Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to connect, grow, and build intentional businesses.

In this episode, I'm joined by Megan MacPhail, elopement photographer, educator, business coach, and the very first business coach who helped shape my own photography business.

Before becoming a full-time entrepreneur, Megan worked as an emergency veterinarian before taking the leap into photography. Today, she has coached hundreds of elopement photographers and helped many build thriving, profitable businesses while creating lives they truly love.

Together, we dive into what actually separates successful elopement photographers from everyone else. From mindset and marketing to pricing, strategy, and building a sustainable business, Megan shares the lessons she's learned from coaching photographers at every stage of their journey.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Megan MacPhail's journey from emergency veterinarian to full-time elopement photographer and business coach
• The common traits successful elopement photographers share
• Why mindset often matters more than strategy
• How to stop comparing yourself to other photographers
• Why understanding marketing is more important than copying others
• The biggest mistakes photographers make with social media
• Why website traffic matters more than follower count
• How Google Ads can transform an elopement photography business
• When it's time to pivot versus staying consistent
• Why data should guide your business decisions instead of emotions
• How to know when it's time to outsource
• Megan MacPhail's step-by-step blueprint for starting an elopement photography business from scratch today
• Pricing, profitability, and why charging your worth starts with understanding your numbers
• The importance of building a business that supports your dream life

This episode is full of practical business advice, powerful mindset shifts, and real-world strategies to help you build a profitable elopement photography business with confidence.

Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC.

Links & Resources

Follow Megan MacPhail

Website: https://meganmacphail.com/

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

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

Podcast: STOKED - The Adventure Elopement Photographer Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stoked-the-adventure-elopement-photographer-podcast/id1670979048

Explore EPIC: The Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass

Find resources created for elopement photographers, including community, courses, creativity tools, and client experience resources to help you build intentional, experience-focused elopements.

Access planning guide templates, TikTok education, drone photography courses, and more.

Use code EPIC15 for $15 off.https://sherylannephoto.com/epic

The Legal Paige

Protect your photography business with contracts created specifically for adventure and destination elopement photographers.

The Legal Paige offers professionally drafted legal templates, including Adventure Elopement Contracts and Destination Wedding Contracts, designed to help photographers protect their business, clients, and workflow with confidence.

Use code SHERYL10 for a special discount.

https://thelegalpaige.com

Spider Holster

Carry camera gear more comfortably on every elopement adventure.

Spider Holster helps photographers keep their cameras secure, accessible, and evenly supported while hiking and photographing long elopement days. It's designed to reduce shoulder, neck, and back strain so photographers can move freely without sacrificing comfort.

Use code SHERYL26 for 15% off plus free shipping.

https://spiderholster.com

Follow me on Instagram and

TikTok:@sherylannephoto @epicphotopodcast

Explore my work:https://sherylannephoto.com

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the podcast for destination and adventure elopement photographers who want to build meaningful businesses while creating unforgettable experiences for their couples.

In this episode, I'm joined by Eva-Johanna Lepik, founder of Elopements with Eva, a destination elopement photographer, planner, and coordinator based in Estonia who helps couples create unforgettable experiences across Italy, Portugal, and Europe.

Together, we dive into what it really looks like to balance motherhood with building a thriving destination photography business. We talk about outsourcing, batching destination elopements, creating intentional systems, attracting premium clients, and why success doesn't require a massive social media following.

Whether you're a parent, dreaming of becoming one, or simply trying to build a sustainable photography business, this conversation is full of practical advice and encouraging reminders that you don't have to choose between your family and your dreams.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How Eva balances motherhood while running a destination photography business
• Why batching destination elopements creates more time with family
• The importance of outsourcing and building efficient business systems
• How to overcome mom guilt while pursuing your career
• Why taking care of yourself helps you become a better parent and business owner
• How Eva broke into destination elopement photography without an established portfolio
• Why Google Ads have been more effective than social media for booking luxury clients
• How to attract premium destination elopement clients without thousands of followers
• The value of investing in education and business coaching
• How offering a luxury client experience helps photographers stand out
• Why creating your own business model is better than copying everyone else
• Advice for photographers trying to balance family, travel, and entrepreneurship

This episode is an honest conversation about building a photography business that supports both your personal life and your biggest dreams, proving that you don't have to choose one over the other.

Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC.

Links & Resources

Follow Eva

Instagram: @elopementswitheva

Website: https://elopementswitheva.com/

Explore EPIC: The Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass

Find resources created for elopement photographers, including community, courses, creativity tools, and client experience resources to help you build intentional, experience-focused elopements.

