Cameras and Coffee Podcast

Get ready for a candid conversation with Kara and Renee as they explore the highs and lows of chasing dreams and adapting to life's surprises. Kara kicks off the episode, pouring her heart into the significance of setting goals that resonate. Renee chimes in, adding her unique take on a quarterly goal-setting rhythm that keeps things dynamic and real.✨ CLICK HERE TO RATE & REVIEW THE PODCAST ON APPLE PODCAST!✨(click the link, scroll down to where it says "Ratings & Reviews" and click the link that says "Write a Review")Important Linkshttps://moxiebrightevents.com/ https://reneedalo.com/ https://renee-dalo.mykajabi.com/better-with-renee-dalo-2024 Connect with Renee InstagramFacebookPodcastConnect with The Cameras and Coffee PodcastWebsiteInstagramTiktokVIP Listener Facebook GroupJoin the insiders from your inboxEpisode Outline [00:00] Episode intro [01:25] Renee narrates how she become a wedding planner [08:40] Mentoring young online entrepreneurs [14:03] Resting after a wedding photo shoot [15:31] Learning to rest after a long period of work [19:30] Importance of creating bits of rest [21:24] Taking meditation sessions as part of resting [24:07] Importance of resting in goal setting [25:43] Best way to set attainable goals [28:03] Setting quarterly goals [30:42] Identifying the smallest goals to get you into momentum [35:31] Tracking goals [38:56] Kara shares here biggest goals for 2024[40:00] Kara and Renee narrate how they changed habits in 2023[46:25] Planning your finances to accommodate good rest[52:44] Writing things you leave behind when starting a new year as a way of resetting[56:36] Renee talks about self-care membership program [01:02:22] Episode wrap up[01:03:37] The end

4:27 How Stephanie got into the industry.8:15 How she became a Certified Dubsado Specialist, Honeybook Educator, Client Experience Expert, Business Strategist Coach.17:51 When it's time to consider a customer relationship management(CRM) platform.20:50 What business owners aren't thinking about when they are setting up their platforms.27:00 What Stephanie found when auditing Kara's CRM44:20 How to get in touch with SAI Virtual SolutionsSAI Virtual Solutionswww.saivirtualsolutions.comInstagram @stephanieinghramGet Your Free Email SignatureGet 20% off your first month or year of Dubsado here

Rachel Brenke is the head attorney and photographer behind TheLawTog - the legal resource for photographers.As an MBA, business consultant, and multi-state licensed attorney, she knows the ins and outs of what goes into running a photography business AND how to legally protect yourself. Not only does Brenke have real world photography entrepreneurship experience, but she combines this with her intellectual property law and business knowledge to provide a one-stop resource to help protect your photography business.Her resource is currently helping creative industry professionals all over the world initiate, strategize and implement strategic business and marketing plans through various mediums of consulting resources and legal direction.With hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, TheLawTog.com has become the go-to legal resource in the industry. Pair this with the international stages that have held TheLawTog's teachings, you're sure to learn a lot from Brenke. Brenke's experience and teachings have been featured on CreativeLIVE, WPPI, Professional Photographers of America, Business Insider, TedX, International Business Times, and more.As a mother of five, Army Veteran spouse and Team USA Athlete - she understands that life is busy, and we don't have time to mess around.listen in as we discuss everything from starting a photography business to how to protect your images.1:44 Welcome Rachel3:05 Rachel Brenke's background13:38 What to know if you're getting into photography to make money15:55 The LawTog Checklist19:15 One major item you need after you register your business24:07 Don't fall under the mind set of "It'll never happen to me"27:40 Copyright Infringement30:25 Unregistered photographs33:51 Major Corporations Rachel has gone against for infringement36:43 The steps when infringement happens to you40:52 When to register your copyright on an imageSee more: http://www.thelawtog.com/Disclaimer: I am a lawyer but I'm not your lawyer! View my entire disclaimer hereThe Legal Roadmap from The LawTog: Photographer's Legal RoadmapCopyright Registration: https://copyright.gov/Copyright Infringement Letters from The LawTog: Dubsado (CRM): dubsado.com/?c=karahanescreditWebsite: www.thelawtog.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/thelawtogTwitter: www.twitter.com/rachelbrenkeInstagram: www.instagram.com/thelawtogRachel's Law Firm: eden-law.com

