Have you ever felt like the odds are stacked against you as a photographer? Wondered how to adapt your craft in the face of limitations?   Today, we're featuring a truly inspiring portrait photographer, Michele Mateus.   Michele’s here to share her remarkable story of resilience and reinvention. In this episode, Michele will reveal how she’s redefined success in the photography world on her own terms. Insta:@mateusstudiosWeb:mateusstudios.com

Today, we’re going to dive straight into the world of Instagram reels with Angela Shae. Angela is a former wedding photographer who transitioned to social media management and template creation to help photographers like you rock their Instagram presence. She’s also the founder of Social Templates, a done-for-you Instagram Reel template service for busy creatives.   If you’re not on the Reel bandwagon yet, you’re not alone. There are a couple of reasons why newbie photographers might hesitate to jump on reels: maybe you’re camera shy, a perfectionist, or simply don’t have the time! But by not creating reels, you’re missing out on connecting with your community, generating leads, and having a really fun way for your potential clients to get to know you. Angela shares lots of tips on how to overcome these hesitations, as well as:How Reels can become a game-changer for growing your photography business.How you can turn your camera shyness into client connections with behind-the-scenes content.Creating Reels that are both engaging and lead-generating.And much, much more!If you want to join the thousands of photographers who use Reels to generate crazy growth in their business, this is an episode you won’t wanna miss!Insta:@socialtemplates.coWeb:socialtemplates.co  If you’re curious about what Social Templates can do for your business, use the code FREETRIAL on socialtemplates.co for a full month of free access to their template collection.

Summer Grace is a wedding photographer whose work is visually stunning and whose approach is refreshingly honest. Summer's journey has been deeply defined by her capacity to make bold decisions, like uprooting her life and moving across the country, being willing to face difficulty, and taking in all the profound learnings that come from forging your own path.We'll delve into the complexities of building a creative business – navigating challenges like burnout and the ever-present tug-of-war between work and personal life.  Summer will share her insights on how you can personalize your approach to business and let us in on some of her best outsourcing tips and productivity habits.Summer's story invites us to explore questions of courage, vulnerability, and finding the sweet spot where one's passion fuels one's livelihood.Insta:@summergrace.photo@summerschoolxsgWeb:summergracephoto.com

Today we have a truly inspiring creative joining us – Blake Nelson, a photographer, art director, digital creator, and model! Now, Blake's journey isn't your typical artist's path. He's worn many hats, from shooting five-figure weddings to collaborating with major brands like Calvin Klein and Armani in the heart of New York City.This conversation dives deep into Blake's world. We'll explore: how a powerful realization about self-imposed limitations kickstarted his creative journey, juggling photography, art direction, and modeling, and how these diverse skills fuel each other, and how his modeling experience translates into creating a comfortable and confident space for his photography clients.Additionally we'll chat about the challenges and triumphs of running a creative business, including hilarious (or maybe not-so-hilarious) moments when things went off script.But most importantly, Blake will share valuable advice for aspiring photographers – how to overcome fear, carve your own path, and establish yourself in this dynamic field.Instagram:@blakenelsonweddings@blakewnelsonWebsite:blakenelsonphotography.com Click to get Blake's free guide with 5 actionable ways to step into your artistry

Emily Enns of Emily Noelle Photography is an Oregon-based senior adventure photographer who specializes in crafting unique, custom senior sessions that capture the spirit of exploration and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.In this episode, Emily's gonna be giving us the inside scoop on her photography journey. We'll hear how she transitioned from not even considering photography to be a ‘real job’ to being a full-time photographer absolutely thriving in a new state.We'll also explore her career path - both triumphs and challenges -  from building her business to that one time her gear got... well, let's just say it didn't involve a happy ending. But hey, that's the beauty of this show -  it’s about the successes and the lessons alike. We'll also discuss the ever-evolving world of marketing for photographers – if you’ve never booked a senior session but have always wanted to, this is the episode for you. Find out what strategies are working for her now that she's booked solid for the year and even training an associate photographer!Instagram:@emilynoellephoto_seniorsWebsite:emilynoellephoto.com How to Use the Unscripted Booking Link:Navigate to the booking request form in your app. Scroll across in your editable toolbar > MY BIZ > Booking Link > Copy linkAdd link to your socials, behind a button on your website or in an emailPotential clients click on the link and input their details and preferencesYou will be notified of a submission as soon as it happensAccept or decline the request via My Shoots section of the appIf you accept the request the details of the shoot and the

