The Work Between: The Business of Photography

Let’s clear this up once and for all: IPS is not a pricing structure. In this episode, we’re breaking down what In-Person Sales actually is—and what it’s not. Because photographers keep mixing up “IPS vs all-inclusive” like they’re opposites. Spoiler: they’re not even in the same category. Here’s what we’re covering:   The difference between how you sell vs what you sell Why you can offer albums a...

The fastest way to stall your growth? Spend all your time copying everyone else. In this episode, we’re getting spicy. Because while imitation might feel like a shortcut, it’s actually keeping you from building something sustainable. We’re talking about the not-so-subtle habits that photographers fall into when they feel stuck, like:   Using someone else’s images for marketing (yes, even “for insp...

If you’re putting energy into SEO and your website but ignoring your Google Business Profile… it’s time to fix that. In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most underused and misunderstood tools photographers have access to: your Google Business Profile (GBP). We’ll break down:   Why showing up in the Map Pack matters more than you think How your GBP helps you rank even if your website is...

“We love your work, but…” Ugh. You already know what’s coming next. A soft no that turns into self-doubt, panic pricing, or worse—discounts that eat your profit alive. But here’s what we want you to remember: You’re not too expensive. You’re just not for everyone’s budget. And that’s okay. This episode will help you stop internalizing pricing objections and start owning your worth—without apology....

You’re over-delivering—and undercutting your profit. Photographers often add more images “just to be nice,” or because a gallery feels incomplete without them. But what is it actually doing?   Confusing your client, bloating your workflow, and burning you out.   In this episode of The Work Between, we’re walking through the hidden cost of over-delivery and how to easily fix it. You’ll learn:   Why...

Feeling like your market is flooded? That there are too many photographers and not enough clients? This episode is your wake-up call. In this episode of The Work Between, we’re breaking down the real reason your leads might be slowing down—and it has nothing to do with saturation and everything to do with strategy. We’re covering:   What “saturation” actually looks like (and why it’s not the villa...

Mini sessions can be chaotic, low-profit, and exhausting—or they can be one of the smartest revenue strategies in your business. In this episode of The Work Between, we’re showing you how we’ve used mini sessions to generate $40K+ months without burning out. You’ll learn how to align minis with your full-service brand, what to charge, how to upsell with intention, and how to use minis as a funnel...

Fall is the busiest season for most photographers—but that doesn’t mean it’s the most profitable. In this episode of The Work Between, we’re unpacking the five most common Fall mistakes that cost photographers thousands. From unnecessary discounts to overbooking, underpricing minis, and not charging for rushes or weekends, these are the pitfalls we’ve seen (and made) ourselves. You’ll walk away kn...

Fall season doesn’t have to feel like a frenzy of last-minute posts, panicked emails, or wondering why you’re not booking — even when demand is high.   In this kickoff episode of our 3-part Fall Push series, we’re walking you through how to plan your entire Fall marketing strategy in just one afternoon. This episode is packed with practical actions you can take right now — so October through Decem...

Are you wondering if it’s time to start charging for photography, or even launch your business officially? This episode breaks down what actually makes you ready to start charging, legally and professionally.   We’re not talking vibes or follower count. We’re talking about the real stuff that matters: insurance, consistency, systems, and whether you're set up to deliver at a professional level.  ...

You don’t need more leads—you need longer relationships . In this episode, we’re sharing how to turn one ideal photography client into a calendar full of bookings, recurring revenue, and loyal referrals using a simple, streamlined membership model. Whether you offer maternity, newborn, family, or milestone sessions, this strategy works—without hustle, discounts, or pressure. What you’ll learn:   W...

Tired of staring at a blinking cursor every time you post on Instagram? You’re not alone. This week, we’re introducing a time-saving strategy that will change how you approach content creation: Wildcard Captions. This isn’t about batching generic content. It’s about writing captions that you can pair with any image —so your marketing feels fresh, aligned, and actually sustainable. Inside this epis...

You’ve refined your style. Your edits are on point. Your images? Gorgeous. So why aren’t the inquiries coming in? In this episode, we’re diving into brand dissonance—when what you say and what people feel don’t match. It’s the invisible disconnect that quietly pushes dream clients away. Inside you'll find: What brand dissonance is (and how to spot it) How to audit your website, Instagram, and edit...

Indoor lighting doesn’t have to be intimidating. If you’re a natural light photographer who wants softer, more flattering images inside your client’s home or your own studio, this episode gives you five practical, clear tips that make a visible difference, without needing expensive gear. This is what we do every day in our sessions. Inside this episode: • Why pulling subjects away from windows and...

If SEO has felt like an overwhelming mystery, this episode is your roadmap. We're walking you through exactly what you need to do, step-by-step, to start getting photography inquiries from Google. You don’t need to be techy. You just need a clear strategy that makes sense. Inside this episode: • What SEO actually is (in plain English) • Why Google rankings matter and how to influence them • How to...

Too many photographers wait to “feel ready” before raising their prices, but confidence doesn’t come first. In this episode, we walk through exactly what helps you build real pricing confidence, rooted in clarity, numbers, and the value you actually deliver. You’ll learn how to audit your workload, calculate what you should be charging based on your goals, and start shifting the mindset blocks tha...

Before you drop another dollar on a course or mentor, hit play. We’re unpacking what actually matters when choosing education—and calling out the red flags most people ignore. Just because someone’s loud on Instagram doesn’t mean they should be teaching you. From shady contracts to profitless photographers turned educators, we’re saying the quiet parts out loud. If you want no nonsense ideas of wh...

Let’s rip off the pretty, fully-booked Band-Aid: just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you’re profitable. If your calendar is packed but your bank account feels like a joke, this episode is your reality check. We’re walking through a simple math audit (no shame, just clarity), sharing real numbers, and helping you figure out where your money’s leaking.  You didn’t build a business to be exhausted...

Let’s be honest—your to-do list isn’t the problem. It’s the lack of clarity. In this episode, we’re sharing five ways to simplify your photography business so you can actually get more done, with less chaos. From our favorite daily method to the power of themed workdays, you’ll walk away with strategies that cut the noise and move the needle. These are the exact systems we use in our own businesse...

Being the most talented photographer in town doesn’t matter if your brand is forgettable. In this episode, we’re walking through how to build a brand that makes people feel like you’re the only option. From website copy to visual voice, we’re giving you the exact gut checks and questions to ask if you want to build trust—and inquiries—on autopilot.  We each built 300k photography businesses, and n...

Let’s talk pricing structures—the kind that actually work. In this episode, we’re breaking down the three most common models photographers use: all-inclusive, collections, and à la carte. Each one has its perks and problems, and we’ve tried them all. Whether you’re just starting out or overdue for a restructure, this conversation will help you choose the model that supports your energy, your sales...

Your Instagram profile isn’t just a gallery of pretty pictures, it’s a sales tool. And if you’re not getting clients from IG, chances are a few small (but fixable) things are turning people away. In this episode, we’re breaking down 5 common mistakes we see photographers make. From bios that say nothing, to hashtags that go nowhere—and giving you simple, smart ways to fix each one. If you want a p...

We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it. If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.   And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open... MOTIV is the...