In this episode of 'After the Shoot,' host Justin Benson explores the intricate journey of acclaimed photographer Erica Lax. Erica shares her transition from architecture to photography, the challenges of establishing her unique identity, and her strategic approach to niching down their business. The episode highlights the importance of identifying ideal clients, the power of saying no, and the evolving role of wedding planners in defining a photographer's brand. Erica's insights on balancing business and creativity offer valuable lessons for photographers aiming to elevate their work while maintaining genuine happiness and passion for the craft.

Key highlights include:

• Why niching down helps photographers find joy and fulfillment in their work
• The importance of identifying and qualifying ideal clients
• How to confidently say 'no' and protect your creative integrity
• Marketing strategies that attract clients who align with your style and vision
• Pricing insights to reflect the value of your work

If you're a photographer ready to refine your business, attract dream clients, and elevate your craft, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiration to help you grow.

🎧 Tune in now and start your journey!
Connect with Erika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikabiarnes/
Visit their Website: https://victorlax.net/

Send us a text

Get on the After the Shoot email list: https://aftershoot.co/podcast

📸 📸 📸
This podcast is brought to you by Aftershoot, an AI culling and editing software that gives professional photographers their time, and their life, back so they can focus on what they do best.

Try Aftershoot today: https://aftershoot.co/tryus

Connect with us -
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aftershoot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftershootco/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aftershootco
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/aftershootco/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@aftershootco
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aftershootco/

Join the Aftershoot Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aftershootusers/

In this episode of After the Shoot, host Justin Benson chats with Jennifer Stitt, an award-winning photographer and competition expert, about how entering photography competitions can transform your work and elevate your skills.

Jennifer shares her inspiring journey—from starting in photojournalism to earning international accolades—and dives deep into why competitions are more than just awards. She offers practical advice on selecting images, interpreting feedback, and overcoming the fear of judgment.

Key highlights include:

• Why competitions push photographers to grow beyond their comfort zones
• Tips for choosing and perfecting images for competition submissions
• How constructive feedback can refine your craft and improve client work
• Jen’s behind-the-scenes stories of entering and winning major photography awards

If you're curious about competitions, want to improve your photography skills, or need inspiration to take your work to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable insights and motivation!

🎧 Tune in now and start your winning journey!

Connect with Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkedjen/

Visit their Website: https://foxandbrazen.com/

Send us a text

Get on the After the Shoot email list: https://aftershoot.co/podcast

📸 📸 📸
This podcast is brought to you by Aftershoot, an AI culling and editing software that gives professional photographers their time, and their life, back so they can focus on what they do best.

Try Aftershoot today: https://aftershoot.co/tryus

Connect with us -
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aftershoot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftershootco/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aftershootco
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/aftershootco/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@aftershootco
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aftershootco/

Join the Aftershoot Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aftershootusers/

In this episode of After the Shoot, host Justin Benson welcomes Roy Serafin, a wedding photographer and SEO expert, to discuss how photographers can harness the power of SEO to grow their businesses.

Roy shares actionable strategies for building an online presence that attracts your ideal clients. He covers everything from optimizing your website for search engines to leveraging blog content to rank higher and drive more inquiries.

You'll also hear Roy's insights on choosing the right keywords, creating content that resonates with potential clients, and avoiding common SEO mistakes photographers make. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your online strategy, this episode is packed with invaluable advice.

Tune in to learn how to make your website a magnet for dream clients, maximize your reach, and transform clicks into bookings!

Connect with Roy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roythephotographer/ 

Visit their Website: https://roythephotographer.com/ 

Get on the After the Shoot email list: https://aftershoot.co/podcast 

📸 📸 📸

This podcast is brought to you by Aftershoot, an AI culling and editing software that gives professional photographers their time, and their life, back so they can focus on what they do best.

Try Aftershoot today: https://aftershoot.co/tryus

Connect with us -

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aftershoot

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftershootco/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aftershootco

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/aftershootco/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@aftershootco

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aftershootco/

Join the Aftershoot Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aftershootusers/

Send us a text

Get on the After the Shoot email list: https://aftershoot.co/podcast

📸 📸 📸
This podcast is brought to you by Aftershoot, an AI culling and editing software that gives professional photographers their time, and their life, back so they can focus on what they do best.

Try Aftershoot today: https://aftershoot.co/tryus

Connect with us -
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aftershoot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftershootco/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aftershootco
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/aftershootco/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@aftershootco
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aftershootco/

Join the Aftershoot Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aftershootusers/

In this episode of After the Shoot, host Justin Benson sits down with Francisco Joel Hernandez, a portrait & wedding photographer and YouTube educator known for his expertise in creative lighting.

Francisco dives into his approach to using flash creatively during shoots, balancing planned setups with spontaneous inspiration. He shares how he adapts lighting to match poses and expressions, creating cohesive and striking images.

