Gathering testimonials/reviews can either feel like an extra thing on your to-do list, or a piece of cake! I've experienced both sides of the coin in my career and I've figured out the solution to getting consistent, emotion-filled testimonials and right away from clients! What if I told you that you can get tons of testimonials and 5-star reviews on Google with just one simple email? In this episode, I share with you the actual email I send to clients that you can copy and paste for yourself so that you gain more brand trust, online exposure, and local SEO, increased click-through rate, and convert more clients!

In this episode I talked about:

• Why I DO NOT request my clients to write me a review or a testimonial
• How I got the 70+ perfect 5-start reviews on Google
• I shared the exact email I send my couples to get those emotion-filled testimonials

If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways on my Instagram Story as well!

You can find the Show Notes for this episode HERE.

RESOURCES:

• Email Templates for Wedding Photographers
• Shine + Thrive FB Community

My Online Photography Courses for You

Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)

Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Click here to leave a review!

With love + gratitude,

Sara

Are you feeling stuck on how to raise your prices because you're scared that you'll stop getting bookings? My guest Sam of Samyan Photographie also felt this way, and today she shares how she was able to raise her rates after her coaching session with me (even during a pandemic) and still get bookings at her new rates! My hope is that this episode helps you to also raise your rates so that you make the income you dream of and deserve.

In this episode we chatted about:

• Overcoming your fear around charging more
• What Sam did with her downtime during COVID and how it became a huge success
• What helped her attract more of her ideal wedding clients
• What she wishes she had known when she first started her photography business

If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways on my Instagram Story as well!

You can find the Show Notes for this episode HERE.

RESOURCES:

• Samyan Photographie website
• Sam's Instagram
• 05: The Easiest Way To Make More Money As a Wedding Photographer

My Online Photography Courses for You

Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)

Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Click here to leave a review!

With love + gratitude,

Sara

We all do it. We put that thing on our to-do list that we know needs to get done, and then we put it off, and put it off, and put it off. If you want to learn a quick mindset hack that you can apply into your life + business that will help you actually get the hard things done, then tune into this short but valuable episode!

If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways on my Instagram Story as well!

You can find the Show Notes for this episode HERE.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Shine + Thrive Podcast Community 

Sara Monika’s Outsourcing Made Easy for Wedding Photographers online course.

Wanna know how you can work less hours and make more money so that you never have to experience burn out ever again as a wedding photographer? Sign up for the waitlist so you can be the first to know when Outsourcing Made Easy doors open again!

My Online Photography Courses for You

Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)

Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Click here to leave a review!

With love + gratitude,

Sara

Are you tired of getting dull inquiry emails that just consist of "Hey! Looking for a photographer. Can I get your pricing and package info?" If that sounds like most of the inquiries you get in your inbox, then I have the solution for you since I share exactly what I do to get inquiries that are full of detail and personality! If you're wondering, "Hmm. But I don't see anything wrong with those inquiries," then let me tell you, there is a whole other world out there that I'm excited to show you 🙂

I share with you

• 2 examples of actual wedding inquiries I recently got
• The WHY behind the 10 things you need on your contact page to convert your leads into paying clients
• What NOT to include on your contact page

Timestamps:

[02:13] Why using the contact form to your advantage is not just about having a quality conversation with your clients.
[02:40] I shared the 2 examples of inquires I recently got which are very different from the typical "can I get your pricing and package info" messages in your inbox.
[05:46] The importance of having your photo on the contact page that is showing your face.
[06:55] Attract your ideal clients by choosing a photo that represents your work really well.
[08:00] These are the basic info you need to ask and will prevent unnecessary back and forth with your clients.
[10:22] The strategic questions to ask to get to know them better and find out if they are the right fit for you and your shooting style.
[12:50] Find out which of your marketing efforts is working best with this question.
[14:20] I share the simplest questions that will make your client inquiries more informative and full of personality. Plus more question ideas for you!
[16:20] Is your submit button personalized? 80% of the photographers I coached weren't.
[17:32] Bonus Hack: remove this piece of information from your contact form to connect with your potential clients more.
[18:14] Bonus Tip: form an instant connection with them by this personalized approach to inquiries that will increase the possibility to book you.

