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  • What if the biggest opportunities in your business don't come because you're finally "ready"… but because you've spent years preparing before they ever arrived?

    This week we're joined by Kellie and Caitlin of Fulton Events for one of our favorite conversations to date. On the surface, it's the story of three years that changed everything. But underneath, it's a conversation about believing in a future before anyone else can see it.

    About making decisions before there's proof they'll pay off. About saying "yes" when the opportunity feels just a little bigger than you're ready for.

    Over the course of just 3 years—while raising three young kids—they transformed their business through intentional relationships, strategic investments, countless uncomfortable decisions, and a willingness to build the business they wanted long before they actually needed it.

    If you've ever wondered whether the work you're doing today is actually leading somewhere… this conversation is a reminder that growth rarely looks dramatic while you're living it.

    It looks like showing up.


    Again.
    And again.
    And again.

    Chapters

    00:00 – Meet Kellie & Caitlin of Fulton Events
    04:15 – Building belief before there was proof
    11:42 – Why three years changed everything
    20:31 – Preparing for the business you want
    29:18 – Saying yes before you're ready
    37:40 – Relationships that change your trajectory
    46:52 – Every next level starts with one step
    55:26 – The unseen work behind extraordinary growth
    1:05:14 – Advice for creatives chasing their next chapter

    In This EpisodeBuilding the business before you need itBelief before proofStrategic business growthMaking bold decisionsPreparing for opportunityRelationship marketingReputation and referralsLeadership and team buildingEntrepreneurshipCreative businessWedding industryFulton EventsKeywords

    Business growth, entrepreneurship, creative business, wedding planner, Fulton Events, business strategy, leadership, relationships, networking, mindset, entrepreneurship podcast, photographer education, business development, creative entrepreneur, premium clients, business mindset, reputation, marketing, long-term growth, intentional business.

  • This week's episode is a little different. Brad & Jen are recording from the road instead of their usual studio, but the conversation couldn't wait.

    If you've ever stared at a new inquiry wondering, "Do I send pricing? Do I email first? Do I schedule a call?" this episode is for you.

    What starts as a conversation about discovery calls quickly becomes something much bigger. Why are photographers becoming more efficient, yet feeling less connected? Why do couples ghost? And what if the problem isn't your pricing at all?

    Brad & Jen unpack one of the biggest mindset shifts they've seen transform photographers inside Purpose & Profit and the Mastermind.

    You'll learn why leading with connection instead of efficiency changes the way couples experience your brand, why discovery calls are about serving rather than selling, and how one simple shift can change your confidence, your bookings, and the way you show up as a business owner.

    Main Points

    • Why photographers unintentionally make booking harder after an inquiry

    • The real reason couples ghost (and why it usually isn't your pricing)

    • Why you're asking couples to judge your worth before they've experienced your value

    • How AI and automation are increasing the value of genuine human connection

    • Why discovery calls are about service, not sales

    • The four ways every discovery call pays you, whether you book the wedding or not

    • How curiosity replaces defensiveness and changes the entire pricing conversation

    • Why premium businesses are built by leading conversations, not sending information

    Chapters

    00:00 The $5,000 inquiry that sparked this conversation

    02:00 Why photographers focus on the wrong questions

    05:00 The real reason couples ghost

    08:00 Why human connection is becoming more valuable

    10:00 Discovery calls are about serving, not selling

    15:00 The four paychecks of every discovery call

    20:30 A real story about making an impact without booking the wedding

    24:30 The mindset shift that changes pricing conversations

    29:00 Becoming the kind of business owner people trust

    32:00 One challenge for your next inquiry

    How to Connect

    Purpose & Profit

    Ready to build a business that attracts better-fit couples, increases your confidence, and gives you a clear path forward https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

    Keywords

    wedding photography, wedding photographer, photography business, discovery calls, inquiry process, booking more weddings, sales for photographers, photography pricing, client experience, wedding inquiries, photography marketing, premium wedding photographer, business mindset, human connection, photography education, Purpose & Profit, Brad and Jen

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  • This week Brad & Jen sit down with Emilie White, a French wedding and editorial photographer whose life has stretched across seven countries, two careers, and a constant pull toward something more than the photography itself.

    Before she ever picked up a camera professionally, Emilie spent 7 years in law, working in international law and intellectual property across Paris, Ireland, and the Middle East. When she and her husband left Oman, she traded a comfortable expat life for a shoebox apartment in the south of France, a newborn, and a leap into photography with no formal training and no safety net.

    What unfolds is an honest look at the long, winding road to becoming an artist: years of imposter syndrome, the slow work of finding her voice, and the grief that shaped her eye.

    Emilie opens up about losing her father at 15, the family hardships that pushed her work through darker and lighter seasons, and why she believes you have to feed your soul and then trust it to surface in your work when you least expect it.

