In this episode, I’m sharing a few of the biggest lessons I’ve learned during my conversations with niche photographers. Even after 11+ years, I’m still learning, and honestly, that’s been one of the most important parts of growing both creatively and in my business.

I talk about why it’s so important to keep learning, how making space for the work you actually love can change everything, and why niching down isn’t limiting; it’s what helps you build trust and become known for something.

Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been doing this for years, I hope this episode gives you a little clarity and encouragement as you build a photography business that feels both strategic and fulfilling.

• The importance of ongoing learning in both the business and creative sides of photography
• Treating creativity like kudzu: never stop growing and expanding
• The significance of saying no to projects that don't light you up to avoid burnout
• Making space in your schedule for your preferred niche and personal life
• Challenging the "jack of all trades" mindset by focusing on areas where you can be an expert
• How clarity in your niche simplifies marketing and attracts the right clients
• The value of continuous self-reflection and adapting based on experiences and conversations with peers

00:00 - Introduction: Why continuous learning matters in photography 01:18 - Learning is never just for beginners: always grow on creative and business fronts 01:46 - Creativity should grow like kudzu: never stop expanding your imagination 02:15 - Saying no to projects that no longer serve your business or passion 02:43 - Narrowing focus: the importance of niching down for trust and credibility 03:10 - Letting go of gigs that don’t light you up to avoid burnout 03:39 - The significance of making space for what you love to do more of 04:08 - Avoiding over-scheduling sessions that aren’t aligned with your goals 04:37 - Embracing change: outgrowing certain types of photography to prevent mediocrity 05:05 - Making space isn’t just about time; it's about mental and creative bandwidth 05:33 - Building trust through specialization and expertise in your chosen areas 06:00 - Summary: focus, clarity, and continuous growth drive success 06:30 - Cathleen’s encouragement: stay curious, adapt, and keep learning 07:00 - Building a community and inspiring others through sharing your journey 07:28 - Final thoughts: celebrate growth, embrace niche specialization, and stay inspired 07:54 - Call to action: leave a review and support the podcast

• Use That Camera
• https://www.facebook.com/burnsexposures
• https://www.burnsexposures.com/

Discover how Alison Adkins transitioned from a general photographer to a highly respected newborn specialist. Gain insights into her approach to client trust, safety and balancing family life with her photography business.

• Allison’s personal background and journey into photography
• Transition from a broad photography client base to specializing in newborns
• The importance of niching down for business growth
• Handling fear and uncertainties about reduced workload
• Building client trust through safety and communication
• The role of referrals and repeat clients in her business
• Studio setup and benefits of working from home
• Her approach to newborn safety, training, and education
• Managing client expectations and their session preferences
• Adapting to industry trends: from posed to lifestyle photography
• Handling client photos and sharing on social media amidst privacy concerns

• alisonadkinsphotography.com
• alisonadkinsphoto@gmail.com
• https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068977676229

In this episode, we're exploring the shift into B2B photography with Frank Miller. Frank went from shooting weddings and real estate to creating corporate contracts and scaling his business in a way he never imagined, and it continues to grow. In our chat, Frank unpacks what it takes to be a successful B2B photographer including tips for building client relationships, managing contracts and working through difficult situations.

• Frank Miller’s journey from hobbyist to full-time photographer
• Transition into B2B photography and building recurring contracts
• Scaling a photography business with a focus on corporate clients
• Strategies for networking and establishing professional credibility
• Challenges of contract negotiations and red tape in commercial work
• The importance of versatility in skills, including video
• Developing a team and expanding into larger studio space

: 00:00 - Introduction to Frank Miller and the focus on B2B photography 00:45 - Frank’s background and early passion for photography 01:58 - Transition from hobbyist to professional through real estate photography 02:29 - The leap from side gigs to full-time career 03:36 - The importance of mindset and daily routines in business success 04:57 - Diversifying photography services beyond real estate 06:45 - How Frank chose to enter the B2B space intentionally 08:16 - Types of clients: corporations, small businesses, etc. 09:24 - How recurring contracts provide steady income 10:45 - Upgrading to a larger studio and plans for growth 12:01 - Managing work-life balance in a growing business 13:40 - The value of video and multiple skills in today’s market 15:04 - Networking strategies for B2B success 16:27 - Approaching local businesses and building relationships 17:09 - The importance of contracts and managing client expectations 18:34 - Challenges in B2B work such as red tape and compliance 21:06 - Qualities of a good B2B photographer: confidence, professionalism, adaptability 22:31 - Making a professional impression on clients and the importance of appearance 23:19 - Future plans: building a team and expanding service offerings 25:16 - Advice for aspiring B2B photographers: shoot, learn, and network