Hey Friends, I'm excited for you to listen in to a conversation with me and Stephanie who is the owner and operator of the capable community. We're diving into conversation about what it looks like to be an inclusive capable photographer, and how they can be found on their inclusive directory. Stephanie is also sharing about her new course for photographers. Stick around you don't want to miss this. Welcome to Episode 019: Inclusive Capable Photography(2:23) How Stephanie got started with the idea of The CapABLE Community.(3:50) Kara shares and example of what it's like as a parent with special needs.(4:45) Where Stephanie is located.(6:15) How Stephanie got started in photography.(11:15) Stephanie talks about her inclusive photography course.(26:20) How you can get involved today for free.(32:50) Where Stephanie wants to see this community in 5 years.Mentioned in the EpisodeThe CapABLE CommunityGet $50 off your enrollment of the course by using this link: camerasandcoffeepodcastFacebook InstagramThe Beginning Photography CourseCloudSpot: Get 20% off your first year with Kara's referral linkThe Cameras and Coffee Insiders Facebook Group

Gavin and his wife Erin started their photography business just 3 months into dating one another. A year later, after just returning from their honeymoon, they took a leap of faith and turned their shared passion into a full-time profession! Shooting between 30 and 50 weddings a year, they very quickly learned that there were never enough hours in the day. Gavin saw a huge hole in their workflow and their clients' experience when it came to delivering photos. From there, CloudSpot was born! Fast forward several years (and a couple kiddos) later and CloudSpot has become known for being the fastest, easiest, and most customizable way for photographers to deliver and sell their work online! Gavin has a heart for helping fellow photographers be successful in their businesses and creating solutions that give them more time to be doing what they love most!0:00 Intro3:00 Welcome Gavin Wade3:25 Where Gavin Started In Photography7:15 Where CloudSpot Got Started14:39 What Sets CloudSpot Apart From Other Platforms21:00 How to gain more income with your online gallery28:00 New changes coming to CloudSpot"CloudSpot grows and evolves based on the feedback that we get from our photographers and so we do our best to to listen to that feedback and then try and equip them the best way we know how. To help them with not only with the issues they have now but for perhaps the problems that may bottle neck them down the road as they continue their journey as creatives" Gavin Wade41:52 CloseMentioned in the Episode:The Beginners Photography Course: The only program you'll ever need for using your DSLR camera. Learn step by step on how to use your settings and be confident when shooting in manual modeFlodesk: GET 50% off your first year of Flodesk by using code: KARAHANESCREDITTry CloudSpot for yourself

Over the last couple years I have read in many forums the question “Which is the best Client Management System” Each time there would be a number of different ones listed and affiliate links thrown out. I want to help those who are wondering the ins and outs of two very popular ones for photographers. I want to start off by saying that both of these platforms are great, however they may serve each business owner differently depending on how they hope to use it. Go ahead and grab your cup of coffee and get comfortable, we're talking about Honeybook VS Dubsado in Episode 017. (0:00) Intro(2:25) Kara welcomes listeners to the show(26:00) Kara talks about how Honeybook and Dubsado are the same(15:00) What makes each platform different(20:45) Why Kara made a switchMentioned in the episode:The Cameras and Coffee Insiders Facebook GroupBeginner Photography CourseFlodesk: Receive 50% Off your first year with karahanescreditDubsado Affiliate Link: Get 20% off with karahanescredit

As a photographer, it can be overwhelming to manage the entire wedding photography process, from inquiry to delivery. But with the right workflow process in place, your clients will have a streamlined booking process and the best experience. In this episode of the Cameras and Coffee podcast, host Kara discusses the importance of setting up workflows to help achieve success during wedding day photography. She shares her own workflow process, from receiving an inquiry to delivering the final images to clients. Listen in to learn the importance of personalizing communication with clients and meeting with them in person or virtually. You will also learn the importance of having a workflow for editing and delivering images to clients. What You Will Discover: [03:07] The importance of inquiry forms and how she keeps them simple.[03:23] The importance of personalizing communication with clients and meeting with them in person or virtually.[04:13] Kara's process for sending clients a proposal, contract, payment plan, and bridal and grooms guide.[05:43] She explains her process for offering and scheduling a complimentary engagement session. [06:33] Kara's post-session workflow, including importing images, coloring them, and backing them up.[08:13] How she edits images for a blog post and designs the post and why she does it.[09:49] Creating a gallery, including the highlight folder and a full gallery folder on Cloud Spot. [11:37] She explains the use of automated emails for different stages of the workflow. [13:19] The final images delivery and the importance of having a routine to stay organized.Links Mentioned:Dubsado Freebie: Kara's Wedding WorkflowCameras and Coffee Insiders Facebook Group

