Shoot It Straight

Are you making a big business transition? In today’s episode, I’m joined by photographers Melissa Arlena and Alison Bell, both experts in moving your business and making brand pivots. We’re diving into each of their experiences with starting over in new locations, plus their tips for navigating transitions through preparation and confidence. 

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight.

This episode is brought to you by my new free quiz, What’s Your Photographer Marketing Personality? This quiz is designed to identify your strengths when it comes to marketing, plus what might be holding you back. If you’re ready to say goodbye to overwhelm, exhaustion, and dead ends when it comes to your marketing, take the quiz today. 

Review the Show Notes: 

Get to know Alison and Melissa (0:50)

Big business changes: Alison’s story (3:06)

Big business changes: Melissa’s story (8:07)

Preparing ahead of time for a big transition (13:46)

Red flags to watch for during your transition (21:34)

Being the beginner again (26:08)

The timeline of starting over (27:55)

What did and didn’t work in transitions over the years (33:14)

For the photographer stuck in planning paralyzation (38:28)

Rapid-fire questions (40:28)

Mentioned in this Episode:

Keep It Moving Podcast: pictureperfectrankings.com/photography-podcast

Connect with Melissa:

Instagram: instagram.com/pictureperfectrankings

Website: pictureperfectrankings.com

Connect with Alison:

Instagram: instagram.com/alisonbellphotog

Website: alisonbell.co 

Connect with Sabrina:

What’s Your Photographer Marketing Personality? Quiz: sabrinagebhardt.com/marketing-quiz

Instagram: instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you looking for the opportunity to turn your biggest dreams into reality? Today’s episode is part of the Real Women, Real Stories series, where I’m talking with women from my Root To Rise mastermind about their transformation through the program. In this episode, my retreat coordinator Cheyenne Morris chats about her own personal business growth through her experiences in each round of the program. 

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight.

This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a mastermind and retreat for female photographers where personal development meets business growth. During the four-month experience, students have weekly calls focused on goals, boundaries, money, and marketing.  The program also includes incredible guest teachers, a private Facebook community, and weekly Voxer hours with individualized guidance and mentorship. Sign up today to join the waitlist.

Review the Show Notes: 

Meet Cheyenne (1:41)

Cheyenne’s business before Root To Rise (2:57)

Becoming the retreat coordinator (6:52)

Growth from every single round of Root To Rise (11:24)

How Cheyenne’s business has changed over the last five years (13:16)

The two pieces of advice that really stuck with Cheyenne (15:42)

The story of Lady Bird Management (22:11)

Creating a business that serves a bigger vision (27:39)

How being in the room with other female entrepreneurs changes your business (29:57)

Cheyenne’s favorite retreat memory (33:53)

Mentioned in this Episode:

Episode 161 Insider Retreat Stories with Cheyenne Morris: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/161-insider-retreat-stories-with-cheyenne-morris

Connect with Cheyenne:

Instagram: instagram.com/cheyenne_morris_photography

Website: cheyennemorrisphotography.com

Lady Bird Management Instagram: instagram.com/ladybirdmanagement

Lady Bird Management Website: ladybirdmgmt.com

Connect with Sabrina:

Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlist

Instagram: instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you in a hard season? In today’s episode, I’m sharing a heart to heart conversation about what to do when you find yourself in a challenging season of entrepreneurship. Plus, a look into my personal experience as I navigate major shifts in my business. 

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. 

This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, the coaching experience and mastermind built for female photographers who are looking to level up their business. Throughout this five-month experience, students have access to group support, one-on-one coaching, and training with guest experts. Students may join online only or upgrade their experience to include an incredible in-person retreat. Spots are limited; get on the waitlist now. 

