The Photographer's Problem: A Narrative Podcast

Photographer Iasis Kennedy shares her journey from working at Anthropologie during the pandemic to becoming a full-time destination wedding photographer. With stimulus checks in hand and a new camera, what started as a casual hobby quickly evolved into a thriving business. Originally on the pre-nursing track at University of Washington, Iasis found herself drawn to photography after participating in styled shoots and realizing this creative path could become a legitimate career.Now with about 50% of her work being destination-based, Iasis discusses the challenges of pricing travel appropriately while building her portfolio. She reflects on lessons learned about advocating for herself financially, especially when excited about shooting in dreamy locations like Mexico, Spain, and Italy. Her approach centers on creating genuine friendships with clients rather than strictly business relationships - making her the ideal photographer for couples who want someone who feels like a friend documenting their special day.After transitioning to full-time photography just a year ago, Iasis credits industry friends who warned her about taking on too much work and a crucial pricing workshop that helped her understand exactly what to charge to sustain her business. Her experience offers valuable insights for photographers navigating the delicate balance between creative fulfillment, financial sustainability, and maintaining quality of life in a competitive industry.Check out Iasis' links!WebsiteInstagramTiktokGet Narrative for Free: ⁠⁠narrative.so/select

Cultural portrait photographer Matt Jacob shares his journey from being an airline pilot to building a creative photography business on his own terms. Currently based in Bali, Matt discusses how his previous career afforded him the privilege to explore photography projects without immediate financial pressure, allowing him to develop his distinct style over five years.Rather than following industry norms, Matt deliberately carved his own path, focusing solely on projects that genuinely excited him. He explains his diverse approach to monetization through print sales, brand collaborations, educational offerings, podcast sponsorships, and community building. Matt emphasizes the importance of photographers maintaining personal passion projects alongside client work, noting how these can eventually evolve into revenue streams through avenues like sponsored trips, books, and magazine placements.Throughout the conversation, Matt addresses common challenges facing photographers today, particularly the pressure to grow a massive social media following. He advocates for cultivating "a thousand true fans" rather than chasing empty metrics, explaining how an authentic community creates more sustainable opportunities than algorithm-dependent growth strategies. His perspective offers valuable insights for photographers struggling to balance creative fulfilment with financial sustainability in today's competitive landscape.Check out Matts Socials!The MOOD Podcast⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠WebsiteGet Narrative Select for Free: ⁠narrative.so/select

Wedding photographer Heather Schoolcraft talks about her incredible journey from a small West Virginia town to shooting weddings across 30 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico - with Iceland and Paris on the horizon! She works alongside her fiancé who handles video, making those long wedding days less stressful and more fun. What makes Heather's approach special is how she taps into couples' love languages to capture genuine moments - like having someone whisper sweet nothings if words of affirmation is their thing, or encouraging meaningful physical touch for those who connect that way.After five years in the business, Heather's learned the power of saying "no" - her actual New Year's resolution! She's shifting from being what she calls a "workhorse" (shooting tons of weddings) to becoming a "unicorn" photographer who takes fewer clients at higher rates. Along the way, she's faced challenges like wrist surgery from lugging around heavy camera gear, which led to the unexpected side hustle of making polymer clay earrings as client gifts.Throughout the conversation, you really feel Heather's passion for finding couples who genuinely match her energy. As she puts it, "I want you to feel the warmth and love and happiness" in her photos - something that comes through when working with people who are truly excited about their wedding day.About Heather:Hi, I'm Heather - a photographer and videographer based in Charleston, West Virginia, but you'll often find me traveling with my camera in hand. I've had the chance to capture love stories and real moments in 30 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico - and soon adding Iceland and Paris to the list! I've been photographing weddings for five years, and for the past two, I've been lucky enough to film alongside my amazing fiancé. My work is all about chasing golden sun rays, embracing pops of color, and capturing those raw, genuine reactions that make every story unique. Links: InstagramTikTokYouTubeGet Narrative Select for Free: narrative.so/select

