Today I’m joined by my brilliant friend, fashion-and-wedding photographer Sandra Åberg, for a real talk we’ve both been having off-mic for years: does being “published” (Vogue, Harper’s, Martha) actually mean you’ve arrived—or is it another industry illusion that keeps creatives chasing validation? We swap origin stories (Milan fashion sets, Sports Illustrated mayhem, and stumbling into weddings), talk integrity lines, and share the unseen mechanics behind advertorials, vendor lists, and “top” roundups—what’s paid, what’s earned, and what actually moves the needle in a creative business. We also dig into the soul of the work: why connection with your couples matters more than a logo, and how to protect your creative magic in a content-driven world.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should pay to play, whether that “Vogue cover” on Instagram was an ad, or how to define success on your own terms—this one’s for you.

• The myth of arrival: Why “as seen in…” is social proof—not a finish line.

• Paid vs. earned press: Advertorials, vendor lists, and “Top Photographer” roundups—how they really work and what they’re good for.

• Integrity lines: Finding your yes/no around paying for placements, ads, and algorithms.

• From fashion to weddings: Sandra’s Milan years, mentorship, and the moment that shifted her values.

• When the dream feels empty: Sandra’s Vogue Japan cover—and the unexpected loneliness on the other side.

• What books/awards/followers really signal: The strategy behind best-seller lists and big platforms.

• Connection over clout: Why knowing (and liking!) your couples changes the images—and the experience.

• Working with planners: How to keep creative chemistry when gatekeepers run the process. Creator vs. content creator: Guardrails for protecting your artistry in a metrics world. Defining success: Visibility, vulnerability, and being seen for who you are—not what you’ve published.

Part two lands soon: “Be a Creator, Not Just a Content Creator”—plus details on our intimate Italy experience designed to rekindle your artistry (and yes, we’ll talk smart, values-aligned pathways to publication).

Question for you: Where’s your line between integrity and appearances—and what does “playing it brave” look like in your visibility strategy right now?

Meet Sandra

Sandra Åberg is an internationally acclaimed photographer known for her ethereal style, poetic storytelling, and deeply emotional imagery. With over 15 years of experience, she has photographed for Vogue, captured celebrity weddings, and built a reputation as one of Europe’s leading names in luxury destination wedding photography. Founder of both Atelier Åberg and her namesake brand, Sandra is not only a visual artist but also an educator and mentor, inspiring photographers and creatives worldwide to dream big and build a life they love.

Connect with Sandra

www.sandraaberg.comwww.atelieraberg.comSandra’s Instagram

If you’ve ever paused on your next chapter because you think you need to be “more ready” or “more perfect,” this one’s for you. My dear friend, multi-hyphenate creative and mentor Jessica Eileen Drogosz joins me to dismantle the myth that leaders must have it all together before they lead. From building associate teams and separating brands to launching a heart-led coaching offer, Jessica shares the real (and often messy) middle—where clarity, courage, and connection are forged. So many of you are standing on the edge of your next season—coaching, teaching, creating a course, or simply showing up more boldly online. If perfectionism has been your speed bump, consider this your green light. Progress—not flawlessness—is what builds mastery, self-trust, and momentum.

In this episode, we cover:

• The myth of perfection and why showing your humanity actually builds more trust.

• Following the “whisper”—how to recognize the nudge that it’s time for your next thing.

• Making space for multipassionate work: running successful photo brands and stepping into mentorship.

• Leadership in real life: humility, owning mistakes, and building systems with your team. Identity first, strategy second: creating from the future you (website, offers, and voice) before you “feel ready.”

• Micro-leaps & progress tracking: simple daily practices that compound into big outcomes.

• Social media resistance: sharing vulnerably in a new container without overthinking it.

• Coaching with depth: why inner story work belongs before scaling strategies.

You don’t need a perfect plan to lead—you need your imperfect, present self and one brave step. If you’re ready to move from dreaming to doing, go follow Jessica and book a clarity call. And if you want coaching around identity, mindset, and strategy for your next season, my door’s open too. Let’s build the future you—starting today.

