What if those were the keys to unlocking your next big breakthrough?

What if you didn’t need to have it all figured out? What if all you needed was just a willingness to follow what lights you up?

These are the powerful themes Adrian Mueller and host Mica McCook unpack in this episode of The Savory Shot.

Adrian shares how his never-ending curiosity keeps him learning, growing, and evolving in his work. He reminds us that being a student of your craft is a mindset. One that opens doors, builds momentum, and leads to fresh ideas.

He also dives deep into the art of simplicity, and let me tell you, it’s not as easy as it looks. Adrian explains how creating something clean, focused, and truly beautiful takes serious intention and skill.

Feeling stuck? Wondering what’s next? This episode will challenge you in the best way. It’ll have you looking around with fresh eyes, asking “What if I tried that?” and “Why not go for it?”

Whether you're ready for a pivot or simply need a spark to re-ignite your passion, this conversation is your reminder to stay curious, get clear, and keep going.

In Episode 065 of The Savory Shot, we sit down with Adrian Mueller, a commercial photographer and tabletop director based in New York by way of Switzerland. With a career that started after walking away from a life of professional soccer, Adrian brings a thoughtful, humble approach to his work that’s rooted in his belief that “beauty lives in simplicity.”

Adrian shares how curiosity helped him pivot his life, how simplicity shapes his creative process, and why your style is your niche. He opens up about collaboration, communication, and staying grounded in an industry that often pushes noise over meaning.

Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/adrian-mueller-photographer/

Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast

Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast

Website:https://www.fabrik-studios.com/

Instagram: @mueller.adrian LinkedIn:/in/adrianmueller

Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we'll be in touch soon.

What if the thing you once wanted more than anything suddenly stops feeling like enough? It’s a question so many of us quietly carry, especially when we’ve built our lives around the dream. The business. The title. The identity. So… what now?

In this episode of The Savory Shot, I sat down with Kira Corbin, an incredible prop and interiors stylist with over 13 years of experience working with names like Bon Appétit, Food Network, and Pendleton. After running a beautiful retail shop and styling countless sets, Kira chose to walk away from something she loved—so she could make space for what was next. She’s now the founder of Standard Affair, a homewares brand built from her soul out.

We talked about why it’s okay to evolve, even after you’ve “made it.” Kira shared how she learned to rest without guilt, what it means to invest in yourself, and how starting over doesn’t mean you’re lost—it means you’re listening. Her story is a reminder that clarity comes not from hustling harder, but from slowing down and asking better questions.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a life that once felt exciting, this conversation is for you. Tune into The Savory Shot and be reminded: growth is never failure.

Your permission slip to begin again is here.

Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/kira-corbin-prop-stylist/

Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast

Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast

Website:https://www.kiracorbin.com/ Standard Affairs Website: https://standardaffair.com/

Instagram: @kiracorbin Standard Affairs Instagram: @standardaffair LinkedIn: @kira-corbin

Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we'll be in touch soon.

Are you ready to unlock a world of opportunities and take your creative business to new heights?

Join us as we explore the power of LinkedIn with the insightful Jeff Brown, a photography business mentor, bestselling author, and former Royal Navy photographer. With four successful businesses under his belt, Jeff now helps photographers worldwide build standout brands. Specializing in mindset, branding, and LinkedIn strategy, Jeff’s mission is to help photographers become the go-to experts in their niche.

The Power of LinkedIn

In today’s digital age, LinkedIn has become an essential tool for professionals across all industries. But it can be so much more than just a platform for job searching. LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for building relationships, establishing thought leadership, and growing your business.

Jeff Brown’s Expertise

Jeff shares his expertise on how to leverage LinkedIn to achieve your business goals. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong personal brand, creating valuable content, and engaging with your network.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• The importance of mindset and goal setting
• How to create a captivating LinkedIn profile
• Strategies for building relationships and generating leads
• The power of LinkedIn newsletters
• Common mistakes to avoid on LinkedIn

Ready to transform your LinkedIn presence and unlock new opportunities? Delve further into Jeff’s insights by listening to the full episode. And don’t forget to check out his latest book, “The Photographer’s Missing LinkedIn.”

LinkedIn is a goldmine of opportunities for photographers and other creative professionals. By following Jeff’s advice, you can leverage this platform to build a thriving business and achieve your dreams.

Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/

Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast

Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast

Website:https://thephotographersmentor.com/

Facebook: @focusonmarketing LinkedIn: @thephotographersmentor

Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we'll be in touch soon.

Picture this: You're scrolling through Yelp, stomach rumbling, overwhelmed by choices, and then BAM! A perfectly lit, mouthwatering dish catches your eye, stopping you mid-scroll. The crisp edges of a golden-brown crust, the vibrant pop of fresh herbs, the glossy sheen of a perfectly plated sauce—it all screams, "Order me now!" Your decision is made. That, my friend, is the undeniable power of great food photography. But how do restaurants determine which dishes deserve this kind of spotlight? What makes a meal truly photogenic, and how can images drive sales and brand loyalty? That's exactly what food photographer Nancy Ingersoll unpacks with expertise and passion.

Nancy is more than just a photographer—she's a strategist, stylist, and storyteller. With eight years of experience photographing food and products, she's worked with over 200 brands, ranging from small local restaurants to big-name food companies. She understands branding and marketing inside and out, so she makes sure every photo she takes perfectly captures a restaurant's unique style and what they're trying to achieve. Her expertise goes beyond photography—she curates props, advises on plating techniques, and even helps businesses understand how to leverage visuals for social media and advertising. She doesn't just capture dishes; she helps restaurants tell their story through compelling visuals that drive customer engagement and sales.