Access planning guide templates, TikTok education, drone photography courses, and more.

Use code EPIC15 for $15 off.

https://sherylannephoto.com/epic

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok:

@sherylannephoto@epicphotopodcast

Explore my work:https://sherylannephoto.com

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to connect, grow, and build intentional businesses.

In this solo episode, I'm sharing a perspective that isn't talked about enough in the photography industry: why keeping your full-time job might actually be one of the biggest advantages when you're building your photography business.

So much advice online tells photographers to quit their jobs, go all in, and figure it out along the way. While that approach works for some people, my experience was completely different.

During my final years in the Navy, I built my photography business on the side before making the leap into full-time entrepreneurship. Looking back, having a steady income gave me the freedom to make smarter business decisions, invest in my growth, and build a strong foundation before relying on photography as my primary source of income.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why financial stability can accelerate your business growth
• How a full-time job gives you the confidence to take bigger business risks
• Why having an "exit strategy" motivated me to build my photography business
• The investments that helped me grow faster, from education to advertising
• How I built my destination elopement portfolio before going full-time
• Why investing in Google and Meta Ads changed my business
• The importance of thinking long-term instead of focusing on immediate income
• Why there is no single "right" path to becoming a full-time photographer
• The advice my husband gave me that completely changed my career
• How to use your current job as an advantage instead of seeing it as a setback

Whether you're balancing photography with a full-time job or wondering when the right time is to take the leap into entrepreneurship, this episode will help you see your current season as an opportunity rather than a limitation.

Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC.

Links & Resources

Explore EPIC: The Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass

Find resources created for elopement photographers, including community, courses, creativity tools, and client experience resources to help you build intentional, experience-focused elopements.

Access planning guide templates, TikTok education, drone photography courses, and more. Use code EPIC15 for $15 off.

https://sherylannephoto.com/epic

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @sherylannephoto @epicphotopodcast

Explore my work:https://sherylannephoto.com

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the podcast for destination and adventure elopement photographers who want to build a thriving business while creating unforgettable experiences for their couples.

In this solo episode, I'm sharing exactly what I would do if I had to start my photography business from scratch in 2026.

After years of building a destination elopement business, traveling the world, and mentoring photographers, I've noticed that many new photographers are asking the same questions. So instead of giving scattered advice, I wanted to lay out the roadmap I would personally follow if I were starting over today.

From choosing a niche and building a portfolio to marketing, education, SEO, and creating an incredible client experience, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you avoid common mistakes and grow your business with intention.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How to choose a photography niche without feeling boxed in
• Why waiting until you feel "ready" is holding you back
• The importance of building your personal brand on social media
• How to create your own opportunities through styled shoots and model calls
• Why investing in education can save you years of trial and error
• The marketing strategies I'd prioritize in 2026, including SEO and paid ads
• When to start running Google and Meta Ads
• Why systems, workflows, and client experience matter from day one
• The biggest mindset shifts that helped me grow my photography business

Whether you're launching your photography business or looking to transition into destination elopements, this episode will help you focus on the actions that truly move the needle and build a business designed for long-term success.

Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC.

Links & Resources

Explore EPIC: The Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass

Find resources created for elopement photographers, including community, courses, creativity tools, and client experience resources to help you build intentional, experience-focused elopements.

Access planning guide templates, TikTok education, drone photography courses, and more.

Use code EPIC15 for $15 off.

https://sherylannephoto.com/epic

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok:

@sherylannephoto @epicphotopodcast

Explore my work:https://sherylannephoto.com

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to connect, grow, and build intentional businesses.

I’m your host, Sheryl Anne, destination elopement photographer, Navy veteran, and proud mama. In this episode, I’m joined by Kasey Jo, founder of Elope Academy and one of the leading educators in the elopement photography industry.

Kasey shares her journey from photographing 40 traditional weddings a year while working a full-time job to building a business focused on adventure elopements, education, retreats, and community.

After attending a photography retreat in Iceland that completely changed the direction of her career, Kasey discovered the power of intentional experiences and went on to create Elope Academy, helping hundreds of photographers grow their businesses through education, connection, and destination elopement experiences.

