Shutter Up! Podcast

Buckle up, besties — for our last episode for season 2, we got a juicy one for you. Rachael got hit with two one-star reviews in one weekend… and not from clients 😭. A chill trip to Chattanooga turned into a full-blown investigation involving a cranky waitress, goat milk soap, and a woman named Brooke who seriously messed with the wrong photographer.In true Rachael fashion, she put on her detective hat 🕵️‍♀️, went full FBI mode, and uncovered exactly who left the fake reviews — and why. Spoiler: it’s even pettier than you think.We’re breaking down how to handle online hate, why protecting your business reputation matters, and how to laugh through the chaos (with maybe a touch of revenge satisfaction).If you’ve ever wanted to clap back at a fake review or live out your inner detective fantasy, this one’s for you.🎧 Tune in for rage, receipts, and sweet vindication.📲 Tag us @shutteruppodcast and tell us: Would YOU have called her out or let karma do its thing? 👀

This week, we’re diving into your craziest wedding stories — and trust us, they did not disappoint. From a homeless man breaking into a couple’s honeymoon suite, to our favorite speeches, to a groom who was two hours late because he was “just chillin’”… we’ve officially heard it all. Grab your coffee (or as Rachael likes to say your "Cafeitos"), buckle up, and prepare to laugh, cringe, and maybe develop a few new fears.💌 Have a wild wedding story of your own? DM us or submit it on Instagram @shutteruppodcast — we might read it on the next episode!

Shut up—it’s the Shutter Up Podcast 🎙️ Today we dive into:• A proposal shoot in a full-on downpour (hello DOUBLE rainbow 🌈) and a camera throwing error mid-session• The most unhinged inquiry we’ve ever heard: an “explicit newborn session”… for a 60-year-old man 😳🍼• Second-shooter must-knows (angles, safety shots, how to actually be helpful)• How to walk the tightrope between letting the day “breathe” and keeping timelines on track without becoming the bad guyIf this gets 15 likes, someone’s getting swaddled. We’re not kidding. 😅0:00 Cold open + intro0:30 Rainbow proposal in the rain (and the gear panic)10:06 New segment: Listener call-ins10:12 “Explicit newborn session” (adult edition?!)20:12 Second shooter Qs: what mains REALLY want28:41 The balance: feel-your-day vs. timeline control47:51 Outro💌 Call in your story/question for a shoutout next episode!👍 Like, subscribe, and comment your wildest inquiry ever.📸 Follow us on Instagram: @ShutterUpPodcast🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms.✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, share, & leave a review!

Move over bridezillas — the real chaos usually comes from the moms! In this episode, we spill the tea on wild mother-of-the-bride (and groom!) moments, from moms secretly messaging photographers behind their daughter’s back to mother–son dances that almost didn’t happen. We share our funniest, craziest, and most jaw-dropping “mom-zilla” stories (yes, including the one with earrings coming off 👀).If you’ve ever had to tiptoe around family drama on a wedding day or wondered how to handle an overbearing parent without losing your sanity, this one’s for you. Laugh, gasp, and maybe cringe a little with us — because wedding day drama is never boring.✨ Listen now for:💌 Moms secretly emailing vendors🫣 Family fights before the ceremony👠 The case of the disappearing groom’s mom🎤 And why sometimes, this is why people just elope

If you’re only delivering an online gallery, you’re leaving money—and legacy—on the table. In this episode of Shutter Up, we dive into the why and how of albums, prints, and reveal sessions that actually sell (without being gross).What you’ll learn:•The mindset shift: albums as legacy, not upsells•How to talk value before the wedding (so buying later isn’t a maybe)•Designing a “yes” album: build big, edit live, let them remove pages•Parent albums, framed canvases, and easy add-ons•Reveal Celebration flow (IRL or Zoom): snacks, story, sign-off, paid•Pricing sanity: simple markups that don’t scare you (or them)•Avoiding the “we’ll do it later” trap (hint: they won’t)Chapters00:00 Cold open00:29 Part 2 kickoff: the album hot take01:35 Why files ≠ legacy04:37 Prints that actually get hung14:51 The Reveal Celebration (step-by-step)16:45 Building the album they’ll buy (and how to shrink it live)20:47 Remote reveals on Zoom22:44 Parent albums without the chaos27:32 Education vs comparison spiral31:45 Getting critiqued (and why you need it)34:19 Wrap + next episode tease📸 Follow us on Instagram: @ShutterUpPodcast🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms.✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, share, & leave a review!🎙️ Shutter Up Podcast – Episode Highlights✨ Connect with Lindsay:Website: https://doublenmedia.comInstagram: @doublenmedia

