EP 129:  In today's episode, I am citing the film, A Million Miles Away, in which the protagonist's father gives his son 5 ingredients in a recipe for achieving success.    Now regardless of whether you buy into this recipe is of no concern, but maybe if you have yet to build your own recipe, this will help ignite that spark, because those who often achieve their goals, have very clear visions and outlines for how to approach their path.This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP  128:  I don't know if there's any perfect website formula for photographers, nor am I any foremost expert to speak on them, but I have learned from far more intelligent marketers and business owners than myself, and what I've gathered is a laundry list of mistakes and oversights many of us photographers make, when crafting our site.  In this episode, I'll list off a handful of the most common pitfalls I see in photography websites.                                                                                                                                     This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 127: Traveling for work is one of the more liberating and exciting parts of being a creative, but after time, it can wear on you as well.  From the luggage to the time zone differences to the stress of business expenditures, I'll list a handful of tips to reduce your travel anxiety.This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 126:  Let's face it... Millennials and Gen-Z are delaying, if not giving up on, many common adulthood decisions that came far more naturally to the generations before them.  Marriage, home-buying, investing, saving for retirement, and having children are seen by some as nearly impossible due to the economics of today's day, and one of the big drivers in delaying those decisions....student loans.  The crushing weight of 5-6 figure debt for 18-22-year-olds is often more than they can handle after the fact.  This is why preparing for college finances is so important; whether you're a high schooler planning your college route, a currently enrolled university student, a recent graduate, or a parent preparing for their kids' journey in the higher education process, please understand one basic principle; college is a business, and your student loans are paying the bills.  Today, we're bringing photographer, Matt Brown, back to the show to have an honest conversation about rising student loans, not relying on debt relief programs, applying for grants and scholarships, and the people you need to rely on to make the most out of your college experience.   MATT BROWN Website:  www.mattbrownphoto.comInstagram: @the5browncrewPodcast:  Just a Good Conversation / @justagoodconversation*Also be sure to check out my previous conversation with Matt in episode 43, "10 things every photographer should know"This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Cradoc Foto Software Stock and assignment photography pricing, image keywording, and photo business management software.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

EP 125: We've got a fantastic guest today, family photographer, Christian Michelle Grant, out of Chattanooga, Tennessee.  We discuss many aspects of her art and business; from crafting her shooting and editing style to developing a marketing strategy and pricing structure that allow her to meet her goals.  Beyond that, we delve into her journey of making the plunge into full-time photography and how she manages the anxiety that comes with that move.  This is a lovely conversation about pursuing your dreams and manifesting a life that gives meaning.  Thank you so much for tuning in and enjoy! FOLLOW AND CONNECT WITH CHRISTIAN BELOW 👇👇👇Website:  https://www.christianmichellephotography.com/Facebook: Christian Michelle PhotographyInstagram: @christianmichellephotographyPinterest: Christian Michelle PhotographyThis episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Cradoc Foto Software Stock and assignment photography pricing, image keywording, and photo business management software.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

124: Deciding what to do with your profits?  While there are a multitude of areas to contribute to,  many of which I did not list in this episode, I decided to highlight 5 key areas that I believe can help stimulate intentionality and vision in your creative journey.This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 123:  Our friend, Christian Brim, is back with an episode we all need more insight on; leveraging tax deductions for our business.  In this episode, we discuss the home office deduction, equipment write-offs, what constitutes as a business meal, and much more.  Connect with Core Group!!!WebsiteFor creatives10 questions your accountant should be asking youInstagramYoutubeFacebookTwitterThis episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 122: Culling photos can be a daunting process, particularly when the volume is high, and the stakes are higher.  Wedding photography tends to fit this bill, as clients are very demanding but you have thousands and thousands of frames to select from.  In walks AI culling!  In this episode, I'll give you my early review to Aftershoot AI, which promises to save you hours off your workload!Affiliate Link to Aftershoot: https://aftershoot.com/get-started?referrer=65PADWYWThis episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 121:  Clients seek out portrait photography services for a variety of interests and needs; be it for corporate, family, or brand-building reasons.  There's also a market of people who seek out more personal and empowering forms of artistic expression that may not be seen quite as often by friends, family, and colleagues.  In this episode, we talk with Arizona boudoir photographer, Shayla Pelton, about her journey through this fascinating space of sexuality and expression.  We chat about the emotional power of her very first boudoir session, the ways she comforts people in front of the camera, the onboarding and offboarding of her clients and deliverables, and everything in between.  This is an enlightening, charming, and infectious discussion about self-love and courage, and I'm glad you get to listen to it!FOLLOW AND CONNECT WITH SHAYLA PELTON 👇👇👇Website:  https://boudoirbypelton.photography/Instagram: @boudoirbypeltonphotographyYoutube: @shaylapeltonphotographyFacebook: VIP Bomb Babes and Bodacious BodiesTikTok: @peltonphotographyThis episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Cradoc Foto Software Stock and assignment photography pricing, image keywording, and photo business management software.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

