Hey friends! On today's episode, we’re tackling a topic that can feel a bit intimidating—paid advertising. I’m thrilled to welcome Peyton Helm, an expert in ads for creative businesses, who’s here to share everything you need to know about making them work for you. Since I’m not exactly an ads pro myself, I found our conversation incredibly enlightening, and I’m confident you’ll walk away with some awesome insights for your photography business. About Peyton: Peyton is a wedding photographer/fil...
Dec 10, 2024•54 min•Ep. 62
Hi everyone! Today I had an amazing chat with Brittany and Alex from Chasing Sunsets to talk about their journey from living on the road in a van to building a thriving creative business. We dive into how they turned their love for storytelling into a full-time career, the power of a positive mindset, and how daily routines keep them grounded. Listen in as they share about showing up authentically online, working as a couple, and finding balance between stability and creativity. I loved this con...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 61
Hi everyone! With the holidays and the new year just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get organized and explore new tools to help your business. So in today's episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite tools that has completely transformed my business: HoneyBook. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your creative business, I’ll share how HoneyBook can help you set up the systems you need to achieve big goals. HoneyBook has been my go-to for staying organized and growing my b...
Nov 26, 2024•39 min•Ep. 60
Hi everyone! Today I sat down with the incredibly talented Kayleigh Taylor. We chatted all about her journey into destination wedding photography, and everything she's learned along the way. Listen in as she shares all about traveling, film, and so many awesome tips for photographers of all kinds. I hope you find this conversation valuable and inspiring :) About Kayleigh: Kayleigh Taylor is a destination wedding photographer based on the east coast, though her work frequently has her traveling a...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 59
Hi friends! In this episode, I chat with Tess Gearhart, an incredible wedding photographer known for her unique blend of digital and film styles. We explore her journey into film photography, her approach to authentic posing, and tips for working smoothly with other vendors. About Tess: Tess is a 26 year old wedding photographer based in the southwest. She has been in the wedding industry for 8 years now, but has been in love with photography since she was a kid. What started as a weekend side g...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 58
Welcome Back! Today I sat down with Ben Lau, an incredible wedding photographer and entrepreneur from Northern New Jersey and NYC, to talk about building an associate team and running multiple brands. Ben shares his journey from solo photographer to managing three distinct wedding brands alongside his wife, Karis, allowing them to capture over 100 weddings a year. We dive into everything from finding the right people, defining brand identity, and the power of networking to keep a business thrivi...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 57
Welcome Back! Today, I sit down with Georgia McMaster of G&M Photo and Film to explore the art of posing and creating authentic client connections. Georgia shares how she and her husband, Micah, bring each couple’s story to life with natural poses, collaborative mood boards, and relaxed sessions. We also dive into their social media strategies that attract clients and build a strong brand. Be sure to connect with Georgia - links down below!! About Georgia: Georgia and Micah are destination w...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 56
In this episode of Summer School, I’m answering your comments and stories! From handling shooting stress to discovering your editing style, I’m diving into real questions you’ve sent in and sharing advice based on my own experiences. Tune in for real talk, updates, and hopefully some inspiration for your photography journey :) Do you need any more advice? Fill out the inquiry form below if you would like to schedule a mentorship with me. Mentorship’s open Nov. 1st!! BOOK A MENTORSHIP Connect wit...
Oct 22, 2024•47 min•Ep. 55
Today, I’m diving into the travel tips and tricks I’ve picked up as a destination wedding photographer. From booking non-stop flights to maximizing travel rewards and navigating last-minute car rentals, I’m sharing the lessons I’ve learned from both my wins and mistakes. We’ll cover everything from smart gear packing to why non-stop flights are a must for wedding days. Whether you’re juggling multiple events or prepping for your first big destination gig, these tips will help you travel more eff...
Oct 15, 2024•44 min•Ep. 54
In this episode of Summer School, I'm diving into the 5 biggest mistakes I made when starting my business—and how you can avoid them. From underpricing your services to trying to do it all yourself, I’m sharing the lessons I’ve learned along the way to help you run a smoother, more sustainable business. As usual, I’ll give you some life updates, including prepping for my last wedding before maternity leave and how i've been juggling work-life balance these days. Whether you're just starting out ...
