Episode Title: Selling Is Service
Guest: Rhea Whitney, Rhea Whitney Photography & The Photo Bomb Academy
We Discuss:
Why photographers often fear “selling” — and how to reframe it as service, not pressure
The real difference between sales and marketing (and why confusing them stalls growth)
How to handle rejection, overcome fear, and stop projecting your own money story onto clients
Why aligned clients pay more, refer more, and make you love your job again
Pricing systems that make sense for your lifestyle, whether you’re full-time or balancing a 9–5
Building confidence through data: using your cost of doing business to back your prices
The importance of vetting clients just as much as they vet you
Setting boundaries, honoring energy, and letting “no” make space for better “yeses”
The mindset shifts that turn selling from sleazy to soulful
Rhea’s Elevate Accelerator program and how she helps photographers reach consistent five-figure months
TLDR:
Sales and marketing aren’t the same thing — marketing gets attention, selling creates transformation.
When done right, selling is serving. It’s how you guide clients toward something they already want.
Stop pricing from your own wallet and start using data to justify your rates.
Aligned clients are born from clear communication, confidence, and boundaries.
Your business isn’t just art — it’s energy exchange, and selling is how you keep that energy flowing.
Resources:
Learn more about Elevate Accelerator and join the upcoming Six Figures & Beyond Webinar (Nov 18): comment “webinar” on Instagram
Follow @rheawhitney on Instagram and TikTok
Explore Rhea’s educational programs at rheawhitney.com
Connect with The Photo Bomb Academy for more resources on pricing, mindset, and business strategy
Episode Title: Licensed Counselor, Working Photographer: Real ADHD Tools
Guest: Andrea Pittman, Andrea Michelle Photography & Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Arizona + Washington
We Discuss:
How Andrea built a dual career as a wedding/lifestyle photographer and an ADHD-specialized therapist across two states
Why photography’s variety and flexibility can be a great fit for ADHD brains
The real sticking point for many solopreneurs with ADHD: business operations, bookkeeping, and “invisible” admin work
Reframing procrastination as time perception and adrenaline seeking, not failure
Practical tools: body doubling, pairing tasks, coffee-shop focus sessions, and using motivation windows instead of rigid schedules
Scheduling rest on purpose and designing home systems that protect executive function on work days
Client fit, momentum, and “ADHD inertia” in marketing and minis
Weddings, overstimulation, and planning with neurodivergence in mind
The “Solve-It Grid” from Your Brain’s Not Broken to pair high-stress tasks with low-stim, calming activities
TLDR:
Build your business around when your brain actually works best. Motivation windows beat nine-to-five rules.
Procrastination isn’t a moral failing. For many ADHDers it’s an adrenaline strategy that still gets the job done.
Pair the hard stuff with something calming or enjoyable. Think taxes + podcast, or bookkeeping + body double.
Stimulate focus on low-dopamine tasks. Coffee shops, light background noise, or a “work buddy” can help.
Protect your executive function by systemizing home life on heavy work weeks. Meal help and laundry routines are productivity tools.
Schedule rest like a deliverable. Capacity is finite, and recovery keeps your business sustainable.
Use consultations to vibe-check client fit. When the energy is aligned, booking and follow-through get easier.
Weddings can be overstimulating. Plan workflows that honor sensory needs for you and your clients.
Resources:
Book: Your Brain’s Not Broken by Tamara Rosier
Follow Andrea: TikTok, Instagram, Threads — @andreamichellephoto
Andrea’s Podcast: Brilliant Minds? by Brilliant Minds Wellness (Spotify and YouTube)
Coming Soon from Andrea: Downloadable guides — ADHD for Wedding Photographers and a companion guide for neurodivergent wedding clients
Episode Title: Five Tools That Keep Me From Quitting
Guest: Solo episode with Jill C. Smith
We Discuss:
Why photography is a great fit for creatives with ADHD — and where it can still get overwhelming
Jill’s top 5 business tools that support her ADHD brain
How a missed session became the wake-up call to use a scheduler
Why she’s switching CRMs again — and what finally convinced her
How ChatGPT functions like a thought organizer and assistant
The way AfterShoot removes the dread of task initiation during busy season
Permission to outsource things like laundry, meal prep, or bookkeeping if they’re draining your energy
TLDR:
This solo episode is part of Jill’s ADHD Awareness Month series, and it’s all about the tools that have helped her keep her business afloat despite her executive dysfunction. From schedulers and CRMs to AI assistants and editing software, Jill shares the five tools she leans on the most — not because they’ve “fixed” her ADHD, but because they’ve allowed her to keep showing up in her business when things get hard. If you’ve ever missed a session, avoided your inbox, or stared at a Lightroom folder for hours, you’re not alone — and these tools might just be the thing that help you keep going.