RESOURCES:

• My contact page

My Online Photography Courses for You

Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)

Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Click here to leave a review!

With love + gratitude,

Sara

If you've ever wondered how I set up my week and spend my days, you'll love this episode! As photographers, I thought you'd like to see what a 6-figure wedding photographer does in a week. I hope this gives you a fun behind-the-scenes peek at the ins and outs of my life. You'll hear it all, what I focus on, what I struggle with, and how I handle all of it! 

I share it all including:

• How I plan out my days so I get the most out of them
• A behind-the-scenes peek into working on my new course I'm creating all about how I document wedding days authentically
• How I'm getting prepped to create a community of Shine + Thrive listeners and to show up live for you more often to answer your questions live!
• Being honest when things don't go as planned with working out
• How I stay organized with posting to Instagram
• The planner I'm OBSESSED with and how I use it
• When during the week I outsource certain tasks to my editor and my VA

TIMESTAMPS

[03:35] Friday morning, I started the day with my protein shake. Recorded a snippet for this podcast. Reviewed edits from the Image Salon and sent it to my virtual assistant. Got my hair done after 8 months. Rory and I went to a 15k. And then I got ready for a wedding for the next day.

[12:50] Saturday morning was a wedding day. I took a nature stroll before going to the wedding and went over any notes that I have to remind myself of the couple's story. The wedding ended up right on time and enjoyed an evening with Rory.

[16:08] I made sure to back up the images from yesterday and then I sent the catalog to my VA. I put away the laundry, cleaned the kitchen, and vacuumed. Purchased groceries online for the first time. Did yoga with Rory and went a really long walk together with Abby. And since it is a Sunday, I made sure to plan my week ahead using my Full Focus Planner.

Please see the rest of the timestamps in the show notes HERE.

RESOURCES

• Affiliate link - Full Focus Planner
• Affiliate link - Image Salon

My Online Photography Courses for You

Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)

Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Click here to leave a review!

With love + gratitude,

Sara

Do you find yourself losing control when it comes to food? And by losing control I mean giving into cravings that lead to binge eating to the point that it makes you feel sick? If you're tired of feeling out of control, then this episode is a great one to tune into since both Amber and I get vulnerable and share our binge eating journey's to show you that you are not alone and it's possible to get yourself out of that cycle! She shares some tips on how you can slowly start healing.

If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways on my Instagram Story as well!

You can find the Show Notes for this episode HERE.

TIMESTAMPS

[07:18] Amber talks about her response to business owners saying that they don't have time to eat healthily.
[10:10] Amber shares her story of food addiction and how she started with her health journey.
[18:37] Mindset tricks from Amber that can help stop binge eating.
[24:40] Amber shares how she can help uncover reasons why a person is an emotional eater.
[29:30] Amber suggests food that can help nourish the brain and boost energy.

RESOURCES + LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• No Sugar Coating Podcast
• Amber Romaniuk's Instagram - @amberromaniuk
• Amber Romaniuk' website

My Online Photography Courses for You

Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)

Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Click here to leave a review!

With love + gratitude,

Sara

Are you feeling nervous about hitting burn out in 2021 with more doubleheaders and possibly even triple headers coming your way? Are you loving your life this year in 2020 with how much more free time you have on your hands and wish that every wedding season felt more effortless? If so, tune in so I show you that it's possible for you to still book more weddings in 2021, make more money, and not having to sacrifice your well-being in the meantime!

If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways on my Instagram Story as well!

You can find the Show Notes for this episode HERE.

TIMESTAMPS

[04:42] This limiting belief and fear may be holding you back in your life + career.
[09:10] I share the most important thing that you need to do right away to start living a life with more freedom and money in a sustainable way.
[12:12] What if the worst case scenario happened and all your weddings move to the following year? I show you the positive behind that!
[17:24] I share how it's possible for you to not be overworked while still shooting more weddings than you're used to in 2021 and still deliver an amazing experience to your couples.

