Running a wedding photography business can feel like a constant tug of war. I talk honestly about work-life balance as a wedding photographer and what it really looks like behind the scenes. Between editing, client communication, travel, and family life, it can feel like everything is competing for your attention at once. I break this episode into five parts, including my 20 minute rule for time management, editing without obsessing over every tiny imperfection, setting boundaries around travel and life, managing client expectations, and growing your business without losing creative fulfillment.

I share the systems and mindset shifts that have helped me protect my time, keep clients happy, and still enjoy life outside of photography. This episode is a reminder that you do not have to do everything at once or perfectly for your business to thrive. Small consistent choices add up, and when you create space for rest, clarity, and boundaries, your work and your life both benefit.

Key takeaways:

• Clear focus matters more than having more time, and working in short intentional bursts helps prevent burnout while increasing productivity.
• Editing does not require perfection on every image, and letting go of tiny imperfections can save hours without changing how clients experience their photos.
• Setting boundaries around availability, travel, and personal time protects both your energy and your professionalism.
• Clear and predictable client communication reduces stress and helps manage expectations before and after the wedding day.
• Sustainable growth comes from saying no when needed, protecting your creativity, and building a business that supports life outside of work.

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In this episode I talk about how to evaluate opportunities without burning out or losing sight of your worth. Early in my career, I said yes to far too many things because I thought that was how you proved yourself. This conversation is about slowing down your decision making and learning how to tell the difference between an opportunity that moves you forward and one that quietly drains your time, energy, and confidence.

I break down the reality of exposure, when low paying or unpaid work can actually be a smart investment, and when it is simply a cost. We also talk about second shooting, mentorship, burnout, and boundaries, and how clarity and intention are key at every stage of your career. The goal is not to say yes less, but to say yes with purpose, protect your energy, and build a career that is sustainable.

Key takeaways:

• Exposure is not a form of payment. If an opportunity cannot clearly explain who will see your work, how it will be shared, and why it matters for your goals, it is not a strategy, it is a vague promise.
• Low paying or unpaid work can be valuable when it offers real learning, mentorship, or meaningful connections. Second shooting and intentional mentorship often accelerate growth more than jumping straight into your own bookings.
• Burnout is not just about being busy. It often comes from imbalance, especially when effort is not matched with fair compensation, respect, or recognition.
• Red flags are usually about a lack of clarity. Vague expectations, pressure to decide quickly, no contract, or working for free while others profit are signs to pause or walk away.
• Your career moves in seasons. A strategic yes can be an investment in one phase, and a strategic no can protect your energy in another. Growth comes from intentional decisions, not saying yes to everything.

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I sit down with my good friend and fellow photographer, Nikki of Nicole Michelle Photography, to talk about her journey into wedding photography and what it really takes to grow in this industry. We dive into how she transitioned from running a jewelry business to photographing weddings, why second shooting and mentorship accelerated her growth, and how much contracts, preparation, and professionalism actually matter. We also talk about energy on a wedding day, working seamlessly as a team, standing out in a saturated market, navigating Gen Z clients, and why being yourself is still the most powerful business strategy. This conversation is honest, practical, and rooted in community over competition.

Key takeaways:

• Mentorship and second shooting can dramatically shorten the learning curve by exposing you to real wedding day situations and workflows that cannot be learned alone.
• The energy you bring into a wedding day matters as much as your technical skill because couples and guests respond to your presence and calm under pressure.
• A strong and clearly written contract is essential for running a sustainable business because it sets expectations and helps prevent misunderstandings before they happen.
• In a saturated industry the photographers who stand out are those who show up consistently and stay true to their personality instead of chasing trends.
• Thoughtful preparation and strong teamwork allow photographers to tell the story more fully and create a smoother experience for the couple.

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Gen Z couples are changing wedding culture in ways that feel refreshing and healthy, especially for photographers. I share what I’m actually seeing on real wedding days and why this generation values intention, comfort, and presence over rigid timelines, tradition for tradition’s sake, and perfection. I dive into how Gen Z couples approach luxury, Pinterest, authenticity, and vendor relationships, and why calm energy, transparency, and collaboration matter more than ever. I also explain how photographers can adjust their consultations, communication, marketing, and shooting approach without losing their identity or chasing trends. Ultimately, this episode is about slowing down and meeting couples where they are so we can create work that they value.

Key takeaways:

• Gen Z couples care less about rules and traditions and more about intention, meaning, and what genuinely feels like them, which is changing timelines, priorities, and the overall energy of wedding days.
• Comfort and calm are now seen as luxury, not laziness, and Gen Z does not romanticize stress or chaos as proof that a wedding is meaningful.
• Gen Z couples want collaborators, not authority figures, and they value guidance, transparency, and emotional steadiness over control and perfection.
• Pinterest and aesthetics are used as mood and feeling references rather than strict shot lists, with authenticity mattering more than perfectly recreated images.
• The future of wedding photography is quieter and more observant, prioritizing presence, emotional awareness, boundaries, and experience over performance and polish.

