The One Behind the Lens with Kate DeCoste – Details, episodes & analysis

Inside the episode:

In this juicy solo episode, Kate pulls back the curtain on her own struggles with workflow. She shares her real-life photo confession and the exact 5-step fix that turned her mess into a manageable, repeatable system.

Whether you're a photographer, creative business owner, or just tired of feeling buried under your to-do list, this episode is your permission slip to simplify and thrive.

• The 5 foundational steps that keep Kate’s workflow under control

• How 10 minutes can change your creative life

• Tools that prevent burnout and lost client trust

📄 Download the free workflow guide & bonus video:
👉 The One with the 10-Minute Workflow Fix

Follow Kate:

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

Website

Big love to our sponsor Photobiz.com

The all-in-one platform trusted by photographers for websites, booking, galleries, and more.

✨ Want to simplify your workflow and look professional doing it?
They’ve got you covered and they’ve created a special offer just for listeners of The One Behind the Lens! Grab 25% off your first annual membership.

🔗 Head to: landing-page.photobiz.com/behind-the-lens

Episode 3 | The One Behind the Lens

Hosted by Kate DeCoste

Guest: Renee Bowen

Total Length: ~55:00

Inside the episode:

In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate sits down with photographer, coach, and podcast host Renee Bowen to dive deep into the world of sustainable pricing, full-service photography, and the mindset shifts that make it all possible.

📌 What You’ll Learn

• Renee’s path from psychology grad to full-time luxury photographer

• The mindset shifts required to charge premium prices

• Why pricing struggles are often tied to self-worth

• How to transition into full-service photography (and why it works)

• Tips for maintaining boutique pricing across different offerings

• The difference between mentoring and coaching—and how both can help

🕒 Timestamps

0:00 – Welcome back! Meet Renee Bowen—photographer, coach, and creative entrepreneur

2:00 – How Renee got into photography (and what her childhood had to do with it)

4:00 – The story behind her first camera + photographing her son with autism 7:00 – From headshots to seniors: discovering her niche in SoCal

9:30 – Why Southern California wasn’t doing senior photos (and how she changed that)

11:00 – Seniors Ignite, We Are the Scene, and her start in mentoring

13:00 – The surprising emotional work underneath most business coaching

16:00 – Pricing struggles: why creatives tie money to worth

18:00 – Pricing mindset shifts for full-service success

20:30 – Renee’s business structure: minimums, session fees, and pricing with intention

23:00 – The moment she decided: “If this doesn’t work, I’ll go work at Starbucks” 27:00 – Burnout, balance, and betting on herself

31:00 – Mindset > strategy: why your brain has to be on board for your business to grow

33:30 – Why halfway effort equals halfway results (and how coaching helps) 36:00 – Customizing pricing based on market, values, and alignment

39:00 – What to expect in a sales session—and why silence is a sales superpower 41:00 – Listener Q: How do you price digital-only branding sessions vs full-service portraits?

45:00 – Why transparency and education make a pricing model work

47:00 – Inside Renee’s coaching offers: Elevate group, 1:1 mentorship, and courses

50:00 – Building a safe space for women to grow, cry, and be real

53:00 – The podcast that started it all: Tried and True with a Dash of Woo

54:30 – Where to find Renee online + one final mic drop on creative freedom

💾 Resources & Links:

🎧 Renee’s Podcast: → Tried and True with a Dash of Woo

📸 Coaching & Membership Info: → ReneeBowen.com/coaching

🎓 Join Elevate (Renee’s coaching group for experienced photographers) → Applications open twice a year – July and January

Follow Renee :

Facebook

Instagram

Tik Tok

Website

👉 Freebie from Renee: (Mainly for senior photographers, this canva doc is packed with valuable, up to date info that any photographer can use to go MAKE some clients!) How to get clients

✨ Quote Highlight:

“Money is just an amplifier. It’s not about the price—it’s about your worth.” – Renee Bowen

🔁 Try This: Your 3-Part Pricing Reset Challenge

1. Audit your time. Where is your energy actually going?

2. Audit your numbers. What do you need vs. want to earn?

3. Audit your beliefs. What story are you telling yourself about money—and is it even yours?

Raise your prices before you feel ready. Adjust as you go. Done is better than perfect.

☕ Huge thanks to our sponsor, The Coffee Roaster of Lincoln, Nebraska. Fueling creativity one cup at a time.

