Welcome Back! Today I sat down with Ben Lau, an incredible wedding photographer and entrepreneur from Northern New Jersey and NYC, to talk about building an associate team and running multiple brands. Ben shares his journey from solo photographer to managing three distinct wedding brands alongside his wife, Karis, allowing them to capture over 100 weddings a year. We dive into everything from finding the right people, defining brand identity, and the power of networking to keep a business thriving. I found this conversation super inspiring, and I hope you do too!

About Ben:

Ben Lau is one-half of a husband & wife duo who owns/manages 3 award winning wedding photography brands, photographing over 100 weddings every year in NYC & Northern NJ. He's also a sales & marketing educator, teaching wedding creatives how to do better in their sales & marketing, so they can focus on what they do best - their photography, filmmaking, or whatever it is that they sell. He and his wife are the founders of the Focused AF Summit, a business-focused wedding conference here in Northern NJ, and they're also co-hosts of the Focused AF Podcast, where he, his wife, along with another husband & wife duo, interview other successful entrepreneurs to learn how to level-up in their businesses.

Do you need any more advice? Fill out the inquiry form below if you would like to schedule a mentorship with me. Mentorship’s open Nov. 1st!!

BOOK A MENTORSHIP

Connect with Ben Online:

Website: benlau.com

Instagram: @benlauphoto
FB Group: Go-Getting Creative

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Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool

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Welcome Back! Today, I sit down with Georgia McMaster of G&M Photo and Film to explore the art of posing and creating authentic client connections. Georgia shares how she and her husband, Micah, bring each couple’s story to life with natural poses, collaborative mood boards, and relaxed sessions. We also dive into their social media strategies that attract clients and build a strong brand. Be sure to connect with Georgia - links down below!!

About Georgia:

Georgia and Micah are destination wedding photographers as well as photography educators! They started their business together in 2020, and being part of people’s stories  has been an incredible experience for them over the past four years. Their journey has taken them all over the world and has created so many amazing friendships with the best people along the way. 

Based out of Charleston, South Carolina, they made the move a few years ago on a whim, and it’s turned out to be one of their best decisions yet. When they’re not shooting in Charleston, they’re likely traveling the globe for weddings and sessions, or working on education content to help photographers. They are passionate about empowering photographers by sharing courses and presets to help elevate their businesses to the highest level. They believe in fostering growth within the photography community and are dedicated to supporting others in reaching their full potential.

Do you need any more advice? Fill out the inquiry form below if you would like to schedule a mentorship with me. Mentorship’s open Nov. 1st!!

BOOK A MENTORSHIP

Connect With Georgia online:

Website: gmvisionsphotography.com

Instagram: @_gmphotoandfilm_
Presets: @_gmpresets_ 
Education: @_gmeducation
Tik Tok: @_gmvisions_ 

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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)

My Pricing Guide

In this episode of Summer School, I’m answering your comments and stories! From handling shooting stress to discovering your editing style, I’m diving into real questions you’ve sent in and sharing advice based on my own experiences. Tune in for real talk, updates, and hopefully some inspiration for your photography journey :)

Do you need any more advice? Fill out the inquiry form below if you would like to schedule a mentorship with me. Mentorship’s open Nov. 1st!!

BOOK A MENTORSHIP

Connect with Me:

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

SUBSCRIBE HERE

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

Today, I’m diving into the travel tips and tricks I’ve picked up as a destination wedding photographer. From booking non-stop flights to maximizing travel rewards and navigating last-minute car rentals, I’m sharing the lessons I’ve learned from both my wins and mistakes. We’ll cover everything from smart gear packing to why non-stop flights are a must for wedding days. Whether you’re juggling multiple events or prepping for your first big destination gig, these tips will help you travel more efficiently and stress-free. Join me as I share the strategies that have helped me streamline my business travel!

