107 - whether or not you should share personal and political views with Emily Gbadamosi

107 - whether or not you should share personal and political views with Emily Gbadamosi

Are you building a business that actually reflects who you are—or just one that “looks good” from the outside? In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I’m joined by Emily Woodall Gbadamosi, founder of Woodall Creative Co., photographer, and systems strategist for creative entrepreneurs. We’re diving into what it really looks like to run a values-driven business—and why this goes far beyond a few words on your “About” page. Emily shares how her experience building a photography business while working full-time forced her to create systems that gave her time back—and how that eventually led her to helping other creatives do the same. But more importantly, we unpack how your values influence everything from your client experience to your marketing, your boundaries, and even the tools you choose to use. This conversation gets honest about the fear so many business owners have: “What if I lose clients by speaking up?” Emily shares her real-life experience—and why showing up authentically has actually led to deeper connections, stronger inquiries, and more aligned clients. We also talk about: * The difference between stated values vs. lived values (and why people can tell the difference) * How to share your beliefs online without feeling preachy or performative * The balance between automation and maintaining real human connection * Why authenticity is becoming more valuable in a world full of AI-generated content * How your values can guide decisions behind the scenes—like who you work with, what tools you use, and how you run your business If you’ve ever felt hesitant to fully show up as yourself in your business, this episode will challenge you to rethink that—and give you a more grounded way to move forward. CONNECT WITH EMILY Website: https://woodallcreative.co [https://woodallcreative.co] Instagram: https://instagram.com/woodallcreativeco [https://instagram.com/woodallcreativeco] Free Resource: Defining Your Business Values: A Framework for Small Business Owners https://woodallcreative.co/values [https://woodallcreative.co/values] TAKE YOUR SHOT RESOURCES If you’re ready to build a more intentional, profitable photography business, here are a few ways to go deeper: 1:1 Coaching https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching [https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching] Business Resources https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources [ https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources] Community https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community [https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community] WHAT YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH * A clearer understanding of how values impact your business beyond just branding * Practical ways to start sharing your beliefs authentically * A new perspective on “losing followers” and why it can actually be a good thing * Insight into building a business that feels aligned, sustainable, and human Mentioned in this episode: Wanderlust Videos - Get your time back and start working with a high-end, dedicated post-production team! use the code: TAKEYOURSHOT100 for $100 off your first edit - https://dp.wanderlust-videos.com/sign_up?invitation_link=1637&tkn=Luke

106 - Balancing your time and optimizing your editing workload

Wedding season is here, and in this episode of the “Take Your Shot” podcast, Halle shares an honest behind-the-scenes look at how she manages a sustainable wedding photography business without sacrificing her mental health, personal life, or client experience. From calendar management and batching engagement sessions to outsourcing culling and using AI editing tools like Aftershoot, this episode dives into the systems and workflow changes that have helped her stay ahead during one of her busiest seasons yet. If you’re a wedding photographer feeling overwhelmed by editing queues, double-header weekends, or trying to balance work and life during peak season, this episode will help you rethink how you structure your business for long-term sustainability. IN THIS EPISODE: * How to plan your wedding season with a bird’s-eye view * Why protecting your calendar matters more than booking every inquiry * Using scheduling tools and automations to simplify your workflow * Why editing becomes the biggest bottleneck for most photographers * Outsourcing wedding photo editing vs. doing everything yourself * Editing time-saving strategies using Aftershoot, Imagen, and Wilderness * Why outsourcing helped me regain creative energy * How sustainable systems create a better client experience Whether you’re a wedding photographer, creative entrepreneur, or service provider heading into a busy season, this episode will encourage you to take a step back, evaluate your workload, and build systems that actually support the life you want. Outsourcing Partners: Wanderlust videos - if you're looking to outsource video editing to a team of highly skilled editors who learn your style and essentially function as an extension of your team, check out wanderlust videos. They are a high-end, dedicated post-production team and you can use the code TAKEYOURSHOT100 for $100 off your first edit https://dp.wanderlust-videos.com/sign_up?invitation_link=1637&tkn=Luke [https://dp.wanderlust-videos.com/sign_up?invitation_link=1637&tkn=Luke] Wildernis Lab - an affordable photo editing team that offers custom editing, AI editing, culling, and more! - https://www.wildernis.co/ (use the code HalleR to get a discount) MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: * Get 30% off your first year of Dubsado with the code TAKEYOURSHOT - dubsado.com/?c=takeyourshot [dubsado.com/?c=takeyourshot ] * Get 1000 free edits with Aftershoot - https://account.aftershoot.com/referral-signup?referrer=2SOC7GASK&utm_source=referral-page-app&utm_medium=copy-cta [https://account.aftershoot.com/referral-signup?referrer=2SOC7GASK&utm_source=referral-page-app&utm_medium=copy-cta] * Try Wilderniss Editing - https://www.wildernis.co/ (use the code HalleR) * Get $100 off your first video editing project with wanderlust videos using the code TAKEYOURSHOT100 - https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/ [https://dp.wanderlust-videos.com/sign_up?invitation_link=1637&tkn=Luke] CONNECT WITH HALLE + TAKE YOUR SHOT COLLECTIVE * Take Your Shot Collective Community [https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community] * Free Resources + Discounts [https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources] * Coaching with Halle [https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching] Mentioned in this episode: Wanderlust Videos - Get your time back and start working with a high-end, dedicated post-production team! use the code: TAKEYOURSHOT100 for $100 off your first edit - https://dp.wanderlust-videos.com/sign_up?invitation_link=1637&tkn=Luke

