In this episode, Rhea sits down with award-winning photographer, educator, and best-selling author Sandra Coan to talk about her inspiring journey from kindergarten teacher to full-time photographer and industry leader. The two hit it off immediately after meeting at Imaging USA, and this episode captures the warmth, wisdom, and shared love they both bring to the world of photography and coaching.
Sandra opens up about launching her photography career in the early 2000s, how she pioneered maternity portraiture before it was even "a thing," and why she still shoots film in a digital era. They also dive deep into hybrid workflows, off-camera lighting, and the rise of AI tools like Imagen AI that are transforming the business of photography. Whether you're a new photographer or a seasoned creative, this episode will inspire you to be bold, embrace technology, and honor your craft.
[2:14] Sandra’s origin story: From food stamps to full-time photographer
[4:56] How she built a business before maternity photography was mainstream
[6:33] Transitioning from film to digital — and why she hated it at first
[7:08] Why she went back to film and how she maintains a hybrid workflow
[8:06] Using strobes to recreate natural light and save time editing
[8:39] How Imagen AI helps Sandra replicate her film workflow with digital
[9:46] Their shared love for AI tools and why photographers shouldn’t fear them
[3:02] “Photography was something I always did on the side... I didn’t even know it could be a career.” — Sandra Coan
[4:17] “It just takes bold, courageous moves to market yourself. So many photographers are just scared.” — Rhea
[9:03] “Now I just cull, send it through Imagen AI, and it even straightens the photos for me.” — Sandra Coan
Stay Connected with Sandra
Website: sandracoan.com
Instagram: @sandracoan
Stay Connected with Rhea
Learn more about me here: https://rheawhitney.com/
Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/RheaWhitney/
Connect with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RheaWhitneyPhotography
