Rachel Cheney
Booked Out and Balanced
Booked Out & Balanced is the podcast for photographers and creative entrepreneurs who want to grow a thriving, profitable business while prioritizing their well-being. Each week, we’ll dive into topics centered around marketing, finances, growth strategies, and health & wellness—helping you to create success that feels as good as it looks.
Author
Rachel Cheney
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jan 28, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
31. Navigating Imposter Syndrome as a High-Achieving Creative 28.01.2026 1:02:07
In this episode of Booked Out & Balanced , I sit down with psychologist Dr. Rue to unpack why imposter syndrome, anxiety, and negative self-talk are so common for high-achieving creative business owners (raising my hand here!). We talk about why confidence actually comes after action, how comparison and overthinking quietly sabotage growth, and why your feelings aren’t reliable data when it co...
30. 5 Composition & Camera Setting Tips to Instantly Elevate Your Photos 20.01.2026 20:32
In this episode I’m sharing five simple but powerful tips around composition and camera settings that can instantly elevate your photos. This episode is especially helpful for newer photographers or second shooters who want their images to feel more intentional, clean, and true to life. I break down common mistakes I see—like cutting off headroom, uneven lighting in group photos, and unintentional...
29. Branding That Feels Like You: Messaging, Confidence & Speaking with Impact 09.12.2025 48:11
Today we talk with expert brand strategist, Allison Carpio, about all things building a business brand and public speaking. We’re diving into how to build a brand that feels deeply you —from your voice and values to the stories and energy that make your business stand out. You’ll learn why most creative brands start to sound the same, how to uncover messaging that actually converts, and what it lo...
28. The Real Reason Your Inquiry Calls Aren’t Converting 18.11.2025 16:42
In this episode, I’m sharing the real reasons your inquiry calls aren’t turning into booked clients — and it’s probably not what you think. You’ll learn how three simple shifts can immediately improve your connection and conversions. Get ready to run calls that feel natural, personal, and actually lead to a “yes- I want to work with you!” Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an epis...
27. How to Get Amazing Client Reviews 11.11.2025 17:18
In this episode, I’m diving into how to get those raving-fan client reviews that not only make your heart burst, but also help you book more dream clients. I’m sharing exactly when to ask for a review, who to ask, and how to make the process simple, natural, and aligned with your brand. You’ll hear my go-to email prompts, tips for encouraging emotion-filled feedback, and ways to turn kind words in...
26. Can You Really Take a Vacation in Busy Season? Yes — Here’s How 04.11.2025 24:28
In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how I pulled off a two-week trip to Peru right in the middle of peak wedding season — what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d absolutely do differently next time. We’re talking planning, timelines, editing schedules, client communication, sacrifices, boundaries, and the real behind-the-scenes of balancing travel with a fully booked calendar. You'll walk away wit...
25. Generosity Is Good Business (And Good for the Soul) 14.10.2025 23:00
In today's episode, I'm talking all about how acts of generosity and just being kind in general never go to waste. I'm reflecting on how I've been on the receiving end of some incredible, thoughtful client gifts, bookings, and so much goodness in general. I'm sharing a few of these stories and examples of how being kind can come back to you and your business, why this is so important, and how, ult...
24. My Honest Take on Discounts, Free Work, and Charging More 07.10.2025 21:57
"Charge your worth." "Raise your prices." "Never discount." You've probably heard at least one of these pieces of advice around pricing before. In today's episode, I'm diving into my honest take on these blanket statement pricing tips. Because there is so much nuance around them, it's more complicated than them simply being right or wrong. It all depends on your goals, experience, and where you're...
23. How I Manage My Time During Busy Season 30.09.2025 18:15
In today's short and sweet episode, I'm sharing how I manage my time during this busy season to stay as on task, focused, and balanced as possible. I have a mix of tips that I've been implementing, as well as ones I plan to implement for the rest of this season. From timers and outsourcing (both personally and in business) to shifting priorities and what balance looks like to me, I really hope som...
22. My Recent Website Rebrand - How, Why, and Tips for You 23.09.2025 21:23
In today's episode, we're talking about all things related to my recent website rebrand. I woke up one day and felt like my website didn't fit me and my dream clients anymore, so I took the time to really look through the lens of a more streamlined and elevated presentation of my services and who I am. I'm going over a few of the smaller updates I made that have a big impact (and I'm already seein...
21. How to Choose the Right Education to Invest in at Every Stage of Business 16.09.2025 27:29
In today's episode, I'm going over how and when to invest in your own continued education. Because the right opportunity for someone with over 3+ years of experience will look different than if you're just starting out. With so many education options out there (coaching, courses, masterminds, workshops, the list goes on!), it can be overwhelming figuring out where to start. So I'm breaking down my...
20. How To Scale a Multi-Faceted Media Company with Sam Bennett 09.09.2025 54:48
I'm super excited to have my friend Sam from Sam Bennett Media on the podcast today to talk about how he's scaled his multi-faceted media company. Sam shares some of the biggest benefits and challenges of not niching to just one audience, how he manages his growing team by focusing on sales and systems, and the importance of networking and genuinely connecting with clients. He also has a ton of ex...
