Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast

Ever feel like you’re stuck in “safe mode” on wedding days – shooting what you think you should instead of what truly lights you up? Maybe you crave those soulful, layered images that make your heart skip a beat, but fear, burnout, or the pressure to deliver “must-have” shots keeps you playing small. If you’re ready to break free and capture the real essence of your couples, this episode is your permission slip.

I sat down with Raphaëlle Granger – documentary wedding photographer, educator, and all-around creative soul – to unpack how she ditched her safe zone, started shooting more fearlessly, and attracted dream clients who value her unique vision. 

Tune in to discover:

• Why playing it safe with your photos is holding you back and how Raphaëlle broke free to shoot with fearless creativity 
  
  
• Mini show-and-tell: watch us break down 3 of Raphaëlle’s recent wedding photos and how she got those soulful, candid shots (even when the days felt chaotic) 
  
  
• The second shooter hack that frees you up to take risks and experiment – without missing the “safe” shots 
  
  
• Tips to help your guests forget the camera is there so you capture genuine candids 
  
  
• How to attract hell yes clients (and gently turn away the ones who aren’t a fit)
  
  
• How Raphaëlle broke through her $3.5K pricing ceiling and started booking higher-paying clients who love her fearless style 

📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗 

✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode

✔️ See Raphaëlle’s soulful images from the episode

✔️ Free resource from Raphaëlle

✔️ Check out Raphaëlle’s Mentorship & Educational Resources

✔️ Connect with Raphaëlle on Instagram

✔️ Discover more resources for photographers 

👋🏻 Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!
Photography account: @saramonikaphoto
Education account: @sara.monika

✅ SUBSCRIBE

If you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way.

Leave a Review 🙏

If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!
Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,
Sara

Ever feel like you’re hustling nonstop – shooting, editing, delivering, and still wondering where all your time (+ money) went? Maybe you’re hitting those “six-figure” milestones, but behind the scenes, you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and missing out on the life you actually want. If you’ve ever felt stuck on the hamster wheel, battling mom guilt, burnout, or the fear of raising your prices, this episode is for you.

Today I’m joined by Alora Rachelle, who gets real about her journey from overbooked and underpaid to working less and charging more as a photographer and busy mom of two. We dive deep into the mindset shifts, practical strategies, and honest stories that will help you break free from the grind and step into a business (and life) that truly lights you up.

In this week’s episode you’ll discover:

• Why just “working harder” isn’t the answer – and how simplifying your business can actually unlock more income and freedom 
  
  
• How Alora raised her prices (and how you can do it too without losing bookings or feeling “salesy”)
  
  
• How to spot the difference between a marketing problem and a sales or mindset block – and what to do about it 
  
  
• The journaling prompts and reframes that melt away imposter syndrome before every sales call
  
  
• How to lead sales conversations with confidence, serve your clients deeply, and attract dream bookings with ease 
  
  
• Real-life stories of photographers who doubled their prices, booked higher-ticket clients, and reclaimed their time (and joy!) to inspire you on your journey 

📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗

✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode

✔️ Alora’s Free Training: How to Book $10K Weddings This Year – Learn how to master the art of brand, marketing and sales without booking more than 20 weddings a year

✔️ Apply for Alora’s Wedding Atelier Program – Get personalized support to raise your prices, book dream clients, and reclaim your time

✔️ The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron – The journaling book that changed both our lives  

✔️ E-Squared by Pam Grout – Mindset experiments to see what’s possible

✔️ Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen – A must-read for shifting your self-talk

✔️  Connect with Alora on Instagram

✔️ Listen to the Wedding Atelier Podcast

👋🏻 Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!
Photography account: @saramonikaphoto
Education account: @sara.monika

✅ SUBSCRIBE

If you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way.

Leave a Review 🙏

If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!
Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,
Sara

Real talk: finding a second shooter you can actually trust (who cares as much as you do) can feel like a tall order. Maybe you’ve been burned by “bare minimum” seconds, or you’re stuck in the cycle of doing it all yourself because letting go of control feels scary. But what if you could finally get trusted support, book more dream gigs, and reignite your own creative spark – without sacrificing your standards or sanity?

In this episode, I sit down with Jimmy Lick, founder of Second Society – a vetted network that makes finding, hiring, and being a second shooter easier (and more fun) than ever. We dive into practical strategies and surprising mindset shifts to help you hire (or become) a second shooter who truly elevates the experience – so you can save time, serve your clients better, and fall back in love with your business.

In this week’s episode you’ll discover:

• The origin story behind Second Society: How Jimmy turned a simple idea into a 4,000+ strong platform for photographers 
  
  
• Why hiring a vetted second shooter is so important – and what to look for beyond just skill (this one thing can make or break your entire experience) 
  
  
• The biggest red and green flags we’ve seen in second shooters — and how to stand out if you're looking for gigs 
  
  
• How to communicate expectations before, during, and after the shoot to avoid nightmare scenarios 
  
  
• The underrated second shooter hack no one talks about: why hiring someone more experienced than you can be the ultimate level-up in your photography business 
  
  
• How to get started with Second Society – whether you’re hiring, looking for work, or just curious 

RESOURCES + LINKS

✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode

✔️ Follow Jimmy Lick on Instagram

✔️ Follow Second Society on Instagram – Connect with Jimmy and the Second Society community for inspiration, job postings, and more. 

✔️ Listen to the Second Society Podcast – Tune in for more behind-the-scenes stories, tips, and industry insights. 

✔️ Join Second Society – The vetted platform for finding (and becoming) high-quality second and lead shooters for photographers and videographers worldwide. 

✔️ Discover more resources for photographers – Free guides, tools, and support at saramonika.com/photographers

👋🏻 Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!
Photography account: @saramonikaphoto
Education account: @sara.monika

✅ SUBSCRIBE

If you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way.

Leave a Review 🙏

If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!
Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,
Sara

What if you could spend just 5–20 minutes today doing something your future self would thank you for — and it led to a massive shift in your photography business?

Well... this is your chance. The 2025 Podcast Giveaway is officially LIVE, and I’ve got 3 incredible prizes up for grabs (yup, THREE winners 🙌)

1st Prize: A 1-on-1 personalized coaching session with me ($1000 value)
2nd Prize: Lifetime access to my Intuitive Wedding Storytelling course ($997 value)
3rd Prize: My Crystal Clear Marketing mini-course ($300 value)

All you have to do is:

👉Click the giveaway post link here and follow the instructions in the caption

You can rack up unlimited entries — so go wild if you’re feelin’ it!
 
Contest is open August 5-11 2025. Winners will be chosen by random draw + announced LIVE on August 12 at 12pm EST on Instagram.

🎧 Listen for how-to instructions, and some real inspiration from students who’ve actually transformed their businesses with these offers. This could be you next.

👉 Ready to enter? Let’s goooo!

Swipe My Favorite Prompts: How To Capture the Photos Your Couples Will Treasure Most

Ever left a session feeling like you missed “the shot” – the one that truly captures your couple’s real story? Or maybe you’ve felt stuck in a rut, using the same prompts and poses, wishing you could create images that feel more meaningful (for your clients and for you)? 

If so, you’ll love this quick, actionable episode where I share the simple question I ask during every session that uncovers those hidden, heartfelt moments – plus real-life stories of how it’s led to some of my best work. If you’re craving more creative flow and a way to take every session to the next level, this one’s for you.

In this week’s episode you’ll discover:

• The exact question I ask couples that reveals their unique rituals, quirks, and memories, so you never miss a truly meaningful shot 
  
  
• Real behind-the-scenes stories: from couples cuddling their dog as a pillow, to spontaneous fishing adventures at sunset, to cozy kitchen counter moments 
  
  
• How one simple follow-up transformed a standard “walking” shot into something way more personal – and how you can do the same
  
  
• The subtle mindset shift that helps you stop rushing, get curious, and create work that actually feels like your couple (while boosting your own creative confidence)
  
  
• How this approach works for family and branding sessions too, so you can create magic with every client, every time
  
  
• Plus: download my actual pre-engagement session questionnaire for free! These are the exact questions I send every couple so I can show up feeling prepared, inspired, and ready to capture their story 

📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗

 ✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode 

✔️ Get my Engagement Session Questionnaire FREE  

✔️Check out my Instagram post to see the photos mentioned in this episode 

✔️ Discover more resources for photographers  

👋🏻 Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Photography account: @saramonikaphoto
Education account: @sara.monika

✅ SUBSCRIBE

If you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way.

Leave a Review 🙏

If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!
Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,

Sara

Let’s face it… editing can feel like a never-ending time suck, but the thought of learning new tech (or letting go of control) can also be downright scary. But what if you could save 50-60% of your editing time, cut your outsourcing costs in half, and finally have space for the things that light you up? 

In this episode, I’m sharing my honest, two-year journey with Imagen AI – from total skeptic to full-on convert. I’ll break down the real numbers, the workflow tweaks, and the mindset shifts that helped me reclaim my time, energy, and joy – so you can, too.

In this week’s episode you’ll discover:

• How I trained Imagen AI (without adding any extra editing to my plate) 
  
  
• Why I still use a human editor alongside Imagen AI and how the combo actually saves me more time and money
  
  
• My exact editing workflow after 2 years of using Imagen AI 
  
  
• The mindset shifts that helped me stop procrastinating learning about AI and finally incorporate it into my outsourcing workflow 
  
  
• Why starting NOW (even mid-season) is the smartest move for your future self 
  
  
• The real cost of outsourcing with Imagen AI vs. doing it all yourself with exact numbers from my business (including how much I pay my human editor) 
  
  
• How to get 1500 free edits to try Imagen AI for yourself 

📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗

 ✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode 

✔️ Get 1500 free edits with Imagen AI – Train your AI for free and see how much time you can save!

