This week’s episode is a juicy one, so let’s get straight to it! I’m interviewing one of my students from my Outsourcing Made Easy program, Tia Abbott, about how she was able to go from a place of severe anxiety and burnout to now spending quality time with family and friends and pursuing her many passions on the regular. 

Tune in to discover…

• A snapshot of Tia’s life before Outsourcing Made Easy and the struggles she was facing [12.30], [20.11]
• How OME helped lift years of anxiety off Tia’s shoulders, plus the kinds of activities she now enjoys on a daily basis (completely guilt-free!) [8.29], [13.59]
• The energetic 180° that can happen when you finally break free of the cycle of burnout in your business [14.57]
• The tasks Tia now outsources and how much time it saves her every week [16.39]
• How Tia got over her fear of the unknown to hire her first VA (and spoiler: why it was so much easier than she expected it to be) [23.23]
• How much Tia pays for her VA and her verdict on hiring overseas talent [30.07]
• The unexpected perk that outsourcing your editing creates, beyond saving time (perfectionists, this one’s for you!) [36.57]
• Why outsourcing is addictive and task ideas you can give your VA in slow season [42.42]
• Tia’s new passion project that she can now pursue thanks to outsourcing, plus the impact her new lifestyle has had on her mental health and her relationships [43.49]
• Why outsourcing and your client experience are fundamentally linked (whether you realize it or not) [49.51]
• The domino effect and exponential growth that happens when you take the time to set up systems and get support in your business [51.34]
• Tia’s advice for not getting stuck in “student mode” and how OME gave her the fast track she had been waiting for [56.53]
• Tia’s final message for anyone considering Outsourcing Made Easy [1.04.54], [1.10.21]

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Join my upcoming free masterclass, The Four Secrets To Having More Time and Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer at saramonika.com/masterclass

Connect with Tia: https://www.instagram.com/tialoryssaphotography/ 

Art Of Gratitude Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/artofgratitudepodcast/ 

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

This week’s episode has a special place in my heart and, warning: there will be tears!  

I’m reflecting on my journey from being a burnt-out and overworked photographer, to now shooting 32 weddings this year, working part-time hours, all while being a new mom and still making my full-time dream income... 

And most importantly, I’m going to show you how this is possible for you too!

You’ll discover…

• An overview of my journey so far from overworked, underpaid photographer to time-rich, part-time CEO
• Exactly how many hours and days a week I currently work, including wedding bookings and turnaround times [4.44]
• My projected revenue for this year working part-time hours, but still making the same full time income I made last year! (plus the number #1 tool that allowed me to do this) [7.42]
• Why there’s no such thing as “too good to be true” in life and business and the mindset to adopt when processing confronting emotions [10.25]
• The importance of knowing what season of life you’re in and planning accordingly [11.54]
• The joke all overworked photographers always tell in busy season and what we can do to heal damaging beliefs in our industry [26.37]
• A day-by-day breakdown of my current weekly schedule, including which tasks I do and which ones I outsource [30.32]
• Why cutting down on your wedding bookings is the worst (!) thing you can do if you’re burnt out and overworked right now [36.01]
• A reading that completely broke my heart and changed my perspective about my time, which might just be the thing you need to hear today (warning: you may cry!) [39.27]
• Why it’s never too late to start working smarter not harder in your business and why your pain can be a compass to a better path [44.12], [21.55]
• An exciting free resource to help you with all the themes discussed in this episode [47.59]
• What an ultra-marathon runner and sledding can teach you about finding peace! (A closing story to inspire…) [54.11]

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Join my upcoming free masterclass, The Four Secrets To Having More Time and Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer at saramonika.com/masterclass

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

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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

This week, I’m chatting with one of my Outsourcing Made Easy students, Shannon Hastings, about how she was able to proactively design the life and business she wanted through the power of outsourcing.

Tune in to discover…

• A snapshot of Shannon’s life before outsourcing and what drew her to OME [4.57], [16.25]
• Shannon’s “take what you need” approach to OME and the importance of deep focus on one thing at a time (especially when you’re burnt out) [10.00]
• My tips for gamifying outsourcing and making it fun! [10.15]
• The first thing Shannon outsourced in her business, how she brought on board her first hire, and how many hours she now saves [23.18]
• The powerful reframe you need to hear if you think that letting go of editing means “letting go of your art” [28.58]
• Why every business owner in the world needs to outsource at some point to reach the next level in their business [32.00]
• Signs you might still be stuck in an “employee mindset” in your business and why it’s so important to work smarter, not harder [37.24]
• How Shannon’s creative energy and output has increased thanks to outsourcing, (plus the importance of having space to dream in your business) [42.06]
• The outsourcing circle of doom in photography and how NOT to fall into the income-cap-trap [43.49]
• The question you *need* to ask yourself if you’re struggling with whether or not to outsource, plus the importance of reverse-engineering what you want from your life and business [45.45]
• Why it’s important to adopt an investors mindset when it comes to outsourcing [54.01]

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Join the waitlist for Outsourcing Made Easy, returning this October! https://saramonika.com/waitlist 

Connect with Shannon at https://www.instagram.com/ess.and.elle/?hl=en 

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

This week I’m going deep into a topic that all photographers need to talk more about… income!

