Episodes

  • Our Favorite AI Tools for Photographers
    Nov 26 2025
    What We Cover in This Episode ✨ How to Use ChatGPT Without Losing Your Voice
    • Why ChatGPT only works well after you’ve built a clear brand foundation (ideal client, tone, values, purpose, mission)

    • The danger of generic AI output — and how to avoid “copy-paste photographer internet voice”

    • How Amber created a custom ChatGPT trained on her messaging

    • Using AI to repurpose one strong message into:

      • IG captions + hooks

      • Email newsletters

      • Pinterest descriptions

      • Blog outlines

      • Sales page copy

    • How ChatGPT can deepen connection while maintaining authenticity

    • Why AI should amplify your voice — not replace it

    ✨ AI for Editing: Our Experience With Imagine AI

    Marie’s workflow:

    • How Imagine edits her galleries in 15–20 minutes

    • Why she barely has to tweak anything anymore

    • Creating separate profiles (studio, outdoor, film stock)

    • The “secret sauce”: continuously feeding Imagine your refined edits so it learns your style

    Amber’s experience:

    • Why Imagine didn’t work for her in the past — and what changed

    • The learning curve and how it handles tone curves + background masks

    • Where it excels and where she still fine-tunes things

    • Why it’s saving her after a huge tech issue this month

    Key takeaway: Imagine can drastically speed up your editing workflow and improve consistency — especially once your profile has been fully trained.

    ✨ Voto: AI Retouching That Saves HOURS

    Marie’s go-to tools for newborn & family sessions:

    • Infant acne removal

    • Skin evening

    • Double-chin reduction

    • Hair frizz + flyaway removal

    • Eye catchlights

    Amber’s approach:

    • Why she customizes a new “preset” for each client

    • Her favorite features: under-eye circle reduction, wrinkle softening, clothing de-wrinkle

    • What she uses sparingly to keep edits natural

    • How Voto saved a wind-blown lavender farm session

    • Why it’s the most user-friendly AI tool she’s tried

    The biggest perk: Magazine-quality refinements in minutes — without outsourcing a single image.

    ✨ The Future of AI for Photographers

    AI tools are evolving monthly — and the industry is moving fast. Marie & Amber share why learning these tools now gives you more freedom, more creative energy, and more time to deliver meaningful, elevated work.

    Links & Resources ✨ Courses & Black Friday Sales

    Marie’s Courses — $200 off each:

    • The Posing Course

    • The Artwork Course

    • The Client Experience Course

    Amber’s Black Friday Exclusive Bundle: Includes:

    • Light Livin Transformation Course

    • Playful Posing Course

    • Style Guide

    • Contract Templates

    ✨ Resources

    Imagen AI

    Evoto

    Connect With Us

    Instagram:

    Amber: @light_livin_photography Marie: @marie.elizabeth.photo

    Website:

    Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com/

    Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/

    Thanks for Listening!

    Here’s to using AI with intention, elevating your creative workflow, and building a photography business you love.

    See you next week, friends!

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    26 mins
  • Navigating Burnout
    Nov 19 2025

    In this episode, Amber and Marie talk openly about burnout and how to rebuild margin, creativity, and joy in your photography business.

    You will learn:

    • Why burnout shows up even in successful seasons
    • How raising your prices creates space for rest and creativity
    • Amber’s story about stepping away from an overpacked calendar
    • Why weekday sessions can transform your schedule
    • The power of planning one creative shot per session
    • Why styled shoots reignite your artistry
    • Simple habits that protect your energy
    • Amber and Marie also begin exploring how AI can support photographers with marketing materials, content planning, and workflow systems.

    Stay tuned for next week’s episode where they walk through the AI editing tools they have tested and what actually helps reduce burnout in the post processing phase.

    Grab the freebies:

    • Download one of Amber’s free guides in the show notes to join her list and get exclusive Black Friday pricing on Light Livin Transformation, Playful Posing, and her templates.
    • Download one of Marie’s freebies to join her list for updates on her photography education and her own Black Friday offers.
    Connect with Us

    Instagram:

    Amber: @light_livin_photography Marie: @marie.elizabeth.photo

    Website:

    Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com/

    Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/

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    24 mins
  • Breaking Through the Blocks: How to Shift Your Mindset for Abundance
    Nov 12 2025

    This week, Amber and Marie are joined by Stacy Musgrave, a mindset and relationship coach who helps women align with abundance, purpose, and ease in both life and business.

    In this heart-opening conversation, the trio explores what manifestation and abundance energy really mean — in practical, grounded ways that photographers and creatives can use every day. If you’ve ever felt resistance around pricing, comparison, or self-worth, this episode will help you understand how your thoughts shape your results — and how to shift from scarcity into flow and confidence.

    Whether you’re new to mindset work or you’ve been curious about manifestation, this conversation is full of simple, actionable ways to reframe your thoughts and attract more of what you truly want.

