If you’re serious about growing your photography business (and I mean really growing it) not staying stuck in the shoot-and-burn cycle… This new episode is a can’t miss! When I finally cracked six figures in my business, it wasn’t because I had more followers, ran ads, or had a studio. It was because I got laser-focused on three key numbers that told me exactly what was working… and what wasn’t. I’m giving you real, boutique-friendly numbers you can plug into your business today to start buildin...
Jul 08, 2025•17 min•Season 4Ep. 271
If you've ever packed up your gear, driven an hour to a session, worked your magic, came home to edit into the night, and then got paid something that barely covers gas and groceries… This week’s Joycast is going to hit home. Rachel’s been in business 12 years. She lives on a farm. Her days include feeding animals, raising a family, and her photography business. For years, her sessions barely paid off. She was doing all the things (minis, digitals, discounts) and still felt stuck. In this new ep...
Jul 02, 2025•26 min•Season 4Ep. 270
If you’re tired of awkward sales pitches and sliding into potential client’s DMs just to get ghosted, this week’s Joycast is something special just for you. In this new episode, I break down the “7-11-4 Framework.” A coveted method photographers use to build trust and visibility using everyday places you're already showing up at. Think pizza fundraisers, yoga class, Target runs, or after school events. We discuss: What the “7-11-4 Framework” is and why it works wonders for photographers How to t...
Jun 25, 2025•15 min•Season 4Ep. 269
What if your next client isn’t scrolling on Instagram but standing behind you at school pickup or laying on the yoga mat next to yours? On this week’s Joycast, I’m walking you through why paid ads often flop and how to replace them with something way more personal and effective: the 7-11-4 framework. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: Why social media ads are designed for big brands (not boutique photographers) A simpler marketing approach that grows with you (not against you) How to use errands...
Jun 18, 2025•11 min•Season 4Ep. 268
After 15 years of undercharging and hiding behind text, pet photographer Sandy hit her limit. Tired of selling from her wallet and burned out on fear-pricing, she decided it was time for a change. If you’re stuck in self-doubt, afraid to raise prices (or dodging client calls for emails) this week’s Joycast will provide the clarity you’re craving. Join us as we discuss: The cost of staying small and how to finally let go Why accountability and structure were Sally’s missing pieces How to turn fea...
Jun 10, 2025•22 min•Season 4Ep. 267
This week we’re busting the “all debt is bad” myth and setting the record straight! If no one has told you this before, I’ll happily be the first: Borrowing money doesn’t mean you’re behind, it means you’re building. In this new episode, we’re kicking shame, blame, and guilt to the curb for a fresh, feel-good way to look at growing your photography business. Here’s a sneak peek: 5 head-trash myths about loans that keep photographers stuck (including “I’ll wait until I can pay cash” and “Needing ...
Jun 04, 2025•21 min•Season 4Ep. 266
RESOURCES: Show Notes: Click here. Episode Transcript: Click here. 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin INSTAGRAM – DM me “Conversation Starters” for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.phot...
May 27, 2025•10 min•Season 4Ep. 265
Does it feel like you're doing everything “right” as a photographer like hustling hard, offering mini sessions, delivering digital files, yet you're still scraping by? This week on the Joycast, I’m sharing the story of Sarah Lang Schroeder. She’s a pet photographer who spent over a decade dabbling while juggling a full-time job. Sarah thought success meant saying “yes” to everything but after one change, she was able to ditch perfectionism, embrace action, and build a profitable business that br...
May 20, 2025•21 min•Season 4Ep. 264
You booked the session, nailed the shoot, and now it’s time to… Sell. 😬 If you're like most photographers I coach, this is the moment where your confidence fizzles. This week on the Joycast, I’m revealing the final two blinders that hold photographers back from profit. These are the differences between barely scraping by and creating a client experience that leaves everyone (yes, even you!) crying happy tears. Join me as I share: Why fewer, better images create more impact and more sales The si...
May 13, 2025•17 min•Season 4Ep. 263
You’ve spent years building a photography business: the bookings, the workflow, the income. But what happens when the version of success you built no longer aligns with the life you’re living? This week on the Joycast, Kayla Brint opens up about the unraveling that led her to step away from her booming portrait studio. Not because she failed, but because she changed. Join us as we discuss: The role grief, motherhood, and burnout play in reshaping your definition of success Why trusting your gut ...
May 06, 2025•25 min•Season 4Ep. 262
Feeling overwhelmed? Stuck in a cycle of working nonstop and still not getting where you want to be? Melissa Holkeabor knows exactly how that feels. Juggling a full-time nursing job, a photography business, and two kids, she was exhausted and burnt out. But then a major health scare forced her to make a change. On this week’s Joycast we discuss: How Melissa went from an overworked nurse to a successful photographer The reason “digital file” was keeping her stuck How one shift helped her cut work...
