Shutter Up! Podcast

We're spilling ALL the spicy photography tea in this episode of the Shutter Up Podcast! From why we can't stand photographers posting their editing cues on Instagram, to our full-blown rant on Apple Watches ruining your photos, we’re not holding back.

We also dive into the real reason we don’t tag second shooters (sorry, not sorry), the truth about documentary-style photography, and the wild world of styled shoots—including that viral toilet bride photo 👀

If you're a wedding photographer, second shooter, or just love a juicy behind-the-scenes industry chat, this one’s for you.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more hot takes, real talk, and chaotic creative convos.

🎧 Also available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!

@theshutteruppodcast

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Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro

1:00 – Why photographers posting editing cues is a no from us

9:00 – Our beef with Apple Watches in wedding photos

16:00 – Do you have to tag your second shooter?

27:00 – That styled shoot on a toilet... we have thoughts

36:00 – Styled shoots: helpful or fake marketing?

42:00 – Should photographers have to give vendors free photos?

#PhotographyHotTakes #WeddingPhotographyPodcast #StyledShootGoneWrong #SecondShooterDrama #ShutterUpPodcast #PhotographyPodcast #PhotographerPetPeeves #BehindTheLens #WeddingPhotographerChat #CreativeIndustryTea

Let’s talk about every couple’s least favorite forecast—rain on wedding day. In this episode, Rachael shares the story of a recent wedding where the skies opened up, but the bride insisted on keeping it outdoors. We dive into the real challenges rain brings, why having a solid backup plan is non-negotiable, and how to pivot like a pro when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. Plus, a surprise cameo from Rachael’s dog Mochi brings a little sunshine to the chaos 🐶. Whether you’re a bride, planner, or photographer—this one’s a must-listen!

This week’s episode is coming to you straight from our Shutter Up Podcast launch party! We went live with three incredible photographers—Jo from Made by JAM Studio, Sunday Eason from Sunday Photo and Films, and Aubrey Douglass from 80 Photography. We tackled:

💍 Why are rings in cakes a thing?

🙅‍♀️ Do we all hate the “woo” prompt?

🍾 A bride drunk before the ceremony? Yep.

🔥 Hot takes. Awkward Prompts. A wild toast from dad.

We loved having these amazing photographer on the podcast and getting to come together with our amazing community.

#ShutterUpPodcast #PhotographyPodcast #WeddingPhotographers #PhotographerLife #HotTakes #LivePodcast #CreativeChaos #BehindTheScenes #PhotographerCommunity

Ever left your entire gear bag at a courthouse? How about almost getting hit by a police car on your way to a session? In this episode, Rachael shares the wild story of how she forgot her Pelican case and her off-camera flash—on two separate shoots—and somehow still managed to pull it all off.

We talk through how to stay calm when things go sideways, the systems we should be using to keep track of our gear (oops), and the moments that make you want to laugh, cry, and triple-check your checklist. Oh—and there's a debate about Crocs vs. “crux,” because of course there is.

If you’ve ever had a gear fail, a near miss, or just one of those “how am I even still a functioning adult?” moments, this one’s for you.

🔦 Got your own photography fail? DM us @shutteruppodcast—we want to hear it!

Check your shutter count and comment below what it is!

Grab your tea (or a soju melon), because this episode is WILD. When one photographer sends out a gallery from a styled shoot, she never expects another photographer to download, post, and pass the photos off as her own—on her website, socials, and even client galleries.But wait… it gets worse.She gaslights. She lies. She rebrands.We’re diving into the unhinged true story of photo theft, a cease and desist, and the shocking twist that involves stolen wedding galleries, fake portfolios, and a brother’s wedding. 😳Expect:• The messy fallout of photographers stealing work• How to protect your images (and your sanity)• What to do when a “community over competition” girlie turns con artist• A reality check on trusting people in the industryPhotographers, this is the cautionary tale you didn’t know you needed.And yes, the receipts are REAL.🎧 Tune in for rage, laughs, and justice.📲 Tag us @shutteruppodcast and tell us: Would you have blasted her or gone to court?! 👀

This week, we’re switching gears, we are putting down our cameras and grabbing our paintbrushes (and our wine), and catching up on life, business, and everything in between—while attempting the ultimate challenge: painting each other!

It’s equal parts chaos and creativity as we sip, chat, and reveal our masterpieces at the end of the episode. From behind-the-scenes updates to unfiltered thoughts on recent shoots, this one’s all about fun, friendship, and not taking ourselves too seriously.

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and send us your wildest stories for a chance to be featured in the next one!

🔗 Follow us on IG: @shutteruppodcast

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & more

We’re back with part two of our catch up and chit-chat—and we’re not holding back! From being awkward behind the camera to second-shooter slip-ups, this episode dives into the real-life lessons every photographer can learn something from. We’re talking about how to handle insecure brides with grace, why posture cues matter more than you think, and when trying to help can actually make things worse.Plus, how to confidently set boundaries, say no to draining clients, and speak up when the vibe starts slipping. Expect laughs, unfiltered truths, and the hard-earned advice we wish we knew sooner.✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and send us your wildest stories for a chance to be featured in the next one!🔗 Follow us on IG: @shutteruppodcast🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & more

What do Twilight, one-star reviews, and filming adult content in a photography studio have in common? Honestly, we wish we didn’t know either. In this episode, we’re talking about the awkwardness of booking old classmates, our painfully shy high school era, and the absolute chaos that unfolded at a recent studio session — involving a sticky situation (literally), a cleaning fee scam, and one very helpful dad. We’re pulling back the curtain on the stuff no one talks about and sharing why some studios might just not be worth it (even when they’re your only option).

@theshutteruppodcastInsta- https://www.instagram.com/shutterup_podcast/Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@theshutteruppodcast🎧 Make sure to subscribe for more episodes all about photography, creativity, and building a business with intention.

Is going full-time as a photographer still worth it in 2025? In this episode, we unpack Rachael’s decision to leave her corporate job (again!) to pursue photography full time—and what it really takes to make that leap.

We talk hustle culture, the pressure to always be busy, why “full-time” looks different for everyone, and how client trust is built (and broken) through turnaround times, communication, and consistency. Plus, we get into the tea about photographers charging premium rates but not delivering on timelines—and how that affects the industry as a whole.

Whether you’re part-time, full-time, or stuck somewhere in between, this one’s for you if you’ve ever asked:

“Am I legit if I’m not full-time?”

“Is burnout inevitable?”

“How can I actually run a business and not just have a hobby that pays sometimes?”

Let’s talk boundaries, burnout, and being a boss—even in this economy.

In this candid episode, we’re unpacking the real, unfiltered journey of navigating life between a full-time corporate job and the dream of being a full-time photographer. From quitting a 9-to-5 during COVID to shooting 50+ weddings in one year, to dipping back into the corporate world—and now feeling the creative itch again—we talk about burnout, stability, money anxiety, social pressure, and everything in between.

Whether you're debating if you’re “legit” enough to go full-time, wondering if it’s okay to not go full-time, or just trying to juggle it all without losing your mind, this one’s for you. Spoiler: everyone’s path is different, and that’s totally okay.