You are looking through a magazine and a stunning portrait catches your eye. You sit there, look at the catch light, size, position, the softness of the light, the rest of the scene. You start to pick pieces of it a part. Some pieces you feel like you know, some you just can't figure out how it was done. And you start to think, "Could I ever shoot something like this?" Or is it just us? In this week's episode Mary & Kira dive into photo deconstruction and start not only dissecting how our favorite images are made, but what was the intent of the maker who was behind them? Why did they make the choices they did and how can we bring that intention into not only our own photography, but our businesses as a whole? This one goes deep and we hope you'll join us!

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

So you say you're not a joiner? That's cool. But what if we told you that you are missing out on some of the best friendships, community, and education of your life as a photographer? Becoming a part of any photographic community is so much more than paying dues and member benefits. It's about collaboration, group learning, bonding through wins and failures, and sharing a common interest. Mary & Kira speak to what they've gained through the organizations and groups they've been a part of, how it's impacted their careers. Remember, these groups give back to you what you put in 10 fold, so why not give a little and get a lot? Seems like a good enough reason to become a joiner to us!

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

No, we're not talking about your first apartment! This week is all about being more efficient in the photography studio. From air conditioning to gear, Mary & Kira talk about creating ideal studio spaces to suit their varied needs. Listen in and pick up some tips to make the most of the space where you create!

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

They say the moment you stop looking for something, you find it. This week, Mary and Kira discuss that search for uniqueness and when it's time to take a step back and revaluate. It's all about personal style evolution, folks, and as it turns out, it's not even about you. 

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

Constructive Critique from the right source can be an incredible learning tool, but are your ready to hear it? In this episode Mary and Kira discuss seeking out critique for your images and business from the right places and how you can apply that feedback. As always, be cautious with where you seek help and consider the source!

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

Just because we are artists doesn't mean we have to be starving! Kira's just back from Capitol Hill where the Senate Judicary Committee passed the Case Act, something that Professional Photographers of America has been pursuing for over a decade. Listen in as Mary and Kira dissect the issue and discuss exactly what all the hubbub is about when it comes to creator rights. If you've ever been confused on the issue and how it all works, this is the episode for you! You can also get behind us and write your representatives quickly and easily at www.ppa.com/smallclaims. Keep sending those letters in. We've had a small victory but there's still a long way to go! 

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

You've had the consult. You've done the planning. You've photographed the client. They are about to walk into your salesroom and you have no idea what they are going to buy! We've all been there. But what if you knew from that first phone call that your client just remodeled their living room and their kid was about to go off to college? What if you saw the wall beforehand? How would that change the way you photograph their family? Would you shoot more landscape or portrait orientation? Would you try harder to shoot an epic family portrait? Would you focus more photos on the child who was about to leave the nest? Start focusing on what the client really needs rather than things they might want and you'll save yourself time and anxiety in the salesroom. In this episode, Mary and Kira talk about being efficient from the moment of contact and closing the sale more easily. Stop selling for the shoot and start shooting for the sale!

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

The world of off camera light is vast and wonderful, and hard to sift through. In this episode, Mary and Kira discuss their choices for creating light for their clients and what tools are working best for them now. With so many choices out there, how do you find where to start? Listen in for insight on what works best for both businesses. At the end of the day, it's all about learning how to use the tools to shape the light and finding what works best for you.

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

Ever wonder how some folks seem to do it all? It's probably because they aren't actually doing it all. Entrepreneurs are often control freaks and Mary and Kira can certainly identify! In this episode, the gals talk about hitting walls with having to do everything in the business themselves and how they climbed over those walls. Ultimately to succeed, you have got to be OK with letting some things go in order to be more productive and profitable. Listen in as Mary and Kira talk outsourcing post production tasks, accounting, office tasks, personal services, even this podcast! 

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

What is all the buzz about StoryBrand?  Is it about telling a Story or is it just a new way to Brand your business?  Actually it is neither.  The StoryBrand concept is from the best selling book by Donald Miller, Building a StoryBrand and it just so happens that Mary is an official StoryBrand Certified Guide.  Spend this episode with Mary and Kira while they discuss the introductory concepts of this revolutionary marketing philosophy that has given hundreds if not thousands of businesses a firm competitive edge.  The benefits they will share in this one episode will help you connect with your ideal customers, clarify your messaging and grow your business to epic new heights! 

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