Meet Jessica

Jessica Eileen Drogosz is a multi-hyphenate creative with over 14 years of experience turning vision into reality through artistry, strategy, and soul. As the founder of For Just a Moment Weddings and Our Days Photo and Film, she has traveled the world documenting love, legacy, and human connection—blending refined editorial style with honest, documentary storytelling.

Beyond photography her work has always been about more: helping others step fully into their story, create with truth, and embrace the beauty of becoming. Through her Undone & Becoming coaching, Jessica supports women and creative entrepreneurs in moving from uncertainty to clarity, from dreaming to doing. She offers strategic guidance, grounded mentorship, and bold encouragement to help others take their next leap—with heart, purpose, and integrity.

Connect with Jessica Jessica’s InstagramJessica’s Substackwww.jessicaeileen.com www.ourdaysphotoandfilm.com www.forjustamoment.com

I almost never say yes to cold pitches. But one late night, I opened an email from Meghan Ely of OFD Consulting—and instead of deleting it, I hit reply. It was researched, personal, and actually useful. That same energy comes through in this conversation, where Meghan shares how she’s helped creatives land features in The New York Times, Brides, Martha Stewart, People, and more.

This episode will shift how you think about PR—not as something reserved for celebrities or giant corporations, but as a powerful tool for any creative entrepreneur ready to be seen.

In this episode, we cover:

• The real difference between PR and marketing—and why Instagram isn’t PR

• The anatomy of a great wedding submission (permissions, vendor credits, and photo curation that tells a story)

• How to jump on cultural moments (like Taylor & Travis) with smart, timely commentary

• The truth about pay-to-play, advertising, and how to promote ethically Why rejection is part of the process and how to separate your self-worth from submissions

• Client success stories where press built authority, trust, and long-term bookings How OFD Collective helps creatives get quoted, featured, and speaking opportunities

Meghan is smart, warm, and refreshingly candid. If you’ve ever wondered how to get published—or if you’re tired of trying to DIY submissions—you’ll love this conversation.

Meet Meghan

OFD Consulting owner, Meghan Ely, combines in-the-trenches event experience with a love of wedding PR to empower her clients to take their businesses to new heights. Her team’s publicity efforts are regularly honored by the Public Relations Society of America, and more recently, Eventex named her one of the most influential Wedding Professionals in the Industry. A long-time industry speaker and writer, she has regularly earned clients' press in such outlets as the New York Times, Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, People, Bridal Guide, Architectural Digest and Style Me Pretty, among many others. Meghan is a past national president WIPA and is a member of the Allied Council for the National Society of Black Wedding and Event Professionals.

Connect with Meghan

Meghan’s WebsiteOFD Collective Membership

Have you ever built something that looked incredible from the outside…but didn’t actually feel good to live in? I’ve been there, and so have today’s guests, Brad & Jen.

Brad & Jen are a husband-and-wife photography duo with over a decade of experience behind the camera and in business. When I first came across their words on Instagram, I was struck by how different their perspective was from the usual “grow faster, do more” business advice. Their work and their message are both rooted in something deeper: artistry with intention.

In this conversation, we dive into what it really takes to create a sustainable business—one that doesn’t just fill your calendar or pad your Instagram feed, but one that supports your life. We talk about the identity shifts that come with growth, the way hustle can be both healthy and destructive, and the pivotal moments (including their famous “yellow chair moment”) that forced them to make big changes in how they ran their business.

Some of the things we explore together:

• Why success often comes at the cost of friendships, health, or community—and how to course correct.

• The difference between “busy hustle” and “focused hustle,” and how to find your rhythm without burning out.

• How pricing plays a huge role in creating space for rest, freedom, and sustainability.

• The seasonal cycles every business goes through, and how to recognize what season you’re in.

• The mindset shifts that allow you to show up as both an artist and a CEO—without sacrificing either.