✔️ Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE – My step-by-step checklist for outsourcing and saving hours every week

✔️ Discover more resources on my website – Free guides, tools, and support for photographers

✔️ Outsourcing Made Easy Waitlist – Doors open once a year! Get on the list to learn my exact smart outsourcing workflows 

👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Photography account: @saramonikaphoto

Education account: @sara.monika 

✅SUBSCRIBE

If you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. 

Leave a Review 🙏

If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!

Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,

Sara

Ever feel like you’re running on a hamster wheel – shoot, edit, deliver, repeat – while your creativity and energy slowly drain away? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing the real talk from a recent in-person workshop I ran for a group of photographers in Ontario, where we dove deep into the struggles of burnout, imposter syndrome, and the never-ending to-do list. 

I open up about my own journey from control-freak perfectionist to a freedom-driven business owner, and how learning to outsource (and trust others!) completely transformed my life and business. If you’re craving more time, more joy, and more space to actually live – this episode is for you.

In this week’s episode you’ll discover:

• Why burnout shows up again and again – and how to finally break the cycle 
  
  
• The real root of imposter syndrome (and a surprisingly simple “in-the-moment” cure)
  
  
• My Outsourcing Made Easy framework – how I scaled to $1.6M in revenue while working 70% less 
  
  
• A mindset shift that changed everything: Why you don’t need more time or confidence… just removing this one thing from your day-to-day.
  
  
• How to let go of control and still keep your unique style and high standards (yes, it’s possible!) 

📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗

 ✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode > 

✔️ Download the Free Workshop Workbook – Visual diagrams and exercises to help you break the burnout cycle and start outsourcing with confidence

✔️ Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE – My step-by-step checklist for outsourcing and saving hours every week

✔️ Dorothy May’s Instagram – Connect with Dorothy and join her amazing in-person photo swaps and community events in Ontario

✔️ Discover more resources on my website – Free guides, tools, and support for photographers

👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Photography account: @saramonikaphoto

Education account: @sara.monika 

✅SUBSCRIBE

If you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. 

Leave a Review 🙏

If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!

Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,

Sara

What if tuning into your body could unlock more creativity, clarity, and connection in your photography work? In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by photographer and podcast host Danika, for a free-flowing conversation on the role that movement and mindfulness play in helping us stay grounded, inspired, and intentional — both behind the lens and in life.

We talk about what movement looks like beyond exercise — how it helps photographers regulate energy, access joy, and stay present in high-pressure moments. From puddle-jumping in the rain to mindful post-wedding workflows, Sara shares powerful insights on staying connected to your body and creativity.

Our conversation took some personal turns as we reflected on birth and motherhood, marveling at how capable and wise our bodies truly are. It all tied back to the episode’s theme: the importance of listening inward. The conversation flowed as if we’d known each other for years, and Sara brought so much depth, intention, and practical wisdom.

In this episode, we explore:

— How to use movement as a reset before, during, and after photo sessions and weddings.
— Embodied mindfulness and what that actually looks like in a creative business.
— Playful movement practices that reignite creative energy.
— The value of slowing down, trusting your body, and redefining productivity.

If you’re a photographer or creative who wants to feel more present, intentional, and creatively fueled, this episode will meet you right where you are.

📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗

✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode > 

✔️Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE > saramonika.com/workflow

✔️ Danika’s Sharp Shooter Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zFAXGh10xOCVURtgVtFb9

✔️ Danika’s Shop for Photographers (where you can find her freebies -- Her Business Apps Revealed and Running Your Business with a Baby Masterclass): https://stan.store/sharpshooterpod

✔️ Danika’s Photo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharpshooter.photo/

✔️ Danika’s Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharpshooter.pod/

✔️ Danika’s Website: www.sharpshooter-ssp.com

👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Photography account: @saramonikaphoto

Education account: @sara.monika 

✅SUBSCRIBE

If you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. 

Leave a Review 🙏

If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!

Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,

Sara

Ever felt that pit in your stomach when you check your bank account or just totally overwhelmed with how to manage your money in your photography business? You’re not alone. 

In this episode, I open up about how a tough financial year – one that started with just $30k in guaranteed revenue for 2024 – became the turning point that completely transformed how I manage money. I share the simple, sustainable system that helped me grow my revenue to $195k in under 12 months, how I set up my bank accounts for clarity and calm, and the practical steps I took to rebuild trust in myself as a business owner. If finances have ever felt overwhelming or confusing, this one's for you.

In this week’s episode you’ll discover:

• The real, raw details of how I almost ran out of money and what caused it 😳
  
  
• The simple yet powerful money management system I discovered that saved the day and how you can use it in your business 💸
  
  
• A behind-the-scenes breakdown of my bank accounts, including how I allocate my money into different accounts to create clarity, peace of mind, and stay on track with my goals ✅
  
  
• My best tips and tool recommendations for making your "CEO money date" fun, enjoyable and easy to stick to 📅
  
  
• How I went from having only $30k in guaranteed revenue at the start of the year, to a $195k year at the end of the year: the exact steps I took to revitalize my business and create financial security (this is a must-listen if you’re not where you want to be financially right now!) 👀

📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗

✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode > 

✔️Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE > saramonika.com/workflow

✔️ Discover more resources on my website > saramonika.com/photographers

✔️ Profit First by Mike Michalowicz > https://amzn.to/4lpleVh

👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Photography account: @saramonikaphoto

Education account: @sara.monika 

✅SUBSCRIBE

If you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. 

Leave a Review 🙏
If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!

Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,

Sara

Ever wondered how a photographer you admire got “that” shot? The one that stops your scroll and immediately gets you curious? I know I do! And so I figured, why don’t I be that person for someone else and take you behind-the-scenes of my latest wedding in Mexico, so you can steal an idea or two for your next shoot.

In this over-the shoulder tutorial, you’ll:

• Get a behind-the-scenes look at how I prompted my couple on the day thanks to footage from my new Meta glasses! 👓
  
  
• Learn how I use engagement questionnaires to understand a couple’s unique energy and capture their connection authentically on wedding days 📋
  
  
• Watch me edit a photo in real time and get a walkthrough of my editing process, tools and techniques 💻
  
  
• Discover how I use ImagenAI to create a strong base edit (+ how you can get 1500 free edits free!) 🤖
  
  
• Get free access to my 3 Hour Post Wedding Workflow Checklist to see exactly which parts of the process I outsource, why, and how much time it saves me ⏰

📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗

✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode > 

✔️Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE > saramonika.com/workflow

✔️ Get my engagement questionnaire questions FREE > saramonika.com/questions

✔️ Imagen Ai, how I get a stronger base edit for less time spent on editing. Sign up using the link to get 1500 free edits ➡︎ https://imagen-ai.com/?ref_id=151662007

✔️ Discover more resources on my website > saramonika.com/photographers

👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Photography account: @saramonikaphoto

Education account: @sara.monika 

✅SUBSCRIBE

If you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. 

Leave a Review 🙏
If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!

Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,

Sara

I'm hooking you up with the audio replay from a recent OME alumni Q&A panel call with a few of my Outsourcing Made Easy alumni students: Tia, Jennifer, and Bri.

They are crushing experiencing being the embodiment of a time + income abundant photographer - and you get to learn from them directly for free! 📷✨🎉🙌🏻
​
Get your burning outsourcing questions answered right now by pressing play now on this episode.​

​Here are just some of the questions they answered that were pre submitted by you all!👇🏻​
​
✨ Where is the best place to find a good editor?
​
✨ Has outsourcing affected your income in a way where your expenses increased so your income dropped? It’s hard for me to wrap my head around working less and making more being actually attainable.
​
✨What questions should I be asking myself to unearth who my ideal VA even is?
​
✨ If I start outsourcing, what should I outsource first? My editing, culling, admin tasks? Ahh i need help with it all!
​
✨ I heard Sara mention that the way she teaches outsourcing is very affordable. Is that true?
​
✨ How did you know it was the right time for you to start learning how to outsource?
​
✨ What’s your favourite part about getting your time back through outsourcing?
​
✨ I really want to join OME but I’m nervous to make the investment, how did you finally decide you’re gonna go ahead and commit to taking the course?
​
✨ What fear popped up for you before joining OME that almost stopped you from signing up but you’re SO glad you didn’t listen to it?
​
✨ I feel like I’m drowning right now. I can’t even fathom adding another thing to my to do list, let alone a course, should I wait to sign up next year when hopefully I’ll have my ducks in a row then?
​
And we covered even more!!🌞
​
So grab a drink, get cozy, get editing, and hit play on this replay and enjoy soaking in all this wisdom while we keep you company! 💖🌞

Join Outsourcing Made Easy here

Mom photographers (and photographers that want to work less hard + make more), this bonus episode is for you specifically! (if you want to work fewer hours + STILL make the income you desire).

Get your free spot in my once yearly FREE live Masterclass "The 4 Secrets To Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer"

And in case you’ve been around here for a while and attended this class before, here’s a quick rundown of why you should join (or join again) this year:

👉 Each year I refresh and improve this class with the most up-to-date industry stats, transparent numbers from my own business, and “working right now” pricing guidance so you know exactly how much outsourcing will be for you (and hint: it’s the most affordable it’s ever been) 💸

👉 I’ll also sharing a brand-new 3-step outsourcing framework which actually gives you results you’re happy with 🤯

👉 This is one of the only ways to get FREE live coaching from me (I always leave as much time that is needed at the end to troubleshoot your biggest questions and challenges)

👉 You’ll get to connect with like-minded photographers from all over the world who understand *exactly* what you’re going through (which we all need more of in our lives! You can’t get that on a replay ;) 💛

👉 Our brains love repetition. If you loved this class but were snowed under at the time or simply need to light a fire under yourself again to make this happen for you…

Get your free spot in my once yearly FREE live Masterclass "The 4 Secrets To Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer"

See ya there!

