28 of the Focused Professional Podcast. In this interview, Joe chats with Elinchrom Global Ambassador and Nikon Creator Therese Asplund. The acclaimed Swedish photographer has won many international titles and awards and is a Master Qualified European Photographer. Her prints consistently score highly in competitions, wowing the judges, and she has even managed an incredible perfect 100 at the prestigious Societies of Photographers print competition.

In this exclusive interview, Therese shares her passion for lighting and the art of mastering shadows to sculpt beautiful portraits. Her creativity finds inspiration in the hardware store, swimming pool and wherever else she may go, using her imagination to re-purpose a potential prop or location. She might not easily settle into one approach or genre, but nevertheless, her eclectic approach still results in images that are recognisably her handiwork.

Therese loves a challenge and isn't one for sitting back and taking things easy. She adapts her business to enable her to continue to be profitable despite economic downturns making it hard to raise prices, embracing new technology where it can help her as an artist and professional. At the same time, her motivation and enjoyment for her art remains the same as when it started - the joy of bringing happiness to others happy with her images.

All images © Therese Asplund - used here with permission

See Therese's website for more of her work and follow her on Instagram to keep up with the latest images and behind the scenes footage.

Join us in Episode 27 for a deep and personal conversation with Danish photographer, tutor, and model Sissela Johansson. Now based in Sweden, Sissela lived in America for a number of years and has experience of running a business in different contexts and with different aims. After initially following the advice of established photographers on how to "succeed," she took her own path that felt more authentic to herself.

She is now reinventing herself again in an even more profound way, redefining success and prioritising what is truly meaningful for her. Sissela is exploring what authenticity looks like for her, following her heart and developing a lifestyle that is sustainable in many more ways.

Treating others with care and humanity is at the heart of her photography ethos. Whether she is creating portrait images or intimate boudoir, Sissela seeks to really understand and present the true nature of her clients. And this is something she is passionate about sharing with her students too. Yes, lighting, posing, props and location play a role. But, for Sissela the person in front of the lens is first and foremost a human being to be respected and valued.

Sharing her experiences as a model, she also pleads with photographers to engage with people even in busy convention booths. Portrait images are co-creations and this works best if we really work with models instead of treating them impersonally as objects to photograph.

This frank and open conversation offers alternative perspectives on working in the photography industry. Sissela Johansson offers her take on what her career has brought her and encourages you to think about what you really want before getting caught up in the hype or following the crowds.

All images © Sissela Johansson - used here with permission

Visit Sissela's website for examples of her work and teaching.

Keep up with her also on Instagram