If you’re a photographer in your first year or two of business, this episode is a must-listen. And learning from Ambreia will help your business in so many ways! (sign up for email list here! https://ambreia.myflodesk.com/webinar)Ambreia Turner is the kind of photographer and educator who makes you feel like you’re not in this alone. She’s been running her business full time for nearly a decade, specializing in maternity and motherhood photography that’s not only stunning, but deeply rooted in storytelling, connection, and legacy.From sales to service, we dig into what it actually takes to build a legacy-driven business — the kind that doesn't rely on constant hustle or undercharging just to stay busy.You’ll hear us talk about:The beginner mistakes that lead to burnoutWhy In-Person Sales (IPS) is one of the most client-focused tools you can useHow to confidently present products (even if you're new)Creating value that lasts beyond a digital galleryHow Ambreia’s Sample Sale Strategy can get you started fastWhat to expect from her Capturing Motherhood WorkshopAnd the story behind her new podcast with her husband, The Joint VentureAmbreia is someone we truly respect. Her business advice is grounded, her perspective is honest, and her heart for helping others build something meaningful is felt in every word.If you’re ready to start smart and build with intention, this episode is for you. You can see Ambreia's work at https://ambreiaartistry.com/ and sign up for her email list here: https://ambreia.myflodesk.com/webinar__________________________________________________👉 Stay in the loop by joining our mailing list for resources and updates: https://theeditweekly.com 👉 Download our FREE workbook, Branding Blueprint, at https://www.theeditweekly.com/free-ph... 👉 Don’t forget to comment, like, and subscribe to @TheEditWeekly for notifications on new episodes! We are thrilled to have you in our community! Let's grow our photo businesses together! 🌟

-Amanda & Whitney

You don’t have to quit to rest.This week on The Edit, Erin shares her journey about deciding to step back from her photography business and how she’s keeping it going, just at a slower pace. If you’re in a season where business feels heavy or misaligned, this episode will feel like a deep breath. If you're starting out, you can use Erin's advice to launch your business with intention.Learn how to:Run a back-burner business with intentionSimplify systems & set income minimumsStay visible and serve your clients, even in a quieter seasonPlus, hear what’s next for Erin—and The Edit podcast.❤️ Need more tips to support your slow season? The blog has you covered: www.theeditweekly.com/the-edit-photography-podcast-for-portrait-photographers/pausing-your-photography-business

Photographers—still avoiding blogging because it feels overwhelming or time-consuming? We’ve been there. In this episode of The Edit, we break down how to use ChatGPT to make blogging easier, faster, and actually sound like YOU. From brainstorming blog ideas to writing in your voice and boosting SEO with the right keywords, we’re sharing all our favorite ways to use AI without sounding robotic.Whether you're a wedding photographer, family photographer, or just trying to blog more consistently in 2025, this episode is packed with practical tips.We cover:Why blogging still matters for photographersHow to use ChatGPT for blog outlines, drafts, and editsWhere to find SEO keywords (without paying $$$)The mindset shift that makes AI actually work for creative businessesWant the complete list of ChatGPT prompts we mention?Head to our blog to copy and paste them: www.theeditweekly.com/the-edit-photography-podcast-for-portrait-photographers/chatgpt-photography-business-blog-seo00:00 - Welcome to The Edit 00:47 - Why Blogging Still Matters 01:54 - Blogging + SEO: The Connection 03:31 - What Are Keywords? 04:20 - Using ChatGPT to Brainstorm Keywords 06:53 - How to Write in Your Own Voice 09:57 - Getting Specific with Prompts 10:42 - How to Use ChatGPT for SEO Optimization 11:33 - Final Thoughts: It’s a Tool, Not a Replacement 👉 Stay in the loop by joining our mailing list for resources and updates: https://theeditweekly.com 👉 Download our FREE workbook, Branding Blueprint, at https://www.theeditweekly.com/free-photography-business-resources 👉 Don’t forget to comment, like, and subscribe to  @TheEditWeekly  for notifications on new episodes! We are thrilled to have you in our community! - Amanda, Whitney & Erin

Ready to grow your photography business for real in 2025? In this episode of The Edit, we break down four must-attend photography conferences that are perfect for photographers starting out, looking to grow, or wanting to build their portfolio and community.