Oct 08, 2024•35 min•Ep. 53
It's Q&A time! I'm diving into some of your most-asked questions and sharing updates on life, business, and photography. From balancing a busy wedding season while preparing for maternity leave to my go-to photography gear, I’m answering it all. I’ll cover everything from how to gracefully decline a booking, what I pack in my camera bag, pricing film packages, and even how I plan to navigate work-life balance once the baby arrives. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out,...
Oct 01, 2024•51 min•Ep. 52
In this episode of Summer School, I sit down with videographer and YouTube sensation Matt Johnson to explore his journey from wedding films to becoming an educational content creator. We chat about his early start in videography, gear that’s shaping the industry, his tips for building strong collaborations with photographers, and youtube. If you’re interested in joining his upcoming workshop to help you book more gigs, head to get.whoismatt.com/workshop . About Matt Matt and his wife Rachel film...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 51
In this episode of Summer School, I sit down with my dear friend Morgan from In Frames Photography to dive into an often-overlooked topic: money mindset. Morgan shares her personal journey of shifting from a scarcity mindset—shaped by her upbringing—to one of abundance and gratitude. Together, we discuss how to foster a healthy relationship with money, set intentional financial goals, and use money as a tool for growth rather than a source of fear. Want to hear more from Morgan and I? Then join ...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 50
In this episode of Summer School, I’m giving you guys a real-life update on everything—travel, pregnancy, and what it’s been like juggling work as a photographer. I’ll answer some of the questions you sent in through Instagram, like what my business is going to look like after our baby girl arrives and how I’m planning to balance it all—parenthood, business, and life. Plus, I’ll talk a little about how Jake and I manage running a business together. I hope you enjoy the show! Connect with Me: Sub...
Sep 10, 2024•42 min•Ep. 49
Hey everyone! Today on Summer School, we’re thrilled to welcome back one of my absolute favorite people, Jon Sweet. In this episode, Jon shares insights from his ever-evolving career as a photographer, revealing his passion for connecting with clients and fellow artists while juggling a busy work schedule and family life. We dive into the importance of community, spontaneity, networking, and gratitude in building a successful career. Jon also offers practical tips on creating better practices am...
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 48
Hello again! Today we chat with Preston Luke, a talented photographer and content creator, about his remarkable journey from picking up a camera in 2016 to amassing over 700,000 followers on Instagram. Preston offers insights into his disciplined content creation process, working with brands, and maintaining consistency. He also shares about his new studio space which just recently opened up. I hope you are inspried by this talk, and thank you for joining us in another episode of Summer School :...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 47
Hi everyone! It’s another episode of Summer School. Today we chat with Rachel, a long time friend and a talented photographer. We discuss our photography journeys and evolving styles, reminisce about early experiences, and share tips for maintaining creativity in business. Our conversation also covers balancing personal growth with professional demands, insights and practical advice on staying confident, experimenting with new styles, and loving your work! We hope you find this conversation help...
Aug 20, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 46
Hi everyone, and welcome back to Summer School! This episode is a special one as we hosted a live Q&A podcast party in Tacoma, Washington, at Shed Studios - the creative playhouse of Wyat Taylor. Surrounded by an amazing audience, we discussed a range of topics, including some of the most challenging and memorable moments I've faced as a wedding photographer. From dealing with difficult clients to an unexpected wedding crasher story, it was a lively and insightful session. We also talked abo...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 45
Hey everyone, and welcome back to another episode of Summer School! Today I’m joined by the one and only Noella Andres. We originally crossed paths at a workshop where we bonded instantly, and our collaborative journey began. Over the past year, Noella has been by my side through numerous projects, from launching this very podcast to the inception of our group coaching program, “Summer School.” About Noella: Noella Andres embarked on her photography journey over twenty years ago, starting as a w...
Aug 06, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 44
In this episode, I dive deep into the art of posing with my top tips and tricks to help you refine your technique and capture stunning images. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, these insights are designed to elevate your posing skills and ensure your subjects look their best. Tune in as I share practical advice and personal experiences that will enhance your photography and boost your confidence behind the camera. Connect with Me: Subscribe to our emails for updates on...