Are you ready to niche down your photography business yet? Niching down your business isn't only beneficial for the business but also for you and your clients. In this episode of Cameras and Coffee, Kara Hanes speaks with Katie VanderWal, a West Michigan wedding and elopement photographer who loves adventure. She enjoys photographing stories in their organic form, curating a lifetime of memories for her clients. She explains how niching to wedding photography has made her job easier and enabled her to cultivate long-term personal relationships with her clients. Listen in to learn about the personal and professional benefits of niching down your photography business. You will also learn how niching down allows you to improve client experience and have time to focus on the little details that set you apart.“With the niching down, you're able to spend time focusing on those little details that set you apart.”-Katie [26:50]What You Will Discover: [00:00] Intro[02:59] How Katie's grandfather inspired her to discover her love for photography at a young age. [05:03] How she started with family photography and eventually transitioned into weddings and elopement. [09:27] She explains how she got into elopement photography plus her upcoming major international event. [12:50] How her love for traveling inspired her to quit her corporate career and niche down her photography business. [17:47] The personal and professional benefits of niching down your photography business. [19:33] How niching down allows you to improve client experience and foster a relationship with your clients. [26:30] How niching down allows you to focus on the small details that set you apart from others. [28:47] Why she's excited about her flexible schedule this year that allows her to focus on her family. Get In Touch:Websites: www.lovephotography-mi.com and www.sonderbylovephotography.com The Cameras and Coffee Insiders Facebook Group

Are you a photographer struggling to run an effective senior spokesmodel team? In this episode of Cameras and Coffee, Kara invites Raelyn, a senior spokesmodel and senior sister, to discuss running an effective senior spokesmodel team in photography. Raelyn discusses her experience as a spokesmodel in her first year and shares its learning curve. Listen in to learn the importance of motivating senior spokesmodel team members to enhance their commitment level throughout the season. You will also learn the importance of bonding and building relationships within the team by creating a supportive and fun environment. What You Will Discover: [00:00] Intro[05:17] How Raelyn found out about the spokesmodel team and decided to apply.[09:48] Raelyn's experience as a spokesmodel, overcoming shyness and connecting with new people.[13:24] The desire for more bonding and commitment from team members in the first year. [17:08] How communication between parents and photographers helps with planning sessions.[19:09] Getting to know clients and building a relationship with them during the session.[21:31] Raelyn on her desire to be on a team and how she enjoys being a mentor for the team.[24:05] Kara and Raelyn discuss the upcoming plans for the senior spokesmodel team.[27:15] How to plan for senior year, including booking a photographer and applying for scholarships. [29:05] How the unique aspects of Kara's platform allow for running an effective senior spokesmodel team. [30:49] The benefits of leaving applications open longer and planning for the upcoming season. [33:27] The benefits of having open applications, room for growth and change, and learning from other teams.Links Mentioned:Mentioned in the episode: https://karahanes.gumroad.com/ Spokesmodel Application: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/638f5aad22f6b713b8a3b6a8 Exclusive Facebook group link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1439755973202233

How do you effectively communicate in your business to avoid conflicts and create loyal clients? To streamline your photography business and turn inquirers into raving fans, you must up your communication and be willing to go the extra mile with your customer service. In this episode of the Cameras and Coffee podcast, Kara Hanes discusses the importance of effective communication and setting expectations in your photography business. She shares her experience and tips on how to streamline getting in touch with potential clients, responding to inquiries, and setting up clients for success. Listen in to learn the importance of using a client management system and educating your clients about everything they need to know about your process. You will also learn how to effectively handle sticky situations, such as additional retouching requests and discounts, with professionalism and empathy. What You Will Discover: [00:00] Intro [02:42] An exercise to streamline your booking process for potential clients to get in touch. [05:45] Why you need to look into a client management system that works for you.[07:23] How to easily connect with clients on your website to minimize the risk of losing ideal clients. [8:22] How to set up clients for success by providing reminders and resources and setting expectations. [11:11] How to communicate during the session by filling the silence with praise to build client confidence.[15:41] Kara's follow-up process, including sending thank you emails and setting expectations for gallery delivery.[16:51] How to handle sticky situations such as asking for discounts with professionalism and empathy. [19:45] How your above-average customer service will set you apart from other photographers. Client Management System MentionedGet 20% off your first year with Dubsado by using code: KARAHANESCREDITThe Cameras and Coffee Insiders Facebook Group

