STOKED - The Adventure Elopement Photographer Podcast - Build a Six Figure Elopement Photography Business

Have you ever caught yourself doom-scrolling Instagram at 3 PM, knowing you have a long list of stuff to get done, but for some reason, still couldn't get started? Same! If you're an elopement photographer (or any creative) with ADHD, this episode is going to make you feel so seen. But more than that, it's packed with tips to help you actually get stuff done, even when your brain would rather do a...

Wouldn't it be amazing to learn from 23 successful elopement photographers all for less than the cost of your lunch? Well, then you're in luck because ElopementCon is back for its second year, and it's bigger and better than ever!   If you've ever wished you could get real, actionable strategies from photographers who are actually making a living shooting elopements (without needing thousands of I...

Do you love photographing your elopement couples, but feel super uncomfortable when talking about pricing with your potential clients? Maybe you worry if couples will actually pay your rates, or if wanting more money makes you greedy. These mindset blocks are common among elopement photographers, but it's time to shift them!   In this episode, we talk about some of the biggest money myths that hol...

02Are you feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to post on social media just to book elopement clients? What if there was a better way? One that didn't require being online 24/7?   My guest today, Sheryl Acuna, a California-based elopement photographer, opens up about how she used the skills she learned inside the Elopement Photographer Mastermind to leave her 8-year Navy career and build a thriving...

Are you feeling drained from doing big weddings and wondering if elopements could be a better fit for you? I sit down with Nicole Weeks, an elopement photographer based in upstate New York to talk about how she made the switch from traditional weddings to shooting elopements and hasn't looked back.   Nicole shares what finally pushed her to make the shift, how she booked her very first elopement f...

Did you know that over 1,000 National Park employees have been laid off, including rangers, maintenance workers, educators, and even first responders? If this is something that is alarming to you, we can promise you you're not alone in feeling this way. With fewer staff, we will be looking at longer wait times, closed facilities, safety concerns, and possibly even lands being sold off for commerci...

Struggling to attract high-quality leads while Instagram falls short? Pinterest might be the solution you've been missing! In this episode, I sit down with the queen of Pinterest Paula Ruzenceva, owner of Pin with Paula , to explore how elopement photographers can use Pinterest as a powerful marketing tool.   During the conversation, Paula shares why Pinterest is a better long-term marketing strat...

What separates struggling elopement photographers from those hitting 6 figures with dream clients? It's not luck, talent, or even experience—it's strategy, mindset, and a few key habits. In this episode, we break down the 5 essential traits of highly successful elopement photographers so you can start implementing them right now and see massive results!   We talk about why picking one location and...

Have you ever gotten an inquiry from a dream elopement couple, sent the perfect response, just to hear…well, crickets? If so, we promise you're not alone! Ghosting happens to everyone, and we mean everyone - newbies, pros, and even photographers who charge $10k.   In this episode, we're diving into why ghosting happens, and what you can do about it. We talk about the 4 types of eloping couples, wh...

Do you ever find yourself doom-scrolling on social media wondering, "Why am I even bothering?" Seeing the work of other elopement photographers can easily make you second-guess your own work. But here's the truth - comparison is a distraction that's actually holding you back from being successful and building a business that feels authentic to you.   In this episode, we dive into why constantly co...

Are you starting to get burnt out from shooting weddings every weekend? What if you could ditch the stress of long wedding days, get your weekends back, and have deeper connections with your couples?   In this episode, are diving into how to make the leap from weddings to elopements, and why it could ultimately be the best decision for your business and life. We share the freedom elopements can gi...

It's hard to believe we've reached 100 episodes of our podcast! For the past two years, every single Thursday, we've been sharing insights to help better your business and your life. We couldn't have done it without you—our amazing listeners. Your support each week has made this journey possible, and we're so grateful for you!   So, to thank you, we have decided to share 33 quick, actionable tips...

