In this heartfelt and deeply reflective episode, I’m joined by Mary Claire Coleman—an Atlanta-based photographer, doula, and yoga instructor whose work is grounded in presence, empathy, and connection.

Mary Claire brings a truly unique perspective to her photography, drawing from her experiences supporting people through birth, weddings, and life's sacred transitions. In our conversation, we explore how her roles as a doula and yoga instructor beautifully inform her creative approach—emphasizing mindfulness, intuition, and emotional depth in every image she captures.

From navigating the early days of her photography career to building intentional community and overcoming imposter syndrome, Mary Claire shares how personal growth and compassion have shaped her business and artistry. She also opens up about how her own recent wedding experience reshaped her understanding of what it means to be seen and cared for as a client and how that now informs the way she shows up for others.

This episode is full of beautiful reflections on what it means to value people, to document honestly and intentionally, and to trust yourself as a creative.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

📷 Mary Claire’s path into photography and creative entrepreneurship
 🤝 The power of community and treating each client as a unique relationship
 🧘‍♀️ The overlap between her work as a photographer, doula, and yoga teacher
 🧠 How mindfulness and presence elevate her approach to storytelling
 👶 The emotional intensity and sacredness of birth photography
 💍 How her own wedding impacted how she serves her photography clients
 ❤️ The importance of empathy and connection in creating meaningful images

Whether you’re a photographer, birth worker, or creative navigating multiple callings, Mary Claire’s story is a beautiful reminder to lead with care, stay grounded in purpose, and honor every story you’re trusted to tell.

Connect with Mary Claire Coleman:

📸 Photography Instagram: @maryclairephoto
🤰 Doula Instagram: @maryclairedoula
🌐 Website: www.maryclairephoto.com

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow creative or caretaker. 🎙️✨

This week’s episode is incredibly special—I'm joined by someone who has shaped not only my life, but my creative journey from the very beginning: my dad, Ron Crittendon. A multi-hyphenated creative entrepreneur, Ron’s story is filled with rich experiences in drawing, graphic design, photography, business, and fatherhood, all guided by faith and a deep commitment to independence and legacy.

From his early days as a visual artist to building multiple creative ventures, Ron opens up about the moments that defined him—not just as a creative, but as a husband, father of four, and man of faith. We talk honestly about the tension between creative ambition and personal responsibility, and how he’s navigated seasons of sacrifice, success, and spiritual growth.

This conversation is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to pursue creativity over a lifetime while being deeply rooted in family, mentorship, and faith.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

🎨 Ron’s early passions for drawing, stop-motion animation, and graphic design
 💼 His experiences with creative entrepreneurship—and the pivots along the way
 🧠 Balancing creative work with the weight of being a provider and father
 👨‍👧 The lessons he’s learned while raising a family of artists and dreamers
 📱 How technology has evolved and impacted the creative process
 💡 The value of mentorship, community, and staying teachable
 🕊️ How God has shown up unexpectedly to guide, redirect, and sustain him
 🌱 The legacy Ron hopes to leave and how creativity plays a part in that

Whether you’re a creative parent, a multi-passionate entrepreneur, or someone trying to figure out how to honor your gifts while juggling life’s demands, Ron’s story is full of wisdom, warmth, and grace.

Connect with Ron Crittendon:

📷 Instagram: @inky.green
🌐 Website: www.julienanderson.com

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone you love—especially if they’ve ever questioned whether creativity and real life can co-exist. Spoiler: they absolutely can. 🎙️✨

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, I’m joined by Renee Jael, a wedding and branding photographer, entrepreneur, fashion lover, and the visionary behind both Renee Jael and Angel Haus Consulting. Renee opens up about her unexpected and transformative journey—from studying dietetics to becoming a full-time creative entrepreneur rooted in faith, artistry, and purpose.

We explore how Renee’s childhood experiences shaped her passion for photography, and how she gradually transitioned into the creative world by saying yes to what lit her up. She shares her story of creative awakening, the realities of being a business owner, and how she’s built a brand that intertwines her love for fashion, consulting, and visual storytelling.

Through every pivot and challenge, Renee has leaned on her faith in Jesus, staying grounded in gratitude and seeking mentorship along the way. Her reflections on the importance of memories, presence, ethics, and personal growth are not only relatable but deeply encouraging for creatives walking their own path.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

📸 Renee’s journey from studying dietetics to launching a photography business
 🌟 Her creative awakening and the leap to full-time entrepreneurship
 📈 Balancing the admin side of business with creative passion
 👗 Weaving fashion and consulting into a multi-faceted brand
 🙏 How faith in Jesus shapes her purpose, growth, and business values
 📷 Childhood moments that influenced her love for photography
 🤝 The importance of mentorship, gratitude, and ethical storytelling
 💡 Creating distinct spaces for different expressions of her business
 🕊️ Being present in the moment and honoring memories through photography

Renee’s story is full of soul, intention, and wisdom—this episode is a must-listen for anyone building a business with creativity, faith, and purpose at the center.

Book a Consulting Session – $50 Off!

Renee is offering podcast listeners $50 off a consulting session with her company, Angel Haus Consulting, where she mentors creatives and entrepreneurs looking to align their brand with purpose and vision.

🔗 Click here to book
💰 Mention this podcast episode for $50 off your package!

Connect with Renee:

📷 Instagram: @reneejael @angelhausconsulting @bravebeautifulfree
🌐 Website: www.reneejael.com

If you’re encouraged by Renee’s journey, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow creative! 🎙️✨

In this episode, I’m joined by Chaise Tinsley, the talented wedding photographer behind Hello Helaine—a modern, elevated brand with an artistic approach to capturing wedding days across the East Coast and beyond.

