In this solo episode of Summer School, I share my top 10 tips for starting a photography business. I dive into the importance of building an online presence, networking, creating an affordable portfolio, and investing in education and training. I also discuss the value of having a solid business plan, prioritizing client experience, leveraging technology, embracing social media marketing, diversifying income streams, and seeking feedback to adapt and grow. Finally, I emphasize the need to develop a work-life balance to ensure long-term success and happiness in your photography journey. Whether you're new to photography or aiming to refresh your business approach, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!

Summer Camp 2024

Last chance to join us for Summer Camp 2024 happening next week! It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow photographers, learn from industry experts, and participate in hands-on workshops. We'll be diving into everything from creative techniques to business strategies, and you’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge and new connections. Plus, there will be fun activities, swag bags, and a chance to record a live Q&A session with me! If you haven’t signed up yet, don’t miss out. Head over to my website to secure your spot. I can’t wait to see you there and create some amazing memories together. Until then, keep capturing those beautiful moments!

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Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool

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In this special episode of Summer School, I sit down with my amazing mom, Sylvia Freeman, for a heartfelt conversation about life, family, and photography. We dive into my entrepreneurial journey, the influence of my upbringing, and my mom's own creative pursuits. We also discuss the unique challenges and memorable moments in wedding photography, the importance of family dynamics, and the trend of first looks. My mom shares her wisdom on hard work, dedication, and following your dreams. Tune in for an episode filled with personal stories, insights, and a lot of love.

Summer Camp

Get ready for Summer Camp, our ultimate photography retreat happening from June 17th to the 20th just outside of Palm Springs! This workshop is designed to ignite your passion and elevate your skills with a lineup of immersive activities, including a Film Workshop led by a local LA film lab, marketing classes, creative shooting techniques, and emulsion lift classes. Enjoy amazing food, poolside relaxation, and styled shoots, all while building connections with fellow creatives.

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Welcome to this week's episode of Summer School! Jake and I are recording from Washington at his family’s home. In this episode, we dive into the challenges and rewards of travel wedding photography. We share tips on managing travel fatigue, staying creatively inspired, and balancing personal life with the demands of constant travel. We also discuss strategies for breaking into the travel wedding photography niche, including building a diverse portfolio, effective marketing, and transparent pricing.

We cover practical travel tips like booking flights and accommodations, staying organized, and handling different lighting conditions and weather. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your travel photography business, this episode is packed with insights to help you succeed.

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In this episode, I sit down with the inspiring Hailey Faria, a photographer who has truly mastered adapting to life's many changes. Hailey shares her journey of over a decade, moving from San Diego to Hawaii, Oklahoma to North Carolina, and how she’s reinvented her photography business with each move. We talk about the power of community and connection, and how Hailey embeds herself in local cultures to grow both personally and professionally.

One of the most memorable parts of our conversation is how Hailey played a pivotal role in a life-changing discovery for me—I’m pregnant! Her approach to embracing change and finding new ways to ignite creativity is truly inspiring. Hailey also shares her philosophy on navigating the creative seasons of life, emphasizing the importance of leaning into each season’s unique challenges and opportunities.

About Hailey Faria:

Hailey Faria is a professional photographer and educator known for her eclectic creative style. She loves to create for brands, families, couples, musicians and is also an educator in her style of photography. She has been traveling and shooting for 12 years now. Her experience is what makes her unique as a photographer and teacher, she brings wisdom and life experience with her to sessions and workshops. She sees photoshoots as an opportunity to grow as a human, reconnect you with yourself and whomever is joining you in your session!

Find Hailey Online:

Website: https://www.haileyfariaphotography.com/
Instagram: @haileyfaria

Join Hailey for her upcoming photography workshops designed to inspire and elevate your craft. Experience the magic of Maui, Hawaii from February 25th to 28th, 2025, reconnecting with the ocean and honing your skills in an idyllic setting. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today for a transformative creative retreat!

For more details, visit Hailey Faria Photography Workshops.

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Join us in this week's episode of Summer School where we dive into the most controversial and debated topics in the photography world. We'll discuss the value of styled shoots, the authenticity of blurry film vs. digital photos, pricing strategies for photographers with varying experience levels, and the importance of mastering indoor lighting techniques. Tune in for bold opinions, candid discussions, and insights that will challenge and inspire photographers at all levels. Don't miss out on this engaging and thought-provoking episode!

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In this episode, join me for an enlightening conversation with renowned portrait photographer Michael Betzner. We delve deep into his innovative approach to photography, exploring how he challenges conventional techniques to create striking, thought-provoking portraits that tell compelling stories. Michael opens up about his journey from an aspiring photographer to a respected artist whose work has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. He shares valuable insights on nurturing creativity, the critical importance of authenticity in our art, and effectively managing the business aspects of photography to sustain a successful career. Additionally, Michael offers practical advice for photographers at all levels on valuing their work and navigating the complexities of the creative industry. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and wisdom for anyone passionate about the transformative power of photography and the pursuit of artistic expression.

