S2 Ep 8: The One Where Photographers Build a Business They Love with Rachel Larsen Weaver

🎙️ The One Where Photographers Build a Business They LoveClient Experience, Confidence & Connection with Rachel Larsen WeaverIn this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate DeCoste sits down with photographer and educator Rachel Larsen Weaver for a deep, honest conversation about what it really means to build a photography business you actually love.Rachel shares how she’s created a body-affirming, deeply welcoming client experience — and why making people feel safe in front of the camera often matters more than perfect lighting or flawless posing. From saying “yes” to a glass of water to shifting sessions from transactional to relational, this episode is packed with practical ways to create connection, comfort, and confidence for your clients.You’ll hear about:How client safety and body confidence change the way people show up on cameraBuilding a portfolio that feels like a true invitation (not a closed door)Creating long-form, experience-driven sessions instead of cookie-cutter shot listsUsing writing and storytelling as part of your photography marketing and brand voiceWhat it means to make your business feel aligned, sustainable, and creatively fulfillingIf you’re a photographer who wants to attract better-fit clients, build stronger relationships, and create work that feels meaningful — this one’s for you.🔗 Connect with RachelWebsite: rachellarsonweaver.comInstagram: @rachel.larson.weaverEducation & Workshops: Available through her website (including The Words Workshop and photography education waitlists)🔗 Connect with KateHost: Kate DeCosteInstagram: @katedecosteWebsite: www.katedecostephotography.comKate’s website is packed with resources for photographers, including education, business tools, and creative guidance for building a photography brand that feels aligned, confident, and sustainable.⏱️ Episode Timestamps00:00 – Recording jitters & the awkward art of podcast intros01:30 – “Creator of moments”: blending art, parenting, and teaching04:25 – What “a damn good time” actually looks like in a session07:45 – Why saying “yes” to water changes the client experience09:50 – Building a fat-affirming, welcoming photography business11:15 – The industry advice that made Rachel double down on doing it differently13:20 – Why your portfolio is an invitation (and who feels excluded when it’s not)15:55 – The “20-pound myth” and why waiting for photos keeps people invisible18:20 – Social media, representation, and curating what you see29:45 – Marketing in your own voice (and why writing matters)32:45 – What long-form photography sessions really look like36:30 – Co-creating a “best day” instead of a shot list38:00 – How body safety changes the way clients show up on camera42:30 – Trust, comfort, and why hands matter more than you think47:10 – How photographers can start creating more affirming work48:55 – The power of self-portraits for building connection and trust52:50 – The Words Workshop & using writing as a creative practice57:00 – Rapid fire: underrated skills & creative style59:40 – Photo Confession Booth: “the puppy ate the roll of film”1:01:40 – Where to find Rachel & stay connected💬 Shutter Squad Quote Board“Your portfolio is an invitation. If people don’t see themselves in it, they won’t think the invitation is for them.”“Saying yes to the water isn’t about the drink — it’s about shifting the energy from transaction to relationship.”“Comfort is contagious. When someone feels safe in their body, everything in the photo softens.”“Don’t wait to lose 20 pounds to take the picture. This moment still matters.”🎙️ About the Show The One Behind the Lens is a podcast for photographers and creatives who want to grow their business without losing their voice, values, or love for the craft. New episodes drop regularly — subscribe for conversations about photography, creativity, marketing, and the real human side of running a creative business.