PODCAST · business
Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast
by Sara Monika
Do you feel stuck in your photography business with no idea how to achieve your next goals? I'm here to help you discover, that it's SO possible for you to have what you want, when you want in your business so that you can create the life you've always dreamed of + deserve. Why should you learn from me? When I first started my wedding photography business back in 2011, I made just $5000 in my business. Now I bring in multiple 6 figures per year while working only 30 hour weeks serving my dream couples. Let's hang out each week so I can show you how!
-
202
Giving Myself Permission to Pause: Podcast and Offers Update, Moving, and Redefining Success I Ep 188
"This felt hard to do, but my soul feels nourished and free!" - SaraSara records a voice note while waiting to pick up Ben and announces she’s pausing the education side of her business, including the podcast, and will not relaunch Outsourcing Made Easy (OME) with group coaching calls this fall after running it each y for 6 years. She explains the shift is about honoring her evolving self, and she’ll accept education opportunities like mentoring or VIP days case-by-case; the OME course-only library and Facebook community will remain available. She shares a major personal season of uncertainty involving selling their house, losing their 16-year-old dog Abby in December, and eventually finding a better home with a river in the backyard, which contributed to her need for spaciousness. She encourages listeners to accept ebbs and flows, practice self-compassion, and design a business to meet personal needs rather than chase constant growth.Timestamps00:00 Car Voice Note Intro01:49 Big Business Pause02:55 Why OME Is On Hold05:48 What Still Available08:50 House Hunt And Loss13:20 Ebb Flow Lessons17:31 Self Compassion Reset23:14 Design For Your Needs26:29 Stay Connected OutroResources- To inquire about Outsourcing Made Easy or 1:1 mentoring, inquire directly with Sara on IG @saramonikaphoto or her email [email protected] Intuitive Wedding Storytelling self-paced course- Crystal Clear Marketing self-paced mini course
-
201
Everything is Neutral ~ Flow Like Water I Ep 187
After feeling lost and pressured to have everything figured out in the evolution of my business, I share a new approach of taking the pressure off, following my excitement, and recording raw, low-production podcast episodes with no expectations or fixed schedule. I also go into how using Jenna Zoe’s human design app, Align (especially its “Ask Jenna” AI feature) helped me get HUGE clarity by answering questions based on my personal chart! THIS IS A GAME-CHANGER!I then tell a post office story about discovering a cheaper way to ship client packages after a frustrating return, illustrating the lesson that events are neutral and we can’t label them as good or bad.Jenna Zoe's Align AppConnect with me on IG @saramonikaphoto
-
200
My 1-Minute Energy Reset for When I Don’t Want to Work (But Still Have Deadlines) I Ep 186
In this short solo episode, I share a simple mindset shift I use when I’m tired, overwhelmed, or procrastinating during busy seasons. This is a quick, grounding practice to help you finish what you’ve committed to with more presence and energy.You’ll hear about:• A grounding breath and embodiment practice to bring you back into the present moment • How I connect to the future joy and gratitude of my clients to fuel my energy now • Why this works through the law of reciprocity • Why it’s okay to use a “band-aid” mindset shift during intense seasons • How gratitude and focused intention can help you work more efficiently!This episode is meant to be a quick hit of encouragement to help you get through the end of season! :)Connect with my on Instagram here > @saramonikaphoto
-
199
Releasing Old Identities to Make Space for Who You’re Becoming I Ep 185
In this episode, I share the two identities I didn’t realize I was still clinging to—and how releasing them has created more ease, creativity, and connection in my life.This is a grounding, heart-led riff on:Why we resist change (even when we crave it)What your morning routine might be trying to tell youIdentity evolution as a creative and a motherThe sneaky programming we inherit around “success” and “womanhood”Why the real power is in the pauseIf you’ve been feeling like the version of you that once worked… no longer fits, you’re not broken. You’re evolving!!Resources mentioned (not sponsored just sharing what I love):- My morning green juice: THRIVE peach flavour- Theralite SAD Lamp- Organic Adaptogen Coffee with Ashwagandha- Manifestation Babe Academy- Meghan Markle’s “With Love” series on Netflix 🌞Dm me your takeaways: @saramonikaphoto
-
198
From Burnout to Balance: How Anika Saved 300 Hours + Fell Back in Love With Her Business I Ep 184
What if you could take 300 hours of editing, culling, and admin off your plate — and fall back in love with your photography business in the process?In this episode, I chat with OME student Anika about how she reclaimed her time, creativity, and peace of mind — after nearly giving up on weddings for good.We dive into:How she went from “burnt to a crisp” to booked and balancedThe exact tasks she outsourced (and what she still does herself)Why hiring a specialized editor changed everythingWhat happened when she had to fire her VA mid-seasonHow outsourcing let her enjoy fall again, spend time with family, and actually restThis is the final student story in the series — and it’s the perfect dose of motivation for any photographer who feels overworked right now.🎧 Listen now and imagine what 300 hours back could look like for you.🔗 Links & Resources:Join Outsourcing Made Easy here 🌞Connect with Anika on IG: @amari_studiosCheck out Anika’s presets on her website
-
197
More Time. More Bookings. No Burnout. How Brooke Made it Happen in One Season! I Ep 183
What if next wedding season didn’t feel like a blur of burnout… but instead felt like expansive time-freedom?In this episode, I’m chatting with photographer and mom of two, Brooke Murray, about the real changes she made to reclaim 90+ hours of her life — in just one wedding season.We talk about:Her exact breaking point last summer — and what changed everythinghow she reclaimed 90+ hours, booked more weddings than ever, and delivered galleries faster without burning out.What it actually looks like to outsource editing (without losing control)How much it costsHow she shifted from “just keeping up” to actually thrivingThe surprising freedom and clarity that came from getting supportWhether you're feeling stuck in the editing hamster wheel or just craving more space in your schedule, Brooke’s story is full of hope and actionable takeaways.🎧 Listen now and imagine what's possible for your next season.🌞 Join OME and start reclaiming your time → Connect with Brooke @brookemurrayphotography
-
196
50 Weddings, Zero Burnout: Mark’s Joy-Filled Outsourcing System That Helped Him Work Less & Live More I Ep 182
What if more bookings didn’t have to mean more burnout? 🙌🏻In this episode, I sit down with luxury wedding photographer Mark, who photographed 50 weddings last year...without burning out 🎊But here’s what really blew me away. Mark didn’t just find an outsourcing system that worked. He found his joy again.If you’re deep in the editing cave, juggling a full client load, and wondering “How long can I keep this up?” — this one is for you.Inside this episode, you’ll hear 👇🏻The turning point where Mark realized: “If I don’t make a change, I’m going to quit.”Why outsourcing reignited his creativity and helped him fall back in love with photographyThe small investment that saved him 1500 hours of his timeHow he built a business that supports travel, rest, and daily beach timeThe biggest mindset shifts that allowed him to trust, let go, and grow sustainablyThe emotional shift from feeling like a machine… to feeling like an artist againThis one is especially for you if 👇🏻You’re fully booked but constantly behindYou feel like you “should be grateful,” but you’re running on fumesYou want to grow your business without sacrificing your life in the processMark’s story is proof that your business can thrive — without burning you out. You just need the right support system.🌞 Join the Outsourcing Made Easy waitlist here →👥 Connect with Mark on Instagram here →
-
195
What If Burnout Is Actually Your Promotion? I Ep 181
💭 What if the burnout you’re feeling right now…is actually your promotion? You built the business you once dreamt of! 🎉You have the clients, the bookings, the revenue. But somewhere along the way, your time disappeared, your energy tanked, and the dream started to feel like a weight 😔You’re not broken. You’re just at capacity! That’s not failure. That’s a sign! It means it’s time to run your business differently 🙌🏻👉 In this 9-minute live replay, I walk you through:• Why burnout is often a soul signal, not a stop sign• How this season of stress might actually be your invitation to grow into the next version of your business• And what I want you to know so you don’t repeat this same cycle next yearAnd… Join my the free live training I host only once a year: How to Reclaim 15+ Hours/Week Without Sacrificing Quality or Income as a Photographer.I’ll teach you how to cut up to 70% of your computer work, the mindset shifts photographers must make before hiring help, and my 3-Part Outsourcing Made Easy™ Framework that’s helped 190+ photographers take their time and peace back.👉 Save your seat (or get the replay) →🌞 Join the Outsourcing Made Easy waitlist here →
-
194
How This Photographer Mom of Twins DOUBLED Her Income, While Working 65% LESS at the Computer with Katie Shaw I Ep 180
From drowning in 30 weddings to floating in a river while her VA sent contracts and a wedding from a couple days ago was being culled (by her virtual assistant). In this episode, I sit down with Katie Shaw, a wedding photographer and twin mama, who doubled her income while working 65% less. We dive into how she reclaimed over 223 hours of her time, invested $2100 into support that generated a $70K+ raise for herself, and built a business that runs without her while she’s camping. Katie shares what it looked like to navigate grief, motherhood, burnout, and finally let go of doing it all. If you’ve been wondering if time freedom and income can coexist, this episode is your proof.Katie Shaw's InstagramWant the framework Katie used to start outsourcing with clarity and confidence?🌞 Join the Outsourcing Made Easy waitlist here → Join my free live masterclass I host only once a year: How to Reclaim 15+ Hours/Week Without Sacrificing Quality or Income as a Photographer. I’ll teach you how to cut up to 70% of your computer work, the mindset shifts photographers must make before hiring help, and my 3-Part Outsourcing Made Easy™ Framework that’s helped 190+ photographers take their time and peace back.👉 Save your seat (or get the replay) →
-
193
The 3-Minute Tool That Breaks the “Busy Season Burnout” Cycle I Ep 179
If you’re staring down a mile-long to-do list, still editing 10 hours a day, and wondering how you’re supposed to keep this pace up until the end of the season—this episode is for you.Sara shares the real reason most photographers stay stuck in the hustle-then-crash pattern… and the one number that can change how you work, rest, and grow moving forward.In this short, powerful episode, you’ll learn how a free 3-minute tool can help you: ✔️ Calculate the cost of reclaiming 5, 10, or even 20 hours a week—without sacrificing income or quality ✔️ Discover your Freedom Hourly Rate (and how to actually hit your income goals without burnout) ✔️ Understand HOW to continue building your photography business in a way that honours your time, energetic, and creative needs, while making great money at the same time!If you’ve ever said, “I just need a break…” this is your moment.🔗 Links Mentioned:→ Try the Time Freedom Calculator (it’s free!) 🕊️ saramonika.com/calculator🎧 Loved this episode?DM me on Instagram @saramonikaphoto and share your Freedom Hourly Rate —and also share this episode with a photographer friend to give them hope too!