My once-yearly training + implementation program Outsourcing Made Easy for Photographers is BACK! And today, I’m beyond excited to share a special three-way episode (lol three-way 😉) with two of my incredible students, Bri & Montana. Why the pairing?

Because Bri and Montana have not only been hugely successful on their outsourcing journeys and have tons of wisdom to share with you! - like how affordable it was for them to get 319 hrs back of their lives through outsourcing, but they’ve also formed a budding friendship thanks to the OME community (which makes my heart swell with pride) 🥹

And they’re not the only ones! I regularly get feedback from my students that the community is one of the best parts of their experience. AND I also regularly get feedback of how EASY and AFFORDABLE outsourcing is with my smart outsourcing workflows!

Tune in to this week’s episode to discover:

✨ What drew Bri (a stay at home mom + photographer) to start outsourcing in her business as a struggling mom on the brink of quitting photography altogether 😢

✨ What drew Montana to start outsourcing in her business and how she was able to spot the signs BEFORE experiencing burnout in her business 💪

✨  What Bri’s life looks like now and the ripple effect that fixing your work situation has on ALL areas of your life and psyche as a stay at home mom! 🧠

✨  What Montana’s life looks like now and how it feels to experience busy season WITHOUT getting behind 💁‍♀️

✨ What you need to hear if outsourcing hasn't gone well for you in the past and why the occasional poor-fit first hire can be a blessing in disguise

✨ How Bri and Montana were able to catch each other before slipping into old patterns and how they were able to supercharge their success TOGETHER 🤝

✨ The mindset shift you need to hear if you think you don’t have the time or bandwidth to train someone else to support you in your business 🫠

✨ A breakdown of how much money Bri + Montana have spent and how many hours they’ve saved thanks to outsourcing 💸

This episode will give you the REAL scoop on what it’s like inside Outsourcing Made Easy from people who were in your shoes not so long ago, so I encourage you to soak up every last second of it as soon as possible.

And remember, doors are open NOW and will close soon for the entire year ⏰

So whether you’re teetering on the edge of burnout or just dreaming of more time to focus on the things that light you up, this is your time to make a change and to make some new business besties along the way!

You do NOT have to do this alone (nor are you supposed to). I’m here to support you every step of the way – to care about you, to challenge you… all of it. Your success is MY success. All you’ve got to do is take the first step 💛

Just click here to join the crew 😎

RESOURCES

Sign up for Imagen Ai here and get 1500 free edits

Join Outsourcing Made Easy here >

Bri's website >

Bri's Instagram >

Montana's Website >

Montana's Instagram > 

I don’t know about you, But if I can avoid a painful experience simply by learning from somebody else’s story…. Sign. me. up!

It’s also the reason I’m an open book when it comes to my own challenges and mistakes, because I’m always thinking about how my story can ultimately help someone else avoid what I went through #silverlinings.

And today is one of those days where I’m sharing a story that I KNOW so many photographers need to hear, so they can avoid the same trap too 💛

In this week’s episode of The Shine + Thrive Photography Podcast you’ll meet Nicole, who was doing it ALL in her photography business (sound familiar?)

Until her body literally gave out and she landed in the hospital with burnout 💔

Tune in to discover…

✨ The series of events (and the laundry-list of things) Nicole was doing in her business that that led her to being hospitalized with burnout – and how this experience finally forced her to make a change and start outsourcing 🥴

(Important: if you’re doing a lot of the same things Nicole mentions in this part, PLEASE don’t let it get to this point – take this as a warning sign to get help in YOUR biz, too!) ⚠️

✨ What Nicole’s life looks like now – from the changes in her personal life, to the improvements in her client experience, to raising her prices, DOUBLING her Instagram following, and more! 🤯

✨ A step-by-step breakdown of all the things Nicole now outsources in her business, how much she pays for this support, and how many hours she saves a week on average 🗓️

✨ The limiting beliefs Nicole had to overcome to get to this point in her business (don’t miss this part if you struggle with letting go of control!) 👋

✨ How Nicole’s first experience with a VA didn’t go according to plan but how that paved the way for an even better relationship with her second VA (if you’ve tried outsourcing before and it didn’t go well, this could be why) 👀

✨ How Nicole’s desire to have children one day sped up her decision to outsource, plus my perspective of how becoming a parent changed the way I approach my photography business 👶

✨ Why you should NOT wait until you’re in the thick of busy season to get support and Nicole’s final words of advice for anyone thinking about starting outsourcing 🗣️

Resources + Links:

FREE Live Masterclass: “The 4 Secrets To Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer”

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List

Nicole’s Website

Nicole’s Instagram

Nicole’s Instagram (Boudoir)

Nicole’s TikTok

Today, I want to talk about the difference between struggling photographers and time and income abundant photographers. Yesterday, I watched a show called "Million Dollar Listing" and it got me thinking about success and abundance. There was a couple on the show who seemed to have it all - a successful real estate business, a beautiful house, and all the material possessions one could desire. But as I watched, I realized that they were overworked, stressed, and constantly on the verge of burnout. It broke my heart to see them sacrificing their well-being and family time for the sake of their business. 

This got me thinking about photographers who are in a similar situation - overworked, underpaid, and struggling to find balance. Many photographers are doing everything themselves, which leads to exhaustion and low income. In fact, when you calculate the hours worked and the income earned, most photographers are making less than minimum wage. It's a heartbreaking reality. That's why I'm so passionate about teaching photographers how to work smarter instead of harder. 

Outsourcing is the key to reclaiming your time and increasing your income. By delegating tasks like editing, culling, and album design, you can free up your schedule and focus on what you love most - capturing beautiful moments. 

I've been outsourcing for nine years now, and it has been a game-changer for my business. It allows me to work fewer hours, make more money, and have more time for my family and well-being. 

I want to share this knowledge with you all because I believe that success is not just about money and possessions. It's about living a slow, abundant life where you have the time and freedom to enjoy the fruits of your labor. 

If you resonate with any of the symptoms of an underpaid and overworked photographer - constantly playing catch-up, feeling low energy and creativity, and hitting an income ceiling - I encourage you to explore the possibility of outsourcing. It may seem daunting at first, but it's the fastest and most effective way to reclaim your time and increase your income. 

I'll be hosting a free masterclass where I'll be sharing “The 4 Secrets To Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer”. I'll also be sharing my three-step outsourcing made easy framework, which has helped hundreds of photographers transform their businesses! This masterclass is live, so you'll have the opportunity to ask me questions and connect with other photographers in the community! 

Cheers to slow, abundant living and becoming time and income abundant photographers together! I'm here to support you every step of the way. Click the link below or DM me the word “masterclass” on my Instagram @saramonikaphoto for the registration link.

RESOURCE + LINKS:

 “The 4 Secrets To Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer” FREE live Masterclass 

Imagine being able to work as little as 2 to 4 hours a day and still run a thriving six figure photography business (← yep, read that again) 🤯

This has been my reality and the reality of many of my Outsourcing Made Easy students for a while now… I remember feeling like nobody could do things as well as I could in my business… 

Like it was a badge of honor to do everything myself… Like my clients would think less of me if they saw I had support… Like I couldn’t afford it, where would I even start, what if the person I brought in got things wrong and MY WHOLE BUSINESS BURNED DOWN…  Okay a liiittle dramatic but you get my drift, right? 😅

Which is why whether you’re new to my community or an old timer, you’ll notice that I constantly share REAL, “no-details-held-back” examples from my students to help PROVE what’s possible for you, too #cantstopwontstop 😂

Because truthfully, the “doing” part of outsourcing is the easy part. The hard part is getting over all of those limiting beliefs that stop you from getting started in the first place.

Which is why I’m so excited to share that it’s *that* time of year again! 🎉 For the next few weeks, you’ll get to hear directly from my Outsourcing Made Easy students about their experiences. And boy, do I have a great episode to kick things off with this week 🙌 

On this week’s episode of The Shine + Thrive Photography Podcast you’ll meet Jessica, who was able to get back a minimum of 15 hours per week, sometimes only working 2 hours a day 🤩

Tune in to discover:

✨ How Jessica was able to get over the belief that nobody can do things as well as she can in her business AND her desire to want to do all of those things herself

✨ The first “baby step” things Jessica started outsourcing and in what order 📋

✨ How quickly Jessica was able to find a VA, the number of hours they started with, and how much Jessica paid for this support (hint: it’s WAY more affordable than you might think!)

✨ What Jessica’s life looks like now and how she’s adjusted to working sometimes as little as 2 (!!) hours a day 🤯

✨ All of the things Jessica’s VA now helps with that give Jessica back a minimum of 15 hours a week (including things you may not have even realized you could outsource yet!) 

✨ How many hours Jessica has saved across the year vs. how much she spent on this support 💸

✨ What Jessica loved most about Outsourcing Made Easy and her final words of advice for anyone who may be toying with getting started on their outsourcing journey

Resources + Links:

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List

Jessica’s Annual Pet Calendar Contest Fundraiser: GoGo Photo Contest

Jessica’s Website

Jessica’s Facebook

Jessica’s Instagram

I LOVE a good student success story and this one with Katie Silva, one of my Outsourcing Made Easy students, gives me all the feels! Come on a journey with us to discover how Katie was able to transform her life and business through OME these past few years, plus her advice for starting your own outsourcing journey (whatever that may look like for you!)...

