Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

After feeling lost and pressured to have everything figured out in the evolution of my business, I share a new approach of taking the pressure off, following my excitement, and recording raw, low-production podcast episodes with no expectations or fixed schedule. 

I also go into how using Jenna Zoe’s human design app, Align (especially its “Ask Jenna” AI feature) helped me get HUGE clarity by answering questions based on my personal chart! THIS IS A GAME-CHANGER!

I then tell a post office story about discovering a cheaper way to ship client packages after a frustrating return, illustrating the lesson that events are neutral and we can’t label them as good or bad.

Jenna Zoe's Align App

Connect with me on IG @saramonikaphoto

In this short solo episode, I share a simple mindset shift I use when I’m tired, overwhelmed, or procrastinating during busy seasons. This is a quick, grounding practice to help you finish what you’ve committed to with more presence and energy.

You’ll hear about:

• A grounding breath and embodiment practice to bring you back into the present moment
 • How I connect to the future joy and gratitude of my clients to fuel my energy now
 • Why this works through the law of reciprocity
 • Why it’s okay to use a “band-aid” mindset shift during intense seasons
 • How gratitude and focused intention can help you work more efficiently!

This episode is meant to be a quick hit of encouragement to help you get through the end of season! :)

Connect with my on Instagram here > @saramonikaphoto

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most overlooked reasons photographers stay stuck in burnout—even when their business looks amazing from the outside. You’ll discover the key difference between building a photography brand vs. a business, and why values-aligned workflows are the missing link to creative freedom and sustainable income.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
 • How I delivered 7 weddings in 1 month without burning out
 • The myth that success = working hard (and how to ditch it)
 • Why your brand shouldn’t be doing all the heavy lifting
 • What a workflow-focused business actually looks like
• How to start reclaiming your time without sacrificing quality

🎁 Want to reclaim 15+ hours/week? Join my free live masterclass available only once a year: saramonika.com/masterclass

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

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To all YOUR success,
Sara

Welcome to another episode! This week I’m unpacking the term “industry standard” - what it is, what it means for your business, and crucial ways it may be holding you back personally and professionally.

You’ll learn…

• The pro’s & con’s of “industry standard” practices, what the term really means, and how to figure out the path that’s right for you [2.45]
• Animation GIFS and what you should know before adopting this hot new trend for your clients [6.20], [25,29]
• Key examples of “industry standard” practices that I *choose* not to follow and why [9.34], [14.50], [25.29], [33.15]
• Practical advice for going against the grain and still being wildly successful in your business [15.43]
• How to steer clear of the resentment cycle in your business and instead pay attention to things that light you up [21.12], [28.10]
• My thoughts on having a second photographer and how to communicate your process clearly and effectively to your clients and their wedding planners [33.15]
• Why booking your dream clients and creating effortless success in your business is A LOT easier than you might think [29.14], [31.21]

Remember, there is no one size fits all in business (or in life)! 

My hope is that this episode inspires you and gives you the tools you need to show up *exactly* how YOU want to in your photography business, whatever that may look like for you… :) 

Happy listening! 

My Online Photography Courses for You

Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)

Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Click here to leave a review!

With love + gratitude,

Sara

Welcome to another episode! This week I’m sitting down with one of my star students from my Intuitive Storytelling course, Cassie Cetlin, as she shares some of her biggest wins and takeaways from the course.

You’ll discover…

• What drew Cassie to Intuitive Storytelling and key clues that it might be exactly what you need in your business [6.13]
• The problem with Instagram & photography blogs and how to know if it’s stifling your creativity (and what to do about it!) [8.24], [16,25]
• Cassie’s biggest takeaways and “aha” moments from the course, including real-life moments where she put the course into action on wedding days [11.32]
• The minimalist approach to family photos and how to create time and space for things to unfold naturally on wedding days [25.06]
• “Emotion-point editing” and why it’s the editing style you never knew you needed [30.42]
• What you should know if you’re feeling scared or unsure about joining the course, especially if you’re newer in your photography journey [36.16]

To find out more about Intuitive Storytelling and to sign up, be sure to check out the link in the show notes below .

