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

Ava shared how she approaches photography in a way that’s not just creative, but also super empowering for her clients. She’s all about helping people embrace their bodies and feel confident in front of the camera. We also got into how she uses social media to build her brand while staying totally authentic—and how that’s been such a key part of her connection with her audience.

She let me peek into her creative process, shared some really fun posing tips, and even talked about how humor plays a big role in her sessions. This one’s full of insight, inspiration, and a whole lotta heart—can’t wait for you to hear it.

CONNECT WITH AVA

@avagracezphotography

 

CONNECT WITH SUE :)

Say hi on Instagram: @sue.shutterbug 

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Shutterbug Club, I chat with Kelsey Marie, a senior photographer who’s mastered the art of building thriving, supportive senior rep teams. She shares how she started, how she creates real community with her girls, and her full process—from picking team members to hosting fun bonding events and keeping everyone engaged all year.

We also dive into the pros and cons of big teams, her pricing strategy, and how her rep team has totally transformed her business. If you're thinking about starting your own team, this episode will give you everything you need to get started—with heart, strategy, and inspiration.

CONNECT WITH KELSEY:

Instagram: @kelseymarie.photo

 

CONNECT WITH SUE :)

Say hi on Instagram: @sue.shutterbug 

Email: [email protected]

I’m hanging out with two of my incredible senior model girls, Emma and Coral, and we’re spilling all the tea on what it’s really like to be part of my senior model team! From silly “Would You Rather?” questions to their fave artists, binge-worthy shows, and fashion trends they’re loving—this episode is packed with fun. But we also get into the heart of it: the sweetest memories from their time on the team, their best advice for future seniors thinking about joining, and their big dreams for life after graduation. If you’ve ever thought about joining a senior rep team… this one’s for you.

 

 

Connect with Emma & Coral

https://www.instagram.com/coralspelbring/ 

https://www.instagram.com/8emma1kemp8/

 

CONNECT WITH SUE :) Say hi on Instagram: @sue.shutterbug  https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/

Email: [email protected]

I sat down with car photographer Sam Dennington, and we chatted about how a simple idea of leaving prints on strangers’ cars blew up on social media and landed him some fun brand deals.

He started by snapping pics of cool cars, and then printing them out and leaving them as little surprise gifts. 

We talked all about how that series started, the creative process behind it, what it’s been like connecting with car owners in real life, and where he wants to take things next 

If you’ve ever had a random creative idea this is your sign to go for it. Sam’s story is such a cool example of how being genuine and doing something different can open doors.

 

CONNECT WITH SAM 

Say hi on Instagram: @samdenington

 

CONNECT WITH SUE :)

 @sue.shutterbug 

Want to work togeather? Email: [email protected]

 

This is your year — the year of change, the year of action. We're getting organized, hitting our goals, and waking up excited to take on the day. I read Atomic Habits by James Clear and pulled out the juiciest, most life-changing takeaways so you don’t have to — but let's be real, you might want to after this.

In this episode, we dive into why taking action matters, how small improvements add up, and how discipline and environment play a huge role in habit formation. We also chat about how to romanticize your life, why surrounding yourself with the right friends can make all the difference, and how the habits you stick with are really a reflection of who you want to become. Plus, I break down the habit-building cycle and give you practical strategies to create lasting change in your life.

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Book recommendations 

CONNECT WITH SUE :)

Say hi on Instagram: @sue.shutterbug 

Email: [email protected]