Summer School - A Photography + Creative Podcast

In this episode of Summer School, we’re back from the beautiful Palm Springs where we hosted Summer Camp 2024. Join me, along with Riley and Brooklyn, two attendees from the camp, as we share our unforgettable experiences. From hands-on activities like developing film and creating emulsion lifts to a magical alfresco dinner under the stars, we dive into all the highlights. We also discuss the inva...

In this solo episode of Summer School, I share my top 10 tips for starting a photography business. I dive into the importance of building an online presence, networking, creating an affordable portfolio, and investing in education and training. I also discuss the value of having a solid business plan, prioritizing client experience, leveraging technology, embracing social media marketing, diversif...

In this special episode of Summer School, I sit down with my amazing mom, Sylvia Freeman, for a heartfelt conversation about life, family, and photography. We dive into my entrepreneurial journey, the influence of my upbringing, and my mom's own creative pursuits. We also discuss the unique challenges and memorable moments in wedding photography, the importance of family dynamics, and the trend of...

Welcome to this week's episode of Summer School! Jake and I are recording from Washington at his family’s home. In this episode, we dive into the challenges and rewards of travel wedding photography. We share tips on managing travel fatigue, staying creatively inspired, and balancing personal life with the demands of constant travel. We also discuss strategies for breaking into the travel wedding...

In this episode, I sit down with the inspiring Hailey Faria, a photographer who has truly mastered adapting to life's many changes. Hailey shares her journey of over a decade, moving from San Diego to Hawaii, Oklahoma to North Carolina, and how she’s reinvented her photography business with each move. We talk about the power of community and connection, and how Hailey embeds herself in local cultu...

Join us in this week's episode of Summer School where we dive into the most controversial and debated topics in the photography world. We'll discuss the value of styled shoots, the authenticity of blurry film vs. digital photos, pricing strategies for photographers with varying experience levels, and the importance of mastering indoor lighting techniques. Tune in for bold opinions, candid discussi...

In this episode, join me for an enlightening conversation with renowned portrait photographer Michael Betzner. We delve deep into his innovative approach to photography, exploring how he challenges conventional techniques to create striking, thought-provoking portraits that tell compelling stories. Michael opens up about his journey from an aspiring photographer to a respected artist whose wo...

This week on the podcast, we dive deep into the game-changing world of Narrative, a revolutionary AI editing tool poised to transform the photography industry. Founded by the acclaimed photographer James Broadbent, Narrative launches today, marking a pivotal moment for photographers everywhere. Join me as I share my firsthand experience with Narrative Edit, which not only mirrors my unique editing...

Join me as I delve into the life of photographer Grace Troutman, who balances being a dedicated parent with her passion for photography. In our conversation, Grace shares how motherhood has enriched her professional identity and the importance of support systems. We also touch on her transformative move to Hawaii and her strategic approach to building a sustainable business.  This episode is...

In today's episode, we dive into the world of wedding photography with the incredibly talented Sam Hurd. We'll explore the fine line between staying creative and keeping clients happy, discussing everything from cutting-edge shooting techniques to building strong relationships with clients. Get practical tips on avoiding burnout, picking the right gear, and pushing your creative boundaries. L...

In this episode, we're diving into the heart of Summer Camp 2024 , set in the vibrant oasis of Palm Springs. This is not just your average photography workshop; it's a creative retreat designed to ignite your passion, connect you with like-minded photographers, and give you a break from the every day to recharge and get inspired. This retreat will have everything from styled shoots that push your...

This week we're uncovering the secrets to achieving work-life balance and transforming your wedding photography business with special guest Rick Liston. Discover how outsourcing, employing associate photographers, virtual assistants, and automation can revolutionize your approach, leading to sustainable growth while prioritizing personal fulfillment and maintaining strong connections with your cli...

