Ever feel like you’re stuck in “safe mode” on wedding days – shooting what you think you should instead of what truly lights you up? Maybe you crave those soulful, layered images that make your heart skip a beat, but fear, burnout, or the pressure to deliver “must-have” shots keeps you playing small. If you’re ready to break free and capture the real essence of your couples, this episode is your permission slip.

I sat down with Raphaëlle Granger – documentary wedding photographer, educator, and all-around creative soul – to unpack how she ditched her safe zone, started shooting more fearlessly, and attracted dream clients who value her unique vision. 

Tune in to discover:

• Why playing it safe with your photos is holding you back and how Raphaëlle broke free to shoot with fearless creativity 
  
  
• Mini show-and-tell: watch us break down 3 of Raphaëlle’s recent wedding photos and how she got those soulful, candid shots (even when the days felt chaotic) 
  
  
• The second shooter hack that frees you up to take risks and experiment – without missing the “safe” shots 
  
  
• Tips to help your guests forget the camera is there so you capture genuine candids 
  
  
• How to attract hell yes clients (and gently turn away the ones who aren’t a fit)
  
  
• How Raphaëlle broke through her $3.5K pricing ceiling and started booking higher-paying clients who love her fearless style 

📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗 

✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode

✔️ See Raphaëlle’s soulful images from the episode

✔️ Free resource from Raphaëlle

✔️ Check out Raphaëlle’s Mentorship & Educational Resources

✔️ Connect with Raphaëlle on Instagram

✔️ Discover more resources for photographers 

👋🏻 Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!
Photography account: @saramonikaphoto
Education account: @sara.monika

✅ SUBSCRIBE

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Leave a Review 🙏

If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!
Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,
Sara

Ever feel like you’re hustling nonstop – shooting, editing, delivering, and still wondering where all your time (+ money) went? Maybe you’re hitting those “six-figure” milestones, but behind the scenes, you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and missing out on the life you actually want. If you’ve ever felt stuck on the hamster wheel, battling mom guilt, burnout, or the fear of raising your prices, this episode is for you.

Today I’m joined by Alora Rachelle, who gets real about her journey from overbooked and underpaid to working less and charging more as a photographer and busy mom of two. We dive deep into the mindset shifts, practical strategies, and honest stories that will help you break free from the grind and step into a business (and life) that truly lights you up.

In this week’s episode you’ll discover:

• Why just “working harder” isn’t the answer – and how simplifying your business can actually unlock more income and freedom 
  
  
• How Alora raised her prices (and how you can do it too without losing bookings or feeling “salesy”)
  
  
• How to spot the difference between a marketing problem and a sales or mindset block – and what to do about it 
  
  
• The journaling prompts and reframes that melt away imposter syndrome before every sales call
  
  
• How to lead sales conversations with confidence, serve your clients deeply, and attract dream bookings with ease 
  
  
• Real-life stories of photographers who doubled their prices, booked higher-ticket clients, and reclaimed their time (and joy!) to inspire you on your journey 

📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗

✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode

✔️ Alora’s Free Training: How to Book $10K Weddings This Year – Learn how to master the art of brand, marketing and sales without booking more than 20 weddings a year

✔️ Apply for Alora’s Wedding Atelier Program – Get personalized support to raise your prices, book dream clients, and reclaim your time

✔️ The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron – The journaling book that changed both our lives  

✔️ E-Squared by Pam Grout – Mindset experiments to see what’s possible

✔️ Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen – A must-read for shifting your self-talk

✔️  Connect with Alora on Instagram

✔️ Listen to the Wedding Atelier Podcast

👋🏻 Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!
Photography account: @saramonikaphoto
Education account: @sara.monika

✅ SUBSCRIBE

If you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way.

Leave a Review 🙏

If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!
Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,
Sara

Real talk: finding a second shooter you can actually trust (who cares as much as you do) can feel like a tall order. Maybe you’ve been burned by “bare minimum” seconds, or you’re stuck in the cycle of doing it all yourself because letting go of control feels scary. But what if you could finally get trusted support, book more dream gigs, and reignite your own creative spark – without sacrificing your standards or sanity?