-
192
What I Wish I Knew Before Trying to Hire My Way Out of Burnout I Ep 178
If you’ve ever thought “I just need to hire someone for marketing and I’ll finally feel caught up,” this episode is your intervention—delivered with love, truth, and strategy.Today I’m sharing the biggest mistake I made when I started outsourcing, what it really cost me (time, money, energy), and the shift I wish I made first.If you’re overwhelmed, doing it all yourself, or hiring out of urgency—this episode will help you reclaim your clarity before you spend another dollar.In this 15-minute episode, you’ll learn:The hiring mistake that drained me instead of saving meWhy “expensive” support isn’t always better supportThe order of operations that makes outsourcing actually workHow to get quality help at $6/hour CAD—ethically and effectivelyThe mindset shift that helped me reclaim 15–30+ hours a week and finally step into the the freedom-first business I was craving🔗Try the Time Freedom Calculator (free) In 3 minutes, you’ll see what it would actually cost to buy back 5–20 hours/week of your time—with support that’s values-aligned, ethical, and totally within reach.Discover your cost of outsourcing (it’s less than you think)Get your custom dream hourly rate✨ Save your seat for the once-yearly free live masterclass:If you’re ready to work less, earn more, and finally have time for what matters most—this is your next step.🔗 How to Reclaim 15+ Hours/Week Without Sacrificing Quality or IncomeTo protecting your energy, Sara
-
191
The Missing Pieces Behind Your Beautiful Photography Brand I Ep 177
In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most overlooked reasons photographers stay stuck in burnout—even when their business looks amazing from the outside. You’ll discover the key difference between building a photography brand vs. a business, and why values-aligned workflows are the missing link to creative freedom and sustainable income.In this episode, you’ll learn: • How I delivered 7 weddings in 1 month without burning out • The myth that success = working hard (and how to ditch it) • Why your brand shouldn’t be doing all the heavy lifting • What a workflow-focused business actually looks like • How to start reclaiming your time without sacrificing quality🎁 Want to reclaim 15+ hours/week? Join my free live masterclass available only once a year: saramonika.com/masterclass👋🏻 Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!Photography account: @saramonikaphoto✅ SUBSCRIBEIf you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way.Leave a Review 🙏If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!To all YOUR success,Sara
-
190
How to Capture Soulful Wedding Photos Fearlessly with Raphaëlle Granger I Ep 176
Ever feel like you’re stuck in “safe mode” on wedding days – shooting what you think you should instead of what truly lights you up? Maybe you crave those soulful, layered images that make your heart skip a beat, but fear, burnout, or the pressure to deliver “must-have” shots keeps you playing small. If you’re ready to break free and capture the real essence of your couples, this episode is your permission slip.I sat down with Raphaëlle Granger – documentary wedding photographer, educator, and all-around creative soul – to unpack how she ditched her safe zone, started shooting more fearlessly, and attracted dream clients who value her unique vision. Tune in to discover:Why playing it safe with your photos is holding you back and how Raphaëlle broke free to shoot with fearless creativity Mini show-and-tell: watch us break down 3 of Raphaëlle’s recent wedding photos and how she got those soulful, candid shots (even when the days felt chaotic) The second shooter hack that frees you up to take risks and experiment – without missing the “safe” shots Tips to help your guests forget the camera is there so you capture genuine candids How to attract hell yes clients (and gently turn away the ones who aren’t a fit)How Raphaëlle broke through her $3.5K pricing ceiling and started booking higher-paying clients who love her fearless style 📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗 ✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode✔️ See Raphaëlle’s soulful images from the episode ✔️ Free resource from Raphaëlle ✔️ Check out Raphaëlle’s Mentorship & Educational Resources✔️ Connect with Raphaëlle on Instagram✔️ Discover more resources for photographers 👋🏻 Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!Photography account: @saramonikaphotoEducation account: @sara.monika✅ SUBSCRIBEIf you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way.Leave a Review 🙏If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!To all YOUR success,Sara
-
189
How to Raise Your Rates & Book High-Ticket Weddings with Alora Rachelle I Ep 175
Ever feel like you’re hustling nonstop – shooting, editing, delivering, and still wondering where all your time (+ money) went? Maybe you’re hitting those “six-figure” milestones, but behind the scenes, you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and missing out on the life you actually want. If you’ve ever felt stuck on the hamster wheel, battling mom guilt, burnout, or the fear of raising your prices, this episode is for you.Today I’m joined by Alora Rachelle, who gets real about her journey from overbooked and underpaid to working less and charging more as a photographer and busy mom of two. We dive deep into the mindset shifts, practical strategies, and honest stories that will help you break free from the grind and step into a business (and life) that truly lights you up.In this week’s episode you’ll discover:Why just “working harder” isn’t the answer – and how simplifying your business can actually unlock more income and freedom How Alora raised her prices (and how you can do it too without losing bookings or feeling “salesy”)How to spot the difference between a marketing problem and a sales or mindset block – and what to do about it The journaling prompts and reframes that melt away imposter syndrome before every sales callHow to lead sales conversations with confidence, serve your clients deeply, and attract dream bookings with ease Real-life stories of photographers who doubled their prices, booked higher-ticket clients, and reclaimed their time (and joy!) to inspire you on your journey 📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode✔️ Alora’s Free Training: How to Book $10K Weddings This Year – Learn how to master the art of brand, marketing and sales without booking more than 20 weddings a year✔️ Apply for Alora’s Wedding Atelier Program – Get personalized support to raise your prices, book dream clients, and reclaim your time✔️ The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron – The journaling book that changed both our lives ✔️ E-Squared by Pam Grout – Mindset experiments to see what’s possible✔️ Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen – A must-read for shifting your self-talk✔️ Connect with Alora on Instagram✔️ Listen to the Wedding Atelier Podcast👋🏻 Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!Photography account: @saramonikaphotoEducation account: @sara.monika✅ SUBSCRIBEIf you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way.Leave a Review 🙏If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!To all YOUR success,Sara
-
188
The New Way to Find, Hire, and Be a Great Second Shooter in 2025 I Ep 174
Real talk: finding a second shooter you can actually trust (who cares as much as you do) can feel like a tall order. Maybe you’ve been burned by “bare minimum” seconds, or you’re stuck in the cycle of doing it all yourself because letting go of control feels scary. But what if you could finally get trusted support, book more dream gigs, and reignite your own creative spark – without sacrificing your standards or sanity?In this episode, I sit down with Jimmy Lick, founder of Second Society – a vetted network that makes finding, hiring, and being a second shooter easier (and more fun) than ever. We dive into practical strategies and surprising mindset shifts to help you hire (or become) a second shooter who truly elevates the experience – so you can save time, serve your clients better, and fall back in love with your business.In this week’s episode you’ll discover:The origin story behind Second Society: How Jimmy turned a simple idea into a 4,000+ strong platform for photographers Why hiring a vetted second shooter is so important – and what to look for beyond just skill (this one thing can make or break your entire experience) The biggest red and green flags we’ve seen in second shooters — and how to stand out if you're looking for gigs How to communicate expectations before, during, and after the shoot to avoid nightmare scenarios The underrated second shooter hack no one talks about: why hiring someone more experienced than you can be the ultimate level-up in your photography business How to get started with Second Society – whether you’re hiring, looking for work, or just curious RESOURCES + LINKS✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode✔️ Follow Jimmy Lick on Instagram✔️ Follow Second Society on Instagram – Connect with Jimmy and the Second Society community for inspiration, job postings, and more. ✔️ Listen to the Second Society Podcast – Tune in for more behind-the-scenes stories, tips, and industry insights. ✔️ Join Second Society – The vetted platform for finding (and becoming) high-quality second and lead shooters for photographers and videographers worldwide. ✔️ Discover more resources for photographers – Free guides, tools, and support at saramonika.com/photographers👋🏻 Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!Photography account: @saramonikaphotoEducation account: @sara.monika✅ SUBSCRIBEIf you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way.Leave a Review 🙏If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!To all YOUR success,Sara
-
187
BIG GIVEAWAY! Win a 1:1 Coaching Session or My Top Courses! Here's How to Enter (before it closes)
What if you could spend just 5–20 minutes today doing something your future self would thank you for — and it led to a massive shift in your photography business?Well... this is your chance. The 2025 Podcast Giveaway is officially LIVE, and I’ve got 3 incredible prizes up for grabs (yup, THREE winners 🙌)1st Prize: A 1-on-1 personalized coaching session with me ($1000 value)2nd Prize: Lifetime access to my Intuitive Wedding Storytelling course ($997 value)3rd Prize: My Crystal Clear Marketing mini-course ($300 value)All you have to do is:👉Click the giveaway post link here and follow the instructions in the captionYou can rack up unlimited entries — so go wild if you’re feelin’ it! Contest is open August 5-11 2025. Winners will be chosen by random draw + announced LIVE on August 12 at 12pm EST on Instagram.🎧 Listen for how-to instructions, and some real inspiration from students who’ve actually transformed their businesses with these offers. This could be you next.👉 Ready to enter? Let’s goooo!
