More Than Photos

Jaksot

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  059 - Counterpart Photos Founder: Beyond Beautiful - Finding Your Own Way of Seeing 31.08.2026 1t 8min

  What makes a photograph last? Reni Maria has spent years thinking about that question, both through her own work as a documentary wedding photographer and as the founder of Counterpart Photos, a collective celebrating some of the most distinct voices in wedding photography today.In this conversation, we talk about learning to notice, trusting your instincts, finding your own way of seeing, and why Reni isn’t necessarily looking for beautiful photographs. She’s looking for photographs that surprise her.We also explore what weddings look like when you stop trying to manufacture moments, why Reni believes fewer photographs can sometimes tell a better story, and the responsibility we have as photographers to decide which images deserve to survive.Reni takes us inside the thinking behind Counterpart, including why she places contemporary wedding photography alongside photographs from Magnum archives and generations past. It opens up a much bigger conversation about weddings as historical documents and the role our photographs may play long after the trends, clothes, and aesthetics of today have passed.And ultimately, we come back to the photographer. Who are you? What do you notice? What photographs actually feel like you? Because as Reni says, “People should book you for how you see the world. Not because you take beautiful photographs.”THEMESArtistic voice and originalityDocumentary wedding photographyThe art of noticingTrusting your instinctsCuration and editingFewer, stronger photographsCounterpart PhotosWedding photography as historyTimelessness vs. trendsFinding yourself in your photographsCreating work beyond InstagramCHAPTERS00:00 – Meeting Reni and the life behind her photography06:28 – Photography as a practice of noticing13:52 – Culture, travel, and letting weddings surprise you18:30 – Recognizing meaning instead of manufacturing it22:51 – Finding a way of photographing that feels like you27:21 – How Reni recognizes distinct photographic voices33:50 – The story behind Counterpart Photos43:19 – Why fewer photographs may matter more48:05 – You are the photographer AND the editor55:18 – Getting booked for how you see the world58:15 – Wedding photography in the larger frame of history01:02:42 – What actually makes a photograph timeless?01:06:46 – How to find yourself in your own photographsConnect with ReniWebsite: https://www.renimaria.comCounterpart Photos: https://www.counterpartphotos.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/renimariaphotosCounterpart Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counterpartphotos/Connect with Brad & JenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradandjen/Education: https://www.instagram.com/bradandjeneducation/KEYWORDSCounterpart Photos, wedding photography, documentary wedding photography, wedding photographer, artistic voice, photography curation, timeless photography, photography inspiration, wedding photography trends, documentary photography, editing, photography portfolio, creative growth, photography mentorship, wedding photography history, photographer creativity
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  058 - How to Break Through the Ceiling in Your Market 24.08.2026 18min

  There’s a frustrating point in business where things are working, but it starts to feel like there’s nowhere obvious left to go.You’re making good work. You’ve raised your prices. You’ve built a reputation. But you’re still being compared to the same photographers, competing for the same couples, and wondering how much further your market will let you go.In this episode, we’re talking about what happens when we hit that ceiling, and why getting beyond it may require us to question some of the expectations we’ve learned to follow.We talk about the fear of doing something differently when the business is already working, why being easy to compare can eventually limit our growth, and how some of the photographers we admire most built permission to work differently over time.Because we can’t become meaningfully different while making sure we never do anything differently. At some point, differentiation has to feel like something.CHAPTERS00:00 Why being different can feel so personal02:30 What hitting a ceiling actually feels like04:53 Why success can make us afraid to experiment07:20 “I want to grow, but I’m afraid to stop doing what everyone else does”09:28 Sneak peeks and the fear of breaking expectations11:47 If we do it differently, we have to bring people with us13:00 How great photographers earn permission to break the rules15:20 Why risk often comes before permission17:23 The other risk we rarely think about18:32 Which risk are we actually more afraid of?20:32 The greener pastures might already be in your marketREADY TO BREAK THROUGH YOUR OWN CEILING?We currently have one spot available inside our Mastermind.If you’re ready to raise your rates, create more demand for your work, and build a business that feels more like you instead of following someone else’s blueprint, we’d love to hear from you.Apply Here: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coachingKEYWORDSwedding photography business, photography business, wedding photographer pricing, market ceiling, photography pricing, creative differentiation, standing out as a photographer, wedding photography marketing, creative business, photography competition, raising photography prices, luxury wedding photographer, photographer mindset, photography coaching, wedding photographer mastermind
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  057 - Raising 3 Kids, Running a Business & Homeschooling: A BTS Look at Our Days 11.08.2026 44min

