Luxe & Legacy Podcast

Milestones to Hit Before Going Full-Time as a Portrait Photographer

Thinking about making the leap to full-time photography? This episode is for you. Marie and Amber get real about what it actually takes, and spoiler: the hardest milestones aren't the practical ones. They break down the key milestones you need to hit before going full-time, including the mindset shifts that don't get talked about enough. In this episode: * Why committing before you feel ready is the very first (and hardest) step * The identity shift that comes with leaving another career behind... and how to grieve it * How to set profitable pricing and actually know your minimum * Why coaching and masterminds move the needle in ways online courses can't * Getting your business structure legit: LLCs, S corps, accountants, and health insurance * Booking consistently for 3-4 months before making the leap * How memberships and repeat clients create stability and predictability * Why saving 4-6 months of income keeps you out of scarcity mode Links mentioned: * Amber's coaching: https://lightlivinphotography.com/ [https://lightlivinphotography.com/] * Marie's coaching: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/ [https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/] Follow us: * Amber: @light_livin_photography * Marie: @marie.elizabeth.photo

Building a Business Around Motherhood

Motherhood, boundaries, and building a business that actually supports your life... this one hits close to home. Marie and Amber are recording just days before Mother's Day 2026, and they're getting real about hustle culture, the pressure to be constantly available, and how they've intentionally structured their businesses around their families, not the other way around. If you've ever felt the Sunday-night dread before a Monday session, said yes to a weekend booking you really didn't want, or found yourself halfway present at your kid's soccer game because your brain was still on work mode... this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about: * Why hustle culture is so easy to fall into (especially as a people pleaser who gets her self-worth from productivity... hi, Marie) * The "bitterness test": how Marie uses that feeling as a signal to reevaluate her workload * How both Marie and Amber structure their weeks to protect family time * Why luxury clients actually respect you MORE when you have clear boundaries * Weekend surcharges, blocked calendar dates, and other practical tools that give you your life back * Money mindset and abundance energy... yes, the woo woo stuff, and why it actually works * Working smarter: raising prices, offering albums and artwork, automations, workflows, and more * How Marie is booking fewer sessions this year but making the same (or more) money through full-service artwork sales Resources & links mentioned: * Amber's education page (she's running a Mother's Day sale!): lightlivinphotography.com/education-salepage [https://lightlivinphotography.com/education-salepage] * Marie's mentoring & education: marie-elizabethphotography.com/photography-mentoring [https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/photography-mentoring] Connect with us: Amber | Light Livin Photography 🌐 lightlivinphotography.com [https://lightlivinphotography.com/] 📸 @light_livin_photography Marie | Marie Elizabeth Photography 🌐 marie-elizabethphotography.com [https://marie-elizabethphotography.com] 📸 @marie.elizabeth.photo

How We Build Client Trust Through Zoom Calls

In this episode of the Luxe & Legacy Podcast, we’re breaking down exactly how we guide clients through the luxury photography experience using Zoom consultation calls, planning appointments, and ordering appointments… without ever feeling pushy or salesy. We’re sharing the step-by-step process we use to build trust with clients from the very first inquiry all the way through artwork sales and final ordering. If you’ve ever felt awkward about sales calls, unsure how to talk about artwork, or overwhelmed by IPS, this episode will completely change the way you think about client communication. We discuss: * Why consultation calls should feel simple and conversational * How Zoom calls help clients trust you faster * The importance of helping clients envision their session and artwork * How we guide wardrobe, locations, and styling during planning calls * The key to talking about albums and wall art naturally * Why artwork sales actually happen before the ordering appointment * How we keep ordering appointments collaborative instead of sales-focused * Why offering a full digital gallery can still lead to strong artwork sales * The mindset shifts that make luxury sales feel easy and aligned At the heart of it all, luxury service is about making clients feel cared for, guided, and fully supported every step of the way. Listen now and learn how to create a client experience that builds trust, increases sales, and feels effortless for both you and your clients. Marie Elizabeth Photography: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com [https://marie-elizabethphotography.com] Light Livin Photography: https://lightlivinphotography.com [https://lightlivinphotography.com]

Is the Market Slowing Down? Here’s What I’m Doing About It

Is the Market Slowing Down? Here’s What I’m Doing About It In this solo episode, Marie shares an honest look at what’s happening in today’s photography market and why things might feel slower, even if you’re still booking. Between decision fatigue, rising costs, and everything going on in the world, clients are taking longer to book and being more selective. The good news? You’re not doing anything wrong. The market is just shifting.   What I’m Focusing On Right Now Instead of overhauling everything, Marie is making small, intentional changes: * Building local relationships through networking, collaborations, and community involvement * Reaching out to past clients with personalized emails to get sessions on the calendar * Using memberships to create repeat bookings and more consistent income * Increasing revenue per client by offering artwork and upgrades * Simplifying inquiries by testing quicker, easier ways to respond The Bottom Line This is a season of adjustment, not failure. Marketing is evolving, and the photographers who stay visible, connected, and adaptable are the ones who will come out stronger. Keep going. You’re closer than you think. Connect With Us Websites: marie-elizabethphotography.com lightlivinphotography.com Instagram: @marie.elizabeth.photo @light_livin_photography If you enjoyed this episode, leaving a review helps more photographers find the show and grow alongside you.

Getting Published: Is it Worth It and Our Tips on Getting Your Work Featured

Getting Published: Is it Worth It and Our Tips on Getting Your Work Featured In today’s episode, Marie is diving into a question that comes up all the time in the photography world: is getting published actually worth it anymore? And if it is… how do you actually get your work accepted? This conversation is honest, practical, and grounded in real experience. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should be spending time submitting your work to blogs and publications, this episode will give you clarity and direction. ✨ What We Cover What “getting published” really means today * The difference between Instagram feature accounts vs. full blog/publication features * Why not all “features” carry the same value Is getting published still worth it? * Why it doesn’t hold the same weight it once did * When it can still benefit your business * The role of backlinks and how they support your SEO * How publications contribute to social proof for potential clients The biggest mistake photographers make when submitting * Why “good work” alone doesn’t guarantee acceptance * The importance of aligning your work with a publication’s style 📸 Marie’s Best Tips for Getting Published 1. Study the publication before submitting Every publication has a unique style and preference. Submitting without understanding this is one of the fastest ways to get rejected. 2. Make sure your work is strong and consistent * Cohesive editing and true-to-life skin tones * Variety in composition, posing, and storytelling * Intentional use of light 3. Curate your submission carefully Choose your best images and include a mix of: * Detail shots * Wide, scene-setting images * Emotional, connection-driven moments 4. Follow submission guidelines exactly Editors receive a high volume of submissions. If you miss something small (file size, format, required info), your work may be skipped entirely. 5. Don’t overlook the details * Some publications require session descriptions or background stories * Many do not accept workshop or styled session work * Always check what is allowed before submitting 6. Follow up (the right way) A short, respectful follow-up email can help ensure your submission was received—just don’t overdo it. 💭 Final Thoughts Getting published isn’t a magic bullet for business growth—but it can be a helpful piece of the puzzle when approached intentionally. The key takeaway? Focus your energy where it matters most, and treat publication as a supporting strategy, not the main driver of your business. And if you do decide to submit your work… go all in and do it well. Your work deserves to be seen. 🔗 Connect with Us Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com [https://marie-elizabethphotography.com] Instagram: @marie.elizabeth.photo Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com [https://lightlivinphotography.com] Instagram: @light_livin_photography If you loved this episode, it would mean so much if you left a review. It helps more photographers find the show and build a business that feels aligned, elevated, and sustainable 🤍