Kick Your Boots Off

In this episode of Kick Your Boots Off, I sit down with my friend and fellow creative Gabriel Ramirez — a Southern Oregon-based photographer with a big heart for community, storytelling, and the kind of creativity that doesn't come from being booked out 24/7. We chat about Gabe’s journey from shooting his first wedding (paid for with the 50mm lens he shot it on), to finding purpose in styled shoots, rest, and making his creative shoot ideas actually happen (like his now-featured Leon Bridges concert session — yes, really). Check it out here!We also dig into:What “success” actually looks like for different creativesThe real power of social media (when used intentionally)Building community in small townsPrioritizing diversity and representation in your portfolioWhy being not fully booked can be the biggest creative blessingThis one goes out to the homies feeling stuck, craving inspiration, or just needing a reminder that you don’t have to hustle yourself into burnout to be successful!Follow along with him on instagram : @gabrielramirez.photo& Visit his website : https://www.gabrielramirezphotos.com

In this episode, Kari kicks her boots off with North Carolina-based photographer Meagan Forbes to dig into the layered, behind-the-scenes reality of building a sustainable photo business. They talk burnout and boundaries, trusting your gut when pricing your work, how their brands grow alongside them, and why the pressure to niche down can feel more like a trap than a strategy. There’s honest talk about the highs, the lows, and how film photography can bring you back to the heart of storytelling.Whether you're in a pivot season, feeling spread thin, or just craving permission to do things your own way—this one’s for you.Connect with Meagan on Instagram @meaganforbes and explore her work at meaganforbes.co 🍒

in this episode of kick your boots off, kari sits down with her assistant-turned-second-shooter carley (@carleyfilmz / @carleyhilberger) to unpack the slow (and sometimes chaotic) journey of becoming a “real” photographer. they talk about what it’s like charging friends, navigating client boundaries (texting vs. emailing, anyone?), and why professionalism sometimes feels like a weird costume we’re all forced to wear.plus: carley shares what it’s been like second shooting under kari’s wing, how her art school background is shaping her work, and why there should be an actual handbook for second shooters everywhere.whether you’re years into weddings or just leaving your “friend with a camera” era, this one’s for you.🔗 follow kari at @karishootsfilm or visit karitellophoto.com💌 podcast questions, feedback, or love notes? email me at [email protected]

In this unfiltered episode of KYBO Kari & special guest lil sis Emmi share some drinks & play some question games! Pre-Wedding photographer life is exposed & their MOM Cami may have been filled in on a little HS secret. A classic sister to sister tea spillin’ shit shootin’ good time.

In today’s episode of KYBO Kari debriefs a recent instagram debacle about paying for mentorships vs. building real community! She gives some practical tips on why or why not you should pay for mentorship & how to put together some foundational building blocks of surrounding yourself with REAL lasting supportive community! You can follow her on instagram @karishootsfilm & don’t forget to rate & review! Thanks for listening friends!

In this episode of KYBO Kari chats with her husband Eric to get his Japan debrief, work updates, & answers some fun questions from instagram pals! Thanks for tuning in!

On this episode of KYBO Kari does a quick rewind & debriefs the last 5 months! There were some learning lessons along the way & already lots of beautiful weddings to recap! Thanks for listening!

WE’RE BACK!!!! In this episode of KYBO Kari is joined by good pal & film extraordinaire Titus Joel (@titusjoel & titusjoel.com)! They get into Titus’ photo origin story, pros & cons of shooting analog, & LOTS of fun film tips in between! Don’t forget Kari’s inbox is always open for questions & feedback [email protected] & be sure to follow along with Kari’s photo work & BTS @karishootsfilm on instagram!

In today’s episode of KYBO Kari & Klaui finally get down to business! They talk through the subject of “ideal clients”, some lessons learned with building their contracts, & how they got started with pricing! Thanks for tuning in & don’t forget Kari can’t wait to receive all your questions & stories via email - [email protected] ! You can find Klaui on insta @klauivaradi & at www.klauivaradi.com!

*apologies for the sub-par audio, we had some technical difficulties* IN THIS EPISODE OF KYBO Kari hangs out & catches up on life with miss Klaui Varadi! (@klauivaradi on insta) These buis besties had some silly stories & work updates to catch up in this episode & are so excited to get into the beef of their anti-gatekeeping wedding photo opinions in part 2… coming next week!

In this episode of KYBO Kari is joined by her husband ERIC TELLO! He's back again for an episode all about the opposing dynamic of work in a typical "9-5" vs. the creative self-employed life! They talk about the beginning stages, filling the gaps in marriage for each other, & the balance of it all! There is no such thing as a perfect marriage but showing each other grace, communicating your needs, & being intentional about encouraging your partner makes it all so much easier!

In this episode of KYBO Kari sits down with her husband Eric! They debrief their personal wedding horror story & read through anonymous wedding horror story inquiries! Join in, grab a drank, & enjoy the giggles & learning curve that comes along with the SPOOKINESS of weddings! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

In this episode of KYBO Kari chats with her OG mentor, Valerie Metz (@mammafolk / @momsonfilm) about film, motherhood, intentionality in networking & community, & how Val navigated her growing career! Val shares some incredible insights & fun stories from her time as a wedding photographer! So kick your boots off, grab yo fave bevy, & join them for a 10/10 chat!

In this episode Kari debriefs her favorite travels & adventures in 2023. It’s been a wild ride so far and it’s only getting crazier to close out the year! After an exciting life update she dives into spilling her top wedding related opinions! Her biggest goal is to encourage brides & grooms to do what they want for their day & make no compromises… just stop with eucalyptus as the sole decor.

In this episode of KYBO Kari shares some wine & giggles with her current wedding photography mentor & friend Cambria Shelley! From humble BEE-ginnings in the Central Valley, a move to the midwest & back, to becoming a true genius of capturing love stories with a growing team, Cambria shares her beautiful journey & the magic of forging genuine connections with clients & other photographers. Turns out you don’t have to take yourself too seriously to build strong client relationships, navigate the ups and downs of the industry, and grow an uber successful business. 

Welcome to the Kick Your Boots Off Podcast, where we'll dive into the world of wedding photography & creative entrepreneurship with your host Kari Tello! In this inaugural episode, join us on a journey through Kari's lens as she unveils the story of how her love affair with capturing love stories began. We'll uncover the network of talented creatives who have played a pivotal role in her professional and personal growth & hear about all the collaborations that have shaped her artistic vision and fueled her passion! SOCIALS// IG: https://www.instagram.com/karishootsfilm/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/zLdcs-pK3KU