https://www.facebook.com/frankmillerphotography

frankmillerphotography.com

frank@frankmillerphotography.com

• Kristina shares how her early experiences in coaching led to a passion for sports photography
• The role of community support and mentorship in her development
• Transitioning from hobbyist to professional photographer
• Her favorite types of sports photography, including action shots and portraits
• Traveling internationally for shoots and capturing landscapes in Europe
• Overcoming challenges as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sports photography field
• Balancing teaching, coaching and running a thriving photography business
• Tips for photographers managing multiple roles and priorities
• How she nurtures the next generation of young photographers
• Her goals for future travel, growth, and expanding her photography niche

https://www.facebook.com/CoachKGoreGraphics

In this episode, I'm sharing valuable strategies to help photographers navigate the busy season with confidence. From structuring your schedule to creating effective workflows... learn how to work smarter, not harder.

• The importance of scheduling your availability first to avoid burnout
• Simplifying offers to reduce decision fatigue for both you and your clients
• Automating booking, contracts, and communication with tools like UseSession
• Developing go-to poses and prompts to streamline sessions, especially for cap and gown shoots
• Efficient editing workflows: culling, basic edits, and customized adjustments
• Creating client prep guides to reduce email-back-and-forth and improve experiences
• Prioritizing self-care and setting realistic turnaround times to protect your energy

00:00 - Introduction: Preparing for busy or opportunity season in photography 00:22 - Reframing busy season as opportunity season to encourage a positive mindset 00:50 - The significance of scheduling your own calendar before clients' 02:15 - Blocking personal commitments like kids' sports on your calendar 03:14 - Setting session caps to prevent overwhelm and the importance of saying no 04:44 - Simplifying offers to avoid decision fatigue 05:14 - Clear session packages and managing client expectations 06:13 - Automating workflows with booking software like UseSession 06:40 - Creating a shot plan and using go-to poses for efficiency, especially in cap and gown shoots 07:36 - Streamlining editing: culling, syncing, and custom edits 08:04 - Using prep guides to save time and reduce client questions 08:32 - Protecting your energy by setting realistic turnaround times and boundaries 08:59 - Final thoughts: Rest is essential for productivity and sustainability

• https://usesession.com/?via=usethatcamera
• Cap and Gown video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q9QvuaRlsE

In this episode, Nakia Austin, a licensed therapist and coach, shares her perspective on how to navigate and respond to toxic comments and online negativity while maintaining mental health and self-worth. Discover practical strategies to set boundaries, manage emotions, and foster personal growth in a world dominated by social media.

• The root causes of toxic comments and online hurtfulness
• How social media emboldens negative behavior ("keyboard warriors")
• The importance of understanding that online comments reflect the commenter, not the subject
• Practical response strategies: choose to ignore, block, or reply with grace (Pause, Process, Proceed)
• The significance of self-awareness and knowing your emotional triggers
• The role of healing ancestral wounds to prevent external negativity from affecting your well-being
• The power of affirmations like "You are the only you" and staying authentic
• The Four Agreements and the principle "It's not personal"
• Handling the urge to react impulsively and the benefits of taking a moment before responding
• Moving forward: accepting feelings, but not dwelling — the "Just Drive" analogy
• The importance of doing internal work through therapy or coaching for self-confidence and resilience
• Embracing your unique purpose and not shrinking yourself to please others

Contact Nakia

www.nakiaaustin.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063456702098

info@nakiaaustin.com

• Your kindness shouldn't require self abandonment.
• People pleasing is rooted in the desire to be liked.
• Sacrificing your own peace for others isn't kind.
• Recognize harmless people-pleasing tactics.
• Discounting your services can cost you money.
• Resting is a valid reason to say no.
• You can still love photography but hate your business if built on people pleasing.
• Setting boundaries is essential for self-care.
• Expect discomfort when starting to say no.
• Awareness and better decisions can change your life.

In this episode, I'm chatting with insurance expert Danielle Ellis. We dive into when photographers need to get insurance, what types of coverage they need, the risks of not having it and ways to protect your photography business. Danielle takes the overwhelming topic of insurance and breaks it down into easy-to-understand steps you can take to make sure you're covered.

• Website
• Instagram
• https://www.facebook.com/ellisinsuranceagency1981
• danielle@insurewithellis.com