Are you in a rut? Are you finding it hard to bring in new clients and you're wondering what to do right now? Today's episode will be perfect for you. I'm talking about the 3 ways to increase your bookings and as simple as they are, they might surprise you. EPISODE MENTION: FLODESKGet 50% off your first year of Flodesk by using code: KARAHANESCREDITIntro:This probably isn't a new concept for you but if you Increase word of mouth instead of screaming to the masses you're more likely to receive a return. Something I implemented in my photography business was to create a purpose. I didn't want it to be a money making machine. I wanted to be intentional in my relationships and I think the reason I've been so successful is because I market to those that are already in my circle. I love them well, I'm organic, and in return rave they rave about me because I create relationships that go beyond the camera.3 Ways To Increase Your BookingsHave a stellar client experienceLoving and Serving other vendors really wellMake yourself appear to be in demandThe Cameras and Coffee Insiders Facebook Group

QuickbooksUpload it to each transaction in quickbooksReconcile my books at the end of the monthReceiptsComputer folder with datesDropbox your receiptsTaxesHired a new CPAHad them set up my sales tax for productsRecorded Mileage and submitted for a write off. PayI started paying myself 20% from every sale. This may be on the low end right now but I have some business things to pay off before I can increase this.I'm also trying to plan my finances better. The current accounts I have right now are as followsBusiness Operational CheckingBusiness SavingsBusiness Checking for taxes (only taxes come out of this account)UpdatesIn my slower seasons I go through and update several thingsWebsiteSEOBRANDINGPRICINGIMAGESHEADSHOTSCloudspotHow I organize my galleriesAdditional information for fellow photographers: https://karahanesphotography.com/educationThe Cameras and Coffee Insiders Facebook Group

Have you been debating on whether or not to sign up for a trade show? Sometimes we as photographers can be so desperate to get our business out there we want to do everything we can. This can also be very overwhelming and we don't know where to start. Lucky for you I'm sharing my recent experience. Welcome to Episode 010 Should you do a Bridal Show. Grab your cup of coffee and let's talk business strategy.This episode is sponsored by Flodesk: Use code KARAHANESCREDIT to get 50% off your first year.So you're wondering if you should do a Bridal Show? Well I'm here to tell you that there is no right or wrong answer for that. All I can tell you is you wont know until you try one. When looking you'll want to choose events available to the areas you want to reach. In today's episode we're talking about my experience. Even though this isn't the first time I'm done a trade show, it was my first time doing it as a wedding photographer so today I'm going to share my experience and debrief my experience with you.Why I picked the show I didWhat made me nervousWhat I did rightI created a freebieI set up an email listWhat I would do differently knowing what I know now

Michelle is the face behind the camera at Michelle Kristine Photography. She has officially been in business for about 2 years and is based in the Ada/Grand Rapids Michigan area. She's had a love of photography since she was a little girl, during college she took many photography classes, but had no idea how to parlay it into a career. Fast forward 20 years, many moves, 1 husband, 2 kids, a dog, careers in graphic design and account management and itch of taking pictures that never went away. She's the one I talk to whenever trying to figure out the technical side of photography and when I need the work/motherhood balance validation. I'm excited to welcome my friend and colleague Michelle Smigielski.Drinking Coke Zero even though Chai Latte is her favoriteMichelle's BackgroundKara's Background- Also in Episode 001What has changed for Michelle in the last yearKara's day to dayHow we share parent responsibilitiesSelf CareWhy we're both seeking Physical Therapy"When I realize it's a super busy season I realize i need to take a break. That doesn't mean I'm not working at all but I need to not respond to emails right away or just sit an watch a movie or read a book, or clean my house. That is my self care." - Kara HanesIt all goes back that bill of rights we were told "You can have it all" but you really can't - MichelleEpisode Sponsor: Fiverr is a global online marketplace for freelance services. Fiverr's platform connects freelancers to people or businesses looking to hire. It's what Kara uses to outsource her digital items just like this podcast so she can get back to life with her family. Get up to $100 off using this referral link: http://www.fiverr.com/s2/f167445368