Rory and photographer's like them need creative communities to build networks, pass down education without gate keeping and bring new life into a lane of photography that changes often and quickly.On this episode, Rory gives us an insight into how they're not sitting idly by waiting for the industry or veteran photographers to bring them into the fold. They're connecting and creating exactly the social circles that are needed to thrive in at the intersection of art, sustainable income and the fashion industry in Montreal and beyond.About Rory:Rory Creelman (they/them) is a photographer and creative director in Montreal, Canada. Their work is dynamic and colourful, strikingly alive, and unabashedly authentic, often exploring queer realities and showcasing the beauty of the local fashion scene. Rory believes strongly in community as a force to unite us, and takes pride in running an Instagram Broadcast channel which acts as a landing dock to connect artists in their local scene to each other and to the opportunities that they deserve.Links: InstagramBroadcast ChannelGet Narrative Select for Free!

Meghan details her plans for moving from Connecticut to Alaska and how she intends to continue her business seamlessly while maintaining personal well-being and avoiding the dreaded burnout.⁠About Meghan:Meghan is a photographer and videographer based in Connecticut and soon to be relocating to the Anchorage, Alaska area. She loves guiding couples through poses that encourage movement and laughter. Her major goal and priority is to make sure couples are comfortable and have fun on their wedding days during the photo process. Links: http://www.meghanannimagery.com/https://www.instagram.com/meghanannimagery/https://www.tiktok.com/@meghanannimagery?lang=enhttps://www.youtube.com/@meghanannimageryGet Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

Gabe McClintock an acclaimed photographer known for his distinctive and consistent style over the past decade. Gabe shares insights on maintaining a timeless style, the evolving photography industry, and the importance of light and mood in his work. About Gabe: Gabe McClintock, based in Calgary, Canada, has been photographing weddings since 16 years. He shot his first wedding for friends who asked him to document their special day since he has a background in Photojournalism – he replied “sure…you buy the film, feed me dinner and I'll shoot it.” Links: https://www.gabemcclintock.com/ https://www.instagram.com/gabemcclintock https://www.onedayworkshop.ca/ Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

In this episode, we talk with Blair DeLaubenfels, the creative force behind Junebug Weddings and World's Best Wedding Photos. Blair discusses her lifelong passion for photography, her journey from creating Junebug to curating the best wedding images globally, and her insights into building a successful portfolio. About Blair: With 25 years of experience in the photography and wedding industries as a publisher, curator, writer, public speaker, and professional photographer, my work focuses on catapulting the careers of creative entrepreneurs. With an emphasis on the luxury wedding market, I help transform established companies and turns startups into well-respected brands. Links: https://www.artlifeandbusiness.com/ https://www.worldsbestweddingphotos.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theworldsbestweddingphotos/ Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

Cameron Thorp, a veteran wedding photographer and founder of Lensel, a thought leadership platform for wedding photographers. Covering insights into the evolving trends in wedding photography, the importance of planning and mood boarding, and how Lensel is helping to elevate the photography community. instagram.com/lenselworld lensel.com/subscribe Sign up for Narrative for free narrative.so

Based in Northern California, Christy started her wedding photography career in 2016 and traveled the world shooting couples in places like Saint Lucia, Nicaragua, Paris, Jamaica, Mexico and all around the United States. While shooting weddings, she started to build her brand photography portfolio and today is a full time commercial photographer. Her clients include La Croix, BHLDN, Narrative and more. Co-Founded along with her husband, they run Creativ Rise, an online education platform focused on helping others succeed in their creative businesses. Links: instagram.com/christyjspeers instagram.com/creativrise Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

Growing up in the ranching and rodeo world, Kadra Clark's deep-rooted connection to the Western way of life shines through in every shot. From weddings to branding sessions, she captures authentic rural life in Nebraska, Wyoming, and beyond. She shared with us how she built a thriving business by being true to herself, embracing versatility in her work, and balancing business with life in a rural setting. About Kadra:  Hi, I'm Kadra! I am a western wedding and lifestyle photographer based out of Wyoming and Nebraska and love to travel! Growing up ranching and rodeoing, the western lifestyle is what inspires me and my business. My approach is to tell stories through dreamy and timeless images that document their authentic connection with a western flare! My passion for photography started many years ago and grows every day. It is always an honor to photograph memories and connect with so many amazing people. I find joy in creating connections with my clients to cultivate a great client experience. I love to capture the little moments and the in-betweens for people. I am a 2025 bride myself and a very proud dog mom! I love the gym, walking, roping, and thrifting.  Links: http://www.kadramariephoto.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kadramariephotography/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kadramariephoto https://open.spotify.com/show/6YBIHxAkUW8zd0JWYTUrsi?si=cbd27cd08b23401c Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

