Called to Both - Balancing Motherhood and Business for Photographers

I’m pulling back the curtain on real coaching conversations—and what I found might surprise you.

This week, I did something I’ve never done before: I’m walking you through three real client case studies from inside my coaching sessions. These are experienced photographers—talented, established, and doing so many things right—but still hitting frustrating plateaus.

What’s fascinating? The problems they thought they had weren’t the real problems at all. In this episode, I break down how we identified the true blind spots in their businesses and the strategic shifts that led to immediate breakthroughs.

In this episode:

• Why more traffic won’t fix a conversion problem (and what will)
• How generosity can actually accelerate your authority—not dilute it
• The key to raising your prices without just saying “luxury”

Find It Quickly:

02:48 - Case Study #1: A wedding photographer stuck in a booking plateau

08:50 - Case Study #2: “Is my freebie too good to give away for free?”

13:04 - Case Study #3: Raising prices without just saying “luxury”

Mentioned in this Episode

joymichelle.co/coaching

More ways to connect:
JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM
WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH
JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call!

Book now: joymichelle.co/coaching

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

Ever wondered if there’s a way to make money in your photography business without taking on more clients or working more hours? In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite revenue streams—affiliate marketing. I'm breaking down exactly how photographers can start earning commission by recommending tools and products they already use.

Affiliate marketing has brought over $100,000 into my business, and the best part is that it’s never been my main focus. It’s simply a strategic layer on top of the content and trust I’m already building with my audience.

If you’ve ever thought affiliate marketing was only for big influencers or that you need a massive audience to make it work, this episode will change your perspective.

This episode originally aired on February 24, 2025 as episode 133.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Affiliate Boss:

You’re already recommending tools you love, so why not get paid for it?
Affiliate Boss is my step-by-step course for creatives who want to add passive income through affiliate marketing that actually feels aligned. You don’t need a huge audience—just the right strategy.
Let me show you how.

Enroll Now>>

Find It Quickly: 

00:37 – The Cost of Perfectionism

03:36 – Identifying the Root Causes

06:24 – Strategies to Overcome Perfectionism

11:28 – Affiliate Marketing for Creatives

12:32 – Batch Creating Content

15:00 – Setting Deadlines and Time Constraints

17:02 – Podcast Recommendations and Wrap-Up

Mentioned in this Episode:

Affiliate Boss

Everyday Magic by Mattie James

More ways to connect:
JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM
WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH
JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

What do you do when your industry feels different, inquiries feel slower, and the strategies that used to work don’t hit the same way anymore?

In this episode, I’m sharing a conversation that originally aired on Laura Esmond’s podcast, where we talked honestly about what’s working in marketing in 2026, how photographers can build more stability in uncertain seasons, and why diversification matters more than ever. We go beyond surface-level strategy and into the real mindset shifts required to keep moving when business feels unpredictable.

Laura and I talk about the trust gap that many business owners are feeling right now, why buyers need more touch points before they say yes, and how building a personal brand creates deeper connection than polished marketing alone. We also dive into affiliate marketing, evergreen content, Pinterest, in-person community building, and the importance of taking action instead of waiting to feel fully clear.

In this Episode:

• Trust takes more touch points now. 
• Diversification creates stability. 
• Clarity comes from action.  

Find It Quickly:

00:00 - Why this conversation feels timely for photographers

04:32 - What’s changing in buyer behavior and trust

07:17 - The importance of real-life connection and trust touchpoints

14:53 - What diversification really means (and where to start)

15:50 - Affiliate marketing as a scalable revenue stream

22:56 - Brand authority and building optional income paths

32:47 - Evergreen content, Pinterest, and long-term strategy

41:10 - The most stabilizing next step during a slow season

Mentioned in this Episode:

PhotoBoss® Community

Affiliate Jumpstart

Affiliate Boss

Hobby to Pro Toolkit

PitchPower Email Templates

Walking Pad

Connect with Laura:

Website: lauraesmond.com

Podcast: With Laura Esmond

Instagram: instagram.com/reeseandcoportraits

More ways to connect:
JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM
WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH
JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call!

Book now: joymichelle.co/coaching

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

What if your business could actually support you in your hardest seasons instead of draining you even more? In this episode, I’m sharing what I’m leaning on this year to show up, get paid, and stop feeling like I’m constantly on the struggle bus.