    Together, we explore patience, preparation, curation, parenthood, and the discipline of holding your ego loosely while building a career the industry calls successful.

    We also explore:

    Trading a seven-year law career for photography with a newborn in towLiving across seven countries and how it taught her to read any roomThe accolades that signaled she was on the right path (and why she keeps them in perspective)Working under pressure when a portrait window shrinks to three minutesWhy preparation, not acceptance, is what makes the hard moments workUsing film cameras to spark curiosity and disarm a tough crowdBuilding teams around strengths and treating hires as investments, not expensesWhy curation is the hardest part, and the one thing she will not hand to AIMaking images that gain value with age, not just attentionHow motherhood reshaped what she shoots and how she protects her timeKeeping her ego in check while her work lands in Vogue, Harper's, and Brides

    Connect with Emilie
    Website: https://emiliewhite.com/ Instagram: @emiliewhitephotography

    Connect with Us
    Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings
    Apply for the Mastermind Program - High level 1:1 creative coaching & community.

    Chapters
    (00:00) Welcome and a life across seven countries
    (08:32) From law school to photography
    (11:40) Imposter syndrome and owning the artist title
    (14:15) Shooting a designer's wedding and early validation
    (18:32) Finding her voice through editing and curation
    (24:15) Grief, dark seasons, and how life shapes the work
    (27:14) Patience, process, and time to be bored
    (30:43) Three-minute portraits and preparation over acceptance
    (39:46) Cameras as tools to read and disarm a room
    (44:51) Building teams around strengths
    (50:10) Why curation is the hardest part
    (59:00) Empathy in the edit: don't forget the elders
    (01:03:43) The couple behind the curation: Greer and Dimitri
    (01:06:16) Accolades, ego, and staying grounded
    (01:10:38) How motherhood reshaped her work
    (01:16:14) Movies, inspiration, and what's next

  • What actually helps photographers grow? After years of coaching photographers through every stage of business, we've noticed something surprising. The biggest breakthroughs rarely come from finding more information. They come from clarity, community, personalized guidance, and having the confidence to take the next step.

    In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the lessons we've learned from working closely with photographers inside Purpose & Profit and our Mastermind. We talk about the difference between courses, coaching, and community, why so many photographers feel stuck despite having endless free information, and how real transformation happens when you stop trying to build your business alone.

    Whether you're wondering what kind of support you actually need, or you're simply looking for a fresh perspective on growing your business, this conversation will help you think differently about what moves the needle.

    LINKS

    Learn more about Purpose & Profit: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

    Apply for the Mastermind: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Welcome and why we recorded this episode
    03:00 What are you really building your business for?
    09:30 Why information alone rarely creates growth
    18:20 The difference between learning and implementing
    27:40 Purpose & Profit and building a business with intention
    39:45 Why community changes everything
    47:10 Inside the Mastermind experience
    58:30 What makes a great coaching student?
    1:04:45 Purpose & Profit vs. The Mastermind
    1:08:30 Final thoughts and next steps

    KEYWORDS

    wedding photography business, photography education, photography coaching, mastermind for photographers, photography community, photography mentor, photography course, wedding photographer marketing, photography pricing, photography business strategy, photography mindset, creative entrepreneur, business coaching, Purpose and Profit, Brad and Jen, More Than Photos podcast

  • This week Brad and Jen sit down with Perry Vaile, a destination and editorial wedding photographer, historian, educator, and creative whose life stretches far beyond the wedding industry.

    What begins as a conversation about Perry’s mountain home in North Carolina quickly turns into something much bigger: ambition, success, identity, community, social media, and what it means to build a life that doesn’t depend on your work to fulfill you.

    Perry shares the story of building a 15-year photography career, the moments she felt like she had finally “made it,” and how her relationship to success has evolved over time. From photographing a Victoria’s Secret supermodel’s wedding to intentionally removing social media from her phone, she offers a refreshing perspective on staying connected to what matters while working in an industry built on visibility and comparison.

    Together, we explore boundaries, hobbies, community, family, creativity, and the challenge of building a successful career without sacrificing the life around it.

    We also explore:

    • Living a “split life” between the mountains and the city, and why each pace feeds the other

    • Buying land on instinct and building a home designed to last generations

    • The two moments Perry felt like she had “made it”

    • Finding the confidence to stand up for her work on a make-or-break deadline

    • Entering a world of wealth without attaching her worth to it

    • Why real memories matter more than staged perfection

    • Removing social media from her phone and creating healthier boundaries

    • Archery, needlepoint, gardening, reading, and building a life outside the industry

    • Creating local community on purpose

    • Holding success open-handedly and defining it on your own terms

    • Working smarter, protecting rest, and avoiding burnout

    • Why “going quiet” may be the biggest risk for photographers today

    Connect with Perry

    Website: https://perryvaile.com/
    Instagram: @perryvaile

    Connect with Us

    Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings

    Apply for the Mastermind Program - High level 1:1 creative coaching & community.