Dive into this special solo episode of Summer School as I take you through the transformative world of Instagram for photographers. Today, I'm sharing everything from the sun-soaked tales of our recent Mexican honeymoon - to the essential strategies for making your Instagram profile a hotspot for engagement and discovery. This episode is filled with my personal insights, practical tips on leveragi...

In this week's episode, we're diving into the heart of storytelling with the incredible Mari Trancoso. Mari shares her journey from feeling boxed in by traditional photography to finding her true voice through the poetic dance of light and shadow. We talk about capturing stories that speak to the soul, finding inspiration in the every day, and the importance of self-care for creativity. Mari's app...

Hey everyone, diving into this week's episode with Emily Magers was a real eye-opener on crafting those unforgettable client experiences. We dug deep into the essentials, like keeping everything organized and seamless, but what hit home was the magic of personal touches—imagine giving your clients surprise Polaroids on their big day. It's those little acts of thoughtfulness, really listening, and...

In this episode, we dive into the vibrant world of social media with Shane Lance, an engineer producer who's made waves on TikTok. Shane shares his unconventional journey into social media, initially resisting it, only to find a powerful platform for connecting globally during the pandemic.  Shane highlights how authentic social media interactions have become a significant source of business,...

Dive into an enlightening episode with the incredibly talented Jennifer Moher, exploring the rarely-discussed secrets behind achieving longevity and fulfillment in the creative industry. Jen shares her journey of over sixteen years in photography, revealing how she’s navigated the challenges and triumphs of staying true to her artistic vision. From embracing the evolution of her craft to finding t...

Join us in this exciting episode of Summer School where Daniel Kim, an industry-leading wedding photographer, shares his unique approach to photographing intimate moments. We dive deep into his work philosophy, how he builds deep connections with clients, and his clever tactics to prevent creative burnout. Daniel also opens up about his journey in dealing with the intense demands of a competitive...

Come join me alongside Jamie Findlay, the visionary behind Evolve Workshops. For the past decade, Jamie has been tirelessly cultivating a vibrant community of photographers. Her mission? To shatter barriers between speakers and attendees, dismantling hierarchies and fostering an environment where inspiration and education flow freely. Mark your calendars for Jamie's upcoming event in Santa Barbara...

When music and visual artists collide, you have todays episode. Listen in on my conversation with Jacqueline Day, a music industry creative director.  We chat about Jacquelines journey from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles, the power of networking, and the parallels between the music and wedding industries. Hear Jacquelines insights on balancing professional and personal life while maintaining aut...

Join me as I welcome Shaun Austin, owner of Kiss Books  and all around - inspirational visionary.  With experience from shooting over 500 weddings, launching a successful photography business, and authoring 'The Stack' Shaun shares a wealth of knowledge on todays episode!  Get valuable advice on how to add photo albums to your photography packages and enrich your clients experience....

In this episode, I am joined by Alora Rachelle, a seasoned wedding photographer and business strategist. Aloraa shares her journey from shooting weddings to becoming a business coach to others in the photography industry. She stresses the importance of systemizing, proper pricing, sales, branding and establishing a unique brand personality. Alora also discusses mastering mindset and portraying a s...

With over a decade of experience, Drew the Director shares his expertise, discussing a range of topics, from the importance of understanding and controlling lighting to the role it plays in visual storytelling. Drew shares valuable tips and insights into the craft of lighting for both videography and photography. He also talks about his upcoming projects and shares personal anecdotes from his jour...

In this episode, I welcome Marisha Shanti Kelly, a creative who travels the globe with her partner, musician Billy Otto, and shares holistic wellness practices she recently learned in Columbia. We discuss the ups and downs in our lives and careers, the power of social media in connecting people, the necessity of nurturing in-person relationships, the importance of understanding one's unique artist...

Join me as I chat with filmmaker Mark Brown. Mark shares his journey from impulsively attending a workshop to becoming an established wedding filmmaker, detailing his thought process, mistakes, and learnings throughout his career. He provides valuable insights into his creative process, choice of equipment and discusses the evolution of his work over time. A deep dive into his unconventional appro...