Apr 30, 2025•17 min•Season 4Ep. 261
Tired? Uninspired? Does it feel like you’re doing all the things yet you’re still not making what you deserve? I know what it’s like to feel stuck in the grind and wonder if anything is actually working. The good news is Spring is the perfect time to shake things up and breathe new life into your photography business. Here’s a sneak peek of the 7 tips I swear by to fall back in love with your calling: 🧡 The truth about clients who are ready to pay boutique prices 🧡 What to do when you’re stuck...
Apr 23, 2025•17 min•Season 4Ep. 260
In a slump and can’t claw your way out? I’ve been there too many times but I’ve found surprising inspiration from one unexpected little creature… The squirrel. 🐿️ Yeah, seriously! These furry little creatures hold 5 big lessons we could all learn from. Here’s a sneak peek: 🧡 What squirrels teach us about fun (and why you NEED more of it) 🧡 Why preparing now keeps your business from freezing up later 🧡 How being “small” is actually your advantage 🧡 Why community isn’t optional (it's the safe...
Apr 15, 2025•22 min•Season 4Ep. 259
If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting more for your business and the fear of actually going after it, you’re not alone (and you’re not broken.) The friction you’re feeling might be the very sign that you’re on the right path. On this week’s Joycast, I’m joined by photographer Tassie Winters for a real talk about self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and how fear shows up when we’re stepping into something bigger. In this new episode, you’ll understand: Why fear and resistance are normal when you’re...
Apr 09, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 258
If you're a parent balancing photography and kids, you know how rewarding (and overwhelming) it can be at times. But harmony is possible! On this week’s Joycast, we’re chatting about what it takes to balance both without sacrificing your sanity. Plus, three hacks to run your business and show up for your family without feeling like one is being neglected. Here’s a sneak peek: How to create a dedicated workspace that keeps boundaries clear Why multitasking is sabotaging your success (and what to ...
Apr 01, 2025•22 min•Season 4Ep. 257
If it feels like every step forward is met with fear, doubt, or procrastination, resistance might be holding you back. But here’s the good news: recognizing it is the first step to overcoming it. On this week’s Joycast, we’re talking about how resistance sneaks into your business, how to spot its lies, and most importantly how to eliminate it. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: Why resistance shows up when you’re chasing big goals (hint: it’s actually a good sign!) The four sneaky forms resistan...
Mar 25, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 256
Are you grinding away in your photography business, shooting tons of sessions, but barely making a profit? If so, you’re in the same situation Adam was. Until he made one decision that changed everything… On this week’s Joycast, we’re pulling back the curtain on how one photographer ditched the exhausting volume model, embraced the boutique system, and started landing $2K+ orders with ease. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: The pricing mistakes that kept Adam stuck in low-value shoots. The simp...
Mar 19, 2025•24 min•Season 4Ep. 255
Are you the “Black Diamond” in your photography community? If you feel like you’re doing all the right things in your photography business (but you are still getting overlooked) no matter how beautiful your images are, clients keep choosing the cheaper photographer down the street… Today, we’re changing that! On this week’s Joycast, I’m breaking down what Black Diamonds can teach us about standing out, owning our value, and attracting clients who are excited to pay boutique prices. Inside this e...
Mar 11, 2025•47 min•Season 4Ep. 254
Have you ever wondered what separates the photographers making six figures from the ones struggling to book clients? In this week’s Joycast, I’m pulling back the curtain on 3 photographers who hit $100K for the first time and they’re sharing EXACTLY what made the difference in their businesses. Listen now to get the scoop on: The #1 mindset shift that helped them push past fear and take action. The simple daily habits that kept them on track to hit six figures. The biggest mistakes they stopped ...
Mar 04, 2025•21 min•Season 4Ep. 253
Dyslexic, Determined, and Thriving: How Hosanna Built Her Photography Business Have you ever felt like the odds were stacked against you? Like you didn’t have the right background, connections, or experience to build a successful photography business? In this week’s Joycast, I’m sitting down with Hosanna Hale. She’s an Anchorage-based outdoor portrait photographer. Despite starting with no website, no pricing, and only two paid shoots under her belt, she went on to land multiple high-dollar clie...
