Chloe Ramirez sits down with photographer and educator Sandra Coan to talk about how she turned a childhood fascination with photography into a thriving career built on light, legacy, and intention. They dive into the evolution of maternity photography, how lighting became Sandra’s love language, and the process behind developing a signature style that actually lasts. The conversation goes deeper: burnout, balance, self-care, and what it really takes to build a creative business with heart. Sandra also shares how her passion for education led her to create one of the industry’s most respected certification programs, reminding us all that consistency, curiosity, and staying true to your voice will always stand the test of time.
Sandra’s Website: Www.sandracoaneducation.com
Sandra’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandracoan
Pre Order Sandras Book: HERE
Demi Moore Photo (referenced in show)By Annie Leibovitzhttps://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/04/demi-moore-cover-story-august-1991?srsltid=AfmBOorAa5lGkpDwfp7gFeFW7ExtioF5cTBqOvFVy75qqnfe7zkflr7P
Kim Evans shares her journey as a designer and entrepreneur in the wedding industry, from pioneering pop-up weddings to building a business alongside her husband, Gary. The conversation explores the balance between family life and entrepreneurship, the transition from client work to education and mentorship, and the importance of celebrating small wins along the way. At the core of Kim’s story is a reminder that thriving as an entrepreneur requires flexibility—and that true success is found in creating meaningful experiences for both clients and community.
Website: www.garyandkimevans.com
IG: @garyandkim.ca
Takeaways
Kim and Gary have been in the wedding industry for nearly two decades.
They emphasize the importance of celebrating small wins in life and business.
Kim transitioned from floral design to photography to reduce overhead costs.
Pop-up weddings fill a gap for couples seeking a unique, affordable wedding experience.
They prioritize work-life balance and avoid hustle culture.
Education and mentorship have become a significant focus for Kim and Gary.
They believe success is subjective and should align with personal values.
Creating memorable moments for clients is at the heart of their business.
They encourage entrepreneurs to define their own version of success.
Flexibility in scheduling is crucial for maintaining family life alongside business.
Keywords
Kim Evans, pop-up weddings, entrepreneurship, wedding industry, business partnership, education, mentorship, creative business, work-life balance, innovation
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Connection at ShutterFest
02:52 Building a Business Together
05:30 The Importance of Gratitude in Entrepreneurship
08:10 Navigating Family Expectations and Career Choices
10:53 Transitioning from Floral Design to Photography
13:15 Roles and Responsibilities in the Business
15:49 Innovative Pop-Up Weddings Concept
18:27 Unique Wedding Experiences and Vendor Collaboration
23:37 The Art of Building Rapport in Photography
24:29 Innovative Marketing Strategies for Unique Experiences
26:15 Creating Memorable Client Experiences
26:58 Navigating the Challenges of Pop-Up Photography
29:04 Transitioning into Education and Workshops
31:48 Balancing Business and Family Life
34:07 Embracing Change and Personal Growth
35:44 The Importance of Creating Moments
37:39 The Dynamics of a Strong Partnership
42:09 Advice for Couple Entrepreneurs
44:45 Defining Success on Your Own Terms
Chloe Ramirez sits down with marketing expert Noella Andres to explore her journey from photography to marketing. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of navigating the creative industry, the importance of community, and the power of email marketing. Noella shares her experiences with boudoir photography, the impact of COVID-19 on her business, and the significance of setting personal boundaries. The discussion emphasizes the value of long-form content, client experience, and building confidence in marketing strategies, providing listeners with actionable insights to enhance their creative businesses.
Noella's Website:
Takeaways
Noella transitioned from photography to marketing due to personal needs.
Boudoir photography highlighted the importance of empowering women.
COVID-19 led to a surge in demand for marketing services.
Taking a break in a flower shop helped Noella reconnect with herself.
Community and connection are vital for creative professionals.
Setting personal boundaries is crucial to avoid burnout.
Email marketing is a powerful tool for photographers.
Long-form content is gaining popularity over short-form content.
Client experience should be prioritized in marketing strategies.