  What does it actually look like to raise three kids, homeschool, run a business, work from home, and still have a life?We’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what’s worked for us, what hasn’t, and what we’ve learned after nearly 10 years of parenting while running our business. We talk childcare, routines, quiet time, Sunday planning, outsourcing, marriage, decision fatigue, and why we’ve stopped looking for the schedule that will finally “figure it all out.”Chapters:00:00 Recording from the Trader Joe’s parking lot02:11 The biggest lesson: flexibility07:02 What we thought parenting + business would look like09:26 Can you actually “do it all?”14:11 Why there’s no perfect schedule16:38 Creating rhythms that reduce decisions21:00 Our Sunday meeting + defining a successful week25:31 Boundaries between work and family26:15 How we use childcare27:51 How we divide work when the kids are home30:16 Outsourcing inside the business31:40 Why we hired a family assistant34:00 Protecting your marriage while working together35:03 Extra grace required39:47 Good doesn’t always mean right42:09 Building the family you actually want43:00 You’re not alone in figuring this outConnect with us:Instagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjenlearn.bradandjen.comKeywords:working parents, working from home with kids, work life balance, parenting and business, homeschooling, homeschool parents, entrepreneur parents, working mom, family business, childcare, family routines, time management, marriage and business, family rhythms, raising kids, creative entrepreneur
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  056 - The Truth About Style, Taste & Presets w/ Austin Trenholm 04.08.2026 1t 21min

  This week Brad & Jen sit down with Austin Trenholm, a wedding photographer of nearly two decades and the co-founder of Good Light Presets. Between shooting weddings across the country and building editing tools with his business partner Cody, Austin has had a rare front row seat to how thousands of photographers edit, the trends they chase, and the styles they grow into.That vantage point makes him the perfect person to untangle a question every photographer wrestles with: what is style, how do you actually develop it, and what is the difference between borrowing a look and building a voice? Austin's throughline is that YOU are the differentiator. We are all shopping at the same retailers, using the same gear and the same presets, so style is less about the ingredients than how you combine them.What starts as a talk about editing turns into decisiveness, boundaries, creative burnout, and the freedom to experiment without blowing up your business.We also explore:Why you, not your gear or your presetsEditing like a home chefFrom a camera at fourteen to nearly twenty years behind the lensHow Goodlight started Why your voice, not one rigid style, is the thing that should stay consistentThe "I could never wear that" story we tell ourselves, and how to drop itA simple reference-card trick to commit to a look and stop second guessingWhy boredom and monotony cause burnout as much as overworkChasing timelessness while working in an industry built on trendsWhy no AI culling: your voice lives in choosing every frame yourselfConnect with AustinWebsite: https://www.trenholmphoto.com/ Instagram: @trenholmphoto Good Light Presets: https://goodlightpresets.com/ @goodlightpresetsConnect with Us Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings Apply for the Mastermind Program - High level 1:1 creative coaching & community.Chapters (00:00) Welcome and why style is a lot like fashion (04:52) A camera at fourteen and a summer in New Mexico (08:12) How Good Light Presets started (10:42) Editing like a home chef (13:01) Why your voice, not one style, should stay consistent (15:33) To find a style, try on every style (21:23) A reference-card trick to commit and stop second guessing (26:06) Decisiveness, film cameras, and a cohesive voice (31:44) Stop worrying about your voice and just work (34:58) Boundaries, creativity, and leaving the 50mm at home (37:46) Burnout, boredom, and keeping it fun for twenty years (42:31) Is it the gear? The onion and the sharp knife (50:32) Chasing timelessness in a trend-driven industry (58:57) Where the industry is heading and the swing back to pretty (01:05:37) How do you know when you are growing? (01:15:02) Developing a voice: cull your own work and know what you loveKeywords: wedding photography, photography editing, presets, developing your style, finding your voice, Lightroom, film aesthetic, creative burnout, photographer mindset, decisiveness, wedding photography trends, Goodlight Presets, photographer education
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  055 - On Belief, Bold Moves, and 3 Years That Changed Everything w/ Fulton Events 21.07.2026 1t 17min

  What if the biggest opportunities in your business don't come because you're finally "ready"… but because you've spent years preparing before they ever arrived?This week we're joined by Kellie and Caitlin of Fulton Events for one of our favorite conversations to date. On the surface, it's the story of three years that changed everything. But underneath, it's a conversation about believing in a future before anyone else can see it. About making decisions before there's proof they'll pay off. About saying "yes" when the opportunity feels just a little bigger than you're ready for.Over the course of just 3 years—while raising three young kids—they transformed their business through intentional relationships, strategic investments, countless uncomfortable decisions, and a willingness to build the business they wanted long before they actually needed it.If you've ever wondered whether the work you're doing today is actually leading somewhere… this conversation is a reminder that growth rarely looks dramatic while you're living it.It looks like showing up.Again.And again.And again.Chapters00:00 – Meet Kellie & Caitlin of Fulton Events04:15 – Building belief before there was proof11:42 – Why three years changed everything20:31 – Preparing for the business you want29:18 – Saying yes before you're ready37:40 – Relationships that change your trajectory46:52 – Every next level starts with one step55:26 – The unseen work behind extraordinary growth1:05:14 – Advice for creatives chasing their next chapterIn This EpisodeBuilding the business before you need itBelief before proofStrategic business growthMaking bold decisionsPreparing for opportunityRelationship marketingReputation and referralsLeadership and team buildingEntrepreneurshipCreative businessWedding industryFulton EventsKeywordsBusiness growth, entrepreneurship, creative business, wedding planner, Fulton Events, business strategy, leadership, relationships, networking, mindset, entrepreneurship podcast, photographer education, business development, creative entrepreneur, premium clients, business mindset, reputation, marketing, long-term growth, intentional business.
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  054 - Book More Weddings by Changing This One Thing 14.07.2026 25min

