This time I’m joined by photographer Lukas Piatek to talk about AI, lighting, and composition - three things shaping photography right now. We break down the AI tools worth using, how to elevate your images with stronger light, and why developing your own style matters more than following trends.\

Meet Lukas:

Lukas Piatek is a destination wedding and elopement photographer known for his cinematic, emotive imagery and work across more than 30 countries. Based in Germany, and splitting his time between Europe and beyond, Lukas captures weddings with a raw, storytelling approach that blends editorial elegance with genuine emotion. Lukas is also the creator behind Meridian Presets, used by thousands of photographers worldwide to achieve natural, film-inspired tones. Alongside his photography work, Lukas mentors creatives in SEO and brand strategy, helping photographers elevate their online presence and grow sustainable businesses.

Connect with Lukas:

Website: www.lukaspiatek.com

Instagram: @lukaspiatekphotography

Patreon: www.patreon.com/c/lukaspiatek

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Show Notes: the-summerschool.com

Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool

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My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

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Hi everyone! Today I’m talking with Bay Area photographer Ryan Shaver, who shoots exclusively on Polaroid. We get into how he built a business around instant film, what makes the medium so different to work with, and how he’s carved out a unique spot in the industry.

Meet Ryan:

Ryan Shaver is a Polaroid photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area who stands out in the professional photography world for shooting exclusively on Polaroid. After completing his graduate research paper, Predictive Processing for Artificial Intelligence & Cognition, Ryan leaned fully into instant film as a way to preserve memories with honesty and imperfection.

In 2022, he bet that people would eventually grow tired of the overly polished look of AI-generated imagery and crave something real. He went all in on a niche few pursue due to its high costs and challenges, landing his first client within a year. Since 2023, Ryan has photographed weddings, portraits, and major corporate events — including a recent donors event at the Exploratorium — and now also serves as the Creative Director for Siempre Golden clothing brand.

Connect with Ryan:

Corporate Holiday Party Season is coming up, and Ryan is still taking bookings!

The first ten people to book a wedding package next year, if they drop the code "SUMMER", will get 10% the total negotiated package price.

Website: ⁠shaver.film

Instagram: ⁠@shaver.film

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Show Notes: ⁠the-summerschool.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠@summergrace.photo⁠  ⁠@the_summerschool⁠

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This week, I’m catching you up on what’s been going on lately -our move back to the Pacific Northwest, settling into a new routine, and how I’ve unexpectedly started shooting more families. After years focused on weddings, it’s been a refreshing change that’s been teaching me a lot!

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Show Notes: ⁠the-summerschool.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠@summergrace.photo⁠  ⁠@the_summerschool⁠

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⁠My Summer Grace x G-Presets⁠ ⁠ (⁠discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

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This week I’m joined by New York based photographer and director Tiana Michele, whose creative journey perfectly blends art, risk-taking, and reinvention.

We met at Nikon’s Creator Camp in Utah, and I was instantly drawn to her work and the way she tells stories through both photo and film. In this episode, we dive into how she transitioned from weddings to directing short films, the beauty of collaboration, and what it really looks like to keep evolving as an artist.

Meet Tiana

Tiana is a Sierra Leonean-American photographer, director, and writer based in New York City. She has a BFA in Dance Performance & Choreography. She began taking photos in 2020, during the pandemic after taking a break from dance immediately after graduating. She works with film and digital format and much of her personal work is inspired by things happening in the world around us with an emphasis in feminism, fashion, movement, and things she has dealt with personally as a third culture woman of color. Her most recent notable work in film is her directorial debut Manspread.

Connect with Tiana:

Website: tianamichelephoto.com

Instagram and TikTok: @bytianamichele

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Show Notes: the-summerschool.com

Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool

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My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

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Hi everyone! This time I’m joined by Christina Demertzi - a Berlin-based concert photographer who went from teaching to touring with major artists. We chat about life on the road, finding creative flow in the chaos, and her newest project, the Dem Camera, a screen-free digital camera designed to make photography fun again.

Meet Christina:

Christina Demertzi is a Berlin-based photographer, content creator, and founder of demcams. After starting her career as a secondary education teacher, she made a bold leap into the creative world and has since built a name for herself capturing unforgettable moments on stage and behind the scenes with international artists. With over three years of experience in music photography, Christina’s work spans tour documentation, social media storytelling, and viral reels that have reached millions of viewers. Beyond photography, she is passionate about empowering creatives and has currently founded demcams, a screen-free digital camera. Her journey combines artistry, entrepreneurship, and resilience, inspiring others to turn their passions into thriving careers.

Christina is currently working on DemCams, a reusable, screen-free digital camera that instantly transfers photos to your phone. It’s designed to bring back the magic of capturing moments without distractions—no screen, no endless retakes, just authentic memories you can relive later.

Connect with Christina:

Website: www.christinademertzi.com

Instagram: @christinademerzi / @demcams

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Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool

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My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

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Hi friends! Today I’m sitting down with one of my good friends and absolute powerhouses in the education space, Noella Andres. Noella has helped launch so many incredible educators and is known for her innovative take on business and photography education.