Tune in to learn…

• Katie’s pre-Outsourcing Made Easy journey – from leaving her government job, to Covid cancellations in 2020, to discovering boudoir photography, to opening her own studio [10.21]
• A snapshot of Katie’s life at her most overwhelmed, and how she was able to move through her fear and throw herself into outsourcing [17.06], [20.47]
• Why looking for a “magic pill” won’t work if you’re feeling burnt out right now and the *real* secret to sustainable, long-term success as a photographer [22.42]
• A deep dive into all the things Katie now outsources and her learnings along the way [25.38]
• How Katie hired an in-person assistant to maximize her time on shoot days and stay firmly in her zone of genius (+ keep her clients even happier!) [29.00]
• Katie’s most stubbornly-held false belief around outsourcing, which she has now overcome (and how you can too!) [31.59]
• A handful of the pursuits Katie now channels her new-found energy into and how her relationships have changed for the better thanks to OME [39.59]
• The number #1 thing you NEED to hear if you think paying someone else to do something you “could” technically do yourself is a waste of money (and why it’s a sure-fire way to keep yourself in burnout city) [36.51]
• Katie’s favorite parts of OME and the importance of a strong, supportive community throughout your outsourcing journey [43.54]
• What happened when two of Katie’s Tik Toks went viral and McDonalds slid into her DMs… (yup, for reals!) [47.52]
• Why it’s NEVER too early (or too late!) to get on the outsourcing train [49.34]
• Katie’s final words for anyone considering Outsourcing Made Easy <3 [56.34]

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for Photographers

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List

Free Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer

Have you ever thought about beginning to outsource in your photography business but didn't take action on it because you wondered what the cost would be and if it would be worth it? If you are stuck in a world of burn out, and overwhelm, while not making the income you need and desire as a photographer, then this episode is a MUST LISTEN. Hit play now to find out the true cost of outsourcing, and what you are leaving on the table when you choose NOT to outsource in your business.

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for Photographers

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List

Free Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer

Who doesn’t love a good student success story? Especially one this inspiring!

This week I’m talking with Rachel Bowman – photographer, mom of two, and student of my program, Outsourcing Made Easy. We’ll be diving into her incredible journey and how she was able to gain back so much time freedom, financial freedom, and creative freedom through the program, in just 10 months.

Tune in to discover…

• What Rachel’s life looked like before outsourcing as a mom and a full-time photographer [9.23]
• Why letting go of the belief that hiring someone = losing money changed everything for Rachel and what you should know if you’re feeling the same way [16.37]
• How to know if you are on the brink of burnout and the moment Rachel knew she needed to make changes [18.15]
• The transformation Rachel experienced in the quality of her life just 10 months after starting her outsourcing journey, plus everything she now outsources in her business [19.23], [23.28]
• What to do if you feel like you’re just “going through the motions” in your business and how to reignite the love for your craft [22.52]
• How to let go of control and why it’s important to let your business baby grow into an adult! [24.27]
• Why taking your time with your outsourcing journey and doing it your way is the key to success [26.28], [40.41]
• The very first thing Rachel let go of in her business [30.56]
• Rachel’s biggest takeaway from Outsourcing Made Easy that allows her to stay focused and make space for new ideas in her business [28.15]
• Rachel’s final thoughts on her experience and why she’ll be coming back to OME  time and time again as her business grows [37.17], [42.33]

I hope this episode inspires you to take the first step in your outsourcing journey! If you’re curious about hopping on the outsourcing train, then be sure to join my priority list for Outsourcing Made Easy in the show notes below ;)

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for Photographers

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List

Free Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer

How can a photographer know if they are ready to start outsourcing in their business? Also, is it worth it? After all, it can be scary to let go of control, and also let go of some of the money you've earned, but as you learned in the last episode it's possible to train someone to do tasks exactly how you do them, and you're leaving money on the table if you're not outsourcing yet. Aka, it's costing you MORE money NOT to outsource. Tune into this episode to learn the 3 signs that are proof you're ready to start outsourcing in your photography business!

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for Photographers

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List

Free Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer

If you a burnt-out and overwhelmed photographer, and you're not sure how to stay sane right now, then this episode was literally made for you!

Jess is one of my Alumni students from my Outsourcing Made Easy for Photographers program and she shares how she went from working long hours 7 days a week, missing precious time with her husband and 2 boys, and just feeling plain overworked to sunshine + rainbows. She said that she was basically able to find more freedom for herself in her life and keep the same income she was earning as a photographer! She no longer remembers what burnout even feels like! If you dream of this kind of lifestyle freedom then tune into the episode now and enjoy hearing Jess's transformation story!

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for Photographers
https://calendly.com/saramonika/reclaim

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List:
https://courses.saramonika.com/omewaitlist

Free Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer
https://courses.saramonika.com/4-secrets-to-freedom

At the start of the year, you get all excited to finally start shooting again, and for the opportunity to get creative. You really believe that this year will be different than the last. Meaning, you won't get overworked and burnt out because you feel like you are more organized than you were last year and you made a promise to yourself that your health and life is a priority and that burnout is no longer welcome in your life.

Then, you somehow find yourself in the final 2 or 3 months of the season, backlogged with editing work, culling, and emails flooding in that make you feel more overwhelmed and even sometimes resentful of your clients. You can't seem to catch up even though you are working every single day for 12-15 hours. Sound familiar? Tune into this episode right now to learn how YOU can avoid burnout all year round to have the quality of life you desire!

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for Photographers
https://calendly.com/saramonika/reclaim

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List:
https://courses.saramonika.com/omewaitlist

Free Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer
https://courses.saramonika.com/4-secrets-to-freedom

I’ve been waiting for the right time to share this. I’m not going to lie– it feels pretty vulnerable for me to share. But I know that vulnerability = connection, and if I can help just ONE person feel less alone by sharing my story, it’s all worth it to me!

If you’re a mom photographer trying to balance motherhood and work…

Or if you just want to discover how you can earn more and work less… 

This week’s episode is for you.

Tune in to discover:

✨ How clinging onto “pre-mom Sara” caused me unnecessary suffering

✨ How I was able to re-define my own personal version of success (and why I’m PUMPED to go after it)

✨ How I uncovered the limiting subconscious belief that I need to work 8 hours a day to be success

✨ Signs in my life that slow, abundant living is meant for me and may be meant for you!

✨ How creating outsourcing systems allowed me to go from working 12-15 hour days to just 2-4 hours a day in my photography business

✨ Why understanding the law of reciprocity can help you shed your guilt about desiring more money

✨ How mastering outsourcing is way more affordable than you might realize

✨ Why my old version of success doesn’t align with my life today (and why this evolution is totally normal and natural)

Want to hear my raw, unscripted, vulnerable share with all the juicy details? Hit Play now!

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for Photographers
https://calendly.com/saramonika/reclaim

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List:
https://courses.saramonika.com/omewaitlist

I didn’t expect this! My mind is still blown about the 11 powerful life lessons that my recent 10-year anniversary trip with Rory taught me…💍 In just 11 days! That’s like 1 profound lesson a day! …But that’s exactly what happened. 

Rory and I recently spent a week vacationing in France and Belgium to celebrate us and the life we’ve built together! ✈️ And while getting a minimum of 25k steps a day in Paris… 🍷 And riding e-bikes through the gorgeous French countryside… 😍 And dancing our asses off at TOMORROWLAND🎊… 🔊

I gathered some powerful life lessons that you can totally apply to your business! But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Some moments were downright challenging and forced me to lean hard on my mindfulness skills. 🧘

I wanted to share these “aha-s” with you with the intention of unlocking a new dimension in your mind so that you can start to notice all the possibilities surrounding you each day! 

Tune in to discover:

✨ How a passionate sommelier reminded me to avoid the “I’ll-be-happy-when” trap 🍷

✨ A synchronistic encounter that proves people are noticing us online (even when we feel like no one is paying attention)

✨ An example of how I was unapologetically myself at a high-end restaurant + how empowered I felt 💅

✨ How to stop seeing things as “good” or “bad” so you can handle challenges better and find more joy in what’s all around you

✨ Why I don’t complain about jet lag, and how you can steal my trick to better deal with challenges in life + business

✨ How I got HIGH off good music and good vibes (no joke! - tune in to hear these juicy details!) 

✨ An inside look at the 12/10 customer experience at 🎉TOMORROWLAND (the world biggest EDM music festival), and how you can recreate this in your photography business

✨ How to create “evangelists” that will promote your business FOR you 🤯

✨ The time I drew a crowd with shuffling (an EDM style dance) and why you’ll feel inspired to share your gifts with the world too!

✨ How to choose happiness regardless of your circumstances

✨ How balancing your feminine and masculine energy can improve your life, career, and relationships, and a real example from my life

✨…And so much more!

RESOURCES + LINKS

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Waitlist here!

Manifestation Babe Podcast

Listen to Lori Harder + Mel Well’s podcast about “The 7 Feminine Archetypes (Which One YOU Currently Are) & How to Tap Into Queen Energy

Have you ever shown up to a photoshoot already picturing exactly what shots you’re going to take… How the light is going to hit your subject’s face and illuminate their eyes… How the silhouette of the tree branches is going to frame the sky… How you’re going to get the perfect backdrop of that stunning beach… Only for the shots to not work out and nothing goes as planned? 😰

*Cue panic* 🚨

I’ve been here too RECENTLY.