    Chapters

    (00:00) Welcome and the seven-weekend stretch ahead

    (01:00) A split life between the mountains and Raleigh

    (03:30) Buying the land and building a forever home

    (08:45) The long view: who do you want to be at 70?

    (14:00) Fifteen years in and the moments she “made it”

    (22:00) Chutzpah, film deadlines, and confidence

    (24:00) Wealth, worth, and belonging in luxury spaces

    (27:00) The historian’s approach to photography

    (32:00) Redefining success and holding it loosely

    (40:00) Protecting the craft from the industry

    (42:00) Social media boundaries and bricking the phone

    (48:00) Hobbies, books, and building community

    (56:00) Perspective, gratitude, and figure-out-able problems

    (59:00) Working smarter and protecting rest

    (01:13:00) What matters now and why going quiet is risky

    (01:20:00) Books, recommendations, and what’s next

    Keywords: wedding photography, destination wedding photographer, boundaries, work-life balance, redefining success, building community, photographer mindset, burnout, rest and margin, intentional living, historic preservation, film photography, photographer education

  • This week on the podcast, we’re joined by photographer and artist Sophie Lin Berard.

    Known for blending documentary honesty with editorial sophistication, Sophie’s work draws from a wide range of influences including street photography, fashion, commercial work, architecture, and fine art. In this conversation, we explore what it actually takes to become a versatile photographer and why some of the most important skills are developed far away from a wedding day.

    Sophie shares her unconventional path into photography, from photographing sneakers for a local retailer to working in editorial fashion, commercial photography, and eventually weddings. We talk about building confidence through repetition, why preparation creates freedom, and how learning multiple disciplines has shaped her ability to adapt and create in real time.

    Beyond photography, we also dive into burnout, ambition, boundaries, and what it means to define success on your own terms. From technical mastery to creative curiosity, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for photographers looking to grow their craft and build a sustainable creative life.

    What We Cover:

    Why great photographers develop skills outside of weddingsHow commercial, fashion, and street photography shaped Sophie’s voiceThe case for becoming a “jack of all trades”Why preparation creates confidence and creative freedomHow Sophie approaches documentary and editorial photographyThe role of personal projects in developing your eyeWhat burnout taught her about boundaries and successDefining your “enough number” and creating a more sustainable career

    Connect with Sophie:

    Website: https://sberard.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sberardweddings/

    Connect with Us:

    Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings:

    Instagram: @bradandjeneducation

    Chapters:

    (00:00) Introduction to Sophie Lin Berard

    (03:00) From sneaker photography to commercial work

    (08:00) Why being a jack of all trades matters

    (13:00) How different creative disciplines shape your photography

    (19:00) Preparation, timelines, and creative freedom

    (25:00) Building confidence through technical mastery

    (33:00) Developing your eye outside of weddings

    (38:00) Documentary versus editorial photography

    (45:00) High-profile weddings, planners, and staying true to your voice

    (48:00) Burnout, boundaries, and redefining success

    (57:00) Gratitude, social media, and protecting your creativity

    (01:10:00) What success looks like now

    Keywords:

    wedding photography, documentary photography, editorial photography, creative growth, photography education, artistic voice, commercial photography, film photography, wedding photographer, photography business, creativity, confidence, personal projects, photography workflow, burnout, creative process

  • AI is changing the way we work, create, and communicate, but what if the most important response isn’t learning how to use AI better? What if it’s becoming more human?

    In this episode, Jen shares 3 simple skills she’s intentionally investing in during an AI era. Skills she believes they’reare becoming increasingly rare, and therefore increasingly valuable.

    Books MentionedTheo of Golden - Allen LeviBird by Bird - Anne LamottKey Takeaway

    When everyone else is relying on automation, your ability to think deeply, communicate clearly, and connect genuinely may become your greatest advantage. The future may belong to those who remain unapologetically human.

    Episode Chapters

    (00:00) Why this conversation matters
    (02:00) How Brad & Jen use AI in their business
    (03:10) Skill #1
    (06:45) Skill #2
    (08:45) Skill #3
    (10:15) Why Skill #3 matter more than ever
    (13:00) Building your human superpowers

    Links & Resources

    Purpose & Profit: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

    Keywords

    AI and creativity, photography business, storytelling, discovery calls, writing, reading fiction, human connection, creative growth, wedding photography, communication skills, entrepreneurship, artist development, purpose and profit.

  • This week Brad is sitting down with Kate Thompson for a conversation about creativity, parenthood, burnout, ambition, and the discipline of protecting the parts of yourself that make meaningful work possible in the first place.

    Over the last several years, we’ve watched Kate intentionally refine her work and her business, but what surprised us most in this conversation wasn’t hearing about “leveling up” or entering the "luxury market"... it was hearing what happened underneath all of it.