After having my third baby, I’ve had to find new rhythms in both life and business. Instead of trying to force my old routines to work, I’ve simplified, clarified, and doubled down on what truly moves the needle. Listen in as I walk you through my current non-negotiables and the daily habits that are helping me feel energized, focused, and profitable in a season where my time is more limited than ever.

Find It Quickly:

02:45 - Finding New Rhythms

04:18 - Non-Negotiable Basics

07:51 - Mindset And Metrics

11:52 - Four Cs Revenue Focus

13:25 - Long Form Over Scrolling

16:59 - Planner Meets Notion

Mentioned in this Episode:

Mary Ruth's Vitamins: maryruthorganics.com

Zen & Flow Wellbeing and Productivity Planner: amzn.to/4tGOtrm

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron: amzn.to/400DhIN

Pens: amzn.to/4kCqOnU

Walking Pad

Standing Desk

More Amazon Favorites: joymichelle.co/amazon

More ways to connect:
JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM
WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH
JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call!

Book now: joymichelle.co/coaching

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

What if building a new revenue stream in your photography business didn’t take two years, but instead took 90 days or less? In this episode, I’m answering a question a client asked me this week: How long does it really take to start seeing consistent revenue from a new income stream?

If you’ve been craving more freedom, more flexibility, and more stability in your business, but you’re worried about how long it will take or how much it will demand from you—this conversation is for you.

Listen in as I share why I don’t believe it should take years to see results, how mindset and decision-making dramatically impact your timeline, and the two foundational moves that will speed up your success.

Find It Quickly:

00:00 - Diversifying your revenue streams doesn’t have to be hard. 

2:12 - It doesn’t take long to see results.

3:57 - The effort is worth the outcome.

5:56 - The timeline is up to you.

6:48 - Build trust with your audience.

8:11 - Build your authority.

10:17 - Your business is like a car.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brand authority blueprint: https://learn.joymichellephotography.com/Brand-authority

Brand Authority Series:

Episode 36: How to Become Seen as the Go-To Expert At What You Do: joymichelle.co/go-to-expert

Episode 37: Your Brand Messaging: joymichelle.co/your-brand-messaging

Episode 38: What Your Visual Brand is Telling Your Audience: joymichelle.co/your-visual-brand

Episode 39: How to Create Social Proof in Your Business: joymichelle.co/how-to-create-social-proof

More ways to connect:
JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM
WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH
JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call!

Book now: joymichelle.co/coaching

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

If you work less than full-time hours in your business, than you are in good company today. Five years ago, when my daughter was born, I made an intentional decision to scale back on how much I worked. Now my hours are half of what they were before, but the good news is that even on part-time hours, you can still make an impact and an income. In today's episode, I'm sharing 7 ways I streamlined my schedule while working just 20 hours per week for better time management and work life balance.

In This Episode You'll:

1. Understand the productivity of parenthood.
2. Find out the 7 ways I streamlined my productivity.
3. Explore the tools I use for productivity.

Find it quickly:
0:53 - Embracing Part-Time Entrepreneurship
2:27 - Maximizing Efficiency: A Personal Journey
4:29 - Seven Strategies for a Streamlined Schedule
4:38 - 1: Theme Days
7:44 - 2: No Call Days
9:32 - 3: Content Creation Days/Blocks
10:35 - 4: Selling and income producing activities
13:15 - 5: Outsourcing
13:15 - 6: Knowing When to Wait on Projects
16:15- 7: Saying “No”  A Lot
19:04 Time-Saving Tools for Busy Entrepreneurs
23:21 Wrapping Up and How to Stay Connected

Mentioned in this Episode:
102: Ask Joy: Team Building, Delegation, & Running Multiple Brands
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Honeybook - Get 50% off!

More ways to connect:

JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM

WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH

JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

CLICK HERE TO GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call!

Book now: joymichelle.co/coaching

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

When you run a service-based business, especially one that is seasonal, managing your cashflow can be a struggle. In today's episode, we're exploring the importance of financial stability, how to diversify your revenue, and creating accountability in your business.