  This week's episode is a little different. Brad & Jen are recording from the road instead of their usual studio, but the conversation couldn't wait.If you've ever stared at a new inquiry wondering, "Do I send pricing? Do I email first? Do I schedule a call?" this episode is for you.What starts as a conversation about discovery calls quickly becomes something much bigger. Why are photographers becoming more efficient, yet feeling less connected? Why do couples ghost? And what if the problem isn't your pricing at all?Brad & Jen unpack one of the biggest mindset shifts they've seen transform photographers inside Purpose & Profit and the Mastermind.You'll learn why leading with connection instead of efficiency changes the way couples experience your brand, why discovery calls are about serving rather than selling, and how one simple shift can change your confidence, your bookings, and the way you show up as a business owner.Main Points• Why photographers unintentionally make booking harder after an inquiry• The real reason couples ghost (and why it usually isn't your pricing)• Why you're asking couples to judge your worth before they've experienced your value• How AI and automation are increasing the value of genuine human connection• Why discovery calls are about service, not sales• The four ways every discovery call pays you, whether you book the wedding or not• How curiosity replaces defensiveness and changes the entire pricing conversation• Why premium businesses are built by leading conversations, not sending informationChapters00:00 The $5,000 inquiry that sparked this conversation02:00 Why photographers focus on the wrong questions05:00 The real reason couples ghost08:00 Why human connection is becoming more valuable10:00 Discovery calls are about serving, not selling15:00 The four paychecks of every discovery call20:30 A real story about making an impact without booking the wedding24:30 The mindset shift that changes pricing conversations29:00 Becoming the kind of business owner people trust32:00 One challenge for your next inquiryHow to ConnectPurpose & ProfitReady to build a business that attracts better-fit couples, increases your confidence, and gives you a clear path forward https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-courseKeywordswedding photography, wedding photographer, photography business, discovery calls, inquiry process, booking more weddings, sales for photographers, photography pricing, client experience, wedding inquiries, photography marketing, premium wedding photographer, business mindset, human connection, photography education, Purpose & Profit, Brad and Jen
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  053 - The Making of an Artist w/ Emilie White 07.07.2026 1t 23min

  This week Brad & Jen sit down with Emilie White, a French wedding and editorial photographer whose life has stretched across seven countries, two careers, and a constant pull toward something more than the photography itself.Before she ever picked up a camera professionally, Emilie spent 7 years in law, working in international law and intellectual property across Paris, Ireland, and the Middle East. When she and her husband left Oman, she traded a comfortable expat life for a shoebox apartment in the south of France, a newborn, and a leap into photography with no formal training and no safety net.What unfolds is an honest look at the long, winding road to becoming an artist: years of imposter syndrome, the slow work of finding her voice, and the grief that shaped her eye.Emilie opens up about losing her father at 15, the family hardships that pushed her work through darker and lighter seasons, and why she believes you have to feed your soul and then trust it to surface in your work when you least expect it.Together, we explore patience, preparation, curation, parenthood, and the discipline of holding your ego loosely while building a career the industry calls successful.We also explore:Trading a seven-year law career for photography with a newborn in towLiving across seven countries and how it taught her to read any roomThe accolades that signaled she was on the right path (and why she keeps them in perspective)Working under pressure when a portrait window shrinks to three minutesWhy preparation, not acceptance, is what makes the hard moments workUsing film cameras to spark curiosity and disarm a tough crowdBuilding teams around strengths and treating hires as investments, not expensesWhy curation is the hardest part, and the one thing she will not hand to AIMaking images that gain value with age, not just attentionHow motherhood reshaped what she shoots and how she protects her timeKeeping her ego in check while her work lands in Vogue, Harper's, and BridesConnect with EmilieWebsite: https://emiliewhite.com/ Instagram: @emiliewhitephotographyConnect with Us Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings Apply for the Mastermind Program - High level 1:1 creative coaching & community.Chapters(00:00) Welcome and a life across seven countries(08:32) From law school to photography(11:40) Imposter syndrome and owning the artist title(14:15) Shooting a designer's wedding and early validation(18:32) Finding her voice through editing and curation(24:15) Grief, dark seasons, and how life shapes the work(27:14) Patience, process, and time to be bored(30:43) Three-minute portraits and preparation over acceptance(39:46) Cameras as tools to read and disarm a room(44:51) Building teams around strengths(50:10) Why curation is the hardest part(59:00) Empathy in the edit: don't forget the elders(01:03:43) The couple behind the curation: Greer and Dimitri(01:06:16) Accolades, ego, and staying grounded(01:10:38) How motherhood reshaped her work(01:16:14) Movies, inspiration, and what's next
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  052 - What Actually Happens Inside Coaching 01.07.2026 57min