Jul 30, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 43
In this week's episode of Summer School, I share updates from my recent travels and gear upgrades. Tune in to hear about the crazy wedding schedules, the new Canon R5 Mark II, and why I love Glazer's camera store in Seattle. I also dive into the features of the R6 Mark II and my new favorite 35mm lens. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at my recent photography adventures! Connect with Me: Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! SUBSCRIBE HERE Show Notes: the-summers...
Jul 23, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 42
On this week's episode of Summer School, Jake and I are diving back into more Photography Hot Takes, tackling a fresh batch of your audacious opinions and our honest reactions. We're unraveling the timeless debate of film versus digital, discussing the practical use of flash in modern photography, and much more. Tune in as we explore whether pushing creative boundaries is just for fun or if it's slipping into gimmick territory, delve into the real value of styled shoots, and tackle the ever-cont...
Jul 16, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 41
In this week's episode, I’m beyond excited to chat with Angela Shae from Social Templates! Angela is an absolute Instagram pro, and we're diving deep into strategies to help photographers like you succeed on the platform. Whether you're looking to boost your reach with Instagram Reels or refine your social media game, Angela's got you covered with tips that can transform your online presence. About Angela Shae After over a decade spent working as a wedding photographer, weekends full of destinat...
Jul 09, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In this solo episode of Summer School, I share my unforgettable experience at Nikon's Creator Camp. From shooting in challenging lighting conditions to collaborating with other talented creators, I dive into the lessons learned and insights gained from this unique event. Whether you're interested in the latest gear or looking for inspiration to elevate your own photography, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in to hear about the highlights, challenges, and what made Nikon's Cre...
Jul 02, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In this episode of Summer School, we’re back from the beautiful Palm Springs where we hosted Summer Camp 2024. Join me, along with Riley and Brooklyn, two attendees from the camp, as we share our unforgettable experiences. From hands-on activities like developing film and creating emulsion lifts to a magical alfresco dinner under the stars, we dive into all the highlights. We also discuss the invaluable lessons we learned, the importance of building a supportive community, and practical tips for...
Jun 25, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In this solo episode of Summer School, I share my top 10 tips for starting a photography business. I dive into the importance of building an online presence, networking, creating an affordable portfolio, and investing in education and training. I also discuss the value of having a solid business plan, prioritizing client experience, leveraging technology, embracing social media marketing, diversifying income streams, and seeking feedback to adapt and grow. Finally, I emphasize the need to develo...
Jun 11, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 37
In this special episode of Summer School, I sit down with my amazing mom, Sylvia Freeman, for a heartfelt conversation about life, family, and photography. We dive into my entrepreneurial journey, the influence of my upbringing, and my mom's own creative pursuits. We also discuss the unique challenges and memorable moments in wedding photography, the importance of family dynamics, and the trend of first looks. My mom shares her wisdom on hard work, dedication, and following your dreams. Tune in ...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 36
Welcome to this week's episode of Summer School! Jake and I are recording from Washington at his family’s home. In this episode, we dive into the challenges and rewards of travel wedding photography. We share tips on managing travel fatigue, staying creatively inspired, and balancing personal life with the demands of constant travel. We also discuss strategies for breaking into the travel wedding photography niche, including building a diverse portfolio, effective marketing, and transparent pric...
May 28, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In this episode, I sit down with the inspiring Hailey Faria, a photographer who has truly mastered adapting to life's many changes. Hailey shares her journey of over a decade, moving from San Diego to Hawaii, Oklahoma to North Carolina, and how she’s reinvented her photography business with each move. We talk about the power of community and connection, and how Hailey embeds herself in local cultures to grow both personally and professionally. One of the most memorable parts of our conversation ...
May 21, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Join us in this week's episode of Summer School where we dive into the most controversial and debated topics in the photography world. We'll discuss the value of styled shoots, the authenticity of blurry film vs. digital photos, pricing strategies for photographers with varying experience levels, and the importance of mastering indoor lighting techniques. Tune in for bold opinions, candid discussions, and insights that will challenge and inspire photographers at all levels. Don't miss out on thi...
May 14, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 33
