The Retake

What does returning to your work actually look like after becoming a mother? Wedding and family photographer Mari Trancoso gets into the messy, honest reality of building a photography business alongside motherhood — shifting capacity, rethinking pricing, outsourcing, and what "balance" genuinely looks like when you're in it. We also get into everything that sits outside the invoice...

Grad photography gets overlooked a lot in the wedding world - treated as filler work between bigger bookings, or a stepping stone to something more "serious." In this episode, James Wolf breaks down what actually changes when you start treating grad sessions as real rights of passage - from how you draw out genuine personality on a shoot to how you build a grad offering that feels intent...

Film photography gets talked about a lot in wedding photography — especially when it comes to pricing. In this episode, Daniel Kim breaks down what actually changes when you start shooting film, from how you approach exposure and decision-making to how you structure your packages and charge for your work. We talk about whether film should be an add-on or part of your brand, how to price film witho...

Wedding content creators are becoming a regular part of the vendor team — but what exactly do they do, and how does the role differ from photography or videography? In this episode, we talk with Chandla Manning, director of Socially Wed, a wedding content creation company known for capturing weddings using a mix of iPhone and digicam. They explore how wedding content creation is emerging as its ow...

Wedding photographer and fine art creative Koko King doesn’t believe in “just showing up.” In this episode of The Retake, we unpack what it actually means to bring editorial energy to a wedding day — from sculpting light and building sets, to planning portrait windows with intention and knowing when to push a concept further. Koko shares how her unconventional path — from tattoo artist to bodybuil...

Wedding and elopement photographer Marcella Laine on why presence, preparation, and adaptability are no longer optional in wedding photography. In this episode of The Retake , we break down shooting in unpredictable outdoor and destination environments, reading landscapes and light in real time, and designing client experiences that don’t fall apart under pressure. If your work — or your energy —...

Who should lead posing on a wedding day — the photographer or the videographer? We sit down with two wedding photographers (Georgia & Micah) and a wedding videographer (Kristin) to unpack the real dynamics of working together on a wedding day. From sharing space and pacing long timelines to managing ego, energy, and communication, this conversation gets honest about what actually makes collabo...

Family photographer and educator Brooke Schultz shares how to create emotive family mini sessions without sacrificing heart, even in the busiest season. We break down her story-first approach, how to quickly build trust, and why families crave images that feel real. If you’re offering family minis this year, this episode gives you the tools to stand out and book clients who value your work. 🚨Don’...

Learn how to sell your photography services without the awkward pitch. In this episode, Rachel Traxler shares how to build a sales funnel that feels personal, converts better clients, and protects your creative energy. We cover automation, pricing confidence, and how to serve clients with authenticity instead of pressure. Perfect for photographers ready to grow their business with clarity and hear...

Weddings are weird — and that’s what makes them beautiful. Melbourne photographer Oli Sansom joins us to talk about paying attention, resisting content culture, surviving chaos, and why the images that matter most often feel quiet, awkward, or unimportant at the time. We get into the absurd, the intimate, the theatrical — and what it means to shoot like a flâneur. Follow Oli:   📸 Instagram → @oli...

A lot of photographers dream about teaching one day, but most hold back because they don’t feel “ready.” In this episode, Summer Grace returns to the podcast to talk about why waiting might be the wrong move. We get into how explaining your process can sharpen your own craft, what gaps she wishes had been filled when she was starting out, and why building community matters more than chasing follow...

Your portfolio doesn’t need to be bigger — it needs better curation. In this episode, Cam from LENSEL shares why your taste is your most powerful asset as a photographer, how to make the most of the work you already have, and what it means to curate with intention. A must-listen for photographers ready to refine their voice and attract the right clients. Follow LENSEL:   📸 Instagram → @lenselworl...

Freddie Öst from world-class branding agency SNASK joins us to talk about branding, imperfection, and what photographers can learn from design. We dig into “pink lies” and the art of faking it till you make it, how to build trust by showing your human side, and why imperfection is often more powerful than polish. If you’re ready to stand out in a crowded industry, this conversation will change the...

