Diaries Of A Mum-tographer - with Mel Cieslik

If you feel busy all day but still behind… this episode is for you. Technology was meant to make running a photography business easier — but for so many photographers, it’s doing the opposite. More apps, more notifications, more tabs open… and somehow less clarity, less focus, and way more burnout. In this episode, I’m diving into slow productivity , inspired by Slow Productivity by Cal Newport. W...

If you're a family photographer staring at an empty inbox right now, wondering where all the inquiries went — you're not alone. This season can feel brutally quiet. Whether it's the dead of winter and everyone’s hibernating, or the middle of summer when clients are checked out on vacation, it’s easy to fall into the “no one’s booking, what’s wrong with me?” spiral. But here’s the truth...

They taught you aperture and ISO, but forgot to mention taxes, pricing, and what profit actually means. If you’ve ever felt blindsided by the business side of photography—you are not alone. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the most common financial mistakes photographers make (and what to do instead). You’ll learn how to stop guessing your pricing, start treating your biz like the...

Feeling overwhelmed as the financial year wraps up? If you're juggling motherhood and your photography business—and it feels like you're running on fumes—this episode is your reset button. I'm breaking down how to reflect on the last quarter, assess your profit and loss without the panic, and plan a 12-week sprint that actually works. Just real talk, numbers, and clarity. Whether you're in feast-o...

Let’s be real — building a photography business while raising babies can feel like a constant tug-of-war. One minute you're dreaming big, the next you're deep in mum guilt because you're working during nap time (again). In this episode, I’m unpacking the emotional juggle between being present as a mum and showing up for your goals. We’re talking boundaries, permission slips, and practical ways to...

Feeling like you're dancing for the algorithm but still not getting bookings? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what Instagram can do for your business—and what it absolutely can't. If you're tired of chasing likes and ready to focus on what really drives bookings, this one’s for you. 📌 Want to stop guessing and start growing? Check out my course Capture the Marke...

You know that giddy feeling when a new enquiry hits your inbox — and then… nothing ? They vanish. Ghosted. Poof. Gone. If you're a photographer who's tired of chasing cold leads and wondering what went wrong, this episode is your reality check (and game plan ). Inside this juicy episode of Diaries of a Mum-Tographer , we’re diving into: The 5 real reasons your enquiries aren't converting into book...

Photographers, let’s get real—are you saying "yes" to every inquiry, even when your gut says "run"? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the bookings that cost more than they’re worth. We’re talking red flags, energy drains, and how setting boundaries can actually elevate your brand (and your sanity). If you’ve ever felt guilty turning down a shoot, this is your per...

In this episode, I’m coming to you fresh from our quarterly family break—and let me tell you, it was exactly what my soul needed. This chat is a blend of personal stories, reflections, and a little poolside inspiration. From meeting a 16-year-old future chiropractor who reminded me that ambition starts young, to remembering the spark that ignited my love for photography (hello Nanna’s photo box!),...

Starting a photography business is exciting, but here’s the harsh truth—most don’t last. In this episode, I break down the biggest mistakes photographers make that lead to burnout, inconsistent income, and ultimately, failure. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with practical strategies to avoid these pitfalls and build a sustainable, thriving business! 📉 The #1 reason most photography business...

The Newborn photography Business Blueprint Last week, we dived into how to get your Instagram audience onto your email list. That’s a critical first step, but let me tell you – the magic doesn’t stop there. It’s what happens after they hit that subscribe button that truly determines if your email list will be a game-changer for your business. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my top 5 strategies to...

The Newborn Photography Business Blueprint Membership is Open to Enrolments. Okay, let’s talk email lists. Why are they so important? For starters, emails land directly in someone’s inbox. No algorithm, no guessing games. And on average, each subscriber can bring you an extra dollar of revenue per month. Yep, $1 per email! So, imagine 1,000 engaged subscribers—that’s $1,000 a month in potential in...

Statistics show that Photographers who charge premium rates typically work 25-30% fewer hours than those offering lower rates (industry analysis). Here’s the thing, and I know so many of you feel this: You’re working SO hard. You’re shooting on weekends, editing till 1 a.m., answering emails on your phone while your kids ask for just five more minutes of your attention. And despite all that, you’r...

