The One Behind the Lens with Kate DeCoste

What if the key to growing your photography business isn't working more... but working differently? In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, I'm joined by family photographer, educator, homeschooling mom of three, and founder of the Realign Retreat, Tiffany Crenshaw. Tiffany has intentionally built a photography business around her season of life instead of trying to force her life arou...

Have you ever felt like people wanted you to pick just one thing? Maybe you're a photographer who also teaches. A creative who's been dreaming about starting a podcast. A business owner with an idea you've been afraid to pursue because you're worried people will think you're "all over the place." In this solo episode of  The One Behind the Lens , Kate shares why being...

What happens when you've built the business everyone thinks they should want... and discover you're miserable? In this episode of The One Behind the Lens , Kate sits down with New York City pet photographer, educator, and entrepreneur Jen Hillenga to talk about the winding road that led her from portrait photography and million-dollar businesses to photographing dogs in one of the most com...

Feeling behind on your marketing? You're not alone. In this solo episode of  The One Behind the Lens , Kate is serving as your unofficial marketing cheerleader and helping you create a simple, realistic marketing plan for July—without burnout, overwhelm, or spending hours staring at a blank content calendar. Whether you're a photographer, creative entrepreneur, or small business owner, thi...

🎙️ Episode Overview What if your blog didn’t have to feel like a content treadmill? In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate sits down with content strategist and High Leverage Content creator Jana Osofsky to talk about blogging in a way that actually supports your business instead of draining it. Jana introduces her “capsule blog” strategy — a system built around creating 12–20 intentiona...

What happens when your photography business outgrows the space you once dreamed of having? In this bonus episode of The One Behind the Lens, I’m sharing the story behind my decision to officially close my photography studio location after 14 years. Since opening the studio in March of 2012, this space has been home to thousands of sessions, countless memories, and so many different seasons of my p...

🎙️ Episode Overview What does it really take to be a wedding photographer—and is it actually for everyone? In this episode of The One Behind the Lens , Kate sits down with wedding photographer Marissa Naylor to talk about the real, behind-the-scenes truth of the industry. Marissa has been photographing weddings for over a decade and has built a business rooted in connection, storytelling, and crea...

What does it really take to build a successful senior photography business today? In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate sits down with senior photographer and educator Leslie Kerrigan, founder of Seniorologie. Leslie has been photographing seniors for nearly two decades and has built a thriving business along with an education platform that helps photographers create profitable, sustain...

What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Pinterest works differently than social media — and why that matters for photographersHow searchable, helpful content attracts clients long after you post itWhy consistency beats perfection when it comes to long-term visibilityHow one blog post can turn into multiple chances to be discoveredSimple weekly habits that help Pinterest quietly send inquiries your w...

Episode Description: As photographers, it’s easy to think upgrading for a new year means buying new gear. But after years in business, Kate has learned that smoother workflows and better systems matter just as much — if not more. In this solo episode of The One Behind the Lens , Kate walks through the core systems and base gear she relies on to keep her business running smoothly heading into 2026....

🎙️ The One Where Photographers Build a Business They LoveClient Experience, Confidence & Connection with Rachel Larsen WeaverIn this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate DeCoste sits down with photographer and educator Rachel Larsen Weaver for a deep, honest conversation about what it really means to build a photography business you actually love. Rachel shares how she’s created a body-aff...

In this solo episode of The One Behind the Lens , Kate DeCoste dives into one of the most overlooked (and most powerful) parts of building a sustainable photography business: repeat clients. This isn’t about luck, magic, or chasing constant new inquiries. It’s about what happens after the gallery is delivered — and how the way you communicate, follow up, and make people feel turns one-time booking...

This episode feels like sitting on a couch with a really smart friend who gets it - the art, the business, the emotions, and the messy middle of being a photographer. I’m joined by Jill C. Smith , a Catskills-based family photographer and the educator behind The Business Focused Photographer Podcast . Jill’s work is rooted in warmth, nostalgia, and honesty , and her approach to business is refresh...

