From Lens To Land

Rae and Scott open up about a tough winter on the homestead, including the loss of all four beehives and the lessons they’re carrying into their next season of beekeeping. They talk through plans for stricter hive management, relocating new bees, and expanding their operation by bartering for a large hoop house and growing their poultry flock. Between managing more than 75 chickens and ducks and running a wedding photography business, they share the real financial and logistical challenges of farm life. The episode wraps with their hopes for the upcoming farm stand season—selling honey, eggs, and subscription boxes to their local community.follow us on instagram@raelanistockwellphotog@stockwellfarmsandorchardPIXIESEThttps://pixieset.com/ref/dpk4OtLM1N$20 off first monthHONEYBOOKhttps://share.honeybook.com/raelani7245930% offAFTERSHOOThttps://account.aftershoot.com/referral-signup?referrer=Z6SXFX9K&utm_source=referral-page-app&utm_medium=copy-cta10% off

Rae and Scott share a snapshot of life on their family farm—from the “Great Flood of 2026” that turned their yard into a kid‑powered kayak course to the long, thirteen‑hour push of boiling maple sap on their homemade evaporator. They talk bartering their way into a new greenhouse, prepping a community farm stand with eggs and sourdough, and how family, work, and land stewardship all weave together in their daily rhythm.follow us on instagram@raelanistockwellphotog@stockwellfarmsandorchardPIXIESEThttps://pixieset.com/ref/dpk4OtLM1N$20 off first monthHONEYBOOKhttps://share.honeybook.com/raelani7245930% offAFTERSHOOThttps://account.aftershoot.com/referral-signup?referrer=Z6SXFX9K&utm_source=referral-page-app&utm_medium=copy-cta10% off

This week, we—Scott and Raelani—sit down to unpack how our photography business keeps growing, shifting, and surprising us in ways we never saw coming. We chat about our latest round of bridal shows and why the Ford Field event totally stole the spotlight with stronger leads, smoother organization, and way fewer “oh no… not this again” moments.We also dive into our newest adventure: livestock photography at Michigan State. Even though we didn’t land the exact contract we were aiming for, the experience opened our eyes to a whole new market we’re genuinely excited to explore.And somewhere between all the business updates, we get real about balancing work, family life, and prepping for an upcoming Detroit wedding. It’s an honest look at what it’s really like running a family‑owned brand that captures everything from high‑end wedding days to the everyday beauty of agricultural lifefollow us on instagram@raelanistockwellphotog@stockwellfarmsandorchardPIXIESEThttps://pixieset.com/ref/dpk4OtLM1N$20 off first monthHONEYBOOKhttps://share.honeybook.com/raelani7245930% offAFTERSHOOThttps://account.aftershoot.com/referral-signup?referrer=Z6SXFX9K&utm_source=referral-page-app&utm_medium=copy-cta10% off

Winter doesn’t slow down life here at the Stockwell farms and orchard—if anything, it turns the dial up. In this episode, we dive into the daily grind of February chores: thawing frozen hoses, rotating buckets, keeping horses, chickens, ducks, and even a fluffy rabbit fed and watered, all while racing the clock to collect eggs before they freeze.We share the chaos and charm of maple‑tapping season, from chasing wind‑tossed buckets to boiling down gallons of sap as a full family affair. Then the conversation shifts to big plans for spring: raised beds, wood‑chip strategies, flood‑proof gardening, and dreams of a bigger sunflower field for pollinators, photography sessions, and pure summer joy.On the business side, we talk about the latest wedding blog, shifting traditions in modern ceremonies, and prepping for the upcoming Ford Field bridal show. It’s a blend of homesteading hustle, creative entrepreneurship, and the family‑first mindset that defines the Stockwell way of life.If you love real talk about farming, photography, and building a life you don’t need a vacation from, this episode is your taste of homemade maple syrup.follow us on instagram@raelanistockwellphotog@stockwellfarmsandorchardPIXIESEThttps://pixieset.com/ref/dpk4OtLM1N$20 off first monthHONEYBOOKhttps://share.honeybook.com/raelani7245930% offAFTERSHOOThttps://account.aftershoot.com/referral-signup?referrer=Z6SXFX9K&utm_source=referral-page-app&utm_medium=copy-cta10% off

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