Happy 2025, friends! I'm back and talking all about tackling those outdated systems that are holding you back. In this episode, I’m sharing why January is the perfect time to revamp your workflows and giving you practical tips to make it happen. We’ll chat about clearing out those dusty old workflows, streamlining communication, and simplifying client management so you’re set up for an easier, more productive year. Plus, I’ve got some sassy thoughts on why you don’t need to do it all yourself (h...
Jan 22, 2025•20 min•Season 3Ep. 66
As 2024 wraps up, I’m pulling back the curtain on my photography business to share what worked, what didn’t, and what’s next. From seamless workflows and pivoting to city hall weddings to email mishaps and lessons learned, it’s all here. I’ll also share my goals for 2025, how I’m streamlining workflows, and why building flexibility into my business is key to thriving with a chronic illness. Ready to reflect on your year and plan for an amazing 2025? Show Notes & Transcript - https://simplysa...
Dec 18, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 65
Are you ready to set yourself up for success in 2025? This week we’re talking all about maximizing your workflows for the new year. I’ll walk you through auditing your 2024 processes, setting realistic goals, and finding ways to automate and simplify your business while keeping it flexible for life’s unexpected surprises (chronic illness friends, I see you!). From improving client communication to creating workflows that work for you, this episode is packed with actionable tips to reduce stress,...
Dec 11, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 64
A great client experience can make or break your bookings—and your sanity. In this week's episode of Keeping It Candid , I’m sharing how to take your clients from inquiry to “heck yes” with a seamless, stress-free process. We’ll talk about avoiding red flags, simplifying communication, and using tools like HoneyBook to make booking a breeze for you and your clients. If you’re ready to elevate your workflow and set the tone for 2025, this episode is for you! Transcript and Show Notes available at...
Dec 04, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 63
Season 3 is HERE, friends, and we’re kicking things off with a topic that’s all too real: editing while dealing with year-end burnout. If you’re deep in your editing cave, dodging client emails asking “When will my photos be ready?”, and running purely on caffeine and vibes right now, you’re not alone. This episode is here to help you make it through the chaos. We’re diving into realistic tips to tackle your editing queue, manage burnout, and maybe—just maybe—find a little balance before the hol...
Nov 27, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 62
It's not goodbye, it's see you soon! Season two has come to an end. Listen to today's episode to learn more about ways we can work together, and what I have in the works over the next couple of months. Thanks so much for being here for another amazing season! Full Show Notes - Coming Soon HoneyBook Housekeeping: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/housekeeping VIP Days: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/vip-days Template Shop: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/shop...
Sep 19, 2024•12 min•Season 2Ep. 61
Today I'm spilling the tea on the three worst pieces of advice I've ever received as a photography business owner! Full Show Notes - Coming Soon Template Shop: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/shop
Sep 11, 2024•11 min•Season 2Ep. 60
Systems aren’t just about making things easier for you behind the scenes. When you utilize them to their fullest, they’ll help you deliver an amazing client experience in your photography business, too! Diana Wei Fang from The Finer Points joins me for an interview today and shares some real life examples of businesses that are doing just that, and how you can implement the same strategies, too. Full Show Notes - https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/client-experience-the-finer-points/...
Aug 21, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 59
We're at a tipping point in wedding season where a few key changes are what could be what sets you on a path away from burnout at the end of this year's wedding season. Discover actionable strategies to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, protect your well-being while managing a busy photography schedule, and more on today's episode! Show Notes: Coming Soon Chronically Ill, Disabled & Neurodivergent Photographers Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ndspooniephotographers...
