Episode Title: Coaching Creatives with ADHD with Christi Johnson

Guest: Christi Johnson, co-owner of Stephanie & Christi Photography (Greenville, SC) and founder of The Dream Biz® Lab

• Christi’s coaching lens for ADHD creatives: designing businesses that work with your brain

• The “Joy Menu” framework (appetizers, entrees, desserts) to spark motivation on hard days

• Flexible structure vs rigid systems and why freedom, novelty, and side quests matter

• Energy management and flow: noticing rhythms, nervous system cues, and choosing energizing starter tasks

• Getting unfun work done: deadlines as a tool, body doubling and co-working, spacing deliverables

• When to outsource and when to simplify instead of scaling

• The Dream Biz® Lab: how the membership runs, what happens in calls, and who it is for

This episode centers on how Christi coaches neurodivergent creatives. We dig into practical, compassionate tools for ADHD brains: flexible structure that honors energy ebbs and flows, the Joy Menu to create momentum, and supportive tactics like deadlines and body doubling. Christi walks through how she helps clients build operations, marketing, and vision that feel joyful and sustainable, and she shares what members can expect inside The Dream Biz® Lab.

• Learn more about The Dream Biz® Lab and join the waitlist: christijohnsoncreative.com/lab

  • Meets every other week, rotating focus on Vision, Operations, and Marketing

  • Includes a private podcast and the upcoming DreamBiz Playground for flexible, dopamine-friendly action plans

  • Next enrollment opens in January; moving to open enrollment in 2026

• Connect with Christi: @christijohnsoncreative on Instagram

• Christi’s site: christijohnsoncreative.com

Episode Title: The ADHD Brain & Running a Photography Business

Guest: Elena S Blair, Elena S Blair Photography, Seattle, WA

We Discuss:

• How ADHD traits like hyperfocus, empathy, and intuition can become superpowers in creative entrepreneurship

• Why traditional work environments often stifle ADHD brains — and how self-employment offers freedom and flexibility

• The art of building systems that fit your brain instead of fighting it

• Using dopamine-driven motivation to fuel creativity and productivity

• The emotional side of ADHD: reframing inconsistency and distraction as strengths

• How Elena and Jill each structure their businesses to work with their natural energy cycles

TLDR:
Elena and Jill share an honest, encouraging conversation about why photographers and other creatives with ADHD often thrive in entrepreneurship. They unpack the unique strengths ADHD brings to the table — from deep empathy and creative intuition to lightning-fast problem-solving — and explore how to design systems and businesses that work with your brain, not against it. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or just recognizing ADHD tendencies in yourself, this episode offers validation, laughter, and practical tools for building a business that actually feels good to run.

Resources:

• Learn more about Elena’s education for photographers: https://elenasblair.com/freebies

• Follow Elena on Instagram: @elenasblair_photography

• Get on the wait list for the next round of Elena's Mastermind here: https://elenasblair.com/mastermind-waitlist (I took both levels of her Mastermind - the mindset work alone is worth the investment!)

  
  

Episode Title: Systems That Stick for Neuro-Spicy Photographers

Guest: Emily Gbadamosi, Woodall Creative Co, Bay Area, CA

We Discuss:

• Emily’s path from counselor and vice principal to photographer and systems educator

• Why so many photographers struggle with the backend of business

• How to pick a CRM that actually fits your brain (not a “one size fits all”)

• Building a smoother path from inquiry to booking

• HoneyBook 2.0 automations and conditional logic in action

• Follow-ups that feel supportive and book more clients

• Where to automate and where to keep the human touch

• Post-session workflows that extend the client experience

• Timing a CRM switch so it doesn’t wreck busy season

TLDR:
October is ADHD Awareness Month, and this episode is part of a special series highlighting tools and strategies that support neurodiverse photographers. My guest, Emily Gbadamosi of Woodall Creative Co, shares how she helps photographers create workflows and systems that cut overwhelm, reduce friction, and keep clients happy. Whether you’re neuro-spicy yourself or just tired of feeling scattered, you’ll walk away with practical ideas for making your business more sustainable.

Resources:

• Emily’s site: woodallcreative.co

• Instagram: @woodallcreativeco

• Free Workflow Wellness Checklist: woodallcreative.co/podcast

• Tools mentioned: HoneyBook, ShootProof, Pixieset, Picktime, Calendly, Flodesk, QuickBooks, Zapier, Unscripted

Episode Title: Upselling Video Without Burnout

Guest: Shayna Lloyd, Traveling Photographer & Videographer, Montana

We Discuss:

Shayna’s unexpected start as a “failed YouTube influencer” and how it shaped her story-driven approachThe difference between shooting photo-first vs. video-first and how that changes perspective

Why video upsells don’t have to mean more stress or tech overloadShayna’s five-step framework for successfully adding and selling video

How to talk about video with clients in a way that feels natural and excitingPricing, objections, and why upsells are about vision, not pressure

Where video creates the most value across niches: weddings, families, and brands

TLDR:Montana-based photographer and videographer Shayna Lloyd shares how she built a thriving hybrid business by keeping things simple and client-centered. In this episode, Shayna breaks down her five keys to upselling video without adding extra stress to your workflow. Whether you’re a wedding, family, or brand photographer, you’ll learn how to market video authentically, incorporate it into your process, and make it a sustainable, profitable part of your business.