Get 5% off your online order when you visit www.coffeeroasterlnk.com/tobtl or use code TOBTL at checkout. Your morning brew just got a glow-up. 🔥

💡 FREE RESOURCES FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS:

If you’re feeling inspired to streamline your workflow or sharpen your skills, I’ve got a few free tools waiting for you on my site!

👉 www.katedecostephotography.com

Episode 2 | The One Behind the Lens

Hosted by Kate DeCoste

Guest: Susan Geitka

Total Length: ~60:00

Inside the episode:

In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate is joined by photographer and light chaser Susan Gietka, whose journey began in 1983 with a Pentax film camera and a background in dance. Known for her emotive dance photography and creative lighting techniques, Susan shares her approach to working with natural light, introducing off-camera flash, and using unexpected tools (like a dress form!) to perfect her craft.

📌 What You’ll Learn

• 
  
• How Susan’s dance background shaped her eye behind the lens
• 
  
• Why self-initiated shoots matter (and how they lead to your best work)
• 
  
• Favorite lighting tools and techniques for outdoor, studio, and dance photography

• Real-life stories of creative risk, gear fails, and magical photo moments

• Tips for mentoring, natural light, off-camera flash, and reading light like a pro

🕒 Timestamps

0:00 – Meet Susan! Longtime friend, dancer, and storytelling genius

2:00 – The early years: dance in Philly + buying a manual film camera with her last $500

5:00 – When the digital transition wasn’t cute (6MP, anyone?) 7:30 – Her first paid shoot from a stranger on the street

9:00 – Why high school senior photography wasn’t a thing in New Jersey

11:00 – The power of creative communities (We Are The Scene memories!)

13:15 – Saturday Night Specials + the struggle to create for yourself

15:00 – Susan’s advice: shoot for yourself to stay inspired

17:30 – Behind the lake shoot: snapping turtles, rain, and her most iconic images 21:50 – The role of fear in creative breakthroughs

24:30 – Why the best work often comes from shoots where everything goes wrong

27:00 – Yes, she really brought a styrofoam head to practice lighting 😄

28:15 – When to push through… and when to pack it up (RIP camera in pool) 30:00 – Why being a dancer helps Susan photograph dancers (timing + technique)

34:00 – The value of directing with confidence and dancer-friendly language 36:00 – Tips for non-dancer photographers shooting dance clients

38:00 – Favorite lenses for movement + how to frame dancers like they’re on stage

40:00 – Susan’s take on light: not one-size-fits-all—and that’s the point

43:00 – Shooting in full sun: her secret weapon (and assistant torture stories 😅) 45:15 – Natural light tip #1: always expose for the skin

47:00 – Flash learning curve: starting at sunset, no pressure

49:30 – Her lighting rituals, reflectors, and the importance of angles

51:15 – Mentorship + Rise Up Workshop (and why she keeps teaching)

54:00 – Where to find Susan online and how to reach out for 1:1 mentoring

56:00 – Final wisdom: trust your ideas, stay curious, and read Big Magic

💾 Resources & Links for Susan:

Facebook

Instagram

Website

🎓 Workshops:

Sign up for the Rise Up Workshop in Austin!

📖 Book Recommendation:

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert – for anyone sitting on a creative idea → “Ideas are magic. If you don’t act on them, they’ll visit someone else.”

📸 Try This: Susan’s 10-Minute Creative Challenge

Have an idea that’s been sitting on the shelf? Give it 10 minutes. Sketch it. Try one test shot. Don’t wait for it to be perfect. Just start. (And maybe bring bug spray… and a backup battery 😅)

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Rockbrook Camera
Rockbrook Camera is a locally owned photo and video specialty store based in Nebraska. For 50 years, they have helped photographers find the right gear, learn new skills, and print what matters most.

Check them out online or visit in person to see why they’re more than just a camera store, they’re a creative partner. Now through the end of 2025, get 25% off your rental gear. Check out the link below!

👉 Rockbrook Camera

Explore free downloads, guides, and paid offers inside my photographer resources.
👉 The One Where You Level Up

So what’s actually coming in Season One of The One Behind the Lens?

In this bonus trailer, I’m giving you a sneak peek at what’s ahead — from branding and pricing to mindset, marketing, and building a biz that feels like you. If you’re a photographer in your first 5 years of business, this season is packed with practical tips, pep talks, and permission to stop playing small.

