The Sundae Best

If you’ve ever thought stock photography was only worth pennies, this conversation will change your mind. In this episode of The Sundae Best, I’m joined by photographer and educator Aubrey Westlund, founder of Stock Photo Besties. After 10 years as a full-time wedding photographer, burnout pushed Aubrey to explore a new creative path—one that’s since allowed her to license thousands of images, build a sustainable business, and create consistent passive income.

Aubrey breaks down what stock photography really is, the difference between microstock and premium agencies, and how photographers can start selling the work they already have. You’ll learn:

How to get started with stock photography without quitting your current business

The types of photos that actually sell (hint: it’s not the epic hero shots you may expect!)

Why premium agencies pay hundreds for a single image—and how to get your work in front of them

The truth about AI-generated stock images and where the market is heading

How to build stock licensing into your workflow in just 20 minutes a week

Whether you’re curious about licensing, ready to add passive income to your photography business, or simply want to romanticize your everyday life through your camera, this episode is your roadmap to getting started with stock photography.

Resources Mentioned:

Free Little Black Book of Stock Photo Agencies

License It! Guide for Photographers

Stock Photo Besties Membership

Stock Photography Academy

Connect with Aubrey:

Instagram: @aubreywestlund

Read The Show Notes:

Your mindset is one of your most important assets as a photographer—and it might be the thing holding you back.

In this episode of The Sundae Best, I’m joined by photography mentor and destination wedding photographer Claire Hunt to talk about the mindset shifts photographers need to go from burnout to balance, from stuck to thriving. Claire opens up about her own journey from pediatric nurse to full-time photographer and new mom, sharing how mindset shaped every stage of her career.

We’re diving into:

Why the importance of mindset can’t be overstated in building a photography business

How to work through self-doubt, comparison, and fear of failure

Practical mindset tools for photographers who feel like they “don’t have time” for self-care

How motherhood reshaped Claire’s approach to business and balance

If you’re ready to protect your creativity, attract dream clients, and build a business that works for your life (not the other way around), this conversation is your road map.

Read the Show Notes: https://mrsferreephotography.com/the-importance-of-mindset-as-a-wedding-photographer-with-claire-hunt/ 

Connect with Claire Hunt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsclairehunt 

In this episode of The Sundae Best, I chat with Lauren Meltzer from Pets of Honor about wedding pet attendants and how they're revolutionizing the way couples include dogs in weddings. Lauren shares her expertise on providing comprehensive wedding day pet care, from transportation and feeding to managing excited pups during cocktail hour and helping pets sign marriage licenses with their paw prints. Whether you're a couple planning to include your beloved dog in your wedding ceremony or a wedding photographer looking to collaborate with pet attendants to create the best client experience, this conversation covers everything you need to know. We dive into why professional pet attendants are essential for stress-free weddings with dogs, how photographers can work seamlessly with pet care professionals to capture perfect shots, and the timeline considerations that make wedding day pet inclusion successful. Lauren explains the complete process from pickup to drop-off, emergency preparedness with pet first aid kits, and creative ways couples are incorporating their furry family members into their special day. This episode is perfect for engaged couples considering wedding pet services, wedding photographers who want to better serve clients with pets, and anyone curious about this growing wedding industry specialty that's making dream weddings with dogs a beautiful reality.

Connect with Pets of Honor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsofhonor/

Read The Show Notes: https://mrsferreephotography.com/colorado-wedding-pet-attendant/ 

Think elopements are easier to photograph than traditional weddings? In this episode, I'm sharing the behind-the-scenes reality of elopement photography that nobody talks about online. Learn the 8 essential considerations every elopement photographer must know - from photography permits and location logistics to wildlife encounters and weather planning. Discover why being an elopement photographer requires more research and expertise than you might expect, plus practical tips to protect your business and deliver an incredible client experience. Whether you're wondering how to become an elopement photographer or want to ensure you're covering all your bases when photographing elopements in Colorado and beyond, this episode will transform how you approach elopement shoots.