Resources:
HoneyBook: https://www.honeybook.com
AfterShoot: https://www.aftershoot.com
ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com
Pixieset Studio Manager: https://www.pixieset.com/studio-manager
Episode Title: Coaching Creatives with ADHD with Christi Johnson
Guest: Christi Johnson, co-owner of Stephanie & Christi Photography (Greenville, SC) and founder of The Dream Biz® Lab
Christi’s coaching lens for ADHD creatives: designing businesses that work with your brain
The “Joy Menu” framework (appetizers, entrees, desserts) to spark motivation on hard days
Flexible structure vs rigid systems and why freedom, novelty, and side quests matter
Energy management and flow: noticing rhythms, nervous system cues, and choosing energizing starter tasks
Getting unfun work done: deadlines as a tool, body doubling and co-working, spacing deliverables
When to outsource and when to simplify instead of scaling
The Dream Biz® Lab: how the membership runs, what happens in calls, and who it is for
This episode centers on how Christi coaches neurodivergent creatives. We dig into practical, compassionate tools for ADHD brains: flexible structure that honors energy ebbs and flows, the Joy Menu to create momentum, and supportive tactics like deadlines and body doubling. Christi walks through how she helps clients build operations, marketing, and vision that feel joyful and sustainable, and she shares what members can expect inside The Dream Biz® Lab.
Learn more about The Dream Biz® Lab and join the waitlist: christijohnsoncreative.com/lab
Meets every other week, rotating focus on Vision, Operations, and Marketing
Includes a private podcast and the upcoming DreamBiz Playground for flexible, dopamine-friendly action plans
Next enrollment opens in January; moving to open enrollment in 2026
Connect with Christi: @christijohnsoncreative on Instagram
Christi’s site: christijohnsoncreative.com
Episode Title: The ADHD Brain & Running a Photography Business
Guest: Elena S Blair, Elena S Blair Photography, Seattle, WA
We Discuss:
How ADHD traits like hyperfocus, empathy, and intuition can become superpowers in creative entrepreneurship
Why traditional work environments often stifle ADHD brains — and how self-employment offers freedom and flexibility
The art of building systems that fit your brain instead of fighting it
Using dopamine-driven motivation to fuel creativity and productivity
The emotional side of ADHD: reframing inconsistency and distraction as strengths
How Elena and Jill each structure their businesses to work with their natural energy cycles
TLDR:
Elena and Jill share an honest, encouraging conversation about why photographers and other creatives with ADHD often thrive in entrepreneurship. They unpack the unique strengths ADHD brings to the table — from deep empathy and creative intuition to lightning-fast problem-solving — and explore how to design systems and businesses that work with your brain, not against it. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or just recognizing ADHD tendencies in yourself, this episode offers validation, laughter, and practical tools for building a business that actually feels good to run.
Resources:
Learn more about Elena’s education for photographers: https://elenasblair.com/freebies
Follow Elena on Instagram: @elenasblair_photography
Get on the wait list for the next round of Elena's Mastermind here: https://elenasblair.com/mastermind-waitlist (I took both levels of her Mastermind - the mindset work alone is worth the investment!)
Episode Title: Systems That Stick for Neuro-Spicy Photographers
Guest: Emily Gbadamosi, Woodall Creative Co, Bay Area, CA
We Discuss:
Emily’s path from counselor and vice principal to photographer and systems educator
Why so many photographers struggle with the backend of business
How to pick a CRM that actually fits your brain (not a “one size fits all”)
Building a smoother path from inquiry to booking
HoneyBook 2.0 automations and conditional logic in action
Follow-ups that feel supportive and book more clients
Where to automate and where to keep the human touch
Post-session workflows that extend the client experience
Timing a CRM switch so it doesn’t wreck busy season
TLDR:
October is ADHD Awareness Month, and this episode is part of a special series highlighting tools and strategies that support neurodiverse photographers. My guest, Emily Gbadamosi of Woodall Creative Co, shares how she helps photographers create workflows and systems that cut overwhelm, reduce friction, and keep clients happy. Whether you’re neuro-spicy yourself or just tired of feeling scattered, you’ll walk away with practical ideas for making your business more sustainable.