The conversation also explores Francisco's journey on YouTube, where he breaks down his process and shares educational content without gatekeeping. He discusses his popular "Building the Shot" series, where he walks viewers through every step of achieving standout portraits, from initial challenges to the final polished image.

Tune in for a compelling discussion filled with actionable insights, lighting tips, and a fresh perspective on transparency in the photography industry!

Connect with Francisco on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fjhphoto/
Visit their Website: https://www.fjhphoto.com/
Check out their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fjhphoto/ 

Send us a text

Get on the After the Shoot email list: https://aftershoot.co/podcast

📸 📸 📸
This podcast is brought to you by Aftershoot, an AI culling and editing software that gives professional photographers their time, and their life, back so they can focus on what they do best.

Try Aftershoot today: https://aftershoot.co/tryus

Connect with us -
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aftershoot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftershootco/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aftershootco
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/aftershootco/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@aftershootco
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aftershootco/

Join the Aftershoot Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aftershootusers/

In this episode of After the Shoot, host Justin Benson sits down with Daniele Torella, a renowned destination wedding photographer, to discuss his unique approach to candid wedding photography.

Daniele shares his experiences and insights into capturing authentic moments, from navigating sensitive situations to creating compelling group shots without posing. He also discusses the excitement of working in new locations and how this fresh perspective fuels his creativity.

Tune in for an insightful conversation with a true master of candid photography!

Connect with Daniele on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danieletorella_photography/ 

Visit his Website: https://danieletorella.com/en/ 

Get on the After the Shoot email list: https://aftershoot.co/podcast 

📸 📸 📸

This podcast is brought to you by Aftershoot, an AI culling and editing software that gives professional photographers their time, and their life, back so they can focus on what they do best.

Try Aftershoot today: https://aftershoot.co/tryus

Connect with us -

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aftershoot

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftershootco/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aftershootco

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/aftershootco/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@aftershootco

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aftershootco/

Join the Aftershoot Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aftershootusers/

Send us a text

Get on the After the Shoot email list: https://aftershoot.co/podcast

📸 📸 📸
This podcast is brought to you by Aftershoot, an AI culling and editing software that gives professional photographers their time, and their life, back so they can focus on what they do best.

Try Aftershoot today: https://aftershoot.co/tryus

Connect with us -
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aftershoot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftershootco/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aftershootco
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/aftershootco/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@aftershootco
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aftershootco/

Join the Aftershoot Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aftershootusers/

In the first episode of After the Shoot's Season 2, our host Justin Benson talks to Jennifer Bruno Smith who reveals powerful marketing strategies for photographers looking to grow their business.

She shares insights on diversifying marketing efforts, optimizing email automation, and leveraging retargeting ads. Jennifer discusses the importance of authenticity in marketing and how her Mastermind course has helped photographers from various genres achieve success.

Tune in for practical tips and expert advice that will help take your photography business to the next level!

Connect with Jennifer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boudoirbyjennifersmith/

Visit her Website: https://boudoirbyjennifersmith.com/

Send us a text

Get on the After the Shoot email list: https://aftershoot.co/podcast

📸 📸 📸
This podcast is brought to you by Aftershoot, an AI culling and editing software that gives professional photographers their time, and their life, back so they can focus on what they do best.

Try Aftershoot today: https://aftershoot.co/tryus

Connect with us -
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aftershoot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftershootco/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aftershootco
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/aftershootco/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@aftershootco
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aftershootco/

Join the Aftershoot Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aftershootusers/

Take one look at basically any Jessica Whitaker-owned account or webpage, and you’ll know exactly what her brand is.

On the fifth and final episode of Season 1 of After the Shoot, she tells us exactly how she created this timeless brand — and how you can do it too. We'll also talk about how she prioritizes her mental wellbeing and sets boundaries while running her photography business like a boss.

So, join us as we talk about branding, mental health, social media, and so much more. This is definitely an episode no photographer will want to miss.

Connect with Jessica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicawhitaker/

Visit her website: https://www.jessicawhitaker.co

Join the Build & Bloom community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/5nu1KfyBmh8Nssdh/

Listen to the Build and Bloom podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WD8VTkvyEP5Wx1oCcMuBv 

Topics

00:00 - Introduction

01:41 - How Jessica got started in Photography

03:52 - Building the Build & Bloom community

09:06 - 3 things to do to set boundaries around social media use

14:00 - Dealing with imposter syndrome and not comparing yourself to others

16:16 - Creating a cohesive brand for yourself and sticking to it

20:33 - Being timeless, not merely following trends

21:55 - Wrapping up

Send us a text

Get on the After the Shoot email list: https://aftershoot.co/podcast

📸 📸 📸
This podcast is brought to you by Aftershoot, an AI culling and editing software that gives professional photographers their time, and their life, back so they can focus on what they do best.

Try Aftershoot today: https://aftershoot.co/tryus

Connect with us -
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aftershoot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftershootco/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aftershootco
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/aftershootco/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@aftershootco
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aftershootco/

Join the Aftershoot Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aftershootusers/

Creativity is a photographer’s bread and butter — and wedding photographer Victor Lax is a master at finding creative opportunities within the mundane.

