Build and Bloom Photography Podcast With Jessica Whitaker

One year after starting Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, this is my honest TMS experience. I tried TMS therapy for my chronic, treatment-resistant depression, severe anxiety, and PTSD, and it completely changed my life. This controversial depression treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but after hitting rock bottom last summer, completing 52 total treatments by October, an...

Feeling creatively stuck or overwhelmed by too much scrolling? In this episode, we’re stepping away from the algorithm and exploring how to find inspiration for photography  offline . I’m sharing why Pinterest can’t be your starting point and how volunteering might be the most powerful way to reconnect with your spark. You’ll also hear a Q&A on creative jealousy, finding your voice, and how to...

Have you ever wanted to get into concert photography? Today on the Build and Bloom Photography Podcast I have Madison Truscan on and she is sharing the exact steps for breaking into the industry. Madison has photographed artists in concert like Taylor Swift and Chappell Roan. Madison is also going to share how to work for an online magazine, publication, newspaper or zine and how volunteering for...

What if you could book dream clients without having to post on Instagram every day?  In this episode, I’m breaking down how blogging can help you book more photography clients consistently—and the best part? Once a blog post is done, it’s DONE. This is a long-term marketing strategy that works for you while you sleep. Instagram is great for visibility, but your blog is where the real magic happens...

Thinking about raising your prices but not sure if you're really ready? In this episode, I’m walking you through three key things you need in place before you raise your rates —so you can do it confidently, without second-guessing your worth or undercharging for your time and talent. We’ll cover: How to actually know your worth (hint: it’s more than a gut feeling) Why simplifying your packages can...

Before you invest in that high-ticket mastermind or coaching program promising $10K clients right out the gate—listen to this episode. We’re pulling back the curtain on the hype and talking about what actually builds a  sustainable  photography business. Because while marketing might land you one big win, it’s your skills, systems, and humility that determine whether you can keep going. In this ep...

I'm back from Vegas and here is what I learned from WPPI. Lights, Camera Brand: ⁠https://www.lightscamerabrand.com/⁠ Honeybook: ⁠⁠https://share.honeybook.com/Jessicaw⁠⁠ Aftershoot: ⁠⁠https://aftershoot.com/jessica-whitaker/⁠⁠⁠ What's Next: Follow me on Insta: ⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/jessicawhitaker⁠⁠⁠ Join the Facebook group: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildandbloomjessicawhitaker...

Hi from WPPI in Las Vegas! In 2025, I set a goal to attend more networking events, and I’ve already learned so much just by observing how people show up in these spaces. At the start of February, I attended a Women in Business conference here in Seattle and picked up some game-changing networking tips. With WPPI around the corner, I want to share my best strategies to help you make a lasting impre...

Trade-for-print (TFP) shoots can be an excellent way to build your portfolio, collaborate with models, and refine your creative style. However, without a structured approach, TFP shoots can quickly become frustrating, unorganized, and a waste of time. Many photographers experience flaky models, last-minute cancellations, or misunderstandings about how many images will be delivered. The key to a su...

https://aftershoot.com/jessica-whitaker/ What's Next: Follow me on Insta: https://instagram.com/jessicawhitaker Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildandbloomjessicawhitaker Business Basics: https://www.jessicawhitaker.co/businessbasics Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:30 Photo studio cancelled 23:28 WPPI 38:52 Trade for print

https://www.instagram.com/buildandbloomstudios/ WHAT’S NEXT: Join The B+B Facebook group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildandbloomjessicawhitaker/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jessicawhitaker⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow the Podcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Building a strong photography brand is about more than just taking great photos—it’s about creating a business that’s  consistent, recognizable, and profitable . In this episode of the @buildandbloom podcast, I’m joined by brand photographer, educator, and founder of Black Girls Shoot,  Mecca Clarke , to break down the key strategies that will help you level up your business. Instagram: https://ww...

In 2025 I am changing my business model over to IPS. In this episode, I'm sharing what that process has looked like over the month of January and how I immediately booked my 2nd highest package as a result!! How to do IPS with Alena: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/1ck8AMTuMQb "The Portrait System" with Sue Bryce Aftershoot 90 day trial: https://aftershoot.com/jessica-whitaker...