🔗 Links + Resources:

👉 Snag freebies and get more info at:
katedecostephotography.com/podcast

💛 Connect With Kate:

Instagram: @katedecoste
Website: katedecostephotography.com

Welcome to The One Behind the Lens!

If you're a photographer in your first 5 years of business and you're ready to stop winging it, start shining, and finally build a brand that feels like you, you're in the right place.

This quick trailer sets the tone for Season 1 and gives you a sneak peek at what’s coming: bold strategies, creative inspo, mindset shifts, and a whole lot of biz bestie energy.

It’s time to Shutter Up and Shine. 

🔗 Links + Resources:

👉 Get more info, freebies, and resources at:
katedecostephotography.com/podcast

💛 Connect With Kate:

Instagram: @katedecoste
Website: katedecostephotography.com

Yay, it’s YOU!
If you're a photographer in your first 5 years of business wondering how to go from “what am I doing?” to “I’ve got this,” then welcome, this podcast was made just for you.

In this mini trailer, I’m breaking down who The One Behind the Lens is for and why this space exists to help you grow with clarity, confidence, and creativity.

Get ready to Shutter Up & Shine - it’s time to build a biz that fits your life, not the other way around.

🔗 Links + Resources:

👉 Get more info, free resources, and all things podcast at:
katedecostephotography.com/podcast

💛 Connect With Kate:

Instagram: @katedecoste
Website: katedecostephotography.com

Wondering what The One Behind the Lens is all about? Start here. This short-and-sweet trailer gives you the lowdown on what to expect in Season 1 and why this podcast was made for photographers in their first 5 years of business. If you’re looking for bold advice, real talk, and biz strategies that actually work… you’re in the right place.

I'm Kate - your host, biz bestie, and biggest cheerleader.

🔗 Links + Resources:

👉 Learn more + grab your freebies:
katedecostephotography.com/podcast

💛 Connect With Kate:

Instagram: @katedecoste
Website: katedecostephotography.com

Episode Summary: In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate sits down with attorney, entrepreneur, and business strategist Rachel Brenke to unpack the key legal protections every creative business should have. Rachel shares insights from her own journey balancing law, family, and creative ventures, covering contracts, copyright, liability, AI and prevention strategies that save time, money, and stress.

What We Cover (Timestamps):

[5:40] Watermarks, copyright, and how to deter infringements

[47:23] Rachel’s background: attorney, author, and creative entrepreneur

[50:54] The three non-negotiables for creatives: contracts, copyright, liability protection

[52:53] Liability protection deep dive: contracts, business entity, insurance

[55:40] The value of prevention over cleanup—why front-end planning saves headaches

[58:20] Free resources and business audit for creative entrepreneurs

[1:01:58] Using AI as a legal and creative tool—pros, cons, and best practices

[1:02:58] Closing thoughts: incremental learning, practical legal steps, and protecting your business while you grow

Quotes to Remember:

"Contracts, copyright, and liability protection aren’t optional - they’re your business safety net." – Rachel Brenke

"Prevention always beats cleanup. It saves you time, money, and sanity." – Rachel Brenke

"AI is a good starting point, but it can’t replace strategy and human perspective." – Rachel Brenke

Resources Mentioned:

👉 Rachel Brenke’s website: rachelbrenke.com

🎧 Rachel’s podcast: Business Bites Podcast

🌐 TheLawTog: thelawtog.com → Use code LENS to save 20% off anything

📲 Free business audit and resources: rachelbrenke.com

💻 PhotoBiz: photobiz.com → Save 25% off your first year with code TOBTL

☕ The Coffee Roaster: coffeeroasterlnk.com → Enjoy 5% off your order with code TOBTL

Work with Kate:
🎓 Photography Workshop (Virtual, October) → katedecostephotography.com/photographers
✨ Earlybird Pricing available until September 15th!

Connect with Kate:

📸 Instagram: @katedecoste

🌐 Website: katedecostephotography.com

In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate DeCoste dives into the power of saying “no” in your photography business—and in life. She shares her personal journey of discovering what truly lights her up, letting go of the work that drains her, and embracing the messy middle of her creative story. From weddings and newborn sessions that weren’t a fit, to finding freedom and focus in high school senior and headshot sessions, Kate shows how saying no can lead to clarity, joy, and creative growth.

