Totally Candid Podcast

On this week's episode, Jess and Marissa are talking all about burnout! Every busy season is crazy for different reasons, but the common denominator is often feeling burnt out by the end. Whether your full-time gig is photography, or its still your side hustle waiting to be your full-time job, burnout is experienced by everyone in some way or another. Listen as Jess and Marissa talk about their ex...

The holidays are here, and we’ve got your back! Whether you’re shopping for the photographer in your life (or making your own wish list 😉), this episode is packed with creative gift ideas, must-have gear, and thoughtful goodies to inspire any shutterbug. From budget-friendly finds to splurge-worthy upgrades, we’re covering it all. Tune in, take notes, and make this gifting season the easiest one...

On this week's Thanksgiving exclusive episode, Jess and Marissa talk about what they are thankful for! Feel free to take this time to reflect on what you're thankful for this year, and leave it in the comments below! Have a wild photography story or a topic you’d love us to chat about on the pod? Send it our way at ⁠totallycandidpod@gmail.com⁠—we’d love to hear from you! Stay connected with us:✨...

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of DJs! From unforgettable dance floor moments to the occasional chaos, we’re sharing our best and worst DJ stories. We’ll also break down what makes a DJ amazing to work with and offer tips on how photographers can build a great working relationship with them. Whether you're a fellow wedding vendor or just curious about what really happens behind the s...

On this week's episode, Jess and Marissa talk about their trip to California to photograph a wedding! From gushing over the wedding venue (a gorgeous desert botanical garden), to talking about exploring Alcatraz (and low-key ghost hunting), the girls recount all their favorite parts of their first trip across the country together. Tell us in the comments down below where you've been lucky enough t...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Who better to join us for this Halloween episode than Steven, our very own spooky expert? Jess, Marissa, and Steven share their eeriest ghost stories and supernatural encounters—including one experience that changed Steven’s life forever. So, grab a blanket, get cozy, and prepare for chills because these stories are bound to haunt you. Have any crazy photography stories or topics...

HAPPY ALMOST HALLOWEEN! Join Jess and Marissa this week as they read some spooky Creepypasta's from r/nosleep on Reddit! These stories are absolutely wild, so buckle up, grab a nice hot cup of tea, and enjoy! Story 1 "The time I saw a Wendigo" https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/9wvtai/the_time_i_saw_a_wendigo/ Story 2 "My son's camera monitor alerted in the middle of the night. I checked it...

Ready to get spooky? In this episode, Jess & Marissa dive into the world of styled shoots with a Halloween twist! We’re talking everything from eerie vibes to dark, moody setups, as we share our creative process and do some live brainstorming for the ultimate spooky shoot. Whether you’re planning your own Halloween-inspired session or just love hearing how we come up with ideas, this episode i...

BOO! Happy Halloween-month everyone! Jess and Marissa kick off October with their first episode in their 5-episode miniseries of spoooooky episodes! In this episode, the girls are browsing the r/Paranormal subreddit under the Photo Evidence category... and BOY are there some scary photos to review! Join in on the fun by clicking the links below to each story to see the photo evidence as the girls...

Bridal getting ready photos are some of our favorite moments to capture! In this episode, Jess & Marissa break down everything you need to know about getting those dreamy shots—from prepping the space to the best prompts for genuine, fun photos. We talk through our process as wedding photographers during this part of the day and share some of our go-to tips and ideas to make sure you get the m...

This week's episode is all about Vendor Meal stories! Jess and Marissa have had some odd vendor meals to say the least... from uncooked meat to getting scolded by the venue staff for grabbing a plate, the girls have certainly experienced it all! Enjoy these possibly relatable stories, and let us know what you think below! Have any crazy photography stories or topics you’d like us to read on the po...

Are you team light and airy or dark and moody? Jess & Marissa dive into the great debate, breaking down these two popular photography styles. From dreamy, bright tones to deep, shadowy vibes, they chat about what makes each look special and when one might be the perfect fit. Whether you're into soft and romantic or bold and dramatic, this episode has the ultimate comparison to help you find yo...

