This Can't Be That Hard

We’ve all been there: the to-do list feels endless, the deadlines are piling up, and the thought of getting it all done is just... laughable. Maddie Peschong knows the feeling, too. As a brand photographer, educator, and mom, Maddie has weathered her fair share of stressful seasons, and in this episode, she’s sharing how she finds her way back to balance.

Why does overwhelm feel so paralyzing? Maddie explains how naming the real source of your stress is often the first step to tackling it. She also shares the systems and mindset shifts that have helped her reset when life gets hectic. Whether you’re in the thick of it or trying to get ahead of it for next time, this conversation is a reminder that there’s always a way through—and sometimes, it starts with simply slowing down.

• Grab this guide for creative and essential shots to elevate your brand sessions.
•  Take the Brand Photographer Quiz to discover your unique strengths as a brand photographer

Resources:

• New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources.
• Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access.
• Long-time listener? Leave a review!

I’ve taken my fair share of personality tests over the years, but none have resonated with me quite like the Enneagram. If you’re an Enneagram enthusiast, you might not be surprised to hear that I’m a Type 3 (The Achiever), and when I first read that description, I felt seen in a way that was almost embarrassing!

In today’s episode, I sit down with wedding photographer and Enneagram expert Ellie McKinney to explore how understanding our Enneagram types can impact not only our personal growth but also our business journeys. One of the reasons the Enneagram resonated so deeply with me is its focus on self-awareness and growth — tools that have been invaluable in building both my photography and education businesses. Together, Ellie & I discuss how the Enneagram can be a guide to playing to your strengths and understanding where you might get tripped up in your photography business. 

If you’ve ever thought of the Enneagram as just another personality test, I encourage you to tune in with an open mind. Ellie provides so many insightful takeaways, whether you’re looking to better understand yourself, deepen your relationships, or improve how you approach your business. 

• Follow Ellie for stunning photography and educational tips!
  •  Instagram: Ellie Photography & Photography Business Education 
• Visit Ellie's website 

Resources:

• New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources.
• Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access.
• Long-time listener? Leave a review!

Being a photographer can sometimes feel isolating, especially when you’re working solo day in and day out. But knowing you have a supportive network of fellow creatives? That changes everything.

This week, I got to chat with Kim Box, the founder of The Motherhood Anthology. Kim has built a community that truly embodies the spirit of connection and openness I think so many of us are looking for. The Motherhood Anthology is more than just a place to learn—it’s a space where photographers come together, share real business advice, and lift each other up.

In a world that can sometimes feel cutthroat, Kim has managed to foster a culture of encouragement and trust, and that wasn't by accident. Join Kim and I as we discuss her journey, the inspiration behind The Motherhood Anthology, and why finding your own community might be the best thing you can do for your business.

• Dive into The Motherhood Anthology website
• Join the The Motherhood Anthology free Facebook group
• Join The Motherhood Anthology while enrollment is open from Nov 14 - 22nd

Resources:

• New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources.
• Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access.
• Long-time listener? Leave a review!

Have you ever made the mistake of going to the grocery store without a list—or at least a plan? We've all been there, right? And while we might manage to wing it in the produce section or snack aisle, we almost always end up forgetting something essential.

In the early days of my photography business, I actually ran things a bit like those haphazard grocery trips. Every morning, I’d jot down a list of to-dos from memory—relying solely on my brain to keep track of what needed to happen. On my good days, I could just about pull it off. But if one of my kids got sick or something threw me off my game, things would inevitably slip through the cracks.

I talk a lot about how systems transformed my business, but today I'm showing you how that doesn't need to be any more complicated than making a grocery list. If you feel like you're missing opportunities or constantly playing catch up, today's episode is a must-listen!

Resources:

• New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources.
• Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access.
• Long-time listener? Leave a review!

A few weeks back, I put out the call for your photography-related horror stories... from silly mistakes to dealing with nightmarish clients, to just plain bad luck. 

We've all been there. When you're a small business owner, things are bound to go wrong sometimes, and as much as we take our jobs seriously, there's also value in acknowledging the cringeworthy, mortifying, and downright bizarre situations that can come with running your own photography business!