Surrounding yourself with supportive peers boosts confidence.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Connections
00:31 Noella's Journey into Photography
02:48 Transitioning to Boudoir Photography
05:43 The Shift to Marketing and Coaching
08:37 The Flower Shop Experience
10:07 Rediscovering Joy in Photography
15:34 The Importance of Mental Breaks
18:23 Setting Boundaries and Self-Care
22:07 Finding Peace Through Decision-Making
23:53 Recognizing Your Strengths in Marketing
27:03 The Importance of Long-Term Goals
29:43 Navigating Trends vs. Authentic Marketing
30:55 The Power of Email Marketing
33:56 The Shift Towards Long-Form Content
37:41 Overcoming Mental Blocks in Storytelling
40:34 Building Confidence as a Photographer
44:34 Focusing on Client Experience for Success
Summary
In this conversation, Marcie Reif shares her journey as a family and portrait photographer, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, understanding light, and building trust with clients. She discusses the challenges faced in the photography business, the significance of creating a positive experience for families, and her experiences in establishing a studio. Marcie also highlights the value of education in photography and her passion for empowering women through her Road Trippers Retreat. The conversation concludes with insights on overcoming self-doubt and the importance of celebrating achievements in the creative field.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Warm Connections
01:13 The Heart of Family Photography
06:31 Building Trust with Families
15:31 Navigating Challenges with Kids
19:22 Creating a Positive Experience for Families
21:20 Creating a Comfortable Session Flow
24:33 The Journey to Owning a Studio
29:30 Building a Successful Photography Business
33:52 Marketing Strategies for New Offers
38:26 The Journey of Road Trippers Retreat
43:38 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Visibility
47:44 Celebrating Achievements: Becoming a Tamron Image Master
53:46 Creating a Supportive Community for Women Photographers
55:38 Advice for Aspiring Photographers: Embrace the Journey
58:59 Creating a Safe Space for Honest Conversations
59:52 The Importance of Mentorship in Personal Growth
Links
Website: www.marciereif.com
RoadTrippers Retreat: https://marciereif.com/retreats
Keywords
photography, mentorship, family photography, business growth, education, self-doubt, women in photography, photography retreat, studio photography, marketing strategies
In this episode of the Hot Girls Podcast, host Chloe Ramirez interviews her best friend, Elena S. Blair, a successful family photographer and community builder. They discuss Elena's journey from being a NICU nurse to discovering her passion for photography, the importance of family photography, and the creation of a supportive community for photographers. Elena shares insights on mindset, marketing strategies, and the significance of in-person retreats, emphasizing the power of collaboration over competition. The conversation highlights the transformative nature of pursuing one's passion and the importance of building a designer life.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Friendship Dynamics
02:59 The Journey to Creativity
06:05 Transitioning from Nursing to Photography
10:44 The Importance of Family Photography
14:21 Building a Designer Life
17:56 Creating Community During Isolation
21:04 Understanding Self-Sabotage and Personal Success
22:58 Creating a Supportive Community Through Masterminds
25:21 Transformational Journeys in Business
25:39 The Importance of Personal Growth and Mindset
29:05 Navigating Guilt and Expectations as Women
30:24 Streamlining Business Operations for Success
33:11 Effective Marketing Strategies Beyond Social Media
36:11 Building a Culture of Support and Abundance
Links
Elena's Website: www.elenasblair.com
The Mastermind: https://elenasblair.com/the-elena-s-blair-mastermind
Summary
In this episode of 'Hot Girls Photograph Love', Chloe Ramirez interviews Alora Rachelle, a successful wedding photographer turned educator. Alora shares her journey from charging $75 for her first wedding to scaling her business to over $500,000 a year. The conversation delves into the challenges women face in the photography industry, including imposter syndrome, burnout, and the importance of mindset. Alora emphasizes the need for women to advocate for themselves and their worth, and she discusses her transition to coaching other women photographers to achieve success without sacrificing their personal lives. The episode concludes with Alora introducing her new program aimed at empowering women in the wedding photography space.