In this episode, I sit down with Jimmy Lick, founder of Second Society – a vetted network that makes finding, hiring, and being a second shooter easier (and more fun) than ever. We dive into practical strategies and surprising mindset shifts to help you hire (or become) a second shooter who truly elevates the experience – so you can save time, serve your clients better, and fall back in love with your business.

In this week’s episode you’ll discover:

• The origin story behind Second Society: How Jimmy turned a simple idea into a 4,000+ strong platform for photographers 
  
  
• Why hiring a vetted second shooter is so important – and what to look for beyond just skill (this one thing can make or break your entire experience) 
  
  
• The biggest red and green flags we’ve seen in second shooters — and how to stand out if you're looking for gigs 
  
  
• How to communicate expectations before, during, and after the shoot to avoid nightmare scenarios 
  
  
• The underrated second shooter hack no one talks about: why hiring someone more experienced than you can be the ultimate level-up in your photography business 
  
  
• How to get started with Second Society – whether you’re hiring, looking for work, or just curious 

RESOURCES + LINKS

✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode

✔️ Follow Jimmy Lick on Instagram

✔️ Follow Second Society on Instagram – Connect with Jimmy and the Second Society community for inspiration, job postings, and more. 

✔️ Listen to the Second Society Podcast – Tune in for more behind-the-scenes stories, tips, and industry insights. 

✔️ Join Second Society – The vetted platform for finding (and becoming) high-quality second and lead shooters for photographers and videographers worldwide. 

✔️ Discover more resources for photographers – Free guides, tools, and support at saramonika.com/photographers

👋🏻 Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!
Photography account: @saramonikaphoto
Education account: @sara.monika

✅ SUBSCRIBE

If you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way.

Leave a Review 🙏

If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!
Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,
Sara

What if you could spend just 5–20 minutes today doing something your future self would thank you for — and it led to a massive shift in your photography business?

Well... this is your chance. The 2025 Podcast Giveaway is officially LIVE, and I’ve got 3 incredible prizes up for grabs (yup, THREE winners 🙌)

1st Prize: A 1-on-1 personalized coaching session with me ($1000 value)
2nd Prize: Lifetime access to my Intuitive Wedding Storytelling course ($997 value)
3rd Prize: My Crystal Clear Marketing mini-course ($300 value)

All you have to do is:

👉Click the giveaway post link here and follow the instructions in the caption

You can rack up unlimited entries — so go wild if you’re feelin’ it!
 
Contest is open August 5-11 2025. Winners will be chosen by random draw + announced LIVE on August 12 at 12pm EST on Instagram.

🎧 Listen for how-to instructions, and some real inspiration from students who’ve actually transformed their businesses with these offers. This could be you next.

👉 Ready to enter? Let’s goooo!

Swipe My Favorite Prompts: How To Capture the Photos Your Couples Will Treasure Most

Ever left a session feeling like you missed “the shot” – the one that truly captures your couple’s real story? Or maybe you’ve felt stuck in a rut, using the same prompts and poses, wishing you could create images that feel more meaningful (for your clients and for you)? 

If so, you’ll love this quick, actionable episode where I share the simple question I ask during every session that uncovers those hidden, heartfelt moments – plus real-life stories of how it’s led to some of my best work. If you’re craving more creative flow and a way to take every session to the next level, this one’s for you.

In this week’s episode you’ll discover:

• The exact question I ask couples that reveals their unique rituals, quirks, and memories, so you never miss a truly meaningful shot 
  
  
• Real behind-the-scenes stories: from couples cuddling their dog as a pillow, to spontaneous fishing adventures at sunset, to cozy kitchen counter moments 
  
  
• How one simple follow-up transformed a standard “walking” shot into something way more personal – and how you can do the same
  
  
• The subtle mindset shift that helps you stop rushing, get curious, and create work that actually feels like your couple (while boosting your own creative confidence)
  
  
• How this approach works for family and branding sessions too, so you can create magic with every client, every time
  
  
• Plus: download my actual pre-engagement session questionnaire for free! These are the exact questions I send every couple so I can show up feeling prepared, inspired, and ready to capture their story 

📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗

 ✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode 

✔️ Get my Engagement Session Questionnaire FREE  

✔️Check out my Instagram post to see the photos mentioned in this episode 

✔️ Discover more resources for photographers  

👋🏻 Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Photography account: @saramonikaphoto
Education account: @sara.monika

✅ SUBSCRIBE

If you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way.

