Staci Brucks took a bold step in her late 20s, with zero background, and skyrocketed her photography business during a global pandemic. Her story proves that bold moves and relentless curiosity can turn your biggest doubts into unstoppable success.

When she decided to leave a stable career in healthcare, Staci cashed in her 15-year-old savings crayon to buy her first camera and never looked back. In just a few months, she transformed from a medical professional to a sought-after destination wedding photographer — all while navigating COVID chaos, porch photoshoots, and her own self-doubt. Her journey highlights the power of embracing opportunities, leaning into authenticity, and staying relentless even when others shy away.

You’ll discover:

• How Staci turned pandemic fears into a thriving wedding and destination photography empire
• The mindset shifts that helped her embrace her unique style, show up confidently, and stand out in a saturated industry
• The tools and tactics she used — from YouTube tutorials to Ray-Ban smart glasses — to master her craft on her own terms
• Why showcasing your personality is the ultimate secret weapon for building trust and attracting clients
• And how to stay resilient and confident on the days when everything feels uncertain

Staci Brucks is a destination wedding photographer and brand educator known for her candid storytelling and innovative behind-the-scenes content. With a background in sports medicine and a passion for travel, she’s built a business rooted in authenticity, resilience, and sheer grit.Whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to pivot your existing business, Staci’s journey reminds us all that success favors the bold. Hit play to learn how to turn your "what ifs" into your greatest wins and get inspired to chase your dream, no matter your age or background.

Episode Links:

Staci Brucks Website: https://stacibrucksphoto.com

Staci's IG: https://www.instagram.com/stacibrucksphoto

Most artists don’t realize how much time and experimentation are necessary to truly master their craft, and why embracing mistakes is the secret to growth. Meg Loeks, a renowned photographer and educator, pulls back the curtain on her journey from childhood film hobbyist to career-driven artist, revealing the pivotal moments that transformed her creative process and her mental health.

In this inspiring conversation, Meg shares how her personal struggles with her son's health reshaped her art and deepened her appreciation for everyday beauty.

You'll discover how she balances technical mastery with creative experimentation, often spending hours perfecting a single shot—because she believes every mistake is just a step toward a masterpiece. We break down her unique approach to color, composition, and staging, influenced by art history and her background in advertising, and how those elements guide her in creating powerful images that tell stories.

Meg discusses her self-care strategies as an artist, highlighting the importance of camera time as a mental health practice, and explains why she avoids perfectionism, embracing chaos and imperfections as part of her authenticity. She dives into her workflow for conceptual shoots, how she visualizes ideas, and why giving her work breathing room between shoots fuels her creativity.

You’ll learn her favorite tools, from interval timers to lighting setups, plus her thoughts on AI art and what it takes to stay authentic in an increasingly digital world.

Whether you’re an aspiring photographer, a seasoned artist, or a creative craving community, this episode will inspire you to see your mistakes as growth opportunities and your routine as a sacred ritual for mental health. Perfect for those seeking to deepen their craft, embrace imperfection, and find joy in the process, this one’s for you.

Meg Loeks is a talented photographer, educator, and founder of The Creative Thread podcast, dedicated to inspiring artists across all disciplines. Her work, influenced by Norman Rockwell and Tim Burton, exemplifies the magic in everyday moments and the power of experimentation.

Stay tuned for practical tips, heartfelt stories, and a reminder that true artistry begins with patience, curiosity, and a willingness to fail forward. This episode will leave you eager to pick up your camera and trust the beautiful mess of your creative journey.

Links:

Website: https://www.megloeks.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/meg_nlo

Online Education: Meg Loeks Creative Community

Join Casey Thornton as she redefines motherhood photography by embracing vulnerability and authentic storytelling. In this episode, Casey shares how her personal journey as a mother inspires her to capture raw, intimate moments that empower women. Discover her unique techniques for creating emotional safety and connection during sessions, and learn about her intuitive marketing strategies that keep her business thriving.

Casey also opens up about her transition from dental hygiene to photography, highlighting the resilience and creativity that fueled her success. Whether you're a photographer seeking meaningful work or a mother wanting to see yourself through a new lens, this episode offers inspiration and practical tips for living in alignment with your passions.

Tune in to explore how Casey's work blends documentary and lifestyle photography to celebrate the beauty of motherhood.

Links

Website: photosbycaseylouise.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/photography_by_caseylouise/

Esther Kay shares how she went from childhood teacher to sought after portrait photographer known for bold, art driven motherhood and maternity work. Recorded live at WPPI, this conversation captures the energy of being in the room while diving into her creative evolution and the decisions that shaped her path.