Big news… we finally have our first real guest on the Shutter Up Podcast! 🥂 We’re so excited to welcome Lindsay from Double N Media, who’s been photographing weddings for over 11 years (even though she once said she’d never shoot them 👀).In this episode, we laugh, sip, and chat about:💍 The wildest things we’ve seen go down on a wedding day (including a mom meltdown 👀)📸 How Lindsay went from sports photography to full-time weddings🍾 Why engagement sessions should be more meaningful than just the “pretty spots”✨ The tea about bridal shows💌 How community + referrals keep you thriving in this industryThis episode is basically like hanging out with your photographer besties—chaotic stories, a little tea, and tons of inspiration. 💕✨ Connect with Lindsay:Website: https://doublenmedia.comInstagram: @doublenmedia

This week on the Shutter Up Podcast, things got way too real. Rachael shares how a simple bagel nearly burned her house down during a wedding timeline call—with alarms blaring, cats running, and her tossing charred bread out the window (all while the bride calmly sat on Zoom 😅).We also dive into the chaos of consult calls, client expectations, and even whether cats should be part of weddings 🐾.📸 Follow us on Instagram: @ShutterUpPodcast🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms.✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, share, & leave a review!🎙️ Shutter Up Podcast – Episode HighlightsTimestamps:0:00 – Intro (Shut up, it’s Shutter Up!)0:15 – Eyebrow catastrophes & beauty fears0:55 – The bagel incident: house almost burns down 🔥3:45 – The aftermath (cats running, alarms blaring, bride on Zoom)6:58 – Craziest consult call stories8:50 – Why photographers vs. videographers run calls differently12:30 – Type A vs Type B discovery call styles (and Rachael’s “new fear”)17:30 – Do long inquiry messages = more bookings?20:45 – When couples ask weird or random questions22:55 – Cat weddings?! 🐱💍27:00 – Discovery call flow: how we start, reassure, and connect33:00 – The one question couples always ask photographers36:00 – The consult call that didn’t lead to a booking41:00 – Direct flash, blue skies, and client expectations47:00 – Why meeting in person (coffee consults) is risky52:00 – Favorite part of consult calls59:00 – Wrap-up (and why Rachael will never broil a bagel again)If you’ve ever had a consult call go sideways—or you just need a laugh—you don’t want to miss this one.👉 Comment below: What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you during a client call?#WeddingPhotographer #PhotographyPodcast #ShutterUpPodcast📸 Follow us on Instagram: @ShutterUpPodcast🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms.✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, share, & leave a review!

The newborn chaos continues! In this week’s episode of the Shutter Up Podcast, we’re back with part two of our deep dive into newborn photography—the swaddle edition. From overconfident dads attempting “professional” wraps to neon yellow blowouts on our favorite white fabrics, we share the messy, funny, and oh-so-real moments that come with photographing little ones.We also get brutally honest with each other’s newborn galleries—critiquing diaper trash can cameos, swaddles coming undone, and camera angles that make us wonder: why? Along the way, we drop practical tips on choosing swaddles, keeping babies calm, and how to politely reclaim control when parents want to “help.”If you loved last week’s unfiltered stories, this episode is the behind-the-scenes continuation you didn’t know you needed. Expect more laughs, more chaos, and more honesty from the unpredictable world of newborn photography.📸 Follow us on Instagram: @ShutterUpPodcast🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms.✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, share, & leave a review!

