Summer School - A Photography + Creative Podcast

This week on the podcast, I’m chatting with Catalina Jean - a former wedding photographer turned marketing and SEO expert. We talk about SEO in a very real, practical way - from understanding how Google actually works to why platforms like Instagram and TikTok are now search engines too. Catalina breaks down how photographers can improve visibility without chasing trends or relying solely on socia...

Hi everyone! This week I’m talking with Marina, a Berlin-based photographer whose approach is super thoughtful and rooted in connection. We get into her shift from political science to photography, how soft skills actually show up in real sessions, and the simple Instagram strategy she uses to book shoots while traveling. Meet Marina: Marina is an international couples and wedding photographer bas...

Hi everyone! This time, I’m sitting down with Magic - a wedding photographer and YouTube creator whose personality and branding are just as memorable as his work. We talk about how he built a global wedding photography career, what pushed him onto YouTube, and how he’s grown a community of 50,000+ creatives. Meet Magic: Magic is a destination wedding photographer with over 12 years of experience....

In this episode, I sit down with Brjánn Batista Bettencourt - a Toronto-based photographer and cinematographer known for his analog and Super 8 work - to talk about what it actually looks like to shoot film in the wedding industry today. Brjánn shares how his journey from photojournalism to weddings, his skateboarding background, and his Portuguese-Canadian roots shaped the way he tells stories. W...

This time I’m joined by photographer Lukas Piatek to talk about AI, lighting, and composition - three things shaping photography right now. We break down the AI tools worth using, how to elevate your images with stronger light, and why developing your own style matters more than following trends.\ Meet Lukas: Lukas Piatek is a destination wedding and elopement photographer known for his cinematic,...

Hi everyone! Today I’m talking with Bay Area photographer Ryan Shaver, who shoots exclusively on Polaroid. We get into how he built a business around instant film, what makes the medium so different to work with, and how he’s carved out a unique spot in the industry. Meet Ryan: Ryan Shaver is a Polaroid photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area who stands out in the professional photography...

This week, I’m catching you up on what’s been going on lately -our move back to the Pacific Northwest, settling into a new routine, and how I’ve unexpectedly started shooting more families. After years focused on weddings, it’s been a refreshing change that’s been teaching me a lot! Connect with Me: Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! ⁠SUBSCRIBE HERE⁠ Show Notes:  ⁠the...

This week I’m joined by New York based photographer and director Tiana Michele, whose creative journey perfectly blends art, risk-taking, and reinvention. We met at Nikon’s Creator Camp in Utah, and I was instantly drawn to her work and the way she tells stories through both photo and film. In this episode, we dive into how she transitioned from weddings to directing short films, the beauty of col...

Hi everyone! This time I’m joined by Christina Demertzi - a Berlin-based concert photographer who went from teaching to touring with major artists. We chat about life on the road, finding creative flow in the chaos, and her newest project, the Dem Camera, a screen-free digital camera designed to make photography fun again. Meet Christina: Christina Demertzi is a Berlin-based photographer, content...

Hi friends! Today I’m sitting down with one of my good friends and absolute powerhouses in the education space, Noella Andres. Noella has helped launch so many incredible educators and is known for her innovative take on business and photography education. Meet Noella Andres:Noella Andres has been in the photography game for over 20 years. Chasing love stories, and eventually finding her real pass...

Hi everyone! It’s just me this time. I wanted to catch you up on some big life changes, new creative chapters, and what’s next for both me and Summer School. I’m also answering your questions from recent workshops, chatting about pricing, diversifying income, building community, and staying creative online. Connect with Me: Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! SUBSCRIBE...

AI for Creators and Professionals: Practical Insights with Nathaniel Reagan Hey everyone! In this episode I chatted with Nathaniel Reagan, co-founder of Spirit Camp, to talk about how AI and creativity intersect. From shifting his perspective as a skeptic to becoming an advocate for intentional use, Nathaniel shares how AI can act as a mirror of our intentions - helping us work smarter without los...

