With Laura Esmond

A lot of pricing advice in the photography industry tells you to either give all the digitals away at a ridiculous price or withhold digital files to pressure clients into investing in artwork they may not be ready for. What if there’s a different way to honor a client's wish for the digitals while not sacrificing your ability to get your photos on their walls. 

In this episode I explain exactly why I structure my prices the way I do, share the pricing philosophy behind everything I teach in Get Rooted, and tell the client story that made me certain I was right. Includes a practical framework for how to actually set prices at whatever stage of business you are in right now.

In this episode:

  ·  Why Laura does not hold digital files hostage -- and what she does instead

  ·  The difference between leading a client and pressuring one

  ·  The client story that proved the long-game approach works

  ·  Why CODB is useful but not the whole story

  ·  How to balance draw-in pricing with room to grow

Links:

  ·  Get Rooted -- lauraesmond.com/getrooted

There was a moment in this conversation where Casia said something that made me pause.

She admitted that bookings slowed down at the end of 2024 and into 2025.

And instead of pretending everything was fine or quietly panicking behind the scenes, she said the thing a lot of photographers are feeling but not always saying out loud.

Things feel different right now.

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s the economy, the industry, your pricing, or something you’re doing wrong… this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air.

Because instead of spiraling into discounting or chasing more Instagram posts, we talk about what actually works during slower seasons: getting back into your community, building real relationships, and playing the long game in your business.

Casia shares how she’s leaning into what she calls her “season of yes” and showing up to events, supporting other small businesses, and creating touchpoints that lead to future opportunities.

And we also dig into some of the big mindset traps photographers fall into when things get quiet… especially the temptation to lower your prices.

If business has felt a little wobbly lately, this conversation is here to remind you of something important:

Ups and downs are normal.
But how you respond to them can change everything.

In This Episode

• Why photographers are feeling a shift in bookings right now
• The danger of assuming slower inquiries mean your pricing is wrong
• What a “season of yes” looks like in a photography business
• Simple ways to start networking in your community (even if you hate networking)
• How one small connection can turn into multiple opportunities
• Why lowering your prices during slow seasons can hurt you long-term
• A smarter way to adjust your offers without discounting your work
• The real reason ghosting happens with inquiries and what to do about it
• How following up can immediately set you apart in a saturated market
• Why photographers should stop hiding behind their computers and start building real relationships again

If this conversation resonated, Get Rooted is where we go all in on this work.

Inside the program, you build:

• Clear, confident pricing
• A simple but powerful sales structure
• A hands-on client experience that leads to artwork
• Marketing that attracts right-fit, investing clients
• The identity of a photographer who leads

Spots are limited. Once they’re filled, enrollment closes for several months. We get started in April.

If you want your business solid before we head into the busiest season of the year, what are you waiting for??

👉 Apply here

Connect with Casia:

• https://fletcherandco.photo
• https://www.instagram.com/fletcherandco/

Connect with Laura:

• Apply now for Get Rooted: lauraesmond.com/getrooted
• Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
• Website: lauraesmond.com

In this first part of my conversation with Casia Fletcher, we go deep.

You may have heard Casia’s story on The Motherhood Anthology podcast, where she shared about a $45,000 client win inside her motherhood membership: check out that episode here!

But our conversation is a little different.

It’s an honest conversation about the shifts we have seen the past two years and what you can do when bookings slow down.

Casia and I talk honestly about navigating slower seasons without spiraling and why the photographers who thrive long-term are the ones who build depth with their clients.

This episode turned into a two-part conversation because we couldn’t stop unpacking the real strategy behind sustainable success.

In Part One, we dive into:

• Why diversification can stabilize your business (without diluting your brand)
• The long-game mindset that creates lifetime clients
• What shifted in 2024–2025 for many portrait photographers
• The power of in-person sales — consultations, ordering appointments, and real connection
• Why IPS isn’t just about revenue… it’s about leadership
• Creating multiple touchpoints that increase trust and average sale
• Why full-service photographers are positioned differently in slower markets

We also break down what it actually looks like to guide a client from inquiry to artwork, and why that clarity changes everything.

If this conversation resonated, Get Rooted is where we go all in on this work.

Inside the program, you build:

• Clear, confident pricing
• A simple but powerful sales structure
• A hands-on client experience that leads to artwork
• Marketing that attracts right-fit, investing clients
• The identity of a photographer who leads

Spots are limited. Once they’re filled, enrollment closes for several months. We get started in April.