Zara Staples has crafted a style all her own by combining the artistry of film with a fearless approach to growth. Every step she takes is intentional, from building genuine connections with clients to developing close partnerships with film labs—all while pushing creative boundaries. Here, Zara shares how she attracts clients who resonate with her distinct style, how embracing discomfort fuels her creativity, and her secrets to an efficient film photography workflow. About Zara: Zara Staples is a talented photographer and videographer from Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland, whose passion for detail and keen observational skills have shaped her artistic journey since her high school days. Specializing in a diverse range of genres, including music, fashion, TV & film, portraits, and Super 8 moving imagery, Zara has earned recognition in publications like Rolling Stone and Woman Magazine. As an analogue film photographer, she fuses timeless artistry with contemporary trends, creating visually stunning images that capture the essence of her subjects. Whether collaborating with brands or telling individual stories, Zara combines technical expertise with a deep commitment to her clients' visions. Links:   https://www.instagram.com/zarastaplesweddings/ https://www.instagram.com/zara.staples/ https://nz.pinterest.com/zarastaples/ https://zarastaples.com/ Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

Is hustle culture a killer of creativity? Julian Guevara's photography journey took him from relentless hustling to burnout to balancing passion with practicality. After nearly stepping away from weddings entirely, he found that slowing down and stepping back was the best way to move forward. He talked with us about finding new inspiration, rethinking his workflow, and learning to say ‘no.' Julian reimagined his photography path to build a way forward that honors his passion and well-being About Julian: I'm Julian, A California Native and a photographer who works across both film and digital mediums. I've been fortunate to document a wide range of moments, from elopements and weddings to lifestyle shoots. I try to keep my approach grounded in storytelling, and I'm always chasing new ways to blend artistry with the structure of running a sustainable business. Links: http://julianguevara.com/ http://instagram.com/julianguevaraphoto/ http://www.youtube.com/c/JulianGuevaraphoto Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

Taylor Nixon's creative journey has always been driven by a love for storytelling that connects people. Now, as Narrative's new Photographer Relationship Manager, he's connecting with the creative community in a whole new way. In this conversation with Kyle Wilson, Taylor dives into his career path, the balance between passion projects and professional work, and the importance of finding creative fulfillment. From filming music videos to launching community projects, Taylor shares how he stays inspired and what he's working on next. About Taylor: Taylor Nixon is a Photographer and Award Winning Filmmaker based in Auckland, New Zealand.His work consists of Music, Commercial and Film works, while also recently joining Narrative as the Photographer Relationship Manager, looking after Narrative's fantastic collection of Ambassadors. Links: https://www.instagram.com/taylornixonfilm/ https://www.youtube.com/@taylornixonfilm Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

In this episode, join Narrative CEO James Broadbent as he sits down with renowned destination wedding photographer Eric-René Penoy. Originally from France and now based in Scotland, Eric shares his unique approach to photography that blends cinematic storytelling with an emotional touch. With over 250 weddings across 30 countries, Eric discusses how he connects with couples, capturing their love stories in breathtaking locations, from the bustling streets of London to the serene landscapes of Hawaii. Links: https://www.ericrenepenoy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ericrene.penoy/ Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

With over 1,000 weddings under his belt and a thriving photography brand, Paul McPherson of Shutterfreek is no stranger to juggling a heavy workload. But how does he manage 170+ shoots a year without sacrificing quality or burning out? In this chat with Narrative's CEO and Founder, James Broadbent, Paul reveals the tools and strategies that help him and his team stay on top of it all. Hint: it's not just about working harder, but smarter. Links: https://shutterfreek.com/ https://www.instagram.com/shutterfreek Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

