Money. As soon as you hear it do you feel Icky? Greedy? Shameful? Materialistic? Maybe you feel like you have to hide the fact that you make so little money in your photography business, so you spend money you don't have to look like you make more. Or, maybe you think you make too much money, so you try to hide THAT! As a society, there's this belief that rich people are BAD. Heck, even in Hollywood, the star of the movie is usually the evil, wealthy entrepreneur so that adds to the guilt and shame surrounding money. So, as photography business owners, how do we reconcile that it is ok to make money with photography? How can we avoid feeling guilty about making it, spending it, saving it and giving it? Well that's what today's podcast is all about. Let's dig in!

Now, for today's podcast, I've got a little twist for you. If you've been listening for a while, you know that 10 years ago I applied for the trademark for this joycast. But friends, it took me TEN years to put this show out into the world for your ears to hear. Needless to say, my team and I are pretty stoked to make it to 25 episodes given how long it took to get this launched. I've heard the average podcast doesn't make it to 15 episodes, so to celebrate this little milestone, I'm sharing 25 unexpected lessons that helped me grow my photography business into more than I ever dreamed of over the last 22 years. I hope you write down your favorites and implement them into your life so you can increase the speed at which you succeed. So press play now, and let's do this.

I see you over there blowing up Google with questions about your photography business card. What should my business card say? Should it have one photo or many photos? Or maybe I'll just have my phone number and email on thick paper or ooh, even wood? STOP. There's a reason why your business card hasn't magically sprinkled sessions all over your calendar. And that's what I'm going to share with you on this episode of the Joycast. Let's do this!

Friend, we need to talk about a certain someone in your life. The one who puts you down and tells you that you aren't good enough. The one who knows all your greatest fears, doubts and insecurities and throws them in your face. The one who constantly reminds you of all the reasons "people like you" can't succeed in a photography business. Look, I know where that mean bully lives who is holding you back and so do you. And on this episode, I'm going to help you call her out and get control over what she's doing to your life. So tap play and let's do this.

So you're booking sessions…but the clients who are booking you aren't exactly your dream client. You're probably thinking that since you aren't living a fancy lifestyle, it's just not in the cards for you to get better clients who want all the things. Not true, my friend. It's time to kick those beliefs to the curb. Let's talk about what you CAN do to get those dream clients to step in front of your camera. I've got 7 things to share that you can start doing today, without ADVERTISING, to get better clients booking you. Let's do this.

Remember when you learned to swap a head in Photoshop? Aaaah. So satisfying, right? Now what about when you learned how to run a profitable photography business? Ooh, that takes SOOOO much LONGER, right? Decades even? At least that is what you're telling yourself. That you can't fully commit to growing or even starting your photography business because you don't know enough yet. Well, friend, I'm here to tell you it's time to STOP LEARNING. WHAT?! Did you hear me right? I know, someone with an MBA who TEACHES photographers is telling you to quit learning, but stay with me for a few minutes because this is going to give you a HUGE aha! Hit play to get started.

Raise your hand if you've ever heard me say something and thought "Oh Sarah, But I already know that. I've heard you say that before." Look friend, no hard feelings. I know you aren't a know-it-all. But be honest – you've probably thought this before, am I right? Well, here's a truth bomb. There's a pretty big difference between knowing something in your brain and actually living it with ease and joy. If your photography business isn't quite where you want it to be, there's a pretty good chance you've let yourself get STUCK at "I already know that" and haven't truly mastered the boutique business model. In this podcast, I'm going to help you identify where you've gotten stuck and how to move to the next level of building your boutique photography business so you can experience the change you actually want. So what are you waiting for? Hit play!

Your stomach drops. The lump in your throat appears out of no where. And the tears – I'm not crying, you're crying!. Another photographer you're friends with just got a $5k order. And as much as you want to celebrate with her, the volume on your own head trash is up to level 10. What's wrong with ME? How come I'm not getting orders like that yet? Is it my prices? My marketing? My photography? Heck, maybe I should throw in the towel and go sell essential oils!? Friend, I know you've gone down the spiral of comparison before because you're HUMAN! On today's episode, I'm going to show you how to get out of this downward spiral once and for all and how to use comparison to LIFT YOU UP instead of pulling you down. If you're comparing yourself to other photographers and harshly judging yourself, let's hang out today.