What if photography could be more than just snapping photos? What if it could be a space for real connection and healing in a world that feels so disconnected? In this episode, I’m chatting with Christina Mellor (@christinascaptures), a photographer who’s completely reimagined her business to do just that. She’s sharing how she creates sessions that aren’t just about pretty pictures—they’re about...

Let's talk about what is *in* and *out for 2025 ;) https://www.lightscamerabrand.com Virtual Assistant Episode: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/7It9nw2KHPb https://www.jessicawhitaker.co/virtual-assistant Aftershoot - message the "support" and tell them you're looking for the 90-day trial & that I sent you. https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=jessicawhitaker Photography Contracts for 20...

I have my friend, Alena (@ alenalaurenphoto⁠) , on the podcast today talking about everything you need to know to get started in IPS (in-person sales). Which means how to start offering albums & printed goods. Alena holds nothing back in this episode! She goes into mindset shift, why the "shoot and burn" method (digitals only) isn't sustainable, her pricing/pricing structure ,and different way...

"We listen and we don't judge" is a trend on social media where two people share secrets that otherwise they'd be judged over. For example, a parent and their child and the kid says "Remember when I told you XYZ happened, well really this is what happened..." I'm reading through the photographers version that I shared over in the Build and Bloom Facebook group. Resources mentioned: My 2023 mini se...

It's the crossover you've been waiting for! Cassidy Lynne (@cassidylynne) is coming onto the Build and Bloom podcast to share about how to strategize for efficient social media growth and her posing techniques! We discuss the importance of marketing yourself on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest, and dive into actionable tips to make your content stand out. Cassidy also shares her exp...

In this episode, I chat with Sabrina of The Turning Page Photo Co., a photographer and mom who balances business ownership, parenting, and mental health through strong boundaries and time management. Sabrina shares her insights on adding more value to your packages and why authentic branding is essential for standing out. She also opens up about her journey with mental health, discussing how she n...

Ever wonder how photographers are making six figures in less glamorous genres? In this episode, I chat with Dominic Wilkerson (@Domdoesmedia), who made an impressive $400,000 last year in the "boring" yet lucrative world of real estate photography. I first discovered Dom through the Build and Bloom Facebook group, where he consistently provided valuable insights and helped answer questions on this...

Hey, Photographer! In this episode of the Build and Bloom podcast, I am joined by Sarah Marie (@SarahMarieSpectrum). Sarah shares her journey from being inspired by pop-culture icons like Black Widow to becoming an international cosplay photographer. She'll discuss how cosplay photography is more than just capturing costumes—it's about telling personal stories, embracing creativity, and making dre...

Hey Photographer! In this episode, I (@JessicaWhitaker) have the iconic Dawn Charles (@Dawn. Charles) on the show to discuss her iconic editing style, branding, and client experience tips. Follow Dawn: https://www.instagram.com/Dawn. Charles/ https://www.instagram.com/dcpresets/ https://www.instagram.com/risephotoacademy_/ Free Client Workflow Roadmap: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/603d7bfb824b5f...

Karen (@BlackVisualQueen) is an AMAZING leader in the photography space. She has hired photographers for clients like  Wired , Masterclass, Square, and AARP. She is the decision-maker sitting in fancy rooms with top people debating which photographer to hire and why and has had a hand in visual stories for dozens of iconic brands. She is also a photography thought leader on LinkedIn, sharing indus...

https://www.jessicawhitaker.co/virtual-assistant Virtual assistant podcast episode: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/ikZsepQfjMb Email marketing episode: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/SZVBZHRfjMb Pinterest episode: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/QNlHvIRfjMb Social media strategy & planning: https://www.instagram.com/juliabroome/ WHAT’S NEXT: Join The B+B Facebook group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

https://www.jessicawhitaker.co/brand WHAT’S NEXT: Join The B+B Facebook group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildandbloomjessicawhitaker/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jessicawhitaker⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow the Podcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/buildandbloom/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This pod...