-
186
The Session Prompts That Changed Everything for Me as a Photographer I Ep 173
Swipe My Favorite Prompts: How To Capture the Photos Your Couples Will Treasure MostEver left a session feeling like you missed “the shot” – the one that truly captures your couple’s real story? Or maybe you’ve felt stuck in a rut, using the same prompts and poses, wishing you could create images that feel more meaningful (for your clients and for you)? If so, you’ll love this quick, actionable episode where I share the simple question I ask during every session that uncovers those hidden, heartfelt moments – plus real-life stories of how it’s led to some of my best work. If you’re craving more creative flow and a way to take every session to the next level, this one’s for you.In this week’s episode you’ll discover:The exact question I ask couples that reveals their unique rituals, quirks, and memories, so you never miss a truly meaningful shot Real behind-the-scenes stories: from couples cuddling their dog as a pillow, to spontaneous fishing adventures at sunset, to cozy kitchen counter moments How one simple follow-up transformed a standard “walking” shot into something way more personal – and how you can do the sameThe subtle mindset shift that helps you stop rushing, get curious, and create work that actually feels like your couple (while boosting your own creative confidence)How this approach works for family and branding sessions too, so you can create magic with every client, every timePlus: download my actual pre-engagement session questionnaire for free! These are the exact questions I send every couple so I can show up feeling prepared, inspired, and ready to capture their story 📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗 ✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode ✔️ Get my Engagement Session Questionnaire FREE ✔️Check out my Instagram post to see the photos mentioned in this episode ✔️ Discover more resources for photographers 👋🏻 Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!Photography account: @saramonikaphotoEducation account: @sara.monika✅ SUBSCRIBEIf you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way.Leave a Review 🙏If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!To all YOUR success,Sara
-
185
How I Cut My Editing Costs in Half and Got 90% of My Time Back With This Ai Workflow I Ep 172
Let’s face it… editing can feel like a never-ending time suck, but the thought of learning new tech (or letting go of control) can also be downright scary. But what if you could save 50-60% of your editing time, cut your outsourcing costs in half, and finally have space for the things that light you up? In this episode, I’m sharing my honest, two-year journey with Imagen AI – from total skeptic to full-on convert. I’ll break down the real numbers, the workflow tweaks, and the mindset shifts that helped me reclaim my time, energy, and joy – so you can, too.In this week’s episode you’ll discover:How I trained Imagen AI (without adding any extra editing to my plate) Why I still use a human editor alongside Imagen AI and how the combo actually saves me more time and money My exact editing workflow after 2 years of using Imagen AI The mindset shifts that helped me stop procrastinating learning about AI and finally incorporate it into my outsourcing workflow Why starting NOW (even mid-season) is the smartest move for your future self The real cost of outsourcing with Imagen AI vs. doing it all yourself with exact numbers from my business (including how much I pay my human editor) How to get 1500 free edits to try Imagen AI for yourself 📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗 ✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode ✔️ Get 1500 free edits with Imagen AI – Train your AI for free and see how much time you can save!✔️ Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE – My step-by-step checklist for outsourcing and saving hours every week✔️ Discover more resources on my website – Free guides, tools, and support for photographers✔️ Outsourcing Made Easy Waitlist – Doors open once a year! Get on the list to learn my exact smart outsourcing workflows 👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!Photography account: @saramonikaphotoEducation account: @sara.monika ✅SUBSCRIBEIf you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. Leave a Review 🙏If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!To all YOUR success,Sara
-
184
Inside My Live In-Person Talk on Imposter Syndrome, Bookings + Building a Better Photography Business I Ep 171
Ever feel like you’re running on a hamster wheel – shoot, edit, deliver, repeat – while your creativity and energy slowly drain away? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing the real talk from a recent in-person workshop I ran for a group of photographers in Ontario, where we dove deep into the struggles of burnout, imposter syndrome, and the never-ending to-do list. I open up about my own journey from control-freak perfectionist to a freedom-driven business owner, and how learning to outsource (and trust others!) completely transformed my life and business. If you’re craving more time, more joy, and more space to actually live – this episode is for you.In this week’s episode you’ll discover:Why burnout shows up again and again – and how to finally break the cycle The real root of imposter syndrome (and a surprisingly simple “in-the-moment” cure)My Outsourcing Made Easy framework – how I scaled to $1.6M in revenue while working 70% less A mindset shift that changed everything: Why you don’t need more time or confidence… just removing this one thing from your day-to-day.How to let go of control and still keep your unique style and high standards (yes, it’s possible!) 📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗 ✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode > ✔️ Download the Free Workshop Workbook – Visual diagrams and exercises to help you break the burnout cycle and start outsourcing with confidence✔️ Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE – My step-by-step checklist for outsourcing and saving hours every week✔️ Dorothy May’s Instagram – Connect with Dorothy and join her amazing in-person photo swaps and community events in Ontario✔️ Discover more resources on my website – Free guides, tools, and support for photographers👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!Photography account: @saramonikaphotoEducation account: @sara.monika ✅SUBSCRIBEIf you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. Leave a Review 🙏If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!To all YOUR success,Sara
-
183
How Movement + Mindfulness Elevates Our Art and Energy as Photographers I Ep 170
What if tuning into your body could unlock more creativity, clarity, and connection in your photography work? In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by photographer and podcast host Danika, for a free-flowing conversation on the role that movement and mindfulness play in helping us stay grounded, inspired, and intentional — both behind the lens and in life. We talk about what movement looks like beyond exercise — how it helps photographers regulate energy, access joy, and stay present in high-pressure moments. From puddle-jumping in the rain to mindful post-wedding workflows, Sara shares powerful insights on staying connected to your body and creativity. Our conversation took some personal turns as we reflected on birth and motherhood, marveling at how capable and wise our bodies truly are. It all tied back to the episode’s theme: the importance of listening inward. The conversation flowed as if we’d known each other for years, and Sara brought so much depth, intention, and practical wisdom. In this episode, we explore: — How to use movement as a reset before, during, and after photo sessions and weddings. — Embodied mindfulness and what that actually looks like in a creative business.— Playful movement practices that reignite creative energy.— The value of slowing down, trusting your body, and redefining productivity.If you’re a photographer or creative who wants to feel more present, intentional, and creatively fueled, this episode will meet you right where you are.📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode > ✔️Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE > saramonika.com/workflow✔️ Danika’s Sharp Shooter Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zFAXGh10xOCVURtgVtFb9✔️ Danika’s Shop for Photographers (where you can find her freebies -- Her Business Apps Revealed and Running Your Business with a Baby Masterclass): https://stan.store/sharpshooterpod✔️ Danika’s Photo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharpshooter.photo/✔️ Danika’s Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharpshooter.pod/✔️ Danika’s Website: www.sharpshooter-ssp.com👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!Photography account: @saramonikaphotoEducation account: @sara.monika ✅SUBSCRIBEIf you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. Leave a Review 🙏If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!To all YOUR success,Sara
-
182
How I Manage My Finances As a Photographer I Ep 169
Ever felt that pit in your stomach when you check your bank account or just totally overwhelmed with how to manage your money in your photography business? You’re not alone. In this episode, I open up about how a tough financial year – one that started with just $30k in guaranteed revenue for 2024 – became the turning point that completely transformed how I manage money. I share the simple, sustainable system that helped me grow my revenue to $195k in under 12 months, how I set up my bank accounts for clarity and calm, and the practical steps I took to rebuild trust in myself as a business owner. If finances have ever felt overwhelming or confusing, this one's for you.In this week’s episode you’ll discover:The real, raw details of how I almost ran out of money and what caused it 😳The simple yet powerful money management system I discovered that saved the day and how you can use it in your business 💸A behind-the-scenes breakdown of my bank accounts, including how I allocate my money into different accounts to create clarity, peace of mind, and stay on track with my goals ✅My best tips and tool recommendations for making your "CEO money date" fun, enjoyable and easy to stick to 📅How I went from having only $30k in guaranteed revenue at the start of the year, to a $195k year at the end of the year: the exact steps I took to revitalize my business and create financial security (this is a must-listen if you’re not where you want to be financially right now!) 👀📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode > ✔️Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE > saramonika.com/workflow✔️ Discover more resources on my website > saramonika.com/photographers✔️ Profit First by Mike Michalowicz > https://amzn.to/4lpleVh👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!Photography account: @saramonikaphotoEducation account: @sara.monika ✅SUBSCRIBEIf you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. Leave a Review 🙏If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!To all YOUR success,Sara
-
181
From Prompt to Editing a Wedding Photo - Creating This EPIC Poolside Portrait I Ep 168
Ever wondered how a photographer you admire got “that” shot? The one that stops your scroll and immediately gets you curious? I know I do! And so I figured, why don’t I be that person for someone else and take you behind-the-scenes of my latest wedding in Mexico, so you can steal an idea or two for your next shoot.In this over-the shoulder tutorial, you’ll:Get a behind-the-scenes look at how I prompted my couple on the day thanks to footage from my new Meta glasses! 👓Learn how I use engagement questionnaires to understand a couple’s unique energy and capture their connection authentically on wedding days 📋Watch me edit a photo in real time and get a walkthrough of my editing process, tools and techniques 💻Discover how I use ImagenAI to create a strong base edit (+ how you can get 1500 free edits free!) 🤖Get free access to my 3 Hour Post Wedding Workflow Checklist to see exactly which parts of the process I outsource, why, and how much time it saves me ⏰📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode > ✔️Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE > saramonika.com/workflow✔️ Get my engagement questionnaire questions FREE > saramonika.com/questions✔️ Imagen Ai, how I get a stronger base edit for less time spent on editing. Sign up using the link to get 1500 free edits ➡︎ https://imagen-ai.com/?ref_id=151662007✔️ Discover more resources on my website > saramonika.com/photographers👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!Photography account: @saramonikaphotoEducation account: @sara.monika ✅SUBSCRIBEIf you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. Leave a Review 🙏If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!To all YOUR success,Sara
-
180
Q&A Alumni Panel! Get your burning outsourcing questions answered by experienced OME students!
