From piggy bank to booked out, Staci Brucks shares how she built a thriving wedding photography business from scratch — and what it *really* felt like behind the scenes. We talk rapid growth, mindset shifts, identity, money, and the emotional cost of “making it.”

Whether you’re just starting out or growing fast, this one’s for you.

Want tools to take your photography hobby full-time?
 Try The Unscripted App for Photographers free — poses, prompts, client workflows & more.

Follow Staci:
  📸 Instagram → @stacibrucksphoto
🌐 Website → stacibrucksphoto.com

Celeste Shiels is a photographer from the Sunshine Coast, Australia, who specializes in maternity, motherhood, family, and wedding photography. You might have seen her featured on Unscripted recently, but today, we’re diving even deeper into her creative journey.

Celeste started out studying film and television before shifting her focus to photography, and that cinematic influence is still woven throughout her work. In this episode, we talk about creative rest, personal projects, and how to balance artistic exploration with client expectations.

Celeste shares how she carves out time to create for herself—even with three kids and a full photography business—and why she believes stepping away from work is sometimes the key to making better work.

We also get into cinematic storytelling in photography, the impact of an arts-based education, and how personal work influences client work in unexpected ways. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a creative rut or struggled to balance passion with practicality, this episode is full of insight.

Insta:

@celesteshielsphotography
 @celesteshielseducation
 
Web:
celesteshielsphotography.com.au

Jonathan Hicks Jr. is a talented couples and wedding photographer based in New York City. Jonathan is known for his cinematic, moody style that captures the romance and connection between his subjects. 

In our conversation, we'll dive into Jonathan's creative journey - from picking up a camera for the first time on a trip to Cuba, to developing his signature look inspired by the world of film. We'll also explore Jonathan's approach to color grading and editing, including his use of split toning to evoke specific moods and emotions.

Additionally, we'll unpack Jonathan's diverse artistic influences, from directors like Denis Villeneuve to cinematographers who have mastered the art of dramatic lighting. This wide-ranging discussion is sure to provide valuable insights for photographers looking to elevate their own work. 

Insta:

@jonathanhicksjr_
 
 Web:
 jonathanhicksjr.com

If you’re a new photographer struggling to book clients and grow your business, this episode is exactly what you need. Today, I’m joined by the incredible Brooke Jefferson, a family photographer and photography educator who turned her passion into a thriving business. Brooke went from a simple Valentine's Day shoot with her daughter to going full-time in just six months—and now she teaches photographers how to do the same.

In this episode, Brooke shares her best strategies for generating leads, booking clients, and keeping them coming back. We’ll dive into how personal branding, in-person networking, and clear, simple pricing can transform your business. Plus, she’s giving us the exact follow-up strategies that help convert inquiries into actual bookings. If you’re ready to stop waiting for clients to find you and start taking action, let’s jump in!

Insta:

@brookejanaephoto
 
 Podcast:
 https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/book-more-photography-clients-podcast-photography-business/id1457108418

Flash photography doesn’t have to be intimidating—just ask Eden Strader! She’s back on the podcast to break down everything you need to know about artificial light, from the basics to her go-to setups. Whether you’re shooting weddings, studio portraits, or just experimenting, Eden shares her best tips for making flash feel natural and effortless.

We also touch on:
 ⚡ How to ease into flash without the pressure
 ⚡ The gear Eden swears by for pro-level results on a budget
 ⚡ Why client communication is key when using artificial light

If you’ve been hesitant to bring flash into your workflow, this episode is your sign to go for it. Plus, don’t miss Eden’s free artificial light course and in-person workshop—links in the show notes!

Tag @edenstrader and @unscriptedposingapp on Instagram if you try out flash after this episode. We’d love to see what you create!

Web:

edenstrader.com
 
 Freebie:
 https://edenstrader.com/let-s-get-lit-or-artificial-light-freebie

Kayleigh Taylor’s unique approach to documentary-style wedding photography is all about capturing the real, authentic moments – those fleeting, beautiful snippets of the day that might go unnoticed but mean the most. She focuses on storytelling through her lens, emphasizing that the photos should reflect the true essence of the wedding, without any staging or forced moments.

Though Kayleigh is a self-proclaimed homebody who isn’t the biggest fan of travel, you’ll find her capturing destination weddings around the country, balancing her passion for documenting love stories with her desire to stay grounded. What’s even more fascinating is that Kayleigh knew from middle school that she wanted to be a photographer, and she’s carved out a path for herself by following that passion wholeheartedly.

Today, we’ll dive into her journey, her philosophy behind wedding photography, and her approach to capturing moments in a way that’s not just beautiful but truly meaningful.

Insta:
 @kayleightaylor

Web:

kayleightaylorphotography.com/education

Henry Tieu is an elopement photographer based in Seattle, Washington. You might remember Henry from his last visit over a year ago, when he shared how he made the bold leap from being a nurse to chasing his dream of becoming a photographer.

A lot has happened since then. Henry’s now a dad to twins, juggling parenthood and running a thriving photography business. In this episode, he opens up about how being a father has reshaped the way he sees love, relationships, and representation in the wedding world. We also dive into what it’s really like balancing a young family with the demands of a successful career.

It’s an honest, heartfelt, and downright inspiring chat with plenty of takeaways for photographers and creatives alike. 

Insta:
 @henrysdiary
 
 TikTok:
 @henrysdiary

Web:

henry-tieu.com/

What does it take to travel over 250,000 miles and still love what you do? In this episode, we chat with Jordan Voth, a photographer whose post-COVID career has been defined by constant travel and capturing love stories around the world.

Jordan shares how he’s created a sustainable photography business while living life on the go. From finding joy in personal projects to mastering the art of saying no, he explains how he stays inspired, focused, and fully engaged in his craft—whether he’s shooting halfway across the world or close to home.

If you’re looking for insights into balancing creativity, travel, and business in a way that fuels your passion, this episode is for you. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of the industry’s most adventurous storytellers.

Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the podcast if you enjoy it!

Insta:

@jordanvoth

Web:

jordanvoth.com

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Hannah Rosser, a total sweetheart and an incredibly talented gal behind the lens and a rising star in the destination wedding photography world. In this conversation, Hannah will take us on a journey, sharing how she transitioned from a science and math background into the creative and very glamorous realm of destination wedding photography. 

You'll hear about her first international elopement shoot in Mexico, where she filled her plate as full as humanly possible with not just the scheduled elopement work, but creative shoots galore. She also gives us the tea on the pivotal moments that led her to specialize in cinematic destination wedding photography. 

 Hannah and I talk about the joys and complexities of being a destination wedding photographer - from managing the logistics of travel to maintaining creativity and work-life balance. Whether you're a photographer looking to expand into destination work or simply appreciate stunning imagery, this episode is sure to inspire you!

Insta:

@hannahrosserphotography

Web:

hannahrosser.com
 
 Shop:
 hannahrosser.com/shop

Whether you're just starting out or you're feeling like it's time for a brand refresh, we've got some seriously practical tips to help you level up your photography business.

Today, we’ll break down what branding really means in photography, how to build a strong brand that pulls in your dream clients, and how to ensure every part of your client experience reflects who you are. Dawn Charles is joining us, and she’s an absolute pro for this. She’ll share her insights on everything from picking logos, fonts, and color palettes to rebranding and evolving as your business grows.

So, if you’ve ever felt stuck on branding or just want to make sure you're heading in the right direction, this episode is for you (and so full of actionable advice you can start using right away)! 

Insta:

@dawn.charles

Web:

risephotoacademy.com/