When I tell you that I'm excited for you to listen to this episode it doesn't even begin to express my feelings about it. When I talk to fellow entrepreneurs I always ask them if they have an email list. There are colleagues I have that tell me they don't because they just don't have the time for one more thing. After today I'm hoping you'll understand the importance. For me it all goes back to 2017 when I was doing some online education and found ways to hone in on making one and how I used it to further my business, however in 2022 I discovered it was my saving grace. I'm telling you when I started mine and why it's important to have one.So If I haven't convinced you to start an email list then I want to talk to you about 5 reasons why you should have one.YOU OWN ITYOU HAVE A DIRECT AUDIENCECONVERSIONAUTOMATIONYOU'RE BUILDING TRUSTSo now that you know the top 5 reasons let's talk about what you need to do to start a list. The first thing you need to do is figure out what platform you want to use. I currently love Flodesk and it's so easy to use. The second thing is you need to figure out what you want to offer as a “lead magnet” this means what do you want to do to get people to sign up for your list? I suggest having no less than two different things for the same list to see what people are most interested in.The third is creating that freebie. I love using canva as a quick way to create things but like I said earlier, you can use something super simple like a google doc. It doesn't have to be pretty, it just needs to be something of value to your potential clients. Next you need to figure out where you're going to place your form so they can sign up. Are you going to put it on your website, or maybe it's a pop up on a specific page of your site, you could post it to social media, maybe you're doing a trade show and you're offering a giveaway so in order to enter they need to sign up. Whatever it may be.Then create a welcome sequence for when someone does sign up. How many emails are you going to send and when. What do you want to them to say about you and your business that will serve them before you make any kind of offer?So now that I've given you all of this information I'm curious if I have convinced you on starting a list. I hope you enjoyed listening in. If you'd like to get more information on the Cameras and Coffee Podcast you can visit karahanesphotography.com/podcast and check out the shownotes and join our list there as well. Until next time. CheersEpisode Sponsor: Flodesk Flodesk is a digital marketing service provider that's built for creators, by creators. You can use it to design and send on-brand marketing emails, create high converting sales and checkout pages, publish opt-in forms to grow your list, and build powerful email automations. When you sign up for a free trial of Flodesk, you'll get 30 days of unrestricted access to everything that Flodesk has to offer—no credit card required. Take your time to try it out and make sure it works for you before subscribing. Flodesk is what I use for my email list so that means when you decide it's right for you, use code KARAHANESCREDIT and get 50% off your first year.

In my experience there are a lot of ways to misrepresent your website and a lot of it has to do with a lack of awareness. As photographers we want to show all of the pretty work we do but we need to remember that a good business means a majority of our business is marketing and by creating a powerful website this will make easier for potential clients to say yes to booking you. In this episode I'm talking all about Website Must Haves For Your Photography Business. Where are you located?What's your name and where is it on your websiteYour face or those represented in your businessWhat do you offer? - This is something that is greatly missedHaving a blog to be relevantThank you to my sponsor, Showit, a drag-and-drop platform to create the website of your dreams. I use it for my website and love the easy-to-use interface and diverse layout options. Click here to get one month's subscription for free and try it for yourself.

Charity is a Dallas, Texas photographer and host of creative styled shoots. Today we're talking about what it takes to host a styled shoot on your own and how to do it well. If you're ready, grab your cup of coffee and join us as another friend in our conversational coffee meet up.Charity's go to coffee drink right now caramel macchiato with almond milk 2 pumps of vanilla drizzled caramel from Starbucks.1. How we met2. What made you want to do a styled shoot?3. What was your process for planning? How far in advance did you plan it?4. What important things would listeners want to know when planning? (i.e. finding contributors to tag, how to tag properly when posting images etc)5. From what you learned during your styled shoot what would you change for next time?6. Anything else you think our listeners would want to know?Agreement/contract for vendors involvedTimeline for image turn aroundCommunication with the team- including how to tag and share images7. Types of vendors to include8. Important things to captureCharity Simmons Photography found on the webhttps://charitysimmonsphotography.com/Instagram and facebookEpisode Sponsor: Big thanks to CloudSpot for sponsoring this episode. CloudSpot is the gallery platform I use to showcase and organize my client images. Sign up using my CloudSpot affiliate link for 20% off your subscription to CloudSpot Studio where you can send and organize your contracts, questionnaires, and invoices in addition to your gallery. Mention in the episode:Rising Tide Society and HoneybookCreatively Styled Shoots Instagram

