The Raw Files

Key highlights:

✅ Stephen’s Photography Journey - Average wedding price grew from $4,400 to $13,000 in 2025-26, with fewer weddings booked but higher revenue.

✅ Business Growth and Coaching - Joined a mastermind program that helped him find his unique brand voice and business strategy.

✅ Album Sales and Revenue - Average album sale increased from $1,300 to $6,000, doubling total job revenue to about $13,000.

✅ Mindset and Future Plans - Emphasizes the importance of networking and joining professional groups.

00:00 Introduction and background on starting photography

03:00 Transition into wedding photography and initial fears:

04:45 Joining the mastermind and coaching experience

10:40 Delegation and hiring a VA12:45 Pricing and revenue growth details

14:00 Album process changes and upselling

16:45 Mindset shifts and business growth

18:00 Interesting story

22:00 Expanding into corporate photography

25:00 Fear is normal

26:45 Favorite part of the process 

29:50 Networking

Links & Resources:

Vanessa's education: https://breatheyourpassion.com

Vanessa's mastermind: https://www.breatheyourpassion.com/mastermind-application-form?source=raw_files

Visit Vanessa's IG @vanessajoy and DM her "PHOTO MASTERMIND" to learn more

Imagen AI: Get your 1500 FREE edits here 

🎯 Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Raw Files, Vanessa Joy sits down with business coach and photographer Joey T to expose a hard truth: most photographers are failing not because of their photos, but because they don’t understand sales. Joey unpacks his journey from psychology to photography to full-time entrepreneurship, revealing the common mindset traps photographers fall into and the strategies he uses to help them scale with purpose.

You’ll get real talk on the emotional science behind pricing, the psychology of buying, and how storytelling—not spec sheets—is the secret to closing high-value clients. Whether you're 1 year or 10 years into your business, this episode will challenge how you view your worth, your client experience, and your next move.

📌 Episode Highlights:

• 1:23 – Joey’s journey: From psychology to photography to full-time coaching
• 5:02 – Why Joey created Mosaic Creative (and how it helps photographers sell while they sleep)
• 9:24 – The "steakhouse" pricing analogy and how photographers lose clients with cheap branding
• 13:48 – The biggest thing photographers are missing in sales education
• 14:19 – The psychology of value: Emotion first, logic later
• 16:59 – What happens when clients sell themselves (and why YOU don’t need to push)
• 22:03 – The power of storytelling in sales—and how to use it in every consultation
• 23:44 – What separates a 5-year business from a 20-year one

Links & Resources:

Vanessa's education: https://breatheyourpassion.com

Vanessa's mastermind: https://www.breatheyourpassion.com/mastermind-application-form?source=raw_files

Joey T’s Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/joeyt.mcrafted/

Visit Vanessa's IG @vanessajoy and DM her "PHOTO MASTERMIND" to learn more

Imagen AI: Get your 1500 FREE edits here https://imagenai.com/tips

✨ Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Raw Files, Vanessa Joy chats with wedding photographer and business-savvy educator Jen Stitt. From being underpaid by a boss who shot everything on auto to building a thriving photography brand, Jen shares the behind-the-scenes journey of how she went from shooting anything for a paycheck to selling heirloom products that clients cherish forever.

This episode dives deep into the real reason many photographers stay stuck: they're afraid to treat their passion like a real business. Jen brings humor, honesty, and wisdom as she talks about valuing your time, raising your profit margins, and why it's okay (and necessary) to say no to clients who aren’t a fit.

🧠 Topic Highlights:

• 1:07 – Jen’s first photography job (and everything NOT to do)
• 4:23 – Her father-in-law’s advice that changed everything
• 8:32 – The transition from hobbyist to business owner
• 13:15 – Why photographers avoid selling prints (and how Jen overcame it)
• 15:33 – How to price and offer products without scaring clients
• 18:30 – How Jen presents 100-page albums for emotional upsells
• 20:50 – The email trick that sets client expectations and protects your time
• 20:58 – “Clients are like toddlers”—how to guide them with structure
• 22:22 – Mistakes she made, including trying to be the right fit for everyone
• 24:08 – The time a bride asked her to hold her dress while she peed 😂

Links & Resources:

Vanessa's education: https://breatheyourpassion.com

Vanessa's mastermind: https://www.breatheyourpassion.com/mastermind-application-form?source=raw_files

DM Vanessa “PHOTO MASTERMIND” on Instagram @vanessajoy to apply.

