Let's Create With Alex Blake

This week on the podcast I’m sitting down with Ean Cuenca (@cuenca.creative) and this conversation is SO good if you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or confused about showing up online. Ean shares how he approaches social media as storytelling instead of just posting… and how that shift completely changes the way people connect with your work. We talk about what people get wrong about content, why...

This episode is all about networking… but not in the weird or forced “hand out business cards” kind of way. I’m sitting down with Noella, who somehow knows EVERYONE lol. When she came to Charleston, we grabbed lunch and she already knew so many of my photographer friends. Then at WPPI, it felt like every person we ran into knew her too. So I had to ask… how?? In this episode, we’re breaking down w...

What does it really take to pivot and grow a photography business? In this episode, I’m sitting down with @paigesmithphoto, who attended the very first Photo Camp, and it’s honestly so special to see how far she’s come since then. We’re talking about what her business looked like back when she came to that first camp, when she was primarily shooting seniors, and how that has evolved into building...

If you’ve ever felt like you’re supposed to have your “niche” figured out already… this one’s for you. In this episode, I’m talking all about how to actually figure out what kind of photographer you want to be. Not based on what’s trending, what other people are doing, or what looks good online, but what genuinely fits you! I’m sharing a bit of my own journey, what it looked like when I was shooti...

LETS TALK MONEYYY!! CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Danielle Hayden, joins the show to talk about what it actually looks like to pay yourself consistently, set healthier boundaries, and build a business that supports your life instead of burning you out. We chat about why money feels so emotional for creatives, when to move on to being an S Corp instead of LLC, and the small, realistic shifts that ca...

Senior rep teams can be powerful when they’re built with intention, structure, and real community. In this episode, I’m joined by @ kelseymarie.photo to talk through what it actually looks like to run a successful senior rep team. We dive into how she structures her pricing, builds genuine community for the girls on her team, and teaches her reps how to market for her in a way that feels natural a...

Modeling, confidence, and the photographer experience — this convo is a good one :) Model Bella Davison is here to chat about what actually makes someone feel comfortable, confident, and respected in front of the camera. Bella shares what photographers are doing right, what doesn’t work, and how small changes can completely shift the energy on set. We get into direction that actually helps, plus a...

What it actually looks like to open and run a photography studio. Alex talks with @annalaurasommer , photographer and owner of @shinestudio.chs , about the shift from photographer to studio owner and everything that comes with it. Anna Laura shares how she first got started in photography, what her business looked like before a studio was even on her radar, and the moment she realized her role was...

I'm chattin' with @ lindseycrawfordphoto to talk honestly about what it really looks like to transition into full time photography. From navigating burnout and slow seasons to building community and trusting yourself when nothing feels “official,” this conversation is real, practical, and soooo good to listen to if you want to become a full time photographer! DON’T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & su...

Scott Proposki has photographed for National Geographic, Sports Illustrated, HBO, the White House, and so many massive brands and teams, and then experienced a complete business and identity reset when the pandemic hit. We talk about what it’s really like to lose momentum after building something big, how identity can quietly get wrapped up in our work, and why sustainable success for photographer...

I'm sitting down with my friend Emmy for such a fun and meaningful conversation about creativity, connection, and shooting couples in a way that actually feels like them!!! We talk about her journey to finding a cinematic style she truly loves, how film and movies shaped her eye, and the moment things finally clicked after years of experimenting and second guessing. We also get into why weddings f...

I'm sitting down with Abbey for a really honest conversation about motherhood, comparison, and running a creative business in a new season of life. Abbey was on the podcast before becoming a mom, and so much has shifted since then! We talk about how motherhood reshapes not just your schedule or workflow, but how you see yourself as a person and a creative. This conversation isn't about having it a...

Today I'm chatting with Sue (@sue.shutterbug) to talk honestly about what it looks like to build a profitable and sustainable senior photography business. We cover everything from the importance of community and client relationships to creating a standout senior experience that actually supports your income. Sue shares how shifting to in-person sales changed her business, how she thinks about the...