I'm hooking you up with the audio replay from a recent OME alumni Q&A panel call with a few of my Outsourcing Made Easy alumni students: Tia, Jennifer, and Bri.They are crushing experiencing being the embodiment of a time + income abundant photographer - and you get to learn from them directly for free! 📷✨🎉🙌🏻Get your burning outsourcing questions answered right now by pressing play now on this episode.Here are just some of the questions they answered that were pre submitted by you all!👇🏻✨ Where is the best place to find a good editor?✨ Has outsourcing affected your income in a way where your expenses increased so your income dropped? It’s hard for me to wrap my head around working less and making more being actually attainable.✨What questions should I be asking myself to unearth who my ideal VA even is?✨ If I start outsourcing, what should I outsource first? My editing, culling, admin tasks? Ahh i need help with it all!✨ I heard Sara mention that the way she teaches outsourcing is very affordable. Is that true?✨ How did you know it was the right time for you to start learning how to outsource?✨ What’s your favourite part about getting your time back through outsourcing?✨ I really want to join OME but I’m nervous to make the investment, how did you finally decide you’re gonna go ahead and commit to taking the course?✨ What fear popped up for you before joining OME that almost stopped you from signing up but you’re SO glad you didn’t listen to it?✨ I feel like I’m drowning right now. I can’t even fathom adding another thing to my to do list, let alone a course, should I wait to sign up next year when hopefully I’ll have my ducks in a row then?And we covered even more!!🌞So grab a drink, get cozy, get editing, and hit play on this replay and enjoy soaking in all this wisdom while we keep you company! 💖🌞Join Outsourcing Made Easy here
-
179
How to Reverse Engineer Working Part-Time Hours AND Having a 6-Figure Photography Business (get your notebook ready!)
Mom photographers (and photographers that want to work less hard + make more), this bonus episode is for you specifically! (if you want to work fewer hours + STILL make the income you desire).Get your free spot in my once yearly FREE live Masterclass "The 4 Secrets To Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer"And in case you’ve been around here for a while and attended this class before, here’s a quick rundown of why you should join (or join again) this year:👉 Each year I refresh and improve this class with the most up-to-date industry stats, transparent numbers from my own business, and “working right now” pricing guidance so you know exactly how much outsourcing will be for you (and hint: it’s the most affordable it’s ever been) 💸👉 I’ll also sharing a brand-new 3-step outsourcing framework which actually gives you results you’re happy with 🤯👉 This is one of the only ways to get FREE live coaching from me (I always leave as much time that is needed at the end to troubleshoot your biggest questions and challenges)👉 You’ll get to connect with like-minded photographers from all over the world who understand *exactly* what you’re going through (which we all need more of in our lives! You can’t get that on a replay ;) 💛👉 Our brains love repetition. If you loved this class but were snowed under at the time or simply need to light a fire under yourself again to make this happen for you…Get your free spot in my once yearly FREE live Masterclass "The 4 Secrets To Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer"See ya there!
-
178
167: 319 Hours Saved! Discover How Much These Photographers Paid to Gain Back This Time with Outsourcing (more affordable than you think!)
My once-yearly training + implementation program Outsourcing Made Easy for Photographers is BACK! And today, I’m beyond excited to share a special three-way episode (lol three-way 😉) with two of my incredible students, Bri & Montana. Why the pairing?Because Bri and Montana have not only been hugely successful on their outsourcing journeys and have tons of wisdom to share with you! - like how affordable it was for them to get 319 hrs back of their lives through outsourcing, but they’ve also formed a budding friendship thanks to the OME community (which makes my heart swell with pride) 🥹And they’re not the only ones! I regularly get feedback from my students that the community is one of the best parts of their experience. AND I also regularly get feedback of how EASY and AFFORDABLE outsourcing is with my smart outsourcing workflows!Tune in to this week’s episode to discover:✨ What drew Bri (a stay at home mom + photographer) to start outsourcing in her business as a struggling mom on the brink of quitting photography altogether 😢✨ What drew Montana to start outsourcing in her business and how she was able to spot the signs BEFORE experiencing burnout in her business 💪✨ What Bri’s life looks like now and the ripple effect that fixing your work situation has on ALL areas of your life and psyche as a stay at home mom! 🧠✨ What Montana’s life looks like now and how it feels to experience busy season WITHOUT getting behind 💁♀️✨ What you need to hear if outsourcing hasn't gone well for you in the past and why the occasional poor-fit first hire can be a blessing in disguise✨ How Bri and Montana were able to catch each other before slipping into old patterns and how they were able to supercharge their success TOGETHER 🤝✨ The mindset shift you need to hear if you think you don’t have the time or bandwidth to train someone else to support you in your business 🫠✨ A breakdown of how much money Bri + Montana have spent and how many hours they’ve saved thanks to outsourcing 💸This episode will give you the REAL scoop on what it’s like inside Outsourcing Made Easy from people who were in your shoes not so long ago, so I encourage you to soak up every last second of it as soon as possible.And remember, doors are open NOW and will close soon for the entire year ⏰So whether you’re teetering on the edge of burnout or just dreaming of more time to focus on the things that light you up, this is your time to make a change and to make some new business besties along the way! You do NOT have to do this alone (nor are you supposed to). I’m here to support you every step of the way – to care about you, to challenge you… all of it. Your success is MY success. All you’ve got to do is take the first step 💛Just click here to join the crew 😎RESOURCESSign up for Imagen Ai here and get 1500 free editsJoin Outsourcing Made Easy here > Bri's website >Bri's Instagram > Montana's Website >Montana's Instagram >
-
177
166: From Being Hospitalized With Burnout to Saving 55 Hours a Month (While Still Making 6-Figures) with Nicole Tucker
I don’t know about you, But if I can avoid a painful experience simply by learning from somebody else’s story…. Sign. me. up!It’s also the reason I’m an open book when it comes to my own challenges and mistakes, because I’m always thinking about how my story can ultimately help someone else avoid what I went through #silverlinings.And today is one of those days where I’m sharing a story that I KNOW so many photographers need to hear, so they can avoid the same trap too 💛In this week’s episode of The Shine + Thrive Photography Podcast you’ll meet Nicole, who was doing it ALL in her photography business (sound familiar?)Until her body literally gave out and she landed in the hospital with burnout 💔Tune in to discover…✨ The series of events (and the laundry-list of things) Nicole was doing in her business that that led her to being hospitalized with burnout – and how this experience finally forced her to make a change and start outsourcing 🥴(Important: if you’re doing a lot of the same things Nicole mentions in this part, PLEASE don’t let it get to this point – take this as a warning sign to get help in YOUR biz, too!) ⚠️✨ What Nicole’s life looks like now – from the changes in her personal life, to the improvements in her client experience, to raising her prices, DOUBLING her Instagram following, and more! 🤯✨ A step-by-step breakdown of all the things Nicole now outsources in her business, how much she pays for this support, and how many hours she saves a week on average 🗓️✨ The limiting beliefs Nicole had to overcome to get to this point in her business (don’t miss this part if you struggle with letting go of control!) 👋✨ How Nicole’s first experience with a VA didn’t go according to plan but how that paved the way for an even better relationship with her second VA (if you’ve tried outsourcing before and it didn’t go well, this could be why) 👀✨ How Nicole’s desire to have children one day sped up her decision to outsource, plus my perspective of how becoming a parent changed the way I approach my photography business 👶✨ Why you should NOT wait until you’re in the thick of busy season to get support and Nicole’s final words of advice for anyone thinking about starting outsourcing 🗣️Resources + Links:FREE Live Masterclass: “The 4 Secrets To Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer”Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority ListNicole’s WebsiteNicole’s InstagramNicole’s Instagram (Boudoir)Nicole’s TikTok
-
176
BONUS: Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer (why this is GOALS)
Today, I want to talk about the difference between struggling photographers and time and income abundant photographers. Yesterday, I watched a show called "Million Dollar Listing" and it got me thinking about success and abundance. There was a couple on the show who seemed to have it all - a successful real estate business, a beautiful house, and all the material possessions one could desire. But as I watched, I realized that they were overworked, stressed, and constantly on the verge of burnout. It broke my heart to see them sacrificing their well-being and family time for the sake of their business. This got me thinking about photographers who are in a similar situation - overworked, underpaid, and struggling to find balance. Many photographers are doing everything themselves, which leads to exhaustion and low income. In fact, when you calculate the hours worked and the income earned, most photographers are making less than minimum wage. It's a heartbreaking reality. That's why I'm so passionate about teaching photographers how to work smarter instead of harder. Outsourcing is the key to reclaiming your time and increasing your income. By delegating tasks like editing, culling, and album design, you can free up your schedule and focus on what you love most - capturing beautiful moments. I've been outsourcing for nine years now, and it has been a game-changer for my business. It allows me to work fewer hours, make more money, and have more time for my family and well-being. I want to share this knowledge with you all because I believe that success is not just about money and possessions. It's about living a slow, abundant life where you have the time and freedom to enjoy the fruits of your labor. If you resonate with any of the symptoms of an underpaid and overworked photographer - constantly playing catch-up, feeling low energy and creativity, and hitting an income ceiling - I encourage you to explore the possibility of outsourcing. It may seem daunting at first, but it's the fastest and most effective way to reclaim your time and increase your income. I'll be hosting a free masterclass where I'll be sharing “The 4 Secrets To Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer”. I'll also be sharing my three-step outsourcing made easy framework, which has helped hundreds of photographers transform their businesses! This masterclass is live, so you'll have the opportunity to ask me questions and connect with other photographers in the community! Cheers to slow, abundant living and becoming time and income abundant photographers together! I'm here to support you every step of the way. Click the link below or DM me the word “masterclass” on my Instagram @saramonikaphoto for the registration link.RESOURCE + LINKS: “The 4 Secrets To Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer” FREE live Masterclass
