Take Your Shot Podcast

Running a creative business is about more than just doing what you love—it’s about managing clients, sending invoices, signing contracts, and staying organized. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the backend of your business, this episode is for you!

I sat down with Perry Smith, photographer-turned-tech-founder, to talk about why every creative business owner needs a CRM and how Inly is making the process easier than ever. Perry shares how Inly simplifies client communication, automates workflows, and ultimately helps you get paid faster—without the hassle.

If you’re still using spreadsheets, sticky notes, or outdated systems to manage your business, now’s the time to level up. Let’s talk about how the right CRM can save you time, energy, and stress in 2025!

• What a CRM is and why every creative entrepreneur needs one
• How Inly simplifies contracts, invoices, proposals, and workflows
• The importance of protecting your creative energy by automating the admin work
• Why some CRMs don’t actually have your best interest in mind (and what to look for instead!)
• The migration process: How to switch from another CRM without the headache
• Exciting features Inly is rolling out in 2025

• Try Inly for Free: www.inly.com
• Exclusive Discount: Use code TAKEYOURSHOT10 for 10% off your monthly or annual plan
• Follow Inly on Instagram: @inly.io
• Join the Free Take Your Shot Collective Community: Join Now
• 1:1 Coaching with Halle: Learn More
• More Business Resources: Explore Here

If you enjoyed this episode of the Take Your Shot Podcast, don’t forget to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

It’s a new year, and with that comes fresh opportunities to reflect, plan, and set the tone for the months ahead. In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I walk you through the Start, Stop, Continue method I use to reflect on what’s working, what needs to change, and where to focus for the year ahead. Whether you’re a photographer, creative entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for clarity, this episode will inspire you to approach 2025 with intentionality.

• The Start, Stop, Continue method for deep reflection and planning
• Why starting new habits requires making space by stopping old ones
• How to focus on high-impact activities in your business
• Simplifying life and business for more efficiency and ease
• The importance of getting in the room with people who inspire you
• How to find accountability and surround yourself with a supportive community

We're all about supporting and elevating creative business owners, and so along with our weekly business podcast, we have so much more to share with you! Get plugged in, take what you need, and let me know how I can continue to support you in your business.

• Free Online Community: Join here
• 1:1 Coaching with Halle: Learn more
• Business Resources: Explore resources
• Let's connect on Instagram!! https://www.instagram.com/takeyourshotcollective

If you enjoyed this episode of the Take Your Shot Podcast, don’t forget to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
• Follow on Spotify: https://spotify.com

Thank you for tuning in! Let’s connect on Instagram, where I share more tips and support for creative entrepreneurs like you!

Are you making the most of Pic-Time to streamline your workflow and boost your print sales? In this episode, I chat with Tessa Lange, an experienced wedding and family photographer, about her favorite Pic-Time features and strategies for optimizing gallery organization, automating sales, and increasing revenue. Tessa shares practical tips for simplifying the client experience while maximizing your time and creativity. Whether you're new to Pic-Time or looking to take your gallery sales to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable insights!

Connect with Tessa: Contact Tessa

Tessa's Instagram: @tessajunelange

Learn more about pic-time: Pic-time

Free Online Community: Join Now

1:1 Coaching with Halle: Learn More

More Business Resources: Explore Resources

Should you offer discounts in your photography or creative business? In this episode, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of offering discounts, sharing the types of discounts that work best, and providing tips on how to navigate the process without devaluing your work. Whether it’s promotional discounts, personalized offers, or early-bird deals, this candid conversation will help you approach discounting with clarity and intention. Let’s dive into how to make discounts work for your business without compromising your value.

• The Legal Paige: Contracts for photographers and creatives: https://thelegalpaige.com/?aff=551 
• Pic-Time: Gallery delivery and print sales platform: https://lullephoto.pic-time.com/referral 
• 1:1 Coaching with Halle: Customized support to grow your business: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching
• Free Online Community: Connect with other creative entrepreneurs: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community
• Instagram: Follow @takeyourshotcollective for tips and support: https://www.instagram.com/takeyourshotcollective

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. See you next week!

Are you putting profits before people in your business? In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I dive deep into the heart of what it means to truly serve your clients. We’re talking about navigating conflicts, offering exceptional client experiences, and creating a business that prioritizes relationships over revenue. This isn’t about abandoning your boundaries—it’s about finding ways to balance empathy and professionalism to build a thriving, sustainable business.

• Why contracts are essential but shouldn’t be used as a barrier to client satisfaction
• Navigating tough client scenarios with grace and humility
• How going above and beyond creates trust and lasting client relationships
• Real-life examples of handling unexpected challenges while maintaining professionalism
• The long-term benefits of prioritizing people over profits in your business

• Need a solid contract? Check out The Legal Paige: https://thelegalpaige.com/?aff=551
• Join our free Take Your Shot Collective community to connect with other creative entrepreneurs: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community

Description:

As we head into the slower (or strategy!) season for wedding photographers, are you wondering how to keep the income flowing? In this episode, I’m sharing practical ways to add new income streams using the skills you already have. From mini sessions to headshots, second shooting, and even marketing support for your peers, there are so many opportunities to diversify your offerings while building relationships and serving your community.

We’ll also chat about structuring payment plans for more consistent income, pivoting when an idea doesn’t work, and staying proactive in your business. Whether you’re looking for ways to fill your calendar or just want to explore new opportunities, this episode will inspire you to think creatively about your photography business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to structure payment plans for consistent off-season income
• Creative ways to offer services like mini sessions, headshots, and branding photography
• The benefits of second shooting and assisting other photographers
• Supporting industry peers with culling, editing, and marketing services
• Why diversifying your income can strengthen your business

Ready to explore these ideas and more? Let’s dive in!