How does a wedding photographer shift from feeling creatively stifled to running a fulfilling and sustainable business? In our latest podcast, Hannah Kutner of Wild Faith Photo shared her journey of finding her true style, digging deep with self-reflection, and learning how to thrive as a creative and as a businesswoman. If you've ever wondered how to build a sustainable photography career without losing your passion, Hannah's story will inspire you. Links: https://wildfaithphoto.co/ https://www.instagram.com/wildfaithphoto/ Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

What makes a wedding photographer stand out from the competition? For South African-based wedding photographer Ruan Redelinghuys, it's not just capturing stunning images but his unique approach to creating emotional connections. From intimate ceremonies in the wild to adding a personal touch with audio recordings, Ruan has built a career that sets him apart. About Ruan: I am a South African wedding photographer based in the Garden Route of South Africa, and I get to experience and see some incredible moments in this beautiful country. It is amazing to have clients trust you with these important events in their lives and then to share these experiences with them. I'm married to a talented creative genius, dad to a little rock-star and most days you'll find me and our Scotty either in the office finalising projects or in the garden chasing anything that moves. Links: Facebook: @RuanRedelinghuysPhotography Instagram: @ruanredelinghuys Youtube: @RuanRedelinghuys Pinterest: @rredelinghuys Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

About Traci: Traci's journey into the world of elopement photography began with a transformative trip to Iceland, where she captured a simple ceremony at the top of a waterfall at dawn. Since then, she has embraced a life of adventure, initially moving to Arizona and then living full-time in a van to explore and learn about the most stunning elopement destinations across the West. Now settled in Washington state with her husband —an integral member of the Adventure and Vow team—Traci continues to capture epic love stories on big adventures. Beyond her work, she is an avid outdoors enthusiast, passionate about hiking, backpacking, climbing, and canyoneering. Traci is dedicated to creating authentic connections and providing couples with the freedom to express their true selves. Links: https://www.instagram.com/adventureandvow/ https://www.facebook.com/adventureandvow  www.adventureandvow.com  Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

Based near Cape Town in the Western Cape of South Africa, Skillie Jacques Botha has been shooting weddings since 2011. He recently joined us on the podcast and talked about creative integrity, what it means to be a storyteller, and how his work-life balance has evolved. About Skillie: My name is Skillie. I am a creator at heart. I am a husband and a dad and it brings me immense joy to spend time with my family! Capturing moments at weddings of a couple and their loved ones is a massive privilege for me. I genuinely believe that we as humans discover a whole new level of beauty when we see the magic in the small things around us – every moment matters – big or small – and I absolutely love capturing those raw and real memories for people. When I'm shooting a wedding, it's one of the most fulfilling spaces in which I find myself. Links: www.kikitography.com www.instagram.com/kikitography Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

In this episode, Narrative's CEO/Founder James Broadbent hosts The Photographer's Problem with guest and CEO of VSCO Eric Wittman to discuss the changing landscape of the photography industry. Explore VSCO's transition to cater to serious creators and professional photographers, and gain valuable insights into the role of technology and community in shaping the future of photography, learn about the latest innovations and trends impacting photographers worldwide.

Goran Ljubuncic is a fashion photographer, director of photography and a director. He has years of experience shooting, directing, retouching and color grading campaigns and ads for clients such as Lacoste, Adidas, M.A.C, Lexus, Gillette, Bourjois, Pupa, Speedo, Fornarina, Nudie Jeans, Wrangler, Timberland, and Lee among many others. He is the founder and CEO of Lutify.me and fylm.ai. In our latest podcast, Goran discussed the challenges of his career and the innovative tools he's created for photographers and filmmakers. Links: https://www.instagram.com/fylm_ai/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHDDtG6FyN3C5ITxxAwYPmQ Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