Yes, I’m breaking it down and getting granular with how to plan for – and actually make – your dream income in your photography business, while having the lifestyle you’ve always wanted

Warning: you may feel a little called out in this episode! I know because I’ve been there. When you’re stuck in the cycle of over-working and undercharging, it’s always easier to push the nagging voice in your head to one side and just keep doing what you’re doing and hope for the best…

But what got you here won’t get you there! And the first step starts with awareness. So put aside distractions, grab your calculator and get ready to bust through that glass income ceiling, once and for all ;)

Tune into this week’s episode to learn… 

• The vital questions you need to ask yourself to figure out your dream income with example scenarios and calculations to help you on your way
• The difference between revenue and income and why you are almost definitely undercharging (even if you don’t think you are!)
• Why the average photographer's income accounts to less than minimum wage (!) and the concrete steps you can take to break the cycle and reach your goals
• The relationship between your dream hourly income and how much you should be paying for support in your business
• My own big hairy income goal for the next few years and why it’s so important to dream BIG with your finances
• How I went from paying myself $11 an hour (yes, $11) to making multiple six figures in my business predictably, year-on-year
• My projected annual revenue for this year working only part time hours, but still making my highest ever, full-time income 
• The 5 min exercise you need to do stat if you want to make big money shifts in your business!

I really hope this episode inspires you and helps you realize what’s possible in your business, my Shine + Thriver! 

Implementing what I teach in this episode will quite literally change your life, IF and only IF you take action… so don’t hold back! Get started today. 

And know that I’m always here to support you on your journey <3

Sara

RESOURCES + LINKS:

For more in-depth support on the themes covered in this episode, be sure to join the waitlist for my Outsourcing Made Easy Course at www.saramonika.com/waitlist 

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

Who doesn’t love a good student success story? Especially one this inspiring!

This week I’m talking with Rachel Bowman – photographer, mom of two, and student of my program, Outsourcing Made Easy. We’ll be diving into her incredible journey and how she was able to gain back so much time freedom, financial freedom, and creative freedom through the program, in just 10 months.

Tune in to discover…

• What Rachel’s life looked like before outsourcing as a mom and a full-time photographer [9.23]
• Why letting go of the belief that hiring someone = losing money changed everything for Rachel and what you should know if you’re feeling the same way [16.37]
• How to know if you are on the brink of burnout and the moment Rachel knew she needed to make changes [18.15]
• The transformation Rachel experienced in the quality of her life just 10 months after starting her outsourcing journey, plus everything she now outsources in her business [19.23], [23.28]
• What to do if you feel like you’re just “going through the motions” in your business and how to reignite the love for your craft [22.52]
• How to let go of control and why it’s important to let your business baby grow into an adult! [24.27]
• Why taking your time with your outsourcing journey and doing it your way is the key to success [26.28], [40.41]
• The very first thing Rachel let go of in her business [30.56]
• Rachel’s biggest takeaway from Outsourcing Made Easy that allows her to stay focused and make space for new ideas in her business [28.15]
• Rachel’s final thoughts on her experience and why she’ll be coming back to OME  time and time again as her business grows [37.17], [42.33]

I hope this episode inspires you to take the first step in your outsourcing journey! If you’re curious about hopping on the outsourcing train, then be sure to join my waitlist for Outsourcing Made Easy in the show notes below ;)

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Outsourcing Made Easy is enrolling soon! Join the waitlist at: www.saramonika.com/waitlist 

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

It’s here! Part 3 of my series of epic prompt ideas for photographers. Rounding things off this week we have 10 meaningful prompt ideas for your next family session! 

Tune in to discover…

• The difference between superficial and meaningful prompts, and how and when to use each type for best effect
• The secret to gaining your muse’s trust and having them express themselves genuinely with you
• Why your tone and energy are vital for getting great results
• How to be observant and adapt to different personalities who may have trouble expressing themselves in traditional ways 
• The simple timing hack that will help you always ensure you capture the most powerful moments
• Playful and meaningful ideas for family shots, plus the number one secret for getting kids to engage and be natural around you!