Just in time for Mother’s Day, we’ve got a special episode for you all about maternity photography with the queen herself. Jodi Lynn is someone whose name has popped up time and time again in our Facebook group. Every time we ask you guys who we should interview next, she’s on the top of the list. If you haven’t heard of her, a) where have you been? But b) she’s a motherhood and family photographer/educator who creates magical, poetic, and inspirational images in her home state of California. Her images are known for their stunning landscapes, soft light, and focus on the beauty of motherhood. Having been in the industry for over a decade now, she’s amassed a whole treasure trove of wisdom – not to mention tips, tricks, and camera hacks that, if implemented, will make your future sessions so much easier. Let’s dive into her story and discover how empathy, collaboration, and love for nature all come together to create those breathtaking images.Insta: @jodilynnphotography  Website: jodi-lynnphotography.com Mother’s Day Mini Templates (open on mobile): https://go.unscriptedposingapp.com/open/educationItem?id=-NRGVs4kmIpunkmDc1qs

Today on the show is Maggie Rechkemmer – a family photographer based in the Midwest. Maggie’s work is known for being intentional, creative, and a beautiful window into capturing the beauty of everyday motherhood and family life. She stepped away from her photography business 7 years ago to have her first child, but six months into maternity leave, she decided to reopen her business. Now, she not only documents families, but also educates other photographers through mentoring and workshops.   This episode, Maggie and I dive deep into the world of motherhood photography. You’ll hear all about how Maggie builds trust and connection with clients, especially new mums, and how her own experiences as a mother shape her approach. We’ll also discuss her candid, lifestyle-based style and how she captures genuine moments while making sure everything’s exposed correctly.   So whether you’re a seasoned family photographer or just starting your journey, get ready to be inspired by Maggie’s insights and practical tips. Insta:@maggie.rechkemmerWeb:maggierechkemmer.comMother’s Day Mini Templates (open on mobile): https://go.unscriptedposingapp.com/open/educationItem?id=-NRGVs4kmIpunkmDc1qs

Today, we're diving deep into the world of grad photography with the amazing Meghan Gibson – grad photographer, elopement photographer, and valued Unscripted team member!Now, graduation season is upon us, which means capturing those momentous "I did it!" moments are more important than ever. But for aspiring photographers, breaking into the grad scene can feel daunting.That’s why we’re thrilled to have Meghan on the show. Throughout this interview, we'll be unlocking her secrets to capturing stunning grad photos, from creative posing tips to navigating client expectations.Whether you're a seasoned photographer looking to refine your grad portfolio or a complete newbie eager to learn the ropes, Meghan's insights are pure gold.  So, listen up, settle in, and get ready to step up your grad photography game!Instagram:@seniors.meghangphotographyWebsite:meghangphotography.comEditable Client Guides via Unscripted: unscriptedphotographers.com

As photographers, we spend countless hours honing our craft, chasing the perfect light, daydreaming about our creative ideas, and capturing breathtaking moments. But for our photography businesses to be successful, we need to pair all of this good stuff with something crucial: financial stability. Today I’m joined by Mycah Bain, wedding photographer and business coach, and we’re talking about just that. Diving right into the business side of things, we explore what financial freedom looks like as a photographer and how to get there. As we’re sure you know, building a sustainable photography business doesn't happen overnight, and many new photographers struggle with misconceptions about worth, wealth, and achieving financial independence.In this episode, we break down those misconceptions and dive into practical strategies for managing your finances, cultivating a future mindset, and, ultimately, unlocking the financial freedom you deserve. This episode will be packed with valuable insights, so grab your notebooks, sharpen your pencils, and settle in for the ride.Instagram:@mycahbainphotoWebsite:mycahbain.com Free money guide: mycahbain.com/money Unscripted photography resources: unscriptedphotographers.com