She talks about building a signature style, trusting your instincts, and creating powerful images with simple lighting. You’ll hear how she directs clients with confidence, especially women who feel vulnerable in front of the camera, and how she approaches every part of her work from styling to editing with intention.

We also get into what it actually takes to grow in this industry. Investing wisely, building a team, staying curious, and surrounding yourself with the right people. This is for photographers who want more than just pretty images. It is for the ones ready to create work that feels like them and build a career that reflects it.

Esther Kay is an award winning portrait photographer and educator known for her striking maternity and motherhood imagery and her commitment to supporting other photographers.

Links: 

Esther Kay Photography: www.estherkaystudio.com

Esther’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/estherkayphotography

Join us as Summer Grace shares her inspiring journey from a landscape photography hobby to building a thriving education platform for photographers. Discover her insights on authenticity, boundaries, and creating community in a saturated industry.

In this episode:

• How Summer transitioned from landscape to wedding and couples photography
• The power of social media habit-building for consistent growth
• Crafting a personal brand that reflects your true self
• Strategies for managing different client personalities and energy levels
• The importance of boundaries online—sharing selectively and authentically
• Building community through Summer School and summer camps
• How postpartum and motherhood influenced her business pivots
• Tips for beginners on experimenting with lighting and posing
• The evolution of industry workshops: styled shoots vs. interactive experiences
• Balancing artistry with business longevity

Connect with Summer Grace:

Summer School Membership: https://www.the-summerschool.com/

Summer Grace Website: https://summergracephoto.com/

Summer Grace IG: https://www.instagram.com/summergrace.photo/

Summer School IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_summerschool/

Dive into an honest conversation with Audrey Woulard, a Chicago-based portrait and teen photographer, who shares her journey from natural light lover to lighting innovator using strobes, and how embracing boundaries and authenticity supercharged her business. Learn her tips on client communication, marketing strategy, and creating a style that is uniquely yours.

In this episode:

• Audrey’s transition from baby/family portraits to high-end senior and teen photography
• How her personal life, including becoming a mom, influenced her photography niche
• The story behind her rebranding and strategic boundary setting
• Her approach to client expectations, studio boundaries, and gallery curation
• The mindset shift that took her from natural light purist to lighting innovator using strobes and high-speed sync
• Tips on marketing to teens and parents, including working with moms to include them in the process
• Her journey into education and speaking at industry conferences, overcoming industry misogyny
• The importance of authenticity, style consistency, and boundaries for sustainable success
• Practical insights on balancing ambient and flash light to create timeless portraits
• How to build confidence and stay true to your unique style without comparison

Links:

Website: www.katcteens.com 

Education: www.awteaches.com

IG: instagram.com/audreywoulard

Chloe Ramirez sits down with photographer and educator Sandra Coan to talk about how she turned a childhood fascination with photography into a thriving career built on light, legacy, and intention. They dive into the evolution of maternity photography, how lighting became Sandra’s love language, and the process behind developing a signature style that actually lasts. The conversation goes deeper: burnout, balance, self-care, and what it really takes to build a creative business with heart. Sandra also shares how her passion for education led her to create one of the industry’s most respected certification programs, reminding us all that consistency, curiosity, and staying true to your voice will always stand the test of time.

Sandra’s Website: Www.sandracoaneducation.com

Sandra’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandracoan

Pre Order Sandras Book: HERE

Demi Moore Photo (referenced in show)By Annie Leibovitzhttps://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/04/demi-moore-cover-story-august-1991?srsltid=AfmBOorAa5lGkpDwfp7gFeFW7ExtioF5cTBqOvFVy75qqnfe7zkflr7P

Kim Evans shares her journey as a designer and entrepreneur in the wedding industry, from pioneering pop-up weddings to building a business alongside her husband, Gary. The conversation explores the balance between family life and entrepreneurship, the transition from client work to education and mentorship, and the importance of celebrating small wins along the way. At the core of Kim’s story is a reminder that thriving as an entrepreneur requires flexibility—and that true success is found in creating meaningful experiences for both clients and community.

Website: www.garyandkimevans.com

IG: @garyandkim.ca

Takeaways

Kim and Gary have been in the wedding industry for nearly two decades.

They emphasize the importance of celebrating small wins in life and business.

Kim transitioned from floral design to photography to reduce overhead costs.

Pop-up weddings fill a gap for couples seeking a unique, affordable wedding experience.

They prioritize work-life balance and avoid hustle culture.

Education and mentorship have become a significant focus for Kim and Gary.

They believe success is subjective and should align with personal values.

Creating memorable moments for clients is at the heart of their business.

They encourage entrepreneurs to define their own version of success.

Flexibility in scheduling is crucial for maintaining family life alongside business.