Leave a Review 🙏

If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!
Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,

Sara

Let’s face it… editing can feel like a never-ending time suck, but the thought of learning new tech (or letting go of control) can also be downright scary. But what if you could save 50-60% of your editing time, cut your outsourcing costs in half, and finally have space for the things that light you up? 

In this episode, I’m sharing my honest, two-year journey with Imagen AI – from total skeptic to full-on convert. I’ll break down the real numbers, the workflow tweaks, and the mindset shifts that helped me reclaim my time, energy, and joy – so you can, too.

In this week’s episode you’ll discover:

• How I trained Imagen AI (without adding any extra editing to my plate) 
  
  
• Why I still use a human editor alongside Imagen AI and how the combo actually saves me more time and money
  
  
• My exact editing workflow after 2 years of using Imagen AI 
  
  
• The mindset shifts that helped me stop procrastinating learning about AI and finally incorporate it into my outsourcing workflow 
  
  
• Why starting NOW (even mid-season) is the smartest move for your future self 
  
  
• The real cost of outsourcing with Imagen AI vs. doing it all yourself with exact numbers from my business (including how much I pay my human editor) 
  
  
• How to get 1500 free edits to try Imagen AI for yourself 

📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗

 ✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode 

✔️ Get 1500 free edits with Imagen AI – Train your AI for free and see how much time you can save!

✔️ Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE – My step-by-step checklist for outsourcing and saving hours every week

✔️ Discover more resources on my website – Free guides, tools, and support for photographers

✔️ Outsourcing Made Easy Waitlist – Doors open once a year! Get on the list to learn my exact smart outsourcing workflows 

👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Photography account: @saramonikaphoto

Education account: @sara.monika 

✅SUBSCRIBE

If you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. 

Leave a Review 🙏

If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!

Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,

Sara

Ever feel like you’re running on a hamster wheel – shoot, edit, deliver, repeat – while your creativity and energy slowly drain away? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing the real talk from a recent in-person workshop I ran for a group of photographers in Ontario, where we dove deep into the struggles of burnout, imposter syndrome, and the never-ending to-do list. 

I open up about my own journey from control-freak perfectionist to a freedom-driven business owner, and how learning to outsource (and trust others!) completely transformed my life and business. If you’re craving more time, more joy, and more space to actually live – this episode is for you.

In this week’s episode you’ll discover:

• Why burnout shows up again and again – and how to finally break the cycle 
  
  
• The real root of imposter syndrome (and a surprisingly simple “in-the-moment” cure)
  
  
• My Outsourcing Made Easy framework – how I scaled to $1.6M in revenue while working 70% less 
  
  
• A mindset shift that changed everything: Why you don’t need more time or confidence… just removing this one thing from your day-to-day.
  
  
• How to let go of control and still keep your unique style and high standards (yes, it’s possible!) 

📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗

 ✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode > 

✔️ Download the Free Workshop Workbook – Visual diagrams and exercises to help you break the burnout cycle and start outsourcing with confidence

✔️ Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE – My step-by-step checklist for outsourcing and saving hours every week

✔️ Dorothy May’s Instagram – Connect with Dorothy and join her amazing in-person photo swaps and community events in Ontario

✔️ Discover more resources on my website – Free guides, tools, and support for photographers

👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Photography account: @saramonikaphoto

Education account: @sara.monika 

✅SUBSCRIBE

If you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. 

Leave a Review 🙏

If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!

Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,

Sara

What if tuning into your body could unlock more creativity, clarity, and connection in your photography work? In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by photographer and podcast host Danika, for a free-flowing conversation on the role that movement and mindfulness play in helping us stay grounded, inspired, and intentional — both behind the lens and in life.

We talk about what movement looks like beyond exercise — how it helps photographers regulate energy, access joy, and stay present in high-pressure moments. From puddle-jumping in the rain to mindful post-wedding workflows, Sara shares powerful insights on staying connected to your body and creativity.

Our conversation took some personal turns as we reflected on birth and motherhood, marveling at how capable and wise our bodies truly are. It all tied back to the episode’s theme: the importance of listening inward. The conversation flowed as if we’d known each other for years, and Sara brought so much depth, intention, and practical wisdom.