105 - Turn Your Email List Into Revenue with Kieryn Wang

TURN YOUR EMAIL LIST INTO REVENUE WITH KIERYN WANG If email marketing has felt overwhelming or easy to put off, this episode will simplify it for you. Halle sits down with email marketing expert Kieryn Wang, founder of ALLMOST, to break down how to turn your email list into a consistent and reliable source of revenue. Instead of relying on social media algorithms, email gives you direct access to people who have chosen to hear from you, making it one of the most powerful tools for building trust and converting leads into clients. In this conversation, Kieryn shares a more approachable way to think about email marketing. It does not need to be complex, perfectly designed, or time consuming to be effective. From growing your list with intentional lead magnets to building a welcome sequence that actually nurtures your audience, this episode focuses on what works and how to start without overthinking it. If you have been waiting for the right time to begin, this is it. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE * Why email marketing gives you more control than social media * Common misconceptions about email marketing and why they hold people back * How to start or grow your email list by consistently talking about it * How to build trust by focusing your emails on the reader, not just your business * How often to send emails and how to choose a schedule you can stay consistent with * Simple ways to encourage engagement and build community through your emails CONNECT WITH KIERYN AND VIEW HER RESOURCES: To connect with Kieryn Wang and learn more about her work, visit https://www.itsallmost.com [https://www.itsallmost.com] or follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/itsallmost [https://www.instagram.com/itsallmost]. Kieryn has also created a resource specifically for Take Your Shot listeners. Her Inbox to Revenue Toolkit includes an email analytics tracker and a content calendar to help you stay consistent and strategic. You can access it here https://www.itsallmost.com/takeyourshotpodcast [https://www.itsallmost.com/takeyourshotpodcast] and use the code TYSP. If you are ready to build a business that is not dependent on social media and want to create a stronger connection with your audience, email marketing is one of the most effective places to start. MORE BUSINESS RESOURCES FROM TAKE YOUR SHOT COLLECTIVE: For more support and resources, you can join the Take Your Shot community at https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community [https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community], explore tools at https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources [https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources], or learn more about coaching at https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching [https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching]. Mentioned in this episode: Wanderlust Videos - Get your time back and start working with a high-end, dedicated post-production team! use the code: TAKEYOURSHOT100 for $100 off your first edit - https://dp.wanderlust-videos.com/sign_up?invitation_link=1637&tkn=Luke

104 - The Real Reason Your Brand Isn’t Connecting with Clients With Jennifer Dalton