Mandelette is voted top 3 wedding photographers by Peerspace, Couple's Choice Award winner for 5 running years, published Internationally, and Published in Style Me Pretty; Little Black Book Member.This episode is all about having an associate team, and how the admin role is much different from being a photographer. Our guest today is Rachel Bruggeman. She talks about how she became sick in 2022 and was presented with two options: take a step back from photographing for her company, or risk her life. Even though she had a few couples to refund, she had so many more clients that loved her associate brand; Just this year her team photographed and filmed over. Her and I are talking about what this looks like and how she started and runs her associate business. Want to hear more? Brew that cup of coffee, find a comfy spot and let's dive in.Many photographers say that photography runs in their blood, for Rachel, it's really true. Her great-grandfather, Louis, founded the Chicago Ferrotype Company in the early twentieth century. Together, he and Gerald—her late grandfather—patented and produced the Mandelette camera, the namesake for their company and the inspiration for the Polaroid. She started Mandelette with the goal in mind of growing a luxury boutique studio, and has trained countless photographers in the craft of lighting, posing, and client experience. She has been a wedding photographer for ten years, yet tragically had to give up her passion in June of 2022 due to a heart complication. Since then, she has transitioned into being an admin for her own company, as well as the CEO. Being an entrepreneur presents its own challenges, but she truly loves what she does. She is immensely grateful to be a part of couples' love stories and today she is sharing all about her associates in her business.This episode covers:How Kara and Rachel got connectedThe history of Mandelette in your familyWhen Rachel decides that photography was what she wanted to do? Also how she started MandeletteWhat an associate photographer isHow the Mandelette Associate Photographer business worksThe turning point for Rachel and what caused Mandelette to be all Associate FocusedOverhead expenses and how to properly budget for an associate teamImportant things to know when starting a teamWhere to find Mandelette on the web www.mandelettephoto.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandelette/ Facebook: Mandelette Photography Pinterest: Mandelette

If there is something I've learned it's that you should never say never in your business. This one thing might come back to prove you were wrong. This very thing is what happened to me and today I wanted to tell you all about why I hated mini sessions and why I never wanted to do them again. Cloudspot: Get 20% off your first 12 months bit.ly/camerasandcoffeecloudspotA couple years ago I had sent my clients an email saying that I was no longer offering mini sessions. I had it. I didn't want to do them anymore. It was so physically and mentally draining. Not to mention time consuming.Do you want to know why? I spent money renting a studio space.I charged a competitive rate for my area (or what I saw other people posting for mini sessions) I told my potential clients that they would get X amount of photos and I usually scheduled these when I realized I really needed to make money because my business was in need of funds.How I made a change:Schedule 3 months outuse an email listcharge my worth- I'm telling you how to do thisDon't give away everythingI changed the set up of delivering galleries- hint, I use cloudspotListen in to hear all about these details.

Show Notes: Owner & Publisher of WeddingDay Magazine. Kaitlyn has a degree in Visual Communication Design and a minor in Advertising from Herron School of Art + Design, and served as WeddingDay's Creative Director from 2014-2022. She is ecstatic to be the new Owner & Publisher and can't wait to continue fostering relationships with Midwest vendors and inspiring brides and grooms-to-be! When not in front of her iMac, you can find Kaitlyn devouring murder mysteries, obsessing over her next workout class and refilling her annual popcorn bucket at the AMC.Episode 1 covers: The history of WeddingDay MagazineThe geographical areas they cover "Michiana"The midwest Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and louisville KYWeddingDays types of publicationsTheir Look Book Printed IssueTheir Sping/Summer and Fall/Winter Digital IssuesThe areas covered for each issueThe Growth of WeddingDay MagazineHow photographers can get connectedWhat publishers are looking for in submissionsFind WeddingDay Magazine at https://weddingday-online.com/Big thanks to CloudSpot for sponsoring this episode. CloudSpot is the gallery platform I use to showcase and organize my client images. Sign up using my CloudSpot affiliate link for 20% off your subscription to CloudSpot Studio where you can send and organize your contracts, questionnaires, and invoices in addition to your gallery.