Nancy shares her step-by-step process for guiding restaurants in selecting the right dishes for a photoshoot. From asking the right questions (What's your most profitable dish? What's seasonal? What makes people say WOW?) to ensuring variety in textures and colors, she breaks it all down with clarity and expertise. Plus, she shares her Give, Get method to help restaurant owners feel confident in their choices.

Whether you're a food photographer, restaurant owner, or just someone who loves food (hi, same!), Nancy's insights prove that a well-thought-out photo can do more than just look good—it can create cravings, drive sales, and shape a brand's identity.

Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/nancy-ingersoll/

Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast

Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast

Website: https://nancyingersoll.com/

Instagram: @thecreativeresource

Facebook: @thecreativeresource LinkedIn: @nancyingersoll

Have you ever wondered how your personal experiences shape who you are as a creative? In this episode of Savory Shot, we dive deep into the journey of Kris Connor, an award-winning New York-based celebrity chef and restaurant photographer. With over 30 years behind the camera, Kris shares his unique perspective on how his life experiences have influenced his photography career.

Kris Connor is a well-known name in the world of food photography. He's worked with renowned chefs like Carla Hall, Wolfgang Puck, and Bobby Flay, and brands like Food Network and Casamigos Tequila have featured his work. But Kris's journey is far from ordinary. Born with achondroplasia, he underwent multiple limb-lengthening operations that gave him a unique outlook on life. This outlook is evident in his photography, as he seeks to highlight the beauty and craftsmanship in both food and the people who prepare it.

In this episode, Kris opens up about his personal and professional journey, sharing valuable insights and experiences. He discusses his transition from photojournalism to food photography, the importance of personal branding, and the challenges of staying true to oneself in a constantly evolving industry. Kris also shares his thoughts on the importance of giving back to the photography community and the need for more inclusive and diverse representation in the field.

Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/

Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast

Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast

Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we'll be in touch soon.

What if the most unexpected detours in life turned out to be your calling?

Sheila Jarnes, a food stylist, prop stylist, and hand model based in Midcoast Maine, sat down to share her journey from environmental conservation to the deliciously visual world of food styling. With her hands in everything from gardening to cooking, Sheila’s story is a testament to the beauty of embracing curiosity and finding art in the everyday.

Sheila’s career took root in the restaurant industry, followed by an “accidental” entry into food styling in 2016. She described her early days as a mix of excitement and learning, styling recipes for Boston Globe Magazine in her tiny apartment with no formal training. From makeshift shoots with a point-and-shoot camera to working on high-profile campaigns, Sheila’s path has been anything but linear—and that’s what makes it inspiring.

The episode dives deep into what it takes to style a dish to perfection, from the chaos of on-set dynamics to navigating creative briefs. Sheila also shares her heartfelt goal to align her work with brands that emphasize sustainability, blending her love for food with her background in environmental conservation.

Take Action Are you ready to embrace the unknown and tap into your own creative spark? Take a moment to try something new in your craft this week. Experiment, explore, and let curiosity guide you.

Closing Thought As Sheila so beautifully put it, “This work is a constant reminder of having to be okay being uncomfortable.” Let her words nudge you toward growth—because magic lives just outside your comfort zone.

Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/sheila-jarnes/

Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast

Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast

Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we'll be in touch soon.

Ever feel like you're pouring your heart and soul into your creative work but still struggling to make a living? Like you're stuck in a tug-of-war between your passion and the practicalities of running a business?

In this episode of The Savory Shot, we’re delving into a topic that's close to the heart of every creative entrepreneur: building a sustainable business.

Tamera Darden is not only an amazing photographer, but she's also a business mastermind. She's the founder of Darden Creative, the author of The Photo CEO, and a total pro at helping creatives like you thrive!

• Why "done" is better than "perfect"
• The power of "no"
• Networking without the ick
• Negotiating your worth
• Owning your time

Tune in to The Savory Shot and get ready to be inspired by Tamera's wisdom and practical advice. It's time to ditch the struggle and step into your power as a creative entrepreneur!

Don't forget to grab a copy of Tamera's book, The Photo CEO, and check out her amazing work at Darden Creative. You won't regret it!

Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/tamera-darden/

Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast

Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast

Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we'll be in touch soon.

Ever feel like you're running on fumes? Like you're pushing yourself so hard that something's gotta give? Yeah, me too.

In this episode of The Savory Shot, we're diving deep into something we all face at some point: burnout. And trust me, it's a topic that's close to my heart.

Mica McCook is an amazing food photographer from Austin, Texas. She's also the host of The Savory Shot, and she's been super open about her own struggles with burnout. In this episode, she shares her story and how she learned to prioritize her well-being.

• The pressure to be perfect: Mica talks about how trying to be perfect all the time led her to feel burnt out.
• Taking a break: She shares why she decided to step away from her podcast and how it helped her find balance again.
• Finding what works for YOU: Mica talks about how she focused on exercise, healthy eating, and her mental health to feel better.
• Making real connections: She shares her new goals for the podcast, which are all about connecting with people in a genuine way.

Tune in to The Savory Shot and hear Mica's inspiring story. It's a powerful reminder that it's okay to slow down and take care of yourself.

Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/breakfrompodcasting/

Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast

Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast

Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we'll be in touch soon.

And before we wrap up, a huge shoutout to our sponsor, Flodesk, for supporting this episode. Don't forget to check out their email design services tailored for food photographers, and enjoy an exclusive discount just for our listeners!

So, are you ready to turn your limitations into your greatest strengths? Tune in now, and let's embark on this creative journey together. After all, the best masterpieces often come from the most unexpected places! 🚀✨ Get 50% off your first year by using the code: SAVORYSHOT50 Visit Flodesk now