Until then, enjoy the episode! :)

My Online Photography Courses for You

Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)

Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Click here to leave a review!

With love + gratitude,

Sara

Welcome to a very special episode of The Shine + Thrive Photography podcast! 

This week I’m giving you a free behind the scenes look at module 5 - lesson 1 of my Intuitive Storytelling course: How To Reprogram Your Biggest Fears While Shooting Wedding Days

I’m so excited to be sharing this lesson with you because showing up fearlessly as the artist you are is a huge part of what Intuitive Storytelling is all about! To find out more about the course and to sign up, be sure to check out the link in the show notes below.

In the meantime, sit back, relax and enjoy the episode! :)

You’ll learn…

A powerful model for understanding your mindset in 5 simple steps (and why you’re actually a lot more in control than you might realize!) [6.10]

• How to consciously flip the script on your negative thoughts and take positive actions that serve you [11.16], [13.54] 
• The most common fears photographers feel on wedding days and the personal mantras I use to combat them [14.14]
• The infinite power of what you have to offer as a photographer and how to own what you believe as an artist (and communicate it clearly everywhere) [25.08], [27.58]
• How to use your emotional intelligence on wedding days so you can stay the calm, grounding presence in the room and have a ripple effect on those around you [28.32], [35.17]
• Why it’s never too late to reprogram your mindset on wedding days [35.44]

My Online Photography Courses for You

Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)

Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Click here to leave a review!

With love + gratitude,

Sara

It’s time to book your FOR REAL dream clients! 

If you’ve ever asked yourself if it’s possible to raise your rates AND work with perfect-fit clients…

If you’ve ever doubted whether you’re on the right path or struggled to put into words what you do and how you do it…

Then this week’s episode is for you! 

Join fellow photographer and creative entrepreneur Paige Ray and I as we talk all things pricing, marketing and business growth  

Tune in to discover…

Paige’s journey to becoming the photographer she is today and how to keep going when things feel tough in the early stages of your business [3.01]

• The 3 things you NEED to do to book perfect-fit clients and make your dream income [16.04]
• Key questions to ask your past clients to help you figure out your secret sauce as a photographer [20.12]
• How to highlight the transformation you provide in your marketing, so you can raise your rates and sell from a place of integrity [25.03]
• The real reason you’re struggling to raise your rates and money assumptions that may be damaging your business growth [33.15], [36.20]
• How to step outside of your doubt and take action (even if you feel you have no idea what you’re doing)! [41.11]

About my guest:

Paige Ray is a catalyst for creative entrepreneurs. She guides her clients in breaking new ground and dominating their industry through radical vision and meaningful action. Having spent the first 10 years of her career as an editor & journalist and 10 years as an award-winning photographer for creative brands seeking artful, editorial photography; she now combines both her passions with her creative agency Paige Ray Creative.

RESOURCES + LINKS:

• The Creative Mastermind
• Paige Ray's Website
• Paige Ray's Instagram

My Online Photography Courses for You

Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)

Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Click here to leave a review!

With love + gratitude,

Sara

Welcome to a very special episode of the Shine + Thrive Photography podcast! This week, I’ll be sharing my raw, unfiltered birth story with you. From the highs, to the lows & everything in between… I’m laying it all on the table ;)

My hope is that by sharing my story, it inspires you to know that you CAN do hard things. And of course, that it gives you some valuable insights you can take with you on your own birth journey or to support someone you love.

Join me and a very special guest who played a *huge* role in supporting me on my journey, Karen Welton, as we talk through some of the teachings and methodologies that helped me along the way.

Karen is a doula and childbirth educator, who has supported hundreds of women in their childbirth journeys. Karen teaches women how to partner with their bodies’ divine design to have pain-free, ecstatic births and postpartum experiences. She’s on a mission to change the global culture of birth so that women no longer fear it, but look forward to it with joy. 

