In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, fine art photographer Teresa Freitas is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest growing global community for committed fine artists.

She shares the mindset and methods that have helped her build a thriving career in photography. Teresa’s pastel-toned, cinematic images blur the line between dream and reality, and her work has reached audiences worldwide through collaborations with Netflix, Dior, Adobe, and a solo exhibition in Seoul that drew over 100,000 visitors.

Teresa doesn’t hold back when it comes to practical advice. From breaking through on Instagram and negotiating with brands, to following your creative compass, this episode is packed with tools artists can use to grow with intention and professionalism.

“ Speaking with people and exchanging experiences makes you realize…other creative people are going through the same things that you are and you're not alone in this world. Learning for me has always been one of the biggest advantages of being in a community.”

– Teresa Freitas

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Following Your Creative Compass and Staying True to Your Vision

03:00 Iconic Gellert Baths Photograph and Approach to Color and Composition

06:00 Early Influences: Painting, Color Theory, and Visual Inspiration

08:00 Beginnings in Photography and First Steps on Instagram

10:00 Growth on Instagram and Gaining Global Visibility

11:00 Navigating Instagram Challenges and the Shift to Video

14:00 La Muralla Roja Photograph and Breakthrough Visibility

16:00 Early Brand Collaborations Through Instagram

19:00 Negotiating with Brands and Setting Budgets

22:00 Lessons Learned from Failed Collaborations

25:00 Evolution of Style: Flower Projects and Documentary Approach

28:00 Importance of Community and Collaborating with Others

30:00 Staying Authentic and Redefining Success in the Art World

32:00 Closing Reflections and Lasting Lessons from Teresa’s Journey

Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/teresa-freitas

Links to artworks discussed:

Her photographs can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/AUp6iIlUhqY

Resources:

• Carolyn Drake (Photographer): https://carolyndrake.com/contact

Connect with Teresa:

• Website: https://www.teresacfreitas.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teresacfreitas/

Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:

• Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letter
• Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator

Free training and resources:

• Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06
• Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.