RESOURCES + LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• 33: The Top 8 Tasks I Get My Virtual Assistant to Do
• Free live webinar: The 4 Secrets to Making More Money + Avoiding Burnout as a Wedding Photographer

My Online Photography Courses for You

Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)

Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Click here to leave a review!

With love + gratitude,

Sara

I'm so excited to dive in to give you a glimpse into what my Virtual Assistant Rachel helps me out with! I'll be sharing the tasks I outsource to my VA and I'll be basing the time saved on 25 weddings per year since sometimes I shoot more, but more or less, but I also know most photographers aim to book around 25 a year on average. I'll share with you the amount of hours I save on average per task, and then at the end I'll tally up how much I save on average per year, per month, per week, and how much it costs me so you can get inspired to start thinking of bringing on a VA to help you work less and make more money!

If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways on my Instagram Story as well!

You can find the Show Notes for this episode HERE.

TIMESTAMPS
[04:35] The tasks I outsource to my VA and the average amount of hours I save per task.
[13:06] I share the total hours I outsource in a year and break it down to how much time I save per week on average.
[14:10] I share how much it will cost you to outsource tasks to your VA!
[16:26] A little backstory when I started to outsource three years ago.
[19:44] Here I share a hack that can help you maximize your VA even more!

RESOURCES + LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Free live webinar: The 4 Secrets to Making More Money + Avoiding Burnout as a Wedding Photographer

My Online Photography Courses for You

Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)

Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Click here to leave a review!

With love + gratitude,

Sara

Have you ever had a moment in your photography career that was so embarrassing that you said to yourself "ugh I could really just crawl into a hole and hide forever" or "well at least I have a funny story to tell"? Well whether you have or you haven't, this episode is going to be entertaining because 7 photographers (including myself), share some of the most embarrassing shit that has happened to us while we were shooting. So hit play on this episode if you're in the mood to have your jaw drop to the ground a few times and you just feel like a good laugh!

You can find the Show Notes for this episode HERE.

TIMESTAMPS

[02:26] Sara Monika sharing her embarrassing story.
[08:41] Laura Clarke sharing her embarrassing story.
[12:41] Carly Kratzer sharing her embarrassing story.
[19:07] Lauren Goodlad sharing her embarrassing story.
[25:29] Christina Stirpe sharing her embarrassing story.
[28:30] Carrie Ouellette sharing her embarrassing story.
[32:10] Katie Marie sharing her embarrassing story.

RESOURCES + LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Book Your Coaching Session with Sara Monika
• Laura Clarke Instagram
• Carly Kratzer Instagram
• Lauren Goodlad Instagram
• Christina Stirpe Instagram
• Carrie Ouellette Instagram
• Katie Marie Instagram

My Online Photography Courses for You

Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)

Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Click here to leave a review!

With love + gratitude,

Sara

Do you feel like you want to evolve your shooting style but have no idea how to transition? Also, are you feeling stuck with how you'll be able to attract new clients that want to book you for that new style when it's not in your portfolio yet? It's such a predicament isn't it!? 6 years ago, I successfully transitioned my wedding shooting style from a high focus on details and picture-perfect background and poses to specializing and getting hired for my documentary style approach to photographing weddings. Tune in to find out how you can do so as well in just 3 steps!

If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways on my Instagram Story as well!

You can find the Show Notes for this episode HERE.

TIMESTAMPS

[02:54] My story on how I personally experienced the need to transition my shooting style 6 years ago.
[06:11] I go into explaining the 3 steps I took in order to transition from perfect and posed photos to documentary-style photos which can help you, too.
[07:22]  I expand on Step 1 which is to Decide on what you want your new shooting style to be.
[10:11] I expand on Step 2 which is to communicate with your current clients and your audience of how you are shifting your shooting style.
[13:47]  I expand on step 3 which is to Share your new style of work to get the ball rolling and start attracting your ideal clients.

RESOURCES + LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Book Your Coaching Session with Sara Monika

My Online Photography Courses for You

Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)

Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!

Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Click here to leave a review!

With love + gratitude,

Sara