Keywords

Kim Evans, pop-up weddings, entrepreneurship, wedding industry, business partnership, education, mentorship, creative business, work-life balance, innovation

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Connection at ShutterFest

02:52 Building a Business Together

05:30 The Importance of Gratitude in Entrepreneurship

08:10 Navigating Family Expectations and Career Choices

10:53 Transitioning from Floral Design to Photography

13:15 Roles and Responsibilities in the Business

15:49 Innovative Pop-Up Weddings Concept

18:27 Unique Wedding Experiences and Vendor Collaboration

23:37 The Art of Building Rapport in Photography

24:29 Innovative Marketing Strategies for Unique Experiences

26:15 Creating Memorable Client Experiences

26:58 Navigating the Challenges of Pop-Up Photography

29:04 Transitioning into Education and Workshops

31:48 Balancing Business and Family Life

34:07 Embracing Change and Personal Growth

35:44 The Importance of Creating Moments

37:39 The Dynamics of a Strong Partnership

42:09 Advice for Couple Entrepreneurs

44:45 Defining Success on Your Own Terms

Chloe Ramirez sits down with marketing expert Noella Andres to explore her journey from photography to marketing. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of navigating the creative industry, the importance of community, and the power of email marketing. Noella shares her experiences with boudoir photography, the impact of COVID-19 on her business, and the significance of setting personal boundaries. The discussion emphasizes the value of long-form content, client experience, and building confidence in marketing strategies, providing listeners with actionable insights to enhance their creative businesses.

Noella's Website:

Takeaways

Noella transitioned from photography to marketing due to personal needs.

Boudoir photography highlighted the importance of empowering women.

COVID-19 led to a surge in demand for marketing services.

Taking a break in a flower shop helped Noella reconnect with herself.

Community and connection are vital for creative professionals.

Setting personal boundaries is crucial to avoid burnout.

Email marketing is a powerful tool for photographers.

Long-form content is gaining popularity over short-form content.

Client experience should be prioritized in marketing strategies.

Surrounding yourself with supportive peers boosts confidence.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connections

00:31 Noella's Journey into Photography

02:48 Transitioning to Boudoir Photography

05:43 The Shift to Marketing and Coaching

08:37 The Flower Shop Experience

10:07 Rediscovering Joy in Photography

15:34 The Importance of Mental Breaks

18:23 Setting Boundaries and Self-Care

22:07 Finding Peace Through Decision-Making

23:53 Recognizing Your Strengths in Marketing

27:03 The Importance of Long-Term Goals

29:43 Navigating Trends vs. Authentic Marketing

30:55 The Power of Email Marketing

33:56 The Shift Towards Long-Form Content

37:41 Overcoming Mental Blocks in Storytelling

40:34 Building Confidence as a Photographer

44:34 Focusing on Client Experience for Success

Summary

In this conversation, Marcie Reif shares her journey as a family and portrait photographer, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, understanding light, and building trust with clients. She discusses the challenges faced in the photography business, the significance of creating a positive experience for families, and her experiences in establishing a studio. Marcie also highlights the value of education in photography and her passion for empowering women through her Road Trippers Retreat. The conversation concludes with insights on overcoming self-doubt and the importance of celebrating achievements in the creative field.

Takeaways

• Mentorship is crucial for growth in photography.
• Understanding light is essential for capturing great images.
• Building trust with clients enhances the photography experience.
• Creating a positive environment is key for family sessions.
• Self-doubt is a common challenge for photographers.
• Patience is necessary for business growth.
• Marketing strategies should be tailored to your audience.
• Networking with other photographers can provide support and inspiration.
• Celebrating achievements helps build confidence.
• Education and continuous learning are vital in photography.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Warm Connections

01:13 The Heart of Family Photography

06:31 Building Trust with Families

15:31 Navigating Challenges with Kids

19:22 Creating a Positive Experience for Families

21:20 Creating a Comfortable Session Flow

24:33 The Journey to Owning a Studio

29:30 Building a Successful Photography Business

33:52 Marketing Strategies for New Offers

38:26 The Journey of Road Trippers Retreat

43:38 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Visibility

47:44 Celebrating Achievements: Becoming a Tamron Image Master

53:46 Creating a Supportive Community for Women Photographers

55:38 Advice for Aspiring Photographers: Embrace the Journey

58:59 Creating a Safe Space for Honest Conversations

59:52 The Importance of Mentorship in Personal Growth

Links

Website: www.marciereif.com

RoadTrippers Retreat: https://marciereif.com/retreats

Keywords

photography, mentorship, family photography, business growth, education, self-doubt, women in photography, photography retreat, studio photography, marketing strategies