After over a decade spent working as a wedding photographer and earning features in BRIDES, Style Me Pretty, Junebug Weddings, Magnolia Rouge, and more, Angela Shae chose to walk away from photography. After a year sabbatical, Angela organically started helping other photographers and creatives with their social media when she saw the need for easy content creation and Instagram marketing. Her new company Social Templates Co. was born. When she's not building social templates for photographers, you'll likely find her on the beach in Orange County with her husband and three boys. On the pod, Angela shared how her new business was born and the excitement and challenges of creating a revolutionary tool for photographers. About Angela: After over a decade spent working as a wedding photographer, weekends full of destination shoots, thousands of hours spent building her photography business and earning features in BRIDES, Style Me Pretty, Junebug Weddings, Magnolia Rouge, and more, Angela chose to walk away from photography. Being a young mom to two boys, while building a business — burnt out, exhausted and running on a cocktail of adrenaline, stress, and anxiety left her looking for a calmer lifestyle. After a year sabbatical, Angela organically started helping other photographers and creatives with their social media. With deep understanding of the industry, Angela realized the huge need for easy content creation and Instagram marketing. Out of sheer need, her new company (@socialtemplates.co) was born. A community of creatives, where members have access to high-quality, done-for-you social media resources, saving them time and taking the stress out of content creation. Links: http://socialtemplates.co/ https://www.instagram.com/socialtemplates.co/ Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

About Katy: With a blend of intricacy and genuine emotion, Katy Carl crafts bespoke photographic experiences that evaluate life's most cherished moments into works of art. Her approach is rooted in building authentic connections with her clients, ensuring that every moment captured reflects that. With over 250 weddings documented, she brings seasoned expertise and a hands-on approach. On our podcast, “The Photographer's Problem,” she talks about entering the world of fashion photography, the freedom of outsourcing, and finding inspiration in others' ambition. Links: http://katycarl.com/ http://www.instagram.com/katyycarl Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

Named “One of the world's best wedding photographers” by Looks Like Film in 2020, Miles Witt Boyer knows his stuff. He also knows a thing or two about partnering successfully with brands, as he is an official Fujifilm global ambassador. Based in Arkansas, his team is made up of his wife, Melissa, and full-time shooter Jared Fincher. He joined us on the pod where he discussed the importance of integrity in brand partnerships, reflected on the past decade (successes and cringe moments), and explained why he bases all his decisions on serving the people. Links: https://www.mileswittboyer.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mileswittboyer/?hl=en Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

Ulices Del Toro has made a career out of his love and passion of being behind a camera. He has photographed weddings for over 15 years and has diversified by adding videography to create promotional work for small businesses and ad campaigns. He also works full-time as a videographer and video editor in Southern California. Ulices and his wife have two boys and enjoy camping, road tripping, traveling and spending time together as a family. He chatted with us about his multifaceted career, winning an Emmy, and always being ready for what comes next. About Ulices: Ulices Del Toro is a wedding photographer and videographer living in Southern California. Ulices has been photographing weddings for over 15 years and has diversified his business by adding videography to his business to create promotional work for small businesses and ad campaigns. He also works full-time as a videographer and video editor. He has managed to make a career out of his love and passion of being behind a camera. Ulices and his wife have two boys and enjoy camping, road tripping, traveling and spending time together as a family.  Links: http://www.deltorophoto.com/ http://www.instagram.com/deltorophoto Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

Molly Rose is an Interior and Architectural Photographer based in Charleston, South Carolina photographing homes and hospitality concepts throughout the South East & West Coast regions. Her work contributes to legacy-building portfolios for designers and architects. She has been featured in Dwell, House Beautiful, Luxe, Ocean Home, and various online publications. Molly also offers mentoring and online resources to other photographers. We caught up to get her unique insights into the world of interior and architectural photography and the challenge of operating her business on two coasts. About Molly: I turn three-dimensional spaces into two-dimensional visual escapes. You may have seen my work in Dwell, House Beautiful, Luxe, Ocean Home, or various online publications. How we get there? That's your magic, baby.I believe that the work my designers and architects put into designing homes should earn them marriage therapy certificates. Interior design and architecture are vocations of empathy and generosity: no one else considers how much neck support a new mother will need in her armchair during a midnight feeding; no one else thinks about having dimmable lights over the kitchen nook that are bright enough for homework and low enough for a romantic dinner while the kids are out doing who-knows-what. That's what I photograph. Those micro-decisions, those intimate details of living that make your work so special to you...and to your clients.I live in Charleston, South Carolina with my husband Zach, our Boykin Spaniels Bravo and Bonnie Belle, and our cat Nuke. Though Charleston is home, I split my time between Orange County, California and South Carolina. Links: https://mollyrosephoto.co/ https://www.instagram.com/mollyrose.photo/ Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

