Preschool aged children are such a fun group to photograph! Just ask Trina Julius, a professional preschool photographer of 10 years who has photographed thousands of 4 to 5-year-olds over the course of her career. In today’s episode, Trina shares how she discovered her passion for preschool photography and what she loves most about working with this endearing age group where every day is as unique as her subjects. From strategies for working with different personalities to overcoming...

As photographers, it’s easy to stifle our own creativity with self-imposed limitations – whether that’s working solely within one particular style or losing sight of how important it is to experiment and embrace new opportunities. But here’s the thing, you don’t have to confine yourself to any one particular box. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Natasha Simpson, a professional newborn photographer known for her fun, colorful work and her skill when it comes to incorporating elements such...

Do you wish that you could outsource some of your photography work? Hiring associates is a great way to say “yes” to more clients while still working less and focusing solely on your zone of genius! In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Jill Smith, a professional family photographer who has been able to scale her business by building and training a small team of associates. We cover everything from having a community over competition mindset, to streamlining workflow, to how Jill’s own journey...

Are you a photographer with multiple passions? Balancing different areas of interest can feel like a challenge, especially when there’s only so much time in the day! In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Shannon McTighe, pediatric emergency room nurse and self-taught photographer. Shannon shares how a love of art ignited her photography career and gave her a much-needed creative outlet where she could work with kids in a more positive setting.  We cover how Shannon’s use of Lightroom presets...

Does it ever feel like you’re running a zoo?? Maybe that’s because balancing photography and motherhood is a whole art in itself! Just take it from Tiffany Crenshaw, professional lifestyle photographer, mom of 3, and an embracer of chaos who knows the value of showcasing a person’s most authentic self. In today’s episode, we’re interviewing Tiffany on her experience starting Animal House Photography and the importance of making every client feel seen. We cover everything from an emphasis on...

Today’s guest is perhaps the most sought after maternity, newborn, and baby photographer in the Midwest… And for good reason! Kellie Golden has mastered not only photography but also the business systems and special touches that keep her clients coming back time and again. It’s no wonder she has photographed over a thousand babies during her career! In today’s episode, Kellie and I discuss how she has built her reputation and what it takes to be successful as a full-time maternity...

A photography career isn’t always linear, and sometimes, there’s a lot of “figuring it out as you go.” This was the case for Josie Tan, a former resident of LA who traded models and magazines for a new life in Oregon as a newborn and maternity photographer.  In today’s episode, Josie and I discuss those early years, the factors that prompted her career shift, and how she built her photography business into what it is today. You can expect to learn tips and tricks around marketing and IPS,...

When you’re first starting out as a photographer, it can be tough! You don’t know what you don’t know. Wouldn’t it be incredible to pick the brains of some incredible, established photographers to give you advice as you start out of your photography career?  Well friends, you are in the right place, because we rounded up the best business advice for photographers from 16 of our newborn retreat teachers! That’s right, SIXTEEN amazing women are sharing what they wish they knew, how they think...

A few years ago, I started my own process of reflection at the end of each year, looking at my successes… and maybe some of the things that didn’t go so well too. We all have those moments where a client interaction went badly, or we made another embarrassing business mistake that haunts us a little bit. Part of my process of reflection is taking a look at those moments, learning what I need from them, and then letting them go or, as I like to call it, “giving up the ghost” of the things that...

Do you struggle to feel present or embrace photography in your personal life? Just because something comes naturally to us as professionals doesn’t necessarily mean that the same is true at home. (Especially if you’re a mother of young children!) Sometimes taking photographs feels more like a chore or a nuisance than the beautiful and therapeutic art form that it’s meant to be. In today’s episode, I’m discussing this exact topic with professional photographer and author, Joy Prouty. Joy is an...

Photographers are busy people, and we sometimes let things slide that we shouldn’t. Namely, I’m talking about our photography websites. If I’m honest, I haven’t updated mine as much as I should and I bet you haven’t either. Websites are usually our primary marketing tools to find clients, so we can’t neglect them any longer. Here’s your reminder to dust off your website, start posting on your blog, and focusing on SEO. If you do it, I’ll do it, too! In today’s episode, I’m interviewing KP and...

If you’re a photographer, you’re probably an education junkie, just like me. We sign up for courses, we watch tutorials, we follow other creators on Instagram. But the problem is we consume all this information and we don’t do anything with it. Even worse, we allow it to create doubt in our minds about our skills and talents. It’s something we need to stop (and I’m telling this to myself, too!). In today’s solo episode, I’m sharing what active creation means, the reasons why we should...