If you want your business solid before we head into the busiest season of the year, what are you waiting for??

👉 Apply here

Connect with Casia:

• https://fletcherandco.photo
• https://www.instagram.com/fletcherandco/

Connect with Laura:

• Apply now for Get Rooted: lauraesmond.com/getrooted
• Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
• Website: lauraesmond.com

Feeling the slow season hit a little harder this year? Wondering if there's more you could be doing to create consistent income, even when bookings slow down?

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredibly wise and wildly practical Joy Michelle, educator, business coach, and host of the Called to Both podcast. Joy walks us through how she’s built multiple income streams as a working photographer and a mom of three, and how affiliate marketing became a surprisingly powerful piece of the puzzle.

We’re not just talking about side hustles. We're talking about sustainable income that fits your life and your brand. Whether you're just getting curious about affiliate links or want to understand how this works without needing a massive audience or becoming an “influencer,” Joy breaks it all down with so much clarity.

Here’s what we cover:

• Why photographers should be thinking about income streams beyond client bookings
• What affiliate marketing actually looks like for a photographer (hint: it's not just Amazon links)
• How Joy made $600 in affiliate income… while in labor
• The mindset shift that changed how she approached content and monetization
• The first steps you can take to start earning affiliate income, even with a small audience

Connect with Joy:

• Affiliate Marketing Jumpstart -- free resource!
• Instagram: @joymichelle
• Website: joymichelle.co
• Coaching: joymichelle.co/coaching
• Affiliate Boss: joymichelle.co/affiliate-boss
• Pitch Power: joymichelle.co/pitchpower
• Hobby-to-Pro Toolkit: joymichelle.co/hobby-to-pro-toolkit

Connect with Laura:

• Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentor
• Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
• Website: lauraesmond.com

I’m sharing three honest lessons I learned from scaling my portrait photography business, and then intentionally scaling it back. If you're a family photographer, brand photographer, or creative entrepreneur who’s ever been tempted to "go big" with a studio, team, and all the trappings of growth, this is a must-listen.

We’re getting real about what happens when your business looks successful on the outside but starts to feel misaligned on the inside. I’ll walk you through what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d do differently now.

Whether you're in your first five years of photography business or considering opening a studio, this episode will help you build a photography business that’s profitable, sustainable, and truly aligned with your life.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why scaling your photography business doesn’t automatically lead to time freedom
• What it really looks like to run a brick-and-mortar photography studio with a team
• How overhead, burnout, and decision fatigue can creep in quietly
• The difference between ego-driven growth and value-driven decisions
• How to protect your creativity and peace as a portrait photographer

Connect with Laura:

• Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentor
• Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
• Website: lauraesmond.com

In today’s episode, I’m inviting you behind the scenes of the full client experience I’ve refined over the last two decades as a portrait photographer. From that very first inquiry to the moment artwork is installed in their home, every touchpoint is intentionally crafted to make clients feel safe, seen, and deeply cared for.

Whether you’re new to business or ready to elevate your systems with more ease and clarity, this episode will walk you through the thoughtful steps I take to nurture trust, communicate with intention, and create an experience that feels effortless for both you and your client.

In This Episode, I Share:

• How to set a tone of warmth and professionalism from the first inquiry
• My approach to automated systems that still feel personal and human
• Why planning calls are essential for connection and clarity
• How I guide families with care during the session (even in the chaos of toddlerhood)
• Why the ordering appointment is never the beginning of the sale
• The subtle ways we build loyalty, trust, and referrals through genuine service

Connect with Laura:

• Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentor
• Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
• Website: lauraesmond.com

Creative Local Business Partnerships: A Real Approach to Growth

In this episode, host Laura Esmond shares her personal journey and unique approach to growing her business by forming meaningful partnerships with local businesses, rather than relying on social media or elaborate marketing strategies. She emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships by offering support and generosity, like walking into local businesses with small gifts, such as a basket of muffins and a handwritten note. Laura details actionable steps to identify potential business partners who share your target audience, such as florists, interior designers, real estate agents, and boutique owners. By partnering with these businesses, you can foster mutual growth and community connection. Esmond also provides three practical ways to collaborate with local businesses: supporting existing events, cross-promotion, and creating service-based bundles. The episode concludes with an open invitation to think creatively about local partnerships and a call to action for listeners to reach out to local businesses they admire. 

