Last week I hosted an “Open House” Zoom call for people who had questions about Sandra Coan Certification, and several of our current members joined the callNow, it’s one thing for me to slide into your inbox and tell you how great Sandra Coan Certification is. It’s another thing entirely to hear what the people who are in the program have to say! Here are some of the take-aways the...

We’re opening applications for Sandra Coan Certification is just two weeks!  And so on today’s episode, I’d love to talk discuss the elephant in the room in regards to that program which is, do you need a certification to be a professional photographer?  And are there any benefits to having one?  Is it actually necessary?  So if you are considering joining the Sandra Coan Certification program, or any other certification program, this episode is for...

One of the benefits about being in the Sandra Coan Certification program is the opportunity to have one-on-one meetings with me as you work through the program. I know a lot of people have questions about what the one-on-one calls are like, so you can listen to one! Sit down with me and Laura Watts Walsh to talk about Certification! SHOWNOTES https://sandracoanstudios.com/2024/04/30/sandra-coan-certification-review/ LAURA WATTS...

I’m going to let you in on a little secret.  I work with over 150 clients a year, and I don’t do any active marketing for my studio.  So, on today’s podcast, I’m going to tell you exactly how I’m able to get away with that… and I’m going to walk you through the exact method I set up for myself YEARS ago, that makes it possible for me to have a successful photography business WITHOUT doing the marketing busy work! LINKS Sandra Coan Certification...

One of the big changes to hit the photography industry recently is AI. Recently, I shared a post in one of my FB groups about how I’ve been using it in my business, and got a comment about how it’s going to be the end of the photography industry and we should all beware. So, on today’s episode, I’m going to share my thoughts on AI: how it hurts us, how it helps us, and how to use it wisely in your photography...

The secret to your success is NOT your technical skill.  It is NOT your marketing know-how either. It’s your confidence.Confidence is the key to making your dreams come true. It is the bridge between wanting and having.   And on today’s episode, I’m going to share what I’ve learned over the course of my 25 year career about how to get it. SHOWNOTES https://sandracoanstudios.com/2024/04/02/the-secret-to-success-in-your-photography-business/ LINKS Sandra Coan Certification...

Welcome to Unpopular Opinions! I'm Sandra Coan, an award-winning photographer, and in this episode, I talk with my friend, Rebecca Hunnicutt. Rebecca Hunnicutt is a photography educator who teaches photographers at all levels how to turn ordinary locations into extraordinary images with confidence and ease, AND how to further elevate those images with post processing. She's also a lifestyle family and children's photographer based in Portland Oregon capturing joy filled images of families...

There is so much I love about the photography industry.  I love art.  I love what this career has given me.  I love the life I’ve been able to build because of what I do.  And I’ve met some truly creative, wonderful people because of this job. But like all industries, the photography space has a dark side as well.  It can be very competitive.  And competition can sometimes bring out the worst in people. So, on today’s episode, I want to talk about how to stay above it all, and run an ethical...

What does it mean to create “authentic” photos as a newborn and family photographer? I can not tell you how many photography groups and forums I have been in where people have talked about authenticity, and specifically how the reason that they don’t work in a studio, or use artificial light is because they want to take “real” photos or authentic images. So, what does authenticity even mean?  And is it possible to get real, authentic photos as a studio...

Hi friends! On this episode of the podcast, we are talking about imposter syndrome. As a self-taught photographer, I struggled for years with imposter syndrome. Now it it my mission to eliminate imposter syndrome in my communite by building confidence using the Do, Be, Have approach. SHOWNOTES https://sandracoanstudios.com/2024/03/05/how-i-overcame-imposter-syndrome/ LINKS Sandra Coan Certification Program: ⁠⁠⁠https://sandracoanstudios.com/certification⁠⁠⁠ Join the Waitlist for...

Welcome to Unpopular Opinions! I'm Sandra Coan, an award-winning photographer, and in this episode, I talk with my friend, photographer and mindfulness educator, Kenna Klosterman. The conversation touches on the challenges of managing expectations and self-judgment and the value of mindfulness practices. LINKS Sandra Coan Certification Program: ⁠⁠⁠https://sandracoanstudios.com/certification⁠⁠⁠ Join the Waitlist for Certification: ⁠⁠⁠https://sandracoanstudios.com/waitlist⁠⁠ Kenna...