I asked photographers to send in their most awkward photoshoot moments… the ones no one posts, the ones that still make you cringe, and the ones that remind you we're all human. And I'm reading them exactly as they were sent to me. From saying the wrong thing, to calling a client the wrong name, to moments that were awkward, uncomfortable, or straight up chaotic — this episode is all storytelling...

It's the first episode of the year!!! YAY! I'm kicking things off with a casual, honest conversation with my friend Maegan (@maegangrendellphoto) about the things we're officially leaving in 2025. We're talking about habits, expectations, and mindsets we picked up over the years that just don't make sense to carry into a new year. As photographers and business owners, it's easy to hold onto things...

Photography retreats can feel intimidating at first. Like you need to be more experienced, more confident, or have everything figured out before you go. Spoiler alert: you don't. In this episode, I'm sharing what I've actually learned from going to photography retreats over the years. The awkward first day energy, how much you learn just by watching other photographers shoot, why Instagram confide...

Today we're talking about the little things that make a big difference in your photos — the tiny tweaks most beginners overlook but instantly transform your work once you start paying attention to them. If you've been wanting to improve your posing, clean up your compositions, make your photos look more polished, or just feel more confident behind the camera… this is the episode for you. Everythin...

Today we're getting cozy and talking through 10 indoor photoshoot ideas you can try this winter. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean your creativity has to freeze with it. From hotel lobbies to grocery stores to museums, these locations will spark new ideas, stretch your skills, and get you shooting again even on the chilliest days. Save this one for the next time you're stuck inside and n...

After walking through infertility for nearly three years, I was preparing for surgery — and just two days after publicly opening up about that journey for the first time, we found out we were pregnant. A literal miracle. But this episode isn't just about the miracle. It's about what surrender really looks like — in life, in business, and in faith. Because even now, I'm still learning that being pr...

So you're thinking about going full time with your creative business… or maybe you already have and you're realizing it's a lot more than just taking pretty pictures. In today's episode, I'm sharing 10 things I wish I knew before I made the leap into full-time photography. From learning how to set boundaries, diversify income, and protect your creativity, to trusting God when things feel uncertain...

Have you ever felt like you're taking a step backward in your business? Like things that used to flow easily suddenly feel slow, quiet, or uncertain? In today's episode, I'm sharing about what it really means to walk through a season of refinement — and how I've learned that those hard seasons aren't wasted ones. From rebuilding my business after moving from Georgia to Charleston, to seeing God's...

If you've ever felt anxious about your business, your finances, or just life in general - this episode is for you. We all experience worry in different ways. Maybe it's when you have to draw a boundary with a client, send a hard email, or trust that the next booking will come through. In this episode, Alex shares 10 Bible verses that have helped her find peace in the middle of uncertainty. Each ve...

Ever wondered how photographers can actually land work with design studios? 👀 I sat down with Charleston designer Amanda Andreucci to talk about building her studio, leading a creative team, tips for collaborating across industries, and even how she's approaching AI. Quick, punchy, and packed with takeaways (plus it feels like a facetime date with two creatives). Connect with Amanda: https://www....

Joshua Mannila is a 21-year-old photographer known for his dreamy, cinematic style. In this episode we chat about how he went from shooting on an iPad mini to building a community of 200k+ followers, why he believes photography is 70% art and 30% business, and the wild opportunities that have come from putting his work online (including that time American Eagle slid into his DMs). We also dive int...

Madison Elise built a TikTok following of over 1.3 million by simply eating food on camera — including the burrito 🌯 video that hit 56 million views! But behind the viral fame was a story of struggle, healing, and a shift toward something bigger than social media. In this episode, Madison shares how Jesus transformed her life, how faith keeps her grounded in a world of numbers and views, and why...