After walking through infertility for nearly three years, I was preparing for surgery — and just two days after publicly opening up about that journey for the first time, we found out we were pregnant. A literal miracle.

But this episode isn't just about the miracle. It's about what surrender really looks like — in life, in business, and in faith. Because even now, I'm still learning that being pregnant isn't the finish line of infertility… it's another opportunity to trust God fully.

Today I'm sharing how surrender has shaped every part of my story — from trusting Him with finances when I wasn't booking shoots, to redefining what success means as I prepare for motherhood.

If you're in a season of waiting, pivoting, or releasing control, this one's for you.

🎉MENTORSHIPS If you're craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET'S CONNECT 🫶 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephoto

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡 My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ https://www.photocampinfo.com

DON'T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

So you're thinking about going full time with your creative business… or maybe you already have and you're realizing it's a lot more than just taking pretty pictures.

In today's episode, I'm sharing 10 things I wish I knew before I made the leap into full-time photography. From learning how to set boundaries, diversify income, and protect your creativity, to trusting God when things feel uncertain — this one's packed with the kind of wisdom I wish someone had told me earlier.

Whether you're dreaming about leaving your 9 to 5 or you're already in the middle of the grind, I hope this episode gives you clarity, encouragement, and the reminder that you're not alone in figuring it all out!

Because going full-time isn't the finish line — it's the starting line 🙂

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🎉MENTORSHIPS If you're craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET'S CONNECT 🫶 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephoto

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡 My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ https://www.photocampinfo.com

DON'T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

Have you ever felt like you're taking a step backward in your business? Like things that used to flow easily suddenly feel slow, quiet, or uncertain?

In today's episode, I'm sharing about what it really means to walk through a season of refinement — and how I've learned that those hard seasons aren't wasted ones. From rebuilding my business after moving from Georgia to Charleston, to seeing God's hand in the quiet in-between, I'm reminded that refinement isn't failure. It's formation.

We'll talk about what refinement looks like, how to recognize when you're in it, and how to lean into the process instead of rushing through it.

Because sometimes the seasons that feel like falling behind are actually the ones that make you the strongest!

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🎉MENTORSHIPS If you're craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET'S CONNECT 🫶 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephoto

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡 My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ https://www.photocampinfo.com

DON'T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

If you've ever felt anxious about your business, your finances, or just life in general - this episode is for you. We all experience worry in different ways. Maybe it's when you have to draw a boundary with a client, send a hard email, or trust that the next booking will come through.

In this episode, Alex shares 10 Bible verses that have helped her find peace in the middle of uncertainty. Each verse comes with reflection and real life encouragement for creatives and business owners who want to trade anxiety for trust.

Take a deep breath, slow down, and let Scripture remind you that you're not alone - and that God's peace is available right now.

Verses Mentioned: Philippians 4:6–7 Matthew 6:34 1 Peter 5:7 Isaiah 26:3 Psalm 94:19 John 14:27 Proverbs 12:25 Psalm 46:10 Joshua 1:9 Romans 8:28

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🎉MENTORSHIPS If you're craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET'S CONNECT 🫶 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephoto

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡 My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ https://www.photocampinfo.com

DON'T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

Fall is HEREEE + it's time to get creative 🎃 In this episode, I'm sharing 10 content ideas that are perfect for photographers to use all season long — we are chatting reel ideas, post concepts, and stories that have potential to bump your engagement! I actually recorded this in my car with my notes written on a napkin (lol), but the ideas are solid, practical, and meant to help you plan out your fall content calendar with ease.

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🎉MENTORSHIPS If you're craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET'S CONNECT 🫶 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephoto

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡 My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ https://www.photocampinfo.com

DON'T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

x

Ever wondered how photographers can actually land work with design studios? 👀 I sat down with Charleston designer Amanda Andreucci to talk about building her studio, leading a creative team, tips for collaborating across industries, and even how she's approaching AI. Quick, punchy, and packed with takeaways (plus it feels like a facetime date with two creatives).

Connect with Amanda: https://www.instagram.com/andreucci.design.studio/

🎉MENTORSHIPS If you're craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET'S CONNECT 🫶

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡

My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ https://www.photocampinfo.com

DON'T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

Joshua Mannila is a 21-year-old photographer known for his dreamy, cinematic style. In this episode we chat about how he went from shooting on an iPad mini to building a community of 200k+ followers, why he believes photography is 70% art and 30% business, and the wild opportunities that have come from putting his work online (including that time American Eagle slid into his DMs). We also dive into lens filters, posing, editing, and how to make your photos feel cinematic instead of just chasing a trend.

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🎉MENTORSHIPS If you're craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET'S CONNECT 🫶 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephoto

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡 My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ https://www.photocampinfo.com

DON'T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

Madison Elise built a TikTok following of over 1.3 million by simply eating food on camera — including the burrito 🌯 video that hit 56 million views! But behind the viral fame was a story of struggle, healing, and a shift toward something bigger than social media. In this episode, Madison shares how Jesus transformed her life, how faith keeps her grounded in a world of numbers and views, and why humility matters more than fame.

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🎉MENTORSHIPS If you're craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET'S CONNECT 🫶 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephoto

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡

My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ https://www.photocampinfo.com

DON'T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

✨ NEWS FLASH: not everyone is going to like you! and that's okay!!! Today I'm sharing encouragement for when we feel criticized, misunderstood, or rejected. We'll talk about rooting our identity in God instead of the approval of people, choosing kindness even when it isn't reciprocated, and remembering who we are truly called to serve. Come hang with me if you need that reminder today :)

🎉MENTORSHIPS If you're craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET'S CONNECT 🫶

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡

My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ September 4–6. 11 styled shoots. Education. Campfires. New friends. A bunk bed with your name on it. Don't wait—spots are filling fast!

https://www.photocampinfo.com

DON'T FORGET!

🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

How do you actually stand out in a saturated market?

This week I'm joined by Kansas City senior photographer Kaylee West (@creative.kaylee) and we dive into all things branding and client experience. From making your work instantly recognizable, to building a senior experience that goes way beyond a one-hour shoot, Kaylee shares how she's grown a business that feels fun, colorful, and community-driven.

We talk about:

• Why consistency matters more than trends

• How to create an experience that makes seniors (and parents) feel special

• What it really takes to become the "go-to" photographer in your area

• The small touches that turn clients into lifelong fans

If you've ever wondered how to make your brand unforgettable (without burning yourself out trying to keep up with everyone else), this episode is full of ideas you'll want to steal.

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🎉MENTORSHIPS If you're craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET'S CONNECT 🫶 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephoto

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡 My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ https://www.photocampinfo.com

DON'T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!