Get Your Shoot Together Photography Podcast

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Halloween Costumes to Marketing Reset: Storytelling, Funnels, and Video Anxiety

Kira Derryberry and Mary Fisk-Taylor chat about Halloween plans and costumes, including a piñata partner costume idea and Kira being “Elphaba” for trick-or-treating without painting her face green. Mary shares excitement and nerves about attending the Story creative conference in Nashville alone, focused on storytelling, creativity, and transformation, and explains she’s seeking a marketing reset beyond traditional photography conferences. They discuss how photographers must better communicate the “feeling” they sell, build clearer funnels from trust to booking, and learn what triggers customers to buy in today’s fast “buy now” culture. Kira describes new tactics like a paid headshot “happy hour” mixer for theater parents and nurturing fundraising relationships. They also address the growing need for video content, discomfort being on camera, and practical BTS capture ideas to create more effective marketing content.

This episode was written and performed by Mary Fisk-Taylor and Kira Derryberry, produced and edited by Kira Derryberry.

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We made it to 200 episodes! Kira Derryberry and Mary Fisk-Taylor are talking about the kind of customer service that goes far beyond delivering beautiful photographs.

Mary shares the story behind a $46,000 portrait sale and why listening, compassion, and taking care of the details made all the difference. We discuss supporting clients through emotional moments, becoming their portrait concierge, and recognizing the value of the photographs we create and preserve.

Plus, practical ways to solve your clients’ problems, from artwork installation to keeping corporate team photos current. And because it wouldn’t be Get Your Shoot Together without a few detours, we’re also talking new glasses, questionable concert merch, 3D printing, and a little much-needed whimsy.

Connect with us on Instagram @getyourshoottogether, find us on Facebook, or email [email protected]. Watch the video episode on YouTube and subscribe for more photography, business, and real-life conversations.

This episode was written and performed by Mary Fisk-Taylor and Kira Derryberry, produced and edited by Kira Derryberry.

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ChatGPT found nearly $10,000 in overlooked business expenses, and that discovery launches a much bigger conversation about how AI is changing the way photographers run their businesses.

In Episode 199, Kira Derryberry and Mary Fisk-Taylor discuss how they are actually using ChatGPT, Work, Codex, and new financial tools. They break down what these tools can access, how services like Plaid handle financial connections, and where human judgment still matters.

They also discuss Kira’s experience using ChatGPT to build a corporate headshot-day landing page, the growing problem of generic “AI slop,” and how photographers can use automation without losing their personality or professional voice.

Plus, Kira and Mary announce that they will both be teaching at the Texas School of Professional Photography in 2027.

Topics include:

•  The $10,000 ChatGPT discovery 
•  ChatGPT versus Work and Codex 
•  AI access, credentials, and financial privacy 
•  Using AI to analyze business finances 
•  Building a headshot-day landing page 
•  Where AI genuinely saves time 
•  Avoiding generic AI-generated content 
•  Preserving your voice while using automation 
•  Texas School of Professional Photography 2027 

Follow Kira Derryberry at @shekira and Mary Fisk-Taylor at @maryfisktaylor.

This episode was written and performed by Mary Fisk-Taylor and Kira Derryberry, produced and edited by Kira Derryberry.

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In this episode, Kira and Mary break down the now-viral Vanity Fair photo scandal featuring Trump’s cabinet - and it is photography tea at its finest. They dig into the deliberate choices behind the lighting, composition, angles, and lack of retouching by photographer Christopher Anderson, and how all of it contributes to a not-so-subtle visual narrative. This isn’t just a pop culture moment - it’s a masterclass in editorial photography with intent. The conversation also hits on why this story matters to us as photographers, how we wield power through images, and why “just taking a picture” is never just that.

Plus, the duo shares exciting plans for the future of the podcast, imaging updates, and new ways the community can join the fun in 2026. 🎉

🎧 Listen now for expert takes, a little gossip, and big inspiration for your photography life!

This episode was written and performed by Mary Fisk-Taylor and Kira Derryberry, produced and edited by Kira Derryberry.