Today we're chatting with Daniel Useko, the founder of Pixellu, about the importance and power of physical photo albums. Step off the ‘gram and join us as we dive deep into a topic that's close to the hearts of many photographers in this digital age.Daniel will share how printed albums can elevate your photography (both personally and professionally), strengthen your connection with clients, and even boost your business. Whether you're a passionate hobbyist or just starting your professional journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights and tips to help you rediscover the magic of print.   Get 15% off one year with Pixellu by entering the discount code UNSCRIPTED15 in the link below: https://www.pixellu.com/?fpr=gen95Instagram:@pixelluWebsite:pixellu.com

Today on the show, we have the wonderfully talented Jennifer Moher - a Toronto-based wedding photographer and educator. Jennifer’s elegant and enduring style reminds us that photography is about more than just aesthetics – it’s about noticing and building relationships. If you ever feel like you’ve struggled to keep up with the comings and goings of trends or feel frustrated that you spend hours mastering one style only to realise that trend has come and gone, this is an episode for you. Together, Jennifer and I take you on a deep dive into the art of creating timeless images in a trend-obsessed world. We talk about how to capture moments that transcend trends so you can create images that resonate for years to come – and why getting intentional about what you consume helps you create more impactful imagery for your clients. After transitioning into education over 10 years ago, Jennifer’s spent a lot of time learning how to translate the ineffable into the practical. Now she’s able to take something that’s really hard to explain and articulate the exact actionable steps to bring you deeper into your power as an artist. She does just that in this episode. Instagrams:@jennifermoherWebsite:jennifermoher.com jennifermohereducation.com

Jackson Grant is not your average run-of-the-mill wedding photographer. His images are vivid, wild, and buzzing. But don’t let his exuberant approach fool you – there’s nothing careless about the way he does things. He takes on 25 couples a year and is intentional and generous with his time. His is a no-shortcut approach to inquiries, client communication, photographing, culling, and editing, and he’s willing to spend time on each stage of this process. Today, we’re diving right into the virtues and benefits of a workflow that doesn’t hold maximum productivity or efficiency as the pinnacle of success. If you’ve listened to any of our previous podcasts on presets, AI culling, or workflow hacks, this one provides you with a bit of an alternative perspective so you can make the right choice for yourself and your business. It could be exactly what you need to hear, or it could be a totally new perspective that might add that little bit of special sauce to your current workflow. Instagrams:@jacksongrantweddingsWebsite:jacksongrantweddings.com

Today on the show we have Aly Hansen – a wedding, family, and in-home film photographer based out of Richmond, Virginia. After stumbling across a Polaroid camera in Target after an interstate move, she fell down a rabbit hole of researching, studying, and devoting every waking minute to understanding film. After eventually teaching herself enough to develop a roll of color film in her bathroom, she knew she was hooked. Today, she shoots almost exclusively on film, and her clients seek her out for it. Having built her business on in-home sessions, she has a lot to share about what it takes to cultivate creativity, see the magic in the every day, and connect with people in the intimate environment of their own homes. She’s passionate about film, and she’s passionate about supporting women in film because she’s seen how it can empower you to turn your passion and art into a purposeful life. If you’ve ever thought about incorporating film into your workflow or gotten stuck on how to make your in-home sessions run more smoothly, this is an amazing episode for you to wrap your ears around! Instagrams:@alyhansenphotoWebsite:alyhansenphoto.com

Today on the show, we have the lovely Sarah Crook of Alisabeth Designs giving us all the hot tips on how to hack your SEO so you can book whatever job you want, wherever in the world you want to go. Sarah is a website wiz with a specialty for creating beautiful and effective websites for photographers, creatives, and wedding vendors alike. Along the way, she’s taken many a deep dive into the world of SEO so that she can ensure the beautifuil sites she makes are getting seen by the right people. Today, we talk about what SEO is, why you should care about it, and how you can use it to book more of your dream shoots in your dream locations with your dream clients.You’ll want to grab your notebook for this one. It’s full of incredible advice that will definitely transform your SEO game forever.Instagrams:@alisabethdesignsWebsite:alisabethdesigns.com