These aren't the massive conferences like WPPI or ImagingUSA—these are smaller, more personal, and full of hands-on learning that will level up your photography business! And honestly, conferences like these are our FAVORITES!

We’re covering: Conferences that help you build your photography portfolio, how to choose the right photography conference for beginners, why in-person events are a game-changer for networking and learning, and why conferences are the best bang for your buck when it comes to photography education!

Whether you're wondering how to start a photography business, looking for inspiration, or ready to get serious about building connections, this episode is for you.

00:00 – Intro: Why Conferences Are a Game-Changer

01:43 – Building Your Portfolio & Finding Your Niche

02:31 – Why Networking at Conferences Matters

03:04 – Are Photography Conferences Worth the Price?

04:00 – Hands-On Learning vs. Traditional Education

04:25 – 📍ShutterFest (St. Louis, April 2025)

08:00 – 📍Photo Creators Conference (Tucson, May 2025)

12:25 – 📍Bokeh Academy Summit (Atlanta, July 2025)

15:28 – 📍The Photo Cookout (New Orleans, Oct 2025)

19:10 – Final Thoughts: Find the Right Conference for YOU

19:57 – Tell Us Your Conference Picks!Mentioned Conferences: Shutter Fest – St. Louis, MO

https://shutterfest.com/

Photo Creators Conference – Tucson, AZ https://www.thephotocreators.com/

Bokeh Academy Summit – Atlanta, GA

https://bokehacademy.co/

The Photo Cookout – New Orleans, LAhttps://tomayiacolvineducation.com/the-photo-cookout-2025

👉 Let us know in the comments: Have you ever attended a photography conference? Which one are YOU going to in 2025?

***Do you have our FREE Branding Blue Print Workbook yet?! Go here to grab it!***Ready to start marketing your photography business but feeling overwhelmed? In this episode of  @TheEditWeekly  , Whitney Carlson and Amanda Waltman share exactly how to create a simple, manageable marketing plan to get your first photography clients.You'll learn practical strategies to help your photography business grow by focusing on three key areas: Blogging, In-Person Connections, & Social Media.00:00 – Intro: Create a Simple Photography Marketing Plan00:42 – Blogging: Why Blogging Isn't Dead for Photographers01:12 – How Blogging Boosts Your Local SEO02:13 – Simple Blogging Tips for Beginners04:42 – Building In-Person Connections to Grow Locally05:39 – Easy Ways to Network and Collaborate Locally07:41 – How to Use Friends & Family for Referrals09:14 – Referral Programs and Creative Business Card Ideas11:13 – Choosing the Right Social Media Platform12:34 – What to Post on Instagram to Attract Clients13:55 – Using Facebook Groups to Boost Local Visibility15:01 – How to Schedule Social Media Posts EfficientlyWhether you're starting your photography business from home, looking for ways to market your photography side hustle, or still figuring out how to start legally, this episode gives clear, relatable advice to help you stay consistent and build a successful photography business.Subscribe to  @TheEditWeekly  for more beginner-friendly photography business advice!