When it comes to business, we all find ourselves in sticky situations sometimes. It’s just a part of running such human focused businesses. But what’s the best way to handle some of these tough client experiences? Well, in today’s episode, Kayleigh Ashworth, renowned newborn and maternity photographer, shares some of her trickiest client situations and how she handled them with grace and flexibility, while not compromising her own business. She also lays out the way she thinks about pricing...

Are you an aspiring maternity photographer? Curious to learn everything that’s involved in this unique and multi-faceted photography niche? Then you’ve come to the right place! Maternity photography is so special in that it requires all the skills of a photographer plus even more care and attention to make your clients feel at ease and look their best. In today’s episode, I’m discussing this exact topic with professional maternity photographer, Karli Braaten of Studio Evergreen. Karli knows...

As I reflect back on the past 14 years in the world of photography and business, I'm honestly filled with so much gratitude for the lessons, the memories, the relationships, and the beautiful art that I've had the opportunity to create. It’s been a journey filled with ups and downs, but I’ve learned so much along the way. I want to pass on some of my wisdom to you, dear friends, in the hopes that these lessons will bolster you in business and in life.  In today’s episode, I’m flying solo and...

Digital photos are great in terms of portability and immediacy. But tangible photos that you can hold in your hand have so much more meaning. Think about the difference between a forgotten USB stick languishing in a drawer somewhere and a photo album filled with photos that you can touch. It’s a whole different vibe, isn’t it? In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Ambreia Turner, an award winning maternity and motherhood portrait photographer in the Washington, D.C. area. Ambreia shares why...

As creatives, we spend too much time focusing on “should”. We tell ourselves, “This is the way my photos should look, and this is the way my business should run,” etc. But what if we moved past what should be and just focused on what is? Finding your true, authentic voice as a photographer takes time, but it’s worth it to find out what your passions are and what you love doing most. And that free expression of creativity will come through so beautifully in your photos. In today’s episode,...

Capturing photos and photo editing is second nature to us as photographers. Creating family films and doing video editing, however, can feel very overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! Just like anything else in life, start small, learn the basics, and give it a try. I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Dorte Kjaerulff, a family photographer and filmmaker. Dorte shares how you can get started with video without getting overwhelmed, why...

Being a photographer, or any other kind of creative business owner, can be stressful. Deadlines, budgets, clients, imposter syndrome - all of these things can cause us to become dysregulated and mentally frazzled. But finding the calm in the chaos of entrepreneurial life is possible, my friends. You deserve a calm, successful business without the overwhelm.  In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Renee Bowen, a photographer and coach who specializes in NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming). Renee...

Contracts can seem scary. The language might feel complex or overwhelming. But you truly do need them for your photography business. You have to protect yourself and your business and having contracts in place help you do just that. This is your nudge to get legal, my friends.  In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Paige Griffith, founder of The Legal Paige, a virtual legal educational platform for small businesses. Paige and I discuss contracts, model releases, trademark infringement, privacy...

Picture this scene: You’re shooting a children’s photo session and the kids are crying, their parents are frazzled, and no one is having a good time, especially not you. Maybe you’ve experienced this yourself, or you’ve at least heard horror stories about this happening. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are strategies you can use to make it a more playful and fun photo session. Happy kiddos equal happy photos, after all.  In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Melissa Miller, a...

It can be hard to realize that none of us are perfect. We get tired, we make mistakes, or we take on too many projects. But what we need to remember is that done is better than perfect. Spending 10 hours editing one photo serves no one. And honestly, our clients don’t expect perfection from us, they just want photos that capture their soul. That’s something we can definitely deliver! In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Megan Boggs, founder of Hello Storyteller and a lifestyle and documentary...

Humans in general have a lot of limiting beliefs, but as photographers, so many doubts come into play. We’re unsure about our art, we doubt our value, we undercharge and overwork ourselves. It’s not healthy and it needs to change. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Bobbi Barbarich, a documentary wedding and family photographer. She shares how to find your voice as a photographer, what to do when you feel stuck, and how to uncover what’s holding you back in your photography.  What’s in this...

Money is a topic that so many creatives try to ignore. We want to focus on the art, we tell ourselves. But not knowing what your expenses are, not having a budget, and not being able to pay yourself are all big problems when it comes to owning a business. Your time is worth money.  In today’s episode, I’m interviewing the ladies from The Motherhood Anthology (TMA): Jenny Cruger, Allison Craig, and Kim Fox. They share why TMA came to be, why you should create a brand that aligns with you and...

Creative people aren’t good at numbers. At least, that’s what we tell ourselves, and often it can lead to big financial problems in our businesses. Unfortunately, you can’t put your head in the sand and ignore your spending and expect to have a successful business.  In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Daniel Moyer, a photographer, podcaster, and photography business educator, who shares the money mindset pitfalls that many of us experience, how to shift into a healthy money mindset, and how...