The Called and Creative: Photography Education Podcast

This episode is a little bit of everything—in the best way.We’re catching up after a short break and talking about what life and business have looked like lately—from busy seasons and burnout to navigating different life stages and how they impact the way we run our businesses.We also get into a conversation about the many paths in photography, including second shooting, associate roles, and contract work, and how to decide what actually fits your life (not just what looks good on paper).Because the truth is—your business should work for you, not the other way around.

In this episode of Called & Creative, we’re diving into something every photographer is starting to feel—rising costs and rapid industry change.From SD cards and hard drives doubling in price to the growing influence of AI, the photography world is shifting fast. But what does that actually mean for your business… and how do you stay ahead without burning out or undercharging?We’re breaking down what’s driving these changes, how AI is impacting both storage demand and the creative industry, and most importantly—practical ways you can adapt. From smarter storage solutions and archiving workflows to pricing adjustments and creative session strategies, this episode is all about helping you navigate the reality of today’s photography landscape.Because while AI can generate images… it can’t capture real moments, real emotion, or real memories—and that’s where your value comes in.If you’ve been feeling the pressure of rising expenses or wondering what the future of photography looks like, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, equipped, and inspired to keep building a business that lasts. ✨

When we first started photography, we definitely didn’t get every purchase right. 😅 In this episode of Called & Creative, Mekala and Courtni are sharing the photography purchases that ended up being a complete waste of money (at least for us).From buying way too many Lightroom presets to investing in gear, lenses, props, and styled shoots that didn’t actually move our businesses forward, we’re talking honestly about the things we wish we would’ve done differently. We also dive into why learning light, mastering your craft, and investing in education will take you much further than constantly upgrading your gear.If you’re a new photographer or in the early stages of growing your business, this episode might save you a lot of money — and a lot of trial and error.In this episode we talk about:• Photography purchases we regret• The truth about presets and editing shortcuts• Why you don’t need every lens right away• When gear upgrades are actually worth it• Investing in skills instead of just equipmentSometimes the best lessons in business come from the mistakes we’ve already made. 🎙️

In this episode of Called & Creative, Mekala Stiek and Courtni Miller sit down for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about the personal business goals they’re setting for this year — and why they felt called to share them.This isn’t just about revenue targets or booking numbers. It’s about building businesses that align with their faith, their families, and the women they’re becoming.Together, they open up about:The specific goals they’re pursuing in their photography businesses this yearHow they’re defining success beyond just incomeThe tension between ambition and restCreating structure without losing creativityAnd how they’re inviting God into their planning processIf you’ve ever felt torn between growing your business and protecting your peace, this episode will remind you that you don’t have to choose one or the other.Join Mekala and Courtni for a real, encouraging conversation about vision, discipline, and building something that lasts — not just for this year, but for the life you’re called to lead.✨ Tune in and start mapping out a year that feels intentional, aligned, and deeply rooted in purpose.

Your website is more than just a portfolio — it’s your storefront, your first impression, and one of the most powerful tools in your photography business.In Episode 5 of the Called & Creative podcast, hosts Courtni Miller and Mekala Stiek break down the essential elements every photographer should include on their website to attract aligned clients and create a seamless booking experience. From choosing the right platform to building trust through transparency, this episode is packed with practical advice you can implement right away.Courtni and Mekala dive into why your website should clearly reflect your personality and brand, the importance of showing your face and sharing your story, and how clearly stating your location and services can immediately filter and attract the right inquiries. They also unpack the value of a well-structured FAQ section, how transparent pricing can reduce unqualified leads, and why offering multiple contact methods can make all the difference.Plus, they discuss the benefits of regularly auditing and updating your website so it continues to grow with your business — not hold it back.If you’ve ever wondered whether your website is truly working for you, this episode will help you evaluate, refine, and elevate your online presence with confidence and clarity.And if you’re listening and thinking, “Okay… but is my website actually doing this?” — we’ve got you. We’re now offering personalized website audits for photographers who want honest, strategic feedback on how to refine their online presence, attract better inquiries, and turn more visitors into booked clients. For more info or to book a website audit, head over to our facebook or instagram pages and send us a DM to get started. Facebook: The Called & Creative Photography EducationInstagram: @calledandcreativeeducation

In this episode of the Called & Creative podcast, hosts Mekala Stiek and Courtni Miller pull back the curtain on the day-to-day realities of running a photography business full time. From early morning emails to late-night editing sessions, they share what their schedules actually look like — and how they navigate the constant balance between business, creativity, and personal life.They dive into:The ongoing challenge of work-life balanceWhy clear and consistent client communication is everythingWhen (and why) outsourcing can change your businessManaging chaos during busy seasonsThe importance of community, self-care, and sustainable entrepreneurshipWith honest stories, practical insight, and encouragement for photographers in every season, this episode is a real-life look at what it takes to build and maintain a thriving photography business.If you’ve ever wondered how full-time photographers juggle it all — this one’s for you.

Slow season doesn’t have to mean stagnant season. In this episode of the Called and Creative podcast, hosts Mekala Stiek and Courtni Miller share practical strategies to help photographers make the most of quieter months in business. From refreshing your website and refining your packages to streamlining your booking process with automation, they walk through tangible ways to set yourself up for a stronger, more sustainable year ahead.They also dive into the importance of investing in education, maintaining your gear, batch creating social media content, and reflecting on the past year to set clear goals for the future. Plus, they discuss why personal branding matters, how a branding shoot can elevate your visibility, and why rest, self-care, and feeding your creative soul are just as essential as checking off business to-dos.Whether you’re feeling burned out or simply unsure how to use your slow season wisely, this episode will encourage you to reset, refocus, and move forward with clarity and purpose.

Breaking into wedding photography can feel overwhelming — especially when you don’t know where to start. In this episode of the Called & Creative Podcast, hosts Mekala Stiek and Courtni Miller walk you through the pivotal steps that help you decide if you're really ready to shoot a wedding.From essential gear choices and shooting in tough lighting to client management and real-world workflows, we’re covering what you actually need before booking your first wedding. We dive into must-have systems like contracts, backups, client experience workflows, and equipment essentials (hello dual card slots and versatile lenses), plus why second shooting is invaluable for building experience without risking your reputation.We also share honest stories of rookie mistakes, lessons learned the hard way, and how mastering manual settings, lighting on the fly, and post-processing can save you hours of stress. If you’re wondering whether you’re truly ready to shoot a wedding — this episode will help you prepare with confidence, clarity, and intention.

Welcome to the very first episode of the Called & Creative Photography Education Podcast! In this episode, we’re officially introducing ourselves and sharing the stories behind our journeys into photography.You’ll hear from your hosts, Mekala Stiek, owner of Till the Dawn Photo Company, and Courtni Miller, owner of Miller Image & Motion, as we open up about how we each found our way into photography, what our businesses look like today, and the paths that led us here.We talk about the early days, the learning curves, the pivots, and the purpose behind what we do — plus what inspired us to create Called & Creative as a space for photographers who want to grow both creatively and professionally.Whether you’re just starting out or already running a photography business, this episode is your chance to get to know us, our hearts for this industry, and what you can expect from the podcast moving forward.We’re so glad you’re here — let’s get started. 🤍