You've got your dress, booked the caterer, and have a rainy-day backup plan (hopefully!). What else is there to do for your wedding day? I'm a wedding photographer with over 10 years of experience, and in this episode of the Cameras & Coffee podcast, I'm telling you some insider secrets. So many brides leave these common things way too late in the planning process, and it can add stress to your big day. So whether you're engaged and planning a wedding or a photographer, here are five things that brides leave too late:Choosing a photographer—what to look for. Wedding seasons—common challenges and how to overcome them.Getting a videographer—how to make the process go smoothly.Details—setting your photographer up for success to capture all the details.First look—why I think it's an amazing option for couples to do!This episode dives into everything from choosing a photographer you like being around, to tips for handling allergies during springtime, to whether or not you should have a first look. Mentioned on this episode: FREE Bride Guide: Everything you need to know on your big day. Get it here.Thank you to my sponsor, Showit, a drag-and-drop platform to create the website of your dreams. I use it for my website and love the easy-to-use interface and diverse layout options. Use code: karahanescredit to get one month's subscription for free and try it for yourself. Quotes:3:40 “Make sure you like this photographer and think about, can you picture yourself spending an entire day with them by you and your best friends? Because this photographer is going to spend more time with you than your future spouse!”9:50 “A lot of photographers do offer videography services as well. But, another thing is, photographers offer videographers as a referral because they love working with certain ones. They sometimes offer a discount because they love working with them, know how they work, and trust them.”15:52 “Think with me for a moment: imagine a bride is coming down the aisle, the groom sees her for the first time, thinks she's breathtaking, she walks up to him and now he has wait for 30, 45 minutes to an hour just to tell her how beautiful she is. With a first look, you can tell each other right away.”

Show Notes: Can you believe it? Episode 1 of Cameras and Coffee is here. And we're starting with my photography journey.In this episode I chat all about my history and how I arrived where I am today. Basically, how I became a legit professional photographer! We're all on a journey and I hope hearing about mine inspires you to take the next step with yours.Episode 1 covers: My photography inspirationsThe early days of photography and why it took me so long to go proWhat made me—finally—feel like a professional photographerTakeaways from my journey & how you can apply it to yoursBig thanks to CloudSpot for sponsoring this episode. CloudSpot is the gallery platform I use to showcase and organize my client images. Sign up using my CloudSpot affiliate link for 20% off your subscription to CloudSpot Studio where you can send and organize your contracts, questionnaires, and invoices in addition to your gallery. Mentioned in this episode:The Lawtog: Legal resources for photographers, including a huge database of contracts you can use in your work. They have a resource, The Legal Roadmap, that gives you a step-by-step guide to setting up your photography business. Rachel Brenke: Provides legal resources for entrepreneurs. Listening to Rachel's podcast helped me learn what I needed to cover legally with my clients and contracts. The Legal RoadmapLightroom Classic: What I use for editing and, in my opinion, the best option!Quotes:2:40 “I still, to this day, remember my grandma winding up that camera and getting those developed. And that's just where I remember my love of photography started.”12:00 “I opened up a website and gallery platform to sell digital files and prints and that's when I started feeling, ‘Okay. I think I'm a professional now.” Coming to that point, feeling like a professional, that's really hard … You get that imposter syndrome for so long.”16:45 “We all start somewhere. But the biggest takeaway I hope you receive from this podcast today is the fact that you need to invest in yourself … You don't get farther from where you are right now until you invest in yourself.”

Coming January 1, 2023 5:00am ET the Cameras and Coffee Podcast with your host, Kara Hanes.Subscribe to hear from fellow entrepreneurs in the industry talk about things like "How to get published" or "Having an associate photographer team". Also follow us on instagram at @camerasandcoffeepodcast, our Insiders Group on facebook, or our website show notes at karahanesphotography.com/podcast