In our final episode of the season, I'm diving into one of the hardest but most powerful lessons I've learned in business — the importance of saying no. As creative moms and business owners, it can feel uncomfortable to turn down work, but learning to say no to the wrong projects opens the door to say yes to the right ones. In this episode of Creative Moms Focus, I'm sharing the red flags I've learned to watch for — like price pushback, boundary issues, or a mismatch in style or vision — and how to trust your gut when something feels off. I'll also walk you through how to gracefully decline work that doesn't align with your business or values, without burning bridges. Because every "no" you give to the wrong fit creates more room for the things that matter most — your family, your peace, and those dream clients that could be one email in your inbox away!

As we wrap up 2025, we're taking a short break for the holiday season to rest, recharge, and dream up all-new content for the year ahead. We encourage you to take this holiday season to do the same, rest and recharge, and go back and listen to any episodes from this season you may have missed! Creative Moms Focus will be back in January, and we can't wait for you to tune in to everything we have in store for 2026!

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Today I, Tara, feel the need to share something that's been on my heart - how motherhood changes everything, including how we show up in our businesses. I've been through the fog of the newborn days, running my business in tiny ten minute pockets of newborn naps, and now I'm in the season of school drop-offs, after-school chaos, and finding focus in those precious quiet hours in between. Both seasons? Beautiful, messy, and full of lessons!

When my babies were little, "work time" looked like baby-wearing through client calls, answering emails one at a time, and celebrating every small win. I learned to lean into automation, creating time-saving systems, and redefined what success meant to me — it wasn't about hitting a revenue goal, but keeping client connections strong. Now with school-aged kids, I finally have more dedicated time to work… but the trade-off is that life after school moves at lightning speed. Protecting my school-day work time and shutting the laptop when the kids get home has become my new rhythm — and honestly, it's been a game-changer. However, including my kids and allowing them to see my work lets them know that I love what I do and that they can too!

No matter what season you're in — sleepless nights or soccer practice chaos — your business can grow alongside your family. It just might look different through each phase, and that's okay!

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

In today's episode of Creative Moms Focus, Tara, Samantha, and I are diving into a topic that might surprise you: why sometimes your business best friends can be even more valuable than a paid business coach.

Don't get us wrong—we love our coaches! They bring structure, proven frameworks, accountability, and step-by-step processes that can help us scale strategically. But there's something incredibly powerful about having a business BFF who truly gets your life as a mom and small business owner. When you're juggling work and family life, a friend in the trenches with you can offer relatable advice, share real-time resources, celebrate wins with you, and offer genuine empathy because they're facing the same challenges. That intimacy and ease of accessibility can be invaluable!

So how do you actually find your business besties? Whether you are looking for a new BFF that is a photographer too, or you're seeking a creative entrepreneur that's a mom running a small business, we're sharing our top tips for meeting like-minded women. Through cultivating authentic friendships and creating your own circle built on mutual support and shared experience, the advice you give and receive feels more like a lifeline than a strategy session.

If you've ever wondered whether a business BFF could impact your growth as much as a coach—or where to even find one—this episode is for you. Take it from us, three business best friends, that have enriched each other's lives in business, friendship, motherhood, and more!

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

It's Samantha here with you today, and we just celebrated my youngest's fourth birthday. This one hit me harder than I expected—four feels so big. It feels like those baby years are officially behind us.

As I was scrolling through old photos (as one does), it really struck me how much parenthood has shaped not only who I am but also the kind of business I've built. So that's what I want to dive into today: how motherhood influences the art we create and the businesses we grow.

When I first started my photography business, my world revolved around weddings. I loved documenting that beautiful beginning. But as time went on, those same couples started coming back to me when they were beginning their families. That's when my focus shifted. My lens turned toward the quieter, everyday moments—the ones that hold just as much meaning as the big milestones.

Becoming a mom changed everything about how I see time, memory, and storytelling. I'm no longer just clicking a shutter; I'm capturing moments through the eyes of a mother who knows how fleeting they are. Motherhood has taught me patience, empathy, and flexibility—and those lessons show up in my work. They help me connect with the families I photograph in a more personal, heartfelt way.

Every part of my business—from how I communicate with clients to how I show up creatively—is infused with what I've learned as a mom. And I think that's what makes this journey so special.

So if you're listening, I'd love for you to reflect on this: how has motherhood shaped the way you create and the way you serve? Your personal experiences aren't separate from your business—they are what make your business uniquely yours.

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

As creative business moms, we spend so much of our time being "on" - showing up behind the camera with clients, juggling family life, and striving to give our best in every area. But all that energy output can leave us drained if we don't have an outlet to just be ourselves.

In this episode of the Creative Moms Focus Podcast, we're diving into the power of authentic friendship for creative moms. The ladies share the types of women they seek out when building new, unfiltered relationships — the kind of friends who get it, who offer support without judgment, and who remind you that you don't have to be "on" with them.

