Shows
Shine and Thrive Photography PodcastHow to Capture Soulful Wedding Photos Fearlessly with Raphaëlle Granger I Ep 176Ever feel like you’re stuck in “safe mode” on wedding days – shooting what you think you should instead of what truly lights you up? Maybe you crave those soulful, layered images that make your heart skip a beat, but fear, burnout, or the pressure to deliver “must-have” shots keeps you playing small. If you’re ready to break free and capture the real essence of your couples, this episode is your permission slip.I sat down with Raphaëlle Granger – documentary wedding photographer, educator, and all-around creative soul – to unpack how she ditched her safe zone, started shooting mo...
2025-09-0358 minShine and Thrive Photography PodcastHow to Raise Your Rates & Book High-Ticket Weddings with Alora Rachelle I Ep 175Ever feel like you’re hustling nonstop – shooting, editing, delivering, and still wondering where all your time (+ money) went? Maybe you’re hitting those “six-figure” milestones, but behind the scenes, you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and missing out on the life you actually want. If you’ve ever felt stuck on the hamster wheel, battling mom guilt, burnout, or the fear of raising your prices, this episode is for you.Today I’m joined by Alora Rachelle, who gets real about her journey from overbooked and underpaid to working less and charging more as a photographer and busy mom of two. We d...
2025-08-1350 minShine and Thrive Photography PodcastThe New Way to Find, Hire, and Be a Great Second Shooter in 2025 I Ep 174Real talk: finding a second shooter you can actually trust (who cares as much as you do) can feel like a tall order. Maybe you’ve been burned by “bare minimum” seconds, or you’re stuck in the cycle of doing it all yourself because letting go of control feels scary. But what if you could finally get trusted support, book more dream gigs, and reignite your own creative spark – without sacrificing your standards or sanity?In this episode, I sit down with Jimmy Lick, founder of Second Society – a vetted network that makes finding, hiring, and being a seco...
2025-08-0634 minShine and Thrive Photography PodcastThe Session Prompts That Changed Everything for Me as a Photographer I Ep 173Swipe My Favorite Prompts: How To Capture the Photos Your Couples Will Treasure MostEver left a session feeling like you missed “the shot” – the one that truly captures your couple’s real story? Or maybe you’ve felt stuck in a rut, using the same prompts and poses, wishing you could create images that feel more meaningful (for your clients and for you)? If so, you’ll love this quick, actionable episode where I share the simple question I ask during every session that uncovers those hidden, heartfelt moments – plus real-life stories of how it’s led...
2025-07-3011 minShine and Thrive Photography PodcastHow I Cut My Editing Costs in Half and Got 90% of My Time Back With This Ai Workflow I Ep 172Let’s face it… editing can feel like a never-ending time suck, but the thought of learning new tech (or letting go of control) can also be downright scary. But what if you could save 50-60% of your editing time, cut your outsourcing costs in half, and finally have space for the things that light you up? In this episode, I’m sharing my honest, two-year journey with Imagen AI – from total skeptic to full-on convert. I’ll break down the real numbers, the workflow tweaks, and the mindset shifts that helped me reclaim my time, energy, and joy – s...
2025-07-2323 minShine and Thrive Photography PodcastInside My Live In-Person Talk on Imposter Syndrome, Bookings + Building a Better Photography Business I Ep 171Ever feel like you’re running on a hamster wheel – shoot, edit, deliver, repeat – while your creativity and energy slowly drain away? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing the real talk from a recent in-person workshop I ran for a group of photographers in Ontario, where we dove deep into the struggles of burnout, imposter syndrome, and the never-ending to-do list. I open up about my own journey from control-freak perfectionist to a freedom-driven business owner, and how learning to outsource (and trust others!) completely transformed my life and business. If you’re crav...
2025-07-171h 12Shine and Thrive Photography PodcastHow Movement + Mindfulness Elevates Our Art and Energy as Photographers I Ep 170What if tuning into your body could unlock more creativity, clarity, and connection in your photography work? In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by photographer and podcast host Danika, for a free-flowing conversation on the role that movement and mindfulness play in helping us stay grounded, inspired, and intentional — both behind the lens and in life. We talk about what movement looks like beyond exercise — how it helps photographers regulate energy, access joy, and stay present in high-pressure moments. From puddle-jumping in the rain to mindful post-wedding workflows, Sara shares powerful insights on staying connec...
2025-07-091h 36Shine and Thrive Photography PodcastHow I Manage My Finances As a Photographer I Ep 169Ever felt that pit in your stomach when you check your bank account or just totally overwhelmed with how to manage your money in your photography business? You’re not alone. In this episode, I open up about how a tough financial year – one that started with just $30k in guaranteed revenue for 2024 – became the turning point that completely transformed how I manage money. I share the simple, sustainable system that helped me grow my revenue to $195k in under 12 months, how I set up my bank accounts for clarity and calm, and the practical steps I...
2025-07-0234 minShine and Thrive Photography PodcastFrom Prompt to Editing a Wedding Photo - Creating This EPIC Poolside Portrait I Ep 168Ever wondered how a photographer you admire got “that” shot? The one that stops your scroll and immediately gets you curious? I know I do! And so I figured, why don’t I be that person for someone else and take you behind-the-scenes of my latest wedding in Mexico, so you can steal an idea or two for your next shoot.In this over-the shoulder tutorial, you’ll:Get a behind-the-scenes look at how I prompted my couple on the day thanks to footage from my new Meta glasses...
2025-06-2420 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast150: ONE Thing Photographers Need To Succeed In 2024 And Beyond!Do you ever find yourself wondering if you’re on the path to success with your photography business? Then this week’s episode is for you.I asked 6 wildly successful photographers to answer this question: “What’s the ONE thing you need to create a successful photography business in 2024?”In this episode, you’ll hear some hard-won lessons from 6 photographers with 6 completely different points of view. Here’s a run-down of what you’ll discover in this week’s episode:Annemie Tonken reveals her #1 tip for embodying confidence as a business owner [5:19]Eden Strader explores how runni...