Resources:
Emily’s site: woodallcreative.co
Instagram: @woodallcreativeco
Free Workflow Wellness Checklist: woodallcreative.co/podcast
Tools mentioned: HoneyBook, ShootProof, Pixieset, Picktime, Calendly, Flodesk, QuickBooks, Zapier, Unscripted
Episode Title: Upselling Video Without Burnout
Guest: Shayna Lloyd, Traveling Photographer & Videographer, Montana
We Discuss:
Shayna’s unexpected start as a “failed YouTube influencer” and how it shaped her story-driven approachThe difference between shooting photo-first vs. video-first and how that changes perspective
Why video upsells don’t have to mean more stress or tech overloadShayna’s five-step framework for successfully adding and selling video
How to talk about video with clients in a way that feels natural and excitingPricing, objections, and why upsells are about vision, not pressure
Where video creates the most value across niches: weddings, families, and brands
TLDR:Montana-based photographer and videographer Shayna Lloyd shares how she built a thriving hybrid business by keeping things simple and client-centered. In this episode, Shayna breaks down her five keys to upselling video without adding extra stress to your workflow. Whether you’re a wedding, family, or brand photographer, you’ll learn how to market video authentically, incorporate it into your process, and make it a sustainable, profitable part of your business.
Resources:
Grab Shayna’s Video Upsell Starter Kit: https://devinandshay.com/starter-kitListen to The Devin and Shay Show podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7jMbKfORQ5TdDcGPxbRFaR?si=ac7e714371ff4215Connect with Shayna: Instagram – @shayna_lloyd
Connect with Devin + Shay: Instagram – @devin_and_shay
Episode Title: The Business of Real Estate Photography
Guest: Clay Banks, Real Estate & Interiors Photographer, Catskills/Hudson Valley, NY
We Discuss:
Clay’s path from software developer and urbex hobbyist to in-demand property photographer
Why COVID-era demand in the Catskills/Hudson Valley accelerated the niche
Gear and approach: Sony a7 IV, 16–35mm + 50mm, DJI Air 2S, natural light only, Lightroom Denoise, subtle compositing
Composition rules Clay lives by: tighter crops, fewer walls, mobile-first storytelling
On-site workflow: staging, prop choices, what he moves and why, ideal client presence (or not)
Editing priorities: color cast fixes, distraction removal, polishing stainless, mirrors, windows, decks
Pricing evolution: valuing time, three-tier packages, travel, and smart add-ons
Trends and opportunities: lifestyle-driven branding for brokerages, reels, and leveling up with video
Client relations: referrals over ads, B2B ease, handling difficult collaborations with grace
Practical prep tips for homeowners and realtors
TLDR:
Clay built a thriving, referral-only property photography business by telling the story of a space, not just documenting it.
Natural light, thoughtful staging, and tight compositions are his signature.
Pricing rose with demand and clarity on value; add-ons like short drone clips close easily.
Brokerages want lifestyle branding, not just wide, bright rooms—video is the next lever.
Quick win for clients: clean the house, especially mirrors, before the shoot.
Resources:
Learn more about Clay’s work: www.claybanks.info
Follow Clay on Instagram: @clay.banks
Check out Clay’s Presets: www.claybanks.info/presets
Episode Title: IPS for Introverts
Guest: Katie Doherty, LaRousse Photo, Los Angeles, CA
We Discuss:
Katie’s path from elementary teacher to weddings to a focused boudoir and maternity studio
What introversion really looks like in a client-facing business and why IPS can fit introverts
Working fewer clients at higher price points to protect energy and creativity
A day-in-the-life: editing and reveals on non-shoot days vs. hair/makeup + 90-minute sessions on shoot days
The client journey: ads → inquiry form → Zapier to Google Sheets → automated text via Haymarket → Calendly consult
Setting expectations: session fee of $299, package starters at $995, and how transparent pricing reduces friction
Running virtual reveals on Zoom (or in-studio) and guiding selections in Lightroom without pressure
What clients actually buy: strong demand for digital packages, Vision Art matted print boxes for maternity, albums for boudoir
Simple, profitable ops: outsourcing retouching, partnering with H/MUAs, and keeping the studio setup streamlined
Style and specialization as real marketing: developing a cohesive editorial look so you’re not a commodity
TLDR:
IPS doesn’t require being “salesy.” It rewards listening, guidance, and clear structure.