In this episode, we explore:

— How to use movement as a reset before, during, and after photo sessions and weddings.
— Embodied mindfulness and what that actually looks like in a creative business.
— Playful movement practices that reignite creative energy.
— The value of slowing down, trusting your body, and redefining productivity.

If you’re a photographer or creative who wants to feel more present, intentional, and creatively fueled, this episode will meet you right where you are.

📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗

✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode > 

✔️Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE > saramonika.com/workflow

✔️ Danika’s Sharp Shooter Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zFAXGh10xOCVURtgVtFb9

✔️ Danika’s Shop for Photographers (where you can find her freebies -- Her Business Apps Revealed and Running Your Business with a Baby Masterclass): https://stan.store/sharpshooterpod

✔️ Danika’s Photo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharpshooter.photo/

✔️ Danika’s Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharpshooter.pod/

✔️ Danika’s Website: www.sharpshooter-ssp.com

👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Photography account: @saramonikaphoto

Education account: @sara.monika 

✅SUBSCRIBE

If you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. 

Leave a Review 🙏

If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!

Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,

Sara

Ever felt that pit in your stomach when you check your bank account or just totally overwhelmed with how to manage your money in your photography business? You’re not alone. 

In this episode, I open up about how a tough financial year – one that started with just $30k in guaranteed revenue for 2024 – became the turning point that completely transformed how I manage money. I share the simple, sustainable system that helped me grow my revenue to $195k in under 12 months, how I set up my bank accounts for clarity and calm, and the practical steps I took to rebuild trust in myself as a business owner. If finances have ever felt overwhelming or confusing, this one's for you.

In this week’s episode you’ll discover:

• The real, raw details of how I almost ran out of money and what caused it 😳
  
  
• The simple yet powerful money management system I discovered that saved the day and how you can use it in your business 💸
  
  
• A behind-the-scenes breakdown of my bank accounts, including how I allocate my money into different accounts to create clarity, peace of mind, and stay on track with my goals ✅
  
  
• My best tips and tool recommendations for making your "CEO money date" fun, enjoyable and easy to stick to 📅
  
  
• How I went from having only $30k in guaranteed revenue at the start of the year, to a $195k year at the end of the year: the exact steps I took to revitalize my business and create financial security (this is a must-listen if you’re not where you want to be financially right now!) 👀

📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗

✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode > 

✔️Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE > saramonika.com/workflow

✔️ Discover more resources on my website > saramonika.com/photographers

✔️ Profit First by Mike Michalowicz > https://amzn.to/4lpleVh

👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Photography account: @saramonikaphoto

Education account: @sara.monika 

✅SUBSCRIBE

If you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. 

Leave a Review 🙏
If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!

Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,

Sara

Ever wondered how a photographer you admire got “that” shot? The one that stops your scroll and immediately gets you curious? I know I do! And so I figured, why don’t I be that person for someone else and take you behind-the-scenes of my latest wedding in Mexico, so you can steal an idea or two for your next shoot.

In this over-the shoulder tutorial, you’ll:

• Get a behind-the-scenes look at how I prompted my couple on the day thanks to footage from my new Meta glasses! 👓
  
  
• Learn how I use engagement questionnaires to understand a couple’s unique energy and capture their connection authentically on wedding days 📋
  
  
• Watch me edit a photo in real time and get a walkthrough of my editing process, tools and techniques 💻
  
  
• Discover how I use ImagenAI to create a strong base edit (+ how you can get 1500 free edits free!) 🤖
  
  
• Get free access to my 3 Hour Post Wedding Workflow Checklist to see exactly which parts of the process I outsource, why, and how much time it saves me ⏰

📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗

✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode > 

✔️Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE > saramonika.com/workflow

✔️ Get my engagement questionnaire questions FREE > saramonika.com/questions

✔️ Imagen Ai, how I get a stronger base edit for less time spent on editing. Sign up using the link to get 1500 free edits ➡︎ https://imagen-ai.com/?ref_id=151662007

✔️ Discover more resources on my website > saramonika.com/photographers

👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Photography account: @saramonikaphoto

Education account: @sara.monika 

✅SUBSCRIBE

If you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. 

Leave a Review 🙏
If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!

Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

To all YOUR success,

Sara