2024-03-121h 12Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast121: An Exclusive Look Inside A Coaching Call with One of My Outsourcing Made Easy Students!Guess what? I’m shaking things up this week and giving you a behind-the-scenes look inside a coaching call from my Outsourcing Made Easy program!Consider this your perfect, no-strings-attached, sneak peek into what it’s like to be coached by me…plus witness for yourself all of the amazing insights, learnings, and transformations that take place inside of our epic OME container ;)Tune in to discover…How an OME coaching call works, from 1-1 hot seat coaching, to spontaneous moments of connection, to extra mini trainings and more…The key difference between photographers that succe...
2022-10-061h 04Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast116: How To Figure Out Your Dream Hourly Rate as a Photographer and Make it Happen for YourselfThis week I’m going deep into a topic that all photographers need to talk more about… income!Yes, I’m breaking it down and getting granular with how to plan for – and actually make – your dream income in your photography business, while having the lifestyle you’ve always wantedWarning: you may feel a little called out in this episode! I know because I’ve been there. When you’re stuck in the cycle of over-working and undercharging, it’s always easier to push the nagging voice in your head to one side and just keep doing wh...
2022-09-1242 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast108: How To Begin Diversifying Your Income As a Photographer with Eric FlobergThis week we’re talking about how to diversify your income streams and make more money as a photographer. Whether you’re thinking of starting a YouTube channel, online course, 1-1 coaching, or something similar, this episode is packed full of juicy ideas you can take away and implement in your business.You’ll learn…How Eric started out in photography and snowballed his business from side hustle to six figures [2.53]The first extra revenue stream Eric added in his business and why it’s a game-changer for most photographers [10.42]Why Eric started his YouTube channel and how to...
2022-07-181h 13Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast107: How To Create Comfort for Couples During Intimate + Nude Sessions with Liat AharoniThis week, we’re talking about how to create comfort for couples during intimate & nude sessions with a photographer who has lots of experience in this field, Liat Aharoni. If you’ve ever been curious about how you might offer this service to your couples or you just want to know more about this amazing niche, then this conversation is definitely for you!You’ll discover…Where Liat’s inspiration for intimate & nude photography comes from and how it has helped her on her own personal sexual journey [3.16]The range of experiences you can pro...
2022-07-1046 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast88: How To Show Up On Social Media To Boost MEANINGFUL Engagement + Book Dream Photography Clients with Tia Abbott Tia Abbott is one of my Crystal Clear Marketing students that has experienced a huge transformation through this mini-course I created. In today's episode, Tia shares:How she shows up on social media being her perfectly imperfect self and how that has boosted MEANINGFUL engagementHow her confidence while shooting and running her business has skyrocketedHow she realized that she is actually her dream clientAnd how she has been able to confidently raise her rates and book dream clients at the same timeI hope you enjoy my chat with Tia! If you're ready to start marketing your b...
2022-01-2433 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast87: A Sign It’s Time To Raise Your Prices NOW (like by tonight)If you're a wedding and portrait photographer, it's that time of year where you're now thinking of the following season and trying to get it fully bookedOne of my OME students said she had 38 sessions and weddings in her editing queue this past November 2021, and when I heard this it broke my heart for two reasons. #1 that she was so burnt out and overwhelmed, but also, because I know she could have easily made that same amount of money by raising her rates and shooting 1/3 or half of those sessions! So right away I k...
2022-01-1715 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast86: How To Handle Your Client Wanting a Refund Even If You Did Nothing WrongHave you ever been faced with a client demanding a refund even though you did nothing wrong? Whether you have or you haven't, you'll wanna tune into this episode because I share with you a new way of thinking so that if/when you face these kinds of "problems" in your business, they can feel much more effortless! Tune in to find out how I have been navigating my business for the past 10 years in a way that consistently helps me avoid any sort of drama with clients while staying true to myself.Link:The Shine +...
2022-01-1040 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast85: The Results Are In! The Goals I Set for Myself At The Start of 2021 + How They WentDo you want an exclusive peek into my business + life to see how things are ACTUALLY going for me?In this last episode of 2021, I'm sharing with you openly and vulnerably the results of the 2021 goals I set for myself. Some of them I "failed" at and learned lessons along the way, and others I achieved and even surpassed! I know I love hearing from other entrepreneurs about the lessons and achievements they have along the way since it helps me feel less alone on my journey and also opens up my eyes to what is possible...
2021-12-271h 17Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast84: How To Improve Your Client Experience with Alora Rachelle Did you know that the quality of your client experience is directly correlated to the systems you have in place? Disorganized systems usually mean you have a disorganized and inconsistent experience that you are offering your clients, which means, there is room for improvement! In this episode, I chat with wedding photographer Alora Rachelle on what she does in her business to elevate her client experience. So if you need some inspiration in this area (which I'm sure you do because we can all always find a way to improve in this area), then hit play now :)L...
2021-12-1358 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast83: How To Magically Stop Booking Sessions on Weekends So That You Can Have Your Weekends BackDo you feel like you HAVE TO have availability on weekends for sessions in order to have a successful photography business? What if I told you that this simply isn't true, and you can decide to stop accepting weekend sessions bookings...like right NOW!? Would that make you feel relieved? Excited? Feel more free? If so, tune into this latest episode because it is guaranteed to empower you to do just that :)My Online Photography Courses for YouOutsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial...
2021-12-0624 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast82: The True Cost of Outsourcing vs. The Cost of NOT OutsourcingHave you ever thought about beginning to outsource in your photography business but didn't take action on it because you wondered what the cost would be and if it would be worth it? If you are stuck in a world of burn out, and overwhelm, while not making the income you need and desire as a photographer, then this episode is a MUST LISTEN. Hit play now to find out the true cost of outsourcing, and what you are leaving on the table when you choose NOT to outsource in your business.Also...The moment...
2021-10-1837 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast81: Why I Created Outsourcing Made Easy + How it Can Help YouThe moment you have been waiting for a year is finally here! I have re-opened the doors to Outsourcing Made Easy for photographers and I'm accepting new students as we speak! The doors won't be open again until the fall of 2022, so make sure to listen up!I've created this comprehensive course for portrait + wedding photographers like you where I take you step-by-step showing you how you can work part-time hours, and make the full-time income you need! The fun part is that I teach you how to do this by only doing the tasks you absolutely...