-
175
165: How To Work Just 2 HOURS a Day + Run a 6-Figure Photography Biz with Jessica Wasik
Imagine being able to work as little as 2 to 4 hours a day and still run a thriving six figure photography business (← yep, read that again) 🤯This has been my reality and the reality of many of my Outsourcing Made Easy students for a while now… I remember feeling like nobody could do things as well as I could in my business… Like it was a badge of honor to do everything myself… Like my clients would think less of me if they saw I had support… Like I couldn’t afford it, where would I even start, what if the person I brought in got things wrong and MY WHOLE BUSINESS BURNED DOWN… Okay a liiittle dramatic but you get my drift, right? 😅Which is why whether you’re new to my community or an old timer, you’ll notice that I constantly share REAL, “no-details-held-back” examples from my students to help PROVE what’s possible for you, too #cantstopwontstop 😂Because truthfully, the “doing” part of outsourcing is the easy part. The hard part is getting over all of those limiting beliefs that stop you from getting started in the first place.Which is why I’m so excited to share that it’s *that* time of year again! 🎉 For the next few weeks, you’ll get to hear directly from my Outsourcing Made Easy students about their experiences. And boy, do I have a great episode to kick things off with this week 🙌 On this week’s episode of The Shine + Thrive Photography Podcast you’ll meet Jessica, who was able to get back a minimum of 15 hours per week, sometimes only working 2 hours a day 🤩Tune in to discover:✨ How Jessica was able to get over the belief that nobody can do things as well as she can in her business AND her desire to want to do all of those things herself✨ The first “baby step” things Jessica started outsourcing and in what order 📋✨ How quickly Jessica was able to find a VA, the number of hours they started with, and how much Jessica paid for this support (hint: it’s WAY more affordable than you might think!)✨ What Jessica’s life looks like now and how she’s adjusted to working sometimes as little as 2 (!!) hours a day 🤯✨ All of the things Jessica’s VA now helps with that give Jessica back a minimum of 15 hours a week (including things you may not have even realized you could outsource yet!) ✨ How many hours Jessica has saved across the year vs. how much she spent on this support 💸✨ What Jessica loved most about Outsourcing Made Easy and her final words of advice for anyone who may be toying with getting started on their outsourcing journeyResources + Links:Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority ListJessica’s Annual Pet Calendar Contest Fundraiser: GoGo Photo ContestJessica’s WebsiteJessica’s FacebookJessica’s Instagram
-
174
From Working 24/7, to Running Her Photography Business with More Ease and Less Stress
I LOVE a good student success story and this one with Katie Silva, one of my Outsourcing Made Easy students, gives me all the feels! Come on a journey with us to discover how Katie was able to transform her life and business through OME these past few years, plus her advice for starting your own outsourcing journey (whatever that may look like for you!)...Tune in to learn…Katie’s pre-Outsourcing Made Easy journey – from leaving her government job, to Covid cancellations in 2020, to discovering boudoir photography, to opening her own studio [10.21]A snapshot of Katie’s life at her most overwhelmed, and how she was able to move through her fear and throw herself into outsourcing [17.06], [20.47]Why looking for a “magic pill” won’t work if you’re feeling burnt out right now and the *real* secret to sustainable, long-term success as a photographer [22.42]A deep dive into all the things Katie now outsources and her learnings along the way [25.38]How Katie hired an in-person assistant to maximize her time on shoot days and stay firmly in her zone of genius (+ keep her clients even happier!) [29.00]Katie’s most stubbornly-held false belief around outsourcing, which she has now overcome (and how you can too!) [31.59]A handful of the pursuits Katie now channels her new-found energy into and how her relationships have changed for the better thanks to OME [39.59]The number #1 thing you NEED to hear if you think paying someone else to do something you “could” technically do yourself is a waste of money (and why it’s a sure-fire way to keep yourself in burnout city) [36.51]Katie’s favorite parts of OME and the importance of a strong, supportive community throughout your outsourcing journey [43.54]What happened when two of Katie’s Tik Toks went viral and McDonalds slid into her DMs… (yup, for reals!) [47.52]Why it’s NEVER too early (or too late!) to get on the outsourcing train [49.34]Katie’s final words for anyone considering Outsourcing Made Easy <3 [56.34]RESOURCES + LINKS:Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for PhotographersGet on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority ListFree Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer
-
173
The True Cost of Outsourcing vs. The Cost of NOT Outsourcing
Have you ever thought about beginning to outsource in your photography business but didn't take action on it because you wondered what the cost would be and if it would be worth it? If you are stuck in a world of burn out, and overwhelm, while not making the income you need and desire as a photographer, then this episode is a MUST LISTEN. Hit play now to find out the true cost of outsourcing, and what you are leaving on the table when you choose NOT to outsource in your business.RESOURCES + LINKS:Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for PhotographersGet on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority ListFree Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer
-
172
How This Photographer Mom of 2 Was Able to Work Less, Make More Money, and Have More Time Freedom with Her Family in Just 10 Months! Student Story with Rachel Bowman
Who doesn’t love a good student success story? Especially one this inspiring!This week I’m talking with Rachel Bowman – photographer, mom of two, and student of my program, Outsourcing Made Easy. We’ll be diving into her incredible journey and how she was able to gain back so much time freedom, financial freedom, and creative freedom through the program, in just 10 months.Tune in to discover…What Rachel’s life looked like before outsourcing as a mom and a full-time photographer [9.23]Why letting go of the belief that hiring someone = losing money changed everything for Rachel and what you should know if you’re feeling the same way [16.37]How to know if you are on the brink of burnout and the moment Rachel knew she needed to make changes [18.15]The transformation Rachel experienced in the quality of her life just 10 months after starting her outsourcing journey, plus everything she now outsources in her business [19.23], [23.28]What to do if you feel like you’re just “going through the motions” in your business and how to reignite the love for your craft [22.52]How to let go of control and why it’s important to let your business baby grow into an adult! [24.27]Why taking your time with your outsourcing journey and doing it your way is the key to success [26.28], [40.41]The very first thing Rachel let go of in her business [30.56]Rachel’s biggest takeaway from Outsourcing Made Easy that allows her to stay focused and make space for new ideas in her business [28.15]Rachel’s final thoughts on her experience and why she’ll be coming back to OME time and time again as her business grows [37.17], [42.33]I hope this episode inspires you to take the first step in your outsourcing journey! If you’re curious about hopping on the outsourcing train, then be sure to join my priority list for Outsourcing Made Easy in the show notes below ;)RESOURCES + LINKS:Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for PhotographersGet on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority ListFree Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer
-
171
3 Signs You're Ready To Start Outsourcing in Your Photography Business
How can a photographer know if they are ready to start outsourcing in their business? Also, is it worth it? After all, it can be scary to let go of control, and also let go of some of the money you've earned, but as you learned in the last episode it's possible to train someone to do tasks exactly how you do them, and you're leaving money on the table if you're not outsourcing yet. Aka, it's costing you MORE money NOT to outsource. Tune into this episode to learn the 3 signs that are proof you're ready to start outsourcing in your photography business!RESOURCES + LINKS:Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for PhotographersGet on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority ListFree Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer
-
170
How To Work Smarter Instead of Harder as a Photographer with Jess Collins
If you a burnt-out and overwhelmed photographer, and you're not sure how to stay sane right now, then this episode was literally made for you!Jess is one of my Alumni students from my Outsourcing Made Easy for Photographers program and she shares how she went from working long hours 7 days a week, missing precious time with her husband and 2 boys, and just feeling plain overworked to sunshine + rainbows. She said that she was basically able to find more freedom for herself in her life and keep the same income she was earning as a photographer! She no longer remembers what burnout even feels like! If you dream of this kind of lifestyle freedom then tune into the episode now and enjoy hearing Jess's transformation story!RESOURCES + LINKS:Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for Photographershttps://calendly.com/saramonika/reclaimGet on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List:https://courses.saramonika.com/omewaitlistFree Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographerhttps://courses.saramonika.com/4-secrets-to-freedom
-
169
How To Have the Work/Life Harmony You Desire As a Portrait + Wedding Photographer
At the start of the year, you get all excited to finally start shooting again, and for the opportunity to get creative. You really believe that this year will be different than the last. Meaning, you won't get overworked and burnt out because you feel like you are more organized than you were last year and you made a promise to yourself that your health and life is a priority and that burnout is no longer welcome in your life.Then, you somehow find yourself in the final 2 or 3 months of the season, backlogged with editing work, culling, and emails flooding in that make you feel more overwhelmed and even sometimes resentful of your clients. You can't seem to catch up even though you are working every single day for 12-15 hours. Sound familiar? Tune into this episode right now to learn how YOU can avoid burnout all year round to have the quality of life you desire!RESOURCES + LINKS:Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for Photographershttps://calendly.com/saramonika/reclaimGet on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List:https://courses.saramonika.com/omewaitlistFree Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographerhttps://courses.saramonika.com/4-secrets-to-freedom
-
168
163: How Motherhood Changed Me: I Share My Newest Pursuit Of Slow, Abundant Living!
