AI is everywhere right now, but let’s be real—most of us don’t have time to sort through all the noise to figure out which tools actually help photographers run their businesses better.

That’s why I called in Colie James. She’s a workflow automation expert, a photographer, and someone who has gone much further with AI than most of us (but in a way that makes running a business easier, not more complicated). In this episode, she’s breaking down how she’s using AI to speed up content creation, simplify marketing, and create custom automation that saves hours of time every week.

We’re talking about:

• How AI tools can help photographers streamline their marketing
• The best AI tools for content repurposing, SEO, and automation
• How to create a custom GPT that actually understands your business
• The power of AI-assisted blogging for getting found on Google
• The smart way to use AI without losing your personal voice

If you’ve been wondering how AI can actually work for photographers, this episode is full of actionable, real-world strategies to help you start using it today.

• Try Colie’s Custom GPT Workflow Magician 
•  Follow Colie on Instagram
•  Listen to the Business First Creatives 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!

Photography may seem like a business with low legal risk, but if you don’t cover your bases, one unexpected issue—like a contract dispute, a tax audit, or an independent contractor misclassification—can cause major headaches.

Today, I’m talking with Braden Drake, a lawyer and tax expert who specializes in helping creative entrepreneurs actually understand business compliance, contracts, and financial protection. And trust me, this conversation is anything but boring. Braden makes legal and tax talk fun, digestible, and completely manageable, so you can finally stop avoiding these must-dos in your business.

In this episode, we’re breaking down:

• The five layers of legal protection every photographer should have in place
• What you really need to know about contracts, taxes, and business compliance
• The common legal mistakes photographers make (and how to avoid them)
• Whether your independent contractors should actually be employees
• Why a good contract is worth every penny—and where to get one without breaking the bank

If legal and tax stuff stresses you out, this episode will make you feel clear, confident, and ready to tackle the things that actually protect your business.

• Download Braden’s Free Legal Guide 
•  Join the Contract Club for Rock-Solid Legal Templates 
•  Get Braden’s Book: Unf*ck Your Biz   
• Follow Braden on Instagram 

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!

Most photographers assume that if they don’t shoot in a studio, they don’t need one. But what if a studio space could be so much more than just a backdrop for sessions?

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Michelle McAfee, a photographer who turned her studio into so much more than just a place to shoot. She shares how she transitioned from using her space exclusively for client sessions to creating a studio membership model—one that serves other photographers and small business owners, boosts her marketing, and generates additional revenue.

We talk about:

• Why a studio space is more than just four walls—it’s a business growth tool
• How Michelle transformed her studio into a community hub for creatives
• Smart ways to monetize and maximize a studio beyond client work
• What to consider before renting or buying a studio space
• Creative marketing ideas for leveraging a studio to attract more clients

If you’ve ever considered opening a studio, renting one, or simply using a studio more effectively, this episode will open your eyes to all the possibilities.

• Download Michelle’s Free Guide – 10 Ways to Use a Studio for Brand Growth
• Follow Michelle on Instagram
• Learn More About Michelle’s Photography Business 

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!

If you’ve ever felt like your emails are going out into the void—ignored, unopened, or worse, unsubscribed from—this episode is just for you.

Email marketing doesn’t have to feel awkward or forced. In fact, when done right, it’s one of the most powerful ways to turn casual followers into loyal clients. But what actually makes an email engaging? How do you keep people excited to hear from you instead of clicking delete?

Today, I'm breaking it all down, with a fun analogy (of course!)

• How to get people to subscribe to your email list in the first place
• The secret to subject lines that actually get opened
• How to write emails that feel personal, not pushy
• The simple tweak at the end of every email that makes all the difference

If you want your emails to be the kind people look forward to (instead of ignoring), tune in! 

Links:

• Join The Consistency Club for Done-For-You Email & Marketing Content 

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!

Generating leads for your photography business can feel like a full-time job. You put yourself out there, cross your fingers, and hope the inquiries roll in—but what happens when they don’t? That’s where a smart, strategic approach to lead generation makes all the difference.

This week, I’m talking with photographer, business coach, and Gold Biz Podcast host Rachel Traxler about how she approaches lead generation intentionally—not just throwing things at the wall to see what sticks. Rachel breaks down how different types of buyers make decisions, why understanding that matters, and how to create marketing content that speaks to the right clients at the right time.

In this episode, we cover:

• The three different types of buyers and what actually gets them to book
• Why your leads might be dropping off—and how to fix it
• How to speed up the booking process (without feeling salesy)
• Rachel’s favorite ways to create a steady stream of inquiries

If you want to bring in more predictable leads—and convert more of them into paying clients—this episode is for you!