2021-10-1406 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast80: How To Work Smarter Instead of Harder as a Photographer with Jess Collins (Student Story)If you a burnt-out and overwhelmed photographer, and you're not sure how to stay sane right now, then this episode was literally made for you!Jess is one of my Alumni students from my Outsourcing Made Easy for Photographers program and she shares how she went from working long hours 7 days a week, missing precious time with her husband and 2 boys, and just feeling plain overworked to sunshine + rainbows. She said that she was basically able to find more freedom for herself in her life and keep the same income she was earning as a photographer! She...
2021-10-1138 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast79: 3 Signs You're Ready To Start Outsourcing in Your Photography BusinessHow can a photographer know if they are ready to start outsourcing in their business? Also, is it worth it? After all, it can be scary to let go of control, and also let go of some of the money you've earned, but as you learned in the last episode it's possible to train someone to do tasks exactly how you do them, and you're leaving money on the table if you're not outsourcing yet. Aka, it's costing you MORE money NOT to outsource. Tune into this episode to learn the 3 signs that are proof you're ready to start...
2021-10-0516 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast78: How To Have the Work/Life Harmony You Desire As a Portrait + Wedding PhotographerAt the start of the year, you get all excited to finally start shooting again, and for the opportunity to get creative. You really believe that this year will be different than the last. Meaning, you won't get overworked and burnt out because you feel like you are more organized than you were last year and you made a promise to yourself that your health and life is a priority and that burnout is no longer welcome in your life.Then, you somehow find yourself in the final 2 or 3 months of the season, backlogged with editing work...
2021-10-0426 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast77: How I Manifested My Dream Car and OUR BABY! I declared to the universe exactly what I wanted and it became my reality. Both with our baby that is due Feb 28, 2022 and my dream car that I got in August 2021! In this life update episode, I share with you the detailed stories of how both came to be with a sprinkle of inspiration of how you can manifest the things you desire in your life too! :)If you enjoy this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways o...
2021-09-2740 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast76: How To Grow Your Wedding Portfolio If You're Not a Wedding Photographer YetDo you want to become a wedding photographer but have no idea how to get started if you don't have a wedding portfolio? It's an odd place to be right!? If you're nodding your head, then hit play on this episode now because it'll give you a handful of ideas on how to get the ball rolling on growing your wedding portfolio from scratch! One of my listeners put what I shared into action and shared her results with me and so you'll hear all about that too! :)If you enjoy this episode, please make sure to...
2021-09-2017 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast75: How To Post Quality Content On Instagram (It's not what you think)Do you ever find yourself overthinking what you should post on Instagram, to the point where you don't end up posting AT ALL and end up feeling defeated in the process? If you do, then you are not alone! I share with you the advice I gave to a photographer that was feeling drained just thinking about posting on social and how to shift her energy and mindset into feeling empowered to post what she wants when she wants!If you enjoy this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag...
2021-08-3008 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast74: Everything You NEED To Know About Intuitive Storytelling!You asked for it...And I’m bringin’ you the goods!Intuitive Storytelling is now open and welcoming new students as we speak!Here’s what you need to know today...This is an online, go at your own pace, lifetime access course that will help you:Become a confident + fearless wedding day storytellerCreate meaningful photos AND experiences for your couples and their family + friends on wedding daysBe in the right place at the right time so you never miss a moment!Let the anxiety melt away and have fun doing...
2021-08-2027 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast73: How To STOP Overshooting on Wedding Days (Save culling time + your camera life) Do you ever sit down to cull a wedding, see how many unnecessary photos you took, and wonder how the heck to stop overshooting so much? I've been there, done that! In this episode, I'll share with you the key questions to ask yourself before taking photos to ensure that they are more quality vs. quantity! This means you will save time on culling, save your camera life, and deliver a better experience for your clients with higher-quality photos! If you're a wedding photographer, you won't want to miss this one!If you enjoy this episode, please m...
2021-08-1611 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast72: Game-Changing Tips On How to Cull Wedding Days Decisively!Do you ever end up with wayyyy to many images after culling a wedding (like 1000 +) and you're not quite sure how to cull them down even more that will curate a better story for your couples? Make sure to tune into this episode to learn a secret of mine that helps me cull down weddings to 500-800 images very easily and decisively!If you enjoy this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways on my Instagram Story as...
2021-08-0308 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast71: Chats With My Past Wedding Clients! (What They LOVED)Wanna hear what parts of the experience I created for my wedding clients that they loved!? Tune in to find out so that you can get inspired on how to create the best experience for YOUR clients! If you enjoy this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways on my Instagram Story as well!You can find the Show Notes for this episode HERE.Timestamps:[02:54] with Katie + Britney[08:03] wit...
2021-07-1936 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast70: How To Stop Being Indecisive While ShootingWant to learn how you can be more decisive while shooting so that you can create confidently? Tune in to learn what I do to make decisions quickly and effortlessly that allows me to create work I'm proud of and my clients love! If you enjoy this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways on my Instagram Story as well!You can find the Show Notes for this episode HERE. Timestamps:
2021-07-1218 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast69: Our Experience With The 75 Hard Challenge with Sandra MonacoThe 75 Hard Challenge is a mental toughness challenge that helped both Sandra and I evolve physically, mentally, and emotionally this year. It consists of doing the following for 75 days straight:2 workouts a dayDrinking a gallon of waterTaking a progress picturePicking a diet and sticking to itNo cheat meals and alcoholReading 10 pages Wanna hear how it all went down for us!? Tune in to find out! :)If you enjoy this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways o...
2021-07-0553 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast68: My Go To Prompts for Wedding Party PhotosDo you wish you had more prompt ideas for wedding party photos so that they could feel more fun and authentic? Well, get excited, because I'm sharing some of my favourites in today's Shine + Thrive Photography Podcast episode! :)If you enjoy this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways on my Instagram Story as well!You can find the Show Notes for this episode HERE.LINKSThe Shine + Thrive Photography Community...
2021-06-2108 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast67: How To Handle Harsh Sunlight on Wedding Days and ShootsLet's talk lighting! Wanna know how to handle harsh sunlight when you cannot choose the location from 10 AM to 4 PM? Also, are you curious why photographers rave about golden hour? Tune in to find out some of my tricks on how I shoot in different lighting scenarios outdoors on wedding days and shoots!If you enjoy this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways on my Instagram Story as well!You can find the Show Notes...