Aug 14, 2024•18 min•Season 2Ep. 58
Flipping the script to talk FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY today! I'm sharing how I balance candid and posed photos during a session, as well as my three favorite prompts for capturing genuine reactions and natural emotions in family photos in this short and sweet episode! Show Notes: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/family-photography-prompts/ Chronically Ill, Disabled & Neurodivergent Photographers Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ndspooniephotographers
Jul 24, 2024•12 min•Season 2Ep. 57
Dolly DeLong, a photographer and systems educator for creatives, joins me on the podcast this week to chat about the importance of launch strategies for photographers! She shares tips on how to plan and strategize for launches, create intentional content, and automate processes to support you along the way. Show Notes: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/dolly-delong-launch-planning-for-photographers/ Launch Freebie From Dolly DeLong: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-launch-bundle-kajabi...
Jul 17, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 56
Have you ever wondered how I tackle the ups, downs, and all the in between that happen on a wedding day? This week on the podcast I’m sharing a step-by-step look at how I manage two very different weddings, each with its own set of logistics and demands. I also dive into what I've learned about healthy diets and proper carb intake when you’re working a high-energy job like this. My mind was seriously blown! Show Notes: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/how-i-approach-a-wedding-day/...
Jul 10, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 55
Brand Photographer Angie McPherson joins me on the podcast today to talk about the importance of brand photos for photographers and wedding pros. More specifically, how brand photos help businesses stand out in an oversaturated market, and how they can help you attract the right clients and bring in more revenue. Plus, some tips for hiring a brand photographer so you can get the most out of your next session! Show Notes: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/brand-photos-angie-macpherson...
Jun 26, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 56
Maintaining consistency in a photography business is so important, but it's not just about posting on social media every day. So today on the podcast, let's talk about WHY it matters so much! To put it simply - consistency in client experience, brand materials, response times, tone of voice, and photo delivery is crucial for building trust and ensuring long-term success. Show Notes: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/why-consistency-matters-photography-business
Jun 19, 2024•12 min•Season 2Ep. 53
Let's talk about the struggle we all know too well: keeping up with social media. Imagine focusing on the platforms that truly work for you and using strategic tools to lighten the load instead. Today on Keeping It Candid, I'm talking to Kara Duncan from The Kara Report, who shares insights on how to create a sustainable marketing strategy, the long-term magic of blogging, and the wonders of AI in content creation. Show Notes: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/long-term-marketing-with-kara...
Jun 12, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 52
If you're a photographer looking to streamline and boost your print sales, using the right tools can be a game-changer. Today on Keeping It Candid, I'm diving into the benefits of using innovative gallery platforms - specifically Pic-Time. The right gallery service will not only simplify your operations but also offer features designed to maximize your earnings and elevate your client experience. Whether you're frustrated with your current system or just curious about improving your business ......
Jun 05, 2024•12 min•Season 2Ep. 51
Today I'm joined by Yasamin Salavatian, a storytelling strategist and positioning coach, to chat about the importance of showcasing your unique personality in your photography business, and how you can incorporate more of who they are personally into your brand and messaging to set yourself apart. Show Notes: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/uniqueness-yasamin-salavatian Template Shop: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/shop Freebie from Yasamin
May 29, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 50
In this episode, I'm sharing one of my favourite systems that you can easily build on the go - a locations gallery. I dive into what it is, how I organize it, the important details I include, and so much more. Your clients are going to love just as much as you do! Show Notes: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/photography-locations-gallery Template Shop: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/shop Get A Free Month Of Pic-Time: https://lifeisbeautifullondon.pic-time.com/referral...
May 22, 2024•7 min•Season 2Ep. 49
Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunityInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonneTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne
May 15, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 48
TW: Depression, Anxiety, & Mental HealthIf you or someone you know is in need of support, call *988 in the US and Canada to reach the Mental Health Crisis Hotline 24/7.**** Today on the podcast I'm sharing my personal experience with depression and anxiety as a business owner, and what that has looked like for me over the last couple of months. From the beginning stages to what I did until I came out the other side, I'm sharing the good, the bad, and the vulnerable.