Fewer, higher-value bookings can prevent burnout. Katie’s averages: ~$2,000 for maternity and ~$2,500 for boudoir.
Keep it simple: one light, a few sets, clean workflow, and a single great sample product to start.
Lower the barrier to entry with a reasonable session fee, then help clients curate in a reveal.
Use systems to save your social battery: Zapier, Google Sheets, 17hats, Haymarket, Calendly, and Loom when a call won’t fit.
Resources:
Freebies: https://www.introvertedphotographers.com
Katie’s podcast: Introverted Photographers Club
Katie on Instagram: @laroussephoto
Episode Title: Building a Human-First Business with Rachel Larson Weaver
Guest: Rachel Larson Weaver, Photographer and Educator, Virginia
We Discuss:
The origin and evolution of Rachel’s long-form sessions
How to build a business that prioritizes art and sustainability
Why slow, intentional work can be more magnetic than polished systems
The pitfalls of over-automation and over-preparation
Shooting film as a method of artistic and business clarity
The role of human connection in marketing and client trust
Letting inspiration guide your consistency rather than trends
Why messy, heart-led business models do work—and can be highly profitable
TLDR:
Rachel Larson Weaver is known for her long-form, film-based family sessions that feel more like an immersive retreat than a photoshoot. In this episode, we talk about staying rooted in your artistic voice while also building a viable, profitable business. Rachel shares how she markets without shouting into the void, why she leans into film and simplicity, and how showing up as your full self—messy bits and all—is more effective than a perfect CRM. Her story is a masterclass in trusting your gut, building for connection, and redefining what it means to be a photographer in a world of AI and over-curated imagery.
Resources:
Learn more about Rachel and her work: https://www.rachellarsonweaver.com
Follow Rachel on Instagram: @rachel.larson.weaver
Episode Title: Part Time On Purpose
Guest: Lydia Fine, Apollo and Ivy Photography, Iowa City, IA
We Discuss:
The decision to remain intentionally part-time as a photographer
How Lydia balances a full-time marketing career with a thriving photo business
Creative pricing strategies that support sustainability and growth
The emotional and practical side of raising prices
CRM systems and workflow efficiency for photographers
How brand voice and messaging can shape your client experience
The misconception of oversaturation in the photography industry
Building a business that supports your life—without burnout
TLDR:
If you’ve ever felt pressure to go full-time with your photography business—or guilt for not wanting to—this episode is for you. Lydia Fine shares why staying part-time is the right fit for her life, how her 9-to-5 fuels her photography success, and why profitability is 100% possible without going all-in. We also dive deep into pricing, emotional blocks, and the power of strong systems to protect your time and energy. Bonus: Lydia geeks out on CRMs and HoneyBook updates, and you’ll want to take notes.
Resources:
FREE GUIDE – Get More Clients with Google Reviews: https://info.apolloandivy.com/reviews
All of Lydia’s Free Resources for Photographers: https://www.apolloandivy.com/for-photographers/
Bio:
Lydia Fine is a lifestyle photographer in Iowa City, Iowa, where she creates wall-worthy photos of families, seniors, and newborns for ultra-busy people. With a marketing degree and MBA and over 22 years of experience, she blends creative vision with a deep understanding of strategy and business. Lydia also works a day job in marketing and teaches other photographers how to book more clients, streamline their workflows, and build businesses that don’t run them into the ground.
When she’s not working, Lydia can be found playing pickleball, kickboxing, doing jigsaw puzzles, or attempting to solve the Wordle in one try (it’s going to happen, just you wait).