From six-hour newborn photo sessions and surprise blowouts to swaddling secrets and accidental cheesecloth props from a wedding day—this episode of the Shutter Up Podcast dives into the hilarious, chaotic, and heartwarming reality of photographing babies.We share our very first newborn sessions (and the cringe-worthy mistakes), how we turned nervous parents into relaxed pros, and why some shoots nearly made us swear off newborn photography forever. Plus, insider tips for keeping babies calm, avoiding fussy meltdowns, and the real reason baby acne can ruin your timeline.Expect unfiltered stories, hard-earned advice, and plenty of laughs from the unpredictable world of newborn photography.📸 Follow us on Instagram: @ShutterUpPodcast🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms.✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe📌 Timestamps:0:00 Awkward Clapping & Cold Opens1:00 Why Newborn Sessions Feel Like Weddings (But With More Crying)6:00 The Cheesecloth Prop Story7:45 The 6-Hour Newborn Session That Almost Broke Us15:00 Baby Acne & Cradle Cap Challenges20:00 How to Handle Wide-Awake Babies22:30 Becoming the “Baby Whisperer”

Welcome back to Season 2 of the Shutter Up Podcast! 🎉 We're kicking it off with a bang (and a few rants) as we dive into our biggest photography pet peeves on wedding days — from chaotic timelines to makeup artists showing up late, guests with cameras, and videographers secretly taking photos for their portfolio 😳.If you’re a photographer, planner, bride, or vendor — this episode is packed with real stories, spicy takes, and behind-the-scenes truths about what really goes down on wedding days. Grab your coffee, settle in, and get ready to nod your head (or scream into a pillow). 💍📸👇 Drop YOUR biggest wedding day pet peeve in the comments!📸 Follow us on Instagram: @ShutterUpPodcast (https://www.instagram.com/shutteruppodcast)🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms.✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe!Timestamps:0:00 - Welcome to Season 2! 🎉1:05 - What are we talking about today?1:16 - Pet peeve #1: Nobody cares about the timeline but us 😤1:59 - That one wedding where hair & makeup NEVER showed up4:01 - Why choosing the right HMUA matters for your skin tone4:49 - Late brides & the domino effect6:19 - Charging extra for early hair/makeup?8:50 - Shooting in harsh lighting and making it work9:30 - How to reset your mood after vendor chaos10:27 - Videographers... taking PHOTOS?! 😡12:26 - Sneaky second shooters & portfolio drama14:45 - Should you tag your second shooter?18:00 - When everything falls on the photographer20:01 - Guests with pro cameras during the wedding21:19 - Pet peeve: Friends delivering photos before you do22:55 - The frustration of being blamed for delays26:06 - The truth about why timelines fall apart27:41 - Wedding days are HARD and we still get blamed28:10 - How many times do we even pee?! 😂29:01 - Stay tuned for Rachel’s pet peeves next episode!

We're spilling ALL the spicy photography tea in this episode of the Shutter Up Podcast! From why we can't stand photographers posting their editing cues on Instagram, to our full-blown rant on Apple Watches ruining your photos, we’re not holding back.We also dive into the real reason we don’t tag second shooters (sorry, not sorry), the truth about documentary-style photography, and the wild world of styled shoots—including that viral toilet bride photo 👀If you're a wedding photographer, second shooter, or just love a juicy behind-the-scenes industry chat, this one’s for you.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more hot takes, real talk, and chaotic creative convos.🎧 Also available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!@theshutteruppodcastInsta- https://www.instagram.com/shutterup_podcast/Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@theshutteruppodcastTimestamps:0:00 – Intro1:00 – Why photographers posting editing cues is a no from us9:00 – Our beef with Apple Watches in wedding photos16:00 – Do you have to tag your second shooter?27:00 – That styled shoot on a toilet... we have thoughts36:00 – Styled shoots: helpful or fake marketing?42:00 – Should photographers have to give vendors free photos?#PhotographyHotTakes #WeddingPhotographyPodcast #StyledShootGoneWrong #SecondShooterDrama #ShutterUpPodcast #PhotographyPodcast #PhotographerPetPeeves #BehindTheLens #WeddingPhotographerChat #CreativeIndustryTea