2021-06-0735 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast66: How To Get Clear On Your Vision + Achieve It with Sachin KhonaWanna know how you can save time and achieve your goals faster? Well, it's by getting clear on your vision intuitively, and then taking the actions that are aligned with that vision. To help you learn how to fine-tune your inner compass, I have Sachin Khona joining me in this episode to share what has worked for him in his 10 years as a wedding photographer! As we were chatting, I was writing down so many nuggets of wisdom that inspired me throughout our chat, and now I'm excited for you to have access to our chat to help you...
2021-05-2454 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast65: How Showing Up As Her Authentic Self Took Her Photography Business to New Heights with Emily McCrackenI get it. You're trying to get noticed by your dream photography clients, and you're confused about why other photographers book those clients and you don't! You're not alone in this. My guest Emily McCracken also felt this way and she couldn't quite figure out what needed to shift, until now. In this episode, she shares how showing up as her authentic self had improved the inquiries she was getting and the connection she shares with her clients. Not only that, but she also gained clarity on how to cultivate a photography business where she could freely only say...
2021-05-1734 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast64: The Mentality That Is Keeping You STUCKIf you have ever thought or said one of the following statements, then this podcast episode is a must listen!"I'm from a small town so it's hard to get photography bookings""How can I charge more when there are other photographers charging less""It's not fair that they get those clients and I don't""There is too much competition""It's impossible for me to raise my rates and still get the bookings I want"Tune in to find out how these statements (whether said...
2021-05-1036 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast63: Posing Tips to Make Your Photo Shoots More Fun + How to Relocate Your Photography Biz When Moving with Becca CannonDo you need some prompt ideas to help you feel more confident in delivering a fun experience for your couples, but also create imagery they will love? I know I'm always up for learning how to improve my portrait game! I love some of the prompts I learned from Becca Cannon in this episode to help take my portrait work to a new level and I know you will too! Also, she touched on an important topic for anyone that is thinking of relocating their business to a different city, state, or country in case you want t...
2021-05-0357 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast62: How to Sky Rocket Your Website Traffic Using Pinterest with Carolina GuzikAre you having a hard time driving traffic to your photography website? Is S.E.O overwhelming you? Are the people visiting your website not the right kind of visitors (a.k.a. they are not converting into clients)? These are the questions my guest Carolina Guzik has for you and if you answered yes for even just one of these, then this episode is a great fit for you!In 2017, Carolina changed her Pinterest strategy and the results were mind-blowing! Not only did the traffic to her website triple, but most importantly, she started to book...
2021-04-2637 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast61: Important Group Photo Tip Every Wedding Photographer NEEDS to KnowHave you ever learned a lesson in your business the hard way? I know your answer is yes! We all stumble along the way! Today I'm sharing with you a lesson I learned about taking group photos on wedding days and I'm passing it along to you so you can avoid making this mistake in the future yourself! It'll take you 10 minutes to tune in and save you headaches down the line, so the way I see it, it's a no-brainer! Hit play now :)If you enjoy this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share...
2021-04-1912 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast60: How To Create a Photography Business That Is Aligned With Your Passions with Evelyn BarkeyAre you operating your photography business from a place of alignment with who you are and your passions? If you're not quite sure, today's episode will help answer that question for you! I love how Evelyn chatted so openly about her journey of rediscovering who she is at her core and how she fused that into her photography business so that she can keep creating work that not only excites her but also creates an unforgettable experience for her clients!If you enjoy this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and...
2021-04-1256 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast59: Top 3 Tips To Intuitively Connect With Your Couples with Lydia IvyIf you're a portrait or wedding photographer, you're likely still on the journey of learning how to connect with your clients more effortlessly and figuring out how to make them feel comfortable with you during portrait time. I know this will always be a practice for me as well and so I'm thrilled to be sharing the episode with you where I learned a thing or two myself! Lydia Ivy expands on the importance of thinking inwards, directing outwards, and syncing up and how it can have a positive effect on the energy of your upcoming portrait sessions and...
2021-04-0559 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast58: How I Prepped My Booking Calendar For the Year in 5 StepsDo you want to feel super organised and efficient this season with your shooting schedule and also with how you book new clients for sessions!? If so, tune in to this episode as I break down the 5 steps I took to prep my booking calendar for the whole season in advance so that you have even more time and space, even when things get more busy!I didn't really utilize a booking calendar for all these years since I specialized in only weddings and about 50% of my couples booked an engagement session so it felt manageable for...
2021-03-2938 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast57: How To Turn Your Menstrual Cycle Into Your Superpower with Vianney LeighThe following words are by Vianney which will give you a peek into what this empowering episode is all about! "If you align your lifestyle, business, health, fitness and well-being to your menstrual cycle then you can picture yourself saying buh-bye to period pain, low energy, mood swings, and feeling like a crazy b*tch all the time! Imagine knowing when exactly in your cycle to work, rest, play, set goals, plan, manifest, spend time alone, start a new hobby and/or habit when to speak in public, or even launch a new product in your business!"
2021-03-2250 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast56: Embarrassing Shit That Happened to Photographers (You will LOL)Have you ever had a moment in your photography career that was so embarrassing that you said to yourself "ugh I could really just crawl into a hole and hide forever" or "well at least I have a funny story to tell!". Well whether you have or you haven't, this episode is going to be entertaining because 9 photographers (including myself), share some of the most embarrassing shit that has happened to us while we were shooting or dealing with clients. So hit play on this episode if you're in the mood to have your jaw drop to the ground...
2021-03-1538 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast55: Social Anxiety, Overcoming Self-Doubt and Becoming a Husband + Wife Duo with Jessy + Brandon of Bows & LavenderI loved my deep chat with Jessy + Brandon of Bows & Lavender all about taking care of your mental health as a photographer, what inspires them to create such milky, moody images full of feeling, how to overcome self-doubt and their Costa Rica adventures in their off season!🙂If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways on my Instagram Story as well!You can find the Show Notes for this episode HER...