• What it looks like to redefine success around presence, community, and intention instead of numbers and accolades.

This is a heartfelt, real conversation about business, creativity, and life. If you’ve ever felt stuck between striving for more and craving something sustainable, you’ll find so much encouragement here.

I hope you walk away from this episode remembering: your business is meant to serve you, not the other way around.

Meet Brad & Jen:

Brad & Jen are a husband-and-wife photography team and creative business coaches who believe your business should make room for the life you actually want. Known for their heartfelt and genuine imagery and deeply strategic minds, they’ve spent over a decade capturing love stories - everywhere from backyard weddings to vineyards and destination celebrations around the world. Along the way, they built a business that values people over pressure, connection over comparison, and art over algorithms. Now, they teach other photographers how to do the same through practical education, mindset shifts, and a belief that your work can be both meaningful and profitable. Whether they’re behind the camera or mentoring creatives, Brad & Jen are all in on helping people do work they’re proud of, without losing themselves in the process.

Connect with Brad & Jen:

• Photography: @bradandjen

• Education: @bradandjeneducation

Learn more about their mastermind at learn.bradandjen.com

On today’s episode of Play It Brave, I’m joined by my dear friend, the incredible creative and leader, Carrie Moe.

Carrie is someone I deeply admire—not only because of her talent (she’s styled for brands like Ritz-Carlton, Fujifilm, and Berta Bridal, and been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, and Brides), but because of the way she approaches her work with confidence, creativity, and so much integrity.

We dive into: ✨ Why collaboration is more powerful than competition in the creative industry. ✨ The myth of “falling behind” and how to release the pressure to keep up. ✨ What it means to value your time and treat yourself as a luxury brand. ✨ The importance of community, networking, and in-person connection for growing your career. ✨ How saying no to misaligned opportunities can open the door to bigger, more aligned “yeses.”

We also talk about the Hybrid Collective Conference, which is coming to Charleston in 2026. Hybrid has been one of my favorite places to teach, learn, and connect since 2017, and Carrie shares so beautifully about why it continues to be such a transformative space for photographers and creatives.

This conversation is a reminder that your artistry is yours alone. The way you see, create, and bring beauty into the world cannot be replicated—and that’s exactly what makes it valuable.

About the Hybrid Collective

Dreamers, Innovators, Goal Getters...Hybrid was established in 2017 by four industry leaders who saw the need for education and connections within the film photography space. Hybrid continues as a women owned company with a team who seeks to change the world by empowering, encouraging, and connecting with YOU.  While we have had our career highlights (Featured in Martha Stewart Print, Harpers Bazaar, traveled the globe for clients) nothing thrills our hearts like seeing a gathering of people come together and leave forever changed.

From our ad-on masterclasses, breakout sessions,  to our diverse speaker line-up, we cover all of the areas of priority in your business. We dive deep into the knowledge details of how to up-level, covering the details needed to grow a legacy brand and our teachers offer insider tips on every challenge you might face in your business. For photographers across the globe, we have become an inclusive and immersive experience that leaves our attendees' hearts forever changed.

Find all the information on Hybrid Collective here.Follow Hybrid Collective on Instagram here.

P.S. Use code "DB26SC" when you register for Hybrid Collective 2026 and you’ll receive $200 off your admission ticket plus a $425 credit toward my masterclasses at the conference. That’s $625 of value waiting for you — but I only have 10 codes, so when they’re gone, they’re gone!

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Marion Roach Smith—author, memoir coach, and one of the most no-nonsense, truth-telling voices in the writing world.

We talked all about memoir writing—what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s one of the most powerful tools for making sense of your life and sharing your story with the world. Marion shares how her background in journalism shaped her writing process, and how she developed what she calls the “memoir algorithm”—a simple but profound method to help you find the universal themes in your personal experiences.