Todd Smith joins us to unpack the hidden costs of people-pleasing and why highly sensitive people struggle with boundaries. We explore how self-abandonment shows up in creative work, what aligned decision-making actually feels like, and how to stop overthinking every choice. If you're a photographer, creative, or chronic “nice person,” this one's for you. Follow Todd:   📸 Instagram → @h...

Lauren Ashley Grenda shares how life’s hardest moments — from premature motherhood to personal tragedy — shaped her artistry and drive. In this candid conversation, she reveals how compassion born from her lived experiences fuels her work as a destination wedding photographer. Hear how she built the business of her dreams while staying true to herself and her clients. Follow Lauren Ashley:   📸 In...

Jon Taylor Sweet shares how he grew from shooting on an iPhone to becoming an internationally recognised photographer—without spending a cent on ads. Hear how word‑of‑mouth built his career, why serving clients comes before ego, and how he’s redefining success while leaning into music photography. Follow Jon:   📸 Instagram → @jontaylorsweet  Website → jontaylorsweet.com    💵Did you know you can...

Photographing kids can be unpredictable! But with the right prep, it doesn’t have to be stressful. In this episode, I chat with family and branding photographer, kid whisperer, and former teacher Laura Jane Ferguson about how she plans inclusive, kid-friendly photo sessions.     From using visual guides for neurodiverse brains to creating calming environments and reading the room, Laura shares pra...

You don’t have to niche down or share every photo online to build a photography business that works for you. Lindsay Coulter joins us to talk about what it really means to shoot with heart — from weddings to family sessions and everything in between. We dive into her privacy-first approach, why consistency matters more than choosing a niche, and how teaching yoga helped her become more intuitive w...

You don’t need a big studio, luxury clients, or perfect timelines to build a meaningful photography business. Becca Cannon joins us to talk about how she left traditional weddings behind, embraced elopements, and hit the road — literally — in her van with her dog Desi. We talk about what it really takes to pivot niches, why fear is part of the process, and how over-communicating with your couples...

You don’t need awards, followers, or a six-figure floral budget to make meaningful work. Photographer Miles Witt Boyer joins us to talk about legacy, leadership, and why chasing vanity metrics will burn you out faster than a wedding double-header. He shares how kidney stones (yes, literal kidney stones) kept him from one of the biggest weddings of his career — and what it taught him about trust, t...

You don’t need 10,000 followers to land your first brand deal. David Zhou shares how photographers can start small, pitch smart, and build real partnerships — no gatekeeping, no fluff. If you’re ready to grow beyond client shoots and generate more opportunities for yourself, this one's for you. Want to streamline your business behind the scenes? Want to earn passive income and dip your toes i...

Brittany Couture isn’t just taking photos — she’s crafting experiences her couples never forget. In this episode, we dive into the client journey: building trust, creating ease, setting boundaries, and why the way you show up matters just as much as the work itself. Want specialised tools to make your client experience better than ever?  Try The Unscripted App for Photographers free — questionnair...

From piggy bank to booked out, Staci Brucks shares how she built a thriving wedding photography business from scratch — and what it *really* felt like behind the scenes. We talk rapid growth, mindset shifts, identity, money, and the emotional cost of “making it.” Whether you’re just starting out or growing fast, this one’s for you. Want tools to take your photography hobby full-time?  Try The Unsc...

Celeste Shiels is a photographer from the Sunshine Coast, Australia, who specializes in maternity, motherhood, family, and wedding photography. You might have seen her featured on Unscripted recently, but today, we’re diving even deeper into her creative journey. Celeste started out studying film and television before shifting her focus to photography, and that cinematic influence is still woven t...

Jonathan Hicks Jr. is a talented couples and wedding photographer based in New York City. Jonathan is known for his cinematic, moody style that captures the romance and connection between his subjects.  In our conversation, we'll dive into Jonathan's creative journey - from picking up a camera for the first time on a trip to Cuba, to developing his signature look inspired by the world of...