What We Cover (Timestamps):

[0:00] Welcome back, Shutter Squad—introducing the theme of saying no

[2:30] The messy middle: where anxiety, doubt, and growth intersect[

5:10] No as a complete sentence: freeing yourself and others

[7:40] Kate’s personal story: why weddings and newborns weren’t her fit

[12:20] The anxiety and pressure of shooting weddings—lessons from theater

[16:50] How saying no opened the door to what Kate truly loves: seniors & headshots[19:30] The Photo Confession Booth: sharing your photography fears, habits, or guilty pleasures[

22:00] Kate’s confession: missing an important bride & mother moment at a wedding

[27:40] Lessons learned from missed moments and why shot lists matter

[30:10] Weekly challenge: identify what you’ve been saying yes to that doesn’t bring you joy and practice saying no

Quotes to Remember:"

No is a complete sentence. It’s one of the kindest things you can do for yourself—and for others." – Kate DeCoste

"Saying no helped me hone my craft. It helped me get really good at what I love." – Kate DeCoste

"No is a boundary, no is a filter, no is a complete sentence—and no can change your business, your creativity, and your life." – Kate DeCoste

Resources Mentioned:

Shutter Squad Freebies: www.katedecostephotography.com/photographers

🌐 Kate’s website & booking info: katedecostephotography.com

💡 Aller Enterprises: https://tayloraller.myflodesk.com/freeplanner

Connect with Kate:

📸 Instagram: @katedecoste

🌐 Website: www.katedecostephotography.com

Episode Summary: In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate sits down with storytelling strategist and business coach Megan Yelaney to unpack how your origin story can be your greatest marketing asset. Megan shares how she went from theater and network marketing to building a multi-million-dollar business—all by leaning into what made her different and learning how to tell her story with intention. She also walks us through her signature 5-part Business Story Blueprint and how to use it to craft content that connects and converts.

What We Cover (Timestamps):

• [3:00] Megan’s unexpected journey from theater to network marketing to full-time business coach

• [7:44] How unlearning performance and learning to show up authentically transformed her brand

• [10:16] Why storytelling is your most powerful sales tool—especially in the age of AI

• [14:20] How to turn everyday moments (like toddler tantrums or Target runs) into relatable business content

• [16:42] The biggest storytelling mistake entrepreneurs make—and how to fix it

• [17:00] Megan’s 5-part Business Story Blueprint explained step-by-step:

1. Catalyst Moment – the hook that draws people in

2. Transformation – what changed and how

3. Impact – the ripple effect of solving the problem

4. Mission – why you care deeply about what you do

5. Unique Edge – what sets you apart from everyone else

• [26:00] Should you show your face online? (Especially if you're a behind-the-scenes creative)

• [28:00] Going live: why it builds trust and how to make it less awkward

• [31:00] Tips for going live without feeling like you need to “perform”

• [32:30] Don’t think you have a story? Here’s what to do instead

• [35:00] The power of “small” stories and why they often convert better than big dramatic ones

• [39:00] How to sell in a way that feels natural, not salesy

• [42:00] Perfectionism, progress, and why you need to just post the story already

• [45:00] Why likes ≠ sales and the importance of DMs over public validation

• [47:00] Vulnerable content and the quiet lurkers who become clients

Quotes to Remember:

"You don’t need a wild transformation to have a story worth telling. You need relatability and intention." – Megan Yelaney

"If you’re not selling, you’re actually limiting someone from being able to work with you." – Megan Yelaney

"I could get 10 likes and 5 DMs from the right people—and that’s a win." – Megan Yelaney

Resources Mentioned:

👉 Download the Free Business Story Blueprint

🎧 Listen to Megan’s podcast: https://meganyelaney.com/podcast

📲 Follow Megan on Instagram: @meganyelaney

💻 Work with Megan or learn more: www.meganyelaney.com

Mentioned in the episode:

5% off your Coffee Roaster Order: http://www.coffeeroasterlnk.com/tobtl

Episode 4 - The One with the Business Game Plan: Ads, Pricing & Photo Biz Wisdom with Andrew Hellmich

Connect with Kate: 📸 Follow Kate on Instagram: @katedecoste

🌐 Visit the website: www.katedecostephotography.com