EP 120: The photojournalism industry, particularly when it comes to newspapers, isn't anywhere as strong as it used to be.  A most recent slashing of journalists at the LA Times is a harsh reminder that we always need to be updating our resumes just in preparation for situations like this.  But furthermore, how do we process the mental side of the recovery?  A portfolio or resume certainly won't help quell your stress or anxiety.  In this episode, I'll list 5 prompts to hopefully help you get through the panic.  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-sports-illustrated-cut-all-of-its-photographers/https://apnews.com/article/journalism-united-states-39ef84c1131267233768bbb4dcaa181bhttps://www.npr.org/2023/06/07/1180808470/los-angeles-times-layoffsThis episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 119: If you haven't used  Chat GPT yet, you've at least likely heard of the noise it's making across a variety of industries.  Well, in today's episode, I specifically talk about how this AI platform can help photographers and creatives improve the speed of their business in 3 distinct ways; customer service, risk and legal, and copyright for marketing and content creation.This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 118:  Perhaps starting your creative business in your early 20s seems ideal, but there is no one way to approach a creative life, let alone a singular progression.  In fact, there are many advantages to starting or pivoting your business after the age of 40 because of the skills you now possess.  In this episode, I talk about my entry into the 40 club and why I view it as an asset, not a liability.  This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 117:  Golf is an amazing opportunity to network and connect with people.  It's also a great place to learn valuable life lessons.  My guest is Owen Main, a Southern California photographer who has built a successful business in a very short time frame, and our recording studio today is on the golf course, where I ask Owen a question on each hole; some of which are professional and others that are personal.  We talk about the best lessons he's learned, how he balances art and commerce, and the traits that have helped him the most in his journey.  Owen Main@fansmanshipThis episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 116:  What does work-life balance mean?  Is it achievable?  Is it even an achievement at all?  We all face times of imbalance in favor of our work life, so what measures need to take place to tip the scales back towards rest, relaxation, and play?  In this episode, I will discuss the pitfalls I find in chasing work-life balance, and replace them with a few key ideals instead.This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 115:  Did you know that accounting is an important part of your business?  Of course, you did!  The problem is many of us are not fully equipped to handle those duties while also trying to be the very best artist we can be.  This is where hiring an accountant can come into play, but that first step in approaching one can be intimidating or overwhelming for first-time business owners.  After all, what do we say?  What do we ask?  Is my business valid enough?  I only do this part-time!  In this episode, I sit down with Christian Brim, who is a licensed CPA, himself, and also the CEO of an accounting firm that works hand-in-hand with creative entrepreneurs and small business owners.   We talk about why it's so important to communicate fully with any accountant about your goals and what you want out of your business. Connect with Core Group!!!WebsiteFor creatives10 questions your accountant should be asking youInstagramYoutubeFacebookTwitterThis episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 114: Maybe this is a hot take, but I think attaching any sort of file in your very first cold email pitch to a new lead, is counterproductive.  It could be a pitch deck or it could be photos you want to highlight, but attaching them without a relationship already in place may increase your chances of having your emails unopened, or even worse, unseen.  In this episode, I advise embedding photos into your email as a more proactive way to have your work shown while also avoiding that dreaded Spam folder.  This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 113:  Have you ever attended a big photography conference?  What are the benefits?  Will it be overwhelming?  In this episode, I'll recap my very first WPPI experience, and give you 10 tips to make the most out of a big show that may otherwise intimidate introverts and photographers looking to stand out.  This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 112:  Miquel Quiles is a Sony Artisan of Imagery portrait photographer and digital creator, and in this episode, he's looking at my book and helping me navigate my next moves in wedding photography.  If you've never had a portfolio review before, or are nervous about getting one yourself, hopefully, this behind-the-curtains peek of a real review will help ease your anxiety.  www.miguelquiles.com@miguelquilesjrYoutubeThis episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 111:  If you're getting into wedding photography, doing a styled shoot may be very beneficial for networking with vendors and developing your own portfolio.  As someone who hasn't shot a styled wedding shoot before, I went straight to a qualified source and asked long-time wedding photographer, Phylicia Willis, what the best actionable steps are to getting your first styled shoot off the ground.  www.phyliciawillis.com@phylicia.willisThis episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 110:  What is brand strategy?  How do you craft it?  And most importantly, how do we ensure our ideal clients are experiencing our brand in a consistent fashion that aligns with our vision?  I'm here at WPPI23 in Las Vegas, coming off a grueling 4 days of networking and learning from a diverse group of creative professionals.  Today I got a few short minutes with Kaleigh Wiese, who is an action-oriented problem solver, creator, coach, entrepreneur, and brand strategist educator.  