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

In this episode of Summer School, I'm diving into the 5 biggest mistakes I made when starting my business—and how you can avoid them. From underpricing your services to trying to do it all yourself, I’m sharing the lessons I’ve learned along the way to help you run a smoother, more sustainable business. As usual, I’ll give you some life updates, including prepping for my last wedding before maternity leave and how i've been juggling work-life balance these days. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, tune in for some real talk and practical advice!

My Accountant:

Instagram: @roccotundocpa

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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It's Q&A time! I'm diving into some of your most-asked questions and sharing updates on life, business, and photography. From balancing a busy wedding season while preparing for maternity leave to my go-to photography gear, I’m answering it all. I’ll cover everything from how to gracefully decline a booking, what I pack in my camera bag, pricing film packages, and even how I plan to navigate work-life balance once the baby arrives. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, there’s something here for everyone! Tune in for some candid insights and practical advice.

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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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In this episode of Summer School, I sit down with videographer and YouTube sensation Matt Johnson to explore his journey from wedding films to becoming an educational content creator. We chat about his early start in videography, gear that’s shaping the industry, his tips for building strong collaborations with photographers, and youtube. If you’re interested in joining his upcoming workshop to help you book more gigs, head to get.whoismatt.com/workshop.

About Matt

Matt and his wife Rachel film weddings in Texas and around the country. They create stunning films that are not only beautiful, but are pushing the limits of creativity and quality. He also created whoismatt.com and has amassed over 400,000 subscribers on YouTube with tech tutorials, wedding filmmaking behind the scenes videos, and business advice. He has grown an incredible business and beard, and continues to wow couples with his wedding films.

Connect with Matt Online:

Website: whoismatt.com
Instagram: @whoismatt

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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In this episode of Summer School, I sit down with my dear friend Morgan from In Frames Photography to dive into an often-overlooked topic: money mindset. Morgan shares her personal journey of shifting from a scarcity mindset—shaped by her upbringing—to one of abundance and gratitude. Together, we discuss how to foster a healthy relationship with money, set intentional financial goals, and use money as a tool for growth rather than a source of fear. Want to hear more from Morgan and I? Then join us, and many other incredible speakers, online at Recess Workshop: VIP Ticket // Artist Experience Ticket

About Morgan:

Morgan is a destination wedding and family photographer based in the stunning Utah mountains. She describes her unique style as gritty elegance, blending Vogue-like candids that capture the raw honesty of human connections with a sultry energy and a love for bold contrast and drama. In addition to her photography career, Morgan has spent years as an educator, teaching others about branding and developing a healthy relationship with money. A passionate dog mom and a fan of the unconventional, she is dedicated to helping others embrace their authentic selves both personally and professionally.

Connect with Morgan Online:

Website: inframesphotography.com
Instagram: @inframesphotography

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)

My Pricing Guide

In this episode of Summer School, I’m giving you guys a real-life update on everything—travel, pregnancy, and what it’s been like juggling work as a photographer. I’ll answer some of the questions you sent in through Instagram, like what my business is going to look like after our baby girl arrives and how I’m planning to balance it all—parenthood, business, and life. Plus, I’ll talk a little about how Jake and I manage running a business together. I hope you enjoy the show!

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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Hey everyone! Today on Summer School, we’re thrilled to welcome back one of my absolute favorite people, Jon Sweet. In this episode, Jon shares insights from his ever-evolving career as a photographer, revealing his passion for connecting with clients and fellow artists while juggling a busy work schedule and family life. We dive into the importance of community, spontaneity, networking, and gratitude in building a successful career. Jon also offers practical tips on creating better practices amidst a hectic schedule and staying grounded in gratitude. Don’t miss this episode filled with inspiring stories and actionable advice for photographers!

"You're not just taking photos; you're capturing moments that matter. Building a connection with your clients makes all the difference..."

- Jon Taylor Sweet

Connect with Jon online: 

Instagram

Website

Connect with Me:

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

SUBSCRIBE HERE

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