00:00 Introduction and Personal Growth Journey

00:26 The Power of Local Partnerships

01:43 Identifying Potential Business Partners

02:44 Effective Strategies for Collaboration

04:46 Leading with Service and Follow-Up

06:43 Creative Event Ideas and Cross-Promotion

10:27 Successful Partnership Case Studies

13:04 Building Trust and Long-Term Relationships

15:24 Your Invitation to Take Action

16:44 Conclusion and Mentorship Opportunity

Connect with Laura:

• Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentor
• Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
• Website: lauraesmond.com

Keywords: motherhood photographer, family photography, newborn photographer, maternity sessions, photography pricing tips, portrait photography business, money mindset for creatives, IPS for photographers, work-life balance, photographers who are moms, client experience photography, raising photography prices

In this episode of 'with Laura Esmond,' Laura dives into the essentials of crafting effective inquiry responses for portrait photographers. She discusses how to tailor your response to align with your business and offerings, emphasizing the importance of understanding your core product and unique differentiator. Laura also announces a potential name change for the podcast and provides insights on making personal connections with clients via phone calls and videos. Key concepts include portrait photography pricing, creating a personalized inquiry response, and balancing business with motherhood.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update

01:26 Understanding Your Unique Selling Proposition

05:29 Crafting an Effective Inquiry Response

10:26 Personalizing Your Client Interaction

13:13 Using Video to Enhance Inquiry Responses

17:31 Summarizing Key Points for Inquiry Responses

19:53 Conclusion and Final Tips

Connect with Laura:

• Get Rooted Waitlist: lauraesmond.com/getrooted
• Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
• Website: lauraesmond.com

In this episode of the podcast, Laura Esmond shares reflections from a month-long break during the holiday season, including time spent with her family, prepping for the Peace and Profit Bootcamp, and welcoming new students into her Get Rooted program. She opens up about the common guilt many motherhood portrait photographers feel when stepping back from business tasks like social media, blogging sessions, or sending marketing emails.

Laura encourages photographers—especially those balancing motherhood and running a photography business—to honor the natural ebb and flow of life and business. She also shares powerful insights from the Peace and Profit Bootcamp, including mindset shifts around money, how to raise your prices with confidence, and how to ensure your portrait photography packages reflect the full value of the experience you provide.

Whether you're a newborn photographer, maternity photographer, or specializing in family sessions, this episode will help you reframe how you approach pricing, marketing, and the emotional load of growing a photography business while raising a family.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back
 00:46 The Importance of Taking Breaks
 02:55 Holiday Reflections and Family Time
 04:13 Peace and Profit Bootcamp Insights
 08:14 Money Mindset and Pricing Strategies
 16:51 The True Value of Money
 25:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Keywords: motherhood photographer, family photography, newborn photographer, maternity sessions, photography pricing tips, portrait photography business, money mindset for creatives, IPS for photographers, work-life balance, photographers who are moms, client experience photography, raising photography prices

In this inspiring episode of the podcast, Laura Esmond sits down with portrait photographer Tawni Adams to unpack the real and raw journey of transforming a photography business—from charging $300-$600 per session and burning out, to confidently booking consistent $1500+ sessions and even landing a nearly $12,000 sale.

Tawni opens up about the mindset hurdles she faced, the emotional rollercoaster of raising her prices, and how she almost gave up before things finally clicked. If you’re a photographer feeling stuck at lower price points or wondering if sustainable, high-profit portrait sessions are possible, this conversation is your permission slip to believe in what's possible.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Tawni originally thought no one would pay more than $500 for a session
• The exact mindset shift that helped her move from “overwhelmed and underpaid” to building a thriving, profitable portrait business
• How Get Rooted helped her break down her pricing, boundaries, and value
• The emotional weight of changing your business model while raising a family
• Why your first $1500+ client might be closer than you think
• How Tawni learned to trust the process and “let it simmer”
• What actually happens between $300 sessions and a $12,000 artwork sale

Resources Mentioned:
LEARN MORE ABOUT GET ROOTED –  https://www.lauraesmond.com/getrooted
Follow Tawni Adams on Instagram: @tawniadamsphoto
Tawni’s website: https://www.tawniadams.com/

SEO Keywords:
photography pricing strategy, raise photography session rates, profitable portrait business, $1500 photography session, photography business coaching, Get Rooted program, luxury portrait pricing, family photographer success story, photography business mindset, how to increase photo session prices, photographer burnout recovery