Hi everyone! In this episode, I’m chatting with Laura Shepherd about her journey into photography and the role that off camera flash has played in transforming her work. We cover learning flash through trial and error, favorite gear, stepping outside your niche to stay inspired, and finding balance between business, family, and creativity. Meet Laura: Laura is a Portland based wedding and elopemen...

Hi everyone! This week on Summer School, I’m joined by the team behind The Vendor Table podcast - wedding photographers Michael Cassara and Lauren O’Brien. With years of experience and hundreds of weddings between them, Michael and Lauren know the industry inside and out. Together, they’ve built The Vendor Table into a go-to space for honest conversations, pulling back the curtain on what it’s rea...

Hey everyone! Today I’m joined by the amazing Brandon Woelfel - a photographer known for his colorful, dreamy portraits and his ability to turn ordinary spaces into something magical. We dive into his creative journey from backyard experiments to global brand campaigns. Meet Brandon: Brandon Woelfel is a freelance creative portrait photographer and Nikon Creator based in Brooklyn, New York. He enj...

This week I’m joined by Nashville-based photographer James Wolf. We chat about his journey from Minnesota to running a thriving business in Tennessee, his cinematic approach to photography, and how community has shaped his career. James shares about the importance of styled shoots and retreats, why asking for help matters, and the importance of staying true to your artistic vision.   Meet James: J...

This week I’m joined by Jason Vinson - photographer, educator, and all-around creative risk-taker. We chat about his personal approach to lighting, why failure is essential to growth, and how his personal projects documenting family life have shaped his storytelling. Meet Jason: Jason Vinson is a husband, father, and wedding and documentary photographer, based out of Northwest Arkansas. He has a p...

In this episode, I sit down with Bianca and Kyle of Oak and Iron to talk about their creative approach to photography, and carving your own unique path in the wedding industry. Meet Bianca and Kyle: Oak and Iron Photo is a husband-and-wife photography duo based in Central Florida. They specialize in weddings and portraiture all over the U.S. with a laid-back, offbeat approach. These dark lords of...

This week I’m joined by the amazing Rita - a photographer known for her bold colors, creative use of light, and fearless approach to experimentation. We dive into her unexpected start in Norway, how she carved out her unique style, and the creative techniques that she uses in her work. Meet Rita: My name is Rita, and I'm a photographer based in the small coastal city of Ålesund, Norway. I'...

Hi everyone! I had the best time chatting with the incredibly talented Lucia Wallace. She’s funny, down-to-earth, and takes amazing pictures. If you’re not already following her, you’re missing out. We talked all about what editorial photography actually is, how she blends it with a documentary style, and how creative shoots have helped her grow and stay inspired. We also got into direction, story...

If you're about to shoot your first wedding, this episode is packed with everything you need to know. I'm sharing the lessons I learned the hard way - like what gear to bring, camera settings, how to plan ahead, and why backups are a must. I hope this episode helps you walk into your next wedding feeling prepared, calm, and ready to do your thing.   Subscribe to Summer School to get access to...

Hi! It's another solo episode, and this time I'll be diving into some hot takes straight from Threads. I’m sharing my honest reactions, what I agree with, and where I think we’re getting it wrong (or right).   Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.  Subscribe h...

In this episode, I’m reflecting on how my approach to Instagram has evolved, what I’ve learned about showing up consistently without burning out, and how I’ve started to enjoy it again. Some things have really changed the way I think about social media altogether, and I'm excited to share some of my revelations with you!   Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes...

Today, I sat down with Andrew Keher to talk all about personal branding, and what it really looks like to stand out in today’s wedding photography world. We unpacked the idea of the “forest of noise,” and how to evolve with a changing industry.   Meet Andrew: Andrew Keher is a wedding photographer turned content creator and aspiring photography mentor, known for his deadpan humour and mildly...

In this episode, I’m catching you up on a wild week of teaching in Utah, and accidentally landing a full bridal shoot. I’m also sharing how I fell in love with the new Godox Lux Master flash, and giving you all the fun life updates as always!   Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amaz...