2021-03-0854 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast54: How To Respond When People Think You're Too Expensive or Ask For a DiscountDo ever wonder how to reply to emails that say "thanks so much for the info, but unfortunately you're out of our budget", or "you're out of our budget, but is there any way you can offer us a discount"? In this episode I share with you how I respond to those emails in a way that helps them see the value in what I offer and sometimes even increase their photography budget!If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram and tag me @saramonikaphoto and...
2021-03-0121 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast53: Part 2: How To Navigate Reschedules + Cancellations As a Wedding Photographer In a PandemicIn this episode, Anastasia of Olive Photography shares with you her approach to navigating wedding reschedules and cancellations from a more logical and legal perspective. This is Part 2 of a 2 part series (go listen to Episode #52 before you tune into this one), so that you can get two different perspectives and two different approaches! My hope is that by the end of these two episodes, you will have gathered ideas of what will work best for you on how to navigate this situation for yourself.What I want you to know is there is no o...
2021-02-241h 13Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast52: Part 1: How To Navigate Reschedules + Cancellations As a Wedding Photographer In a PandemicIn this episode, I will share with you my mindset around my approach to navigating wedding reschedules and cancellations and what has been working for me. This will be a 2 part series so that you can get two different perspectives and two different approaches! In Part 2, which will be the following episode #53 , you'll hear from Anastasia from Olive Photography on the approach that she has been using.My hope is that by the end of these two episodes, you will have gathered ideas of what will work best for you on how to navigate this situation for y...
2021-02-2451 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast51: How To Leave a Job You Hate and Go Full-Time With Your Photography with Carly KratzerAre you currently in a job that drains you often think to yourself "if only I could go full time with my photography business, I would be so much happier and fulfilled!"? If so, this episode was literally made for you! Carly shares the story of her journey of how she quit the job she hated in order to go full time with being a portrait + wedding photographer, even though she was scared!If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram and tag me @saramonikaphoto and...
2021-02-1856 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast50: What Is The 75 Hard Challenge + Why I'm Doing ItIn this episode, I open up about what the 75 Hard Challenge is and why I'm doing it! It's a challenge that cultivates mental toughness by sticking to 6 daily practices that will help make you mentally, emotionally + physically stronger!If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways on my Instagram Story as well!You can find the Show Notes for this episode HERE.RESOURCES + LINKS75hard...
2021-02-1136 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast49: How I Track My Leads and 2 BIG Reasons Why You Should TooOne of the most powerful things you can do in your business is to know your numbers. And not just how much you're earning and how much your expenses are (those are really important too), but also how many leads you get from different sources! Knowing where your leads are coming from and which leads generate the most bookings for you is so important for 2 reasons! Tune in to find out what those reasons are!If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me...
2021-02-0423 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast48: Trusting In The Journey + Mindfulness with Daniel KudishDaniel and his wife Davina have enjoyed 12 years as traveling wedding photographers in the industry which they chose to retire from in 2018. They are also co-founders of The Image Salon, a photo editing company that helps you outsource without compromise. As they go through this journey called life together, they follow their curiosity fearlessly and with the belief that everything will always work out. The way their approach life + business inspires me and I hope it'll inspire you too :)If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on...
2021-01-281h 04Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast47: How I Went From $69,000 to $137,000 in Just One Year!I share with you my journey of how I went from $69,000 to $137,000 in revenue in one year so that you can learn from my journey and see that it's possible for you too! I also share where my referrals came from and how I attracted them, which led to so many more bookings than I've ever had before. There is more than enough to go around and I want the same success for you!If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram and tag me @saramonikaphoto...
2021-01-2129 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast46: The Marketing Mindset I Wish I Knew SoonerDo you ever wonder how I, and other photographers, attract and book their dream clients!? Truuuussst me. I was there once too! Totally clueless and desperate to know how! If you wanna know how I turned my business around from hearing a lot of crickets to doubling my income in one year, then tune in my friend, and find out what marketing mindset you need to know about!If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share...
2021-01-1417 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast45: Overcoming Comparisonitis + Not Getting Noticed as a PhotographerI'm giving you a sneak peek into the Ask Me Anything live Q+A's I host in the Shine + Thrive Podcast Community. In this one, I shared the number one thing to spend your time on to get noticed and book more, how to overcome comparisonitis + imposter syndrome, how to build a wedding photography portfolio if you've never shot a wedding before, and how to set boundaries with clients!If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to...
2021-01-0734 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast44: What 2021 Has in Store for Us and The 3 Steps I Took to Plan My GoalsEvery year at this time I choose to slow down, reflect on my year, go inward, and from there decide on my SMART goals full of HEART that are in alignment with what I desire in this chapter of my life. I share with you what it means for us to be headed to Universal Year 5, and I share with you the 3 steps I took to create new beliefs and goals that will help empower me to become the best version of myself. The best part is that you can come along on this journey with me because I've...
2020-12-2459 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast43: My 2020 Wins + LessonsI believe that taking a look back and reflecting on the wins and lessons that you experienced in 2020 (or in any year really!) are essential to gaining an understanding of where you are, and where you want to go! I bet you that even in 2020 you will find wins to celebrate. The big and the small! And sometimes even wins that may seem small in the moment, are actually the big ones in the long run. Also, lessons are a part of life that cultivate wisdom which can be passed down to yourself in the future if you feel...
2020-12-2449 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast42: How to Become a Hybrid (Digital + Film) Photographer with Caileigh LangfordFor those of you who have been thinking about introducing film photography into your craft or didn't even know it was an option but are now intrigued, this episode is for you! I had Caileigh Langford on the show to give us a peek into her world of being a hybrid wedding photographer. In today's episode we covered: What actually classifies someone as a hybrid photographer? Is going hybrid right for you? What are the costs of shooting film? How to get started shooting film, and much more!In today's episode we covered: What a...
2020-12-1655 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast41: How to Become a More Eco + Socially Conscious Photographer with Julia McLellanIn this powerful episode, I chatted with Julia McLellan on how we as photographers, and more importantly, as fellow humans, can become more socially-conscious and eco-friendly in a way that creates true lasting change! We dove into how to houseclean our digital footprint, what actions to focus on to make the most sustainable impact on the planet, and what you can include in your wedding packages to support causes such as climate justice.In this episode, we talked about:How to set-up sustainable systems for your photography businessWhat existing system adjustments can work better...