    In this episode, we talk about:
    • What manifestation and abundance energy actually are (without the “woo”)

    • Stacy’s journey from teaching and photography to mindset coaching

    • How your thoughts directly shape your energy and actions

    • The signs you’re operating from scarcity vs. abundance

    • The science behind manifestation — and how your brain helps create results

    • Practical steps to manifest goals (no fluff, just focus and belief)

    • How to rewrite limiting money stories and reframe pricing guilt

    • Using affirmations to rewire your mindset

    • The connection between mindset, energy, and sustainable business growth

    • Why abundance begins with clarity, awareness, and daily mindset practices

    Journaling & Reflection Prompts
    • “I want ________, but…” — Write out every reason your brain gives you that you can’t have it. Then reframe each as an and statement that opens new possibility.

    • “What’s my money story?” — Explore how your family, culture, or past experiences shaped your beliefs about money and worth.

    • “What would it look and feel like if I already had what I desire?” — Write it in the present tense, as if it’s already yours.

    Resources Mentioned

    📚 You Are a Badass & You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero 🌿 Learn more about Stacy’s work at stacymusgrave.com and on Instagram at @stacymusgrave

    Connect with Us

    Instagram:

    Amber: @light_livin_photography Marie: @marie.elizabeth.photo

    Website:

    Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com/

    Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/

    If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend or fellow creative who could use a mindset reset — and don’t forget to leave a review to help others find the show.

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    52 mins
  • Posing Families with Confidence — Connection, Movement, and Flow
    Nov 5 2025

    In this week’s episode, Amber and Marie dive deep into one of their favorite topics — posing families with confidence. Whether you’re photographing toddlers with endless energy, shy little ones, or expectant mothers, today’s episode will help you find your flow and create connection-driven imagery that feels effortless and alive.

    You’ll hear how both photographers approach posing — from reading children’s energy and setting expectations with parents, to layering prompts, building posing “chains,” and knowing when to step back and let magic unfold naturally.

    This conversation is packed with actionable tips and mindset shifts to help you guide families confidently, capture authentic emotion, and elevate your sessions with artistry and heart.

    In this episode, we talk about:
    • Understanding posing flow with families (and why linear posing doesn’t work with toddlers!)

    • How to adapt your energy and approach to match each child’s personality

    • The importance of setting expectations and taking pressure off parents

    • Building posing “chains” that keep energy moving and connection natural

    • Using direction, light, and composition to create variety within a single pose

    • Communication, reassurance, and energy: what to say (and not say) during sessions

    • How music can shift the tone and emotion of a session

    • Favorite family, newborn, and maternity poses that inspire authentic connection

    • What to do when a session isn’t going as planned

    • Posing mindset: guiding through connection instead of chasing perfection

    Listener Q&A Highlights
    • Handling sessions with multiple young kids and high energy

    • What to do when your usual tricks don’t work

    • How to reset when things feel chaotic or unplanned

    Featured Courses

    Amber’s Course: Playful Posing — Learn to photograph families and maternity sessions in a fun, candid, and elevated way with prompts and posing flows that create authentic connection.

    Marie’s Course: The Art of Motherhood — Go behind the scenes in real newborn, maternity, and family sessions to master natural, flattering, connection-filled posing.

    These courses beautifully complement each other and are the perfect next step if you loved this episode.

    Connect with Us

    Follow along for more behind-the-scenes, education, and creative inspiration: ✨ Amber: @light_livin_photography ✨ Marie: @marieelizabethphotography

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    43 mins
  • Breaking Free from Comparison
    Oct 24 2025

    In this episode, Amber of Light Livin Photography and Marie of Marie Elizabeth Photography get honest about comparison, imposter syndrome, and fear-based pricing. If you’ve ever scrolled and felt smaller, second-guessed your rates, or wondered if there’s room for you—this conversation will help you step back into alignment, abundance, and creative confidence.

    We’ll cover:

    • How to shift from comparison to creation (and why styled shoots help)

    • Curating your social feed with intention—muting, posting without scrolling, and seeking true inspiration

    • The expander mindset: turning others’ success into evidence for your own

    • Moving from scarcity to abundance in energy, pricing, and marketing

    • Community over competition: befriending local photographers and building support

    • Practical resets for imposter syndrome: proof folders, reframes, and small courageous actions

    Journal Prompts from the Episode
    1. What does the most abundant version of me believe about her art, her worth, and her clients?

    2. Where am I still playing small because of comparison or fear?

    3. How would my energy, my marketing, and my pricing shift if I embodied that abundant version of myself today?

    Resources & Links Mentioned
    • Amber’s Education – Light Livin Transformation Course (natural light shooting + editing): https://lightlivinphotography.com/education-page

    • Marie’s Education – The Luxury Client Journey: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/the-luxury-client-journey

    • Aligned Marketing Method Waitlist: https://proud-bamboo-728.myflodesk.com/ruq5vletnb

    • Style Guide Template: https://lightlivinphotography.com/style-guide

    • HoneyBook CRM: http://share.honeybook.com/marie85246

    Connect with Us

    Amber – Light Livin Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/light_livin_photography/ Website & Education: https://lightlivinphotography.com/education-page

    Marie – Marie Elizabeth Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marie.elizabeth.photo/ Mentoring: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/photography-mentoring

    Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only share tools and resources we genuinely use and love.