Jen Stitt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelypairofstitts

Episode Summary:In this episode of The Raw Files, Vanessa Joy and Gary dive into the biggest mistakes photographers make and why most people in the industry are doing things completely wrong. They break down brand sponsorships, pricing struggles, and whether free shoots are ever worth it. Plus, they discuss RAW files, handling difficult clients, and common myths photographers still believe.Highlights:0:00 - Intro11:30 - The truth about brand sponsorships20:20 - How much do you make?32:35 - Posing same-sex couples39:30 - Growth has to be painful41:05 - Pricing struggle for photographers49:15 - What you should outsource58:35 - How to get likes and views on YouTube1:04:00 - Nobody watches business videos

Links & Resources:

Water wells for Kenya: https://www.safariwildlifeandlandscape.com

Vanessa's education: https://breatheyourpassion.com

Vanessa's mastermind: https://www.breatheyourpassion.com/mastermind-application-form?source=raw_files

Gary's education: https://hughesfioretti.com/education

Episode Summary:
Photographers talk a lot about spotting red flags in clients, but what about when photographers need to say no? In this episode, Vanessa Joy dives into the real, unspoken truth about turning down clients. From personality clashes to budget concerns and even those infamous "crazy eyes," learn how to spot warning signs before they become business nightmares. This episode isn't just about protecting your art—it’s about protecting your peace of mind and making sure your business thrives with the right clientele.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why some wedding clients can be a bigger red flag than a bad photographer.
• The real reason photographers need to turn down certain clients.
• The types of clients that can lead to unrealistic expectations and chargeback nightmares.
• How to gracefully say no to a client without burning bridges.
• Why it’s okay to protect your mental health as a creative.

Show Notes:

• [0:00] Not all bookings are good bookings—learn to spot the red flags early.
• [06:41] "Crazy eyes" might sound funny, but they’re often an indicator of trouble ahead.
• [07:14] Clients who stretch their budgets too far often have unrealistic expectations.
• [10:12] A personality clash can make a wedding day miserable for both parties.
• [11:23] Priorities matter: If a couple is focused on the wedding over the marriage, it may not be a good fit.

Resources & Links:

• Follow Vanessa Joy on Instagram
• Join the Photo Insiders community for exclusive content and education, and Shadow A Pro for more in-depth behind the scenes of real weddings and engagements. 
• Subscribe to The Raw Files for more industry insights

Connect with Us:

• Website: vanessajoy.com
• YouTube: Vanessa Joy
• Mastermind: https://www.breatheyourpassion.com/mastermind-application-form?source=raw_files

Rate & Review:
If you loved this episode, let us know! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share it with a fellow photographer. Let’s keep the industry strong together!

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Raw Files, Vanessa answers a thought-provoking question about luck in business and discusses how preparation, mindset, and strategic thinking can help drive success. She shares insights on how photographers can better approach sales, challenges the concept of price-first thinking, and teaches how to sell the benefits rather than the features of what you offer.

Highlights:

00:05 The Role of Luck in Business

02:41 Rejection and Mindset

9:56 The Importance of Benefits Over Features

10:06 Sales and Mindset

10:30 Selling the Vacation, Not the Plane Ride

14:47 Upcoming Events and Mentorship Opportunities

Resources Mentioned:

To Sell Is Human (Book) – by Daniel H. Pink

Vanessa's Photography Mastermind (currently sold out, with a waiting list)

Upcoming Events:

Imaging USA – February 3-4, 2025, Dallas, TX

WPPI – March 2025, Las Vegas, NV

Listen to The Raw Files Podcast:

Tune in for more real talk on photography business, gear, trends, and mindset shifts that help you succeed in the visual world.

Connect with Vanessa:

Instagram: @VanessaJoy

Website: VanessaJoy.com

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Raw Files, we tackle the uncomfortable truth about why photographers often shy away from making money. With over 20 years of experience in weddings, portraits, and corporate photography, I reflect on the mindset shifts needed to thrive as a photographer in today’s evolving industry. From the rise of "creator photographers" to the shame tied to charging what you're worth, we discuss the trends, challenges, and solutions for making a sustainable career out of your passion.

