Wine Down and Focus: Photography Tips & Stories Over a Glass of Wine

Wine Down and Focus: Photography Tips & Stories Over a Glass of Wine

By Annette Sundberg & Christina AhlheimEducationArtsVisual ArtsDesign
Download on the App Store

Wine Down and Focus: Photography Tips & Stories Over a Glass of Wine episodes

  • Episode 15: The Habits That Make or Break Photographers

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina

    🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina!

    📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients"

    Episode 15: The Habits That Make or Break Photographers

    From shooting for yourself to backing up files and setting real boundaries, Annette & Christina share the small habits that define a thriving photography business. Tune in for inspiration, laughter, and a $20 Sonoma Zin taste test!

    So pour a glass, press play, and let’s Wine Down and Focus.

    🔗 Show Website

     Follow Us on Socials:

    📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest

     Support the Show

    ⭐️Don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! It helps so much! Apple Spotify
    🎙️ Join the Podcast

     Get Involved

    👩‍💼 Be on the Show
    💡 Request a Show Topic
    🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show
    🤝 Become a Sponsor

     About Your Hosts

    📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography
    📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

     


    47 min
  • Episode 14: SEO Sip, Click, Rank: Easy SEO Tips for Photographers

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina

    🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina!

    📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients"

    Pour yourself a glass and join Annette and Christina for another fun and insightful episode of Wine Down and Focus. This week, we’re sipping on a San Simeon Pinot Noir from Costco while diving into a topic that can feel intimidating but is crucial for every photographer’s business—SEO.

    Annette breaks down the essentials of search engine optimization in a way that’s approachable and easy to understand, sharing real strategies she’s used to get her photography website ranking on Google’s first page. From on-page vs. off-page SEO, to the power of blogging, to making the most of Google Business and client reviews, this episode is packed with practical tips you can start using today.

    Of course, it wouldn’t be Wine Down and Focus without a little fun. We test some questionable wine pairings (Doritos, anyone?), laugh through the fails, and share our honest thoughts on what actually works.

    Whether you’re just starting your photography journey or looking to level up your business visibility, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to tackle SEO—without the overwhelm.

    So grab your wine, take some notes, and let’s focus on making your photography business shine online.

    SEO for Photographers: https://www.sundbergphotography.com/photographers

    🔗 Show Website

     Follow Us on Socials:

    📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest

     Support the Show

    ⭐️Don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! It helps so much! Apple Spotify
    🎙️ Join the Podcast

     Get Involved

    👩‍💼 Be on the Show
    💡 Request a Show Topic
    🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show
    🤝 Become a Sponsor

     About Your Hosts

    📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography
    📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

     

    45 min
  • Episode 13- The Art of the Edit- From Raw to Wow

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina

    🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina!

    📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients"

     Episode 13: From RAW to WOW – The Art of Editing

     Grab your glass of wine and join Annette and Christina as they dive into the real talk behind photo editing — from early overexposed disasters to today's polished, magazine-worthy looks. They’re talking Lightroom vs. Photoshop, editing workflows, Evoto confessions, staying true to your style, and how to avoid plastic skin syndrome. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just diving into post-processing, this episode is full of laughs, practical tips, and “OMG, me too” moments.

    🍷 Wine of the Episode:
    Trader Joe’s Trading Post Cabernet Sauvignon (2022)
    From Napa Valley – bold, fruity, and paired with dark chocolate and salty chips for the win.

    So pour a glass, press play, and let’s Wine Down and Focus.

    🔗 Show Website

    Follow Us on Socials:

    📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest

     Support the Show

    ⭐️Don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! It helps so much! Apple Spotify
    🎙️ Join the Podcast 

    Get Involved

    👩‍💼 Be on the Show
    💡 Request a Show Topic
    🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show
    🤝 Become a Sponsor

    About Your Hosts

    📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography
    📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

    44 min
  • Episode 12: Let's Get Real - Photography Struggles

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina

    🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina!

    📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients"

    Episode 12: The Real Struggles Photographers Face (and How We Bounce Back)

    In this episode of Wine Down and Focus, Annette and Christina pour a glass of Pinot Noir and get real about the behind-the-scenes struggles photographers rarely talk about—burnout, pricing anxiety, style confusion, difficult clients, and tech fails.

    From navigating slow seasons and studio setbacks to finding your photography style and responding to “you’re too expensive,” they share their own raw experiences, honest advice, and plenty of laughs along the way.