Meet Noella Andres:Noella Andres has been in the photography game for over 20 years. Chasing love stories, and eventually finding her real passion: helping other photographers grow wildly successful businesses of their own. These days, she's all about marketing, brand partnerships, and business coaching, guiding photographers as they step into their next big thing, whether that’s launching a course, building passive income, or levelling up their visibility. She’s part strategy nerd, part hype girl, and fully invested in helping creatives find freedom in their business (and have a little fun doing it).Connect with Noella:

Join the waitlist for her new podcast: JOIN

How to use your email list to attract clients: DOWNLOAD HERE

Launch checklist: DOWNLOAD HERE

Website: noellaandres.com

Instagram: @noellaandres

Connect with Me:

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Show Notes: the-summerschool.com

Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool

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My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

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Hi everyone! It’s just me this time. I wanted to catch you up on some big life changes, new creative chapters, and what’s next for both me and Summer School. I’m also answering your questions from recent workshops, chatting about pricing, diversifying income, building community, and staying creative online.

Connect with Me:

Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!

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Show Notes: the-summerschool.com

Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool

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My Summer Grace x G-Presets  (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

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AI for Creators and Professionals: Practical Insights with Nathaniel Reagan

Hey everyone! In this episode I chatted with Nathaniel Reagan, co-founder of Spirit Camp, to talk about how AI and creativity intersect. From shifting his perspective as a skeptic to becoming an advocate for intentional use, Nathaniel shares how AI can act as a mirror of our intentions - helping us work smarter without losing our voice or values.

We cover everything from the environmental impact of AI, to the difference between thoughtful and careless use, to practical tools like Whisper Flow and Claude that can make everyday work more efficient.

Meet Nathaniel:

Nathaniel Reagan is an AI educator, co-founder of AI Learning Labs, owner of Key13 Studios, and co-founder and transformation practitioner at Spirit Camp Retreat Center with his partner Julian. A longtime entrepreneur, he became an AI power user out of necessity while balancing multiple ventures. With 20 years of experience—from NGO development work in Mozambique to marketing roles at major New York agencies serving healthcare and biotech clients—he brings both strategic and hands-on expertise to AI education. Nathaniel teaches through real-world applications, showing creators and professionals how to use AI for everything from presentations to business planning. He’s passionate about ensuring AI is used consciously and believes big-hearted humans should guide how technology transforms our world.

Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.

 Subscribe here

Connect with Nathaniel: 

Instagram: @ailearninglabs_

Threads: @ailearninglabs_

X: Ai_LearningLabs

TikTok: @ai.learning.labs

Facebook: AiLearningLabs

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Show Notes: the-summerschool.com

Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool

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My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

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Hi everyone! In this episode, I’m chatting with Laura Shepherd about her journey into photography and the role that off camera flash has played in transforming her work. We cover learning flash through trial and error, favorite gear, stepping outside your niche to stay inspired, and finding balance between business, family, and creativity.

Meet Laura:

Laura is a Portland based wedding and elopement photographer. She is the photographer who everyone describes as 'chill' but is always ready to laugh, cry, and party with you! With a love for everything romantic, editorial, and emotional, becoming a wedding photographer came easy to her. Laura is ready to translate your love into a visual editorial that you and your partner can cherish forever... while always having a good time! 

Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.

 Subscribe here

Laura's "Master Guide to Off-Camera Flash" is on sale through October 1st for 40% off! Get it HERE

Connect with Laura:

Instagram + TikTok: @laurashepherdimages

Website: www.laurashepherdimages.com

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Show Notes: the-summerschool.com

Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool

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My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

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Hi everyone! This week on Summer School, I’m joined by the team behind The Vendor Table podcast - wedding photographers Michael Cassara and Lauren O’Brien. With years of experience and hundreds of weddings between them, Michael and Lauren know the industry inside and out.

Together, they’ve built The Vendor Table into a go-to space for honest conversations, pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to work in weddings. In our chat, we talk about their journeys as photographers, why they decided to start the podcast, and how they’re using their voices to bring more connection, authenticity, and perspective to both couples and vendors alike.

Meet Michael and Lauren:

Mike Cassara & Lauren O’Brien are award-winning wedding photographers based in Long Island, New York. With acombined 20+ years of experience and over 800 weddings captured, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the industry.

In January 2023, they launched "The Vendor Table" Podcast, a show that highlights the chaos, thrill, and humor of being full-time wedding photographers. Their goal is to share their
experiences, provide tips and tricks for aspiring photographers and wedding vendors, as well as offer valuable advice to couples planning their weddings.

Since its premiere in March 2023, they have recorded 120 full-length episodes and released 300+ Reels/TikTok videos. Their influence in the industry has also led them to be Summit Speakers at the WPPI 2025 Conference, where they shared their expertise with fellow photographers and creatives.

With a combined 185,000+ followers on Instagram and TikTok, their content continues to engage and inspire a growing community of wedding professionals and engaged couples alike.

Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.

 Subscribe here

Connect with Michael and Lauren: 

Website: www.thevendortable.com | www.michaelcassara.me | www.laurenobrienphoto.com 

Instagram (and all platforms): @thevendortablepod | @michaelcassaraphoto | @laurenobrienphoto

Connect with Me:

Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!

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Show Notes: the-summerschool.com

Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool

Shop My Products:

Become a Member of Summer School

My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

My Pricing Guide