    Kate shares openly about navigating postpartum depression during the pandemic, learning to detach her self-worth from success, and the tiny daily habits that slowly helped her rebuild her creativity, confidence, and joy.

    We also explore:

    her background in speech pathology and linguisticsworking alongside her sister at Palindrome Creative Co.creating personal work in seasons of limitationsimplifying her business and refining her editing processwhy curation mattersand how learning to quiet outside noise helped her trust her own artistic voice again

    This episode was so special and is a refreshing and honest look at what it takes to sustain a creative life over the long haul.

    In This Episode

    Protecting your creativity in a noisy industryTiny habits, self-care, and rebuilding after burnoutMotherhood, surrender, and creative ambitionDetaching self-worth from successThe role of personal work and bookmakingLearning to trust your artistic intuitionSimplifying your business and editing processWorking in both weddings and commercial photographyCreating meaningful work in real-life seasons

    Quote Worth Remembering

    “I had to create this fortress to protect my internal fire of inspiration. I had to redefine what success looked like for me. And for a while, success just meant staying inspired.”

    Books Mentioned

    North Woods — Daniel MasonI Cheerfully Refuse — Leif Enger

    Connect with Kate

    Kate Thompson Weddings
    Palindrome Creative Co.

    Connect with Brad & Jen

    Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings
    Apply for the Mastermind Program

    Instagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjen

  • Previews. Sneak peeks. Whatever you call them… this conversation keeps coming back around.

    In this episode, we unpack why so many photographers feel stuck in the tension between artistry and expectation and why the question “should I do previews or not?” might actually be the wrong place to start.

    Instead of giving a formula, we invite you into a different way of thinking. One rooted in ownership, clarity, and building a business from your own philosophy...not just reacting to industry pressure. If you’ve ever felt torn between what’s expected and what feels aligned, this episode will help you rethink how you make decisions… not just about previews, but about everything.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode

    - Why the previews debate isn’t actually about previews

    - The hidden pressure photographers feel (and how it shapes decisions)

    - The difference between reacting vs. building from conviction

    - What previews are really doing for your clients and your business

    - How to think through tradeoffs without defaulting to industry norms

    - The power of communicating your philosophy to your clients

    - How to redefine previews in a way that feels aligned to you

    Links & Ways to Connect

    Apply for the Mastermind Program:

    https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching

    Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings:

    https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

    Instagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjen

    Episode Chapters

    (00:00) The DM that sparked the conversation

    (01:30) The pressure photographers feel around previews

    (03:40) Why “should I do previews?” is the wrong question

    (05:00) Building conviction vs. outsourcing decisions

    (07:10) The parenting story (and decision-making framework)

    (10:30) Why previews exist (and what they actually do)

    (13:50) The tension: connection vs. artistic integrity

    (15:30) Two different approaches that both work

    (18:50) Questions to ask instead of defaulting to trends

    (20:10) The tradeoffs of both paths

    (22:10) Finding your own way (and redefining previews)

    Quotes Worth Remembering:

    “Don’t just ask what works. Ask what you believe—and build from there.”

    “Neither option is wrong… but neither is free.”

    Keywords:

    wedding photography, sneak peeks, previews, photography business, client experience, artistic integrity, decision making, photography marketing, creative business, wedding photographers

  • Hey everyone! This week on the podcast we’re joined by photographer, educator, and artist Anni Graham for a conversation that goes far deeper than photography, pricing, or building a luxury brand.

    What began as a conversation about growth, reinvention, and moving into a higher-end market quickly became something much more honest - about the inner life of being a creative, the private tensions many photographers carry, and what it takes to keep believing in yourself through seasons of doubt, ambition, motherhood, and change.

    Anni speaks candidly about the emotional rollercoaster of creative work, the mindset work underneath business growth, why so many photographers try to build on a fractured foundation, and what it looked like for her to make bold shifts before she had evidence they would work.

    We also talk about motherhood, moving to Costa Rica, redefining success, and the surprising freedom that comes when you begin building a career around the life you actually want.

    This one is personal, practical, and deeply encouraging.

    What We Cover:

    • Why the hardest work in photography often has little to do with photography

    • The mindset battles many creatives quietly carry

    • Building a business from identity, not insecurity

    • What Anni learned moving from elopements into the luxury market

    • Why she doubled her prices before she had proof it would work

    • Risk, reinvention, and trusting yourself before you have evidence

    • How motherhood reshaped her definition of success

    • Protecting creativity, nurturing energy, and tuning out the noise

    • Why experimentation and personal taste matter more than most strategy

    Connect with Anni:

    Anni's New E-Book: https://anni-graham.myflodesk.com/free-e-book
Website: https://www.annigraham.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annigraham

    Connect with Us:

    
Apply for the Mastermind Program: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching

    Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

    Instagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjen

    Chapters:


    (00:00) Why this conversation felt different


    (04:10) Life in Costa Rica and redefining success


    (11:45) The inner battle many creatives don’t talk about
(22:30) Mindset, insecurity, and building on a strong foundation


    (36:10) Protecting creativity and trusting your artistic voice


    (49:20) Motherhood, ambition, and what success can cost


    (01:02:15) Making the leap into the high-end market


    (01:16:30) Identity shifts, pricing, and finding aligned clients


    (01:29:00) Risk, reinvention, and making bold moves before proof


    (01:40:20) Final thoughts on courage, trust, and building a life

    Keywords:
wedding photography, photographer mindset, creative growth, luxury wedding photography, artistic identity, entrepreneurship, self doubt, creativity, motherhood and business, pricing mindset, personal growth, photographer education, creative courage, reinvention

  • This week on the podcast we’re joined by Roma Vera , whose films have become some of the most recognizable and influential in the wedding world.

    In this conversation, we talk about originality, creative discipline, and what it takes to build work that still feels fresh after 16 years. Roma and Vera share their journey from a small town in Siberia to Moscow to Spain, the surprising influences behind their style, and the creative “policies” they’ve developed to avoid copying, repeating themselves, or getting stuck.

    We dig into how they create such expressive films, how they work with couples who aren’t naturally outgoing, and why they focus so much on the moments happening “behind the corner” instead of only the obvious highlights. We also talk about copycats, editing, burnout, building teams across the world, and the pressure of staying original when your work is being emulated everywhere.

    What We Cover:

    How they built one of the most recognizable styles in wedding filmmakingWhy they avoid looking at other filmmakers for inspirationThe creative rules that keep them from repeating themselvesHow they get couples to loosen up without over-directingWhat they do when a couple isn’t naturally expressiveThe pressure of being copied and staying originalWhy editing is painful, uncertain, and essential to great workHow they’ve built teams across Europe and the USWhat success, longevity, and reinvention look like after 16 years

    Connect with Roma Vera:

    Website: https://romavera.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romavera_films/

    Connect with Us:

    NEW Inquiry Process Email Templates: https://learn.bradandjen.com/inquiry-process-email-templates-for-photographers

    Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings:

    https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

    Apply for the Mastermind Program:

    https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching

    Instagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjen

    Chapters:

    (00:00) Meeting Roma Vera

    (04:00) From Siberia to Spain

    (07:30) The early moments that shaped their style

    (11:00) Inspiration beyond the wedding industry

    (20:00) Finding humor and unexpected moments

    (24:00) Why they don’t follow other filmmakers

    (30:00) How they direct without over-directing

    (35:00) Working with quieter couples

    (39:00) Their dream wedding weekends

    (43:00) Building teams across Europe and the US

    (49:00) Why editing feels like suffering

    (58:00) Burnout, inspiration, and staying creative

    (01:01:00) Being copied and staying original

    (01:09:00) What success looks like now

    Keywords:

    wedding filmmaking, wedding videography, creative discipline, originality, editing process, storytelling, destination weddings, wedding films, documentary filmmaking, artistic voice, creativity, burnout, wedding filmmakers, business growth

  • Hey everyone! This week on the podcast, Jen is walking through a handful of ideas that have been reshaping the way we think about goals, happiness, and what it actually looks like to move forward in life and business.

    What We Cover:

    Why goal setting doesn’t need to revolve around a new calendar yearThe shift from “have, do, be” to “be, do, have”How happiness actually drives success (not the other way around)Five simple habits that can reshape your mindset and daily lifeThe concept of a 12-week year and why it creates better momentumWhy consistency matters more than breakthroughsThe emotional cycle of change (and how to push through it)How to set goals you can actually measure and follow through on

    Books Mentioned:

    The Slight Edge: https://amzn.to/3QbPbh4The 12 Week Year: https://amzn.to/3QcV6CASo Good They Can’t Ignore You: https://amzn.to/4tJueshThe Happiness Advantage: https://amzn.to/4swIEec


    Connect with Us:

    **NEW** Inquiry Process Email Templates - https://learn.bradandjen.com/inquiry-process-email-templates-for-photographers

    Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

    Instagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjen

    Chapters:

    (00:00) Why goal setting shouldn’t be seasonal

    (03:00) The connection between happiness and success

    (07:30) Be → Do → Have: a mindset shift

    (12:00) Five daily habits that create real change

    (18:30) Why most people don’t follow through

    (22:00) The 12-week year and building momentum

    (27:00) Small actions vs. big breakthroughs

    (31:00) The emotional cycle of change

    (36:00) Setting goals you can actually achieve

    (40:00) Final thoughts and a simpler way forward


    Keywords:

    goal setting, personal growth, habits, happiness, productivity, 12 week year, mindset, consistency, entrepreneurship, creative business, motivation, follow through, self development

  • This week on the podcast, we’re joined by photographer Tejas, whose work has quietly become some of the most thoughtful and distinctive in the wedding and documentary space.