19. Leading with Joy: Building Community and Hosting Sold-Out Events with Sofia Ferrante 02.09.2025 54:27
I'm so excited to have my friend Sofia on the podcast today to talk all about building community, the strategies she implements, and, through it all, leading with joy. Sofia is co-owner of Power Pack Fitness with her husband, which, if you're not new here, should sound familiar because I've been a Barre instructor there. She is truly an expert when it comes to owning a physical space in the fitnes...
18. Casual Chat: How and Why I Closed My Books For The Year 26.08.2025 20:05
In today's episode, we're having a casual chat about why I decided to close my books to photography sessions for the year. I'm sharing some personal and work-related reasons behind how I came to this decision and why I think it might be super helpful for anyone who does (or wants to) book out in advance, or if you're looking to find more balance in your work and personal life. I'm also reflecting...
17. The Art and Strategy Of Building A Luxury Brand with Soul Like the Sun (Rebekah Hope) 19.08.2025 57:21
In today's episode, my friend Rebekah from Soul Like the Sun is joining me to discuss artistry and branding in wedding photography. I am so excited to have her joining me today and for her to share all about her experience and knowledge with you! We are talking all things branding, artistry, and how her ambition got her to where she is now. Rebekah shares how her editing style has evolved over the...
16. How To Build a Thriving Elopement Photography Brand with Meg's Marvels 12.08.2025 49:25
In today's episode, I am so excited to have my friend Meg from Meg's Marvels photography on to talk all about building a thriving elopement photography brand. I met her earlier this year at a photographer get-together, and, honestly, have just been hooked on her and her work ever since. She was so kind to come on the podcast to give us all her knowledge on being an elopement and intimate wedding p...
15. Why Tiny Habits Are the Secret to Building a Thriving Business (And Life You Love) 05.08.2025 35:11
In today's episode, we're talking about one of my favorite (non-fiction) books of all time: Atomic Habits by James Clear. As the name suggests, he goes into all of the tiny habits we can do to improve our lives. I've read a few books about habits, but this one changed my life both personally and in business. I'm sharing my five key takeaways and how you can actually apply them to your own life to...
14. Casual Chat on Social Media, Paid Ads, and Creativity 29.07.2025 22:40
In today's more casual girls-chatting-business-over-coffee-style episode, I'm sharing about my upcoming social media strategy, some challenges I've set for myself, and what I've learned by running some paid ads. I'm also touching a little bit on my creative direction, what I'm saying yes and no to in terms of shoots, and what I am trying to strengthen in my own business. In sharing some of my hone...
13. My Wedding Day Rituals (To Feel Prepped & Polished) 22.07.2025 19:10
In today's episode, we're talking about all things wedding day wellness. I'm walking you through my exact wedding day rituals that help me feel prepped and polished so I can best serve my couples. I'm diving into all the details of what I do the night before the wedding day, how I like to start the day, what I pack, what helps me maintain a good presence and a lot of energy throughout the day, and...
12. My Go-To Prep & Posing Tips for a Swoon-Worthy Session 15.07.2025 16:03
In today's episode, we're talking about how to have the absolute best photo session. I'm sharing how to set yourself up for success beforehand and how to guide the session in the moment to get the most beautiful images (including specific poses). And while I'm specifically talking about couples sessions, the tips are still super applicable to family shoots and lifestyle headshots. I really h...
11. Money Confidence for Creatives (Finances Are Fun, I Promise) 08.07.2025 29:04
In today's episode, we're talking about the super sexy topic of finances and how you can make them fun and break them down into small, actionable steps. Even with my background in finance and accounting, managing my own personal finances has been a journey. So if you find yourself burying your head in the sand when it comes to your finances, I totally get it! We're breaking down this episode into...
10. Apps I Can’t Live Without as a Photographer 01.07.2025 24:16
In this episode, we're talking about four of my absolute favorite apps in business and how they have totally changed the game for both my business and personal life. Showit, Pic-Time, Aftershoot, and HoneyBook keep me organized, save me hours of time, ease my overwhelm, and really just help me serve my clients in the absolute best way. It's a win-win all the way around. If you're thinking about si...
9. How I Healed Stress-Related Acne & Gut Issues (As a Business Owner) 24.06.2025 34:55
In today's episode, we're talking about how I personally manage stress as a business owner. Though stress manifests differently in all of us, I think business owners face a unique set of challenges. So, I thought it might be helpful for you to hear my own experiences in the hope that you take something away from this episode to apply to your own life. I'm sharing my personal experience of how stre...
8. Sales vs. Marketing: What’s Your Bottleneck? 17.06.2025 27:31
In today's episode, we're talking about how to identify and fix the bottleneck in your business if you're not booking the number of clients you'd like to be. Ultimately, it comes down to whether it's a sales vs. marketing issue. So, I'm sharing three questions and scenarios to help you whittle down what the actual problem could be and what to do about it to increase those bookings on your calendar...
7. The 3 Mindset Shifts That Changed My Life & Business 10.06.2025 22:44
Today's episode is all about helping you live the life of your dreams. I'm sharing the three mindset shifts (AKA mantras) that truly changed my life and business. So, whether you're struggling with a 9-5 or are on the fence about making a big business pivot, I know these mantras will help you. I am so passionate about these mindset shifts and hope they support you as much as they've supporte...
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