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I share my thoughts on various "hot takes" in the wedding industry. I discuss how Pinterest shot lists can stifle creativity and why having more gear doesn't necessarily mean better photography. I also touch on the inefficiency of overshooting and how trendy edits can age quickly. I express my appreciation for AI culling as an efficient tool and emphasize the importance of sneak peeks. Lastly, I talk about how styled shoots can set unrealistic expectations for couples. Each topic is explored through my personal experiences and insights, offering a comprehensive view of current wedding photography trends.

Key takeaways:

• Rigid Pinterest shot lists and overplanning can stifle creativity. Trusting your photographer’s intuition while sharing overall inspiration leads to more natural and meaningful images.
• Great wedding photography comes from experience, timing, and knowing your tools, not from having the newest gear or shooting thousands of frames.
• Trends in editing, decor, and styling will always date a wedding in some way, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. A balance between timeless and trendy can still feel meaningful years later.
• Smart timelines and good lighting matter just as much as decor. When planners and photographers collaborate, the day runs smoother and the final gallery benefits.
• Modern tools like AI culling and timely sneak peeks are not shortcuts. They are efficient ways photographers can deliver better experiences while maintaining a healthy work life balance.

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My mom joined me on this special episode to discuss the lessons that influenced my journey into photography and self-employment. We talk about resilience, leading with calm under pressure, discovering creativity later in life, and how her quiet support helped me follow my own path. Along the way, we touch on wedding photography, travel, and why curiosity and passion are essential to any career.

Key takeaways:

• A strong work ethic and calm leadership are learned long before they show up in a career. The way you show up under pressure sets the tone for everyone around you.
• Creativity is not always obvious early on. Sometimes it’s discovered through life, curiosity, or necessity and grows when it’s supported rather than forced.
• In wedding photography personality matters just as much as technical skill. Couples choose photographers who bring confidence, calm, and trust into emotionally charged moments.
• Growth comes from staying curious. Continuing education, observing trends, and expanding your perspective are essential to staying relevant and fulfilled in a creative business.
• Travel deepens both life experience and artistic vision. Exposure to different cultures, environments, and ways of living informs how you see, photograph, and connect with people.

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I’m recapping my year in wedding photography and reflecting on what 2025 really looked and felt like for me. It was a busy year filled with weddings, social events, networking, creative challenges, and some big personal milestones, including getting married. I talk about the shifts I noticed in the wedding industry, from smaller guest counts and true to life editing to a stronger preference for candid, editorial moments. I also share lessons I learned about pivoting on wedding days, saying no more often, being more intentional with my work, and redefining what success actually means to me. This episode is less about growth for the sake of growth and more about alignment, sustainability, and serving couples in a way that feels genuine.

Key takeaways:

• Couples are valuing candid, natural moments over posed photos more than ever.
• Smaller, intimate weddings allow couples to focus on aesthetics and guest experience.
• Flexibility and the ability to pivot on wedding days is an essential skill.
• True-to-life editing and preserving authentic colors and skin tones keeps images timeless.
• Success is about serving couples intentionally, setting boundaries, and aligning work with your passion.

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In this episode of The Wedding Frame, I sit down with wedding photographer Camila Margotta to talk about the power of supportive relationships in the wedding photography industry. We dive into Camila’s journey into wedding photography, how she stumbled into weddings, and the importance of assisting, second shooting, and building a trusted network of vendors. Camila shares her approach to client communication, booking processes, and balancing work with family life, as well as her tips for standing out in a saturated market while staying authentic and kind. This episode is full of practical advice for photographers starting out and anyone wanting to learn how to nurture vendor relationships and create meaningful client experiences.

Key takeaways:

• Many photographers find their way into weddings unexpectedly, and building skill, confidence, and education before charging clients creates a strong foundation and long term trust.
• Kindness, genuine connection, and how you treat people can be just as important as talent, often becoming the reason couples and vendors choose to work with you.
• In a saturated industry, standing out comes from being yourself, showing up to community spaces even when it feels scary, and focusing on relationships rather than competition.
• Second shooting remains valuable at any level for skill sharpening, networking, learning new venues, and building a trusted circle of collaborators, as long as it is done in moderation to avoid burnout.
• There is no perfect work life balance, only seasons, and success comes from planning ahead, communicating with family, being intentional during slower months, and giving yourself grace during busy ones.

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