The Art & Soul Show - Photography Podcast for Newborn and Family Photographers – Details, episodes & analysis

When it comes to sharing her love of art, color, photography, and business, Kellee Wynne isn’t shy. But that openness and willingness to say what’s on her mind didn’t always feel like a good thing when she was growing up. Instead, it’s been a skill she’s spent more than a decade refining and cultivating through her various business ventures as an artist, author, business mentor, and podcaster.

In this episode, Kellee and I chat all about sharing knowledge and cultivating a community online. We dive into why speaking your mind is a gift to your audience (and it's not actually pushy or bossy!) We also chat about her brilliant marketing skills, from how she dives into the mind of her clients to streamlining her content creation process–and why even though we might be multi-passionate as creatives, we still need to niche down when it comes to business. 

There is SO MUCH wisdom in this fun conversation! Let’s dive in!

What’s in this episode:

[00:00] Intro

[02:26] Why Kellee Wynne founded her company, Color Crush Creative

[07:45] Why understanding your customer’s desires is the key to effective marketing

[11:52] The Primary Content Machine and how Kellee uses it to streamline her content creation

[17:32] How Kellee helps her clients to find clarity on what they want and need

[23:44] How Kellee is embracing AI and learning to integrate it into her business

[31:04] Why Kellee values “we over me” and incorporates community values into her mentoring business

[34:32] How multi-passionate artists can embrace their interests while also niching down to create a more sustainable business

[38:40] Kellee’s lightning round

Tune in to this episode to learn how Kellee Wynne takes mentoring creatives to the next level!

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/boss-not-bossy-how-kellee-wynne-helps-others-fulfill-their-dreams-by-sharing-her-knowledge-and-why-you-should-too/

Grab your replay of the 2024 {online} Family Retreat!

The age of AI is here… and that’s not a comforting realization for many of us working in the creative field. But the technology isn’t going away, so what if we could use AI tools to elevate our work, instead of replacing us?

That’s the future Justin Benson and the team at Aftershoot have in mind for AI in the photography field. In today’s episode, Justin shares just what Aftershoot is, why it can be a game-changing assistive technology for photographers, and how he hopes the creative world will adapt to the advent of AI.

If you’ve been struggling to make sense of AI’s introduction into photography, this conversation will be so uplifting and encouraging for you. Let’s dive in!

What’s in this episode:

[00:00] Intro

[02:35] What Aftershoot is and how it can help photographers (especially if you’re an over-shooter)

[08:57] How Aftershoot is continuing to improve and add additional features

[11:08] How the concept for Aftershoot was developed and why it’s always had elevating photographers as a core ethos

[14:41] Some workarounds to use Aftershoot in a variety of workflows

[17:33] How Justin sees AI continuing to evolve in the photography field

[22:14] Justin’s best advice to photographers just starting to incorporate AI into their workflow

[28:31] Justin’s lightning round, including a few more tips for beginning photographers

Tune in to this episode to learn more about how we can grow with AI technology like Aftershoot as photographers!

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/how-embracing-an-ai-workflow-can-help-you-become-a-more-efficient-photographer-with-justin-benson/

Get access to the 2024 Family Retreat, starting May 15th!

As photographers, we’d love to spend all of our time just photographing and working with our clients. Unfortunately, in 2024, it takes a little more than that to attract new clients to your business, but cultivating a successful marketing mindset doesn’t always feel intuitive to creatives.

So in today’s episode, I’m talking to Carolina Guzik, expert photographer, host of the TOG Republic podcast and marketing genius, to discuss the way she successfully markets her own business. We cover so much ground here, including how we should reframe the way we present our marketing on Google, Pinterest, and social media, how we can use our unique interests to create connections with our clients, and how we’ve got to let go of how we feel about our marketing and use data as our guide instead.

This is such a good episode full of actionable tips. You’re going to love it. Let’s dive in!

What’s in this episode:

[00:00] Intro

[02:22] The unique experiences that lead Carolina to her photography career

[04:49] How Carolina stays on top of the marketing for her business

[08:52] How Caroline plans her ideas for social media and marketing

[15:18] How Carolina’s love of reality TV helps her market her business

[22:10] How to boost your social media engagement as a photographer

[25:05] How to rethink the way you approach SEO and how this applies to both Google and Pinterest

[33:52] Why Pinterest and marketing for your business in general is a long game that pays off over time (like training for a marathon)

[40:50] Carolina’s lightning round where she dishes out advice for photographers just starting out and the creative pursuits she’s passionate about right now

Tune in to this episode to learn how you can shift your marketing mindset to attract more clients, both now and in the future.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/marketing-mindset-makeover-why-its-time-for-photographers-to-rethink-their-marketing-strategies-with-carolina-guzik/

Grab the replay for the 2024 Online Newborn Retreat!

The connection between a photographer and their subject is never more important than when you’re shooting senior portraits. Not only are they at a pivotal moment in their lives, but many of them struggle with self-confidence and body image. If you can dig deep into their personalities and then show them their own beauty through your images, you can truly change lives.