Whenever I ask photographers what their number one struggle is, the answer is always the same!  Marketing. And I get it!  No one is born knowing how to market themselves.  It’s definitely a learned skill and it can feel intimidating.  In fact, a lot of people feel so overwhelmed when it comes to marketing that they just choose not to do it, relying on their photos alone to find them clients. And that, my friends, is a really bad idea.  So on today’s episode, I’m going to share 5 tips for...

I’ve seen a lot of talk lately on social media and in Facebook groups about the state of the photography industry and whether or not it’s dying. People are worried about the economy, people are noticing things changing and they are freaked out.  So, on today’s episode, I’m chiming in and sharing my thoughts about the health of the photography industry based on my 25 years of...

Okay all of you business moms out there, this episode is for you. I started my business in 1999, six years before I had my twins. But I remember being worried about how I was going to manage my business and continue to grow once they were born.I know I'm not alone.  So on today’s episode, I’m going to share what I’ve learned now that my twins are 18 about balancing motherhood and my career! ...

Welcome to Unpopular Opinions! I'm Sandra Coan, an award-winning photographer, and in this episode, I chat with the talented Rachel Larsen Weaver. We discuss the power of storytelling in photography and the key to long-term success. Rachel shares her unique approach of combining writing with photography through a weekly newsletter, fostering a deep connection with clients. And keep listening till the end to hear us share some unpopular opinions of our...

Hey, fellow photographers! Struggling to land clients? We've got your back on the podcast today. It's all about nailing that communication game. Think your portfolio is a bit all over the place? We're diving into that. From having a consistent look to upgrading your tech skills, we're spilling the beans on how to make your work stand out. But hold up, it's not just about the pics. We're talking about your website, blogs, and even those Instagram captions. Are you addressing what your...

Hi friends! A couple of weeks ago I hosted a webinar called From Doubt to Dollars: How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Grow your Photography Business in the Process. Between the two days that I gave the webinar, we had a little over a hundred photographers register and we ended up having some great conversations. On today's episode, I'm sharing the audio from that webinar. And an important announcement: Applications are currently open for Sandra Coan Certification! Applications are...

Listen friends,  there is a major problem with the way the photography education system is set up and I believe it's hurting you, the photographer.  It’s keeping you stuck.  It’s contributing to feelings of insecurity and imposter syndrome and it’s wasting your hard earned money and your precious time.So on today’s episode I’m going to talk about it.  I’m sharing what the problem is, why it’s keeping you stuck and what I’m doing for my community to break the...

Hello friends!  Welcome to a brand new year, a brand new podcast and a brand new direction for me, my business and my community! I made a lot of changes last year that my team and I are now officially sharing with the world. I have basically burned my business to the ground, and like a phoenix, I’m rising up fresh and new from the ashes! So on today’s episode I’m going to tell you what led me to this place. Why I’ve decided to burn it all down, and what I’m building in its place! Get on...

Join us on this Halloween-themed episode as we explore the scariest scenario for photographers: low light. Learn how to create your own natural-looking light with strobes and flash and control your light regardless of the season. Plus, we talk about my program, the Missing Link, empowering photographers to master artificial light. It's time to light up your skills and transform your...

I started my photography business in 1999, sort of by accident. Photography had always been something I loved, but I never thought it could be a job—let alone a career. It was just something I played around with on the weekend. Now, 20+ years into my career, I can confidently say I know what it takes to build a long-term career in the photography industry. In this episode, I share the story of how my business evolved to where it is today and delve into the importance of defining your...

Join us on the Beyond Natural Life Photography Podcast as we delve into the challenges within the photography education industry. This week I will discuss the pitfalls of the siloed approach to photography education from the perspective of a teacher and a seasoned photographer with 25 years of experience. Discover why mastering just one aspect of photography may not be enough, and learn how I want to revolutionize photography education with my comprehensive Certification Program. We'll chat...

This week on the podcast, we're talking imposter syndrome! I'm sharing a conversation that I had on a Six-Figure Studio coaching call this week all about imposter syndrome and how to deal with it and move beyond it. This is the #1 problem I see for photographers, and I really do feel like I've figured out the solution. If you struggle with imposter syndrome, self-doubt, or lack of confidence, this episode is for...

Trigger Warning: Pregnancy Loss Hello friends, this week on the Beyond Natural Light Photography Podcast, I want to have a difficult conversation about pregnancy loss. In my 25 years in business as a maternity, newborn, and family photographer, I have learned you are going to have clients who have experienced or will experience pregnancy loss or infant loss at some point. If you are comfortable, please join me in this important conversation about how we as photographers, and as an industry,...