  What actually helps photographers grow? After years of coaching photographers through every stage of business, we've noticed something surprising. The biggest breakthroughs rarely come from finding more information. They come from clarity, community, personalized guidance, and having the confidence to take the next step.In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the lessons we've learned from working closely with photographers inside Purpose & Profit and our Mastermind. We talk about the difference between courses, coaching, and community, why so many photographers feel stuck despite having endless free information, and how real transformation happens when you stop trying to build your business alone.Whether you're wondering what kind of support you actually need, or you're simply looking for a fresh perspective on growing your business, this conversation will help you think differently about what moves the needle.LINKSLearn more about Purpose & Profit: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-courseApply for the Mastermind: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coachingCHAPTERS00:00 Welcome and why we recorded this episode03:00 What are you really building your business for?09:30 Why information alone rarely creates growth18:20 The difference between learning and implementing27:40 Purpose & Profit and building a business with intention39:45 Why community changes everything47:10 Inside the Mastermind experience58:30 What makes a great coaching student?1:04:45 Purpose & Profit vs. The Mastermind1:08:30 Final thoughts and next stepsKEYWORDSwedding photography business, photography education, photography coaching, mastermind for photographers, photography community, photography mentor, photography course, wedding photographer marketing, photography pricing, photography business strategy, photography mindset, creative entrepreneur, business coaching, Purpose and Profit, Brad and Jen, More Than Photos podcast
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  051 - Building a Life Bigger Than Your Business w/ Perry Vaile 23.06.2026 1t 23min

  This week Brad and Jen sit down with Perry Vaile, a destination and editorial wedding photographer, historian, educator, and creative whose life stretches far beyond the wedding industry.What begins as a conversation about Perry’s mountain home in North Carolina quickly turns into something much bigger: ambition, success, identity, community, social media, and what it means to build a life that doesn’t depend on your work to fulfill you.Perry shares the story of building a 15-year photography career, the moments she felt like she had finally “made it,” and how her relationship to success has evolved over time. From photographing a Victoria’s Secret supermodel’s wedding to intentionally removing social media from her phone, she offers a refreshing perspective on staying connected to what matters while working in an industry built on visibility and comparison.Together, we explore boundaries, hobbies, community, family, creativity, and the challenge of building a successful career without sacrificing the life around it.We also explore:• Living a “split life” between the mountains and the city, and why each pace feeds the other• Buying land on instinct and building a home designed to last generations• The two moments Perry felt like she had “made it”• Finding the confidence to stand up for her work on a make-or-break deadline• Entering a world of wealth without attaching her worth to it• Why real memories matter more than staged perfection• Removing social media from her phone and creating healthier boundaries• Archery, needlepoint, gardening, reading, and building a life outside the industry• Creating local community on purpose• Holding success open-handedly and defining it on your own terms• Working smarter, protecting rest, and avoiding burnout• Why “going quiet” may be the biggest risk for photographers todayConnect with PerryWebsite: https://perryvaile.com/Instagram: @perryvaileConnect with UsJoin Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k WeddingsApply for the Mastermind Program - High level 1:1 creative coaching & community.Chapters(00:00) Welcome and the seven-weekend stretch ahead(01:00) A split life between the mountains and Raleigh(03:30) Buying the land and building a forever home(08:45) The long view: who do you want to be at 70?(14:00) Fifteen years in and the moments she “made it”(22:00) Chutzpah, film deadlines, and confidence(24:00) Wealth, worth, and belonging in luxury spaces(27:00) The historian’s approach to photography(32:00) Redefining success and holding it loosely(40:00) Protecting the craft from the industry(42:00) Social media boundaries and bricking the phone(48:00) Hobbies, books, and building community(56:00) Perspective, gratitude, and figure-out-able problems(59:00) Working smarter and protecting rest(01:13:00) What matters now and why going quiet is risky(01:20:00) Books, recommendations, and what’s nextKeywords: wedding photography, destination wedding photographer, boundaries, work-life balance, redefining success, building community, photographer mindset, burnout, rest and margin, intentional living, historic preservation, film photography, photographer education
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  050 - How Great Photographers Become So Versatile w/ Sophie Lin Berard 09.06.2026 1t 8min