Episode Title: The Business of Birth Photography
Guest: Rachel Utain-Evans, Rachel Utain-Evans Photography, Philadelphia, PA
We Discuss:
The realities of being a birth photographer, doula, and videographer—sometimes all at once
Why Rachel recommends doula training even for photographers
How she documents unpredictable, low-light births with minimal gear
Her approach to storytelling in films using short clips and ambient audio
The emotional labor of being on-call, witnessing trauma, and maintaining mental health
Her pricing strategy and why birth photography is more demanding than weddings
How to prepare if you’re thinking about entering this field
Why strong birth community networks matter and how she's mentoring others
Navigating hospitals, policies, and the OR as a supportive presence
The difference between fear-based and informed birth choices
TLDR:
If you’ve ever been curious about birth photography—or considered offering it yourself—this episode is a must-listen. Rachel Utain-Evans shares the logistics, emotional demands, technical decisions, and ethical considerations of documenting birth with compassion and professionalism. She’s photographed births in hospitals, homes, birth centers—even near-misses in ambulances. This conversation goes beyond photography—it’s about holding space, respecting boundaries, and honoring one of life’s biggest transitions.
Resources:
Learn more about Rachel’s work and mentoring: rachelutainevans.com
Follow Rachel on Instagram: @racheluephoto
Photographer to Watch: Juliette Fradin Photography
Episode Title: The Magic in Monotony
Guest: Fiona Margo, Family Photographer & Marketing Educator, Bainbridge Island, WA
We Discuss:
The power of consistent marketing (and why it beats chasing trends)
How to market like a local—because that’s who’s booking you
Creative ways to stay inspired without jumping ship every other week
Why photographers need more strategy and less scrolling
What it means to run your business like a business
Tactical tips for getting into marketing "flow"
Model calls that actually book clients
Why being a “service provider” doesn’t mean sacrificing your artistry
The seven-to-ten rule for marketing messages—and how most photographers give up too soon
Why your followers aren't your buyers (and why that’s okay)
The role of community, connection, and patience in a long-term marketing plan
TLDR: Fiona Margo shares her grounded, genius-level marketing advice for photographers who are tired of the hamster wheel. From leveraging your creative brain to setting up sustainable systems, Fiona helps photographers embrace the “boring” parts of business that actually lead to consistent bookings and long-term growth.
Resources:
Episode Title
A Simple Solution for Pricing Anxiety
Guest: Annemie Tonken, This Can't Be That Hard, Chapel Hill, NC
We Discuss:
Annemie’s transition from in-person sales to her Simple Sales System
How life changes led her to develop a sustainable, scalable business model
The psychology behind pricing and why confidence is key
Creative problem-solving in both business and photography
Implementing a membership model with Revenue on Repeat for predictable income
Why raising your prices doesn’t have to be scary
TLDR:
Annemie shares how she grew her photography business using Simple Sales, a system that bridges the gap between in-person sales and all-inclusive pricing.
Learn how photographers can boost income, reduce burnout, and gain confidence in their pricing.
Discover how a membership model like Revenue on Repeat can create predictable, recurring income for family and brand photographers.
Resources:
Learn more about Simple Sales and Revenue on Repeat: This Can't Be That Hard
Follow Annemie on Instagram: @thiscantbethathard_
Episode Title: Book More Clients with Local Partnerships
Guest: Tristin Tracy, Tristin Tracy Photography, Santa Barbara, CA
We Discuss:
How Tristin used her fine jewelry background to elevate her photography sales approach
Why hotels (yes, hotels) have become her most profitable referral partners
What makes vacationers an ideal audience for high-end photography services
The strategy behind building long-term local partnerships with birth centers, yoga studios, mom groups, and more
How to identify aligned businesses that serve the same clientele you want to photograph
What to bring, say, and do when walking into a local business for the first time
How to show appreciation without formal kickbacks—and why it works
Landing pages, postcard templates, and other tools Tristin uses to support these partnerships
Why in-person networking still reigns supreme
The incredible results she’s achieved—one-third of her income now comes from referrals
How she scaled from $400 to $1250 sessions in under 3 years
TLDR:
If you’ve been ignoring community partnerships in your marketing plan, this episode will change your mind. Tristin Tracy breaks down how her concierge referral model turned into a third of her income—and why face-to-face connections, personalized marketing materials, and aligned business relationships might be the most underutilized strategy in your toolbelt. Whether you’re in a tourist town or a tight-knit rural community, her practical, repeatable approach to networking is packed with gold.