Asha Bailey is a San Diego-based destination wedding photographer, but she’s also so much more. Proudly at the helm of four(ish) businesses, she often blurs the line between passion projects and careers. As someone who’s spent the last eight years learning how to use social media to her advantage, Asha is a great person to talk about creating a relationship with social media that helps you grow the business you want and feels good, too. As the owner of multiple businesses, she puts a lot of herself into what she does, and she’s super visible online. Despite this, she manages to strike a really good balance between being vulnerable and authentic with strategic and safe. She’s clever, candid, and such a joy to talk to. Regardless of whether you’re a new photographer trying to find your way in the wild world of social media or whether you’ve been in the game a while and want to gain control of your relationship with Instagram, this is the episode for you. Don’t go anywhere.Instagrams:@ashabaileyphotography@ashabailey_@nbhdloveclubWebsite:ashabailey.com

Christian O’Reilly is the founder and creative brains behind Fire & Ice – an award-winning, UK-based photography and cinema production company specializing in weddings, elopements, and now so much more. Capturing over 100 weddings per year, Christian is an insatiable and voracious photographer and businessman. Just when he feels like he’s made it, he does something else to push himself out of his comfort zone. In this episode, we talk about some of the things he’s lived through that have challenged him, tested him, and made him who he is – you’ll never believe what they are. If you want to learn more about how to turn your setbacks into strengths, this is the episode for you!Instagram:@fireandiceWebsite:https://fireandice.co.uk/

Today on the show I have Justin Benson – a professional wedding photographer and the founder of AfterShoot, an AI culling software designed to speed up your postproduction workflow. With AI culling tools on the rise, it’s starting to feel absolutely inevitable that these tools will become an essential part of every photographer’s toolkit. With that in mind, I really just wanted to get someone on the show to talk about finding the balance with it all. In this episode, we discuss how to retain the human element while still taking advantage of time-saving tech, how your pricing structure could benefit from , and why you don’t have to worry about robots stealing your job.Instagram:@aftershootcoWebsite:aftershoot.com

Today on the show I have Jordan Voth. Jordan’s been in the game for a good 15 years and for the majority of that time he’s been shooting on a Canon Mark II and editing all of his sessions on Photoshop. If this blows your mind, you’re not alone. Which is why, in my opinion, he’s the perfect person to talk to about whether or not you should make the switch to mirrorless. Having built a super successful career off the back of one of Canon’s older camera models, his decision to transition to mirrorless is not one that he’s taken lightly. In the next hour or so, you’ll hear us talk about all the pros and cons of adding a mirrorless camera to your kit, and he’ll answer questions I know a lot of you out there in our photography community have been dying to know. From how to choose the right camera to bring out the best of your style, to what the best way is to transition your workflow, this is an amazing episode to tune into – especially considering the current conversation – no matter what camp you’ve found yourself in.Instagram:@jordanvothWebsite:jordanvoth.com

Dylan Fox is an intimate couples photographer based in West Virginia who has been in the photography industry for over 13 years. He taught himself everything he knows, and now he’s super passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping new photographers feel more empowered on their journey. Today, we talk about how he found himself in the role of an educator, and how you could branch out into that space too. We cover things like ‘how you know when you’re ready’, ‘what kind of prep you need to do before you start’, ‘and how you know if you’re cut out for it.’Regardless of whether you’re looking to find a mentor, or be a mentor, this is an incredible episode to tune into.Instagram:@dylanfoxWebsite:foxtog.com

If you’ve ever thought about expanding your wedding photography packages to bring on a videographer, been curious about the logistics of how it would all work, or what it would mean for your timelines and workflow to have a videographer alongside you, this episode is a great place to start. Today’s guests are Dryden and Em – the husband-and-wife team behind Wild & Roam – a luxury wedding photography and videography company. Dryden does the video and Em takes care of the photo side of things. I’m sure you’ve noticed the algorithm’s move to favoring video in socials over the past couple of years, and as photographers, some of us have embraced the trend while others have resisted it. Regardless of where you stand on the topic, the reality is that video is becoming more and more important and sought after in the wedding industry. Instead of fighting against it, there’s a real case to be made for getting on board with video and growing your business. Instagram:@wildandroam.coWebsite:https://wildandroam.co/Retreat:www.wildandroam.co/retreats