Katie Levine photographed the fashion and celebrity scene in NYC and LA, interned for Annie Liebovitz and Vogue, and made a name for herself through her remarkable talent. Now residing in Phoenix, she's helping individuals and businesses shine with the same star power that once lit up her celebrity shoots. Whether you're looking for a new headshot, desire editorial-style personal or family photos, or are a designer looking to showcase your latest collection, Katie's the one to bring your vision to life. She spared time out of her busy schedule to talk about pioneering FaceTime shoots, what she's learned working with celebs, how going with her gut has helped her realize her dreams, and how she'll never stop hustling. About Katie: Katie, a seasoned photographer with a background in fashion and celebrity photography from New York to Los Angeles, now calls Phoenix home. With over 16 years of experience, including training under Annie Leibovitz and working with industry luminaries, Katie excels in creating vibrant, authentic images that exceed expectations. Her dynamic style focuses on highlighting individuality and energy, capturing genuine moments that reveal the essence of her subjects. Beyond photography, Katie enjoys family time, travel, art, sports, and connecting with new clients to bring diverse visions to life. Follow her on Instagram for her latest work and subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive insights and offers. Links: https://katielevinephoto.com/ https://www.instagram.com/katielevinephoto/ Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

Molly Grunewald is all about celebrating her clients, whether that's through boudoir shoots, wedding photography, or mentorship. The self-professed ‘visual storyteller, dad-joke maker, reality tv show-watcher, taco-eater, adventure-seeker, champagne-drinker' brings an unconventional breath of fresh air to her multifaceted photography business. Molly shares how she is evolving as a photographer and entrepreneur, the intricacies of boudoir photography, and the power of investing in yourself. Oh, and pizza tattoos (stay till the end for that one). Enjoy this candid discussion and find your own motivation to keep growing - as Molly says, there's so much room to do whatever you want. Links: https://mollygrunewald.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mollgrune/ https://www.instagram.com/boudoirbymoll/ Get Narrative Select for Free: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.narrative.so/select

Dive into the world of Si Moore, distinguished film photographer and one-half of NZ-based Bayly & Moore. Si has over a decade's experience capturing love stories around the globe, as well as various other intriguing creative endeavors. Dive into The Photographer's Problem to learn from Si's vast experience about social media's impact, finding your true fans, and what the digital future holds for photographers. Links: https://www.sasmoore.com/ https://www.baylymoore.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sasmoore/ Get Narrative Select for Free: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.narrative.so/select

With a philosophy that ‘wedding photography should be a rad time not a bad time,' Jonathan Suckling uses his infectious energy and humor to make every wedding an unforgettable experience. With banter, dive-rolling antics, and epic dance moves, Jonathan captures genuine, candid moments in his own unique way - and accidentally became Tik-Tok famous for it. He joins us from Auckland, NZ to chat about adulting, his viral video success, and passion for human connections and comedy. About Jonathan: Hey, I'm Jonny! I enjoy making people laugh, disappearing down Youtube rabbithole's and you've probably seen me dive-rolling through your tiktok feed - I'm that guy

Erin Hernandez-Reisner is an American Photographic Artist, Amazon bestselling author, and global speaker whose voice has been translated into 15 languages. She applies her perspective as an autistic artist who is hearing impaired with tetrachromacy to create art that continually explores different aspects of human connection. In this deeply personal and unconventional interview, she shares about healing from trauma, dealing with anxiety and social media, and why it's so important to be honest with ourselves. Links: www.instagram.com/erinhernandezreisner www.facebook.com/hernandezreisner Get Narrative Select for Free: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.narrative.so/select

We caught up with wedding photographer Ryan Browne this week. He and his wife Heidi are the creators of New York-based studios Forged in the North and After It All. He tells us about growing into two distinct studios, supporting his shooters, and balancing all that with family life while expanding into aerial photography. About Ryan: Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Ryan had an affinity for creating with his hands from an early age. Grandson of a woodworker and son of an architect, its in Ryan's blood to build things from scratch. He attended college near his hometown in Illinois, studying Architecture and Sustainable Design. After working as an architect in New York City, he left to pursue photography and filmmaking full time in 2012. Ryan's work embodies his continual pursuit to design within a constrained set of parameters, most often, the landscapes he flies over with his camera. He would call himself an urbanist with an affinity for nature, but his friends would make fun of him for sounding pretentious. Currently residing in Brooklyn NY, Ryan satisfies his desire for exploration by traveling the world with his wife Heidi, who is a wonderfully talented fashion and beauty commercial photographer. Links www.forgedinthenorth.com www.instagram.com/forgedinthenorth Get Narrative Select for Free: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.narrative.so/select