Review the Show Notes: 

You’re not failing (2:07)

The middle is messy (3:09)

I speak from experience (4:33)

Major shift in my business (5:57)

Pause (10:01)

Simplify (12:37)

Ask for support (13:52)

This season is temporary (14:43)

Mentioned In This Episode:

Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlist

Connect with Sabrina:

Instagram: instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to build a luxury brand and business? In today’s episode, I’m welcoming Kelly Bullock back to the podcast to chat all about her experience with growing a luxury photography business. Kelly gives her advice for stepping into the luxury space and providing an above-and-beyond client experience. 

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight.

This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, the coaching experience and mastermind built for female photographers who are looking to level up their business. Throughout this five-month experience, students have access to group support, one-on-one coaching, and training with guest experts. Students may join online only or upgrade their experience to include an incredible in-person retreat. Spots are limited; get on the waitlist now. 

Review the Show Notes: 

Meet Kelly (1:40)

How Kelly became a luxury photographer (2:33)

What it means to have be “luxury” (6:26)

Small but powerful touchpoints in the client experience (8:02)

Mindset shifts to reach the luxury level (10:20)

Making your business feel luxurious (13:15)

The role of automation in a luxury business (18:14)

Shifting into luxury marketing (19:54)

How a luxury business feels (21:51)

Our exciting announcement! (22:49)

Rapid-fire questions (25:34)

Mentioned In This Episode:

Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlist

Episode 159 Real Women, Real Stories with Kelly Bullock: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/159-real-women-real-stories-with-kelly-bullock

Connect with Kelly:

Website: kellybullockphotography.com/mentoring

Instagram: instagram.com/kellybullockphotography

Connect with Sabrina:

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Instagram: instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the quarterly business bestie chat! In this episode, Colie James and I recap quarter three and share how we are refining our offers going into the end of the year.

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. 

This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, the coaching experience and mastermind built for female photographers who are looking to level up their business. Throughout this five-month experience, students have access to group support, one-on-one coaching, and training with guest experts. Students may join online only or upgrade their experience to include an incredible in-person retreat. Spots are limited; get on the waitlist now. 

Review the Show Notes: 

How the Business Bestie Chat works (3:00)

Sabrina’s Q3 review (3:56)

Colie’s Q3 review (10:57)

What’s coming up for Sabrina in Q4 (27:50)

What’s coming up for Colie in Q4 (36:04)

Wrapping up the Q4 Business Bestie Chat (47:45)

Mentioned In This Episode:

Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlist

Episode 152 Q3 Business Bestie Chat with Colie James: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/152-q3-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-james

Connect with Colie:

Website: coliejames.com

Systems In Session: coliejames.com/systems-in-session

Email Like You Mean It: coliejames.com/email-like-you-mean-it

Connect with Sabrina:

Instagram: instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does your marketing drop off during busy season? In today’s episode, I’m sharing why it is so important to keep marketing your business even when your calendar is full. Plus, I have a handful of quick tips to make staying consistent simple and easy. 

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight.

This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, the coaching experience and mastermind built for female photographers who are looking to level up their business. Throughout this five-month experience, students have access to group support, one-on-one coaching, and training with guest experts. Students may join online only or upgrade their experience to include an incredible in-person retreat. Spots are limited; get on the waitlist now. 

Review the Show Notes: 

Why you need to market even during busy season (2:39)

Suggestions for easy content creation (5:39)

What to market when your calendar is full (10:25)

Quick tips to make marketing easier (14:14)

Mentioned In This Episode:

Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlist

Marketing That Attracts Course: sabrinagebhardt.com/marketing

Connect with Sabrina:

Instagram: instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to design your brand world? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with brand and web designer Cassie Pannier about going above and beyond your typical brand visuals. She shares her tips for uncovering your brand world and why it is so effective in leveling up your marketing. 

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. 

This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, the coaching experience and mastermind built for female photographers who are looking to level up their business. Throughout this five-month experience, students have access to group support, one-on-one coaching, and training with guest experts. Students may join online only or upgrade their experience to include an incredible in-person retreat. Spots are limited; get on the waitlist now. 