In this episode, I chat with senior photographer and photography educator Ariel Perry about her process for connecting and working with seniors. Ariel shares how she fell in love with senior photography and decided to niche down. She explains how she goes about building a connection with a teen, even if they’re not entirely sold on the idea of a portrait session. We also talk about how a photoshoot can make a world of difference in a teen’s self-confidence.

What’s in this episode:

• How Ariel found her passion for senior photography and made it her niche [2:17]
• How to be assertive during a shoot and establish the creative direction [7:03]
• How to get to know your client’s personality and pull that out of them during the shoot [10:32]
• Working with teens who are shy or unsure about senior portraits [12:26]
• Ariel’s favorite shoots, and her experience shooting in London and Rome [17:01]
• Business advice for new and seasoned photographers [18:43]
• How a portrait session can help a senior find their confidence [21:31]

If you want to create real connections with your clients and empower them through your work, tune in to this episode.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/spotlight-on-senior-portraits-cultivating-confidence-with-ariel-perry/

Reserve your spot for the 2022 Online Family Photography Retreat: https://themilkyway.ca/2022-family-retreat/

Running a business looks different for everyone. And when you’re a business owner and mother, you have to get creative to balance work and life. However you find your flow, what matters most is that you let your passion–for your work and your family–drive your creativity.

In this episode, I chat with mother of two and family photographer Shannon Smith about how she creates flow to integrate her work and life. Shannon tells her story of becoming a single mother and finding her passion for family photography. She shares how she manages to find time for homeschooling her kids, traveling the country, and running her own business. She also shares the ways that her experience as a mom has helped her better connect with and get inspired by her clients.

What’s in this episode:

• How Shannon’s passion for family and the outdoors translates into her work [2:00]
• How Shannon manages single motherhood, homeschooling her kids, and running her business [5:18]
• Finding flow in your life and work [8:41]
• How to connect with uncooperative kids during a session [13:35]
• Shannon’s system for styling her clients [15:24]
• How to find inspiration and cultivate your personal style [16:15]
• How to capture unique images for a family, even when you’re not feeling inspired [18:45]
• Shannon’s favorite session and her best business advice [20:07]

If you want to create a business that works for your life and family, tune in to this episode.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/creating-a-business-that-works-for-your-family/

Reserve your spot for the 2022 Online Family Photography Retreat: https://themilkyway.ca/2022-family-retreat/

One of the hardest things for a professional photographer to do is raise their prices. But why is that? We get so caught up in charging according to our self-worth instead of charging for the value our clients see in the photography experience. Once you make that mindset shift, selling and scaling becomes so much easier.

In this episode, I chat with coach, speaker, and author Megan DiPeiro about selling with confidence and raising your prices. Megan shares the mindset shifts that have to happen before you can sell your work as a luxury service. She explains why luxe photography is about the experience, not just the final product. And we discuss advice for new photographers and those who want to scale their businesses past six figures.

What’s in this episode:

• Why Megan loves sales, and how other photographers can learn to love it, too [2:19]
• What mindset shift has to happen before you can raise your prices and increase your profit [5:51]
• How to determine if you’re a good fit for your clients and make a deep connection from the get-go [10:45]
• How to show clients that your work creates a meaningful experience, not just photos [16:54]
• Why you shouldn’t “charge your worth” but instead “charge for your value” [20:40]
• How to make the mindset shift towards seeing and marketing your work as a luxe service [23:58]
• Why you should present your price, “shut your mouth,” and allow your clients to react to the number [33:14]
• Megan’s advice for new photographers and those who want to scale their businesses [33:55]

If you want to shift your mindset, raise your prices, and scale your business, tune in to this episode.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/cultivating-an-empathy-selling-mindset-with-megan-dipiero/

Reserve your spot for the 2022 Online Family Photography Retreat: https://themilkyway.ca/2022-family-retreat/

Are you a photographer who feels uncomfortable on the other side of the camera? It’s a bit of a cliche, but it’s true: Many photographers struggle showing up in their own businesses, especially in photos. But your personality is what sets you apart, and showing it off is key to attracting the kinds of clients you’ve been dreaming of.

In this episode, I chat with brand photographer and marketing strategist Angie McPherson about attracting your ideal clients through brand photography. Angie shares how she fell in love with brand photography and how she uses it in her own business. She explains how to find balance between your style and your clients’ brands. Plus, we break down the brand photo process and client experience–from finding beautiful locations to styling your clients.

What’s in this episode:

• How to be yourself on social media and attract your dream clients [2:35]
• How Angie steps into her clients’ shoes as a brand photographer [5:09]
• Why you should prioritize your own style when looking for clients [8:01]
• How to figure out pricing for brand photography packages [10:24]
• How to style your clients or connect with local stylists [13:06]
• Watermarks, tags, and photo credit for brand photography [14:16]
• How to handle clients who want to edit their own brand photos [15:49]
• How to attract your ideal clients by showing up online [17:05]
• Angie’s tips for finding unique locations for brand photoshoots [19:57]
• What Angie’s branding package and shoot process looks like [22:24]
• Why shot lists are life savers during branding sessions [28:30]
• Angie’s advice for fellow photographers and business owners [32:15]

If you want to show up as your most authentic self and attract your dream clients, tune in to this episode.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/showing-up-in-your-business-brand-photography-with-angie-mcpherson/

Reserve your spot for the 2022 Online Family Photography Retreat: https://themilkyway.ca/2022-family-retreat/

Should you niche down or generalize? There’s a lot of pressure for photographers to choose one area of interest. But just because you’ve found your passion doesn't mean you can’t be multipassionate! It’s totally possible (and honestly, preferable) to diversify your income, build up your passive income streams and create a well-rounded business.