2020-12-0338 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast40: My Workflow to Getting Consistent 5 Star Google Reviews + Why They MatterGathering testimonials/reviews can either feel like an extra thing on your to-do list, or a piece of cake! I've experienced both sides of the coin in my career and I've figured out the solution to getting consistent, emotion-filled testimonials and right away from clients! What if I told you that you can get tons of testimonials and 5-star reviews on Google with just one simple email? In this episode, I share with you the actual email I send to clients that you can copy and paste for yourself so that you gain more brand trust, online exposure, and...
2020-11-1916 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast39: Scared of Charging More to Raising Her Rates + Booking New Clients Anyway with Samyan PhotographieAre you feeling stuck on how to raise your prices because you're scared that you'll stop getting bookings? My guest Sam of Samyan Photographie also felt this way, and today she shares how she was able to raise her rates after her coaching session with me (even during a pandemic) and still get bookings at her new rates! My hope is that this episode helps you to also raise your rates so that you make the income you dream of and deserve.In this episode we chatted about:Overcoming your fear around charging moreWhat...
2020-11-0546 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast38: The Mindset Hack that Helps Me Get the Hard Stuff DoneWe all do it. We put that thing on our to-do list that we know needs to get done, and then we put it off, and put it off, and put it off. If you want to learn a quick mindset hack that you can apply into your life + business that will help you actually get the hard things done, then tune into this short but valuable episode!If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share...
2020-10-2210 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast37: 10 Things You Need on Your Contact Page to Increase Your BookingsAre you tired of getting dull inquiry emails that just consist of "Hey! Looking for a photographer. Can I get your pricing and package info?" If that sounds like most of the inquiries you get in your inbox, then I have the solution for you since I share exactly what I do to get inquiries that are full of detail and personality! If you're wondering, "Hmm. But I don't see anything wrong with those inquiries," then let me tell you, there is a whole other world out there that I'm excited to show you 🙂I share wit...
2020-10-0924 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast36: A Week in the Life (7 Days Behind the Scenes with Sara)If you've ever wondered how I set up my week and spend my days, you'll love this episode! As photographers, I thought you'd like to see what a 6-figure wedding photographer does in a week. I hope this gives you a fun behind-the-scenes peek at the ins and outs of my life. You'll hear it all, what I focus on, what I struggle with, and how I handle all of it! I share it all including:How I plan out my days so I get the most out of themA behind-the-scenes peek into working o...
2020-09-241h 23Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast35: My Chat with Emotional Eating Expert Amber RomaniukDo you find yourself losing control when it comes to food? And by losing control I mean giving into cravings that lead to binge eating to the point that it makes you feel sick? If you're tired of feeling out of control, then this episode is a great one to tune into since both Amber and I get vulnerable and share our binge eating journey's to show you that you are not alone and it's possible to get yourself out of that cycle! She shares some tips on how you can slowly start healing.If you get...
2020-09-1040 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast34: Why You Don't Have to Cap Your Wedding Bookings in 2021Are you feeling nervous about hitting burn out in 2021 with more doubleheaders and possibly even triple headers coming your way? Are you loving your life this year in 2020 with how much more free time you have on your hands and wish that every wedding season felt more effortless? If so, tune in so I show you that it's possible for you to still book more weddings in 2021, make more money, and not having to sacrifice your well-being in the meantime!If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it...
2020-08-2031 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast33: The Top 8 Tasks I Get My Virtual Assistant to DoI'm so excited to dive in to give you a glimpse into what my Virtual Assistant Rachel helps me out with! I'll be sharing the tasks I outsource to my VA and I'll be basing the time saved on 25 weddings per year since sometimes I shoot more, but more or less, but I also know most photographers aim to book around 25 a year on average. I'll share with you the amount of hours I save on average per task, and then at the end I'll tally up how much I save on average per year, per month, per week...
2020-08-1925 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast32: Embarrassing Shit That Happened to Wedding PhotographersHave you ever had a moment in your photography career that was so embarrassing that you said to yourself "ugh I could really just crawl into a hole and hide forever" or "well at least I have a funny story to tell"? Well whether you have or you haven't, this episode is going to be entertaining because 7 photographers (including myself), share some of the most embarrassing shit that has happened to us while we were shooting. So hit play on this episode if you're in the mood to have your jaw drop to the ground a few times and...
2020-07-2342 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast31: How to Transition from One Shooting Style to Another in 3 StepsDo you feel like you want to evolve your shooting style but have no idea how to transition? Also, are you feeling stuck with how you'll be able to attract new clients that want to book you for that new style when it's not in your portfolio yet? It's such a predicament isn't it!? 6 years ago, I successfully transitioned my wedding shooting style from a high focus on details and picture-perfect background and poses to specializing and getting hired for my documentary style approach to photographing weddings. Tune in to find out how you can do so as well...
2020-07-0922 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast30: How To Reset Your 2020 Goals During this PandemicThe way that the year 2020 turned out shocked and surprised most of us. It also affected the goals we set for the year. Understandably, it lead to feeling lost, disconnected, and lacking clarity. On episode 10 of this podcast, I talked about chasing “unrealistic” dreams and actually achieving them and I shared the 10 goals I had for the year 2020. That episode turned out to be one of the most popular ones so I decided to make a follow-up episode to help you reset your 2020 goals and get back to that sense of direction. Timestamps:[02...
2020-06-2533 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast29: How We Can Support the BIPOC Community As PhotographersSince the George Floyd incident sparked so much shock and sadness around the world leading to protests and BIPOC voices becoming more amplified, I dove into social media to learn more from the BIPOC community. A huge thanks goes out to @thebirdspapaya for speaking up and using her platform, because with her doing so, I realized it wasn't ok to stay silent anymore since white silence is compliance. And if we are compliant (we referring to white people), we are part of the problem (whether it's intentional or unintentional). I had the realization that if she could influence me...
2020-06-111h 23Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast28: How to Be Resourceful + Problem Solve: Part 2 with Clarissa DiGioacchinoOn Part 2 of my conversation with Clarissa DiGioacchino we discuss ways in which you can become more effective at solving problems and being resourceful both in your business and your personal life. Where’s the line between being inspired by others and starting to compare yourself to them? And how to apply creative thinking to your problem-solving approach and creating solutions? If you want to hear Part 1 of our conversation, make sure to listen to the previous episode that’s all about the emotional transition curve and being self-aware. Timestamps:[07:33] Resourcefulness and t...