Join us as Victor dives deep into his creative process, sharing expert insights on experimenting the right way, finding inspiration, making the most of boring locations, and so much more.

If you’re a photographer looking for fresh inspiration to conceptualize shots, this is one conversation you should not miss.


Connect with Victor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorlax/
Visit his website: https://victorlax.net
Check out his Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/victorlax


Topics
00:00 - Introduction
02:00 - How Victor got started as a photojournalist
03:19 - How he transitioned to wedding photography
06:53 - How Victor opened his photography studio
08:05 - Victor’s creative process
14:08 - How to experiment with photography, the RIGHT way
16:04 - Conceptualizing shots depending on your location
21:33 - Where Victor finds inspiration
23:36 - How Victor developed his editing style
25:13 - Is Nikon better than Canon?
26:22 - Wrapping up (+ some compliments that made us blush)

Send us a text

Get on the After the Shoot email list: https://aftershoot.co/podcast

📸 📸 📸
This podcast is brought to you by Aftershoot, an AI culling and editing software that gives professional photographers their time, and their life, back so they can focus on what they do best.

Try Aftershoot today: https://aftershoot.co/tryus

Connect with us -
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aftershoot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftershootco/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aftershootco
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/aftershootco/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@aftershootco
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aftershootco/

Join the Aftershoot Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aftershootusers/

If there’s one thing about Lilly Red, it’s that she’s unapologetically herself. And that’s really what her clients want when they book with her.

Join us as Lilly shares her transition from photographing cakes to capturing weddings, her challenges as an artist, and how she embraced her uniqueness as a photographer.

We talk about how Lilly’s individuality and style have attracted a global clientele, particularly Americans seeking an Italian wedding experience, and also go into how she created her unique editing style.

For photographers struggling with authenticity in an era of trends, this episode is a must-listen.


Connect with Lilly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisabettalillyred/
Visit her website: https://lillyred.it
Check out her Say Cheese! podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/say-cheese/id1597708095


Topics:
00:00 - Introduction
02:13 - Lilly Red’s start as a cake/food photographer
03:48 - Why she transitioned into wedding photography
04:42 - Photographing cakes, weddings, chairs… From Qatar to Italy to all over the world
06:08 - Bringing your style and your life into your work as a photographer
09:59 - Not comparing your work to others
11:07 - How to be YOU and still attract clients?
13:05 - How to command a premium price as a photographer
15:09 - How Lilly developed her incredible editing style
16:39 - Wrapping up

Send us a text

Get on the After the Shoot email list: https://aftershoot.co/podcast

📸 📸 📸
This podcast is brought to you by Aftershoot, an AI culling and editing software that gives professional photographers their time, and their life, back so they can focus on what they do best.

Try Aftershoot today: https://aftershoot.co/tryus

Connect with us -
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aftershoot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftershootco/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aftershootco
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/aftershootco/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@aftershootco
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aftershootco/

Join the Aftershoot Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aftershootusers/

Photographer Sam Hurd is well-known for bringing wild ideas to life through clever use of light, unique tools, and an unconventional approach to photography.

Join us as Sam talks about his professional journey, how his photography and editing style evolved over the years, how he pulls off some of the most insane shots in-camera, his approach to using AI for photography, and so much more.

If you’re a photographer looking for inspiration to add some creativity to your photo shoots, then this is one episode you should not miss.

Connect with Sam on Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamthesam
Visit his website: https://samhurdphotography.com
Check out his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/samhurdphoto
Check out the Insight app: https://www.insight.photo

Topics:
00:00 - Introduction
02:01 - How Sam got started in photography
03:39 - How Sam’s photography & editing style evolved since his first shoot
05:07 - How Sam shut down his imposter syndrome
06:43 - Pro tip: Start with the light
07:46 - Flash vs natural light
8:50 - Experimenting during sessions & dealing with failures without losing momentum
10:23 - Using the same tool in different ways & environments
14:35 - Doing things in camera vs in post-processing
15:45 - Using real physics to inspire your photos
17:37 - Ethically using AI to inspire real photography
24:55 - The fastest way to transfer photos from your camera
26:08 - How Sam is building the “Insight” app for photographers
28:06 - Experimenting & acting on your inspiration
29:46 - What’s in Sam’s bag during sessions
31:52 - Wrapping up

Send us a text

Get on the After the Shoot email list: https://aftershoot.co/podcast

📸 📸 📸
This podcast is brought to you by Aftershoot, an AI culling and editing software that gives professional photographers their time, and their life, back so they can focus on what they do best.

Try Aftershoot today: https://aftershoot.co/tryus

Connect with us -
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aftershoot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftershootco/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aftershootco
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/aftershootco/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@aftershootco
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aftershootco/

Join the Aftershoot Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aftershootusers/