Wedding and elopement photographer Benj Haisch is the trailblazer of adventure elopements. An accidental trendsetter, he doesn't believe in chasing trends for long-term success. Instead, he commits to his style of capturing candid images that resonate with couples for a lifetime while indulging his love of the Pacific Northwest landscape. He talks about how adventure elopements became a thing, how he has created a consistent, sustainable business of 17 years, prioritizing mental health, and balancing it all with a family. About Benj: I'm a big fan of morning walks for coffee with my family, the great outdoors, hiking, good music, sunny days, last minute trips, and apple products. I love Jesus, my wife, my son Oslo, film cameras, teaching, playing music, traveling, experiencing new cultures, my family, and helping others. As a husband, I firmly believe in marriage and want to do my best to capture all that it means to get married and to celebrate that with you through photography. Also, I throw more references to The Office, Seinfeld, and Star Wars into casual conversation than you thought humanly possible. Links: www.benjhaisch.com/ www.instagram.com/benjhaisch Get Narrative Select for Free: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.narrative.so/select

LA based photographer Summer Grace joins us this week. She discusses the challenges of mailing film for development, recounting stories of lost and miraculously recovered rolls, the financial considerations of film photography, weighing the cost of each shot and the desire for accessible, pocketable cameras. Getting into the weeds on the balance between professional commitments and personal creative fulfillment & emphasizing the importance of inhaling fresh creative air. About Summer: Summer Grace is a photographer based out of LA & the PNW who travels all over, and specializes in storytelling and editorial styles on both digital and film. She loves all things thrifting, art, her fiancé Jake, and her pup Indigo. As well as the art of photography, she has and has always had a big love for entrepreneurship and helping others grow their business.  Links: www.instagram.com/summergrace.photo/ www.summergracephoto.com/ www.tiktok.com/@summergrace.photo Get Narrative Select for Free: ⁠⁠⁠www.narrative.so/select

Whether shooting intimate weddings or taking people on landscape photo tours in the Faroe Islands and Nordic countries, professional photographer Chris Zielecki does it all with a sense of adventure. Based in Hamburg, Germany, he's ojn this weeks episode talking about his unique perspective and the many avenues of his photography business. About Chris: Chris, the photographer behind Sturmsucht, is not only a wedding photographer from Hamburg, but also an adventurer who has dedicated his heart to the far north. His images are characterised by the untouched beauty of Nordic landscapes, inspired by high mountains, forested valleys, rugged coastlines, endless summer evenings and the darkness of gathering storms. His work is aimed at individualists and adventurers who appreciate profound and authentic photography - and who like to do things differently from the masses. With his past in the IT world, Chris brings a keen eye for efficient processes and optimised workflows, and in his private life he is intensely concerned with the influence of a healthy mindset and a holistic approach on his life and work. Links: www.instagram.com/sturmsucht ww.sturmsucht.de Get Narrative Select for Free: ⁠⁠www.narrative.so/select

Creating a niche in photography isn't simple, but elopement photographer Cat Ekkelboom-White has the process dialed in, while building a life she loves and how she helps others do the same. She shoots adventure elopements in the Austrian Alps, on her terms. In this episode she discusses the impacts of over-tourism on popular photography sites and the value of hiring local photographers, advocating for sustainable practices and responsible tourism in her home area, as well as ethical business principles in the industry. About Cat: Cat Ekkelboom-White is an elopement photographer, and hiking guide, living in the Alps. She has created a superniche that exclusively works with adventure-loving couples in her adopted home in the Austrian Alps & Dolomites. She's also a certified coach, supporting other creatives on their journey to build sustainable businesses around their desired lifestyles. Links: Education www.adventureweddingacademy.comhttps://www.instagram.com/adventureweddingacademy Photography www.wildconnectionsphotography.comhttps://www.instagram.com/wildconnectionsphoto Podcast www.open.spotify.com/show/32wkUZGIr06efrzoLNaj2d?si=f4a41ee182944abc Get Narrative Select for Free: ⁠www.narrative.so/select