  This week on the podcast, we’re joined by photographer and artist Sophie Lin Berard.Known for blending documentary honesty with editorial sophistication, Sophie’s work draws from a wide range of influences including street photography, fashion, commercial work, architecture, and fine art. In this conversation, we explore what it actually takes to become a versatile photographer and why some of the most important skills are developed far away from a wedding day.Sophie shares her unconventional path into photography, from photographing sneakers for a local retailer to working in editorial fashion, commercial photography, and eventually weddings. We talk about building confidence through repetition, why preparation creates freedom, and how learning multiple disciplines has shaped her ability to adapt and create in real time.Beyond photography, we also dive into burnout, ambition, boundaries, and what it means to define success on your own terms. From technical mastery to creative curiosity, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for photographers looking to grow their craft and build a sustainable creative life.What We Cover:Why great photographers develop skills outside of weddingsHow commercial, fashion, and street photography shaped Sophie’s voiceThe case for becoming a “jack of all trades”Why preparation creates confidence and creative freedomHow Sophie approaches documentary and editorial photographyThe role of personal projects in developing your eyeWhat burnout taught her about boundaries and successDefining your “enough number” and creating a more sustainable careerConnect with Sophie:Website: https://sberard.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sberardweddings/Connect with Us:Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings:Instagram: @bradandjeneducationChapters:(00:00) Introduction to Sophie Lin Berard(03:00) From sneaker photography to commercial work(08:00) Why being a jack of all trades matters(13:00) How different creative disciplines shape your photography(19:00) Preparation, timelines, and creative freedom(25:00) Building confidence through technical mastery(33:00) Developing your eye outside of weddings(38:00) Documentary versus editorial photography(45:00) High-profile weddings, planners, and staying true to your voice(48:00) Burnout, boundaries, and redefining success(57:00) Gratitude, social media, and protecting your creativity(01:10:00) What success looks like nowKeywords:wedding photography, documentary photography, editorial photography, creative growth, photography education, artistic voice, commercial photography, film photography, wedding photographer, photography business, creativity, confidence, personal projects, photography workflow, burnout, creative process
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  049 - 3 Skills We're Leaning Into in an AI Era 02.06.2026 15min

  AI is changing the way we work, create, and communicate, but what if the most important response isn’t learning how to use AI better? What if it’s becoming more human?In this episode, Jen shares 3 simple skills she’s intentionally investing in during an AI era. Skills she believes they’reare becoming increasingly rare, and therefore increasingly valuable.Books MentionedTheo of Golden - Allen LeviBird by Bird - Anne LamottKey TakeawayWhen everyone else is relying on automation, your ability to think deeply, communicate clearly, and connect genuinely may become your greatest advantage. The future may belong to those who remain unapologetically human.Episode Chapters(00:00) Why this conversation matters(02:00) How Brad & Jen use AI in their business(03:10) Skill #1(06:45) Skill #2(08:45) Skill #3(10:15) Why Skill #3 matter more than ever(13:00) Building your human superpowersLinks & ResourcesPurpose & Profit: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-courseKeywordsAI and creativity, photography business, storytelling, discovery calls, writing, reading fiction, human connection, creative growth, wedding photography, communication skills, entrepreneurship, artist development, purpose and profit.
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  048 - Guarding Your Creative Life w/ Kate Thompson 12.05.2026 1t 26min

  This week Brad is sitting down with Kate Thompson for a conversation about creativity, parenthood, burnout, ambition, and the discipline of protecting the parts of yourself that make meaningful work possible in the first place.Over the last several years, we’ve watched Kate intentionally refine her work and her business, but what surprised us most in this conversation wasn’t hearing about “leveling up” or entering the "luxury market"... it was hearing what happened underneath all of it.Kate shares openly about navigating postpartum depression during the pandemic, learning to detach her self-worth from success, and the tiny daily habits that slowly helped her rebuild her creativity, confidence, and joy.We also explore:her background in speech pathology and linguisticsworking alongside her sister at Palindrome Creative Co.creating personal work in seasons of limitationsimplifying her business and refining her editing processwhy curation mattersand how learning to quiet outside noise helped her trust her own artistic voice againThis episode was so special and is a refreshing and honest look at what it takes to sustain a creative life over the long haul.In This EpisodeProtecting your creativity in a noisy industryTiny habits, self-care, and rebuilding after burnoutMotherhood, surrender, and creative ambitionDetaching self-worth from successThe role of personal work and bookmakingLearning to trust your artistic intuitionSimplifying your business and editing processWorking in both weddings and commercial photographyCreating meaningful work in real-life seasonsQuote Worth Remembering“I had to create this fortress to protect my internal fire of inspiration. I had to redefine what success looked like for me. And for a while, success just meant staying inspired.”  Books MentionedNorth Woods — Daniel MasonI Cheerfully Refuse — Leif EngerConnect with KateKate Thompson WeddingsPalindrome Creative Co.Connect with Brad & JenJoin Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k WeddingsApply for the Mastermind ProgramInstagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjen
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  047 - Should You Deliver Previews? (You’re Asking the Wrong Question) 05.05.2026 23min

