Talkin' S#!t with the Cincottas

Ep.9 | Travel Disaster in London

Belmond Britannic Explorer ***SCREWED UP OUR TRAVEL PLANS*** When disaster strikes your business it should be defined by the way you handle it.. It's all about customer service. As business owners we have all dealt with customer services issues. We have all made mistakes. I think a business can really define themselves, not by the mistake itself, but by the way they deal with it.  In this video, Alissa and Sal discuss a recent luxury train trip that got cancelled the night before they were supposed to board the train.... in London!  Imagine, traveling halfway around the globe and having a trip cancelled on you. You have no hotel reservations, no way to travel back home without incurring additional penalties or fees.  We talk about Belmond Britannic Explorer - https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/britannic-explorer/ I CAN NOT RECOMMEND THEM ENOUGH!!  Subscribe for more straight-talk photography business tips and behind-the-scenes stories from the Cincottas.

Ep.8 | Making Money with Destination Photoshoots

On this episode of Talking S#!t with the Cincottas, we’re breaking down how we turned destination photoshoots into one of the most profitable (and fun) parts of our business. From our very first senior session in New York to weddings around the world, we’ve learned the hard lessons: What to charge, how to pitch it, what clients really want, and the logistics nobody talks about. This isn’t just about taking pretty pictures in a cool city. It’s about creating an experience, building a portfolio that sells, and making sure you don’t end up broke in the process. We share the wins, the screw-ups, and everything in between. If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling with your camera—or just want the raw truth about what it really takes—this one’s for you.

Ep.7 | Starting Over From Scratch

What would we do if we had to start our photography business from zero today? No brand. No leads. No clients. Just day one with everything we know now. In this episode of Talkin’ S#!t with the Cincottas, we break it all down—exactly how we’d rebuild if we had to do it all over again. From setting up marketing systems first, to choosing what we’d shoot (spoiler: we’re not doing weddings), we talk about the strategy and mindset that would drive every decision—plus what we’d avoid at all costs. This is the honest blueprint for photographers and creatives who are burnt out, overwhelmed, or just wishing they could reboot with clarity. In this episode: * What we’d shoot—and what we wouldn’t * How to build marketing that drives results from day one * Why we’d set up backend systems before booking clients * What we’d prioritize on social (and what we’d ignore) * Can you actually build real work/life balance from the start? If you’ve ever wanted a do-over—or need a smarter path forward—this one’s for you.

Ep.6 | How to Work with Your Spouse Without Killing Each Other

In this episode of Talkin’ S#!t with the Cincottas, Sal and Alissa discuss what it’s really like to run multiple businesses together while staying married.  From navigating conflict and defining roles to owning your strengths and learning to communicate like adults, this episode is a brutally honest look at what it takes to build both a successful relationship and a successful company with your partner. In this episode: * Why marriage and business partnerships are not the same * How to separate business disagreements from personal ones * The rules they follow to avoid blowouts at the office and at home * What it really means to “stay in your lane” * How to grow together instead of apart If you’ve ever thought, “I could never work with my spouse,” or if you’re currently doing it and feeling the strain—this episode is for you.

Ep.5 | Why Your Photography Business Is Failing Part 2

Title: Why Your Photography Business Is Failing Pt 2 In Episode 5 of Talkin’ S#!t with the Cincottas, Sal and Alissa tackle what separates real businesses from hobbyists—systems, sales, and how you handle your calendar. This one’s a raw look at the habits, excuses, and lack of structure that are keeping photographers broke, overwhelmed, or both. Sal breaks down why being “creative” is not a free pass to operate without a business foundation. They talk about the root issue behind burnout, why most people say yes to everything out of fear, and the importance of protecting your time like a professional. In this episode: * Why a lack of systems is costing you money * How to set boundaries and own your calendar * The difference between being self-employed and running a real business * Why clients value structure (even if you don’t) * What to say “no” to so you can say “yes” to the right things If you’re tired of running in circles and feeling like you’re “always working,” this is the episode that’ll hit home.