May 08, 2024•12 min•Season 2Ep. 47
This week's episode is all about your website's home page! Alex Collier, a brand and web designer, joined me to talk about the importance of a well-designed homepage, common mistakes photographers make when designing theirs, the importance of including clear and compelling calls to action, and more. Alex also shares her formula for creating an effective homepage that you don't want to miss out on! Takeaways: The homepage is the first impression and should capture attention and establish trust...
Mar 27, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 46
Today I'm sharing what's inside my endometriosis toolkit! These are things I use when I'm at home and on-the-go to make chronic illness life a little more manageable. Takeaways: Having an endometriosis specialist perform a hysterectomy surgery can provide better outcomes. Items like heating pads, ergonomic seat cushions, and proper shoes can help manage pain and discomfort. Using an e-reader instead of physical books can alleviate hand pressure and make reading more accessible....
Mar 20, 2024•15 min•Season 2Ep. 45
I'm sharing part two of my experience with endometriosis today for Endometriosis Awareness Month! Including an update on where I'm at, how I'm managing things day-to-day, and also how people can support others in their lives who have endometriosis themselves. Takeaways: Endometriosis symptoms can be managed but not completely eliminated. Tracking menstrual cycles can provide insights into symptom patterns. Adjusting work schedules and limiting commitments can help manage symptoms....
Mar 13, 2024•21 min•Season 2Ep. 44
In this episode, I'm re-sharing my journey with endometriosis and how it's shaped both my personal life and my business. Living with a chronic illness has its own set of challenges, but I'm sharing how I've learned to manage symptoms and prioritize self-care along the way. Join me as I discuss the importance of support from healthcare professionals and the impact of streamlining business processes to enhance the client experience. Whether you're facing endometriosis or any chronic illness....
Mar 06, 2024•11 min•Season 2Ep. 43
Let's be real - showing up on social media is exhausting and the return on investment isn't worth it. Candice Coppola joins me on the podcast today to talk about how photographers can use email marketing in an almost passive way to start generating more sales from new and existing clients. Show Notes: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/candice-coppola-email-marketing/Support the show Let's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/...
Feb 27, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 42
This week I'm interviewing Cameron and Tia about the use of AI in the photography industry. We chat about our excitement and hesitations surrounding AI and share some of our favourite tools, as well as diving into the impact it can make on your client experience, your business, and your life overall. Takeaways: AI tools can save photographers time and increase productivity, allowing them to focus on their areas of expertise. Using AI in content creation, such as email subject lines and blog post...
Jan 31, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 41
Erin Perkins, a deafblind accessibility educator and the owner of Mabely-Q, joins me for an interview this week! We talked all about the importance of accessibility for photographers, ways to improve accessibility online, and being adaptable to client needs. Takeaways: Accessibility should be a top priority for all business owners, particularly in the wedding photography industry. Small business owners face challenges in incorporating accessibility due to limited resources...
Jan 24, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Happy belated New Year, friends! Today I'm sharing my top three favourites in various categories for the year 2023, and a look inside my goals and vision for Q1 of 2024. Takeaways: Investing in quality photography equipment can greatly enhance the quality of your work. Using systems and tools like HoneyBook, PicTime, and Imagine AI can streamline your business processes. Utilizing editing tools like AI Select in Lightroom, the denoise feature in Lightroom, and Topaz Sharpen AI can improve the qu...
Jan 17, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Make sure you're investing your money in the right places so you're never left feeling like you've been scammed. Laylee Emadi joins me for an interview to talk all about red, beige, and green flags to watch out for in a creative educator! Show Notes: - https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/redflags-laylee-emadi/ The Creative Educator Conference - https://simplysandra--layleeemadi.thrivecart.com/the-creative-educator-conference-2024/ (affiliate link!)
Nov 15, 2023•36 min•Season 2Ep. 38
On this week's episode, I'm talking all about an easy way to up-level your client experience without having to spend any money or add any extra work to your plate. Sound too good to be true?! I promise, it's not! Show Notes: Coming Soon...Support the show Let's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunityInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonneTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne
Nov 08, 2023•4 min•Season 2Ep. 37