  Previews. Sneak peeks. Whatever you call them… this conversation keeps coming back around.In this episode, we unpack why so many photographers feel stuck in the tension between artistry and expectation and why the question “should I do previews or not?” might actually be the wrong place to start.Instead of giving a formula, we invite you into a different way of thinking. One rooted in ownership, clarity, and building a business from your own philosophy...not just reacting to industry pressure. If you’ve ever felt torn between what’s expected and what feels aligned, this episode will help you rethink how you make decisions… not just about previews, but about everything.What You’ll Learn in This Episode- Why the previews debate isn’t actually about previews- The hidden pressure photographers feel (and how it shapes decisions)- The difference between reacting vs. building from conviction- What previews are really doing for your clients and your business- How to think through tradeoffs without defaulting to industry norms- The power of communicating your philosophy to your clients- How to redefine previews in a way that feels aligned to youLinks & Ways to ConnectApply for the Mastermind Program:https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coachingJoin Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings:https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-courseInstagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjenEpisode Chapters(00:00) The DM that sparked the conversation(01:30) The pressure photographers feel around previews(03:40) Why “should I do previews?” is the wrong question(05:00) Building conviction vs. outsourcing decisions(07:10) The parenting story (and decision-making framework)(10:30) Why previews exist (and what they actually do)(13:50) The tension: connection vs. artistic integrity(15:30) Two different approaches that both work(18:50) Questions to ask instead of defaulting to trends(20:10) The tradeoffs of both paths(22:10) Finding your own way (and redefining previews)Quotes Worth Remembering:“Don’t just ask what works. Ask what you believe—and build from there.”“Neither option is wrong… but neither is free.”Keywords:wedding photography, sneak peeks, previews, photography business, client experience, artistic integrity, decision making, photography marketing, creative business, wedding photographers
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  046 - The Inner Life of Anni Graham: On Success, Self-Doubt, Creativity, and Staying Whole 28.04.2026 1t 46min

  Hey everyone! This week on the podcast we’re joined by photographer, educator, and artist Anni Graham for a conversation that goes far deeper than photography, pricing, or building a luxury brand.What began as a conversation about growth, reinvention, and moving into a higher-end market quickly became something much more honest - about the inner life of being a creative, the private tensions many photographers carry, and what it takes to keep believing in yourself through seasons of doubt, ambition, motherhood, and change.Anni speaks candidly about the emotional rollercoaster of creative work, the mindset work underneath business growth, why so many photographers try to build on a fractured foundation, and what it looked like for her to make bold shifts before she had evidence they would work.We also talk about motherhood, moving to Costa Rica, redefining success, and the surprising freedom that comes when you begin building a career around the life you actually want.This one is personal, practical, and deeply encouraging.What We Cover:• Why the hardest work in photography often has little to do with photography• The mindset battles many creatives quietly carry• Building a business from identity, not insecurity• What Anni learned moving from elopements into the luxury market• Why she doubled her prices before she had proof it would work• Risk, reinvention, and trusting yourself before you have evidence• How motherhood reshaped her definition of success• Protecting creativity, nurturing energy, and tuning out the noise• Why experimentation and personal taste matter more than most strategyConnect with Anni:Anni's New E-Book: https://anni-graham.myflodesk.com/free-e-book
Website: https://www.annigraham.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annigrahamConnect with Us:
Apply for the Mastermind Program: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coachingJoin Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-courseInstagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjenChapters:
(00:00) Why this conversation felt different
(04:10) Life in Costa Rica and redefining success
(11:45) The inner battle many creatives don’t talk about
(22:30) Mindset, insecurity, and building on a strong foundation
(36:10) Protecting creativity and trusting your artistic voice
(49:20) Motherhood, ambition, and what success can cost
(01:02:15) Making the leap into the high-end market
(01:16:30) Identity shifts, pricing, and finding aligned clients
(01:29:00) Risk, reinvention, and making bold moves before proof
(01:40:20) Final thoughts on courage, trust, and building a lifeKeywords:
wedding photography, photographer mindset, creative growth, luxury wedding photography, artistic identity, entrepreneurship, self doubt, creativity, motherhood and business, pricing mindset, personal growth, photographer education, creative courage, reinvention
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  045 - Originality, Copycats & Creative Discipline with Roma Vera 16.04.2026 1t 9min

  This week on the podcast we’re joined by Roma Vera , whose films have become some of the most recognizable and influential in the wedding world.In this conversation, we talk about originality, creative discipline, and what it takes to build work that still feels fresh after 16 years. Roma and Vera share their journey from a small town in Siberia to Moscow to Spain, the surprising influences behind their style, and the creative “policies” they’ve developed to avoid copying, repeating themselves, or getting stuck.We dig into how they create such expressive films, how they work with couples who aren’t naturally outgoing, and why they focus so much on the moments happening “behind the corner” instead of only the obvious highlights. We also talk about copycats, editing, burnout, building teams across the world, and the pressure of staying original when your work is being emulated everywhere.What We Cover:How they built one of the most recognizable styles in wedding filmmakingWhy they avoid looking at other filmmakers for inspirationThe creative rules that keep them from repeating themselvesHow they get couples to loosen up without over-directingWhat they do when a couple isn’t naturally expressiveThe pressure of being copied and staying originalWhy editing is painful, uncertain, and essential to great workHow they’ve built teams across Europe and the USWhat success, longevity, and reinvention look like after 16 yearsConnect with Roma Vera:Website: https://romavera.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romavera_films/Connect with Us:NEW Inquiry Process Email Templates: https://learn.bradandjen.com/inquiry-process-email-templates-for-photographersJoin Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings:https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-courseApply for the Mastermind Program:https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coachingInstagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjenChapters:(00:00) Meeting Roma Vera(04:00) From Siberia to Spain(07:30) The early moments that shaped their style(11:00) Inspiration beyond the wedding industry(20:00) Finding humor and unexpected moments(24:00) Why they don’t follow other filmmakers(30:00) How they direct without over-directing(35:00) Working with quieter couples(39:00) Their dream wedding weekends(43:00) Building teams across Europe and the US(49:00) Why editing feels like suffering(58:00) Burnout, inspiration, and staying creative(01:01:00) Being copied and staying original(01:09:00) What success looks like nowKeywords:wedding filmmaking, wedding videography, creative discipline, originality, editing process, storytelling, destination weddings, wedding films, documentary filmmaking, artistic voice, creativity, burnout, wedding filmmakers, business growth
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  044 - A New Way to Set Goals (That You’ll Actually Follow Through On) 14.04.2026 29min