Resources:

Grab Shayna’s Video Upsell Starter Kit: https://devinandshay.com/starter-kitListen to The Devin and Shay Show podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7jMbKfORQ5TdDcGPxbRFaR?si=ac7e714371ff4215Connect with Shayna: Instagram – @shayna_lloyd

Connect with Devin + Shay: Instagram – @devin_and_shay

Episode Title: The Business of Real Estate Photography

Guest: Clay Banks, Real Estate & Interiors Photographer, Catskills/Hudson Valley, NY

We Discuss:

• Clay’s path from software developer and urbex hobbyist to in-demand property photographer

• Why COVID-era demand in the Catskills/Hudson Valley accelerated the niche

• Gear and approach: Sony a7 IV, 16–35mm + 50mm, DJI Air 2S, natural light only, Lightroom Denoise, subtle compositing

• Composition rules Clay lives by: tighter crops, fewer walls, mobile-first storytelling

• On-site workflow: staging, prop choices, what he moves and why, ideal client presence (or not)

• Editing priorities: color cast fixes, distraction removal, polishing stainless, mirrors, windows, decks

• Pricing evolution: valuing time, three-tier packages, travel, and smart add-ons

• Trends and opportunities: lifestyle-driven branding for brokerages, reels, and leveling up with video

• Client relations: referrals over ads, B2B ease, handling difficult collaborations with grace

• Practical prep tips for homeowners and realtors

TLDR:

• Clay built a thriving, referral-only property photography business by telling the story of a space, not just documenting it.

• Natural light, thoughtful staging, and tight compositions are his signature.

• Pricing rose with demand and clarity on value; add-ons like short drone clips close easily.

• Brokerages want lifestyle branding, not just wide, bright rooms—video is the next lever.

• Quick win for clients: clean the house, especially mirrors, before the shoot.

Resources:

• Learn more about Clay’s work: www.claybanks.info

• Follow Clay on Instagram: @clay.banks

• Check out Clay’s Presets: www.claybanks.info/presets

Episode Title: IPS for Introverts

Guest: Katie Doherty, LaRousse Photo, Los Angeles, CA

We Discuss:

• Katie’s path from elementary teacher to weddings to a focused boudoir and maternity studio

• What introversion really looks like in a client-facing business and why IPS can fit introverts

• Working fewer clients at higher price points to protect energy and creativity

• A day-in-the-life: editing and reveals on non-shoot days vs. hair/makeup + 90-minute sessions on shoot days

• The client journey: ads → inquiry form → Zapier to Google Sheets → automated text via Haymarket → Calendly consult

• Setting expectations: session fee of $299, package starters at $995, and how transparent pricing reduces friction

• Running virtual reveals on Zoom (or in-studio) and guiding selections in Lightroom without pressure

• What clients actually buy: strong demand for digital packages, Vision Art matted print boxes for maternity, albums for boudoir

• Simple, profitable ops: outsourcing retouching, partnering with H/MUAs, and keeping the studio setup streamlined

• Style and specialization as real marketing: developing a cohesive editorial look so you’re not a commodity

TLDR:

• IPS doesn’t require being “salesy.” It rewards listening, guidance, and clear structure.

• Fewer, higher-value bookings can prevent burnout. Katie’s averages: ~$2,000 for maternity and ~$2,500 for boudoir.

• Keep it simple: one light, a few sets, clean workflow, and a single great sample product to start.

• Lower the barrier to entry with a reasonable session fee, then help clients curate in a reveal.

• Use systems to save your social battery: Zapier, Google Sheets, 17hats, Haymarket, Calendly, and Loom when a call won’t fit.

Resources:

• Freebies: https://www.introvertedphotographers.com

• Katie’s podcast: Introverted Photographers Club 

• Katie on Instagram: @laroussephoto

Episode Title: Building a Human-First Business with Rachel Larson Weaver

Guest: Rachel Larson Weaver, Photographer and Educator, Virginia

We Discuss:

• The origin and evolution of Rachel’s long-form sessions

• How to build a business that prioritizes art and sustainability

• Why slow, intentional work can be more magnetic than polished systems

• The pitfalls of over-automation and over-preparation

• Shooting film as a method of artistic and business clarity

• The role of human connection in marketing and client trust

• Letting inspiration guide your consistency rather than trends

• Why messy, heart-led business models do work—and can be highly profitable

TLDR:
Rachel Larson Weaver is known for her long-form, film-based family sessions that feel more like an immersive retreat than a photoshoot. In this episode, we talk about staying rooted in your artistic voice while also building a viable, profitable business. Rachel shares how she markets without shouting into the void, why she leans into film and simplicity, and how showing up as your full self—messy bits and all—is more effective than a perfect CRM. Her story is a masterclass in trusting your gut, building for connection, and redefining what it means to be a photographer in a world of AI and over-curated imagery.