Resources:
Learn more about Tristin’s education and course: https://www.tristintracyphotography.com/for-photographers/
Follow Tristin on Instagram: @tristintracy_photography
Episode Title: Turn Your Senior Team Into a Marketing Powerhouse
Guest: Renee Bowen, Renee Bowen Photography
We Discuss:
How Renee transitioned from psychology to photography and built her business around senior portraits.
The evolution of senior photography and why building a senior team is a powerful marketing strategy.
How to create and manage a successful senior team that generates organic referrals.
The psychology behind what today’s teens want from their senior photo experience.
Why collaboration and community involvement make a senior team more effective.
The role of parents in the senior photography process and how to ensure their buy-in.
How Renee uses business coaching, mindset work, and even hypnosis to help photographers succeed.
TLDR:
A well-structured senior team can drive consistent bookings and position you as the go-to photographer in your market.
Teens are more likely to share and promote their senior portraits when they feel part of something bigger.
Understanding social media trends and generational shifts helps you stay relevant and attract the right clients.
Parent involvement is key—clear communication and intentional marketing make a difference.
Renee has refined her senior team model over 18+ years and now teaches photographers how to implement it successfully.
Resources:
Learn more about Renee’s coaching and courses: reneebowencoaching.com
Follow Renee on Instagram: @reneebowen
Listen to Renee’s podcast Tried and True with a Dash of Woo: Available here
Free hypnosis for creatives: Get it here
Episode Title: A Case for Transparent Prices
We Discuss:
TL;DR:
Resources:
Episode Title: Navigating Taxes as a Photographer
Guest: Siobhan Coyne, Siobhan Coyne Photography, Galway, Ireland
We Discuss:
Siobhan's transition from accountant to full-time family photographer
The financial challenges photographers face when starting out
Pricing structures in Ireland vs. the U.S.
The importance of setting up a separate business bank account
Tracking expenses and tax write-offs
The role of bookkeepers and accountants in a photography business
Best practices for managing taxes as a photographer
Siobhan's upcoming course on financial management for photographers
Why mini sessions can be a valuable part of a sustainable photography business
TLDR:
Siobhan transitioned from a 16-year career in accounting to photography after realizing she wanted more flexibility and fulfillment.
Photographers often undervalue their work; pricing structures in Ireland lag behind the U.S.
A separate business bank account is essential to manage cash flow and taxes effectively.
Tracking expenses in real-time prevents surprises and allows for better financial planning.
Tax deductions include equipment, software, education, travel, and business-related home expenses.
Hiring an accountant or bookkeeper can alleviate stress and ensure financial accuracy.
Mini sessions, when structured properly, can be a profitable and strategic offer.
Siobhan is launching a financial course tailored for photographers to simplify tax and bookkeeping challenges.
Resources:
Learn more about Siobhan’s work: Instagram: @siobhancoynephotography
QuickBooks and Shoeboxed for expense tracking: QuickBooks | Shoeboxed
Episode Title:
Blogging Strategies for Photographers with Jamie Bugbee-King
We Discuss:
• How a strategic blogging approach turns your photography website into a dynamic digital gallery
• The importance of clear keyword strategies to avoid SEO pitfalls like keyword cannibalization
• Building cornerstone content and location-specific pages to attract local clients
• Leveraging tools like Google Analytics, Keywords Everywhere, and ChatGPT to streamline content creation
• Real-world tactics that helped Jamie transition from part-time passion to a full-time thriving business
• Actionable tips from Jamie’s new Blogging for Photographers course and her free guide on ChatGPT prompts
TL;DR:
Strategic blogging is a game-changer for photographers—it transforms your website into a client-magnet by using targeted keywords, robust cornerstone content, and AI tools to build trust and boost SEO. The key? Clear strategy, streamlined content creation, and following up with your audience.
Resources:
• Blog to Booked Course
• Connect with Jamie Bugbee on Instagram
Episode Title: The Real Reason Photographers Quit—and How to Fix It
We Discuss:
TLDR:
Photography isn’t the hard part—running a business is. Jill shares why so many talented photographers burn out due to business struggles and how her new 12-week program, The Next Step, is designed to change that. This hybrid mentorship combines one-on-one coaching with group strategy calls to help photographers refine their offers, pricing, and marketing so they can finally build a business that works for them.
Resources: