In This Episode We Cover

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Takeaway

The work will always be there. Your kids won't always be this little. Build a business that supports your life, not the other way around, and give yourself some grace this summer.

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Not booking as much as you want? The answer might be hiding in plain sight... your portfolio. In this episode, Marie and Amber break down the different photography styles that attract luxury clients, what makes a feed look expensive vs. budget, and why luxury isn't one single aesthetic. Spoiler: it comes down to intentionality, restraint, and artistry.

The Big Myth About Luxury Photography Luxury isn't just light and airy fields and flowing neutral dresses. There are so many paths to a high-end brand, and the one that works best for you is the one that genuinely lights you up.

Photography Styles That Can Command Luxury Prices

What Makes Work Look Budget (No Matter the Style)

What Luxury Work Always Has in Common

Luxury photography is not one specific style. It's the level of intention and passion behind the work. What makes an image feel expensive is the emotion, consistency, curation, and artistry underneath it all. Create work that feels unmistakably you, and then get really masterful at that.

Marie Elizabeth Photography marie-elizabethphotography.com | @marie.elizabeth.photo

Light Livin Photography lightlivinphotography.com | @light_livin_photography

In this episode, we're joined by Laura Esmond, a portrait photographer based in Denver, Colorado with 26 years of experience who also teaches photographers how to sell and display their work through her mastermind, Get Rooted. Laura has a fascinating perspective on the psychology behind sales, and this conversation is packed with insight that's going to shift the way you think about IPS, pricing, and the entire client experience.

We dig into what it actually means to be a confident salesperson (hint: it has nothing to do with being pushy), how your own money mindset shows up in your ordering meetings, and the simple but powerful ways you can start getting clients bought in on artwork long before the session even happens.

In this episode, we cover:

Resources mentioned:

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If you loved this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left a review... it helps other photographers find the show and join this community. See you next week!

Thinking about making the leap to full-time photography? This episode is for you. Marie and Amber get real about what it actually takes, and spoiler: the hardest milestones aren't the practical ones.

They break down the key milestones you need to hit before going full-time, including the mindset shifts that don't get talked about enough.

In this episode:

Links mentioned:

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Motherhood, boundaries, and building a business that actually supports your life... this one hits close to home.

Marie and Amber are recording just days before Mother's Day 2026, and they're getting real about hustle culture, the pressure to be constantly available, and how they've intentionally structured their businesses around their families, not the other way around.

If you've ever felt the Sunday-night dread before a Monday session, said yes to a weekend booking you really didn't want, or found yourself halfway present at your kid's soccer game because your brain was still on work mode... this episode is for you.

In this episode, we talk about:

Resources & links mentioned:

Connect with us:

Amber | Light Livin Photography 🌐 lightlivinphotography.com 📸 @light_livin_photography

Marie | Marie Elizabeth Photography 🌐 marie-elizabethphotography.com 📸 @marie.elizabeth.photo

In this episode of the Luxe & Legacy Podcast, we’re breaking down exactly how we guide clients through the luxury photography experience using Zoom consultation calls, planning appointments, and ordering appointments… without ever feeling pushy or salesy.

We’re sharing the step-by-step process we use to build trust with clients from the very first inquiry all the way through artwork sales and final ordering. If you’ve ever felt awkward about sales calls, unsure how to talk about artwork, or overwhelmed by IPS, this episode will completely change the way you think about client communication.

We discuss:

At the heart of it all, luxury service is about making clients feel cared for, guided, and fully supported every step of the way.

Listen now and learn how to create a client experience that builds trust, increases sales, and feels effortless for both you and your clients.

Marie Elizabeth Photography: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com

In this solo episode, Marie shares an honest look at what’s happening in today’s photography market and why things might feel slower, even if you’re still booking.

Between decision fatigue, rising costs, and everything going on in the world, clients are taking longer to book and being more selective. The good news? You’re not doing anything wrong. The market is just shifting.

Instead of overhauling everything, Marie is making small, intentional changes:

This is a season of adjustment, not failure.

Marketing is evolving, and the photographers who stay visible, connected, and adaptable are the ones who will come out stronger.

Keep going. You’re closer than you think.

Websites:

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In today’s episode, Marie is diving into a question that comes up all the time in the photography world: is getting published actually worth it anymore? And if it is… how do you actually get your work accepted?

This conversation is honest, practical, and grounded in real experience. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should be spending time submitting your work to blogs and publications, this episode will give you clarity and direction.

What “getting published” really means today

Is getting published still worth it?

The biggest mistake photographers make when submitting

1. Study the publication before submitting

2. Make sure your work is strong and consistent

3. Curate your submission carefully

4. Follow submission guidelines exactly

5. Don’t overlook the details

6. Follow up (the right way)

Getting published isn’t a magic bullet for business growth—but it can be a helpful piece of the puzzle when approached intentionally.

The key takeaway?

And if you do decide to submit your work… go all in and do it well. Your work deserves to be seen.

Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com

Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com

If you loved this episode, it would mean so much if you left a review. It helps more photographers find the show and build a business that feels aligned, elevated, and sustainable 🤍

Episode Title: How to Create a Luxury Look in ANY Condition

What really makes an image feel luxurious?

It’s not the perfect light.

In this episode, we’re breaking down what actually creates a luxury experience and elevated imagery—from intentional client prep to how you pivot when things don’t go as planned (because they won’t always).

If you’ve ever felt like a session was “off” or not ideal, this episode will completely reframe how you approach your work and give you practical tools to still create magic.

1. Luxury is created, not found

2. How to prep clients for success

3. What to do when things go wrong

And most importantly: how to still create a luxury gallery anyway

When things aren’t perfect, you don’t panic—you pivot.

Here’s what to lean into:

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode:

Luxury isn’t about perfect conditions.

Marie shares how her background in music education shaped this mindset—focusing on doing whatever is in front of you exceptionally well.

Amber adds the reminder we all need:

Prepare with intention.

That’s the balance that creates both a luxury experience and a sustainable, joyful business.

Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com

Instagram:

If you loved this episode, it would mean so much if you left a review—it helps more photographers like you find the show 🤍

Q&A: Real-Time Answers to Your Biggest Photography Business Questions

In this episode, we’re switching things up and diving into a Q&A! Amber and I asked you on Instagram what your most pressing questions are in your photography business right now, and you delivered. Today, we’re answering as many as we can with honest, real-time insight into what’s actually working in our businesses right now.

If you’ve been wondering how to get more inquiries, refine your marketing, or confidently raise your prices… this episode is for you.

If you’ve been putting off creating a solid contract (or questioning if yours is actually protecting you), this is your sign.

Amber had her contract professionally created by a lawyer and made it available for photographers to use—so you don’t have to DIY something this important.

👉 https://lightlivinphotography.com/portrait-contract

Marie:

Amber:

If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean so much if you left a review or shared it with a photographer friend. It helps more photographers discover the show and build businesses that feel aligned, elevated, and sustainable.