Episode Summary This episode is a special one because sometimes the people behind the lens aren’t photographers… but they are absolutely part of how the magic gets made. I’m sitting down with my longtime friend and college choir/theatre buddy, Patrick Clayton , the creative force behind Patrick J. Clayton Productions , a bi-coastal, full-service event production company creating large-scale brande...

Episode Title: The One with the Studio Keys: Opening a Photography Studio – Lessons, Surprises & What I Would Do Differently Episode Description: What is it really like to open your own photography studio? In this solo episode of The One Behind the Lens , Kate shares her 12-year experience of owning a studio — the good, the unexpected, and the honest lessons she’s learned along the way. From i...

The One Behind the Lens — Guest: Shayna Lloyd (Montana Diaries) If you’ve been flirting with the idea of adding video to your photography business (but your brain is like… absolutely not ), this episode is for you. I’m hanging out with Shayna Lloyd from Montana Diaries , and we get real about what hybrid shooting actually looks like—without the tech-bro energy, without the pressure to become a ful...

So many photographers and midlife women are told they’re tired, inflamed, or gaining weight because “that’s just getting older.” This episode challenges that narrative. In this conversation, Kate DeCoste sits down with Ivy Towler — a retired registered nurse, photographer, and functional nutritionist-in-training — to talk about what’s really happening in our bodies during midlife and why curiosity...

Every photographer hits a moment where they realize they’ve been busy… but not always intentional. In this episode of The One Behind The Lens , Kate walks photographers through building a clear, realistic business plan for 2026 — without overwhelm, hustle culture, or complicated systems. This conversation is about defining success on your terms, simplifying what you offer, understanding your numbe...

Yay — it’s you. Welcome back, Shutter Squad. 🎙️📸Season Two of The One Behind The Lens with Kate DeCoste drops January 2, and this season we’re going deeper into the conversations photographers actually need. Behind every image is a human. Behind every business is a story. And behind the lens? There’s a whole lot no one teaches you. This season features honest conversations around:• Health and lon...

🎙 Episode Summary In this bonus episode of The One Behind the Lens , Kate sits down with Vickie Black—the founder of Senior Style Guide—to unpack the origins of SSG, the mission behind its supportive photography community, and the iconic Hot 100 contest. From overcoming rejection and industry competition to mastering workflows and maximizing sales, Vickie shares how photographers can elevate their...

Episode Summary: Busy season is busy — but that doesn’t mean your marketing should go dark. In this bonus episode, Kate shares real, actionable ways photographers can stay visible, connect with their audience, and keep future bookings coming — without burning out. From batch posting to showing the messy middle, this is your gentle reminder that done is better than perfect. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown: 00...

🎧 The One with Sales That Don’t Feel Salesy, with Luci Dumas Bonus | The One Behind the Lens Hosted by Kate DeCoste Guest: Luci DumasTotal Length: ~60:00 🎙 Episode Summary When you think of “sales,” do you picture pushy tactics, awkward conversations, and clients ghosting you afterward? My guest this week, Luci Dumas , is here to flip that script. Luci has been a full-time photographer for over 4...

Episode: The One Behind the Lens – Overcoming Pose Panic Every photographer has been there. Standing behind the camera, ready to capture the perfect shot, and suddenly your mind goes blank. Pose panic is a common challenge that can strike during any session, from seniors to families to couples. In this episode of The One Behind the Lens , I share strategies for overcoming pose panic, keeping your...

Episode Title: The One About SEO & AI: What Photographers Need to Know Now with Jeremy Hyler of Photobiz.com Guest: Jeremy Hyler, Creative Director at PhotoBiz.com Summary: In this episode, Kate chats with Jeremy Hyler about the truth behind SEO, what photographers need to know about AI (spoiler: it’s not all bad), and why a streamlined website experience matters more than ever. Whether you're...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The One Behind the Lens , Kate sits down with attorney, entrepreneur, and business strategist Rachel Brenke to unpack the key legal protections every creative business should have. Rachel shares insights from her own journey balancing law, family, and creative ventures, covering contracts, copyright, liability, AI and prevention strategies that save time, money,...