I’ve been waiting for the right time to share this. I’m not going to lie– it feels pretty vulnerable for me to share. But I know that vulnerability = connection, and if I can help just ONE person feel less alone by sharing my story, it’s all worth it to me!If you’re a mom photographer trying to balance motherhood and work…Or if you just want to discover how you can earn more and work less… This week’s episode is for you.Tune in to discover:✨ How clinging onto “pre-mom Sara” caused me unnecessary suffering✨ How I was able to re-define my own personal version of success (and why I’m PUMPED to go after it)✨ How I uncovered the limiting subconscious belief that I need to work 8 hours a day to be success✨ Signs in my life that slow, abundant living is meant for me and may be meant for you!✨ How creating outsourcing systems allowed me to go from working 12-15 hour days to just 2-4 hours a day in my photography business✨ Why understanding the law of reciprocity can help you shed your guilt about desiring more money✨ How mastering outsourcing is way more affordable than you might realize✨ Why my old version of success doesn’t align with my life today (and why this evolution is totally normal and natural)Want to hear my raw, unscripted, vulnerable share with all the juicy details? Hit Play now!RESOURCES + LINKS:Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for Photographershttps://calendly.com/saramonika/reclaimGet on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List:https://courses.saramonika.com/omewaitlist
-
167
162: 11 Lessons Gathered From Our 10 Year Anniversary Trip To France + Tomorrowland!
I didn’t expect this! My mind is still blown about the 11 powerful life lessons that my recent 10-year anniversary trip with Rory taught me…💍 In just 11 days! That’s like 1 profound lesson a day! …But that’s exactly what happened. Rory and I recently spent a week vacationing in France and Belgium to celebrate us and the life we’ve built together! ✈️ And while getting a minimum of 25k steps a day in Paris… 🍷 And riding e-bikes through the gorgeous French countryside… 😍 And dancing our asses off at TOMORROWLAND🎊… 🔊I gathered some powerful life lessons that you can totally apply to your business! But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Some moments were downright challenging and forced me to lean hard on my mindfulness skills. 🧘I wanted to share these “aha-s” with you with the intention of unlocking a new dimension in your mind so that you can start to notice all the possibilities surrounding you each day! Tune in to discover:✨ How a passionate sommelier reminded me to avoid the “I’ll-be-happy-when” trap 🍷✨ A synchronistic encounter that proves people are noticing us online (even when we feel like no one is paying attention)✨ An example of how I was unapologetically myself at a high-end restaurant + how empowered I felt 💅✨ How to stop seeing things as “good” or “bad” so you can handle challenges better and find more joy in what’s all around you✨ Why I don’t complain about jet lag, and how you can steal my trick to better deal with challenges in life + business✨ How I got HIGH off good music and good vibes (no joke! - tune in to hear these juicy details!) ✨ An inside look at the 12/10 customer experience at 🎉TOMORROWLAND (the world biggest EDM music festival), and how you can recreate this in your photography business✨ How to create “evangelists” that will promote your business FOR you 🤯✨ The time I drew a crowd with shuffling (an EDM style dance) and why you’ll feel inspired to share your gifts with the world too!✨ How to choose happiness regardless of your circumstances✨ How balancing your feminine and masculine energy can improve your life, career, and relationships, and a real example from my life✨…And so much more!RESOURCES + LINKSGet on the Outsourcing Made Easy Waitlist here!Manifestation Babe PodcastListen to Lori Harder + Mel Well’s podcast about “The 7 Feminine Archetypes (Which One YOU Currently Are) & How to Tap Into Queen Energy
-
166
161: How To Pivot While Shooting + Take Better Photos When Nothing Is Going As Planned
Have you ever shown up to a photoshoot already picturing exactly what shots you’re going to take… How the light is going to hit your subject’s face and illuminate their eyes… How the silhouette of the tree branches is going to frame the sky… How you’re going to get the perfect backdrop of that stunning beach… Only for the shots to not work out and nothing goes as planned? 😰*Cue panic* 🚨I’ve been here too RECENTLY.But if I’ve learned anything in my 13 years of being a photographer, it’s that the best photos happen when you don’t force them. I do my best work when I drop all expectations, focus on creating a bond with my clients, and look for the beauty that’s right in front of me, in that moment. 🌸 They don’t come when I focus too hard on chasing an idea I had in my head (sorry, ego!).In this week’s episode, I’m sharing a recent experience that taught me the importance of being present at shoots. I’m going to share some practical tips for tapping into creative flow and getting out of panic mode during the unexpected.Tune in to discover:✨ How I deal with butterflies before a photo session (I still get them!) and what I tell myself to calm my nerves 🦋✨ Why showing up overly prepared to photoshoots can actually kill your creativity (and what you can do instead)✨ How to creatively pivot on the spot when nothing is going as planned ✨ How dropping expectations can dissolve your anxiety and panic ✨ Why it’s so easy to miss what’s right in front of you, and strategies for tapping into the present moment✨ A sneak-peek at my signature improvisational, intuitive photography style that always produces interesting results ✨ How to add novelty and excitement to shoots when you’re constantly shooting at the same location✨ What gives a photo have that “how-did-they-do-that” quality ✨ Why having genuine conversations with your clients results in better photosRESOURCES + LINKSInstagram Posts Sara Mentioned:1. https://www.instagram.com/p/C95Y2NYPuSx/?img_index=12. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8cbpq3OOlF/?img_index=13. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8915CgON6C/
-
165
160: How Kimberly Re-defined Mini Sessions and Made $8000 From 1 Day Of Shooting!
Want to know how Kimberly was able to make $8000 from just 1 day of shooting? 💰💰💰 Oh, and plot twist–she did it with mini-sessions. 🤯If you had told Kimberly, a branding photographer, a few years ago that she could make that kind of money from mini-sessions… She wouldn’t have believed you.Like many photographers, she’d written off mini-sessions as “they are just so much work for so little profit!”. She thought there was no way she could charge high-ticket prices with this type of session. And in her mind, they carried connotations of “cheap”, “fast”, and “low-quality”.But after a colleague shared a new way of doing mini-sessions with her that was profitable, low-stress, and fun… She decided to launch a mini-session offer with absolutely no idea what to expect.And guess what? She booked up all 8 slots within 48 hours. 🤯She quickly discovered that this type of session was her jam. 🤩 So if you’re a photographer who’s feeling burnt out and you want to earn more and shoot less……You’ll definitely want to listen to Kimberly’s story.On this week’s podcast episode, I picked Kimberly’s brain about how she leveraged mini sessions to build a profitable, aligned photography business. She completely redefines mini-sessions and it’s going to blow your mind and show you what’s possible for you!Tune in to discover:✨ The power of the waitlist for creating desire and removing all the stress from your mini-session offer ✨ A detailed breakdown of Kimberly’s offer, including pricing, number of participants, hours worked, launch timelines, and more✨ A breakdown of her second relaunch, and how she made even more and worked less✨ 2 common limiting beliefs about mini-sessions that might be holding you back from trying them out for yourself✨ How mini-sessions can help you recoup lost revenue while serving your clients better✨ Success stories from Kimberly’s students who tried doing similar offersPlus, she even goes deep into entrepreneurial mindset with golden nuggets like:✨ Why being attached to an outcome = living in the future, and how you can let go of expectations to attract more abundance✨ An awe-inspiring story about what happened to her at a live business conference that’ll have you on the edge of your seat✨ Why showing your audience your “messiness” can actually magnetize them ✨ How to surrender to good things in your life, even when they make you super uncomfortable✨ Why it’s important to strike a balance between desperate and uncompromising when it comes to pricingRESOURCES + LINKSKimberly’s Live at BBDKimberly’s InstagramKimberly’s Roadmap To Mini Sessions waitlist
-
164
159: How To Own Your Creativity So You Can Take Incredible Photos and Book Out Your Calendar with Haley McDevitt
Do you ever doubt your own abilities as a photographer and wonder if your couples are going to be happy with your photos? 😰Haley, a wedding photographer and one of my past students, was in this exact position not too long ago. She loved being a wedding photographer, but weddings made her constantly feel on-edge. She’d stress about getting the perfect shot of the dress and the ring because that’s what she thought she was “supposed” to do.She’d constantly question if she was in the right place at the right time, and she’d worry that she was missing out on picture-perfect moments.She felt too scared to try her unique, out-of-the box ideas for fear that her couples wouldn’t be happy with the photos.But after Haley took my course, Intuitive Storytelling, everything changed for her. She learned to trust her creativity & intuition and tune out that self-critical voice in her head. Now, she shows up to weddings feeling 100% confident, and she takes creative shots that her couples love. 🙌I was so inspired by Haley’s transformation that I decided to interview her about her journey. This week, we’re talking all about how to tap into your intuition so you can take incredible photos, show up confidently to shoots, and book out your calendar.I hope that Haley’s story inspires you to trust your own creativity and intuition so you can take photos that’ll have your couples saying: “We love the photos and you were the best decision we could have made for our wedding day!” 😍Tune in to discover:✨ Examples of super special moments captured during weddings, and how you can spot these opportunities on your own✨ How to train your intuition if you don’t know what signs to look for✨ Why memorizing names of the couple’s friends & family can help you bond and ultimately improve your storytelling ✨ Why you don’t need to follow every industry standard when it comes to photography✨ How getting your couple to fill out a family and friends questionnaire can help you show up on wedding day feeling totally prepared and relaxed✨ Ways to navigate heavy emotions at weddings so you can bond with the couple’s family✨ Signs that hiring a second shooter is meant for you✨ An out-of-the-box concept for an engagement photo (that the couple loved!)Want to hear Haley’s story and find out how you can own your signature brand of intuitive storytelling? Hit play now! :)RESOURCES + LINKSIntuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Discover how to storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!
