Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast

This week, I have a very special guest on the podcast – my dad! We’re going to be diving into an important, but often overlooked topic: lens calibration. Whether you’re brand new to this service or it’s been on your radar for a while, we’ve got you covered!  Consider this a whistle-stop tour of everything you need to know to get this ticked off your to-do list with as much ease and as little stres...

Surprise episode alert!  This week, I’m sharing an impromptu episode I recently recorded with my friend and fellow entrepreneur, Kelsey Reidl, about the natural ups and downs of running a business. As most of us move full-speed ahead into 2023, we thought now would be a good moment to slow down, reflect and – let’s face it – share some REAL talk about the struggles we all face as entrepreneurs in...

Your most frequently answered questions about outsourcing and my Outsourcing Made Easy program for photographers answered! 🥰🙌🏻 Doors close TOMORROW Oct 12 at midnight for an entire year, so don’t wait on this. Sign up at saramonika.com/freedom

I LOVE a good student success story and this one with Katie Silva, one of my Outsourcing Made Easy students, gives me all the feels! Come on a journey with us to discover how Katie was able to transform her life and business through OME these past few years, plus her advice for starting your own outsourcing journey (whatever that may look like for you!)... Tune in to learn… Katie’s pre-Outsourcing...

Most underpaid + overworked photographers are going through the days, weeks, months, years reactively instead of proactively, and in most cases it can lead to burnout, resentment, loss of love for their craft, depression, anxiety, health issues, relationships suffering, and the list goes on (sadly) 💔 I want you yo be honest with yourself right now. Are you an underpaid and overworked photographer...

In this bonus episode, Emily shares how she cut 56 full working days from behind her computer while shooting 30 weddings this year! She is one of my Outsourcing Made Easy students who signed up for OME in October 2021, and she was able to create these results for herself in less than a year! Imagine where you could be a year from now if you commit to finally making a change and stop the cycle of b...

Guess what? I’m shaking things up this week and giving you a behind-the-scenes look inside a coaching call from my Outsourcing Made Easy program! Consider this your perfect, no-strings-attached, sneak peek into what it’s like to be coached by me…plus witness for yourself all of the amazing insights, learnings, and transformations that take place inside of our epic OME container ;) Tune in to disco...

This is perhaps one of my most important podcast episodes to date…  So many – too many – photographers are struggling with chronic burnout right now. It’s hands-down the biggest problem facing our industry today. And while it can be tempting to simply press on and push through when you’re in the eye of the storm, if nothing changes, then nothing changes! So if you’re feeling burnt out right now -...

This week’s episode is a juicy one, so let’s get straight to it! I’m interviewing one of my students from my Outsourcing Made Easy program, Tia Abbott, about how she was able to go from a place of severe anxiety and burnout to now spending quality time with family and friends and pursuing her many passions on the regular.  Tune in to discover… A snapshot of Tia’s life before Outsourcing Made Easy...

This week’s episode has a special place in my heart and, warning: there will be tears!   I’m reflecting on my journey from being a burnt-out and overworked photographer, to now shooting 32 weddings this year, working part-time hours, all while being a new mom and still making my full-time dream income...  And most importantly, I’m going to show you how this is possible for you too! You’ll discover...

This week, I’m chatting with one of my Outsourcing Made Easy students, Shannon Hastings, about how she was able to proactively design the life and business she wanted through the power of outsourcing. Tune in to discover… A snapshot of Shannon’s life before outsourcing and what drew her to OME [4.57], [16.25] Shannon’s “take what you need” approach to OME and the importance of deep focus on one th...

This week I’m going deep into a topic that all photographers need to talk more about… income! Yes, I’m breaking it down and getting granular with how to plan for – and actually make – your dream income in your photography business, while having the lifestyle you’ve always wanted Warning: you may feel a little called out in this episode! I know because I’ve been there. When you’re stuck in the cycl...

Who doesn’t love a good student success story? Especially one this inspiring! This week I’m talking with Rachel Bowman – photographer, mom of two, and student of my program, Outsourcing Made Easy. We’ll be diving into her incredible journey and how she was able to gain back so much time freedom, financial freedom, and creative freedom through the program, in just 10 months. Tune in to discover… Wh...