In this episode, I’m chatting with coach and photographer Hope Taylor about niching down without limiting yourself. Hope is sharing how she found her passion for senior and wedding photography. Then, she’s explaining how she diversified her income streams through coaching and passive income. We’re also talking about showing up online and how to build your personal brand.

What’s in this episode:

• How Hope found her passion for photography, business, and passive income [2:21]
• How she found her passion for senior and wedding photography [4:23]
• How to start niching down and learn to say “no” to work you don’t want [6:38]
• Why your branding should be an extension of your natural personality and style [8:43]
• Hope’s experience moving her business to another state – twice! [12:04]
• How to get comfortable on the other side of the camera and start building your personal brand [15:34]
• Hope’s journey to offering high-level mastermind coaching [19:59]
• How you can use outsourcing to help you stay in your zone of genius [23:30]
• Hope’s advice for seasoned and new business owners [29:02]

If you want to learn to diversify your income streams to create more freedom in your business, tune in to this episode.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/niche-down-without-limiting-your-creativity-with-hope-taylor/

Reserve your spot for the 2022 Online Family Photography Retreat: https://themilkyway.ca/2022-family-retreat/

Whether you’re brand new to photography or you’ve been in business for years, you’re probably familiar with feeling overwhelmed during busy seasons. The solution, as we’ve been told a thousand times, is to take a step back. But how do you slow down and press pause when you’re working 24/7?

In this episode, I’m chatting with coach and photographer Krista Marie about finding balance and alignment in your business. Krista is sharing her advice for minimizing overwhelm and pressing pause, even when you feel like you’re covered up with work. She’s explaining why it’s so important to find systems that work for you. We’re also opening up about showing up in our businesses and making our voices heard. Plus, we’re chatting about pricing and why it’s important to disconnect your rates from your self-worth.

What’s in this episode:

• How Krista grew her business from a college side hustle to a full-time job [2:20]
• How to prioritize your to-do list, minimize overwhelm, and find balance [3:55]
• Shifting your mindset around content marketing and making it something you truly enjoy [10:30]
• How to press pause and regroup when you’re feeling overwhelmed with work [15:07]
• Disconnecting your prices from your sense of self-worth [19:31]
• Why it’s important to reconnect with your creativity by pursuing passion projects [22:27]
• Krista’s tips for managing your time effectively and setting goals [25:36]
• Finding systems and strategies that work for you, even if they’re different from other business owners’ [29:40]
• How Krista has worked through her challenges to create a business that aligns with her [32:57]
• Accepting that not everyone’s going to like you, and committing to showing up anyway [34:53]

If you want to create a business that feels aligned with you, tune into this episode.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/building-your-business-your-way-how-to-ditch-the-overwhelm-find-alignment-in-your-business-with-krista-marie-lynch/

Reserve your spot for the 2022 Online Family Photography Retreat: https://themilkyway.ca/2022-family-retreat/

After a birth, all eyes are on the new baby. You take tons of pictures, make tons of memories, and try to soak up each moment before it passes. But as a baby grows, mom is also undergoing a life changing transformation, one that’s just as deserving of attention and documentation.

In this episode, I’m chatting with motherhood photographer Brittany Grubbs about capturing the natural beauty of the mother-child connection. Brittany is sharing how she found her passion for motherhood photography and how she turned it into the foundation of her business. She’s sharing her tips for helping clients feel comfortable and look natural on camera, as well as her process for styling her subjects. Plus, she’s explaining what to do when your subjects (children or adults) don’t want to cooperate.

What’s in this episode:

• How Brittany found her passion for motherhood photography and turned it into a business [1:58]
• Her secret for capturing the natural bond between mother and child [4:25]
• How to help clients who arrive for a shoot nervous or stiff [5:13]
• How to guide clients into slowing down, getting intimate, and being themselves [6:39]
• Prepping for sessions and styling clients [9:50]
• Brittany’s favorite stores for building her client closet [11:45]
• What to do when clients don’t follow directions or kids don’t want to participate [12:17]
• Brittany’s advice for photographers struggling to find their voice and style [14:01]
• Why Brittany loves self-portrait sessions, and the project she’s most proud of [17:37]
• How she wants to create even deeper connections with her clients [20:03]

If you want to learn to help your clients see the beauty in the little, intimate moments, tune in to this episode.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://themilkyway.ca/capturing-the-mother-child-connection-through-motherhood-photography-with-brittany-grubbs/

Reserve your spot for the 2022 Online Family Photography Retreat: https://themilkyway.ca/2022-family-retreat/