In This Episode You'll:

1. Explore revenue diversification.
2. Learn about potential revenue streams.
3. Hear common obstacles you may face.

Find it quickly:
01:36 - Challenges of a Seasonal Photography Business
02:20 - Financial Stability and Diversification
02:46 - Personal Experience
05:41 - Leveraging Your Brand for Additional Revenue
06:45 - Diversifying Without Abandoning Core Services
07:20 - Common Obstacles to Creating New Revenue Streams
07:44 - Overcoming Stagnation in Your Business
08:18 - Acknowledging the Challenges of Diversification
09:49 - Building Accountability for Success
10:38 - Resources for Diversification

Mentioned in this Episode:
Episode 75: Affiliate Marketing for Content Creators
Episode 74: Growing Beyond Services: Diversifying Revenue Streams
joymichelle.co/coaching

More ways to connect:

JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM

WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH

JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call!

Book now: joymichelle.co/coaching

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

Feeling curious about how to make money outside of photography? Maybe you love your role as a photographer, but you're curious about diversifying your income and creating endless revenue potential. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my story of growing my business to become a business coach with diversified income. 

This episode originally aired on February 17, 2025.

In This Episode You'll:

1. Get my story of adding additional streams of income to my business
2. Hear about the three distinct shifts that needed to happen in my business
3. Learn how affiliate marketing has changed the game for me as a business owner

Today’s episode is brought to you by my Affiliate Marketing Jumpstart Guide. I’ve developed an affiliate marketing strategy that has brought me freedom in my business and I’m sharing this strategy in my free guide! 

Find it quickly:

3:16 - The shift in my heart and mind

5:17 - The books that helped me to shift

5:57 - The shift in my content 

9:43 - The shift in my offers

16:45 - The power of affiliate marketing 

Mentioned in this Episode: 

Ep 121: Why Every Photographer Should Have Multiple Income Streams + How to Get Started

The Affiliate Marketing Jumpstart Guide: joymichellephotography.com/affiliate-marketing

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

More ways to connect:

Joy Michelle Website: joymichelle.co

Joy Michelle Instagram: instagram.com/joyymichelle

Joy Michelle Facebook: facebook.com/joymichellephotography

Joy Michelle Coaching: joymichelle.co/coaching

Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call!

Book now: joymichelle.co/coaching

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

What if your booked-out calendar and successful photography business weren’t the final destination, but the launchpad to something even better?

The truth is, wanting to diversify your income isn’t a sign that you're falling out of love with your photography business. It’s the next evolution of it. If you're a photographer who has reached mastery in your craft and built a stable, respected brand, then adding new revenue streams isn’t a pivot—it’s a power move.

Let’s talk about what happens after you "make it." Your calendar is full. Your pricing is solid. Your work is consistent. Clients are raving, and from the outside, everything looks perfect. And yet, there’s this quiet nudge that maybe you’re meant for something more.

In this Episode:

• Why diversification is a power move, not a pivot
• The difference between reactive and strategic income expansion
• How to expand beyond client work without losing your identity or burning everything down

Find It Quickly:

00:00 - Why diversifying your income can feel uncomfortable (and totally normal)

02:16 - Wanting more money ≠ falling out of love with photography

07:11 - How one income stream can quietly drain your creativity

13:31 - Protecting your energy, boundaries, and joy

20:11 - Aligned ways photographers can diversify without burning out

26:46 - Seeing diversification as growth, not quitting

More ways to connect:
JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM
WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH
JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call!

Book now: joymichelle.co/coaching

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

Every day in business and life, we make hundreds of decisions, both big and small. If you’ve ever wondered how to choose what truly matters when everything feels important, this episode is for you. I’m unpacking exactly how I make choices in my business and life from a place of clarity, confidence, and alignment (without burnout or guilt).

Today’s episode was inspired by an audience question about how to decide what to say yes to when so many things feel worthy of our attention. I walk through the internal process I use, from defining priorities and identifying seasons to journaling, praying, and even sleeping on decisions before choosing. I share personal stories about opportunities I passed on because they weren’t aligned with where I was going or the season I was in, and how those choices shaped who I’m becoming.

In this Episode:

• Explore a framework for choosing what truly matters
• Hear questions to ask yourself before saying yes
• A mindset shift that removes perfection and replaces it with direction

Find It Quickly

• 0:59 - Listener's Question: What to Focus On?
• 02:52 - Personal Stories: Making Tough Choices
• 07:30 - Defining Priorities and Values
• 19:19 - Practical Steps for Decision Making

More ways to connect:
JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM
WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH
JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call!

Book now: joymichelle.co/coaching

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!