    In this conversation, we talk about the long arc of becoming an artist, the discipline of creating before sharing, and how to build a body of work that actually means something.
    Tejas shares how he discovered photography in high school, the years he spent studying the craft, and the personal projects that continue shaping the way he sees the world.


    We dig into the tension between service and artistry, why personal work matters for creative growth, and how reflection, curiosity, and relationships have shaped his approach to both photography and life. From documenting a deeply personal project between India and Pakistan to developing systems for archiving and revisiting his work, Tejas reminds us that meaningful work takes time.


    What We Cover:

    Why many artists need years of creating before they’re ready to shareHow studying film and darkroom work shaped his approach to craftWhy revisiting old work is key to developing your voiceThe role of personal projects in stronger client workThe story behind his India–Pakistan documentary project


    Connect with Tejas:

    Website: https://weddingsbytejas.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tejasphotos/

    Connect with Us:

    Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings:
    https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course
    Apply for the Mastermind Program:
    https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching

    Instagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjen

    Chapters:

    (00:00) Introduction to Tejas
    (04:00) Discovering photography and early training
    (10:00) Learning the craft and artistic foundations
    (15:00) Finding your voice through reflection
    (23:00) Service vs. artistry in weddings
    (33:00) Systems, film, and workflow
    (42:00) India–Pakistan documentary project
    (55:00) The purpose of meaningful art
    (01:01:00) Mentorship and lifelong learning

    Keywords:

    wedding photography, documentary photography, creative process, artistic voice, personal projects, photography education, film photography, creative growth, storytelling, intentional creativity

  • Hey everyone! This week Brad is diving into a conversation that many photographers wrestle with but rarely talk about.

    Why is it that so many talented photographers eventually plateau? Why does momentum slow down even when the work keeps getting better?

    In this episode, we explore a hidden tension that lives inside many creative careers: the discomfort artists feel when effort becomes visible. In many artistic circles, success is expected to look effortless, as if great work simply attracts recognition on its own. But the reality of building a long, sustainable career often requires something different.

    We talk about the moment when early momentum slows down and photographers enter a new stage of growth. A season that asks for patience, relationships, curiosity, and intentional action.

    Through the metaphor of tending a garden, Brad unpacks why growth changes over time, how ego and identity can quietly hold us back, and what it looks like to step back into our businesses with renewed purpose and clarity.


    If you’ve ever felt tension between being an artist and promoting your work, this conversation will likely feel very familiar.


    And if you’re currently in a season where things feel slower or more uncertain, this episode might help you see that moment through a completely different lens.

    What We Cover:Why many talented photographers plateau (and why it has nothing to do with talent)The unspoken rule in creative industries that effort should stay invisibleHow artist identity and ego can quietly limit business growthWhy early momentum eventually slows down for most photographersThe garden metaphor for understanding creative careersHow patience, relationships, and service create long-term momentumWhy defining your “why” changes how you approach marketing and visibility
    Connect with Us:

    Apply for the Mastermind Program:
    https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching

    Join Purpose & Profit - A Roadmap to 10k Weddings:
    https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

    Instagram:
    @bradandjeneducation
    @bradandjen

    Fix Your Pricing Guide:

    Pricing Guide Template - Built to Convert:
    https://learn.bradandjen.com/brad-and-jen-pricing-guide

    Free Download:

    5 Mistakes Costing You Bookings:
    http://learn.bradandjen.com/freebie-5-reasons-you-re-not-booking

    Keywords:

    wedding photography business, creative career growth, photography mindset, photography business strategy, artist identity, creative plateau, photography marketing mindset, wedding photographer education, photography career sustainability, creative entrepreneurship

  • This week on the podcast we’re joined by husband-and-wife photography team Andrew and Mashaida, the creatives behind Mashaida. Known for their deeply relational approach to weddings, their work is rooted in a simple belief: great photographs are the byproduct of great relationships.

    In this conversation, we talk about building a photography business around people rather than algorithms, cultivating real relationships with clients and planners, and why curiosity may be one of the most underrated skills in business.

    Andrew and Mashaida share their unlikely start — from photographing their first wedding for free after answering a Craigslist ad — to building a career defined by connection, service, and long-term relationships. Along the way, they unpack how spending real time with clients transforms the work, why networking should never feel transactional, and how their belief that strong marriages can change the world shaped the heart of their brand.

    If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out in a crowded industry without chasing trends, this conversation will remind you that the most powerful differentiator might simply be caring more about people.

