I'm breaking down how getting to know your clients on a deeper level totally transforms the vibe of a shoot — from understanding their style and preferences to knowing what actually makes them feel comfortable in front of the camera. We're talking intentional questionnaires. When you use them right, they make every session feel so much more personal and genuine.

If you want to elevate your client experience, this episode is for you!

CONNECT WITH SUE :)

Say hi on Instagram: @sue.shutterbug

https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/

Email: [email protected]

If you've been dreaming about higher sales, more confidence in your pricing, and finally stepping into the level of service (and income) you know you're capable of… this episode is for you. I sat down with Matthew Orbaugh, and he walked me through what it actually takes to hit consistent 4- and 5-figure sales as a senior portrait photographer and even how he's made sales as large as 15k from one session!

Let's get into it!

CONNECT WITH MATTHEW!!

@Mattheworbaughphoto

https://www.instagram.com/mattheworbaughphoto/

CONNECT WITH SUE :)

Say hi on Instagram: @sue.shutterbug

https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what in-person sales (IPS) are and how the process works. Think of this episode as your intro to IPS 101—we're keeping it simple, approachable, and totally relatable so you'll have a foundation before we dive deeper in future episodes.

I'm also spilling the story of my first $3K sale—yes, THREE THOUSAND—and how that moment completely rewired the way I think about photography, pricing, and the emotional value of printed artwork. If selling has ever felt cringe, pushy, or "not your vibe," this episode is going to change the way you see it.

By the end, you'll understand what IPS is, why photographers are loving it, and why it might just be the game-changer your business needs.

CONNECT WITH SUE :)

Say hi on Instagram: @sue.shutterbug

Email: [email protected]

I'm backkkk! 🎉 After taking a (very unplanned) break from the podcast, I'm hopping back on the mic to catch you up on everything—from running a photography business through chaos, to leveling up my brand, to what's coming in season two of Shutterbug Club.

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what really happened during my time away, the fears I had about returning, and how I shifted my biz into a full-on luxury experience I'm also spilling a little tea about recent adventures—like getting invited to an exclusive Sony event 👀

If you're a photographer, creative, or entrepreneur who's ever hit pause, felt behind, or wondered if you should even keep going—this one's for you. You're not alone, and in this season we're going all-in on honesty, confidence, and community. Expect book recs, social media tips, guest experts, and a whole lot of "let's figure this out together."

Success isn't perfection—it's showing up again. Let's do this. ✨

In this episode, I'm diving into a book that seriously shifted the way I think about business growth — 10x Is Easier Than 2x. I'm breaking down what it actually means to grow bigger and faster without just working harder. We're talking all about the 80/20 rule (aka how a small part of what you do creates most of your results), how to focus on what reallymoves the needle, and why it's so powerful to show up with a "buyer" mindset instead of feeling like you have to beg people to book you. I'm also sharing my thoughts on setting goals that scare you — the kind that are bigger than your current skill level and force you to level up. If you're a photographer or creative entrepreneur who's ready to stop playing small, this one's for you.

CONNECT WITH SUE :)

Say hi on Instagram: @sue.shutterbug

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Shutterbug Club, I'm getting real with you about feeling stuck, unmotivated, and just off. If you've been in a slump lately (or want to stop one before it starts), you are sooo not alone. I'm sharing what's been helping me—like having an accountability buddy, time blocking my days, and creating routines that actually support my mental health instead of drain me.

I also talk about why rest is not lazy and how being gentle with yourself is one of the most productive things you can do. This is your little pep talk if you've been needing one. 💛

CONNECT WITH SUE :)

Say hi on Instagram: @sue.shutterbug

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, I'm diving into something that holds so many of us back—especially creatives like us: the spotlight effect. We talk all about how that fear keeps us from showing up, creating, and sharing the things that matter most.

Plus, I'm sharing a few hilarious and honestly chaotic stories from photoshoots that didn't exactly go as planned.

I also give a little life update, including the long-awaited honeymoon Zach and I finally took and some real talk about money mindset and learning how to communicate my value in business without guilt.

This one's for anyone who's been waiting until everything feels perfect to put themselves out there. Spoiler: it never will be. But the impact you can make right now, just by being real and showing up as yourself

CONNECT WITH SUE :)

Say hi on Instagram: @sue.shutterbug https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/

Check out my new website! https://sueshutterbug.com

Your relationship with wedding coordinators can make or break your photography business. These pros refer their favorite photographers to every couple they meet—but most photographers unknowingly sabotage those relationships and lose out on major bookings.

In this episode, I sit down with a top wedding coordinator to reveal what actually makes vendors want to refer you—and what quietly gets you blacklisted. You'll hear real stories of photographers gaining (or losing) thousands based solely on how they treat fellow vendors.

CONNECT WITH AMBER

Instagram: @the.perfect.day.co

https://www.instagram.com/the.perfect.day.co/

CONNECT WITH SUE :)

Say hi on Instagram: @sue.shutterbug

https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, Dani Venen shares her creative process and how she's using AI in the coolest way—as a tool to spark original, out-of-the-box photo concepts you definitely won't find on Pinterest. We talk about how to stay in control of your creativity while letting AI help you push boundaries, build mood boards, and streamline editing without losing your creative touch.

Dani also drops so many helpful tips she's picked up throughout her one-of-a-kind photography journey, from pricing her work with confidence to creating surprise-filled shoots through her roulette series. And make sure you stay till the end—she shares an incredible full circle moment about a short film she created that actually aired on TV. So inspiring.

CONNECT WITH DANI

@theeditorialstyle

https://www.instagram.com/theeditorialstyle/

CONNECT WITH SUE :)

Say hi on Instagram: @sue.shutterbug

https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, I'm chatting with portrait photographer Megan Grindel all about how she creates photos that feel like a memory. We dive into her unique approach to posing and editing — how she builds emotion into every shot, gets her clients to open up, and tells a full story through composition and color.

Megan shares her go-to posing tips, her editing mindset, and how she's built a style that feels nastalgic and full of life. We also talk about the heart behind her new Photo Club, a space for photographers to grow together.

If you want to elevate your portraits beyond "just pretty" and make them feel something — this one's for you. Let's dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Join The Photo Club!

CONNECT WITH MAEGAN

@maegangrendellphoto

CONNECT WITH SUE :)

Say hi on Instagram: @sue.shutterbug

Email: [email protected]

00:00Introduction to Megan Grindel 01:04Megan's Photography Journey 02:58Defining Style and Emotion in Photography 05:39The Importance of Capturing Memories 08:11Rapid Fire Questions: Gear and Preferences 09:52Planning and Posing Techniques 12:39Creating Movement and Emotion in Photos 16:26Connecting with Clients and Personalities 19:08Incorporating Environment in Photography 21:44Composition and Background Choices 26:08Capturing Unique Perspectives in Photography 27:54The Evolution of a Photographer's Style 29:47Embracing New Techniques and Challenges 31:50The Role of Lighting in Photography 32:12Finding Inspiration in Various Mediums 33:20Personalizing Poses for Unique Shots 34:28The Impact of Music on the Creative Process 35:23Intentionality in Editing Styles 36:17Utilizing Masks for Precise Edits 37:47Navigating Color Adjustments in Lightroom 40:00Mastering White Balance Techniques 42:22Overcoming Self-Doubt in Editing 45:42Perfecting Green Tones in Photography 49:35Curating Outfits for Photoshoots 52:36Building a Photography Community through the Photo Club