Join the girls this week as they read through some crazy photo-related stories shared on Facebook Photography Pages! From interesting lawsuits being filed & client experiences to internet trolls, these stories are aaaaall over the place! Have any crazy photography stories or topics you’d like us to read on the pod? Email them to us at ⁠totallycandidpod@gmail.com⁠ Follow us on instagram: ⁠ @tot...

Well what do ya know, its another 10th episode which means we have Steven joining us this week! This is a topic we all are super passionate about, so of course we wanted to highlight it. We hope that you can relate to at least something we cover on this episode when it comes to mental health, and it helps at least a little bit! Have any crazy photography stories or topics you’d like us to read on...

Join Jess and Marissa on this fun episode where they share some of their funniest groomsmen stories! The stories truly speak for themselves, so you'll just have to give it a listen 👀 Have any crazy photography stories or topics you’d like us to read on the pod? Email them to us at totallycandidpod@gmail.com If you want to see our work, check us out on Instagram: @jessbiancardiphotography & @m...

Our featured guest this episode, Julianna Katherine Photo, gives us the inside scoop about trends she is seeing in the industry with photography gear, pros and cons of the 3 major camera brands, little film secrets, and so much more! If you're just starting out and are thinking "what the heck do I do for photography gear?"—this episode is for you! Give Julianna a follow! @juliannakatherinephoto Ju...

Join Jess and Marissa on this week's episode as they discuss utilizing Ambient Light versus Flash! Both girls have used either lighting scenario many times in their careers, but today is the ultimate showdown between the two. Follow along as they discuss the pros and cons of both, while also discovering the deeper meaning that Ambient Light and Flash bring to your photos! Have any crazy photograph...

Its another reddit episode!! We're spilling the tea on some nightmares that this OP has gone through in her 14 years of being a wedding photographer. Have any crazy photography stories or topics you’d like us to discuss on the pod? Email them to us at totallycandidpod@gmail.com If you want to see our work, check us out on Instagram: @jessbiancardiphotography & @marissajohannaphoto Here’s our w...

Join Jess and Marissa this week as they talk all things questionnaires! This is the second episode in the Mini Mentor Session series where the girls go through their processes in-depth and give any advice they can! Listen along as Marissa asks Jess specific questions regarding all the questionnaires she has prepped and ready to send to clients, and explains why they're each so important. Have any...

If you struggle with photography poses and prompts on a wedding day, this episode is for you! Jess & Marissa go through exactly how they pose and what prompts they give for weddings and engagement sessions. If you are looking to execute a more storytelling approach in your photography, give this episode a listen! Follow us on Instagram for updates and more fun content! ⁠@totallycandidpodcast⁠...

Join the girls this week as they walk through their "photo starter pack"! In this episode, Jess and Marissa are going through the nitty gritty details of equipment they suggest having when you're looking to take the next step to make your creative outlet a professional career. Have any crazy photography stories or topics you’d like us to read on the pod? Email them to us at totallycandidpod@gmail....

It's our 22nd episode!!! If you haven't noticed by now we love repeating numbers, specifically 222. So to celebrate, this episode is a Q&A! We cover how we manage our time and harness a work-life balance, what our favorite photos are, iPhone photography tips & so much more! Ask us more questions at totallycandidpod@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram for updates and more fun content! ⁠@totall...

On this week's episode, Jess and Marissa discuss some wedding day "horror stories" that left them in a pinch day-of. Listen to the girls share their stories and give advice on how to handle situations like theirs! Hopefully, none of you will have crazy things happen to you during a Wedding shoot day, but if you do it'll certainly make a great story! Have any crazy photography stories or topics you...

The ultimate battle of Jess's second shooters: Steven vs. Marissa. Listen to Jess give different umbrella topics of second shooting while Steven & Marissa list do's and don'ts for each! This super informative episode covers topics from how to be the best assistant as a second photographer, how to interact with guests, and other responsibilities of a second photographer! Follow us on Instagram...

We have a special guest this week: Mike Derrico from Better Photography! In this episode, we dive into our photographic process during photo shoots, the backend of our businesses, and our post-production process. We also discuss how Mike navigates the boudoir photography space & the art of it all! If you're looking for some good laughs, tips and tricks, and motivation to keep going in your pho...