    What We Cover:

    How Andrew and Mashaida built their business from a $120 first wedding to a globally recognized brandWhy great photography is often just the byproduct of great relationshipsThe story behind their first Craigslist clients and the relationship philosophy that followedWhy spending real time with couples (not just questionnaires) transforms the workThe myth that luxury clients don’t want relationships with their vendorsHow curiosity and meaningful conversation build stronger connections with clientsThe difference between networking to “use people” vs. building genuine relationshipsWhy social media should be a tool for connection, not the center of your marketing strategyHow service — not status — creates long-term success in the wedding industry

    Connect with Andrew & Mashaida:

    Website: https://mashaida.co/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mashaida.co/

    Connect with Us:

    Apply for the Mastermind Program: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching

    Join Purpose & Profit - A Roadmap to 10k Weddings:
    https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

    Instagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjen

    Fix Your Pricing Guide:

    Pricing Guide Template:
    https://learn.bradandjen.com/brad-and-jen-pricing-guide

    Keywords:

    wedding photography business, client experience, relationship marketing, luxury wedding photography, photography branding, networking for creatives, curiosity in business, storytelling photography, documentary wedding photography, relationship-based business, photographer client connection, creative entrepreneurship

  • This week on the podcast, we’re joined by wedding photographer Sarah Bradshaw. We talk about building a value-led brand, resisting the pull of constant attention, and creating a business that supports a full life instead of slowly draining it. Sarah unpacks her “fireplaces vs. fireworks” metaphor, shares how faith and intentionality guide her decisions, and explains why defining “enough” may be the most strategic move a creative entrepreneur can make. We also explore burnout, ambition, motherhood, relationships, and the long-term vision that helps you stay grounded when comparison and anxiety creep in.

    What We Cover:

    Why meaning and daily reward — not workload alone — prevent burnout“Fireplaces vs. fireworks” and marketing depth in a fast-content worldFaith, identity, and mindset in building resilienceSimple ways to create a generous, people-first brandThe trap of comparison — and the reminder: don’t want what you don’t want

    Connect with Us:

    Join Purpose & Profit - A Roadmap to 10k Weddings

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bradandjeneducation @bradandjen

    Fix Your Pricing Guide:

    Pricing Guide Template - Built to Convert

    Free Download:

    5 Mistakes Costing You Bookings

    Connect with Sarah

    Sarah’s Website: https://sarahbradshaw.com/Sarah’s Substack: https://bysarahbradshaw.substack.com/

    Books Referenced:

    Living Forward by Michael HyattThe Go-Giver by Bob Burg & John David MannThe Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction by Justin Whitmel EarlyEffortless by Greg McEeown

    Chapters:

    (00:00) Introduction and Sarah’s story

    (04:30) Photography as storytelling and legacy

    (10:00) Values-led marketing

    (18:00) Fireplaces vs. fireworks

    (24:00) Defining “enough”

    (30:00) Faith, identity, comparison

    (37:00) Ambition vs. presence

    (44:00) Long-term vision and intentionality

    (50:00) Relationships vs. profitability

    (56:00) Generosity and networking

    (60:00) Final reflections on burnout and holistic success

    Keywords:

    creativity, burnout, intentionality, mindset, faith and business, wedding photography, entrepreneurship, work-life balance, holistic success, marketing philosophy, personal values, ambition and motherhood, defining enough, relationship-based business

  • Hey everyone! This week on the podcast we’re doing something a little different — an AMA episode pulled straight from your DMs.

    What We Cover:

    • Why low-budget inquiries aren’t the real issue

    • The shift from “How do I stop this?” to “How do I attract differently?”

    • Common positioning patterns that attract general-market budgets

    • The continuity gap between social, website, pricing guide, and discovery call

    • Discovery call mindset: booking vs. genuine curiosity

    • How early pricing anchors affect conversions

    • Questions to ask when you sense a red flag on a call

    • Writing personality-infused copy that still speaks to higher budgets

    • Navigating business + parenthood identity tension

    • Staying couple-first while working with planners

    • Defining your “ceiling and floor” for social media

    • Building sustainable rhythms online

    Connect with Us:

    Apply for the Mastermind Program:

    https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching

    Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings:

    https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

    Instagram:

    @bradandjeneducation

    @bradandjen

    Fix Your Pricing Guide:

    Pricing Guide Template – Built to Convert:

    https://learn.bradandjen.com/brad-and-jen-pricing-guide

    Free Download:

    5 Mistakes Costing You Bookings:

    http://learn.bradandjen.com/freebie-5-reasons-you-re-not-booking

    Keywords:

    wedding photography business, attracting higher-budget clients, converting discovery calls, photography pricing strategy, inquiry conversion, luxury positioning for photographers, social media strategy for creatives, photography marketing mindset, planner relationships, writing personality-driven copy, creative entrepreneurship, burnout prevention for photographers, sustainable photography business

  • Hey everyone! This week on the podcast we’re joined by Pat & Claire Furey, a Philadelphia-based husband-and-wife photography team known for their refined, timeless work and incredible business tac.

    In this conversation, we talk about staying relevant in a sea of sameness, building a business that supports longevity, and how to think ahead without losing your identity in the process.