Review the Show Notes: 

Meet Cassie (2:29)

Cassie’s brand design client experience (4:17)

What makes a “brand world” (7:00)

Creating a brand world beyond first impression visuals (10:56)

The strategy behind your brand world (13:21)

Uncovering your brand world (20:08)

The benefits to a brand world over visuals (23:51)

Updating your brand slowly versus diving all in (25:32)

Working with a professional brand world designer (28:55)

Rapid-fire questions (30:55)

Connect with Cassie:

Website: gatheriecreative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/gatheriecreative

TikTok: tiktok.com/@gatheriecreative

Connect with Sabrina:

Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlist

Instagram: instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can human design impact your approach to marketing? In today’s episode, I’m diving into this question and more with email energetics expert, Breanna Owen. She’s sharing how the study of human design can inform your choices when it comes to marketing your business. 

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. 

This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, the coaching experience and mastermind built for female photographers who are looking to level up their business. Throughout this five-month experience, students have access to group support, one-on-one coaching, and training with guest experts. Students may join online only or upgrade their experience to include an incredible in-person retreat. Spots are limited; get on the waitlist now. 

Review the Show Notes: 

Meet Breanna (2:32)

Energetics and human design for beginners (7:06)

How human design may play a role in your photography business (10:14)

How to tell if you’re out of alignment and in your Not-Self Theme (15:48)

Preparing to stay in alignment (21:57)

How marketing changes based on your energy type (27:23)

Where to start with learning about your human design (34:01)

Do we naturally end up in alignment? (39:40)

Rapid-fire questions (41:21)

Mentioned In This Episode:

Energetic Email Strategy for Connection & Conversion with Breanna Owen and Colie James on Business-First Creatives: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/energetic-email-strategy-for-connection-conversion

Connect with Breanna:

Website: owenyourmark.com/links

Connect with Sabrina:

Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlist

Instagram: instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want to take a behind the scenes look at our Root To Rise retreats? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with my retreat coordinator Cheyenne Morris, and sharing some of our most significant retreat stories. Take a peek behind the curtain at some of the moments gone wrong that still turned into meaningful memories. 

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight.

This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a mastermind and retreat for female photographers where personal development meets business growth. During the four-month experience, students have weekly calls focused on goals, boundaries, money, and marketing. The program also includes incredible guest teachers, a private Facebook community, and weekly Voxer hours with individualized guidance and mentorship. Sign up today to join the waitlist. Learn More >>

Review the Show Notes: 

Meet Cheyenne and hear our story of working together (2:01)

The dinner that topped all (7:32)

Headshots gone awry (12:10)

The alumni retreat and nowhere to dine (16:13)

The bad weather back-up plan (20:43)

The anxiety-inducing journey to get there (28:42)

A hard lesson learned (30:06)

The coolest Airbnb (35:02)

The one truly bad retreat experience (39:57)

Prep the day before the retreat (44:52)

The rental car key battery dying (47:59)

Rapid-fire questions (49:39)

Connect with Cheyenne:

Website: cheyennemorrisphotography.com

Instagram: instagram.com/cheyenne_morris_photography

Connect with Sabrina:

Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlist

Instagram: instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you prepared to avoid burnout? In today’s episode, I’m sharing my personal experience with burnout from last year and how to avoid finding yourself in the same situation. Plus, steps to take if you find yourself currently stuck. 

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight.

This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, the coaching experience and mastermind built for female photographers who are looking to level up their business. Throughout this five-month experience, students have access to group support, one-on-one coaching, and training with guest experts. Students may join online only or upgrade their experience to include an incredible in-person retreat. Spots are limited; get on the waitlist now. 

Review the Show Notes: 

Early warning signs of burnout (2:51)

Behaviors that most commonly lead to burnout (6:27)

Protection habits to avoid burnout (10:02)

Tools to help if you’re stuck in burnout (19:34)

Connect with Sabrina:

Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlist

Instagram: instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.