Episode 19 – Aidan Tooth: How TikTok Turned Her Dance Photography Into a Thriving Career

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Toronto-based dance photographer Aidan Tooth never set out to go viral — but after picking up a camera during the pandemic, she grew a TikTok following of over 35,000 and racked up more than 2 million views on her creative dance photography videos.

That online visibility opened major real-world doors, landing her partnerships with brands like Samsung and helping her carve out her own standout space in the competitive world of dance photography.

In this inspiring conversation, we dive into how Aidan transitioned from dancer to photographer, how she built her audience from scratch, and the lessons she learned about trusting herself, standing out, and turning passion into lasting opportunity. Whether you're building your photography career, growing your brand online, or navigating a creative pivot, this episode is packed with real, actionable insights.

Key Moments from the Episode:

• (1:29) Aidan’s dance background and how the pandemic sparked her photography career
• (7:00) Learning photography through self-portraits during lockdown
• (10:42) How she directs dancers and why her dance training gives her a unique edge
• (18:02) How landing a brand deal with Samsung changed her career
• (23:30) Dance photography trends and standing out without comparison
• (26:38) Her editing process, favorite lighting gear, and shooting style
• (30:26) Struggles with imposter syndrome, burnout, and setting boundaries
• (34:50) Going viral on TikTok and the unexpected impact on her career
• (38:10) Aidan’s top advice for creatives just starting out
• (39:06) Her vision for the future and exploring new creative directions

 

Favorite Quotes:

"Photography was always something I wanted to do, but I never had the time to dive into it — until the world stopped."

"Every shoot teaches you something new — the key is just to keep showing up."

"Being comfortable in front of the camera is number one — you can tell when someone truly feels at ease."

"You don't need to reinvent the wheel. If it’s working and it feels like you, keep going."

"Saying no has been one of the hardest but most important things I've learned to do."

Follow Aidan Tooth:

• Instagram: @aidan.tooth
• TikTok: @aidantoothphotography
• Website: www.aidantooth.com

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• Instagram: @artistdatepodcast

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