In this episode, we dive into the value of photography retreats beyond just creating a beautiful portfolio. Kasey shares what photographers should look for before investing in a retreat, how destination experience can improve your client experience, and why building genuine community is one of the most powerful parts of growing as an elopement photographer.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

How Kasey went from traditional weddings to full-time elopement photographyWhy attending a retreat completely changed the direction of her businessHow Elope Academy was created and what makes an intentional retreat experienceWhy retreats are more than just styled shoots and portfolio buildingHow to choose the right photography retreat for your goalsHow destination experience helps you better serve elopement couplesThe reality of planning destination elopements behind the scenesWhy community matters in the elopement photography industryHow photographers can turn retreat content into real business growthAdvice for building a sustainable and meaningful photography business

This episode is for elopement photographers who want to grow intentionally, build connections, create better client experiences, and step into destination photography with more confidence.

Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC.

Links & Resources

Explore EPIC: The Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass

Find resources created for elopement photographers, including community, courses, creativity tools, and client experience resources to help you build intentional, experience-focused elopements.

Access planning guide templates, TikTok education, drone photography courses, and more. Use code EPIC15 for $15 off.

https://sherylannephoto.com/epic

Follow Kasey Jo and Elope Academy:Website: https://elopeacademy.comInstagram: @elopeacademy Use Code: SHERYLANNEPHOTO at checkout or your application for content days, retreats, and educational courses!

Follow Kasey’s Photography:Website: https://elopewithkaseyjo.comInstagram: @elopewithkaseyjo

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok:@sherylannephoto@epicphotopodcast

Explore my work:https://sherylannephoto.com

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to connect, grow, and build intentional businesses.

I’m your host, Sheryl Anne, destination elopement photographer, Navy veteran, and proud mama. In this episode, I’m joined by Sammie and Micah Chaffin, a husband and wife elopement photography team known for their cinematic storytelling, destination work, and intentional client experience.

They share how they built a full-time elopement photography business together, how they broke into destination elopements without a portfolio, and what it really takes to succeed in this space beyond just taking beautiful photos.

This episode is packed with real strategies, honest insights, and behind-the-scenes processes that can help you grow your elopement photography business with intention.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How to transition from weddings to elopements and niche down with confidence

• How to book destination elopements without prior international experience

• Why travel experience matters more than a destination portfolio

• Practical ways to build a destination portfolio on a budget

• How to guide clients into dream locations and create unforgettable experiences

• The reality of destination photography and what no one talks about

• Their full location scouting process for new and unfamiliar places

• How they structure their husband and wife photography business

• The difference between being a good photographer vs a good business owner

• How mindset, mental health, and consistency impact long-term success

Links & Resources

Follow The Chaffins: Instagram: @thechaffins Website: https://thechaffins.co

Links & Resources

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @sherylannephoto and @epicphotopodcastExplore my work: https://sherylannephoto.com

Booked Not ViralA calm TikTok content system for elopement photographers.Use code EPIC15 for $15 off.https://sherylannephoto.com/booked-not-viral-elopement-photographers/

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to connect, grow, and build intentional businesses.

I’m your host, Sheryl Anne, destination elopement photographer, Navy veteran, and proud mama. In this episode, we’re talking all about TikTok and why elopement photographers should not be sleeping on this platform.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about TikTok, overwhelmed by content creation, or questioned whether it actually brings in bookings, this episode breaks down how TikTok works and how you can use it in a way that feels simple, intentional, and aligned with your business.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why TikTok is different from Instagram and why that matters

• How TikTok builds trust with potential clients before they even inquire

• Why TikTok is now a search engine for elopement planning

• The biggest mistakes photographers are making on TikTok

• How your content positioning affects the type of inquiries you attract

• Why you do not need to post every day to see results

• How TikTok can lead to high-ticket destination elopement bookings

• The pros and cons of TikTok inquiries

This episode is a real and honest look at how TikTok can support your marketing, help you connect with your dream clients, and create new opportunities for your elopement photography business.

Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC.

Links & Resources

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @sherylannephoto and @epicphotopodcast

Explore my work and education:⁠ https://sherylannephoto.com⁠

For educational courses & templates: ⁠⁠⁠https://sherylannephoto.com/epic-photographers/⁠⁠⁠

Booked Not Viral

Use code EPIC15 for $15 off.

A self-paced TikTok course for elopement photographers who want consistent, aligned inquiries without trends or high-energy content.

⁠⁠https://sherylannephoto.com/booked-not-viral-elopement-photographers/⁠

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to connect, grow, and build sustainable businesses.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Shayna from Hybrid Hangout. She is an elopement photographer, videographer, and educator who teaches photographers how to confidently offer both photo and video on elopement days without overwhelm.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by video, unsure about gear, worried about burnout, or confused about pricing, this conversation breaks it all down in a practical and approachable way.