Read The Show Notes: https://mrsferreephotography.com/how-to-become-an-elopement-photographer/

Colorado Photography Permits Guide: https://mrsferreephotography.com/colorado-photography-permits/

Leave No Trace Principles: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/

Elopement Photography Services: https://mrsferreephotography.com/elopements

Connect With Me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.sundae.best

Visit The Show Website: https://the-sundae-best.com

Feeling overwhelmed by client management in your photography business? In this episode, I chat with Rachelle from Photography Workflows about how Dubsado, a CRM, can transform your client experience while saving you 10+ hours per week through automated workflows. We dive into why Dubsado beats other CRMs for wedding photographers, step-by-step implementation strategies, and hidden features like custom mapped fields that create seamless client experiences. Whether you're just starting out or drowning in admin tasks, this episode reveals how to build systems that work for you 24/7, plus you'll find a special discount code just for my listeners for $100 OFF Rachelle's signature Dubsado course designed specifically for photographers! 

Links:

In this heartfelt episode, Colorado wedding photographer Kelly Peterson Frazier joins Logan Ferree to share how her journey through grief, teaching, and creative discovery led to a soulful, deeply intentional approach to photography. Kelly opens up about losing her dad, navigating life transitions, and how photography became both healing and a way to hold space for others. She offers insight for wedding photographers on finding meaning beyond aesthetics, connecting with clients through empathy, and creating a truly human-first experience. If you’re a photographer seeking purpose, presence, and a deeper “why” behind your work—this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and seen.

Send her a message at [email protected] to request your free email template!

Inquire to work with Kelly

Wedding photographer Kadra shares invaluable planning tips for 2025 couples from her unique perspective as both a vendor and bride-to-be. Discover how her industry experience shapes her own wedding decisions and get practical advice on creating a seamless, meaningful celebration focused on what truly matters.

Read the Show Notes

Connect with Kadra on Instagram 

Visit Kadra's Website 

Follow Kadra on TikTok

Try Narrative Select 

Looking to book more weddings as a photographer? Discover how to use Pinterest as a platform to attract dream wedding clients in this strategy-packed episode! Pinterest & blogging expert Paula from Pin with Paula reveals why Pinterest is the a powerful tool photographers are missing out on. Learn how to optimize your Pinterest profile for wedding bookings, create pins that convert inquiries into clients, and use SEO keywords that engaged couples are actually searching for. Hear real success stories of how I've booked weddings through Pinterest, including one at a dream venue after just two weeks of pinning! Tune in for practical Pinterest marketing strategies, blogging tips for photographers, and learn how to create a Pinterest marketing funnel that works while you sleep.

Read the Show Notes

Get Paula's Free Pin to Win Guide 

Work With Paula

Connect with Paula on Instagram 

Are you drowning in your photography to-do list? In this episode, I break down the 5 essential systems every photographer needs to implement to go from chaos to confidence. Learn how to plan your marketing, client experience, editing, business management, and self-care systems that will transform your photography business (and life). Discover practical steps to start small, identify your pain points, and build systems that give you back your time and sanity while delivering a consistently excellent experience for every client.

Read The Show Notes: https://mrsferreephotography.com/5-photography-business-systems/

Grab Your Free 5 Systems Guide: https://mrsferreephotography.myflodesk.com/the5systems

Connect With Me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.sundae.best

Visit The Show Website: https://the-sundae-best.com

Ever dreamed of becoming an international wedding photographer? In this episode, we dive deep with Mandie from Thistle and Pine Photography who reveals the unfiltered truth about photographing destination weddings abroad. Discover practical strategies for shooting weddings in Europe, building an international photography business, and navigating the logistics of travel photography.

From packing your gear and handling permits to pricing international packages and finding unique locations beyond the Pinterest hotspots, Mandie shares her journey from never having left the United States to becoming an in-demand UK and Ireland wedding photographer. Learn about cultural considerations, jet lag management, and building vendor connections in foreign countries. Whether you're dreaming of shooting in castles, on dramatic cliffs, or in ancient cities, this episode provides the blueprint for turning your international wedding photography dreams into your reality.

Read The Show Notes

Visit Mandie's Website 

Check Out Mandie's International Work

Connect with Mandie on Instagram