Jonathan Zoeteman is a Canadian lifestyle, portrait, and travel photographer who shares his passion for supporting other creators through the Socality creative community and as a Canon Ambassador. He chats with Kyle about the creative process and the importance of community, authenticity, and continual growth. About Jonathan: Jonathan Zoeteman is a Canadian (Calgary, Alberta based) lifestyle, portrait, and travel photographer drawing inspiration from film, narrative, and creative expression. His work focuses on emphasizing and capturing feeling, emotion, and story, while exploring the relationships between individuals and the world around them. His subjects range from friends, artists, musicians, couples, and models to destinations, fashion, and more. Along with commercial, editorial, and lifestyle photography, Jonathan is passionate about building community and supporting other creators with the development of spaces, events, education, and workshops through the Socality creative community and as a Canon Ambassador though the Canon Creator Lab program. Links: www.instagram.com/jonathanzoeteman www.instagram.com/socality Get Narrative Select for Free: www.narrative.so/select

Chris & Ruth are a renowned husband and wife duo based in Mallorca, Spain. When lockdowns began they saw en opportunity to lean further into their entrepreneurial and creative spirit using an already existing brand trait to create an entire new business and view themselves as more than just wedding photographers.⁠ About Chris & Ruth: We are a husband and wife photographer couple and we firmly believe in marriage! To capture the magic between two Lovers.. that's our gift! We're blessed to live our dream and travel the world together while capturing the best days of your lives and making friends all around the globe. We love weddings and we love to travel and most of all we love destination weddings and adventurous elopements. To meet different people from different countries and cultures and celebrate together is awesome. We love life and the moments when we get the feeling of freedom and the possibility to enjoy it. Links: https://chrisandruth.com http://instagram.com/chrisandruth http://instagram.com/crownofthevagabond Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

With 18 years as a wedding photographer in Cancun, Citlalli Rico has shot over 600 destination weddings. Her passion and experience capturing couples' stories have made her a world-class wedding photographer. She chats with Kyle Wilson about the changes she's seen in the industry, her personal journey, and valuable lessons learned along the way. About Citlalli: Citlalli Rico is a Mexican artist and photographer passionate about nature, arts, and education. She has been documenting weddings since 2006 and 17 years after sharing her experiences with photographers, trying her best to help keep raising the bar of the wedding photography industry. She's been invited to conferences and workshops worldwide and was part of the mentor team of the Foundation Workshops in the USA, Mexico & Europe. Citlalli belongs to several international Photography Associations, including Fearless Photographers, ISPWP (International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers), This is Reportage and Inspiration Photographers. She was awarded top 10 wedding photographers in Mexico by the Magazine Visit Mexico, Fearless Photographers of the Year in 2011, Top Ten Storytellers of the World in 2021 by This is Reportage, and several more. Citlalli Rico's home is in Cancun, Mexico. She has documented, besides her sister, over 700 hundred weddings. Citlalli travels worldwide for lectures, conferences, and workshops. Links: https://citlallirico.com/ https://www.instagram.com/citlalliricophotography/ https://www.facebook.com/citlalliricophotography https://www.domestika.org/es/courses/912-fotografia-de-boda-sesion-de-pareja/citlallirico Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

In this episode, professional photographers Kyle Wilson and Henry Tieu discuss the importance of SEO in the photography industry. They emphasize the role of backlinks in enhancing a website's ranking and recommend SEO Edge, a mobile app for tracking keyword rankings. They also discuss the ethical considerations of sharing intimate wedding photos, agreeing on the importance of discretion even though they legally have the right to use these images. About Henry: Hi, I am Henry Tieu, an elopement and intimate wedding photographer based out of Seattle, Washington. My background in the Cardiac ICU inspires my passion for capturing moments and preserving them in the most artful forms. Photography has allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and connect with people in ways I never thought would be possible. Links: https://www.henry-tieu.com/ https://www.instagram.com/henrysdiary/?hl=en Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select