If you’re a wedding photographer or creative business owner trying to stand out in a crowded market, your brand matters more than ever but not in the way you might think. In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I’m joined by branding expert Jen Dalton, founder of Brand Mirror, to break down what branding actually looks like in today’s market and how to create messaging that connects with your ideal clients and leads to more bookings. We dive into why so many photographers struggle with their messaging, how to clearly communicate your value, and how to build a brand that reflects who you are while still resonating with the people you want to work with. Whether you’re refining your website, updating your portfolio, or preparing your business for the next year, this episode will help you create a stronger, more aligned brand that converts. What You’ll Learn in This Episode * The three levels of messaging that help you stand out and attract better clients * How to identify your ideal client and create messaging that resonates * The biggest branding mistakes photographers make and how to avoid them * How to use client testimonials and reviews to strengthen your brand credibility * Why deep work and intentional thinking are essential for long-term business growth * How to create a business that aligns with your lifestyle and long-term goals About Jen Dalton Jen Dalton is a branding strategist and the founder of Brand Mirror, where she helps entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business owners clarify their message and build brands that reflect who they are and help them stand out. With over 13 years of experience, Jen specializes in personal branding, messaging strategy, and helping clients create a clear and compelling value proposition. Connect with Jen * Website: https://brandmirror.com [https://brandmirror.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jendalton/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jendalton/] Jen offers one-on-one strategy sessions, brand consulting, and long-term support to help you build a brand that aligns with your purpose and attracts the right opportunities. Take Your Shot Resources * Wanderlust Videos - Get your time back and start working with a high-end, dedicated post-production team! use the code: TAKEYOURSHOT100 for $100 off your first edit https://dp.wanderlust-videos.com/sign_up?invitation_link=1637&tkn=Luke [https://dp.wanderlust-videos.com/sign_up?invitation_link=1637&tkn=Luke] * Free community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community [https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community] * Business resources: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources [https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources] * Coaching: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching [https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching] * Instagram: https://instagram.com/takeyourshotcollective If you’re looking to improve your branding, attract better clients, and create a business that feels aligned and sustainable, this episode is a must-listen. Mentioned in this episode: Wanderlust Videos - Get your time back and start working with a high-end, dedicated post-production team! use the code: TAKEYOURSHOT100 for $100 off your first edit - https://dp.wanderlust-videos.com/sign_up?invitation_link=1637&tkn=Luke

103 - Why Gen Z is ghosting you and how workflows can fix that - with Gail Frazier

If you’ve been feeling like inquiries are harder to convert, clients are slower to respond, or ghosting is more common, you’re not alone. The market is shifting, and a big part of that comes down to changing client expectations—especially with Gen Z. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Gail Fraser, systems expert and founder of Work Simple. She helps creative business owners build backend systems and automation that support their business in a way that still feels personal and aligned. This conversation breaks down what’s actually changing, what matters most right now, and how to simplify your business so you can focus on what truly moves the needle. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * Why Gen Z expects faster communication and automation * How price transparency impacts your ability to book the right clients * The difference between automation and AI (and why that matters) * What to automate first to save time and mental energy * The biggest mistake people make when investing in tools like CRMs * When to invest in systems versus hiring a virtual assistant * How to use client offboarding to generate more referrals and reviews The small tasks in your business are adding up more than you think. When you automate and systemize the repeatable parts of your workflow, you create more space to focus on the relationships and high-impact work that actually grows your business. Action Steps You Can Take Today: * Write out your full client workflow in simple bullet points * Identify tasks you repeat for every client * Turn one of those into a reusable template * Start asking how you can make each step simpler or more efficient Connect with Gail from worksimple IO Website: https://worksimple.io [https://worksimple.io] Instagram: https://instagram.com/worksimple.io [https://instagram.com/worksimple.io] Free resource (ClickUp template + newsletter): https://worksimple.io/newsletter [https://worksimple.io/newsletter] Speaking: https://worksimple.io/speaking [https://worksimple.io/speaking] Gail offers systems sprints, operations audits, and full custom builds to help you simplify and scale your business with better workflows. Take Your Shot Resources Free community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community [https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community] Free resources: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources [https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources] Coaching: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching [https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching] Instagram: https://instagram.com/takeyourshotcollective If this episode resonated with you, share it with a business owner who you think could also benefit from this! BONUS - share it on your Instagram story and tag @takeyourshotcollective