The Called and Creative: Photography Education Podcast

This episode is a little bit of everything—in the best way. We’re catching up after a short break and talking about what life and business have looked like lately—from busy seasons and burnout to navigating different life stages and how they impact the way we run our businesses. We also get into a conversation about the many paths in photography, including second shooting, associate roles, and con...

In this episode of Called & Creative, we’re diving into something every photographer is starting to feel—rising costs and rapid industry change. From SD cards and hard drives doubling in price to the growing influence of AI, the photography world is shifting fast. But what does that actually mean for your business… and how do you stay ahead without burning out or undercharging? We’re breaking...

When we first started photography, we definitely didn’t get every purchase right. 😅 In this episode of Called & Creative, Mekala and Courtni are sharing the photography purchases that ended up being a complete waste of money (at least for us). From buying way too many Lightroom presets to investing in gear, lenses, props, and styled shoots that didn’t actually move our businesses forward, we’...

In this episode of Called & Creative, Mekala Stiek and Courtni Miller sit down for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about the personal business goals they’re setting for this year — and why they felt called to share them. This isn’t just about revenue targets or booking numbers. It’s about building businesses that align with their faith, their families, and the women they’re becoming....

Your website is more than just a portfolio — it’s your storefront, your first impression, and one of the most powerful tools in your photography business. In Episode 5 of the Called & Creative podcast, hosts Courtni Miller and Mekala Stiek break down the essential elements every photographer should include on their website to attract aligned clients and create a seamless booking experience. Fr...

In this episode of the Called & Creative podcast, hosts Mekala Stiek and Courtni Miller pull back the curtain on the day-to-day realities of running a photography business full time. From early morning emails to late-night editing sessions, they share what their schedules actually look like — and how they navigate the constant balance between business, creativity, and personal life. They dive...

Slow season doesn’t have to mean stagnant season. In this episode of the Called and Creative podcast, hosts Mekala Stiek and Courtni Miller share practical strategies to help photographers make the most of quieter months in business. From refreshing your website and refining your packages to streamlining your booking process with automation, they walk through tangible ways to set yourself up for a...

Breaking into wedding photography can feel overwhelming — especially when you don’t know where to start. In this episode of the Called & Creative Podcast, hosts Mekala Stiek and Courtni Miller walk you through the pivotal steps that help you decide if you're really ready to shoot a wedding. From essential gear choices and shooting in tough lighting to client management and real-world workf...

Welcome to the very first episode of the Called & Creative Photography Education Podcast! In this episode, we’re officially introducing ourselves and sharing the stories behind our journeys into photography. You’ll hear from your hosts, Mekala Stiek, owner of Till the Dawn Photo Company, and Courtni Miller, owner of Miller Image & Motion, as we open up about how we each found our way into...