But if I’ve learned anything in my 13 years of being a photographer, it’s that the best photos happen when you don’t force them. I do my best work when I drop all expectations, focus on creating a bond with my clients, and look for the beauty that’s right in front of me, in that moment. 🌸 They don’t come when I focus too hard on chasing an idea I had in my head (sorry, ego!).

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing a recent experience that taught me the importance of being present at shoots. I’m going to share some practical tips for tapping into creative flow and getting out of panic mode during the unexpected.

Tune in to discover:

✨ How I deal with butterflies before a photo session (I still get them!) and what I tell myself to calm my nerves 🦋

✨ Why showing up overly prepared to photoshoots can actually kill your creativity (and what you can do instead)

✨ How to creatively pivot on the spot when nothing is going as planned 

✨ How dropping expectations can dissolve your anxiety and panic 

✨ Why it’s so easy to miss what’s right in front of you, and strategies for tapping into the present moment

✨ A sneak-peek at my signature improvisational, intuitive photography style that always produces interesting results 

✨ How to add novelty and excitement to shoots when you’re constantly shooting at the same location

✨ What gives a photo have that “how-did-they-do-that” quality 

✨ Why having genuine conversations with your clients results in better photos

RESOURCES + LINKS

Instagram Posts Sara Mentioned:

1. https://www.instagram.com/p/C95Y2NYPuSx/?img_index=1

2. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8cbpq3OOlF/?img_index=1

3. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8915CgON6C/

Want to know how Kimberly was able to make $8000 from just 1 day of shooting? 💰💰💰 Oh, and plot twist–she did it with mini-sessions. 🤯

If you had told Kimberly, a branding photographer, a few years ago that she could make that kind of money from mini-sessions… She wouldn’t have believed you.

Like many photographers, she’d written off mini-sessions as “they are just so much work for so little profit!”. She thought there was no way she could charge high-ticket prices with this type of session. And in her mind, they carried connotations of “cheap”, “fast”, and “low-quality”.

But after a colleague shared a new way of doing mini-sessions with her that was profitable, low-stress, and fun… She decided to launch a mini-session offer with absolutely no idea what to expect.

And guess what? She booked up all 8 slots within 48 hours. 🤯She quickly discovered that this type of session was her jam. 🤩 So if you’re a photographer who’s feeling burnt out and you want to earn more and shoot less…

…You’ll definitely want to listen to Kimberly’s story.

On this week’s podcast episode, I picked Kimberly’s brain about how she leveraged mini sessions to build a profitable, aligned photography business. She completely redefines mini-sessions and it’s going to blow your mind and show you what’s possible for you!

Tune in to discover:

✨ The power of the waitlist for creating desire and removing all the stress from your mini-session offer 

✨ A detailed breakdown of Kimberly’s offer, including pricing, number of participants, hours worked, launch timelines, and more

✨ A breakdown of her second relaunch, and how she made even more and worked less

✨ 2 common limiting beliefs about mini-sessions that might be holding you back from trying them out for yourself

✨ How mini-sessions can help you recoup lost revenue while serving your clients better

✨ Success stories from Kimberly’s students who tried doing similar offers

Plus, she even goes deep into entrepreneurial mindset with golden nuggets like:

✨ Why being attached to an outcome = living in the future, and how you can let go of expectations to attract more abundance

✨ An awe-inspiring story about what happened to her at a live business conference that’ll have you on the edge of your seat

✨ Why showing your audience your “messiness” can actually magnetize them 

✨ How to surrender to good things in your life, even when they make you super uncomfortable

✨ Why it’s important to strike a balance between desperate and uncompromising when it comes to pricing

RESOURCES + LINKS

Kimberly’s Live at BBD

Kimberly’s Instagram

Kimberly’s Roadmap To Mini Sessions waitlist

Do you ever doubt your own abilities as a photographer and wonder if your couples are going to be happy with your photos? 😰

Haley, a wedding photographer and one of my past students, was in this exact position not too long ago. She loved being a wedding photographer, but weddings made her constantly feel on-edge. 

She’d stress about getting the perfect shot of the dress and the ring because that’s what she thought she was “supposed” to do.She’d constantly question if she was in the right place at the right time, and she’d worry that she was missing out on picture-perfect moments.She felt too scared to try her unique, out-of-the box ideas for fear that her couples wouldn’t be happy with the photos.

But after Haley took my course, Intuitive Storytelling, everything changed for her. She learned to trust her creativity & intuition and tune out that self-critical voice in her head. 

Now, she shows up to weddings feeling 100% confident, and she takes creative shots that her couples love. 🙌

I was so inspired by Haley’s transformation that I decided to interview her about her journey. This week, we’re talking all about how to tap into your intuition so you can take incredible photos, show up confidently to shoots, and book out your calendar.

I hope that Haley’s story inspires you to trust your own creativity and intuition so you can take photos that’ll have your couples saying: 

“We love the photos and you were the best decision we could have made for our wedding day!” 😍

Tune in to discover:

✨ Examples of super special moments captured during weddings, and how you can spot these opportunities on your own

✨ How to train your intuition if you don’t know what signs to look for

✨ Why memorizing names of the couple’s friends & family can help you bond and ultimately improve your storytelling 

✨ Why you don’t need to follow every industry standard when it comes to photography

✨ How getting your couple to fill out a family and friends questionnaire can help you show up on wedding day feeling totally prepared and relaxed

✨ Ways to navigate heavy emotions at weddings so you can bond with the couple’s family

✨ Signs that hiring a second shooter is meant for you

✨ An out-of-the-box concept for an engagement photo (that the couple loved!)

Want to hear Haley’s story and find out how you can own your signature brand of intuitive storytelling? Hit play now! :)

RESOURCES + LINKS

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Discover how to storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

I’m gonna be real with you. I’ve been feeling like I’m in an awkward stage in my business right now. And by awkward, I mean…

• I’ve been feeling a heaviness around not having everything figured out yet with the direction I’m taking my business
• I’ve been feeling like I have SO MANY ideas, but confused on which ones to focus on - so I end up stalling
• I’ve been feeling like my world has been turned upside down since becoming a mom and I’m still navigating my way around how to peacefully flow through some challenges that arise with being a new parent
• (And more explained in today’s podcast episode!)

Have you been feeling any of these feels lately too? In case you have, instead of keeping this all to myself, I want to share it with you so that 👇🏻

1. You feel less alone if you’re also feeling like you don’t quite have everything figured out the way you want to in your business right now
2. You can piggy back off me and my MIND BLOWING realizations I’ve had recently about how to get through this phase in my life feeling empowered instead of it feeling like it’s hard to breath at times!

If you know me, you know I HATE small talk, so I go DEEP in today’s episode and I’m talking all about challenges I’m facing lately, what I’m doing about it, and what’s helping me grow. 

I’m trying something different with this new “riff” style of podcast where I dive in with no plan and no script. I call this episode my “riff” episode because I literally grabbed my podcast mic, and started openly sharing with the intention of it feeling like I’m just chatting on the phone with you 📞

Tune in to discover:

✨ How I’m navigating my “awkward” phase

✨ The “radio station” analogy for how different realities exist all around us all the time (and how we can simply choose the reality we desire)

✨ Questions you can ask yourself when faced with challenges to keep you out of negative spiraling

✨ What motherhood is teaching me

✨ Why life challenges are actually gifts that bring you closer to your higher selves

✨ How to look for the “gain” so you can stay motivated and productive

✨ Why focusing on the “gap” is where all the suffering happens

✨ A simple explanation of quantum physics that’ll help you make better, more aligned decisions 

✨ Why it’s normal to alternate between seasons of flow and seasons of resistance & uncertainty  

RESOURCES + LINKS

“The Gain and the Gap” by Dan Sullivan

Audiobook “10x Is Easier than 2x” by Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan:

I recently spoke to my friend Madeline Evergreen, an expert in human design, about how we can use this tool to understand ourselves and our deepest desires better so that we can create a life and business we love ON PURPOSE.

Madeline’s story is wild–she used human design to undo 95% of her chronic health struggles that she’d been experiencing since birth–in 1 month. 🤯

Not only that, but she also used it to skyrocket her income and create a life and career she’s obsessed with and is able to tap into her energized flow state more frequently 🤩

In this week’s episode, we chat about how we as photographers can use human design to grow our business in a way that feels energizing rather than soul sucking!

Tune in to discover:

-How human design can help you move your focus away from what you “should” be doing in your business and guide you towards what you’re MEANT to do

-A short and sweet breakdown of the 5 different human design types

-How understanding human design can help you lead a happier, more productive team (and help you better understand your loved-ones)

-Demystifying your “authority” and how it can help you run your business more effectively

-How to use human design to take what you need from mentoring, courses, and resources without feeling overwhelmed

-Why the expression “lit up” can be misleading (and what it really means to feel lit up)

-Signs you might be modeling after another person (and dimming your own unique magnetism)

-Why that feeling of “my mother wouldn’t approve” could be the sign that’s it’s EXACTLY what’s meant for you

-What it feels like when you’re in your alignment

RESOURCES + LINKS

Madeline Evergreen’s podcast “The Beginner’s Guide to Human Design:

https://madelineevergreen.com/thebeginnersguidetohumandesign 

Madeline’s Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/healthy_madeline/ 

Free human design chart:

https://www.myhumandesign.com/ 

Do you ever have burning questions about your photography business that you wish you could just get the answer to NOW? Maybe you want clarity on the nitty-gritty details of your photography business, like what type of social media content to create, or whether it’s worth it to study the Instagram algorithm, or whether ads are better than giveaways.