You'll also hear about the simple tools they use to stay connected — like their favorite voice note and video chat apps — that make it easy to maintain meaningful friendships without the pressure of replying instantly. These genuine connections help prevent burnout, encourage balance, and remind us that we're not alone in this creative motherhood journey.

Mentioned in this episode:

Join Marco Polo: https://www.marcopolo.me/download/

Join Voxer: https://www.voxer.com/

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

As a photographer, quarter four can feel like a blur - balancing client sessions and product deliveries while trying to create Christmas magic at home. Today Jessica is sharing practical ways to protect your sanity this holiday season through boundaries, planning, and prioritizing what matters most.

From setting clear client deadlines and establishing boundaries on your Q4 bookings to batching content and automating emails, these strategies will help you stay organized and stress-free. Jessica also reminds photographers that your presence at home is the greatest gift you can give your family — so block off family time, simplify holiday traditions, and make space in your schedule for creating new memories.

By taking these simple shifts to heart, you can have a profitable Q4 and enjoy your family through this holiday season!

Creative Moms Focus Episode 33: The True Cost of Undervaluing Your Work

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Ever wonder how to make your client experience smoother and create more meaningful work? Samantha and Tara are pulling back the curtain on one of their secret weapons as photographers: client questionnaires.

It might sound simple, but these forms are pure magic when it comes to building trust, personalizing sessions, and truly connecting with clients. From wardrobe planning and location scouting to uncovering stories that help you capture authentic moments, questionnaires are the foundation for collaboration and creativity.

Whether you're a photographer or any type of creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you design a client experience that feels less transactional and more personal.

Start small. Stay curious. Watch how your work (and client trust) transforms.

Client Questionnaire Sample: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1u3lB2SwSrttr3xHzX2HyGiEZKscowg5xKXD1FL7z1TM/edit?tab=t.0

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Every photographer has been there—the toddler meltdown, the sibling squabble, the endless wiggles that seem to derail the perfect family photo session. But the truth is, those chaotic moments don't have to ruin a shoot. We're sharing five tried-and-true prompts that help turn unpredictable energy into authentic, joy-filled images.

From playful prompts that spark laughter to techniques that foster sweet, intimate moments, these strategies are designed to help kids feel comfortable, engaged, and even important during a session. You'll hear how one idea encourages physical closeness, another channels movement into fun, and one even takes inspiration from the beloved show Bluey. We also share simple ways to keep kids fueled and happy during shoots—because sometimes a favorite snack is the magic ingredient that keeps everything on track.

As a bonus, we're including a prompt we learned firsthand during our own family photos, proving that even as photographers, we never stop learning. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode will give you tools you can rely on when chaos strikes so you can capture genuine, memorable moments every time.

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Behind every beautiful photo is a story—and for photographers, some of the most meaningful stories come from clients who return year after year. Today, Tara and Samantha dive into the heart of what makes photography so meaningful: the lasting relationships with returning clients.

From engagements to weddings, maternity sessions to newborn portraits, and everything beyond, photography allows you to walk alongside families through their biggest milestones. Tara and Samantha share why one of the greatest privileges of being a photographer is getting to witness these stories unfold over time.

They discuss:

• The magic of longevity with clients and how trust builds over the years

• Why return clients create a deeper connection in front of the camera

• How photographing milestone moments turns into documenting family legacies

• The role of authenticity, comfort, and consistency in bringing clients back

• Why relationships—not just posed shots—make the work truly unforgettable

Whether you're a photographer, creative, or simply someone who values relationships in business, this episode will remind you that the real magic lies in connection.

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

AI is everywhere right now—from social media to photography software—and as creative business owners, we can't ignore it. But where's the line between using AI as a helpful tool and letting it take over? In this week's episode, Tara and Jessica are pulling back the curtain on how they actually use AI in their photography businesses—and where they choose not to.

Here's what you'll hear in today's conversation:

• The AI tools we currently use in our creative workflows (and the ones we're avoiding).

• How we use ChatGPT for brainstorming content ideas, writing Instagram captions, drafting blogs, and more—without letting it do all the work.

• Why Tara loves HoneyBook's AI notetaker feature for client meetings, plus the important warnings she gives clients before using it.

• How Jessica uses Photoshop's AI features, and why she's giving Lightroom a second chance (even though she's always been a Photoshop loyalist).

• Why we believe AI can help streamline and inspire our work—but will never replace the human touch that makes photography so meaningful.

AI isn't going away. As creatives, it's up to us to figure out how to use it intentionally, protect our originality, and let it enhance (not replace) the artistry we bring to our businesses.

We'd love to know: how are you using AI in your creative business? Send us a DM on Instagram @creativemomsfocus and join the conversation!

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.