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Apply for Coaching withe Halle: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching
• Join the free online community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @takeyourshotcollective

Are you wondering how to scale your wedding business without burning out? In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I chat with Ashley Ebert, founder of the Simply Elegant Group and The Abundance Group, about the key strategies you need to grow your business sustainably. Ashley shares her approach to building strong relationships, managing your data, and expanding your team for long-term success.

• Recognizing the signs that it’s time to scale
• How to build powerful vendor relationships and partnerships
• Focusing on better clients, not just more clients
• Building and leading a team for sustainable growth
• Using data to make smarter scaling decisions

Connect with Ashley Ebert:

Website: Simply Elegant Group - https://simplyelegantgroup.com

Website: The Abundance Group - https://theabundance.group

We're all about supporting and elevating creative business owners, and so along with our weekly business podcast, we have so much more to share with you! Get plugged in, take what you need, and let me know how I can continue to support you in your business.

• Join our free online community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community
• Free resources and discounts: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/resources
• Coaching opportunities with Halle: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching
• More business resources: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources

If you enjoyed this episode of the Take Your Shot Podcast, don’t forget to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
• Follow on Spotify: https://spotify.com

Thank you for tuning in! If you found this conversation helpful, let’s connect on Instagram, where I share more tips and support for creative entrepreneurs like you.

Instagram: Take Your Shot Collective: https://www.instagram.com/takeyourshotcollective

Are you feeling overwhelmed with a busy season of work, life, or both? In this episode of the Take Your Shot Podcast, we’re diving into practical ways to reclaim balance, hold space for rest, and find gratitude—even in the busiest of seasons.

After a non-stop fall, I’m sharing my reflections on how easy it is to lose sight of our own needs while juggling endless to-do lists and client deadlines. We’ll explore ways to refocus on what matters, including tips on staying organized, setting boundaries, and embracing gratitude for the journey. I’ll also be sharing insights on tools and workflows that help streamline the process, like Imagine AI, Aftershoot, and ClickUp, to save time and reduce stress.

Join me for a real and honest look at what it takes to step back, breathe, and find purpose—even when the pace of life speeds up. If you’re a high achiever, business owner, or anyone feeling stretched thin, this episode is for you!

Resources:

• Try Imagen AI and get 1000 photos edited for FREE using this link: 1000 free Imagen Credits
• Other resources and discounts: Our Favorite Resources
• apply for 1:1 Coaching with Halle

Let's Connect!!!

• Leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!
• Say hi on Instagram: @takeyourshotcollective

Are you struggling to get consistent results from your marketing efforts? In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I sit down with Tayler Cusick Hollman, a marketing consultant turned tech founder, to dive into the common mistakes business owners make when it comes to marketing. Tayler shares actionable advice on how to create a marketing strategy that works, why consistency is key, and how to avoid relying too heavily on social media or referrals alone.

• Why marketing is often the first task business owners neglect
• Common marketing mistakes, including relying solely on your work to sell itself
• The importance of having a well-structured website with optimized SEO
• Why you need to show up in your marketing by sharing your face and story
• Creating a balanced marketing strategy with multiple channels: social media, blogging, and email marketing
• How to build a “marketing machine” that drives consistent leads for your business

Connect with Tayler Cusick Hollman:

Website: www.inji.co

Instagram: @inji_co

We're all about supporting and elevating creative business owners, and so along with our weekly business podcast, we have so much more to share with you! Get plugged in, take what you need, and let me know how I can continue to support you in your business.

• Join our free online community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community
• Free resources and discounts: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/resources
• Coaching opportunities with Halle: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching
• More business resources: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources

If you enjoyed this episode of the Take Your Shot Podcast, don’t forget to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
• Follow on Spotify: https://spotify.com

Thank you for tuning in! If you found this conversation helpful, let’s connect on Instagram, where I share more tips and support for creative entrepreneurs like you.

Instagram: Take Your Shot Collective: https://www.instagram.com/takeyourshotcollective

Are you a wedding photographer thinking about moving to a new market? Or maybe you’re looking to improve your SEO and build a presence in multiple locations? In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I sit down with Kari Bjorn, a destination wedding photographer who has successfully navigated moving his business across markets. Kari shares his expert strategies for managing a business move, producing content for new markets, and leveraging SEO techniques like backlinks to boost your search ranking.

• How to audit and update your website when moving markets
• The importance of producing content for your new location
• Strategies for building backlinks and improving SEO
• The power of being the first to write about new venues in your area
• How to use real-life networking and Facebook groups to connect with local clients

Connect with Kari Bjorn:

Website: www.karibjorn.com

Instagram: @karibjorn_

Kari also offers SEO consultations and one-on-one coaching calls for wedding photographers.

We're all about supporting and elevating creative business owners, and so along with our weekly business podcast, we have so much more to share with you! Get plugged in, take what you need, and let me know how I can continue to support you in your business.

• Join our free online community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community
• Free resources and discounts: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/resources
• Coaching opportunities with Halle: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching
• More business resources: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources

If you enjoyed this episode of the Take Your Shot Podcast, don’t forget to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
• Follow on Spotify: https://spotify.com

Thank you for tuning in! If you found this conversation helpful, let’s connect on Instagram, where I share more tips and support for creative entrepreneurs like you.

Instagram: Take Your Shot Collective: https://www.instagram.com/takeyourshotcollective