Highlights:

00:56 - Why photographers hate making money

01:09 - The difference between traditional photographers and creator photographers

08:08 - The stigma around money and its impact on longevity in the industry

08:36 - Why business knowledge is essential to success

16:03 - A look at photographer bashing and how it hurts the community

16:57 - In-person photo conferences

Upcoming Events:

Imaging USA – February 3-4, 2025, Dallas, TX

WPPI – March 2025, Las Vegas, NV

Links & Resources:

Subscribe on Spotify: The Raw Files

Subscribe on YouTube: @VanessaJoy

Check out my website: https://vanessajoy.com

Join my exclusive community: https://thephotoinsiders.com

Follow on Instagram: @vanessajoy and DM me “Photo Mastermind” for info on my exclusive coaching program.

Want to learn more about mastering the business side of photography? Join my Photo Mastermind! DM me on Instagram for details.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Raw Files, we dive into the viral story of a bride’s controversial TikTok video and the ripple effect it had across the wedding industry. Lauren, a Gen Z bride, shared her dissatisfaction with her wedding makeup artist online, sparking debates about professionalism, client communication, and the power of social media in shaping narratives.

Highlights:

00:00 – The viral TikTok story of Lauren and her wedding makeup artist

07:15 – How the wedding industry can improve communication with Gen Z couples

14:40 – The importance of feedback and creating personalized client experiences

20:55 – Why business and sales training is crucial for photographers

28:30 – How the community supported the makeup artist and lessons on empathy

33:15 – Balancing passion with profitability: Lessons from a mastermind program

Links & Resources:

Subscribe on Spotify: The Raw Files

Subscribe on YouTube: @VanessaJoy

Visit my website: VanessaJoy.com

Join my exclusive community: The Photo Insiders

Follow on Instagram: @VanessaJoy – DM me “Mastermind” for info on my coaching program

Upcoming Events:

Imaging USA – February 3-4, 2025, Dallas, TX

WPPI – March 2025, Las Vegas, NV

Take Your Business to the Next Level:

Want to learn more about mastering the business side of photography? Join my Photo Mastermind program! https://bit.ly/photoinsidermm

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we dive into the controversial topic of pop-up weddings and the impact they have on the wedding industry. With 20 years of experience as a wedding photographer, I share my thoughts on the ethical dilemmas, industry trends, and personal experiences that shaped my perspective. Tune in to hear why these events are causing a stir and what they mean for couples and vendors alike.

Highlights:

00:00 - The shocking wedding invasion story

2:36 - Managing unpredictable situations at events

15:35 - Practical advice for maintaining professionalism

16:14 - Listener stories of unexpected wedding drama

Links & Resources:

Subscribe on Spotify: The Raw Files

Subscribe on YouTube: @VanessaJoy

Join my exclusive community: https://thephotoinsiders.com

Follow on IG: @vanessajoy and DM me “JOY TECH” for all my secret tools on “How I Get It All Done” for my business and personal life.

Episode Summary:

Let’s talk about the real side of being a photographer. In this episode of “Convos with Winos,” I sit down with Courtney over a glass of wine (or two) to chat about what it takes to build a successful photography business. From leaving the stability of a 9-to-5 to navigating self-doubt and figuring out how to attract the right clients, we’re getting real about the challenges and triumphs of being a creative entrepreneur. If you’ve ever wondered if you have what it takes, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to tackle your goals.

Show Notes:
Intro: Welcome to “Convos with Winos,” where we sip wine and talk business.

Taking the leap: Courtney shares how she transitioned from a steady job to full-time photography.

The early hustle: Why the first years are tough but worth every lesson.

Balancing life and work: My tips for structuring your day and protecting your mental health.

Fighting self-doubt: How to manage anxiety and keep showing up for your business.

The power of relationships: Finding clients and building trust in a saturated market.

Social media woes: Avoiding the comparison trap while staying authentic online.

When it’s time to pivot: Recognizing when your business needs a reset and how to handle it.

Thinking bigger: Creating passive income and scaling your photography business.

Wrapping up: Final thoughts, favorite wines, and what’s next for “Convos with Winos.”

Links & Resources:

Follow Courtney: https://www.instagram.com/ckoesterinspired/ AND https://www.instagram.com/cbkoester/

Subscribe on Spotify: The Raw Files

Subscribe on YouTube: @VanessaJoy

Join my exclusive community: https://thephotoinsiders.com

Follow on IG: @vanessajoy and DM me “JOY TECH” for all my secret tools on “How I Get It All Done” for my business and personal life.