Resources:

• Learn more about Rachel and her work: https://www.rachellarsonweaver.com

• Follow Rachel on Instagram: @rachel.larson.weaver

Episode Title: Part Time On Purpose

Guest: Lydia Fine, Apollo and Ivy Photography, Iowa City, IA

We Discuss:

• The decision to remain intentionally part-time as a photographer

• How Lydia balances a full-time marketing career with a thriving photo business

• Creative pricing strategies that support sustainability and growth

• The emotional and practical side of raising prices

• CRM systems and workflow efficiency for photographers

• How brand voice and messaging can shape your client experience

• The misconception of oversaturation in the photography industry

• Building a business that supports your life—without burnout

TLDR:
If you’ve ever felt pressure to go full-time with your photography business—or guilt for not wanting to—this episode is for you. Lydia Fine shares why staying part-time is the right fit for her life, how her 9-to-5 fuels her photography success, and why profitability is 100% possible without going all-in. We also dive deep into pricing, emotional blocks, and the power of strong systems to protect your time and energy. Bonus: Lydia geeks out on CRMs and HoneyBook updates, and you’ll want to take notes.

Resources:

• FREE GUIDE – Get More Clients with Google Reviews: https://info.apolloandivy.com/reviews

• All of Lydia’s Free Resources for Photographers: https://www.apolloandivy.com/for-photographers/

Bio:
Lydia Fine is a lifestyle photographer in Iowa City, Iowa, where she creates wall-worthy photos of families, seniors, and newborns for ultra-busy people. With a marketing degree and MBA and over 22 years of experience, she blends creative vision with a deep understanding of strategy and business. Lydia also works a day job in marketing and teaches other photographers how to book more clients, streamline their workflows, and build businesses that don’t run them into the ground.

When she’s not working, Lydia can be found playing pickleball, kickboxing, doing jigsaw puzzles, or attempting to solve the Wordle in one try (it’s going to happen, just you wait).

Episode Title: The Business of Birth Photography

Guest: Rachel Utain-Evans, Rachel Utain-Evans Photography, Philadelphia, PA

We Discuss:

• The realities of being a birth photographer, doula, and videographer—sometimes all at once

• Why Rachel recommends doula training even for photographers

• How she documents unpredictable, low-light births with minimal gear

• Her approach to storytelling in films using short clips and ambient audio

• The emotional labor of being on-call, witnessing trauma, and maintaining mental health

• Her pricing strategy and why birth photography is more demanding than weddings

• How to prepare if you’re thinking about entering this field

• Why strong birth community networks matter and how she's mentoring others

• Navigating hospitals, policies, and the OR as a supportive presence

• The difference between fear-based and informed birth choices

TLDR:
If you’ve ever been curious about birth photography—or considered offering it yourself—this episode is a must-listen. Rachel Utain-Evans shares the logistics, emotional demands, technical decisions, and ethical considerations of documenting birth with compassion and professionalism. She’s photographed births in hospitals, homes, birth centers—even near-misses in ambulances. This conversation goes beyond photography—it’s about holding space, respecting boundaries, and honoring one of life’s biggest transitions.

Resources:

• Learn more about Rachel’s work and mentoring: rachelutainevans.com

• Follow Rachel on Instagram: @racheluephoto

• Photographer to Watch: Juliette Fradin Photography

Episode Title: The Magic in Monotony

Guest: Fiona Margo, Family Photographer & Marketing Educator, Bainbridge Island, WA

We Discuss:

• The power of consistent marketing (and why it beats chasing trends)

• How to market like a local—because that’s who’s booking you

• Creative ways to stay inspired without jumping ship every other week

• Why photographers need more strategy and less scrolling

• What it means to run your business like a business

• Tactical tips for getting into marketing "flow"

• Model calls that actually book clients

• Why being a “service provider” doesn’t mean sacrificing your artistry

• The seven-to-ten rule for marketing messages—and how most photographers give up too soon

• Why your followers aren't your buyers (and why that’s okay)

• The role of community, connection, and patience in a long-term marketing plan

TLDR: Fiona Margo shares her grounded, genius-level marketing advice for photographers who are tired of the hamster wheel. From leveraging your creative brain to setting up sustainable systems, Fiona helps photographers embrace the “boring” parts of business that actually lead to consistent bookings and long-term growth.

Resources:

• Listen to Fiona’s podcast.

• Learn more about Fiona’s mentoring and offers.