Let’s talk about every couple’s least favorite forecast—rain on wedding day. In this episode, Rachael shares the story of a recent wedding where the skies opened up, but the bride insisted on keeping it outdoors. We dive into the real challenges rain brings, why having a solid backup plan is non-negotiable, and how to pivot like a pro when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. Plus, a surprise cameo from Rachael’s dog Mochi brings a little sunshine to the chaos 🐶. Whether you’re a bride, planner, or photographer—this one’s a must-listen!

This week’s episode is coming to you straight from our Shutter Up Podcast launch party! We went live with three incredible photographers—Jo from Made by JAM Studio, Sunday Eason from Sunday Photo and Films, and Aubrey Douglass from 80 Photography. We tackled:💍 Why are rings in cakes a thing?🙅‍♀️ Do we all hate the “woo” prompt?🍾 A bride drunk before the ceremony? Yep.🔥 Hot takes. Awkward Prompts. A wild toast from dad.We loved having these amazing photographer on the podcast and getting to come together with our amazing community.#ShutterUpPodcast #PhotographyPodcast #WeddingPhotographers #PhotographerLife #HotTakes #LivePodcast #CreativeChaos #BehindTheScenes #PhotographerCommunity

Ever left your entire gear bag at a courthouse? How about almost getting hit by a police car on your way to a session? In this episode, Rachael shares the wild story of how she forgot her Pelican case and her off-camera flash—on two separate shoots—and somehow still managed to pull it all off.We talk through how to stay calm when things go sideways, the systems we should be using to keep track of our gear (oops), and the moments that make you want to laugh, cry, and triple-check your checklist. Oh—and there's a debate about Crocs vs. “crux,” because of course there is.If you’ve ever had a gear fail, a near miss, or just one of those “how am I even still a functioning adult?” moments, this one’s for you.🔦 Got your own photography fail? DM us @shutteruppodcast—we want to hear it! Check your shutter count and comment below what it is!

Grab your tea (or a soju melon), because this episode is WILD. When one photographer sends out a gallery from a styled shoot, she never expects another photographer to download, post, and pass the photos off as her own—on her website, socials, and even client galleries.But wait… it gets worse.She gaslights. She lies. She rebrands.We’re diving into the unhinged true story of photo theft, a cease and desist, and the shocking twist that involves stolen wedding galleries, fake portfolios, and a brother’s wedding. 😳Expect:• The messy fallout of photographers stealing work• How to protect your images (and your sanity)• What to do when a “community over competition” girlie turns con artist• A reality check on trusting people in the industryPhotographers, this is the cautionary tale you didn’t know you needed.And yes, the receipts are REAL.🎧 Tune in for rage, laughs, and justice.📲 Tag us @shutteruppodcast and tell us: Would you have blasted her or gone to court?! 👀

This week, we’re switching gears, we are putting down our cameras and grabbing our paintbrushes (and our wine), and catching up on life, business, and everything in between—while attempting the ultimate challenge: painting each other!It’s equal parts chaos and creativity as we sip, chat, and reveal our masterpieces at the end of the episode. From behind-the-scenes updates to unfiltered thoughts on recent shoots, this one’s all about fun, friendship, and not taking ourselves too seriously.✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and send us your wildest stories for a chance to be featured in the next one!🔗 Follow us on IG: @shutteruppodcast🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & more

We’re back with part two of our catch up and chit-chat—and we’re not holding back! From being awkward behind the camera to second-shooter slip-ups, this episode dives into the real-life lessons every photographer can learn something from. We’re talking about how to handle insecure brides with grace, why posture cues matter more than you think, and when trying to help can actually make things worse.Plus, how to confidently set boundaries, say no to draining clients, and speak up when the vibe starts slipping. Expect laughs, unfiltered truths, and the hard-earned advice we wish we knew sooner.✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and send us your wildest stories for a chance to be featured in the next one!🔗 Follow us on IG: @shutteruppodcast🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & more