I hope you love these prompts as much as I do! If you do, don’t forget to grab your 20% discount code for your own superfeel prompts in the links below ;)

And if you missed the first two episodes of this prompts series, be sure to check them out right here!

Episode 103: 10 Prompt Ideas for Your Next Couples Session or Wedding

Episode 113: 10 Soulful Prompt Ideas for Your Next Branding or Individual Portrait Session 

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Click the link below and use code SARAMONIKA20 for 20% off your very own Superfeel prompts: Click here to shop!

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

After seeing how much you guys loved Episode 103: 10 Prompt Ideas for Your Next Couples Session or Wedding, I decided it was time to return with even MORE epic prompt ideas for all my brand & portrait photographers!

These prompts have been an absolute *game-changer* in my business, so I can’t wait for you to start having fun with them too…

Tune in to discover:

• 10 soulful prompt ideas that will provide serious inspo for your next shoot, elevate your client experience, and lead to deeper & more meaningful photos
• Why your tone, timing, and delivery are KEY to success when using these prompts (with example scenarios)
• The three categories of emotion you’ll want to cover, how & when to use each one, plus how to match your energy to the moment for maximum effect
• The most powerful prompts to memorize and have in your back pocket at all times
• How to open the doors to the deepest moments of connection with your subjects and the importance of listening to your intuition and following your curiosity

I hope you love these prompts as much as I do! If you do, let me know on IG ;) 

And don’t forget to tune in next week, where I’ll be finishing up this series with an episode on 10 Meaningful Prompt Ideas for Your Next Family Session!

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Click the link below and use code SARAMONIKA20 for 20% off your very own Superfeel prompts: Click here to shop!

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

Welcome back to another episode! Today, I’m choosing to entertain you instead of teaching, because sometimes we all need to take life a little less seriously… ;) Plus, since teasing this story on my website I’ve had SO many people ask me about it! So without further ado, here’s one of my most embarrassing stories: I faked diarrhea in the bushes to try and get out of a ticket! Did it work?

I hope you belly laugh at this story like many others before you! If you loved it, be sure to let me know on IG. And remember, the more you share stories like this and show up as your authentic self online, the more opportunities you give your ideal clients to connect with you. So consider this the permission you needed today to be polarizing and do things YOUR way in your marketing!

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

Hey Shine & Thrivers! Welcome back to another episode. This week we’re doing things a little differently... 

Instead of sharing business tips or strategies with an awesome guest (more of that soon!), this week I wanted to open up about 3 very challenging and chaotic weeks I recently experienced. 

My hope is that by sharing my struggles and how I overcame them, it might shift your mindset to see solutions or coping strategies you may not have considered before and help you with whatever you might be going through right now... 

So no “learning” in the traditional sense this week, but plenty of lessons from the school of hard knocks (aka life)! 

Tune in to discover…

• What happened when we were ghosted by our home renovators in my third trimester of pregnancy and how we dealt with it
• The unexpected turn of events that led to us welcoming another (!) family and their newborn and 17-month-old into our home for 2.5 weeks (and the challenges that entailed…)
• What happened when my health quickly took a turn amidst all of this (with wedding bookings coming up!) and the mantras and coping strategies that got me through it and out the other side
• Important questions to ask yourself to reframe challenging situations when you’re in the thick of it (if you take anything from this episode, let it be these!) 

Thanks for listening, as ever, your support means the world to me <3. If this episode helped you in any way, be sure to let me know on IG!

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

This week I’m coming at you with a short and sweet episode about the number #1 thing NOT do while shooting to ensure the best possible experience for your clients. It’s an easy and straightforward tip, but a powerful one no less! Once you learn how to side-step this lesser known obstacle, you’ll be able to…

• Build a deeper trust & rapport with your clients, so that they love the experience of working with you and keep coming back for more
• Empower your clients to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin, so you can create even better photos for them that they absolutely love
• Capture the natural energy and flow of the day, without having to worry about ruining the vibe or causing unnecessary stress for anyone
• Feel like the bad-ass, in-control photographer that you are at all times (no matter what unexpected situations come your way)

I can’t wait for you to dive in and start implementing this in your business! No prep or props necessary – it’s truly as simple as hearing it, understanding it, and putting it into action (or rather, NOT putting it into action) ;)

Once you’ve listened, I’d love to know what you thought - will you be mindful of this on your next shoot? Hit me up on IG and let me know!

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