We also got into the role AI is starting to play in the writing world, what it actually takes to get published, and why she believes everyone has stories worth telling. If you’ve ever wanted to write a book—or simply learn how to express yourself more clearly and courageously—this conversation will light a fire under you.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Why writing with intent is everything
• How memoir is different from autobiography—and why it matters
• The “memoir algorithm” Marion uses to help writers craft strong, universal stories
• Why you don’t need to wait for closure to write
• Her take on AI’s role in the writing process
• Tips for getting published in today’s landscape
• The radical act of sharing your humanity on the page

Ready to write your story? Marion’s work has helped thousands of people turn their lived experiences into powerful, published work—and after this conversation, I know you’ll be inspired to do the same.

Meet Marion ​​Marion Roach Smith is the author of four books, including The Memoir Project, A Thoroughly Non-Standardized Text for Writing & Life (Grand Central Publishing). A former staffer at The New York Times, she has been a commentator on NPR’s All Things Considered and a talk show host on Sirius Satellite Radio. She currently runs a writing lab called The Memoir Project and teaches memoir worldwide at marionroach.com.

Click here for more ways to listen to this episode.

Today on the Play It Brave podcast, I’m joined by the ever-inspiring Natasha Sewell—a photographer, educator, and expert in creating heartfelt client experiences. Natasha started her photography business at 41, and if you’ve ever thought you were “too late” to pivot or start something new, you need to hear this story.

We talk about making bold moves at any age—whether you’re transitioning from studio to lifestyle sessions, from family photography to branding, or just feeling creatively stuck and needing a reset. Natasha shares how she built a successful newborn photography business, got bored, and decided to pivot toward something that lit her up: documenting motherhood in a way that feels honest, emotional, and artful.

We also go deep on client experience—the real kind. Not just prep guides and gifts (though those are great!), but the full journey: from the first click on your website to long after the gallery is delivered. Natasha breaks down how she uses automated emails, product videos, intentional communication, and smart follow-up to create a seamless experience that serves her clients—and sells more albums without pressure.

This episode is part pep talk, part business masterclass, and packed with takeaways for photographers who want to create more meaning (and money) in their work.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Starting a business at 41 and why age is actually a gift

• Making intentional pivots when your creativity is on life support

• Personal projects that inspire, including black & white film and motion blur

• How lifestyle sessions unlocked new levels of joy (and growth) in Natasha’s work

• Why client experience is more than prep guides and presents

• Building “What’s Next” pages and video libraries to educate clients with ease

• The real reason your clients don’t order albums—and how to change that

• The power of automation to create consistency and free up your brain

• The value of community and not doing this work alone

• A reminder that your photos (and your life) don’t have to be perfect to be powerful

Whether you’re new to photography or 10 years in, this conversation will spark something in you. It’s a love letter to bravery, creativity, and honoring where you are—while still dreaming bigger.

Meet Natasha: Natasha started her photography business in 2013 at 41—after years of raising kids and a past life as a teacher. In 2019, she scrapped posed studio sessions for in-home newborn and family photography, chasing meaning over perfection. It pushed her creatively—and she’s never looked back.

Three years ago, she added education into the mix. Now, she mentors photographers who are tired of guessing their way through business and want straight answers, honest feedback, and a more thoughtful way to grow.

Connect with Natasha:Website InstagramPhotography Prompts for Happy KidsAI Email Prompts

This week, the brilliant Dr. Chelsea Shields and I continue the conversation about something that’s at the heart of every powerful brand and every transformational leader: authenticity.

We go deep into what it means to show up fully as yourself in your brand, your business, and your life. From emotional intelligence to the way you use your voice and body to communicate, this conversation is a masterclass in being seen and felt as the real you.

Chelsea and I talk about how hard it can be—especially for women—to strike the balance between being authentic and being perceived as credible. We break down the subtle cues that create trust (or mistrust), like body language, tone of voice, and what Chelsea calls “safety signals.” We also explore the role of vulnerability in leadership, and why being polished and perfect often isn’t what people actually connect with.