    They also discuss:

    • The truth about burnout and people-pleasing
    • Why contracts and boundaries are non-negotiable
    • Backup plans for equipment failures (because they happen!)
    • Rebounding from negative reviews and business setbacks
    • How to stay inspired and create a sustainable, joy-filled photography business

    Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned pro, this episode will remind you you're not alone—and that the messy parts are just part of the journey.

    So pour a glass, press play, and let’s Wine Down and Focus.

    🔗 Show Website

     Follow Us on Socials:

    📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest

     Support the Show

    ⭐️Don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! It helps so much! Apple Spotify
    🎙️ Join the Podcast

     Get Involved

    👩‍💼 Be on the Show
    💡 Request a Show Topic
    🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show
    🤝 Become a Sponsor

     About Your Hosts

    📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography
    📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

     

    47 min
  • Episode 11: Interview with Adam Goldberg of AGoldPhoto who specializes in Shelter Pet Photography

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina

    🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina!

    📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients"

     Episode 11: In this episode, we chat with pet photographer Adam Goldberg about how powerful images can help shelter pets find homes. He discusses the misconceptions surrounding shelter pets and shares tips for photographing shy animals, and the significance of passion in pursuing pet photography. Plus, we dive into editing styles, ethical practices, and heartwarming adoption stories that will inspire any photographer.

    Forbes article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenreeder/2025/06/18/senior-living-center-welcomes-shelter-dogs-for-uplifting-photo-shoot/

    Website: https://agoldphoto.com/

    Insta: https://www.instagram.com/agoldphoto/?hl=en

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/agoldphotos


    🔗 Show Website

     Follow Us on Socials:

    📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest

     Support the Show

    ⭐️Don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! It helps so much! Apple Spotify
    🎙️ Join the Podcast

     Get Involved

    👩‍💼 Be on the Show
    💡 Request a Show Topic
    🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show
    🤝 Become a Sponsor

     About Your Hosts

    📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography
    📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

     

     

    43 min
  • Episode 10: Spring Recap Craziness - Photography Sessions & Maypole Event

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina

    🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina!

    📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients"

     Episode 10: Spring Recap Craziness & Maypole Event

    In this episode of Wine Down & Focus, Annette and Christina recap their spring photography experiences, discussing the challenges posed by weather, particularly rain, and the impact on scheduling senior sessions and graduations. They also review a Cabernet Sauvignon from Trader Joe's, sharing tasting notes and insights about the wine's origin. The conversation flows into their experiences with unique events like the Maypole ceremony and graduation photography, highlighting the chaos and excitement of capturing these moments. They share valuable editing tips and software insights, particularly focusing on Lightroom and Photoshop, and conclude with a look ahead to upcoming sessions and plans for the summer.

     🔗 Show Website

     Follow Us on Socials:

    📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest

     Support the Show

    ⭐️Don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! It helps so much! Apple Spotify
    🎙️ Join the Podcast

     Get Involved

    👩‍💼 Be on the Show
    💡 Request a Show Topic
    🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show
    🤝 Become a Sponsor

     About Your Hosts

    📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography
    📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

    39 min
  • Episode 9: ShutterFest Photography Conference Recap - In St. Louis

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina

    🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina!

    📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients"

    Episode 9: ShutterFest Recap – The Wheel, The Wine, and the Wild Conference Experience

    In this episode, Annette and Christina share all the behind-the-scenes moments from their time at ShutterFest in St. Louis! From riding high above the city in the Union Station Wheel (yes, we recorded in there!) to soaking in classes, connecting with old friends, and pulling off hilarious pranks—this episode is a mix of laughs, lessons, and honest takeaways.

    We chat with fellow photographers at the event, share what worked (and what didn’t) in our classes, and offer tips for anyone thinking about attending this hands-on, high-energy photography conference. Christina dives into insights from pet photography pro Adam Goldberg, and Annette reflects on bringing home creative inspiration—and the challenge of turning it into action when real life hits.

    Shutterfest Conference

    Mentions:

    Adam Goldberg

    Joey Thomas

    Kristin Jones

    Interviews:

    Rhonda Favor

    Barry Salmons

    Kim Brady

    Tim Goates


    🔗 Show Website

    Follow Us on Socials:

    📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest

    Support the Show

    ⭐️ Don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! It helps so much! Apple Spotify
    🎙️ Join the Podcast

    Get Involved

    👩‍💼 Be on the Show
    💡 Request a Show Topic
    🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show
    🤝 Become a Sponsor

    About Your Hosts

    📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography
    📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

     

    33 min
  • Episode 8: Scaling Solo: Growth Challenges Without a Team

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina

    🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina!

    📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients"

    In this fun and honest episode, Annette and Christina sit down with Canadian photographer Tammy Lipsett to talk about the realities of running a photography business solo. Tammy, who specializes in volume sports photography just outside Calgary, Alberta, shares how her journey started with a Twitter push and turned into a thriving business covering sports, dance, and more.

    They dive into the challenges of scaling without a full-time team, how Tammy hires seasonally (including her own kids!), and the importance of knowing your strengths and outsourcing your weaknesses. She also shares insights into her favorite tech tools—like Evoto and Captura—that have helped streamline her workflow and cut editing time dramatically.

    The episode is packed with laughs, including stories of emotional support crickets, Muppet hats that scare small children, and Tammy’s “Santa Claus-like” multitasking skills. It also touches on deeper topics like setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, dealing with competition, and redefining what success looks like for you.

    Tammy proves you can build a successful business without a flashy website or a big team—just authenticity, efficiency, great customer service, and a sense of humor.

    Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road Vineyard, 2023

    Nanaimo Bars

    Tammy Lipsett – One Shot Photography


    🔗 Show Website

    Follow Us on Socials:

    📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest

    Support the Show

    ⭐️ Don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! It helps so much! Apple Spotify
    🎙️ Join the Podcast

    Get Involved

    👩‍💼 Be on the Show
    💡 Request a Show Topic
    🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show
    🤝 Become a Sponsor

    About Your Hosts

    📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography
    📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

     

    57 min
  • Episode 7: Why Posing Isn't Everything: The Power of Connection

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina

    🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina!

    📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients"

     In this episode, Annette and Christina explore the importance of connection over mere posing in photography. They discuss how to create emotional trust with clients, the significance of understanding individual personalities, and various techniques to elicit natural expressions during sessions. The conversation also touches on the nuances of posing, including the use of movement and prompts to achieve authentic results. Additionally, they share insights on their wine tasting experience, adding a personal touch to the discussion.

    Annette and Christina also share their expertise on posing techniques in photography, emphasizing the importance of body positioning and emotional connection. They discuss common mistakes photographers make, such as improper hand positioning and the need for visibility of limbs. They also highlight go-to poses for different types of photography sessions, including seniors and couples, and stress the significance of capturing genuine emotions to enhance the quality of photographs. The discussion concludes with a challenge for photographers to focus on emotional prompts in their work.

    Luc Pirlet Reserve 

    🔗 Show Website

    Follow Us on Socials:

    📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest

    Support the Show

    ⭐️ Leave a Review in 5 Seconds! – It helps so much!
    🎙️ Join the Podcast

    Get Involved

    👩‍💼 Be on the Show
    💡 Request a Show Topic
    🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show
    🤝 Become a Sponsor

    About Your Hosts

    📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography
    📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

     

    40 min
  • Episode 6: The Many Hats of a Photographer

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina

    🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina!

    📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients"

    In this episode, Annette and Christina discuss the various roles photographers must juggle in their businesses. They explore responsibilities that go beyond simply taking pictures, such as marketing, customer service, and managing finances. The conversation emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, learning SEO, and the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance while running a photography business. We share insights on several aspects of being a photographer, including flexible scheduling, effective client communication, styling and directing photoshoots, the multifaceted role of a wedding photographer, and the intricacies of image editing. We highlight the need for photographers to communicate clearly with clients, set boundaries, and achieve a balance between their personal and professional lives. Additionally, we provide tips on enhancing the client experience through thoughtful editing and styling choices.

    St. Giorgio Toscana IGT Super Tuscan

    🔗 Show Website

    Follow Us on Socials:

    📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest

    Support the Show

    ⭐️ Leave a Review in 5 Seconds! – It helps so much!
    🎙️ Join the Podcast

    Get Involved

    👩‍💼 Be on the Show
    💡 Request a Show Topic
    🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show
    🤝 Become a Sponsor

    About Your Hosts

    📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography
    📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

     

    53 min

About Wine Down and Focus: Photography Tips & Stories Over a Glass of Wine

From the publisher's feed

Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina


Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina!


Join photographer besties Annette…