-
163
158: Riff Episode: Challenges I'm Facing Lately, What I'm Doing About It + What's Helping Me Grow
I’m gonna be real with you. I’ve been feeling like I’m in an awkward stage in my business right now. And by awkward, I mean…I’ve been feeling a heaviness around not having everything figured out yet with the direction I’m taking my businessI’ve been feeling like I have SO MANY ideas, but confused on which ones to focus on - so I end up stallingI’ve been feeling like my world has been turned upside down since becoming a mom and I’m still navigating my way around how to peacefully flow through some challenges that arise with being a new parent(And more explained in today’s podcast episode!)Have you been feeling any of these feels lately too? In case you have, instead of keeping this all to myself, I want to share it with you so that 👇🏻You feel less alone if you’re also feeling like you don’t quite have everything figured out the way you want to in your business right nowYou can piggy back off me and my MIND BLOWING realizations I’ve had recently about how to get through this phase in my life feeling empowered instead of it feeling like it’s hard to breath at times!If you know me, you know I HATE small talk, so I go DEEP in today’s episode and I’m talking all about challenges I’m facing lately, what I’m doing about it, and what’s helping me grow. I’m trying something different with this new “riff” style of podcast where I dive in with no plan and no script. I call this episode my “riff” episode because I literally grabbed my podcast mic, and started openly sharing with the intention of it feeling like I’m just chatting on the phone with you 📞Tune in to discover:✨ How I’m navigating my “awkward” phase✨ The “radio station” analogy for how different realities exist all around us all the time (and how we can simply choose the reality we desire)✨ Questions you can ask yourself when faced with challenges to keep you out of negative spiraling✨ What motherhood is teaching me✨ Why life challenges are actually gifts that bring you closer to your higher selves✨ How to look for the “gain” so you can stay motivated and productive✨ Why focusing on the “gap” is where all the suffering happens✨ A simple explanation of quantum physics that’ll help you make better, more aligned decisions ✨ Why it’s normal to alternate between seasons of flow and seasons of resistance & uncertainty RESOURCES + LINKS“The Gain and the Gap” by Dan SullivanAudiobook “10x Is Easier than 2x” by Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan:
-
162
157: Using Human Design to Grow Your Photo Biz In a Way That Feels Energizing Rather Than Soul-Sucking with Madeline Evergreen
I recently spoke to my friend Madeline Evergreen, an expert in human design, about how we can use this tool to understand ourselves and our deepest desires better so that we can create a life and business we love ON PURPOSE.Madeline’s story is wild–she used human design to undo 95% of her chronic health struggles that she’d been experiencing since birth–in 1 month. 🤯Not only that, but she also used it to skyrocket her income and create a life and career she’s obsessed with and is able to tap into her energized flow state more frequently 🤩In this week’s episode, we chat about how we as photographers can use human design to grow our business in a way that feels energizing rather than soul sucking!Tune in to discover:-How human design can help you move your focus away from what you “should” be doing in your business and guide you towards what you’re MEANT to do-A short and sweet breakdown of the 5 different human design types-How understanding human design can help you lead a happier, more productive team (and help you better understand your loved-ones)-Demystifying your “authority” and how it can help you run your business more effectively-How to use human design to take what you need from mentoring, courses, and resources without feeling overwhelmed-Why the expression “lit up” can be misleading (and what it really means to feel lit up)-Signs you might be modeling after another person (and dimming your own unique magnetism)-Why that feeling of “my mother wouldn’t approve” could be the sign that’s it’s EXACTLY what’s meant for you-What it feels like when you’re in your alignmentRESOURCES + LINKSMadeline Evergreen’s podcast “The Beginner’s Guide to Human Design:https://madelineevergreen.com/thebeginnersguidetohumandesign Madeline’s Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/healthy_madeline/ Free human design chart:https://www.myhumandesign.com/
-
161
156: High-quality Questions You Can Ask Yourself To Grow Your Photography Business With Flow And Ease
Do you ever have burning questions about your photography business that you wish you could just get the answer to NOW? Maybe you want clarity on the nitty-gritty details of your photography business, like what type of social media content to create, or whether it’s worth it to study the Instagram algorithm, or whether ads are better than giveaways.Well the thing is, sometimes what you need more than an answer to your burning question is a higher-quality question in the first place! The type of questions you ask yourself can have a huge impact on the growth of your business. Too often, I see photographers asking themselves unproductive questions that leave them stuck in the weeds, overwhelmed, and forgetting to see the big picture. That’s why in this week’s episode, I’m sharing some examples of high-quality questions to ask yourself to grow your photography business. In this previously live Q&A session I did with my photography community, I provide you with real examples of how to reframe your questions to get clarity on your next business move. My intention with this episode is to help you learn how to be your own source of guidance. By listening to how I respond to my students' questions, my hope is that you’ll get inspiration for how to ask yourself higher-quality questions so you can become your own source of inner guidance!Tune in to discover:My “talk test” for gauging if a business strategy is right for meAn inside look at how I outsource my photo editing to reduce 90% of the work (so I can focus on the things that only I can do in my business)Why constantly tweaking my workflow isn’t the drag that you’d think it is (and how it actually creates SO much freedom)Why I’ll never settle when it comes to outsourcing, why it’s SO worth the time to find great people to outsource your workHow posting on Instagram right when the inspiration strikes is a huge magnet for my communityWhy working on my personal brand has worked so well for me as my lead generation strategy, and what that looks likeHow sharing my music taste online helped me book a new awesome clientWhy my #1 focus is client satisfaction (and an inside look at how it benefits me in the long run)RESOURCES + LINKS:Crystal Clear Marketing course: https://courses.saramonika.com/crystal-clear-marketing-enrollImagen Ai editing tool: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref_id=151662007
-
160
155: How I Made $25K In 6 Months Hosting The Exact Same Workshop 4 Times
Want to know how I made $25K from hosting the EXACT same workshop 4 times? Believe it or not, this is totally possible for you, too!But starting this education branch of your business can also bring on serious doubts. You might worry no one will buy after all that hard work, or that you’re not good at teaching, or that you’ll struggle to balance mentoring with shooting.The truth is getting started with creating a course, workshop, or mentoring program is actually a lot simpler and less stressful than you might think! You don’t have to get your course or workshop 100% perfect before you launch it into the world–you can earn money while you build it out - and your community gets the perk of getting in at a lower price to start!Even better news is that once you do your first launch, you’ve already done 90% of the heavy lifting. That means that with a few tweaks here and there, you can just relaunch what you’ve created again, and again, and again!Want some actionable guidance for rocking your first photography workshop or course? If you’re sitting there thinking “yes!”, then this week’s episode is for you. I’m going to share my story of how I made $25K in 6 months hosting the exact same workshop 4 times.Tune in to discover:✨ Why more people are interested in what you have to offer than you realize ✨ A practical tip for pricing your first workshop or course that’ll melt away all the overwhelm and imposter syndrome✨ How “beta launching” can take all the stress out of your launch (and help you bring in revenue ASAP)✨ A complete breakdown of exactly how much I made from each of the workshops I hosted✨ Creative ways to reduce your overhead (so you can maximize your revenue 💰💰💰)✨ Easy ways I went above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience for my workshop attendees✨ A powerful question to ask yourself to gauge if you’re truly delivering value to your students✨ Ways my workshops and courses have changed my life for the better✨ A perspective shift to help you understand why you have something unique to offer that no one else canRESOURCES & LINKS:Sign-up link for James Wedmore’s FREE 3-part live training, “The Rise Of The Digital CEO” (starts June 6th):https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/2147554656/JfZw9hhB
-
159
EP 154: THIS Will Help You Decide If Mentoring Other Photographers Is For You!