    What We Cover:

    Why “luxury” is the result of a strong business — not a trend you chaseHow to recognize when the industry feels saturated (and what to do next)The danger of constant reinvention — and how to protect your creative identityHow they decide what to say no to for the sake of longevityA practical filter for growth: focus on what’s hardest to replicate and outsource the rest

    Connect with Us:

    Apply for the Mastermind Program: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching

    Join Purpose & Profit - A Roadmap to 10k Weddings: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bradandjeneducation @bradandjen

    Fix Your Pricing Guide:

    Pricing Guide Template - Built to Convert: https://learn.bradandjen.com/brad-and-jen-pricing-guide

    Free Download:

    5 Mistakes Costing You Bookings: http://learn.bradandjen.com/freebie-5-reasons-you-re-not-booking

    Connect with Pat & Claire:

    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patfureyphoto.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patfureyphoto

    Chapters:

    (00:00) Introduction & Why Longevity Matters in Photography
    (04:00) The Origin Story of Pat & Claire’s Business
    (12:00) Zagging When the Industry Zigs: Staying Ahead Without Losing Yourself
    (21:00) Dividing Roles to Build a Better Client Experience
    (35:00) Building Real Relationships with Planners (Not Performing for Them)
    (50:00) Saying No, Protecting Creativity, and Choosing the Right Clients
    (1:03:00) Running a Business That Prevents Burnout
    (1:12:00) Giving Back to the Industry & Thinking Long-Term
    (1:17:00) Final Advice for Building a 10–15 Year Career

    Keywords:

    wedding photography business, creative longevity, photography career sustainability, luxury wedding photography, client experience, photography branding, creative burnout prevention, photography partnerships, business strategy for photographers, industry relationships, saying no to clients, long-term creative career

  • In this episode of More Than Photos, Brad & Jen sit down with UK-based wedding photographer Daniel Knight Harris for a wide-ranging conversation on creative longevity, intentional business decisions, and building a career that supports real life. Drawing from his background in music and commercial photography, Daniel shares why weddings offer a rare gift of creative freedom and how slowing down, setting boundaries, and protecting energy have reshaped both his work and his family life.

    Key TakeawaysCreative-first decisions lead to healthier, longer careersSlowing processes can increase meaning and clarity for clientsProtecting energy matters as much as protecting incomeTools that require more intention can reconnect you to the craft

    Links

    Daniel Knight Harris: https://www.danielknightharris.com/Daniel Knight Harris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielknightharris

    Learn More about Brad & Jen:

    Brad and Jen Website: learn.bradandjen.comPurpose and Profit Course: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course Chapters(00:00) Introduction & Daniel’s path into photography(04:30) From music and commercial work to weddings(10:15) Creative freedom in weddings vs. commercial spaces(15:40) Energy, boundaries, and avoiding burnout(20:10) Redefining what “thriving” actually means(26:00) Slowing down workflows and client expectations(32:30) Why giving less can strengthen the final product(38:45) Tools, film, and reengaging with the craft(45:10) Family rhythms, life rules, and work weeks(51:30) Saying no, trusting the process, and creative confidence(58:30) What success looks like in this season of life

    Keywords

    creative longevity, wedding photography, slow photography, creative burnout, sustainable business, film photography, client experience, creative boundaries, photography podcast, More Than Photos, Daniel Knight Harris

  • In this episode of More Than Photos, Brad shares a powerful metaphor drawn from a skiing trip in Colorado to explain why growth in your business can suddenly feel exhausting—even when you’re experienced and capable. This conversation reframes pricing, markets, and “leveling up” not as a ladder to climb, but as terrain that requires conditioning. If growth has felt heavy, chaotic, or discouraging lately, this episode offers clarity, language, and a healthier path forward.

    Key Takeaways

    Strain is not always a sign of growth — often it’s feedbackDifferent markets aren’t better or worse, just different terrainRaising prices isn’t about numbers; it’s about readinessSustainable growth requires conditioning, not shortcutsEndurance, specificity, and emotional regulation matter more than tacticsA healthy business should support your life, not consume it

    Links

    Purpose and Profit Course https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-courseMastermind Coaching https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching

    Chapters

    (00:00) A skiing story that reframes growth(02:45) Why doing “the right things” can still feel wrong(05:00) Growth vs. strain: learning to read the feedback(06:30) Why markets aren’t a ladder—but terrain(08:45) The three muscles every creative must build(09:00) Endurance: systems, structure, and sustainability(10:30) Specificity: confidence, taste, and clarity(12:00) Breathing at altitude: handling pressure and expectations(13:30) The danger of leaping instead of stepping(15:00) A real-life filmmaker case study(17:30) What aligned growth actually produces(19:00) Invitation to go deeper with intention

    Keywords

    creative growth, photography business, burnout, pricing photographers, creative sustainability, purpose and profit, photography education, creative business coaching, imposter syndrome, raising prices, More Than Photos podcast