Feb 26, 2025•22 min•Season 4Ep. 252
If you’re like most photographers, you’re juggling two of the most rewarding (and sometimes overwhelming) jobs in the world… Being a photographer and a parent. There’s no perfect handbook for either, but I’ve learned a thing or two about balancing both without feeling like you’re failing at one or the other. In this week’s Joycast, I’m sharing advice to help you switch gears, get more done, and show up fully for your family and your photography business! You’ll learn: How to create a workspace t...
Feb 18, 2025•17 min•Season 4Ep. 251
Networking. Just hearing the word makes you cringe, right? You’re already juggling a full-time job, raising kids, and managing a million other responsibilities… How are you supposed to squeeze in business networking, too? But what if I told you that you don’t need more time to mingle? You just need a better strategy! On this week’s Joycast, I’m sharing my simple, 5-minute networking strategy that helps you turn everyday interactions into golden business opportunities (without awkward small talk,...
Feb 11, 2025•16 min•Season 4Ep. 250
Have you ever booked a client then immediately felt that little knot in your stomach… In this week’s Joycast, I’m revealing the 3 types of red-flag clients that can drain your energy, steal your joy, and make you question why you started your photography business in the first place. You’ll learn: 🚩The one thing chronic client complainers say 🚩 Why “rock throwers” are the sneakiest energy vampires (and how to sidestep them.) 🚩How to avoid getting caught up in drama (and keep your business FUN!...
Feb 04, 2025•18 min•Season 4Ep. 249
Braving freezing temperatures without a studio can feel like a huge challenge for photographers, but what if I told you it’s actually a secret weapon… In this week’s Joycast, I’m sharing 8 creative ways to keep your calendar full in the chilliest weather. Here's a sneak peek: Why not having a studio isn't the end of the world (and how you can use it to your advantage.) Tips for turning everyday spaces into stunning, boutique-worthy backdrops. How to stay creative and confident (no matter the wea...
Jan 28, 2025•21 min•Season 4Ep. 248
Have you ever thought about what it feels like to be the client instead of the photographer? On this week’s Joycast, I’m pulling back the curtain on a personal experience: my daughter’s wedding. For once, I wasn’t the one behind the lens, and let me tell you… It gave me a whole new perspective on what we do as photographers. Here’s a sneak peek: The whirlwind of planning a budget-friendly wedding in six months (Did I mention it was during hurricane season?!) What it was like to let go of my came...
Jan 21, 2025•18 min•Season 4Ep. 247
Ever wonder if the boutique photography model works just as well for men as it does for women? It’s a question that came up in my recent Boutique Breakthrough workshop, and in this week’s Joycast, we’re shedding light on the truth. Here’s a sneak peek: How Ryan Vinson leverages sports photography and auctions to dominate his local senior market (with 95% of his clients being boys!) Adam’s journey to raising his prices and building a profitable boutique business. Andy’s story of escaping the shoo...
Jan 14, 2025•51 min•Season 4Ep. 246
Does it seem like the only people who hire you for photos are bargain hunters or family? I know how suffocating that can feel. You pour your heart into your photography, but you’re left wondering if there’s anyone out there who truly values your work. In this week’s Joycast, I’m sharing how to break out of that bubble, connect with the right clients, and build a photography business full of customers who value your worth. Here’s how we’re flipping the script for 2025 and starting fresh: I’ll bus...
Jan 07, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 245
Oh New Year’s resolutions… Are they a hopeful tradition, or a fast-track to feeling defeated by February? In this week’s Joycast, I’m sharing why I think resolutions often set us up for failure and what I’m doing instead to create real, lasting progress as we step into a brand-new year. Here’s a sneak peek: Why starting your day with a “fresh sheet of ice” can be the habit you need. The power of gratitude reflections (and how to turn failures into your best teachers.) My secret weapon for settin...
Dec 31, 2024•26 min•Season 4Ep. 244
Feeling burned out or stuck in your photography business? One thing can change your work, your profits, and your life (and it might not be what you expect…) On this week’s Joycast, I’m chatting with a Stockton, California photographer who went from shooting 120 sessions a year to embracing a boutique business model that brought her more time, joy, and income than ever! Here’s a little of what we’ll cover: Why high-volume sessions might be holding you back from real profits The biggest mindset hu...
Dec 24, 2024•20 min•Season 4Ep. 243
Have you ever sat at your desk late at night, exhausted from editing photos, you peek at your neverending to-do list and wonder why all this hard work doesn’t add up to more joy or money? On this week's Joycast, I share something that’s helped so many of my students save money and make their photography businesses feel easier to manage. The secret? Tax deductions. I know, I know. Tax stuff might sound boring, but trust me, it’s a lifesaver once you get it. I’ll explain:: What tax write-offs real...
Dec 17, 2024•25 min•Season 4Ep. 242