Links
Aloha's Website: www.alorarachelle.com
Wedding Atelier Podcast: https://www.alorarachelle.com/podcast
Free Training: https://www.alorarachelle.com/free-training
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Connection at WPPI
03:24 Empowering Women in Business
06:03 The Journey to Wedding Photography
08:50 Finding Passion in Wedding Photography
11:23 The Impact of Personal Loss on Photography
14:02 Capturing Memories: The Importance of Documentary Style
16:52 Burnout and Its Signs in Creative Work
19:39 Defining Success and Personal Boundaries
21:29 The Shift in Business Strategy Post-Pandemic
25:44 Mindset and Self-Worth in Business
29:24 The Power of Writing and Setting Goals
31:10 Transitioning from Photography to Coaching
33:55 The Impact of Mentorship and Community
37:36 Creating a Female-Centric Business Model
41:09 Launching the Wedding Atelier Program
Keywords
wedding photography, women empowerment, business coaching, mindset, burnout, success, photography education, entrepreneurship, Alora Rachelle, women photographers
In this episode, Alex Eischeid, a conceptual artist and photographer, shares her journey through the world of photography, emphasizing the importance of emotional storytelling and community support. She discusses her unique approach to conceptual photography, the challenges of expressing complex emotions through art, and the empowering role of teaching women in the creative field. Alex also delves into her lighting techniques, the evolution of her artistic career, and her future aspirations, all while encouraging others to embrace their multifaceted identities as artists.
Links:
Lighting Courses/ 1:1 Mentoringhttps://www.alexeischeid.com/shop
Patreonhttps://patreon.com/AlexEischeid
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Conceptual Art and Personal Connection
03:17 Understanding Conceptual Photography
06:13 The Creative Process and Authenticity
08:59 Exploring Feminine Experiences through Art
12:08 Childhood Influences on Creativity
15:04 Teaching and Empowering Women in Photography
18:00 Balancing Bubbly Personality with Darker Themes
21:14 The Importance of Emotional Expression
23:59 Creative Direction and Multifaceted Identity
35:14 The Power of Community in Creativity
39:03 Embracing Artificial Lighting in Photography
41:55 Exploring Creative Inspirations and Techniques
49:45 Building a Supportive Network in the Photography Industry
51:39 The Journey of Becoming a Lighting Ambassador
56:18 Creating a Cohesive Body of Work
01:03:53 Empowering Students Through Thoughtful Teaching
Keywords
conceptual photography, emotional art, women empowerment, creative community, lighting techniques, personal experiences, photography education, artistic journey, self-portraiture, creative expression
In this engaging conversation, Chloe Ramirez interviews Michelle Harris, a successful wedding photographer and entrepreneur. They discuss Michelle's journey into wedding photography, the challenges and joys of building a brand, and her commitment to empowering women in the industry. Michelle shares her experiences with ADHD, how it influences her productivity, and her transition into education and mentorship. The conversation highlights the importance of community, support, and the balance between work and family life, all while providing actionable insights for aspiring photographers.
Show Links:
Michelle Harris Website: www.mharrisstudios.com
M Harris Hustlers: www.mharrishustlers.com
In this engaging conversation, Chloe Ramirez interviews Rachel Larsen Weaver, a talented film photographer known for her emotive work and focus on body positivity. They discuss the art of photography, the importance of creating intimate spaces for connection, and the concept of long form sessions. Rachel shares her journey of self-acceptance and how writing plays a crucial role in her creative process. The conversation also touches on the significance of community, empathy, and personal growth, culminating in Rachel's unique approach to New Year's resolutions that stem from self-love rather than societal pressures.
Takeaways
Show Links:
Keywords: film photography, body positivity, self-acceptance, creative expression, community connection, long form sessions, empathy, writing, personal growth, photography
In the inaugural episode of 'Hot Girls Photograph Love,' host Chloe Ramirez shares her personal journey as a photographer and entrepreneur. She discusses her passion for creativity, the challenges of motherhood, and the importance of building a supportive community for women in the photography industry. Chloe reflects on her experiences, from discovering her love for photography to navigating the complexities of balancing work and family life. The episode emphasizes empowerment, authenticity, and the significance of sharing stories among women creatives.
Takeaways
This short trailer gives you a glimpse of what to expect from Hot Girls Photograph Love, a podcast for women photographers who are ready to take up space, make art that matters, and move through the industry on their own terms.