Well the thing is, sometimes what you need more than an answer to your burning question is a higher-quality question in the first place! The type of questions you ask yourself can have a huge impact on the growth of your business. Too often, I see photographers asking themselves unproductive questions that leave them stuck in the weeds, overwhelmed, and forgetting to see the big picture. 

That’s why in this week’s episode, I’m sharing some examples of high-quality questions to ask yourself to grow your photography business. In this previously live Q&A session I did with my photography community, I provide you with real examples of how to reframe your questions to get clarity on your next business move. 

My intention with this episode is to help you learn how to be your own source of guidance. By listening to how I respond to my students' questions, my hope is that you’ll get inspiration for how to ask yourself higher-quality questions so you can become your own source of inner guidance!

Tune in to discover:

• My “talk test” for gauging if a business strategy is right for me
• An inside look at how I outsource my photo editing to reduce 90% of the work (so I can focus on the things that only I can do in my business)
• Why constantly tweaking my workflow isn’t the drag that you’d think it is (and how it actually creates SO much freedom)
• Why I’ll never settle when it comes to outsourcing, why it’s SO worth the time to find great people to outsource your work
• How posting on Instagram right when the inspiration strikes is a huge magnet for my community
• Why working on my personal brand has worked so well for me as my lead generation strategy, and what that looks like
• How sharing my music taste online helped me book a new awesome client
• Why my #1 focus is client satisfaction (and an inside look at how it benefits me in the long run)

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Crystal Clear Marketing course: https://courses.saramonika.com/crystal-clear-marketing-enroll

Imagen Ai editing tool: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref_id=151662007

Want to know how I made $25K from hosting the EXACT same workshop 4 times? Believe it or not, this is totally possible for you, too!

But starting this education branch of your business can also bring on serious doubts. You might worry no one will buy after all that hard work, or that you’re not good at teaching, or that you’ll struggle to balance mentoring with shooting.

The truth is getting started with creating a course, workshop, or mentoring program is actually a lot simpler and less stressful than you might think! You don’t have to get your course or workshop 100% perfect before you launch it into the world–you can earn money while you build it out - and your community gets the perk of getting in at a lower price to start!

Even better news is that once you do your first launch, you’ve already done 90% of the heavy lifting. That means that with a few tweaks here and there, you can just relaunch what you’ve created again, and again, and again!

Want some actionable guidance for rocking your first photography workshop or course? If you’re sitting there thinking “yes!”, then this week’s episode is for you. I’m going to share my story of how I made $25K in 6 months hosting the exact same workshop 4 times.

Tune in to discover:

✨ Why more people are interested in what you have to offer than you realize 

✨ A practical tip for pricing your first workshop or course that’ll melt away all the overwhelm and imposter syndrome

✨ How “beta launching” can take all the stress out of your launch (and help you bring in revenue ASAP)

✨ A complete breakdown of exactly how much I made from each of the workshops I hosted

✨ Creative ways to reduce your overhead (so you can maximize your revenue 💰💰💰)

✨ Easy ways I went above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience for my workshop attendees

✨ A powerful question to ask yourself to gauge if you’re truly delivering value to your students

✨ Ways my workshops and courses have changed my life for the better

✨ A perspective shift to help you understand why you have something unique to offer that no one else can

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Sign-up link for James Wedmore’s FREE 3-part live training, “The Rise Of The Digital CEO” (starts June 6th):
https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/2147554656/JfZw9hhB 

Have you been considering getting started with mentoring other photographers through 1-on-1 sessions, hosting workshops, or creating your first online course?

Mentoring others can be a really lucrative and rewarding path for you as a photographer. But here’s what no one tells you: mentoring others isn’t meant for everyone!

It’s easy to see the $369k in revenue I’ve made as a photography mentor and immediately think:

“That’s it! That’s the ticket to working less and earning more! Let me get started!” But the reality is, coaching & mentoring needs to be aligned with you for it to bring you the extra income and time freedom you desire.

So how do you know if you’re choosing it from a place of alignment or misalignment? In this week’s episode, I’m here to give you the clarity you want once and for all and help you decide if mentoring other photographers is for you!!

….and if it’s the right time to get started! ⏲️

Tune in to discover: 

✨ How I knew I was ready to start my mentoring, and what my life looked like at that time

✨ What your business and life can look like when offer mentoring as an additional income stream

✨ How much you can actually make as a mentor to photographers  👀

✨ How to assess about whether or not mentoring is for you

✨ 2 tell-tale signs that mentoring is not for you

✨ Signs that you’re ready to start mentoring other photographers

✨ Moments that lit me the F up while mentoring and why 🔥

RESOURCES + LINKS

Register for the 3-Day FREE Live Event “The Rise of the Digital CEO” here now > https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/2147554656/JfZw9hhB

James Wedmore's Secret Podcast: https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/2147551356/JfZw9hhB

James Wedmore's CEO Assessment: https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/2147549475/JfZw9hhB

Do you want to hear my full story of how I was able to generate $369k to date just from mentoring, workshops + courses? In this episode, I’m sharing my step-by-step timeline of how I started my education business and what happened each step of the way for me!

I know that number might seem daunting, but it wasn’t an overnight success. I’m sharing this behind the scenes peek with you so you can witness first-hand the power of staying consistent with action.

You too can earn the big bucks too while pursuing another creative outlet that excites you and helps people! Maybe you just need someone to be your expander to show you it’s possible just like someone else did for me!

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing the complete story of how I got started with workshops, mentoring + online courses and where I am now!

Tune in to discover:

-The exact breakdown of what I made each year since I started my photography education branch of my business

-How getting curious about a moment of frustration led me to one of my biggest professional breakthroughs

-A powerful visual analogy of success that’ll keep you in consistent action (even when you feel totally unmotivated)

-A trip down memory lane to my very first photography workshop

-How I’m able to bring in recurring revenue every month with my courses

-My personal definition of a “launch” that’s way less scary than you think

-How much money I’d make if I didn’t launch a single course this year (spoiler: it’s still pretty darn good!)

-How diversifying my income allowed me to work 25-30 hour weeks (including shooting!)

-How my previous hard work allowed me to take a “lazy year”

-A perspective shift on problems, and why you’ll learn to fall in love with them

-How I created an abundant “custom maternity leave” without having to rely on government money

- A free gift from my personal coach that’ll blow your mind

RESOURCES + LINKS

Your First 100 Leads FREE Mini Course: https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/2147507249/JfZw9hhB

James Wedmore's Secret Podcast: https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/2147551356/JfZw9hhB

James Wedmore's CEO Assessment: https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/2147549475/JfZw9hhB

In this week’s live Ask Me Anything in the Shine + Thrive Photography Community on facebook I covered:

• Honest thoughts of where I am right now in life/business
• How to recognize if you are making decisions from a place of alignment or misalignment
• The foundation that needs to be strong for your business to be successful!
• A BRILLIANT free resources if you’re interesting in diversifying your income as a photographer by getting into 1-on-1 mentoring, hosting a workshop, creating an online course, or even selling a simple digital guide!
  
  

RESOURCES

If you're thinking about diversifying your income as a photographer by getting into 1-on-1 mentoring, hosting a workshop, creating an online course, or even selling a simple digital guide, my coach James Wedmore is giving away his brilliant course "Your First 100 Leads" for FREE!! You can grab it here > https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/2147507249/JfZw9hhB

Join the Shine + Thrive Photography Community here > https://www.facebook.com/groups/204517643765896/

Allergy Podcast episode mentioned > https://open.spotify.com/episode/04z7hNAcvXa8pmOiXDXwAo?si=0qwPci0-TbOrk3A9B5a5lQ&nd=1&dlsi=13e54fba63c14009

Want to know how a simple giveaway helped me make $28,000 in wedding retainers in just 1 month? Then this week’s episode is for you! 

Contrary to what you might think, giveaways don’t make you look desperate or like you don’t have enough business. With just a bit of planning, giveaways can create huge leverage in your business.

In this week’s episode, I’m going to show you exactly what I did in my recent giveaway that helped me attract my dream client AND book out my calendar.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this week’s episode:

• Some common misconceptions about giveaways, busted
• The exact steps I took to get my giveaway up-and-running in a matter of hours
• My strategy for making the very first line of your caption jump out at the reader
• Why I specifically chose to target my giveaway to engaged couples (and why I recommend getting crystal-clear on who your giveaway is for)
• An easy way to multiply your post’s engagement so you can get more eyeballs on it 
• Why setting a hard expiry date on the free offer can save your butt (and what can happen if you don’t set one)
• Some boundaries and terms I recommend you put on your giveaway campaign (so you don’t regret it later)
• A breakdown–with hard data–of how my campaign performed 
• A powerful mindset shift to help you understand why there’s no such thing as sharing your post too many times
• My personal marketing mantra that’s super chill and doesn’t make me feel like I’m stuck on a hamster wheel 
• How to make entering the giveaway practically effortless for your audience
• A bonus tip at the end to help you deal with the not-so-fun technical aspects of running a giveaway

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Sara’s Giveaway IG post mentioned in the episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/C12lodVu6rk/

Do you ever find yourself wondering if you’re on the path to success with your photography business? Then this week’s episode is for you.

I asked 6 wildly successful photographers to answer this question: “What’s the ONE thing you need to create a successful photography business in 2024?”