  Hey everyone! This week on the podcast, Jen is walking through a handful of ideas that have been reshaping the way we think about goals, happiness, and what it actually looks like to move forward in life and business.What We Cover:Why goal setting doesn’t need to revolve around a new calendar yearThe shift from “have, do, be” to “be, do, have”How happiness actually drives success (not the other way around)Five simple habits that can reshape your mindset and daily lifeThe concept of a 12-week year and why it creates better momentumWhy consistency matters more than breakthroughsThe emotional cycle of change (and how to push through it)How to set goals you can actually measure and follow through onBooks Mentioned:The Slight Edge: https://amzn.to/3QbPbh4The 12 Week Year: https://amzn.to/3QcV6CASo Good They Can’t Ignore You: https://amzn.to/4tJueshThe Happiness Advantage: https://amzn.to/4swIEecConnect with Us:**NEW** Inquiry Process Email Templates - https://learn.bradandjen.com/inquiry-process-email-templates-for-photographersJoin Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-courseInstagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjenChapters:(00:00) Why goal setting shouldn’t be seasonal(03:00) The connection between happiness and success(07:30) Be → Do → Have: a mindset shift(12:00) Five daily habits that create real change(18:30) Why most people don’t follow through(22:00) The 12-week year and building momentum(27:00) Small actions vs. big breakthroughs(31:00) The emotional cycle of change(36:00) Setting goals you can actually achieve(40:00) Final thoughts and a simpler way forwardKeywords:goal setting, personal growth, habits, happiness, productivity, 12 week year, mindset, consistency, entrepreneurship, creative business, motivation, follow through, self development
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  043 - When Life Becomes Art Itself w/ Tejas. 30.03.2026 1t 21min

  This week on the podcast, we’re joined by photographer Tejas, whose work has quietly become some of the most thoughtful and distinctive in the wedding and documentary space.In this conversation, we talk about the long arc of becoming an artist, the discipline of creating before sharing, and how to build a body of work that actually means something. Tejas shares how he discovered photography in high school, the years he spent studying the craft, and the personal projects that continue shaping the way he sees the world.We dig into the tension between service and artistry, why personal work matters for creative growth, and how reflection, curiosity, and relationships have shaped his approach to both photography and life. From documenting a deeply personal project between India and Pakistan to developing systems for archiving and revisiting his work, Tejas reminds us that meaningful work takes time.What We Cover:Why many artists need years of creating before they’re ready to shareHow studying film and darkroom work shaped his approach to craftWhy revisiting old work is key to developing your voiceThe role of personal projects in stronger client workThe story behind his India–Pakistan documentary projectConnect with Tejas:Website: https://weddingsbytejas.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tejasphotos/Connect with Us:Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings:https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-courseApply for the Mastermind Program:https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coachingInstagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjenChapters:(00:00) Introduction to Tejas(04:00) Discovering photography and early training(10:00) Learning the craft and artistic foundations(15:00) Finding your voice through reflection(23:00) Service vs. artistry in weddings(33:00) Systems, film, and workflow(42:00) India–Pakistan documentary project(55:00) The purpose of meaningful art(01:01:00) Mentorship and lifelong learningKeywords:wedding photography, documentary photography, creative process, artistic voice, personal projects, photography education, film photography, creative growth, storytelling, intentional creativity
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  042 - When Your Work Is Good… But Growth Feels Stuck 17.03.2026 17min

  Hey everyone! This week Brad is diving into a conversation that many photographers wrestle with but rarely talk about.Why is it that so many talented photographers eventually plateau? Why does momentum slow down even when the work keeps getting better?In this episode, we explore a hidden tension that lives inside many creative careers: the discomfort artists feel when effort becomes visible. In many artistic circles, success is expected to look effortless, as if great work simply attracts recognition on its own. But the reality of building a long, sustainable career often requires something different.We talk about the moment when early momentum slows down and photographers enter a new stage of growth. A season that asks for patience, relationships, curiosity, and intentional action.Through the metaphor of tending a garden, Brad unpacks why growth changes over time, how ego and identity can quietly hold us back, and what it looks like to step back into our businesses with renewed purpose and clarity.If you’ve ever felt tension between being an artist and promoting your work, this conversation will likely feel very familiar.And if you’re currently in a season where things feel slower or more uncertain, this episode might help you see that moment through a completely different lens.What We Cover:Why many talented photographers plateau (and why it has nothing to do with talent)The unspoken rule in creative industries that effort should stay invisibleHow artist identity and ego can quietly limit business growthWhy early momentum eventually slows down for most photographersThe garden metaphor for understanding creative careersHow patience, relationships, and service create long-term momentumWhy defining your “why” changes how you approach marketing and visibilityConnect with Us:Apply for the Mastermind Program:https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coachingJoin Purpose & Profit - A Roadmap to 10k Weddings:https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-courseInstagram:@bradandjeneducation@bradandjenFix Your Pricing Guide:Pricing Guide Template - Built to Convert:https://learn.bradandjen.com/brad-and-jen-pricing-guideFree Download:5 Mistakes Costing You Bookings:http://learn.bradandjen.com/freebie-5-reasons-you-re-not-bookingKeywords:wedding photography business, creative career growth, photography mindset, photography business strategy, artist identity, creative plateau, photography marketing mindset, wedding photographer education, photography career sustainability, creative entrepreneurship
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  041 - How Real Relationships Build a Reputation That Markets Itself w/ Mashaida 10.03.2026 1t 16min