It’s here! Part 3 of my series of epic prompt ideas for photographers. Rounding things off this week we have 10 meaningful prompt ideas for your next family session!  Tune in to discover… The difference between superficial and meaningful prompts, and how and when to use each type for best effect The secret to gaining your muse’s trust and having them express themselves genuinely with you Why your...

After seeing how much you guys loved Episode 103: 10 Prompt Ideas for Your Next Couples Session or Wedding , I decided it was time to return with even MORE epic prompt ideas for all my brand & portrait photographers! These prompts have been an absolute *game-changer* in my business, so I can’t wait for you to start having fun with them too… Tune in to discover: 10 soulful prompt ideas that wil...

Welcome back to another episode! Today, I’m choosing to entertain you instead of teaching, because sometimes we all need to take life a little less seriously… ;) Plus, since teasing this story on my website I’ve had SO many people ask me about it! So without further ado, here’s one of my most embarrassing stories: I faked diarrhea in the bushes to try and get out of a ticket! Did it work? I hope y...

Hey Shine & Thrivers! Welcome back to another episode. This week we’re doing things a little differently...  Instead of sharing business tips or strategies with an awesome guest (more of that soon!), this week I wanted to open up about 3 very challenging and chaotic weeks I recently experienced.  My hope is that by sharing my struggles and how I overcame them, it might shift your mindset to se...

This week I’m coming at you with a short and sweet episode about the number #1 thing NOT do while shooting to ensure the best possible experience for your clients. It’s an easy and straightforward tip, but a powerful one no less! Once you learn how to side-step this lesser known obstacle, you’ll be able to… Build a deeper trust & rapport with your clients, so that they love the experience of w...

This week, I’m talking to multi-seven figure entrepreneur, Rachel Brenke, who will be sharing her wisdom on how to create the life you desire through your business with the freedom to actually live it! You’ll discover… How Rachel transitioned out of the corporate world to build the life she truly wanted as an entrepreneur  [6.32] Rachel’s advice for making high-return decisions in your business th...

This week we’re talking about how to diversify your income streams and make more money as a photographer. Whether you’re thinking of starting a YouTube channel, online course, 1-1 coaching, or something similar, this episode is packed full of juicy ideas you can take away and implement in your business. You’ll learn… How Eric started out in photography and snowballed his business from side hustle...

This week, we’re talking about how to create comfort for couples during intimate & nude sessions with a photographer who has lots of experience in this field, Liat Aharoni.  If you’ve ever been curious about how you might offer this service to your couples or you just want to know more about this amazing niche, then this conversation is definitely for you! You’ll discover… Where Liat’s inspira...

This week we’re going all in on the “M” word… marketing!  I know how overwhelming it can be to keep on top of the content machine in your business - how challenging it is to build a strategy that’s right for you, then to stay consistent with it day on day, week on week… Luckily my special guest this week, Annemie Tonken, has a highly effective marketing method to share with you that will help you...

Today we’re talking about the power of niching with birth & newborn photographer, Tavia Redburn. Join us as we discover… How Tavia got started in birth photography and the simple way to know if you’ve chosen the photography niche that’s right for you [6.38] The most common obstacles & objections Tavia hears when it comes to birth photography and her tips for overcoming them [9.57] What you...

Ever wondered HOW photographers get those *incredible* underwater shots you see all over Instagram? Well, wonder no more! This week I’m getting ALL the juicy details from pro underwater photographer, adventurer & ocean conservationist, Taylor Walston, as she takes us behind the scenes of her business and shows you *exactly* how she does what she does… You’ll learn… How Taylor got into underwat...

If you’ve been a photographer for a while (or you’re just getting started!) you’ll know it’s not always easy to come up with exciting new prompts for your couples…  Luckily, I have an AMAZING resource up my sleeve that will ensure you NEVER run out of fun ideas for your sessions… ;) Tune in to this week’s episode to discover… My go-to resource for prompts that will leave you spoiled for choice dur...