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    25 mins
  • What’s in Our Bag: The Gear That Brings Our Vision to Life
    Oct 16 2025

    In this episode, Amber of Light Livin Photography and Marie of Marie Elizabeth Photography open their camera bags and share the tools that shape their fine art, luminous imagery—plus the small details that make sessions feel effortless and elevated.

    This isn’t about chasing every new release. It’s about intention: choosing gear that serves your vision and simplifies your workflow.

    We’ll cover:

    • The camera bodies and lenses we trust for that soft, painterly, light-filled aesthetic (Amber uses the Sony a7 IV; favorite lenses include the 85mm 1.4 GM, 50mm 1.2 GM, and 35mm 1.4 GM)

    • How Marie blends digital and film for a seamless hybrid workflow

    • Why one excellent lens can transform your portfolio more than constant upgrades

    • Lighting choices that keep skin tones luminous and colors true

    • Session-day extras that elevate the experience—think styling pieces, step stools, diffusers, and toddler-friendly treats

    • Simple storage you can trust on shoot day (Amber’s go-to: SanDisk 128GB cards)

    By the end, you’ll see that the best gear isn’t about quantity—it’s about alignment. The right tools help you create with confidence and ease.

    Resources & Links Mentioned
    • Camera Body: Sony a7 IV

    • Lenses:

      • Sony 85mm 1.4 GM

      • Sony 50mm 1.2 GM

      • Sony 35mm 1.4 GM

    • Memory Cards: SanDisk 128GB

    • Courses:

      • Amber’s Light Livin Transformation Course (shooting + editing in natural light): https://lightlivinphotography.com/lltcourse

      • Marie’s Luxury Client Journey: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/the-luxury-client-journey

    • Style Guide Template: https://lightlivinphotography.com/style-guide

    • HoneyBook CRM: http://share.honeybook.com/marie85246

    Connect with Us

    Amber – Light Livin Photography Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/light_livin_photography/ Education | https://lightlivinphotography.com/education-page

    Marie – Marie Elizabeth Photography Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/marie.elizabeth.photo/ Mentoring | https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/photography-mentoring

    Affiliate Disclosure: This episode includes affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Amber earns from qualifying purchases. We only share tools we genuinely use and love.

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    33 mins
  • What to Do When You Raise Your Pricing and Have a Slow Season
    Oct 9 2025

    In this episode, Amber of Light Livin Photography and Marie of Marie Elizabeth Photography open up about what really happens after you raise your prices—and inquiries suddenly slow down.

    If you’ve ever taken that bold leap toward sustainability and alignment, only to feel fear creep in when your inbox goes quiet, this conversation will remind you: you’re not alone, and this season has purpose.

    You’ll hear both of our stories—what we learned through our own “quiet seasons,” how we prepared for growth, and the practical shifts that helped us build more aligned, long-term success.

    We’ll cover:

    • What to expect emotionally and financially after a price increase
    • The mindset work that helps you embrace a slower season with confidence
    • How to refine your portfolio and website to attract your new ideal clients
    • Blogging and SEO strategies that move the needle during slow months
    • Using styled sessions to elevate your brand and stay creatively inspired
    • Strengthening client relationships and nurturing your existing audience
    • Investing in education and streamlining systems for your next level of growth

    By the end, you’ll see how this in-between season isn’t a setback—it’s a sacred space for refining your brand, strengthening your foundations, and calling in the clients who truly value your work.

    Get the free Instagram Growth Guide here! Connect with Us

    Amber – Light Livin Photography: Instagram | Website

    Marie – Marie Elizabeth Photography: Instagram | Website

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    41 mins
  • The Luxury Client Journey from First Impression to Heirloom Delivery
    Sep 26 2025

    In this episode, Marie of Marie Elizabeth Photography and Amber of Light Livin Photography walk you through every step of the luxury client journey—from that very first impression to the moment your clients hold their heirloom artwork in their hands.

    This isn’t about volume photography. It’s about crafting an intentional, elevated experience that makes clients feel seen, valued, and deeply cared for at every stage.

    We’ll cover:

    • How your website and social media set the tone for a luxury experience
    • Inquiry forms that attract and qualify aligned clients
    • Automating touchpoints without losing warmth or personalization
    • The value of consultation calls and clear communication
    • Client styling, wardrobe guidance, and preparation that elevates the session
    • Session-day presence and how small details make a lasting impact
    • Turning digital files into tangible heirlooms that preserve legacy

    By the end, you’ll see how every detail—large and small—can transform your client experience into something unforgettable.

    Resources & Links Mentioned
    • The Luxury Client Journey Course (launching Sept 29): https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/the-luxury-client-journey
    • Aligned Marketing Method Waitlist (launching Oct 1): Join the Waitlist
    • Style Guide Template: lightlivinphotography.com/style-guide
    • HoneyBook CRM: share.honeybook.com/marie85246
    Connect with Amber – Light Livin Photography
    • Instagram
    • Website
    Connect with Marie – Marie Elizabeth Photography
    • Instagram
    • Website

    Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links above may be affiliate links. This means we may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. We only share tools and resources we genuinely use and love, and your support helps us continue creating valuable content.

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    41 mins