What do Twilight, one-star reviews, and filming adult content in a photography studio have in common? Honestly, we wish we didn’t know either. In this episode, we’re talking about the awkwardness of booking old classmates, our painfully shy high school era, and the absolute chaos that unfolded at a recent studio session — involving a sticky situation (literally), a cleaning fee scam, and one very helpful dad. We’re pulling back the curtain on the stuff no one talks about and sharing why some studios might just not be worth it (even when they’re your only option).@theshutteruppodcastInsta- https://www.instagram.com/shutterup_podcast/Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@theshutteruppodcast🎧 Make sure to subscribe for more episodes all about photography, creativity, and building a business with intention.

Is going full-time as a photographer still worth it in 2025? In this episode, we unpack Rachael’s decision to leave her corporate job (again!) to pursue photography full time—and what it really takes to make that leap.We talk hustle culture, the pressure to always be busy, why “full-time” looks different for everyone, and how client trust is built (and broken) through turnaround times, communication, and consistency. Plus, we get into the tea about photographers charging premium rates but not delivering on timelines—and how that affects the industry as a whole.Whether you’re part-time, full-time, or stuck somewhere in between, this one’s for you if you’ve ever asked:“Am I legit if I’m not full-time?”“Is burnout inevitable?”“How can I actually run a business and not just have a hobby that pays sometimes?”Let’s talk boundaries, burnout, and being a boss—even in this economy.

In this candid episode, we’re unpacking the real, unfiltered journey of navigating life between a full-time corporate job and the dream of being a full-time photographer. From quitting a 9-to-5 during COVID to shooting 50+ weddings in one year, to dipping back into the corporate world—and now feeling the creative itch again—we talk about burnout, stability, money anxiety, social pressure, and everything in between.Whether you're debating if you’re “legit” enough to go full-time, wondering if it’s okay to not go full-time, or just trying to juggle it all without losing your mind, this one’s for you. Spoiler: everyone’s path is different, and that’s totally okay.

Welcome back to the Shutter Up Podcast — where we listen and don't judge... well, mostly. 😂In Part 2 of our confessions series, we're spilling even more tea on photography trends we've loved, hated, and been lowkey forced into. From blurry wedding photos and moody editing regrets, to a groom accidentally being called Big Papa, nothing is off-limits.We're also reacting to juicy photographer submissions (including someone who literally rated weddings for 6 years), diving into the white bridesmaid dress trend, and bonding over chaotic second shooter stories.👇 What we cover in this episode:Trendy edits: blurry, filmy, moody, and flashEditing fails and client expectationsDouble exposures and Photoshop vs. in-cameraThe chaos of uneven wedding partiesVeils from Amazon... and why they might turn blue 👀When clients say “reschedule”… and we secretly love it 😅“Big Papa” and other accidental groom nicknamesSecret wedding ratings and the Four Weddings showFarmville, cows, and our dream venue ideas 🐄💍✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and send us your wildest stories for a chance to be featured in the next one!🔗 Follow us on IG: @shutteruppodcast🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & more#WeddingPhotography #PhotographerPodcast #BlurryPhotos #PhotographyTrends #ShutterUpPodcast #BigPapa #WeListenAndDontJudge

Episode 8 We're back with another round of "We Listen and We Don't Judge"... except this time, it's the other Rachael's turn to confess! What started as a casual game quickly turned into a full-blown wedding photographer confessional session — and let's just say, there were moments that left jaws on the floor (literally). A plot twist no one would see coming! Tune in for shocking stories, real talk, and plenty of laughs as we dive into the wild side of learning and growing in the wedding photography world.

In this episode of Shutter Up Podcast, we play a hilarious round of "We Listen and We Don't Judge" — where one Rachael shares all the cringe-worthy things she did as a brand-new wedding photographer, and the other Rachael definitely tries (and mostly fails) not to judge. From rookie mistakes to hard-learned lessons, we're keeping it real, laughing at ourselves, and proving that everyone starts somewhere. If you need a reminder that you're not alone in your early photography struggles, this one’s for you!