Do you ever scroll through another elopement photographer's work and think to yourself, "I could never be that good," or doubt your skills despite how good you actually are? If so, I promise you aren't alone! Imposter syndrome is a common struggle among elopement photographers, but the good news is, it can also have huge potential for growth.   In this episode, we share strategies for overcoming i...

Have you found yourself wondering how to guide your couples through the legal side of their elopement? As photographers, we're often asked to do more than just take pictures. We're also asked to help our couples with the ins and outs of making a marriage official.   In this episode, we are breaking it all down for you. From understanding the rules in each state to creative options like self-solemn...

Are you exhausted of working just to scrape by, drowning in a cycle of debt, and settling for bookings you don't really want? Then it's time to shift gears. In this episode, we dive into the importance of having a vision for your life, business, and finances and how it can help transform your mindset and get you to break free from survival mode for good.   We go over strategies to refine your busi...

Looking back at 2024, what worked well in your elopement photography business? What challenges held you back? In this episode, we are reflecting on the highs and lows of the past year. We share some common themes around the wins photographers saw, like booking ideal clients, reaching six figures, raising prices, and prioritizing rest. Additionally, we look at some common struggles, including b bur...

What transforms elopement photography into a true work of art? In this episode, I'm talking with Colorado-based elopement photographer, Carissa Marsh to explore the art of editing and portfolio building. During our conversation, Carissa shares tips on refining your editing skills and crafting a portfolio that sets you apart in a competitive market.   From balancing color tones to creating gallerie...

Does booking your first $5K elopement feel impossible? Well, what if I told you it's totally doable? In fact, the photographers I work with have been doing it even faster than I was able to do it on my own! Today, Todd and I are revealing the 5 steps - align, attract, convert, funnel, and plan - to successfully book your first $5K elopement.   You will learn how to know your worth and target the r...

Is your website helping you book more couples, or is it turning them away without you even realizing it?   In this episode, we reveal the top seven mistakes we see on elopement photography websites that could be costing you clients. Whether it's targeting too many people, not having clear messaging, or lack of social proof, these missteps are easier (and cheaper) to fix than you might think. And i...

Are you feeling overwhelmed and underpaid in your elopement photography business? This time of year, many photographers face a growing backlog of editing, packed schedules, and empty bank accounts, something I call the "busy but broke" season. In this episode, we're diving into how to break free from this cycle, not just now, but year-round.   If you're ready to take control of your elopement phot...

Think your location has nothing to offer for adventurous elopements? Think again! I'm joined by Jessica Kent, a Florida-based elopement photographer who has proven that even unexpected places can be dream elopement destinations. During our conversation, Jessica shares the diverse elopement possibilities in Florida, and how she educates couples on thinking beyond the typical beach wedding.   We als...

What should you do if your couples postpone or cancel their elopement? This is a concern that many elopement photographers face. We share our personal experiences, as well as some common reasons for cancellations, such as family emergencies, financial issues, and breakups.   We also emphasize the importance of having conversations upfront with clients about non-refundable retainers and setting cle...

Have you ever wondered what it's like to capture intimate moments in breathtaking destinations around the world? In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Daacke, a destination elopement photographer, as she takes us through her journey from nature photography to a career photographing elopements in various destinations. Nicole shares pivotal moments in her path, like attending a life-changing works...

How can you keep your couples happy when the weather has other plans? Concerns over rain or snow are not uncommon when speaking to couples about their elopement day, but we have figured out ways to put them at ease and make sure they're happy even when the weather is less than ideal.   During this episode, we go over how to stay flexible with scheduling, choosing the right gear, and prepping for a...

Have you ever wondered how styled shoots can transform your portfolio and help you attract your dream elopement clients? Styled shoots are not just about capturing beautiful images; they are essential for building your portfolio, attracting ideal clients, networking with vendors, and honing the skills necessary for successful elopement planning.   During this episode, We discuss tips for coordinat...