Check out the Newborn Photography Business Blueprint Membership. <<FREE MARKETING WEBINAR >> This Christmas was all about connection for us. We’ve had lazy beach mornings, a sprinkle of adventure, and those magical moments around the dinner table where we laughed until our cheeks hurt. I’ve loved being fully present as a mum, soaking in all the giggles and chaos that come with this tim...

The Newborn Photography Membership Fear is an evolutionary mechanism designed to protect us. It triggers the "fight or flight" response, keeping us alert to dangers—both real and perceived. This aspect of fear is invaluable. Example: If you’re standing too close to the edge of a cliff, fear prompts you to step back, preventing harm. Insight: In this context, fear serves a constructive purpose, act...

My gift to you Family Posing Prompt Cards Build Trust: Tips on how to make clients feel comfortable (e.g., icebreaker conversations, sharing your own stories). Use Prompts, Not Poses: For the most organic shots. When you pose a subject phisically, it can look staged, and awkward. And not to mention, extra work for you! Be Patient: The magic happens in the quiet moments—how to observe and wait. Cre...

Check out the Newborn Photography Business Blueprint Let’s face it—keeping customers happy isn’t rocket science, but it does require some common sense. Unfortunately, we’ve all seen (or made!) these mistakes. Let’s break down the worst offenders and why they send customers running for the hills. 1. Ignoring Inquiries – AKA “Ghosting Potential Clients” Picture this: a mum is scrolling through her p...

The Newborn Photography Business Blueprint I am immensely proud of the ultimate client experience I have created over the years. I would 100% attribute my success to this unique formula. That, and pretty photos of course. But I believe the two go hand in hand. There is no point taking beautiful photos if you also treated your clients like trash! Automating the Client Journey: Email Sequences That...

Free Pricing Calculator – Grab Your Freebie! To help you implement everything we’ve discussed, I’ve created a free pricing calculator that’s going to take the guesswork out of setting your rates. With this tool, you can input your business costs, your ideal salary, and the amount of work you want to take on, and it will calculate what you need to charge to hit those financial targets. It’s easy to...

Today we’re diving into something we’ve all experienced – those times when life feels like a total mess. You’re juggling so much as a mum, a business owner, and honestly, sometimes the motivation just isn’t there. It’s especially tough when we’re our own bosses, right? There are always so many things that have to get done – client enquiries, editing, shoots – and before you know it, you're caught...

Since I’m in Australia. Spring has now officially sprung. I’m feelin' good, got my pins out, the weather is beautiful and manageable. In today’s episode I'm all about giving your business the spring clean it needs. And going into the new year with a bang!! I don’t wait for Dec or Jan to start strong.. It all starts in Quarter 4 believe it or not!!! I don’t know about you, but there’s something abo...

In this episode of Diaries of a Mum-tographer , we’re diving into holiday mini sessions and how they can be a game-changer for your photography business. Learn proven strategies to plan, promote, and profit from mini sessions during the festive season. I’ll walk you through the key elements of crafting the perfect offer, tips for pricing your mini sessions , and how to create urgency to fill up yo...

Are you struggling to turn inquiries into bookings? In this episode, we dive deep into the reasons why potential clients are shopping around and not committing—and more importantly, what you can do to change that! I’ll share the changes I’ve made in my own process to ensure better conversions, like how a simple lead form to thank you email (with a call-to-action to book a call!) can make all the d...

In this episode, we dive into smart strategies to increase your photography business revenue without adding extra shoots to your calendar. I share my top tips for maximising sales through platforms like Pic-Time and Pixieset , focusing on how to seamlessly sell prints and products from your existing galleries. Plus, we discuss the power of promoting gift vouchers, especially during the holiday sea...

Defining Your Ideal Client To start building a successful newborn and family photography business, it’s crucial to understand who your ideal client is. This goes beyond general demographics; it’s about defining their personality, values, and lifestyle. Think about: Demographics: Age, gender, family size, location, income level. Psychographics: What do they care about? What are their hobbies, lifes...