If you’ve ever felt like you need to be a certain version of yourself to be “taken seriously” or you’ve struggled to feel truly seen in your business, this episode is for you. We wrap things up with actionable tools you can use right now to show up more authentically, communicate with impact, and build a brand that doesn’t just look good—it feels right.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why authenticity isn’t about being the same in every room

• The unique pressure women face to perform "authenticity"

• How to use your voice and body to communicate clearly and powerfully

• Why emotional intelligence is non-negotiable for leadership

• What it really means to create safety and trust

• How honesty and consistency build a brand people believe in

• The difference between an authentic brand and an inauthentic one (hint: people feel it)

Connect with Dr. Chelsea Shields

https://www.brandthropologieagency.com

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Chelsea Shields—anthropologist, speaker trainer, and communication expert—to dive deep into the heart of what makes a brand truly resonate in today’s world: authenticity.

We unpack why authenticity is more than a buzzword—it’s your most valuable currency as a personal brand. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, or thought leader, this conversation will help you understand how to build a brand that’s rooted in truth, psychology, and presence.

We explore the evolution of personal brands as the new CEOs and reveal how your brand isn’t about you—it’s about how you make your audience feel. From decoding style signals and nonverbal communication to embracing body language, fashion choices, and voice modulation, Dr. Chelsea offers tangible tips for showing up confidently and powerfully—on stage, online, or in everyday conversations.

Chelsea and I also discuss how to honor multiple facets of your identity within your brand (yes, you can be the queen and the rebel), and how being fully present is one of the fastest ways to build trust and connection.

Whether you're refining your website, stepping into public speaking, or simply showing up more boldly in life, this episode will leave you inspired to brand from the inside out—with intention, confidence, and soul.

Connect with Dr. Chelsea Shields

https://www.brandthropologieagency.com/

Ever wondered what it really takes to become a second shooter that lead photographers rave about—or how to find one you can trust with your name, brand, and reputation?

In this candid and wisdom-packed episode, I sit down with award-winning photographer and my own second shooter, Jasmine Ortiz, to dive deep into the art, etiquette, and energy of second shooting in the luxury wedding world.

With over 200 weddings under her belt, Jasmine brings a decade’s worth of insight into what it means to support lead photographers with professionalism, humility, and heart. From high-pressure moments and awkward vendor run-ins to gear checklists and social media boundaries, we don’t hold back in this conversation. We swap stories, laugh through horror moments (please don’t pitch yourself to the planner during cocktail hour), and unpack the subtle dynamics that can make or break a working relationship on the wedding day.

Whether you’re a new photographer hoping to break into the wedding industry, a seasoned second looking to elevate your presence, or a lead ready to build your dream team, this episode is full of real talk and practical gold.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What NOT to do as a second shooter (like drinking on the job)

• How to match a lead’s style and energy so you complement—not compete

• Why gear prep, clear communication, and a calm presence matter more than you think

• How to navigate photographing grooms and groomsmen as a female second shooter

• What to avoid when posting online—and why it’s essential to wait and ask for permission first

• How to energetically show up in service, not self-promotion

• Why building trust, humility, and team spirit will get you hired again and again

Jasmine also shares her favorite behind-the-scenes moment as a second shooter, how she handles fast-moving situations with grace, and why her second shooter checklist has become her wedding-day go-to.

And of course, Jasmine and I reflect on our own working relationship—from Target snack runs to shared values—and how much fun it can be when the lead/second synergy is just right.

This is more than just a how-to episode. It’s a heartfelt look into the power of being a solid, grounded, and generous support on a couple’s most important day.

Jasmine Ortiz is an internationally-renowned wedding photographer based in California. She made a name for herself masterfully documenting irreplaceable moments and polished celebrations. She was named one of the "Top 30 Wedding Photographers in the USA" in 2023 and has photographed well over 200 weddings in her decade-long career.

→ Get Jasmine’s Second Shooter Checklist hereJasmine’s WebsiteJasmine’s Instagram

P.S. Want me to edit your images with the new DB Signature Presets & Editing Suite? Send me up to 5 RAW photos here.