In this episode, you’ll hear some hard-won lessons from 6 photographers with 6 completely different points of view. Here’s a run-down of what you’ll discover in this week’s episode:

• Annemie Tonken reveals her #1 tip for embodying confidence as a business owner [5:19]
• Eden Strader explores how running your business like a CEO actually makes you MORE of an artist, despite what you might think [14:36] 
• Grace Troutman talks about when hustling is actually alright and shares some tips for standing out in a saturated market [19:57] 
• Alora Rachelle on why being uncomfortable is where the magic happens [28:50] 
• Sandra Henderson shares a great tip for seeming like you’re available 24/7 WITHOUT spending hours and hours in your inbox every week [34:33] 
• Chelsea Nicole breaks down her “branding secret sauce” (plot twist: it has nothing to do with color palettes or logos!) [38:23] 
• Your girl Sara Monika explains the “science” behind an abundance mindset and explores why consciously choosing your experience is the biggest needle-mover [48:45]

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Annemie Tonken IG: https://www.instagram.com/thiscantbethathard_/ 

Eden Strader IG: https://www.instagram.com/edenstrader.co/ 

Grace Troutman IG: https://www.instagram.com/gracetphotography/ 

Alora Rachelle IG: https://www.instagram.com/alora.rachelle/ 

Sandra Henderson IG: https://www.instagram.com/lifeisbeautifullondon

Chelsea Nicole IG: https://www.instagram.com/chelseanicolephoto/ 

I recently heard a mind-blowingly simple but powerful marketing idea at a business conference that all photographers need to know about – so I’ve dedicated a whole podcast episode to it!

Tune into this week’s episode to learn how this marketing idea helped me book 8 new clients in just 2 weeks, WITHOUT adding too much extra work to my plate (and how it can for you too!)

Plus more tips, mindset shifts, and marketing gold to help you show up with confidence and book even more of your dream clients in 2024. Ready? Hit play now and let’s do this!

RESOURCES + LINKS:

If you’re ready to build your strong marketing foundation and book more of your dream photography clients, check out my mini course: Crystal Clear Marketing

It’s time we talk about one of the most underrated tools available to us as photographers and business owners…cosmic design!

Join me and my special guest this week (certified astrologer and psychic medium) Sheetal Story, as she guides us through how to receive powerful and aligned ideas for your photography business in 2024 through the power of astrology + numerology.

Tune in to discover…

• An introduction to energy and how it can affect us in life and business 
• What you *need* to hear if you’re skeptical about all things numerology and astrology [1.28]
• Meet Sheetal and learn the story of how we met, plus our top tips for getting the MOST out of in-person events and masterminds [5.10]
• The panel talk that changed Sheetal’s life and why it’s so important to expose yourself to examples of people doing things differently in their businesses [15.08]
• A deep dive into energy and how the human experience is impacted by what’s going on in our solar system [19.36]
• How numerology helps us understand energy in a practical, measurable way [25.07]
• What you need to know about the moon and its effect on our mood and emotions [25.24]
• How numerology calculations work, how to figure out your own personal year, and what it means for you [28.37]
• A guide to the energy of 2024 and 2025 and how you can harness it to your advantage in your photography business [34.37]
• The number #1 thing that blocks you manifesting your desires [42.47]
• Numerology principles according to each month of the year and how to flow through them intentionally + amplify their impact [47.36]

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Connect with Sheetal at https://sheetalstory.com/ , https://www.instagram.com/sheetalstory/ 

Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

Have you heard of the “pricing deadzone”? It’s what can happen when you transition from being too expensive for the affordable clients, but not priced highly enough for luxury clients to think you’re qualified! If you’ve ever experienced this OR you’ve  just generally been struggling with your inquiries and bookings right now, then I just want you to know…You’re not alone!

Many photographer have been experiencing a down in inquiries and bookings (for a few different reasons I’ll be diving into in this week’s episode)... But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it! 

To prove this to you, I’ve brought in fellow photographer and marketing & sales coach Alora Rachelle, where we talk pricing, mindset, energetics, current trends, why bookings have been down and so much more! Tune in now!

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Alora Rachelle’s Wedding CEO program
Alora Rachelle’s The Wedding CEO: Photography Podcast

Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!
Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

 OME doors close shut for an entire year on Thursday October 26, 2023 at 11:59pm EST 🕚

Click here to join the OME community > https://courses.saramonika.com/outsourcing

In today’s Outsourcing Made Easy student success story, I’ll be chatting with Tracey about how she and her husband were able to rediscover their love of shooting and gain back 20 hours per wedding thanks to outsourcing.

Tune in to discover…

• Tracey’s background, what drew her to Outsourcing Made Easy, and her life before getting support in her business [0.58]. [2.48]
• The ONE big mistake most photographers make when planning their tasks ahead of busy season [6.58]
• The burnout Tracey and her husband experienced before outsourcing and how they found the perfect editing support close to home [7.40]
• How you could be *so* much closer to getting support in your business than you think and the importance of creating momentum when you’re just getting started [11.40]
• How many hours Tracey has been able to save already just two months into her outsourcing journey [14.33]
• How much Tracey invested in her editor [17.34]
• The transferable skills and mindset shifts Tracey learned from Outsourcing Made Easy [20.57]
• Tracey’s final words of advice for any photographers looking to get started with outsourcing, but who are scared to make the investment [30.01]
• What you *need* to hear if you still think it’s better or more appealing to your clients to do everything yourself in your business [32.58]

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Click here to sign up for Outsourcing Made Easy (doors close for an entire year on Thursday 26 October at 11.59 PM ET!) 

Connect with Tracey at https://www.blackmoremedia.net/home + https://www.instagram.com/blackmore.media/ 

Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

In today’s Outsourcing Made Easy student success story I’ll be speaking with Nichole, who’s already saved 120 hours with the support of her VA in just 6 months, and 24 hours in just 4 weeks with the support of her editor thanks to outsourcing.

Tune in to discover…

• Nichole’s background as a brand + portrait photographer and what drew her to Outsourcing Made Easy
• Nichole’s experience hiring a VA on her own vs. her experience hiring a VA after going through OME [1.38]
• How Nichole saved 120 hours thanks to her VA over the past 6 months! [4.58]
• How much Nichole invested to get this support from her VA and how you can (ethically) find the right support for your budget overseas [7.32]
• Nichole’s experience outsourcing her editing and how she found the perfect person to support her close to home [14.24]
• How many hours Nichole has already saved outsourcing her editing (even though she only started this a few weeks ago!) [16.32]
• A snapshot of the stress Nichole was under before she began outsourcing and the toll it was taking on her body [20.03]
• What Nichole’s life looks like now and her final advice for anyone considering joining Outsourcing Made Easy [22.23], [28.11]

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Click here to sign up for Outsourcing Made Easy (doors close for an entire year on Thursday 26 October at 11.59 PM ET!) 

Connect with Nichole at  https://www.nicholemchphotography.com/ / https://www.instagram.com/nicholemchphotography/ 

Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

Today, I’ll be diving into the compound effect of the choices you make in your photography business and the money you’re leaving on the table if you choose NOT to outsource (prepare to have your mind blown!)

Tune in to discover…

• Why it’s so important to listen to your desires and to reverse engineer your success [1.13]
• My teaching philosophy and what you can expect from me if you join OME [2.51]
• The *official* manifesto of the OME community (don’t miss this!) [4.32]
• The compound interest you’ll experience through outsourcing, plus two metaphors that will totally shift your mindset around getting started [8.07]
• The illusion of control: what you NEED to hear if you feel like you have to do everything yourself or if you’ve ever considered throwing in the towel altogether [12.44]
• Questions to ask yourself when you feel like giving up and my personal journey out of burnout [18.31]
• My average full time take-home income now (while working part-time hours) [20.59]
• Three different paths you could take with outsourcing to inspire and show you what’s possible (this will blow your mind!) [22.05]
• Your next steps if you’re ready to make a change, stop capping your bookings and create your dream lifestyle (and why it’s 100% okay to do it scared!) [33.20] 

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Click here to sign up for Outsourcing Made Easy (doors close for an entire year on Thursday 26 October at 11.59 PM ET!)

Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

She’s baaack! Join me and my Outsourcing Made Easy student, Katie, as we catch up a year after our last podcast episode together. We’ll be diving into how her business has evolved since we last spoke, the support she gets in her business now, and her advice for photographers looking to leave burnout behind. Plus, she’ll be giving us a *very* special behind-the-scenes tour of the second (!) studio she’s been able to open up in her business thanks to the power of outsourcing! 

Tune in to discover…

• Where Katie is now in her business, a full year since our last podcast episode together
• Watch/ listen to Katie spontaneously teach me bachata dancing and rap a busta rhymes song word-for-word – just because she can! [0.54], [4.08]
• Why Katie decided to transition out of wedding photography to full-time boudoir photography [6.07]
• How letting go of perfectionism allowed Katie to grow her business faster and open up a second (!) studio [10.51], [14.54]
• Why protecting your energy and avoiding burnout is the KEY to being able to market your photography business effectively [18.10]
• Katie’s journey to hiring virtual AND in-person assistants, plus the tasks they support her with [19.30], [20.53]
• Katie’s journey to hiring an associate photographer and a house organizer [21.38], [25.40], [31.35]
• How to get OUT of survival mode and into possibility thanks to your brain’s reticular activating system [34.37]
• The limiting beliefs Katie struggled with before getting support in her business vs. the expansion that she’s been able to experience now [36.35]
• Katie’s final advice for photographers who are looking to start outsourcing, but are afraid to take action [41.15]
• A behind-the-scenes tour of Katie’s studio to inspire you to know what’s possible for you (hint: if she can have it, so can you!) [45.05]

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Check out my first podcast episode with Katie here

Join my upcoming FREE live masterclass: The Four Secrets To Having More Time and Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer 

Get on the waitlist for the return of my signature, once-yearly program: Outsourcing Made Easy (doors re-open on Monday, October 23, 2023!)