2020-05-2159 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast27: Being Self-Aware of Your Emotional Transition Curve: Part 1 with Clarissa DiGioacchinoBeing self-aware of our emotions can not only help us as business owners but can also help serving our clients to the best of our abilities. We’re all familiar with going from high highs to low lows, having moments of exceptional excitement and then later finding ourselves slide into self-doubt and negative talk. Turns out, there is actually something behind it and it’s the Emotional Transition Curve. To help better understand it and how it ties into our personal and business lives I am joined by Clarissa DiGioacchino who I recently connected with as a kindred spirit. Clar...
2020-05-0752 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast26: Things I Discovered That Are Essential to My HappinessIntrospection and looking inwards - two very powerful things that can help you during a time of little or no motivation to find your inner balance and alignment with what you truly want and what makes you happy. I want to help people lead their best lives, but recently I was feeling depleted and didn’t have the motivation to do that. I felt so guilty about it. My body was telling me I needed to take care of myself first, before I could help others. So I did that. With this episode, I want to inspire you to le...
2020-04-2333 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast24: Unapolagetically Following the Path That Is Meant for YOU with Chuy PhotoWhat stops you from embracing who you are fully and wholeheartedly? How to follow your own unique path unapologetically? We’ve all been held back by something at one point or another, but nothing feels more liberating than finally letting go and embracing what feels the truest to who you are. To shed light on this, I’m joined by Chuy from Chuy Photo, who has experienced all of this first hand and his approach? Saying - FUNK IT! Chuy is an inspiring creative whose unique take on photographing couples gets everyone's’ jaws to drop and he joins me on thi...
2020-04-021h 26Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast23: 4 Ideas for Bringing in More Income as a Photographer While Stuck at Home During COVID-19 with Viara MilevaIt’s all about having the right mindset. In a time when we find ourselves in a lot of uncertainty and self-isolating at home, it can be a great time to ask the right questions like, "How can I be the best that I can be during this time for myself and for others?” I spoke to Viara Mileva, a psychologist-turned-photographer, about great ways that photographers can bring in more income while stuck at home during COVID-19. Both Viara and I share what we do in our business, and encourage you to also see the strengths in yourself that you...
2020-03-261h 14Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast21: How To Stop Playing Catch Up in Your Business with Sandra MonacoI’m thrilled to have Sandra Monaco as a guest on this episode of Shine + Thrive, where she shares her story as a wedding photographer and how feeling burnt out and even not feeling like getting out of bed in the mornings led her to embracing outsourcing to see her life and her business change for the better. This episode is all about how to stop playing catch up in your business, putting an end to outsourcing shame, and regaining the most valuable thing in life - time. Timestamps[05:20] Sandra didn’t start out a...
2020-03-1137 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast20: You Are NOT Your Circumstances - A Pep TalkThere is something we all do sometimes and it’s complaining and feeling like we are our circumstances. I know what it's like getting stuck in the stories that are replying in your mind that you might not even be aware of. But it’s time to put an end to that. On this quick pep talk episode I want to inspire you to change your mindset towards getting yourself out the circumstances that feel limiting. You are incredibly resourceful and you have the power to make a change by investing in yourself and regaining control of your life. It’s...
2020-03-0524 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast19: Overworked + Run Down, to FINALLY Attaining a More Balanced Lifestyle with Julian + KellyIn this episode I am joined by Julian + Kelly, a husband and wife wedding photographer duo, who know all to well what it’s like to come to a point where your business starts running you and not the other way around. From being overworked and thinking, “This is the year something will change,” and then being consumed in the same hamster wheel all over again (and on top of that, falling very sick because of burnout) to finally getting their lives back and attaining more balance and freedom in their business and personal life, Julian + Kelly share their journe...
2020-03-0440 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast18: My Biggest Kept Secret of HOW I Document People so Authentically on Wedding DaysAre you wondering, how to authentically document people on wedding days? In this episode, I’m sharing with you my BIGGEST kept secret YET that will transform the way you’re able to connect not only with the bride + groom on wedding days, but also the family and friends. It’s a simple strategy and a real game changer that you can also implement in your workflow to create an even better experience for your couples (and everyone in the wedding) and to document moments more authentically than ever before on wedding days.Timestamp...
2020-02-2721 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast17: From Burnout to a New Zest for Life with Jessica Little PhotographyOutsourcing. It’s one of the best things you can do for yourself and your business. It frees up your time to do the things you love AND lets your earn more money. You know I love outsourcing, but it’s time to hear from someone else, too. Jessica Little is a successful wedding photographer who took my “Outsourcing Made Easy for Wedding Photographers” course and on this episode shares her journey and her advice with you. From feeling burnt out to rediscovering her passion for photography while earning more and having more time to spend with her family, and bein...
2020-02-2038 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast16: Top 3 Reasons for Wedding Photographers to Fall In Love with OutsourcingOutsourcing has been a game-changer for my business and my personal life which is why I am so passionate about it. And I want YOU to be able to fall in love with outsourcing, too. It is the number one tool that will help you earn more money by working less and allowing you to spend more time on things you enjoy doing most. I have put together real-life examples + real numbers from my own business to encourage you to give outsourcing a go.Resources:What Should You Outsource First as a Wedding Photographer...
2020-02-1321 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast15: My Mental Health HistoryThis episode is a little different than usual but it’s about a topic that we can all relate to - mental health. From time to time, we all struggle with feeling low energy, uninspired, even sad and lonely. At times like these, negative self-talk can quickly take over and drive us even further into feeling completely helpless. But know this - whether you have felt like this before or if you’re feeling a ton of pain right now, you are not alone and you matter! I want to share my mental health story with you because I know...
2020-02-0622 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast14: Generalizing vs. Specializing - What's Better for YouEvery photographer comes to a point in their career where they have to face ONE important question - should I generalize or specialize? If you have ever wondered whether you should be photographing everything that comes your way or focus on shooting a particular niche, this episode is for you! By sharing my own experience from both ends of the spectrum, I want to make it easier for YOU to be able to figure out what your passion is and what’s right for your business. In this episode, I talk about the pros and cons of both generalizing an...