Thanks to everyone who shared their stories to make this episode a real emotional roller coaster. I think you'll be impressed - as I was - at these photographers' ability to keep their cool, problem-solve on the fly, and even find the humor in their misfortunes. And the next time you find yourself in the midst of a photography crisis, hopefully, this episode will remind you to take a deep breath, problem-solve with creativity, and maybe even crack a smile (....and then share it on next year's podcast!)

Resources:

• New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources.
• Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access.
• Long-time listener? Leave a review!

In the never-ending battle to stand out from other photographers in your niche, you may have tried many different tacks - whether in your editing style, your locations, or your business model. But have you ever considered that the thing that could push you to the top of your ideal client's list might already be living in their home? 

Over 66% of US families have a pet that they consider part of the family, and yet most family photographers don't specifically encourage pets in their sessions or feature pets in their marketing. 

Today I'm talking with Monica Adalsteinsson, an Arizona-based pet and family photographer who specializes in blending family photography with pet photography. Tune in to hear practical tips for starting to include pets in your photography, as well as inspiration for how to use that new skill to market yourself in a brand new way. 

Links:

• Visit Monica Adelsteinsson's website
• Learn how to photograph people and their pets
  • Use code "Annemie" for $50 off the Pup Plus Me Method course

Resources:

• New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources.
• Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access.
• Long-time listener? Leave a review!

I’m all about sharing the mistakes I made in my business to help you avoid making the same ones…. and one of the biggest, most costly mistakes I've ever made was not bothering to create a sale at the holidays for the first 8 years of my business. When I do the math, I estimate that one mistake cost me north of $50K (it still hurts to write that number!) 

If the word “sale” makes you cringe inside, then this episode is for you. There are plenty of reasons you can come up with to not run a holiday sale, but today I want to share 5 really compelling reasons why I think you should. Listen in with an open mind - I think you’ll be surprised at what you might learn!

Resources:

• New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources.
• Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access.
• Long-time listener? Leave a review!

Leah O'Connell has been a family photographer for over a decade, and her success has been a slow crescendo. In this era of streaming movies and Amazon Prime, we often expect everything to happen quickly, but most businesses - perhaps especially photography businesses - take a while to reach the point of sustainability... which is simply a part of the process!

Leah's story is a refreshing reminder that steady, intentional growth is often the key to long-term success. If you’re feeling stuck in your photography business - or simply frustrated by a lack of instant success - today's episode illustrates the power of patience, perseverance, and adaptability - qualities that I believe are essential for any photographer looking to create a thriving, long-term business. 

Links:

• Visit Leah O'Connell's Website:
• Leah's Free Resources for Photographers, including her Big Picture Workbook
• Listen to Leah's Podcast: Photofuel

Resources:

• New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources.
• Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access.
• Long-time listener? Leave a review!

This week's episode is a bit of a departure, but I promise it’s worth the ride: I’m sharing the story of a new business venture my husband and I launched at the beginning of this year. 

Think you might be able to guess what it is? I'd be pretty shocked if you did... this new enterprise is about as different from our work as photographers, Airbnb owners, and online educators as it's possible to be. 

But as different as it is, it's still business! Tune in to hear about the challenges, the lessons, and the surprising overlaps we’ve discovered along the way, and why the experiences we have as entrepreneurs is relevant to ALL kinds of business—no matter the industry.

Resources:

• New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources.
• Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access.
• Long-time listener? Leave a review!

As photographers, we walk a fine line when it comes to client privacy. On one hand, we rely on being able to share session photos for marketing and growing our businesses. But on the other hand, a ever-growing number of clients are uncomfortable with their images being shared publicly. It's a tricky line to walk.

For years, I offered some baseline privacy to my clients, and anyone who required more could pay an extra fee. But recently, I realized this approach no longer felt right to me, so I went back to the drawing board and came up with a new privacy plan that puts the control firmly in my clients' hands. Today, I want to share the updates I've made so you can take a look at your own policies and see if they need a refresh as well. 

Resources:

• New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources.
• Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access.
• Long-time listener? Leave a review!