We chat very quickly about what brand strategy is, and the most common hurdles creatives will face in their own brand strategy journey.IG - @gokaleighWeb - www.kaleighweise.comThis episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 109:  Inflation is a real pain in the ass, but ultimately speaking, it has a relatively small impact when compared to another inflation that many of us are guilty of exercising; lifestyle inflation.  While inflation may increase the price of milk and eggs by a few dollars, lifestyle inflation may cost us thousands.  In this episode, I will discuss why we invite lifestyle inflation into our lives so willingly, and how to attack it if it is keeping us from our goals.This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 108:  I recently came across a statement from another creative who said "If you are mentally weak, you should not freelance".   So in today's episode, I'll unpack my thoughts on this statement and respond with why I think the so-called "mentally weak" actually should freelance despite this common narrative.This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 107:  You know, the sneaky thing about getting caught up in busy work, is that it feels so productive because you are, in fact, tackling something important in your business.  This task needs to get done.  And the list never seems to end with busy work.  If it's not catching up on emails, it's checking up on invoices or creating social content or any number of things that may not actually move the needle in our business.  In this episode, I discuss how busy work disguises itself as a proactive habit, even though it likely shares more common traits with reactive practices.  This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 106:   What is life like as an editorial photographer for a major news publication?  Today I am sitting down with photographer, Dan MacMedan, to talk about his many years shooting for USA Today and his journey in freelance.  From golf tournaments to award shows to press junkets, Dan gives us a peak behind the entertainment curtain and what goes into a 5-minute celebrity portrait.  This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 105: If you ever want a fun question to ask other business owners, try asking them what their favorite tax write-off is.  In this episode, I got to ask that question to a number of successful creatives at the Noobie Photographer's conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  Rachel Crowe - @okcroweFeuza Reis - @fusecreativeincNathan Holritz - @nathanholritzLaJoy Lewis - @lajoyphotographyllcBritney Smith - @theglamlabphotographyAshley Freehan - @thepurposegatheringShaun Austin Gordon - @shaunaustinTomas Flint - @tomasflintThe Bokeh Podcastbokehconference.combokehpodcast.comThis episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 104: Have you ever asked a business owner "what is the best lesson you've ever learned?"  It's a great question, and today I'm at the Noobie Photographer's conference asking entrepreneurs a slight variation of that question, by asking them what the hardest lessons were in their careers.   Rachel Crowe - @okcroweFeuza Reis - @fusecreativeincNathan Holritz - @nathanholritzLaJoy Lewis - @lajoyphotographyllcBritney Smith - @theglamlabphotographyAshley Freehan - @thepurposegatheringShaun Austin Gordon - @shaunaustinTomas Flint - @tomasflintThe Bokeh Podcastbokehconference.combokehpodcast.comThis episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 103:  I am here at the Noobie Photographer's Conference in Chattanooga, Tennesee, picking the brains of professional photographers and business owners on what the best investment has been for them in their careers.  Oftentimes, I find amateur photographers cite a new piece of camera equipment as their best investment, which is not to say that is wrong or misguided, but it does highlight a perspective shift from many people starting out to those who have reached a certain level they set out to.  In this episode, I pulled 8 successful entrepreneurs aside to ask them what investment they are most grateful for.  Rachel Crowe - @okcroweFeuza Reis - @fusecreativeincNathan Holritz - @nathanholritzLaJoy Lewis - @lajoyphotographyllcBritney Smith - @theglamlabphotographyAshley Freehan - @thepurposegatheringShaun Austin Gordon - @shaunaustinTomas Flint - @tomasflintThe Bokeh Podcastbokehconference.combokehpodcast.comThis episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 102:  We're out on location!  I am wrapping up here at the Noobie Photographer's conference here in Chattanooga Tennesee, talking to successful business owners and creatives about art, life, and business.  In the quiet moments, I decided to pull every speaker aside for a quick poll, asking them where in business they think startup creatives tend to waste the most time on.   What is amazing is each entrepreneur has his/her own take on what efforts rank highest as a diminishing return, and hopefully these responses prompt all of us to ask ourselves, "what tasks are we constantly spending time on, that yield very little return?"Rachel Crowe - @okcroweFeuza Reis - @fusecreativeincNathan Holritz - @nathanholritzLaJoy Lewis - @lajoyphotographyllcBritney Smith - @theglamlabphotographyAshley Freehan - @thepurposegatheringShaun Austin Gordon - @shaunaustinTomas Flint - @tomasflintThe Bokeh Podcastbokehconference.combokehpodcast.comThis episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 101: Today's guest is Nicolas Bates; an outstanding portrait and editorial photographer based in Los Angeles.  In this episode, we discuss how he developed his own style and aesthetic through countless projects and iterations over the years, and why personal work can yield so much more ROI outside of just content filler for Instagram.  From relationships to empathy to confidence, there is a lot to gain from becoming a producer of your own vision.nicolasbates.comIG: @nicolas_batesThis episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show

EP 100:  Benchmark numbers can be simultaneously arbitrary while also holding significant personal meaning, and today is such a day!  We are celebrating episode 100 of this podcast and I have all of you to thank.  Beyond that, I'm going to leave you with my 2023 motto and hopefully inspire you to follow your own!This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time order! Support the show