Almost Monday – Details, episodes & analysis

If your work is strong but your inquiries feel inconsistent… your Instagram might be the reason. In this episode of Almost Monday, I’m walking you through a simple but powerful Instagram audit you can apply today to start attracting more aligned clients—without posting more content. We’re breaking down: What couples actually look at when they land on your profile The bio tweaks that instantly change how you’re perceived How to use highlights to build trust (not just store old stories) The 3 pinned posts that should be working for you Your Instagram isn’t just a portfolio—it’s your first impression. And small shifts here can completely change how people experience your brand.

This is the full story. In this episode of Almost Monday, I’m taking you through my entire journey—from picking up my first camera at 15 to building two photography businesses, a team of photographers, and booking over 100 weddings a year. But this isn’t just the highlight reel. I’m sharing: The messy beginnings (charging $30 for sessions and saying yes to everything) The burnout, bad reviews, and mistakes that forced me to grow The behind-the-scenes of building a team and scaling a business The personal experiences that completely changed how I show up in my life and business Because your business doesn’t grow separately from your life—it grows through it. If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or unsure if you’re on the right path… this episode will change the way you see your journey.

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In this episode of Almost Monday, I’m sharing something I’ve been seeing constantly during mentorship sessions — the quiet signals on Instagram that can make dream clients scroll past you… even if your photos are stunning. Because here’s the truth: your portfolio isn’t always the problem. Couples aren’t choosing between “good” and “bad” photographers anymore — they’re choosing between 10 talented photographers… and your Instagram presence is doing more of the selling than you think. I’m breaking down 5 red flags I can usually spot within 30 seconds that tell me a photographer is likely struggling to book consistently — and what to shift instead so your profile communicates clarity, confidence, and leadership. In this episode, we cover:
Red Flag #1: Your page feels like a portfolio, not a brand
Red Flag #2: You’re using the same vague words as everyone else (and how to get specific)
Red Flag #3: You never share perspective — only finished work
Red Flag #4: You’re talking to photographers more than you’re talking to couples
Red Flag #5: Your content is filled with public frustration, stress, or “please be patient” energy (and why that creates hesitation)
The core shift: Your Instagram should not feel like you’re hoping someone picks you. It should feel like you know exactly who you’re meant for — and what it’s like to work with you.

What do you do when you feel stuck — not burnt out, just stalled? In this episode, I share the rituals and mindset shifts I use to reset when my brain feels foggy, including how I focus on consistency over motivation, use my “top three priorities” method, and work with (not against) executive dysfunction. If you need a gentle reset, this one’s for you.

CHAT WITH ME ABOUT MENTORING: https://mariadenommeedu.17hats.com/p#/scheduling/svckgsnvgpkvxfvkgtfpxrzsfwchxpcz

If you’ve been saying “the market is saturated” or “this year feels slow,” this episode is for you!

Weddings are still happening. Couples are still investing. Photography is still a priority.

So if bookings feel harder right now, it’s not because the industry is dead.
It’s because we’re in a competitive market and having pretty photos isn’t enough anymore.

In this episode, I break down:
• Why saturation is actually proof of demand
• Why your portfolio alone won’t book you
• How personal brand builds trust faster than pretty photos
• The reason couples compare connection, not just quality
• Tangible steps you can take right now to stand out
• Why copying other photographers is quietly hurting you
• How to create a first impression that actually sticks

I also share real stories from my own business — including how couples have booked me over shared life experiences (yes, even my long distance relationship) instead of just my work. If you feel like your photos are strong but something isn’t clicking, this episode will help you understand why. Because talent without positioning is invisible. And in a saturated market, the most defined personal brand wins. 

Let’s bring the CEO energy this week! It’s Almost Monday!

Resources:
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In this episode of Almost Monday, I’m fresh off a week in Costa Rica and easing back into work while reflecting on something that has completely changed my business: hiring a virtual assistant. What started as a response to two painful reviews about communication turned into one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made as a photographer. At the time, I wasn’t full-time, I was juggling multiple jobs, and I definitely didn’t feel “ready” to outsource  but I knew my client experience mattered too much to keep letting things slip. In this episode, I walk you through: Why I hired my very first VA back in 2016 The myths around outsourcing (you don’t need to be full-time or hire someone full-time) How a VA directly improves your client experience and protects your reputation What my VA actually handles in my business today How outsourcing allowed me to scale, build an associate team, and take real time off The systems you need before hiring a VA so training doesn’t feel overwhelming I also share how having a team in place allowed my business to keep running during some of the hardest moments of my life because life doesn’t pause just because you own a business, and your clients shouldn’t feel the weight of that. If you’ve ever felt stuck behind your inbox, anxious about slow replies, or like your business can’t grow without burning you out, this episode is for you. And if you’re curious about outsourcing but don’t know where to start, I’ve created a mini course that walks you through the first steps  from what to outsource first to how to hire and train contractors in a way that actually supports your business. You’ll find that linked in the show notes. As always, if there’s something you’re struggling with or want to hear more about, send me a DM on Instagram. This podcast is here to help you build a business that makes money and feels aligned with your life. It’s Sunday… which means it’s Almost Monday. Let’s start the week strong!