You can find out more about Karen’s courses in the show notes below, but for now, I really hope you enjoy and find this episode valuable! It feels so good to be sharing it with you, my Shine + Thrivers <3 

You’ll learn…

• My hopes before the big day and the visualization exercise that helped me manifest the birth I wanted (and actually get it!) [12.47]
• My “incredible hulk” moment (!) plus why it’s sometimes best to surrender when things don’t go according to plan [25.09], [29.44], [53.00]
• Why childbirth is not a linear process and how to tap into altered states of consciousness to help you throughout your experience [40.34]
• The moment of truth! Giving birth to Ben and the techniques that helped me bring him into the world [56.08]
• How to keep going during the toughest moments and coach yourself through the process [1.36.04]
• My postpartum experience so far and an honest look at some of my darker moments, as well as the lighter ones [1.41.59], [1.49.27]
• My biggest takeaways from Karen’s course and Karen’s final advice for any woman about to embark on her own birthing journey [1.38.11]

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Pain Free Birth E course Link

Postpartum Bliss E-course Link

Free Partner's Cheatsheet

Free FB Group

My Online Photography Courses for You

Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)

Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Click here to leave a review!

With love + gratitude,

Sara

Let’s talk workflows!

If you’ve been toying with the idea of setting up workflows in your photography business OR you’ve already started and want to make sure you’re on the right path…

Then you’re not going to want to miss this week’s episode! Join photographer, business coach & workflow educator Laura Lee Murphy and I as we dive deep into all things systems, processes, and workflows.

You’ll learn…

• What a workflow is and why you absolutely need one if you want to grow your photography business [2.38], [7.49], [32.18] 
• Laura’s journey from burnout & overwhelm to workflow wizard! [10.41] 
• How to get started designing your workflows and systems [22.23] 
• The 10x rule you can use to tackle your workflows (and anything else in your business for that matter)! [25.05] 
• Laura’s “Take Back Your Time Framework” for defining, systemising & scaling your workflows [31.18] 
• Next level workflows, standard operating procedures and how to know if you’re ready to outsource [34.36] 
• How to stay motivated even if working on your processes is outside of your zone of genius [37.37] 
• The real power of processes and why you need to take action today [53.38]

About my guest:

Laura Lee Murphy is photographer, systems strategist, business coach, retreat host and speaker for creative entrepreneurs. She educates the creative community on all things workflow, systems, productivity and time management to help her clients and students run thriving businesses that don’t require working around the clock. Laura is on a mission for entrepreneurs to schedule more date nights, brunch, weekends, and vacations as a result of finding work-life balance while running a thriving business. 

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Take the first step to finally taking back your time by streamlining your business with powerful workflows & systems! Download Laura Lee Creative's FREE Quickstart Guide for business owners with 10 must-do actions to add to your workflow to increase profits, skyrocket your efficiency and improve your client experience! Click here to download now!

The Quickstart Guide to Streamlining & Optimizing Your Biz - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/61eadff160ada4164ea6eb1c
https://lauraleecreative.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lauraleecreative/ 

My Online Photography Courses for You

Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)

Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Click here to leave a review!

With love + gratitude,

Sara

Ever wondered what to include in your wedding price guide…? Wishing you could sneak a peek at someone else’s for some inspo…? Then you’re in the right place! 

In this week’s episode of the Shine + Thrive Photography Podcast, I’m going to be taking you through my own wedding price guide step-by-step, page-by-page.

This guide has been 11 years in the making and I’m so excited to be sharing it with you. My hope is that it will help and inspire you on your own journey, so you can increase your bookings and serve even more of your dream clients! 

Tune in to discover…

A detailed breakdown of everything I include in my own wedding price guide (down to each individual page!)

• How to take your clients on an emotional journey through your guide so they feel confident and excited about working with you [7.40], [12.18]
• How to build automatic filters & qualifiers into your guide so that only ‘perfect fit’ clients book you (...and so you avoid endless calls and meetings in the process!) [2.18], [4.57], [7.40]
• The key to using testimonials in your guide (and what NOT to do) [5.30]
• How to infuse your personality into your guide and build instant connection with your clients-to-be [9.40]
• The number #1 question you need to keep in mind at every stage when you’re writing your guide [12.22]
• How to use your guide to set expectations, tackle important FAQs, and present your investment options as clearly and confidently as possible [17.33 until end]

My Online Photography Courses for You

Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)

Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Click here to leave a review!

With love + gratitude,

Sara