Links:

• Grab Rachel’s Free Training: 10 FREE Lead Generation Strategies to grow your business effortlessly!
• Follow Rachel on Instagram
• Listen to The Gold Biz 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!

Most photographers spend their time marketing in all the usual (free) ways—posting on social media, tweaking their SEO, and waiting for word-of-mouth referrals to kick in. And while all of those can work, they also take time... often a lot of it! But what if you could get your business in front of people right when they’re searching for a photographer?

That’s exactly what Google Ads do. Unlike social media ads that interrupt people mid-scroll, Google Ads only show up when someone is actively looking to book a photographer. And according to today’s guest, Lindsay Herkert, that small but powerful shift has completely transformed her business.

In this episode, Lindsay breaks down:

• Why Google Ads are so underused in the photography industry (and why that’s a huge advantage for you)
• How she spends just $300/month and books out her calendar with dream clients
• The 3-part system she uses to attract, convert, and keep clients coming back
• Simple changes to your website that make your ads way more effective

If you’ve ever wished for a way to bring in clients without constant hustling, this episode is a must-listen.

• Visit Lindsay's website and Google Ads resources
• Access Lindsay's mini course and guide for photographers

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!

It’s easy to lose the creative spark that brought you to photography in the first place. Between running a business, keeping up with clients, and tackling your endless to-do list, the joy of making art can start to feel like a distant memory.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Trish Chong, an incredible family photographer, educator, and all-around thoughtful human being, to talk about the power of personal work in a creative business. For over a decade, Trish has kicked off each year with her “January Project”—a deeply personal tradition that melds photography and journaling. What started as a way to document her family has grown into a cornerstone of her creative practice, a magnet for aligned clients, and a powerful remedy for burnout.

Personal work like this can reignite your love for photography, give you a fresh perspective on your life and art, and even benefit your business in the process. Whether you're looking for a reset, battling burnout, or just want to feel inspired again, this conversation will remind you of the power of picking up your camera for you.

• Download Trish’s Personal Project Guide
• Visit Tea Lily Photography

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!

Considering switching to Simples Sales? What's better than a case study? How about three? 

I'm excited to share this in-depth conversation with Robyn, AnneMarie, and Christina: three recent students who've launched Simple Sales in their three very different businesses.

We discuss:

• How and why each of them decided to give Simple Sales a try - what was (and wasn't) working in their businesses that gave them the push to seek a better solution
• Their fears and hesitations about the System
• Their experience with the Blueprint and the leadup to launching
• The Big Switch, including the reactions of both returning clients and new clients

And perhaps most importantly... their RESULTS:

• Robin turned her part-time pet photography business from a hobby into a profitable venture.
• Christina doubled her profit while setting boundaries and saving time for her family.
• Anne Marie scaled her family and newborn photography business to over $230,000 in revenue this year alone.

These women have been very generous, sharing their financial before and afters, as well as their plans going forward. If you're on the fence about whether Simple Sales might work for you, you're sure to see some version of your situation reflected here.

• Learn about Simple Sales 

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!

New Year, new mindset. 🥂 As we turn the page to 2025, it’s time to take stock of what’s been working in our businesses—and more importantly, what hasn't. In this episode, I’m sharing seven things you can leave behind to build a stronger, more sustainable businesses moving forward.

If you’ve been caught in the cycle of saying “yes” to too much, pricing yourself too low, or running yourself ragged, you’re not alone. We’ll explore how these common patterns take a toll—and, more importantly, how to break free. I’ll share practical tips for setting boundaries, streamlining your processes, and giving your business the respect it deserves. Because sustainability isn’t just about efficient systems—it’s about protecting your mental and emotional well-being too.

Tune in for an honest conversation about what it takes to start the new year on the right foot, and let’s make 2025 the year of a better, more balanced business.

• Ready to figure out how to make your business sustainable in 2025? Binge the Recipe for Success private podcast series.

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!

Burnout. Overwhelm. Frustration. If you’re feeling the weight of running your photography business, you’re not alone. Lately, I’ve been hearing from so many photographers who are unsure if it’s even possible to keep going.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dayna—my partner in The Consistency Club and all-around champion of real talk—to tackle those big questions head-on. Where does the photography industry stand right now? Why are so many of us feeling stuck? And the biggest question of all: is quitting the answer?

From inquiries that don’t convert to the myth that no one wants to pay for quality photography anymore, we’re unpacking the challenges that can make running a business feel impossible and sharing strategies for tackling these obstacles, shifting your mindset, and building a business that feels sustainable and rewarding. 

Whether you’re ready to pivot, push through, or pause and regroup, this episode is here to remind you that you’re not in this alone—and that the best days of your business might still be ahead.

• Listen to this episode The Six Levels of Freelance Life 

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!