Starting a photography business with no money can feel overwhelming, but we're here to help! In this episode of  @TheEditWeekly  , Whitney shares her top tips for launching a photography business from scratch, even with a full-time job and zero budget. Whether you're interested in branding, headshots, or food photography, you'll discover creative strategies to leverage what you already have, including using your smartphone, bartering for equipment, and finding free resources to master photography essentials like lighting, composition, and storytelling.Whitney also shares innovative ideas to generate income, building a portfolio by collaborating with other small businesses, and how to effectively barter your skills to gain access to professional equipment.Key Takeaways:Start with the equipment you have, even if it’s just a smartphone.Use platforms like YouTube, Skillshare (free trials), and CreativeLive for free education.Leverage local community resources, such as neighborhood groups, Freecycle, and barter opportunities.Generate income creatively by offering photography services at events.Invest strategically in affordable used gear to grow your business sustainably.YouTube Chapters:00:00 Intro and Welcome01:40 Using Your Smartphone to Learn Photography02:32 Finding Free Photography Equipment04:35 Learning Photography Skills Online06:44 Creative Ways to Get Equipment and Start Shooting12:15 Investing Your Earnings Wisely15:34 Overcoming Fear and Networking TipsJoin the conversation! What are your best tips for starting a photography business on a tight budget? Let us know in the comments!Subscribe and hit the bell icon so you never miss an episode!Find more resources and connect with us:Visit our website to sign up for your FREE branding guide and kickstart your photography business journey!Website: https://www.theeditweekly.com/free-photography-business-resourcesInstagram: instagram.com/theeditweekly

Don’t Let a Lack of Money Kill Your Photography Dreams!Think you need a fancy camera and a big budget to start a photography business? Think again! In this episode, we’re proving that you can launch your business with zero dollars—and we’re not talking about sketchy “exposure bucks” or hoping your rich aunt buys you a DSLR (but hey, if she offers, take her up on it!)In this episode, Amanda shares a creative strategy for building a portfolio, borrowing equipment, and getting your first paying clients—all without spending a dime. From leveraging friends and family to using free editing tools and smart social media tactics, we are excited to show you that you don’t need a big budget to make your dream a reality.In This Episode:✔️ How to get a camera without buying one✔️ Free tools for editing, branding, and marketing✔️ How to book your first paid sessions✔️ Smart ways to reinvest in your business✔️ Why contracts and business licenses matter from day oneThis is Part 1 of our deep dive into starting a photography business with no money- and we are focusing on family photography! Make sure you subscribe to ‪@TheEditWeekly‬ to see Part 2, where Whitney shares her take on building a Branding Photography business from scratch!

Are you ready to start your photography business and create a brand that stands out? In this episode of The Edit Weekly, Erin, Amanda, and Whitney dive into the 4 V's of Branding—Vision, Voice, Visuals, and Value. These essential elements will help you build a strong foundation for your photography business, attract your ideal clients, and create an exceptional client experience.

What we cover:

*Why branding matters when starting a photography business

*Vision: Understanding your "why" and how it shapes your business

*Voice: Communicating effectively with your dream clients

*Visuals: What branding really means (it’s more than just a logo!)

*Value: Creating a standout client experience to set yourself apart

We also share practical tips for photographers, like using Canva for DIY branding, leveraging big-brand strategies, and incorporating unique touches to add value—all while staying within budget.

00:00 - Today's Topic: The 4 V's of Branding

03:19 - V2: Voice - Communicating with Clients

07:50 - V3: Visuals - Beyond the Logo

08:36 - Consistency in Visual Branding

10:12 - DIY vs. Professional Branding

18:55 - V4: Value - The Client Experience

27:44 - Building Anticipation for Your Brand

31:13 - Branding’s Emotional Impact Perfect for photographers who want to:

Learn how to start a photography business

Build a brand that attracts their dream clients

Deliver an amazing client experience from day one

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Start with Why by Simon Sinek

Canva for DIY branding tools

Greetable for thoughtful client gifts

Get started today:

Visit theeditweekly.com for free resources and downloads to help you start your photography business.

Sign up for our newsletter for exclusive tips and bonus content.

Follow us on Instagram: @theeditweekly for more inspiration and advice.

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of The Edit Weekly!

If the thought of 1099s makes you break out in a cold sweat, don’t worry—we’ve got your back! 🎉 In this episode of The Edit Weekly Erin & Whitney are breaking down 1099s for photographers in a way that’s simple, straightforward, and even a little fun. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or figuring out how to start a photography business, understanding your taxes is key to keeping Uncle Sam happy and your business thriving.

Struggle to explain your photography business in 30 seconds or less? We’ve got you covered! (oh, have you subscribed to  @TheEditWeekly  yet?!)