Off the Memory Card: A Photographer’s Podcast

In this episode, I'm joined by my husband/business partner, Jeremy, to discuss the art of pivoting in photography and business. We share personal experiences, strategies for managing change and overcoming fears associated with it.
Key Topics
The importance of pivoting in business growth
Managing fear and uncertainty during change
Strategies for transitioning through a pivot
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Change and Enoughness
07:57 Navigating the Photography Business Landscape
13:45 Embracing New Opportunities and Challenges
19:55 Learning from Mistakes and Growth
27:58 Advice for Photographers Facing Change

In this episode, photographer and community advocate Rafael Barker shares his journey into photography, the importance of community involvement, and practical advice for entrepreneurs balancing passion and business. Discover how authentic engagement and strategic pricing can elevate your creative career.
Key Topics
Rafael Barker’s journey from insurance to photography
The role of community involvement in creative careers
Balancing volunteer work and paid projects as a photographer
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Photography and Entrepreneurship
09:48 The Journey into Photography
20:20 Balancing Community Involvement and Professional Work
30:01  Navigating Volunteer Work and Compensation
39:52 The Importance of Passion in Photography
49:58 Learning from Experiences and Community Engagement
01:00:20 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
 
Connect with Rafael
- https://www.facebook.com/rafaelbarkerphotography
- rafael.barker1@gmail.com
 

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.
Key Topics:
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
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Why continuous learning matters in photography01:18 - Learning is never just for beginners: always grow on creative and business fronts01:46 - Creativity should grow like kudzu: never stop expanding your imagination02:15 - Saying no to projects that no longer serve your business or passion02:43 - Narrowing focus: the importance of niching down for trust and credibility03:10 - Letting go of gigs that don’t light you up to avoid burnout03:39 - The significance of making space for what you love to do more of04:08 - Avoiding over-scheduling sessions that aren’t aligned with your goals04:37 - Embracing change: outgrowing certain types of photography to prevent mediocrity05:05 - Making space isn’t just about time; it's about mental and creative bandwidth05:33 - Building trust through specialization and expertise in your chosen areas06:00 - Summary: focus, clarity, and continuous growth drive success06:30 - Cathleen’s encouragement: stay curious, adapt, and keep learning07:00 - Building a community and inspiring others through sharing your journey07:28 - Final thoughts: celebrate growth, embrace niche specialization, and stay inspired07:54 - Call to action: leave a review and support the podcast
Resources & Links:
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.
Key Topics:
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
Chapters:
00:00 The Journey into Newborn Photography
05:10 Narrowing Down the Niche
09:51 Safety and Comfort in Newborn Sessions
15:03 Building Client Relationships
19:52 Adapting to Industry Changes
25:04 Advice for Aspiring Newborn Photographers
28:58 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts
 
Connect with Alison:
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.
Main Topics
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
Timestamps
: 00:00 - Introduction to Frank Miller and the focus on B2B photography00:45 - Frank’s background and early passion for photography01:58 - Transition from hobbyist to professional through real estate photography02:29 - The leap from side gigs to full-time career03:36 - The importance of mindset and daily routines in business success04:57 - Diversifying photography services beyond real estate06:45 - How Frank chose to enter the B2B space intentionally08:16 - Types of clients: corporations, small businesses, etc.09:24 - How recurring contracts provide steady income10:45 - Upgrading to a larger studio and plans for growth12:01 - Managing work-life balance in a growing business13:40 - The value of video and multiple skills in today’s market15:04 - Networking strategies for B2B success16:27 - Approaching local businesses and building relationships17:09 - The importance of contracts and managing client expectations18:34 - Challenges in B2B work such as red tape and compliance21:06 - Qualities of a good B2B photographer: confidence, professionalism, adaptability22:31 - Making a professional impression on clients and the importance of appearance23:19 - Future plans: building a team and expanding service offerings25:16 - Advice for aspiring B2B photographers: shoot, learn, and network
Connect with Frank Miller
https://www.facebook.com/frankmillerphotography
frankmillerphotography.com
frank@frankmillerphotography.com
 

Join me as I chat with Kristina Gore (CKG Graphics) about her inspiring path from a high school and college athlete to a prominent sports photographer and mentor. Discover her insights on building a photography career, balancing multiple roles and creating impactful images that tell stories.
In this episode:
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
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Kristina’s career background and journey into photography02:00 - How coaching influenced her path into sports photography04:00 - Building confidence and transitioning from hobby to business06:30 - The importance of community support and mentorship09:00 - Traveling to Europe as a photographer and capturing landscapes11:30 - Facing gender dynamics in sports photography and earning respect13:45 - Balancing coaching, teaching and photography roles16:00 - Favorite sports to shoot and the thrill of action shots18:30 - Learning lighting techniques with Westcott strobes21:00 - Mentoring young photographers and fostering community23:30 - Future goals: Travel, growth and new opportunities26:00 - Overcoming challenges: time management and saying no29:00 - The importance of authenticity and being yourself in photography31:30 - Reflecting on five-year goals and career longevity34:00 - Connecting with clients, community and the joy of success36:00 - How to reach Kristina and get involved in her work
Connect with Kristina Gore:
coachkgoregraphics@gmail.com
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.
Key Topics
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
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Preparing for busy or opportunity season in photography00:22 - Reframing busy season as opportunity season to encourage a positive mindset00:50 - The significance of scheduling your own calendar before clients'02:15 - Blocking personal commitments like kids' sports on your calendar03:14 - Setting session caps to prevent overwhelm and the importance of saying no04:44 - Simplifying offers to avoid decision fatigue05:14 - Clear session packages and managing client expectations06:13 - Automating workflows with booking software like UseSession06:40 - Creating a shot plan and using go-to poses for efficiency, especially in cap and gown shoots07:36 - Streamlining editing: culling, syncing, and custom edits08:04 - Using prep guides to save time and reduce client questions08:32 - Protecting your energy by setting realistic turnaround times and boundaries08:59 - Final thoughts: Rest is essential for productivity and sustainability
Resources & Links
https://usesession.com/?via=usethatcamera
Cap and Gown video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q9QvuaRlsE
 

Overcoming Negativity in the Digital Space: Insights with Nakia Austin
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.
Key Topics
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

In this episode, I'm diving into the complexities of people pleasing; exploring its roots, the emotional toll it takes and practical strategies for overcoming it. I talk about the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, while still being kind to others. This episode highlights the balance between accommodating others and maintaining your own peace of mind. I hope it encourages you to recognize your worth and make healthier choices in your personal and professional life.
 
Takeaways
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.
00:00 Understanding People Pleasing
09:45 The Emotional Impact of People Pleasing
10:42 Overcoming People Pleasing Behaviors

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.
00:00 The Importance of Insurance for Photographers
10:50 Types of Insurance Photographers Need
20:55 Understanding Liability and Risks
30:35 Navigating Contracts and Permissions
36:36 Getting Started with Insurance
 
Contact Danielle:
Website
Instagram
https://www.facebook.com/ellisinsuranceagency1981
danielle@insurewithellis.com