Have you been considering getting started with mentoring other photographers through 1-on-1 sessions, hosting workshops, or creating your first online course?Mentoring others can be a really lucrative and rewarding path for you as a photographer. But here’s what no one tells you: mentoring others isn’t meant for everyone!It’s easy to see the $369k in revenue I’ve made as a photography mentor and immediately think:“That’s it! That’s the ticket to working less and earning more! Let me get started!” But the reality is, coaching & mentoring needs to be aligned with you for it to bring you the extra income and time freedom you desire.So how do you know if you’re choosing it from a place of alignment or misalignment? In this week’s episode, I’m here to give you the clarity you want once and for all and help you decide if mentoring other photographers is for you!!….and if it’s the right time to get started! ⏲️Tune in to discover: ✨ How I knew I was ready to start my mentoring, and what my life looked like at that time✨ What your business and life can look like when offer mentoring as an additional income stream✨ How much you can actually make as a mentor to photographers 👀✨ How to assess about whether or not mentoring is for you✨ 2 tell-tale signs that mentoring is not for you✨ Signs that you’re ready to start mentoring other photographers✨ Moments that lit me the F up while mentoring and why 🔥RESOURCES + LINKSRegister for the 3-Day FREE Live Event “The Rise of the Digital CEO” here now > https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/2147554656/JfZw9hhBJames Wedmore's Secret Podcast: https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/2147551356/JfZw9hhBJames Wedmore's CEO Assessment: https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/2147549475/JfZw9hhB
-
158
153: $369K In Revenue To Date: The Story Of How I Got Started With Workshops, Mentoring and Online Courses
Do you want to hear my full story of how I was able to generate $369k to date just from mentoring, workshops + courses? In this episode, I’m sharing my step-by-step timeline of how I started my education business and what happened each step of the way for me!I know that number might seem daunting, but it wasn’t an overnight success. I’m sharing this behind the scenes peek with you so you can witness first-hand the power of staying consistent with action.You too can earn the big bucks too while pursuing another creative outlet that excites you and helps people! Maybe you just need someone to be your expander to show you it’s possible just like someone else did for me!In this week’s episode, I’m sharing the complete story of how I got started with workshops, mentoring + online courses and where I am now!Tune in to discover:-The exact breakdown of what I made each year since I started my photography education branch of my business-How getting curious about a moment of frustration led me to one of my biggest professional breakthroughs-A powerful visual analogy of success that’ll keep you in consistent action (even when you feel totally unmotivated)-A trip down memory lane to my very first photography workshop-How I’m able to bring in recurring revenue every month with my courses-My personal definition of a “launch” that’s way less scary than you think-How much money I’d make if I didn’t launch a single course this year (spoiler: it’s still pretty darn good!)-How diversifying my income allowed me to work 25-30 hour weeks (including shooting!)-How my previous hard work allowed me to take a “lazy year”-A perspective shift on problems, and why you’ll learn to fall in love with them-How I created an abundant “custom maternity leave” without having to rely on government money- A free gift from my personal coach that’ll blow your mindRESOURCES + LINKSYour First 100 Leads FREE Mini Course: https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/2147507249/JfZw9hhBJames Wedmore's Secret Podcast: https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/2147551356/JfZw9hhBJames Wedmore's CEO Assessment: https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/2147549475/JfZw9hhB
-
157
152: Do THIS To Avoid Wrong Decisions in Your Photography Business
In this week’s live Ask Me Anything in the Shine + Thrive Photography Community on facebook I covered:Honest thoughts of where I am right now in life/businessHow to recognize if you are making decisions from a place of alignment or misalignmentThe foundation that needs to be strong for your business to be successful!A BRILLIANT free resources if you’re interesting in diversifying your income as a photographer by getting into 1-on-1 mentoring, hosting a workshop, creating an online course, or even selling a simple digital guide!RESOURCESIf you're thinking about diversifying your income as a photographer by getting into 1-on-1 mentoring, hosting a workshop, creating an online course, or even selling a simple digital guide, my coach James Wedmore is giving away his brilliant course "Your First 100 Leads" for FREE!! You can grab it here > https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/2147507249/JfZw9hhBJoin the Shine + Thrive Photography Community here > https://www.facebook.com/groups/204517643765896/Allergy Podcast episode mentioned > https://open.spotify.com/episode/04z7hNAcvXa8pmOiXDXwAo?si=0qwPci0-TbOrk3A9B5a5lQ&nd=1&dlsi=13e54fba63c14009
-
156
151: How To Run a Super Successful Giveaway So That You Get Noticed by Your Dream Clients!
Want to know how a simple giveaway helped me make $28,000 in wedding retainers in just 1 month? Then this week’s episode is for you! Contrary to what you might think, giveaways don’t make you look desperate or like you don’t have enough business. With just a bit of planning, giveaways can create huge leverage in your business.In this week’s episode, I’m going to show you exactly what I did in my recent giveaway that helped me attract my dream client AND book out my calendar.Here’s what you’ll discover in this week’s episode:Some common misconceptions about giveaways, bustedThe exact steps I took to get my giveaway up-and-running in a matter of hoursMy strategy for making the very first line of your caption jump out at the readerWhy I specifically chose to target my giveaway to engaged couples (and why I recommend getting crystal-clear on who your giveaway is for)An easy way to multiply your post’s engagement so you can get more eyeballs on it Why setting a hard expiry date on the free offer can save your butt (and what can happen if you don’t set one)Some boundaries and terms I recommend you put on your giveaway campaign (so you don’t regret it later)A breakdown–with hard data–of how my campaign performed A powerful mindset shift to help you understand why there’s no such thing as sharing your post too many timesMy personal marketing mantra that’s super chill and doesn’t make me feel like I’m stuck on a hamster wheel How to make entering the giveaway practically effortless for your audienceA bonus tip at the end to help you deal with the not-so-fun technical aspects of running a giveawayRESOURCES + LINKS:Sara’s Giveaway IG post mentioned in the episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/C12lodVu6rk/
-
155
150: ONE Thing Photographers Need To Succeed In 2024 And Beyond!
Do you ever find yourself wondering if you’re on the path to success with your photography business? Then this week’s episode is for you.I asked 6 wildly successful photographers to answer this question: “What’s the ONE thing you need to create a successful photography business in 2024?”In this episode, you’ll hear some hard-won lessons from 6 photographers with 6 completely different points of view. Here’s a run-down of what you’ll discover in this week’s episode:Annemie Tonken reveals her #1 tip for embodying confidence as a business owner [5:19]Eden Strader explores how running your business like a CEO actually makes you MORE of an artist, despite what you might think [14:36] Grace Troutman talks about when hustling is actually alright and shares some tips for standing out in a saturated market [19:57] Alora Rachelle on why being uncomfortable is where the magic happens [28:50] Sandra Henderson shares a great tip for seeming like you’re available 24/7 WITHOUT spending hours and hours in your inbox every week [34:33] Chelsea Nicole breaks down her “branding secret sauce” (plot twist: it has nothing to do with color palettes or logos!) [38:23] Your girl Sara Monika explains the “science” behind an abundance mindset and explores why consciously choosing your experience is the biggest needle-mover [48:45]RESOURCES + LINKS:Annemie Tonken IG: https://www.instagram.com/thiscantbethathard_/ Eden Strader IG: https://www.instagram.com/edenstrader.co/ Grace Troutman IG: https://www.instagram.com/gracetphotography/ Alora Rachelle IG: https://www.instagram.com/alora.rachelle/ Sandra Henderson IG: https://www.instagram.com/lifeisbeautifullondonChelsea Nicole IG: https://www.instagram.com/chelseanicolephoto/
-
154
149: A Fast + Effective Marketing Idea You Can Start TODAY To Attract More Photography Inquiries!
I recently heard a mind-blowingly simple but powerful marketing idea at a business conference that all photographers need to know about – so I’ve dedicated a whole podcast episode to it!Tune into this week’s episode to learn how this marketing idea helped me book 8 new clients in just 2 weeks, WITHOUT adding too much extra work to my plate (and how it can for you too!)Plus more tips, mindset shifts, and marketing gold to help you show up with confidence and book even more of your dream clients in 2024. Ready? Hit play now and let’s do this!RESOURCES + LINKS:If you’re ready to build your strong marketing foundation and book more of your dream photography clients, check out my mini course: Crystal Clear Marketing
-
153
148: How To Receive Powerful + Aligned Ideas for Your Photography Business Through Astrology + Numerology with Sheetal Story
It’s time we talk about one of the most underrated tools available to us as photographers and business owners…cosmic design!Join me and my special guest this week (certified astrologer and psychic medium) Sheetal Story, as she guides us through how to receive powerful and aligned ideas for your photography business in 2024 through the power of astrology + numerology.Tune in to discover…An introduction to energy and how it can affect us in life and business What you *need* to hear if you’re skeptical about all things numerology and astrology [1.28]Meet Sheetal and learn the story of how we met, plus our top tips for getting the MOST out of in-person events and masterminds [5.10]The panel talk that changed Sheetal’s life and why it’s so important to expose yourself to examples of people doing things differently in their businesses [15.08]A deep dive into energy and how the human experience is impacted by what’s going on in our solar system [19.36]How numerology helps us understand energy in a practical, measurable way [25.07]What you need to know about the moon and its effect on our mood and emotions [25.24]How numerology calculations work, how to figure out your own personal year, and what it means for you [28.37]A guide to the energy of 2024 and 2025 and how you can harness it to your advantage in your photography business [34.37]The number #1 thing that blocks you manifesting your desires [42.47]Numerology principles according to each month of the year and how to flow through them intentionally + amplify their impact [47.36]RESOURCES + LINKS:Connect with Sheetal at https://sheetalstory.com/ , https://www.instagram.com/sheetalstory/ Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!Instagram: @saramonikaphoto
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Do you feel stuck in your photography business with no idea how to achieve your next goals? I'm here to help you discover, that it's SO possible for you to have what you want, when you want in your business so that you can create the life you've always dreamed of + deserve. Why should you learn from me? When I first started my wedding photography business back in 2011, I made just $5000 in my business. Now I bring in multiple 6 figures per year while working only 30 hour weeks serving my dream couples. Let's hang out each week so I can show you how!
HOSTED BY
Sara Monika
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...