If money, taxes, or bookkeeping have ever made you feel overwhelmed (or like you’re behind), this episode is for you. Today on Almost Monday, I’m sitting down with Abby from Riverstone Bookkeeping, a US-based bookkeeper who works primarily with creatives. I pulled questions directly from you—real “am I doing this right?” questions photographers and creative business owners are genuinely confused about—and Abby breaks everything down in a way that actually makes sense. We cover the foundations that apply no matter where you live (and yes, Abby is US-based—Canadian-specific details can differ, but the principles still hit). In this episode, we talk about: The best way to track your business finances (and when a spreadsheet is smarter than software) QuickBooks vs Xero—and why DIY bookkeeping can get expensive if it’s set up wrong The real difference between LLC vs sole proprietor (and why it’s not actually either/or) Cash vs accrual accounting explained with a photographer example Whether you should pay taxes quarterly vs annually (and what happens if you don’t) A simple rule of thumb for how much to set aside for taxes (based on profit) When you’re ready for yearly vs quarterly vs monthly bookkeeping Whether you need to print bank statements and receipts (spoiler: no) How long you should keep receipts (and how to store them without losing your mind) Writing off food as props, and what documentation matters Why you can’t usually write off clothing (and what DOES count) Claiming a vehicle: mileage vs expenses, car washes, and what’s actually worth it Photography gear: writing it off now vs depreciating over time (and why it depends) The write-offs photographers often forget: mileage, parking/tolls, and home office 1099s: when you need them, when you don’t, and why Venmo can be a headache A simple way to start retirement contributions as a business owner (even at 2%) Abby also shares what she offers—from monthly bookkeeping to catch-up bookkeeping and one-off consultations if you just want to pick her brain and get clarity without committing to a long-term service. If this episode lifted even a little bit of stress off your shoulders, send it to a friend who needs it—and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the Canadian bookkeeper episode coming next. Happy Almost Monday! Connect with Abby / Riverstone Bookkeeping: Website: https://riverstonebookkeeping.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverstonebookkeeping

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Twila Lowden of Lowden Ledger to break down the money side of photography in a way that actually makes sense. We’re answering the real questions photographers ask all the time but don’t always get clear answers to — from bookkeeping vs accounting, to GST/HST, to how you’re supposed to stay organized throughout the year instead of panicking at tax time. This episode is especially helpful for Canadian photographers, but the foundations apply to any creative business owner who wants more clarity around their numbers and fewer surprises. In this episode, we cover: • The difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant (and why you probably need both) • What bookkeeping actually is and what you should be doing month to month • The best software for tracking your business finances • Cash vs accrual and why most photographers don’t need to overcomplicate it • When it makes sense to incorporate vs stay a sole proprietor • How much to set aside for income tax and GST/HST • Common deductions photographers miss (subscriptions, mileage, home office, and more) • How vehicle expenses actually work and why mileage tracking matters • Whether you need to keep physical receipts or if digital is enough • What to do if you’re outgrowing DIY finances but not ready to fully outsource yet If you’ve ever felt unsure about your numbers, avoided your finances, or wondered what you’re supposed to be doing before tax season, this episode will give you clarity and a clear next step. You can find Twila and learn more about her services at lowdenledger.com and on Instagram @lowdenledger. If this episode helped you, save it, share it with another photographer, or send it to the friend who always stresses about taxes.

Welcome to the very first episode of Almost Monday In this episode, I’m introducing myself, the podcast, and the story behind the name Almost Monday — a name that honestly came together during a very real, very emotional creative block. I share how I started my photography career at just 16 years old, how I built two wedding photography businesses (one fully run by associate photographers), and how that eventually led me into business coaching and education for photographers and creative entrepreneurs. Today, those businesses collectively photograph over 100 weddings a year — but getting here was anything but linear. This episode is part introduction, part behind-the-scenes brain dump, and part reminder that creative clarity doesn’t always come from pushing harder — sometimes it comes from venting to a friend, opening Pinterest, and letting ideas flow without pressure. I also talk about: Why I actually look forward to Mondays The frustration of trying to name something that really matters Why “Almost Monday” represents turning someday ideas into real action What you can expect from this podcast moving forward How my long-distance life between Ontario and Utah shapes the way I run my business and make decisions This podcast is for photographers and creative business owners who want to grow, scale, and level up — without pretending it’s easy or perfectly curated. We’ll talk real business, real life, real mistakes, and real wins. Thanks for being here for episode one. And… happy Almost Monday ✨