  This week on the podcast we’re joined by husband-and-wife photography team Andrew and Mashaida, the creatives behind Mashaida. Known for their deeply relational approach to weddings, their work is rooted in a simple belief: great photographs are the byproduct of great relationships.In this conversation, we talk about building a photography business around people rather than algorithms, cultivating real relationships with clients and planners, and why curiosity may be one of the most underrated skills in business.Andrew and Mashaida share their unlikely start — from photographing their first wedding for free after answering a Craigslist ad — to building a career defined by connection, service, and long-term relationships. Along the way, they unpack how spending real time with clients transforms the work, why networking should never feel transactional, and how their belief that strong marriages can change the world shaped the heart of their brand.If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out in a crowded industry without chasing trends, this conversation will remind you that the most powerful differentiator might simply be caring more about people.What We Cover:How Andrew and Mashaida built their business from a $120 first wedding to a globally recognized brandWhy great photography is often just the byproduct of great relationshipsThe story behind their first Craigslist clients and the relationship philosophy that followedWhy spending real time with couples (not just questionnaires) transforms the workThe myth that luxury clients don’t want relationships with their vendorsHow curiosity and meaningful conversation build stronger connections with clientsThe difference between networking to “use people” vs. building genuine relationshipsWhy social media should be a tool for connection, not the center of your marketing strategyHow service — not status — creates long-term success in the wedding industryConnect with Andrew & Mashaida:Website: https://mashaida.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mashaida.co/Connect with Us:Apply for the Mastermind Program: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coachingJoin Purpose & Profit - A Roadmap to 10k Weddings:https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-courseInstagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjenFix Your Pricing Guide:Pricing Guide Template:https://learn.bradandjen.com/brad-and-jen-pricing-guideKeywords:wedding photography business, client experience, relationship marketing, luxury wedding photography, photography branding, networking for creatives, curiosity in business, storytelling photography, documentary wedding photography, relationship-based business, photographer client connection, creative entrepreneurship
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  040 - The Power of Growing a Steady, Generous, People-First Business w/ Sarah Bradshaw 03.03.2026 1t 13min

  This week on the podcast, we’re joined by wedding photographer Sarah Bradshaw. We talk about building a value-led brand, resisting the pull of constant attention, and creating a business that supports a full life instead of slowly draining it. Sarah unpacks her “fireplaces vs. fireworks” metaphor, shares how faith and intentionality guide her decisions, and explains why defining “enough” may be the most strategic move a creative entrepreneur can make. We also explore burnout, ambition, motherhood, relationships, and the long-term vision that helps you stay grounded when comparison and anxiety creep in.What We Cover:Why meaning and daily reward — not workload alone — prevent burnout“Fireplaces vs. fireworks” and marketing depth in a fast-content worldFaith, identity, and mindset in building resilienceSimple ways to create a generous, people-first brandThe trap of comparison — and the reminder: don’t want what you don’t wantConnect with Us:Join Purpose & Profit - A Roadmap to 10k WeddingsInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bradandjeneducation @bradandjenFix Your Pricing Guide:Pricing Guide Template - Built to ConvertFree Download: 5 Mistakes Costing You BookingsConnect with SarahSarah’s Website: https://sarahbradshaw.com/Sarah’s Substack: https://bysarahbradshaw.substack.com/Books Referenced:Living Forward by Michael HyattThe Go-Giver by Bob Burg & John David MannThe Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction by Justin Whitmel EarlyEffortless by Greg McEeownChapters:(00:00) Introduction and Sarah’s story(04:30) Photography as storytelling and legacy(10:00) Values-led marketing(18:00) Fireplaces vs. fireworks(24:00) Defining “enough”(30:00) Faith, identity, comparison(37:00) Ambition vs. presence(44:00) Long-term vision and intentionality(50:00) Relationships vs. profitability(56:00) Generosity and networking(60:00) Final reflections on burnout and holistic successKeywords:creativity, burnout, intentionality, mindset, faith and business, wedding photography, entrepreneurship, work-life balance, holistic success, marketing philosophy, personal values, ambition and motherhood, defining enough, relationship-based business