Shayna shares how she started in video before photography, how SEO helped grow her business, and why hybrid shooting works especially well for elopements.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Shayna built her photo and video business through YouTube and SEO

• Why hybrid shooting works so well for elopement photographers

• Common fears about adding video and how to overcome them

• A simple five-shot system for capturing strong hybrid coverage

• How to shoot video without complicated gear

• How to price and position hybrid photo and video

• When to upsell versus include video in packages

• How hybrid shooting can increase income

• Why messy action matters more than perfection

This episode is packed with practical advice for elopement photographers who want to expand their services, serve clients more intentionally, and grow their revenue in a way that feels aligned and sustainable.

Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC.

Links & Resources

Follow Shayna and Hybrid Hangout:Instagram: @hybridhangoutWebsite: https://hybridhangout.com/

Explore Hybrid Hub, Shayna’s education program for photographers who want to offer both photo and video on elopement days.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @sherylannephoto and @epicphotopodcast

Explore my work and education: https://sherylannephoto.com

For educational courses & templates: ⁠⁠https://sherylannephoto.com/epic-photographers/⁠⁠

Booked Not Viral

Use code EPIC15 for $15 off.

A self-paced TikTok course for elopement photographers who want consistent, aligned inquiries without trends or high-energy content.

⁠https://sherylannephoto.com/booked-not-viral-elopement-photographers/⁠

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass) — the space for destination and adventure elopement photographers who want honest conversations about business and life.

In this episode, I’m sharing a deeply personal look at pregnancy, postpartum, and what it’s really like navigating motherhood while running an elopement photography business. From booking clients while trying to conceive, to maternity leave, boundaries, pricing shifts, mom guilt, outsourcing, pumping on elopement days, and traveling with a baby,  this episode is rooted in honesty, flexibility, and sustainability.

This isn’t about hustle or “bouncing back.” It’s about building a business that supports your life in different seasons and releasing the pressure to do it all perfectly.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How I approached booking during pregnancy and postpartum

• Why transparency with clients strengthened trust

• What maternity leave and returning to work really looked like

• How motherhood reshaped my boundaries, pricing, and priorities

• The reality of mom guilt and releasing unrealistic expectations

• Outsourcing, systems, and protecting your energy

• Pumping, breastfeeding, and travel logistics as an elopement photographer

If you’re an elopement photographer navigating pregnancy, postpartum, or motherhood — this episode is for you.

Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC. 🤍

Links & Resources

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @sherylannephoto and @epicphotopodcast

For educational courses & templates: ⁠⁠https://sherylannephoto.com/epic-photographers/⁠⁠

Explore my work: https://sherylannephoto.com

Booked Not Viral

Use code EPIC15 for $15 off.

A self-paced TikTok course for elopement photographers who want consistent, aligned inquiries without trends or high-energy content.

https://sherylannephoto.com/booked-not-viral-elopement-photographers/

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to connect, grow, and talk honestly about the realities of this work.

I’m your host, Sheryl Anne, destination elopement photographer, Navy veteran, and proud mama. In this episode, we’re diving into another round of Photographer Confessions, featuring real stories from elopement photographers about moments when elopements almost went wrong.

These submissions highlight the unpredictable side of elopement photography, from SD card scares and transportation issues to communication breakdowns, safety concerns, and situations that could have turned into major problems. Some of these stories are funny in hindsight, others are stressful, and a few serve as important reminders of how quickly things can change in the field.

Before getting into the stories, we start with a Win of the Week, celebrating the winners of the International Wedding Photographer of the Year Awards and giving shoutouts to Oli and Steph, Jane Iskra, and The Chaffins for their incredible and inspiring work.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Stories of SD card scares and camera setting mistakes

• What happens when transportation fails on elopement days

• How a drone helped locate a missing proposal client

• Why communication issues can create major wedding day stress

• Real safety concerns photographers face while traveling alone

• A reminder to trust your instincts and protect yourself as a vendor

• One of the most shocking inquiry stories ever submitted to the podcast

• Lessons learned from situations that could have ended very differently

This episode is a reminder that elopement photography comes with incredible experiences, but also real risks and challenges that are not always talked about openly. These stories highlight the importance of preparation, communication, boundaries, and looking out for yourself and your clients.

Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC.

Links & Resources

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @sherylannephoto and @epicphotopodcast

For educational courses & templates: ⁠⁠https://sherylannephoto.com/epic-photographers/⁠⁠

Explore elopement work and resources: https://sherylannephoto.com

Disclaimer: This episode includes real photographer confessions that reference sensitive topics, safety concerns, and difficult client situations. Listener discretion is advised.