Fresh off the Adobe Creative event in Atlanta, we're spilling ALL the tea. From new AI tools to Adobe's bold claims that our creative careers are safe, we're breaking down what we saw, what we heard, and what we're really thinking. Is AI the future with us or without us? Tune in for some hot takes, behind-the-scenes moments, and a little bit of side-eye. 👀 You don't want to miss this one.@theshutteruppodcast 🎧Make sure to subscribe for more episodes all about photography, creativity, and building a business with intention.#ShutterUpPodcast #ViciPhotography #MyStory #PhotographyJourney #CreativeEntrepreneur #WeddingPhotographer #TheWhyBehindTheBrand

In this episode of Shutter Up!, we’re spilling the tea on the most jaw-dropping wedding day moments we’ve ever witnessed—yes, including a real bride left at the altar. From cringey chaos to unexpected curveballs, we’ve seen it all (and captured every frame). Whether you’re a fellow photographer, a soon-to-be bride, or just here for the drama, this episode is packed with laughs, lessons, and a healthy dose of secondhand embarrassment. Buckle up—it’s a wild ride down the aisle.

In this episode of Shutter Up, I’m sharing the story behind Aurora Photography—how I got my start in the industry, what it was like jumping straight into weddings in college, and the path that led me to building the business I run today.From working as an associate shooter to eventually launching my own brand, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real and sometimes unexpected journey that shaped me as a photographer. If you’ve ever felt like your path into the creative world looked a little different—this one’s for you.@theshutteruppodcast🎧 Make sure to subscribe for more episodes all about photography, creativity, and building a business with intention.#ShutterUpPodcast#PhotographyPodcast #MyStory #PhotographyJourney #CreativeEntrepreneur #WeddingPhotographer #girlboss #assoicatephotographer #auroraphotography

In this episode of Shutter Up, I’m sharing the story behind Vici Photography—how it all began, the heart behind the name, and the journey that’s shaped the business into what it is today.From shooting my first weddings to finding my style and voice as a photographer, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the real, raw, and sometimes messy path of building a brand rooted in emotion, connection, and trust. If you’ve ever wondered why I do what I do—or you're on your own creative path—I hope my story resonates with you.@theshutteruppodcast🎧 Make sure to subscribe for more episodes all about photography, creativity, and building a business with intention.#ShutterUpPodcast #ViciPhotography #MyStory #PhotographyJourney #CreativeEntrepreneur #WeddingPhotographer #TheWhyBehindTheBrand

Would you rather shoot your ex’s wedding or never photograph a wedding again? 👀 Things get real in this episode as we dive into some of the juiciest, most chaotic "Would You Rather" questions yet! From morally questionable dilemmas to hilarious, borderline impossible choices, we’re putting each other on the spot—and the answers might shock you. 😬🎧 Tune in for unfiltered reactions, unexpected twists, and plenty of laughs! What would you choose? Let us know in the comments or on our socials!🔗 Listen now on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts/Your Platform]! #WouldYouRather #PodcastLife #ToughChoices

Episode 1: Unfiltered – A Conversation Between Two Photographers 🎙📸Welcome to the very first episode of Shutter Up! We’re Rachael from Vici Photography and Rachael from Aurora Photography, and honestly? This podcast is just us hitting record on the conversations we already have behind the scenes.No formal introductions, no scripted bios—just two photographers chatting about the things we love, the struggles we face, and the wild stories that come with this industry. In this episode, we dive into how we got here, the moments that made us fall in love with photography, and the things that keep us coming back for more.So whether you’re a photographer, a creative, or just here for the chaos, welcome! Grab your coffee (or wine), and Shutter Up with us.🎧 Hit play and let’s get into it!#ShutterUpPodcast #ViciPhotography #AuroraPhotography #UnfilteredChats #PhotographyLife