Connect with Michael online:
Website: https://michaelbetznerphotography.com/
Instagram: @michael_betznerphotography
TikTok: @michaelbetznerphotograph

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This week on the podcast, we dive deep into the game-changing world of Narrative, a revolutionary AI editing tool poised to transform the photography industry. Founded by the acclaimed photographer James Broadbent, Narrative launches today, marking a pivotal moment for photographers everywhere. Join me as I share my firsthand experience with Narrative Edit, which not only mirrors my unique editing style but enhances it, delivering exceptional consistency and quality at an unimaginable speed. We'll explore how this tool doesn't replace the artist but empowers them, offering a blend of precision and creativity that frees us from the tedium of manual edits. Whether you're capturing weddings in remote destinations or crafting intimate portraits, discover how Narrative can elevate your work, streamline your workflow, and allow you to focus more on your art. Tune in to understand why embracing Narrative could be the best decision for your photography career, as we step into a future where technology amplifies our creative expression

About James Broadbent:

James Broadbent is the founder of Narrative, a company that began in Auckland, New Zealand, and has grown to be recognized as one of the nation's leading startups. An internationally renowned photographer, James is celebrated for his work with the photography duo Chasewild. His travels and photographic assignments have taken him to exotic locations like Morocco, the Faroe Islands, India, and Italy, capturing compelling narratives through his lens. James has shared his expertise at numerous photography conferences across Europe, America, and Australasia. Today, Narrative, with a dedicated team of 22, is at the forefront of developing innovative tools for professional photographers, helping them enhance their craft and tell stories more powerfully.

Website: https://narrative.so/
Instagram: @narrativeapp

Check out My Artist Style on Narrative: Authentic by Summer Grace

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Join me as I delve into the life of photographer Grace Troutman, who balances being a dedicated parent with her passion for photography. In our conversation, Grace shares how motherhood has enriched her professional identity and the importance of support systems. We also touch on her transformative move to Hawaii and her strategic approach to building a sustainable business. 

This episode is filled with insights on how personal growth can enhance professional success. Tune in to hear Grace’s inspiring story and learn why seeking help is a smart move for any creative professional.

About Grace Troutman:

Grace Troutman is the owner of Grace T Photography and is an Oahu based wedding & elopement photographer specializing in weddings and couples sessions with a documentary high end feel. She is also on her 8th year of business and 6th year of running a team of associate shooters who shoot weddings under her brand, and is an educator for photographers offering courses, guides, and presets, and is the host of Reclaim Retreats for photographers. She’s been featured in places like Southern California Bride, Business Insider, Heartland Wedding Ideas. If she’s not out shooting weddings with her team, you can find her with her husband and 2 daughters traveling the world whenever they get the chance.

Find Grace Online:

Instagram: @gracetphotography
TikTok: @gracetphotography
Website: www.gracetphotography.com

Grace is hosting two Reclaim Retreats this year in Oahu, HI. While the May retreat is already sold out, there’s still a chance to join the upcoming session in August. Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with your creative roots and grow alongside fellow photographers!

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In today's episode, we dive into the world of wedding photography with the incredibly talented Sam Hurd. We'll explore the fine line between staying creative and keeping clients happy, discussing everything from cutting-edge shooting techniques to building strong relationships with clients. Get practical tips on avoiding burnout, picking the right gear, and pushing your creative boundaries. Let's unpack what it takes to have a fulfilling and successful career in photography. 

About Sam Hurd:

Starting as a political news and celebrity portrait photographer in DC, Sam was instantly drawn to wedding photography as a space to promote more inventive ideas. Sam’s focus is on photographic techniques that are deceptively simple but have the potential to transform difficult or uninspiring shooting environments into one-of-a-kind opportunities for every photo made.

Find Sam Online:

Instagram: @iamthesam
Patreon: Sam Hurd
Website: samhurdphotography.com

For those itching to discover more about Sam Hurd's adventures and educational offerings, give him a follow on his Instagram (@iamthesam) and dive into the treasure trove of knowledge on his Patreon. And don't forget, Insight.photo awaits to unleash your full creative prowess. Stay curious, stay passionate, and never stop exploring the endless canvas that is photography.

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In this episode, we're diving into the heart of Summer Camp 2024, set in the vibrant oasis of Palm Springs. This is not just your average photography workshop; it's a creative retreat designed to ignite your passion, connect you with like-minded photographers, and give you a break from the every day to recharge and get inspired.

This retreat will have everything from styled shoots that push your boundaries to workshops that expand your skills, all wrapped up in a laid-back, fun atmosphere. If you're ready to elevate your photography game, find your tribe, and make unforgettable memories, then be sure to tune in to this episode to learn more about the experience and everything it has to offer! This is your invitation to join us for an epic summer adventure. Let's make magic together at Summer Camp 2024.

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

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