2020-01-3015 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast13: My Candida Cleanse JourneyLet me ask you, is there anything you’ve been trying to let go of but find yourself going back to your old ways?For me, it was my food addiction. Doing a 30-day Candida cleanse allowed me to really look at my eating habits and what was holding me back. So in this episode, I share with you everything I went through, experienced, and learned during this 30-day Candida cleanse. Whether you are someone who has tried this yourself or been wanting to try it, or perhaps you are trying to challenge yourself in other ways, th...
2020-01-231h 01Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast12: Improve Your Wedding Client's Experience in Just 10 MinutesAs photographers, we all want our clients to have the best possible experience when working with us. But I was surprised to find out that many photographers weren’t doing this one easy-to-do thing that makes a HUGE difference for the clients. And it has something to do with online wedding galleries. In this episode, I share with you one quick and effective thing you can start doing right NOW that will not only improve your photography client experience but as a result - improve your business altogether. Timestamps:[01:10] - Is there an off...
2020-01-1606 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast11: Why I REFUSE To Use Story Filters on InstagramStory filters on Instagram - yay or nay? I refuse to use story filters on Instagram and in this episode I talk about the WHY behind it. As the world becomes more digital, we’re reaching a point where so many things we see online have a filter. And while some filters initially were created to have fun, now we’re at a point where we feel less confident in our own skin and showing up raw to the world unless we use a filter.Confidence is connected to so many other things in life including how big...
2020-01-0923 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast010: How to Chase Unrealistic Dreams + Actually Achieve ThemOn this episode of the Shine + Thrive podcast, the focus is on chasing “unrealistic” dreams and actually achieving them by streamlining your goal-setting process. The year 2020 is here so let’s get it off to a great start! In this episode, I walk you through my easy-to-follow seven-step process to setting goals and mapping them out in order to make them a reality. When it comes to dreaming big and setting goals, it’s easy to get overwhelmed if you don’t know where to start. Over the years I have developed a system that has been amazing for...
2020-01-0253 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast009: My 2019 Wins, Failures + 2020 GoalsIt’s the end of 2019 and it’s time to look back at the wins and failures of this past year. And what a year it has been! I’m excited to share my experience so that you can learn and get a better insight for setting goals and gaining an even better mindset for personal and business growth in 2020. I love the end of the year and I’m obsessed with New Year’s, and I hope you are as excited to join me in looking back and planning ahead!If you get value out of this episo...
2019-12-2649 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast008: Corporate 9-5er Turned Photographer with Samantha Joy PhotographyWhat is it like to leave a corporate 9-5 job to pursue photography? And what hurdles and obstacles can you face along the way? How long does it take from dreaming of doing something to actually doing it? And why five seconds is all you need to act on something before fear stops you? In my first episode featuring a guest, I talk to my client-turned-friend Sam from Samantha Joy Photography as she shares her journey going from a 9-5 corporate job to going full-time as a photography business owner in only two and half years.
2019-12-191h 01Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast007: Why Getting Tagged by Clients on Social Media Doesn't Really MatterIn the seventh episode of Shine + Thrive podcast I talk about tags on social media that photographers expect from their clients and why this isn’t the way to go. While social media tags can be a great tool for marketing your business, it’s not the thing that matters the most. In my experience, I know that creating an unforgettable human experience for my clients is key. Listen to this episode of Shine + Thrive podcast to hear about ways that you too can shift away from focusing on social media tags and instead create the best exper...
2019-12-1212 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast006: How to Make Unhappy Clients HappyIn this episode of Shine + Thrive podcast, I’m being vulnerable and sharing five screw-ups I’ve had in my business over the past nine years and how I’ve dealt with them. Mistakes in business can sometimes end up costing more than just money. Sometimes a mistake can lead to an unhappy client and as business owners, none of us want that, am I right? This episode is all about showing how you too can go from making mistakes to making sure that your clients are really happy in the end. If you get value out of this...
2019-12-0530 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast005: The Easiest Way To Make More Money As a Wedding PhotographerMoney can be such a tricky topic - we all want to make more of it but you know what? In order to do that, you have make a change and do it now! Yes, start right now! In this episode of my Shine + Thrive podcast I share actionable steps that you can take as a wedding photographer to earn more money every year and grow your business.Do you want to increase your prices but find yourself asking, "What if I stop getting bookings?" Trust me, I've been there.Being uncomfortable about the change...
2019-11-2833 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast004: Top 10 In-Between Moments to Document on Wedding DaysThe fourth episode of my Shine + Thrive podcast is all about the in-between moments on a wedding day that will allow you to get the most authentic and memorable photos for your couples. Listen for 10 things to keep an eye out for and hear some of the things I have learned to do and not to do over the years shooting weddings.If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways on my...
2019-11-2123 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast003: How to Figure Out Your Editing Style + Stay True To ItIn this episode, I'm going to take you on a quick, but very deep dive into how you can figure out your editing style as a wedding photographer + stay true to it. This topic can feel heavy at times and that's mainly because as photographers (and I would know because I have felt the same things you're feeling), we are our own worst critics and until you put some boundaries in for yourself, which I will get into in this episode, it feels like we constantly go back and forth between being confident in ourselves, to doubting o...
2019-11-1121 minShine and Thrive Photography Podcast002: Fastest Way to Attract Your Ideal Clients + Book ThemI get a lot of questions from wedding photographers about how to get more bookings in your business. Photographers often ask me:“I'm not getting bookings. How do I book more clients?”“Why is nobody really reaching out to me?”“I keep booking clients I don't really connect with and I don't know why.”“Couples are feeling a little uneasy in front of the camera. How can I help them feel more comfortable?”There is a way around it. It's called vulnerability. In this episode, I dive deep into how vulnerability is the fastest way for you to attra...
2019-11-1035 min
Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast001: From Server to Full Time Wedding PhotographerIn this premiere episode, I dive deep into my 9-year journey of how I went from working as a server, and only making $5000 in my photography business, to a full-time wedding photographer earning multiple six figures per year! I share with you my failures + wins in that 9-year journey to help inspire you to see that you can also achieve your biggest dreams despite the obstacles that may get in your way.If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I...
2019-11-051h 12