Chaise opens up about her bold and intentional decision to rebrand from The Tinsley Co, her former adventure elopement business, into a more refined and editorial-focused brand. We dig into what it looked like to pivot her brand identity, the emotions that came with starting fresh, and how she’s navigating the transition while honoring her artistic voice.

Whether you're considering a rebrand, in the midst of creative evolution, or just feeling the itch to take a bold next step—this episode will speak directly to you.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

🔄 Why Chaise rebranded from The Tinsley Co to Hello Helaine
 🎨 The creative and emotional journey behind her new artistic direction
 📣 Marketing a new brand
 🌟 The real highs and lows of shifting your business identity
 🧠 Trusting your intuition and artistry as you grow and evolve
 🌍 Her goals for the year

Chaise’s vulnerability and wisdom in this conversation are so encouraging for any creative navigating change! She reminds us that it’s not just okay—but essential—to trust yourself as you evolve, both artistically and professionally.

Connect with Chaise Tinsley & Hello Helaine:

📷 Instagram: @hellohelaine
🌐 Website: www.hellohelaine.com

If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a creative friend who needs the encouragement. 🎙️✨

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Mike D, an Atlanta-based portrait and branding photographer and videographer known for his bold, polished, and professional visuals. From working a part-time hustle to becoming a full-time creative entrepreneur, Mike has built a thriving business working with high-end brands and celebrity clients and maintaining longevity in the industry.

We dive into his journey, marketing strategies, and the business mindset that helped him scale his brand. Mike shares how using Instagram Reels strategically skyrocketed his business and revenue, how he’s maintained retainer clients while setting personal boundaries, and the key to finding your authentic voice in marketing. Plus, he reveals his ultimate dream gig—shooting Chris Brown on tour!

In This Episode, We Talk About:

🚀 The transition from part-time to full-time photography & videography
 🎥 Working with celebrity clients and delivering a high-end experience
 📱 How Instagram Reels transformed his marketing and business growth
 💡 Building a sustainable business with retainer clients
 🛑 Setting boundaries to prevent burnout and protect your creative energy
 🗣️ Finding your authentic voice in marketing to attract the right clients
🎤 His dream job: capturing Chris Brown on tour

Mike’s insights are a goldmine for creatives looking to grow their business, refine their marketing strategy, and attract premium clients. If you're serious about taking your photography or videography career to the next level, this episode is a must-listen!

Book a Mentor Session with Mike D – $500 Off!

Mike is offering podcast listeners $500 off his 1:1 mentor sessions! Get personalized guidance on marketing, pricing, working with high-end clients, and scaling your creative business.

🔗 Email to book a Mentorship Session Here: [email protected]
 

Connect with Mike D:

📸 Instagram: @miked.shotme
🌎 Website: www.mikedshotme.com

If this episode inspired you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow creative! 🎙️✨

Today, I’m sitting down with Chrissandra Jallah, a wedding photographer based in Atlanta who creates clean and effortless imagery that captures love and joy across the globe. But here’s the twist: while building her photography business, she also works full-time as a grand jury clerk!

In this episode, we dive into how Chrissandra successfully balances her 9-5 job with running a thriving wedding photography business. We also chat about how her legal background gives her an edge in contracts, NDAs, and copyright protection—crucial topics that every photographer should understand.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

📸 How Chrissandra balances her wedding photography career with a full-time legal job
📝 The legal aspects of photography: contracts, NDAs, and copyrights
🎥 Adding wedding content creation to her services & its growing demand
⚖️ Managing work-life balance and preventing burnout
😰 Dealing with self-doubt and questioning your creative work

Chrissandra shares insightful, real-world advice for photographers who are juggling multiple responsibilities while trying to grow their business. Whether you're working a 9-5 or just looking to protect yourself legally as a photographer, this episode is full of really valuable takeaways.

Need a Contract Review? Get an Exclusive Discount!

Chrissandra is offering a special discount for podcast listeners on contract reviews! If you need a second pair of eyes on your photography contracts, book a review session with her and make sure your business is legally protected.

🔗 Book a Contract Review with Chrissandra: [email protected]
💰 Mention the Pick My Brain Podcast for a special discount!

Connect with Chrissandra:

📷 Instagram: @chrissandrajallah
🌍 Website: www.chrissandrajallah.com
✨Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@capturedbychris

If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow photographer! 🎙️

Welcome to the first full episode of the Pick My Brain Podcast! 🎉 Today, we’re diving into the early days of my wedding photography journey—how I got started, key milestones in my 10-year career as a wedding photographer, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way with questions answered directly from you all on Instagram.

Starting a photography business can be exciting, but let’s be real—it also comes with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and creative burnout. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal experiences, the challenges I faced in those first few years, and how I found confidence as an artist and business owner.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

📸 How I booked my first wedding and built my portfolio
😨 My struggles with imposter syndrome (and how I worked through them)
💡 Where I turn for creative inspiration when I feel stuck
🚀 Advice for new photographers trying to find their style and confidence

Whether you’re just starting out in wedding photography or you’ve been in the industry for years, this episode will give you practical insights, encouragement, and motivation to keep pushing forward in your creative journey.

Resources & Links:

📷 Follow on Instagram and submit questions for future episodes: @pickmybrainpodcast
💬 Learn more about the podcast: www.kiyahc.com/pick-my-brain-podcast
🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes on photography, business, and creativity!

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with a friend—it helps so much! Thanks for tuning in, and I can’t wait to chat with you again soon. 

Welcome to the Pick My Brain Podcast! In this very first episode, I’m sharing why I started this podcast, what you can expect, and how it will help you grow in wedding photography, business, and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this podcast is here to inspire, educate, and guide you on your journey. Tune in to hear my background, the vision behind the show, and why I’m so excited to have you here. Let’s discover, create, and inspire together! 🎙️✨