From Postpartum Depression to a Thriving Photography Business

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Caitlin McColl of www.ragamuffinpetphotography.com.au and www.tailsoftheworld.com is one of Australia's best pet photographers! Her work first caught my eye over ten years ago, and we followed up with episode number 24 of the podcast, where she shared the details of working with pet shelters — I listened back to part of that recording this morning, and oh my god, we both sound so young!

We later followed up by recording episode 282 where we dived deep into her photography books as a marketing and sales tool.

I've asked her back today, following a recent email where she wrote…

G'day Andrew,

I'm just sitting here editing and listening to the podcast and decided I really need to send you a thank you.

I'm coming out the other side of a four year postpartum depression haze and having spent those years just doing bare minimum to keep my business afloat and family fed, I was feeling lost and uninspired in business.

But I knew EXACTLY where I needed to go to reinvigorate myself and as always Photobizx didn't disappoint. I've spent the last few weeks binge listening, and for the first time in a long time, I feel enthused about work again.

I asked if she'd feel up to talking about her experiences.

Caitlin said yes, and in this interview, she shares her experience of postpartum depression to rebuilding a thriving photography business.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

Mindset drives success – Overcoming challenges can transform your business.
Outsource to grow – Hiring helps free up time for business growth.
Diversify income – Multiple revenue streams create stability.
Mental health matters – Prioritising wellbeing impacts business success.
Maternity leave strategy – Six months off without losing income.
Build the right team – Smart hiring streamlines operations.
Expos = More bookings – Strategic approach secured 40+ sessions.
Planning calls boost sales – Pre-session consults lead to bigger profits.
Gear matters in pet photography – Investing in quality equipment pays off.
Passion projects fuel growth – Tails of the World raised $150K and built brand credibility.
Scaling means letting go – Hiring associates for business expansion.
Asking for help is a strength – Support is key in business and life.

What’s on Offer for Premium Members

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I'm coming out the other side of a four-year postpartum depression haze, and having spent those years just doing the bare minimum to keep my business afloat and my family fed, I was feeling lost and uninspired in business, but I knew exactly where I needed to go to reinvigorate myself. – Caitlin McColl

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

Rather than saying, Hey, can I talk to you about pet photography? My line is, Oh, would you like to win a pet photo shoot? Would you like to win a photo shoot with your dog? And nine out of 10 people are gonna say ‘no'. – Caitlin McColl

In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yours – to build a more successful photography business.

What is your big takeaway?

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Caitlin shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.

I feel like I'm really excited about my business, and I'm really excited for changes, and I want to work on it, rather than just doing the shoots and whatever I need to do to get by. So yeah, I can feel my like myself again, not like my old self. You never go back to your old self once you had kids, as you know, but I can feel my spirit back. It's really nice. – Caitlin McColl

If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Caitlin, or a way to thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs

I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons.

Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!

Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.

I've always been so geeky and passionate about automation and efficiency and productivity all that kind of stuff. But through the last four years, the importance of also being able to outsource became really, really apparent. – Caitlin McColl

If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.

Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.

Every other year I have done this. I sell a loss leader discounted session voucher, and sell maybe 40 sessions. The sales of those cover the stall fee. – Caitlin McColl

Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.

Thank you!

Thanks for tuning in! Huge thanks to Caitlin for sharing her journey and game-changing insights. Her story proves success isn’t just about great photos—it’s about mindset, smart moves, and taking action. If you’re serious about growing a sustainable photography business, this is the stuff that matters.

One of the big things that I've learnt through this is the importance of all my eggs not being in my own basket. – Caitlin McColl

That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business!

Thanks, and speak soon
Andrew

606: Caitlin McColl – From Postpartum Depression to Rebuilding a Thriving Photography Business

What’s on Offer for Premium Members

What is your big takeaway?

iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs

Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:

Thank you!

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