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In this reflective and relatable episode, Kira and Mary dive into the emotional rollercoaster of year-end chaos, family dynamics, and business burnout. Mary introduces the “Thousand Minute Rule,” a mindset trick that reframes daily stress by imagining your 1,000 minutes as dollars. Don’t let a $5 problem wreck your whole $1,000 day! The duo also explores how celebrity beefs (hello, 50 Cent!) can mirror our own petty grudges and how to let go of what’s not serving us. They touch on how unresolved issues can quietly linger, referencing The Body Keeps the Score, and share how doing inner work can transform relationships. It’s the pep talk we all need heading into the new year.

🎧 Listen now for a dose of perspective, mindset magic, and a few holiday laughs!

This episode was written and performed by Mary Fisk-Taylor and Kira Derryberry, produced and edited by Kira Derryberry.

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Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just meh about your business lately? You're not alone. In this episode of Get Your Shoot Together, Kira and Mary get candid about creative burnout, the emotional toll of ongoing change, and what it really feels like to be in a “failure to launch” phase—even when you're busy and successful. They unpack the mindset shifts needed for AI-era marketing, what the Atlas browser could mean for SEO and content strategies, and why optimizing for AI search is about to change everything. Tune in for a real conversation about the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it.

Listen now and join us on the journey to reboot our creative energy - one honest convo at a time!

This episode was written and performed by Mary Fisk-Taylor and Kira Derryberry, produced and edited by Kira Derryberry.

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This week, Kira and Mary dive into the wild world of $15 mini sessions, client expectations gone rogue, and how to deal when someone tries to bully you into handing over your RAWs. They discuss navigating awkward client calls, the dangers of uncalibrated drugstore prints, and why educating every decision-maker matters. The duo also chat about AI’s rise in the photography world from creepy real-looking fake videos to actually helpful editing tips. Plus, they share clever ways to use ChatGPT to match brand consistency for commercial work. It’s a real talk episode full of insight, strategy, and the occasional cat-print sweatshirt.

🎧 Listen now and get re-inspired to hold your pricing ground!

This episode was written and performed by Mary Fisk-Taylor and Kira Derryberry, produced and edited by Kira Derryberry.

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Feeling overwhelmed by digital marketing, AI, and all the shiny new tools out there? You’re not alone. In this episode, Kira and Mary dive deep into how photographers can balance learning new tech (hello, ChatGPT and digital ads!) while still running a profitable studio. From grand opening gigs that fund handbag splurges to hiring a marketing assistant and rethinking your Instagram strategy, they’re keeping it real about what’s working—and what’s not. Join us for a convo full of tips, laughs, and the occasional Aperol-fueled shopping story.

🎧 Listen now and get inspired to pivot, prioritize, and profit!

This episode was written and performed by Mary Fisk-Taylor and Kira Derryberry, produced and edited by Kira Derryberry.

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We're back! In this honest and energizing episode, Kira and Mary open up about the challenges of 2025—from business slowdowns and burnout to rediscovering creative joy. They unpack the emotional toll of a tough year, how it’s impacted their artistry, and why it’s okay not to feel okay. But don’t worry—this episode isn’t all doom and gloom! The duo shares how they're reigniting their spark through new outlets like AI tools (hello, ChatGPT!), personal projects, and fresh business strategies that bring the fun back to photography. Whether you're feeling stuck or just need some inspiration, this is your pep talk to keep going.

👉 Listen now for tips on surviving slumps, finding your "why," and using AI to supercharge your creativity and business!

This episode was written and performed by Mary Fisk-Taylor and Kira Derryberry, produced and edited by Kira Derryberry.

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In this episode of Get Your Shoot Together, Kira and Mary dive into all the ways control (or the lack of it) shows up in business and life. From unexpected storms and magazine assignments to picky clients and personal milestones like Kira’s brand-new nose piercing, they cover it all. They talk about setting boundaries, knowing when to say yes (or no) to new opportunities, and how to navigate creative control in both portrait and commercial work. If you're feeling like the world’s a little out of your hands right now, you’re not alone.
Listen now and take back your power!

This episode was written and performed by Mary Fisk-Taylor and Kira Derryberry, produced and edited by Kira Derryberry.