Connect with Katie at @boudoirbykatiemarie , @katiemariephotography_ and katiemariephotography.ca 

Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

Who doesn’t love a good mashup episode? ;)

Today I’m interviewing 3 of my Outsourcing Made Easy students who are in the work right NOW getting support in their businesses. Some have only just started, some are a little further down the track. My hope is that by sharing a wide range of stories, you’ll be able to see all the amazing possibilities that open up to you once you start outsourcing (and spoiler: just how quickly you can start seeing results!)

Tune in to discover…

• How Amy saved 393 (!) hours during her last wedding season outsourcing her culling, blogging, slideshow creation, editing, and more to her VA [6.31]
• How much Amy paid her VA for this support [11.29]
• How Amy’s quality of life has changed since outsourcing [15.49]
• What you *need* to hear if you feel guilty posting on social media while your clients are waiting for their galleries [23.05]
• Meet Marie: discover what she’s currently getting support with and how she’s been able to save 604 (!) hours in just 4 months since starting her outsourcing journey [27.22]
• How much Marie paid her VA for this support [31.28]
• The unlearning Marie had to do about getting support overseas (and what you need to know if you may be feeling the same way) [33.08]
• Marie’s advice for anyone on the fence about starting their outsourcing journey [40.29]
• Meet Crystal: discover how she went from deep burnout to saving 30-50 (!) hours a week thanks to outsourcing [44.15], [50.37]
• How much Crystal paid her VA for this support [51.07]
• Crystal’s hesitations before signing up for the course (listen closely to this if you’re a family / portrait / or any other kind of photographer that doesn’t shoot weddings!)  [56.48]
• Crystal’s quality of life now [59.16]
• Crystal’s advice for anyone on the fence about starting their outsourcing journey [1.00.56]

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Discover the 4 secrets to having more time + financial freedom while avoiding burnout as a photographer! Join my upcoming FREE live masterclass at: https://courses.saramonika.com/4-secrets-to-freedom 

Outsourcing Made Easy returns soon, but only for a limited time! Get on the waitlist so you don’t miss this year’s enrollment at:

https://courses.saramonika.com/omewaitlist 

Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

I’m so excited to welcome my OME student AND past-wedding client, Nicole, to the podcast this week to talk about her journey into photography and how she was able to save 660 (!) hours during the 2023 wedding season thanks to outsourcing. 

Tune in to discover…

• Nicole’s journey to becoming a photographer and how she was able to quit her 9-5 and go full time after just 3 months [1.45]
• What Nicole *really* thought about the fact that I outsource when she first met me and how it impacted her experience having me as her wedding photographer [7.42]
• Why it’s important to take responsibility for your process as a photographer and to make your clients feel taken care of every step of the way (+ the ONE thing that makes this 10 times easier) [9.36]
• Why Nicole joined Outsourcing Made Easy and her journey to getting support in her business [16.28]
• How Nicole saved 660 (!) hours through outsourcing during the 2023 wedding season [23.49]
• How much Nicole spends on support in her business and where she found her editor [28.20]
• Why hiring overseas is not only ethical, but a positive, impactful and fulfilling experience for everyone involved [31.45]
• What Nicole’s quality of life looks like now (hint: it’s dreamy!) [37.00]
• Nicole’s advice for anyone on the fence about starting their outsourcing journey and why you shouldn’t wait until you’re burnt out and in the thick of it to take action [40.20], [46.15]

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Connect with Nicole at @nicolejohnsonphoto and download her free resources at https://nicolejohnsonphoto.com/ 

Ready to learn the 4 secrets to having more tIme + financial freedom while avoiding burnout as a photographer? Join my upcoming FREE live masterclass at: https://courses.saramonika.com/4-secrets-to-freedom 

Outsourcing Made Easy returns soon, but only for a limited time! Get on the waitlist so you don’t miss this year’s enrollment at: https://courses.saramonika.com/omewaitlist

Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

It’s official – AI is here to stay! So I thought it’s about time I dive in and test out some of the tools available to us as photographers…, to help YOU figure out if they can help you get back your time in an effective way, without compromising the quality of your work. Tune in to this week’s episode to get my honest, unfiltered thoughts!

You’ll discover…

• What’s working for me and what’s not working for me when it comes to using AI
• Whether I think we can trust the output that AI is currently capable of [4.35]
• How I found culling with AI [6.29]
• How I found editing with AI [7.33]
• What you should know about using these tools if you use a lot of dodging and burning brushwork in your editing [8.07]
• Why I’m still using a human editor and how you can experiment with using AI in tandem WITH your editor [9.03]
• The question I encourage you to ask yourself before deciding to go down the AI rabbit hole + the importance of maintaining a long-term mindset (don’t skip this quick calculation!) [12.03]
• Why it’s important to make decisions according to your values and my decision to hire an editor from Ukraine [14.32]
• Why you don’t have to choose between cost-effective support and having a human editor support you (ethically!) [16.32]
• The endless possibilities that open up to you in your life and business when you learn the SKILL of outsourcing, rather than just relying on ONE tool (such as AI) [19.32]
• A quick overview of a FREE masterclass I’m hosting very soon to help you with all of this and more! (Don’t miss this!) [23.58]

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Click the link below to sign up for my FREE masterclass: The 4 Secrets to Having more TIme + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer

saramonika.com/masterclass

Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

Ever toyed with the idea of getting an in-person assistant? Then this week’s episode is for you! Join me as I share how I found my first home assistant locally here in Canada, plus how you can apply these same principles to get fast and effective support in YOUR business (whether virtually or in-person). 

Tune in to discover…

• Why I decided to look for an in-person home assistant and the tasks I wanted support with
• Where I found our PERFECT-fit assistant and why you should never listen to the nay-sayers or assume you won’t be able to find your dream person [6.00]
• How we’re finding our assistant 3 weeks into working together and how she’s already saved us 54 (!) hours in housework so far [10.45]
• Exactly how much we’re paying our assistant and how many hours she gives us each week [12.06]
• Bonus: how you can write off your assistant as a business expense [12.59]
• Why it’s important for your assistant to know your “why” and the impact they’re creating in your life [13.54]
• What you *need* to hear if you think getting a personal assistant is still a long-way off for you (hint: you’re closer than you think!) [17.33]
• The ONE question you need to ask yourself when deciding whether to bring in support in your business [18.39]
• The energetic shift that happens when you commit to “buying back your time” [21.21]
• Inspiring stories from my past Outsourcing Made Easy Students about how they found their perfect-fit virtual assistants (and how you can too!) [25.17]
• The return of Outsourcing Made Easy! What you need to know (+why doors will ONLY be open for 4 days this year) [28.19]

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Get on the waitlist for Outsourcing Made Easy HERE

Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow Checklist for FREE here

Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

Today, I want to bust one of the most damaging and persistent myths I see holding so many talented photographers back from achieving the growth and freedom they deserve in their lives and businesses – the idea that outsourcing makes you any less of an artist.

For years I also struggled with this belief, until a series of events and experiences shifted my perspective entirely. It’s my hope that this episode inspires these same mindset shifts in you, too!

Tune in to discover…

• Why getting support in your business is the ultimate competitive advantage in your photography business [4.24]
• The advice you *need* to hear if you’re in constant “push” mode in your business right now or you’re regularly working 12-15 hour days [8.20]
• My “f*ck the fear” moment that totally changed my outlook on getting support with my editing (plus the exact 3 words that will put your clients’ minds at ease should they ever ask about your outsourcing process) [9.54]
• Discover what one of my past wedding clients *really* thought about the fact that I outsource and how it impacted her wedding experience with me [15.04]
• How I was able to get rid of 70% of my working time from behind a computer thanks to outsourcing (+a free resource where you can see how I did this for yourself) [16.01]
• The biggest benefits outsourcing can bring to your clients (and to you!) [16.35]
• The average timeframe my students are able to turn around their weddings to their clients, thanks to outsourcing [17.12]
• Why outsourcing allows you to become MORE of an artist in your business, not less [22.49]
• An important announcement you won’t want to miss! [25.29]
  
  

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Get on the waitlist for Outsourcing Made Easy HERE

Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow Checklist for FREE here

Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

Worried about the dip in inquiries/bookings right now and the impact of the recession on your photography business? Then this week’s episode is for you.

I’m going to be diving into some mindset shifts and strategies you can use to weather this time of uncertainty, plus how you can unblock and rewire your subconscious mind for positive action through the power of RRT.

Tune in to discover…

• The current mood among the photography community and whether I think you should be concerned about the dip in inquiries + bookings
• A metaphor that will totally shift how you think about the ups and downs in your photography business [3.11]
• An introduction to RRT and how it can help you shift your beliefs in times of uncertainty [7.03]
• An overview of the conscious and subconscious mind, why we feel fear, and it’s impact on our creativity (if we let it get the best of us) [10.57]
• The conversation to have in your mind with fear when you want to kick it to the curb [21.15]
• A powerful LIVE guided RRT exercise to help you unblock your subconscious mind (don’t miss this!) [25.22]
• 3 game-changing questions to ask yourself to generate more money in your photography business ASAP [32.55]

Hope this episode helps put your mind at ease, my friend! As ever, my DMs over on IG are always open at @saramonikaphoto.

Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto