From Art School to Motherhood Photography: Chelsea Maras on Style, Storytelling & Building a Photography Business from Instagram

Photographing Kids Without Stress: Building Confidence in Family Photography with Alyx Jones

What do you do when the kids aren't cooperating during a family photo session? In this episode of The PhotograpHER Podcast, I sit down with San Francisco family and newborn photographer [https://alyxjonesphotography.com] Alyx Jones [https://alyxjonesphotography.com] to talk about one of the biggest challenges photographers face: working confidently with children during family sessions. Alyx shares how her background in early childhood education has shaped her approach to family photography, helping photographers create authentic, connected images without relying on forced smiles, bribes, or perfect behavior. We discuss: ✔️ How to photograph children naturally ✔️ What to do when kids aren't cooperating ✔️ Building confidence during family sessions ✔️ How child development impacts photography ✔️ Preparing parents before the session ✔️ Working with shy, energetic, and neurodivergent children ✔️ Creating a calm session experience for families ✔️ Why connection matters more than perfection ✔️ Using family photography model calls to gain experience ✔️ The mindset shift photographers need when working with kids Whether you're a family photographer looking to improve your client experience or a photographer considering adding family sessions to your business, this conversation is packed with practical strategies you can use at your very next session. Alyx also shares details about her new education program designed to help photographers confidently work with children, understand child behavior, and create frame-worthy family portraits that clients will treasure for years to come. If you've ever wondered how photographers consistently capture genuine smiles, connection, and emotion during family sessions, this episode is for you. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:a12f1650-b507-4cdb-a3ec-531c2b3f27d7-15" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:a12f1650-b507-4cdb-a3ec-531c2b3f27d7-15" data-testid= "conversation-turn-4" data-turn="assistant"> Connect with Alyx 📸 Website: Family Photography Education [https://alyxjonesphotography.com/early-access] 📱 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alyx.jones.photography/?hl=en] Alyx is a San Francisco family and newborn photographer who helps families create joyful, connected, and authentic images while making the experience feel relaxed and fun. Connect with Jaime 📸 Website: Jaime Bugbee Photography & Education [https://jaimebugbeephotography.com/photography-mentorship] 📱 Instagram: @photomarketingcoach [https://www.instagram.com/photomarketingcoach/] 🎙️ Leave a review! Thank you! Enjoyed this episode? Take a screenshot, share it to Instagram Stories, and tag both of us so we can see you're listening! 📱 Alyx: @alyx.jones.photography 📱 Jaime: @photomarketingcoach

SEO for Photographers: How Better Messaging Turns Website Visitors into Paying Clients with Krista Marie

In this episode of The PhotograpHER Podcast, Jamie Bugbee, a branding photographer [https://jaimebugbeephotography.com/brand-photography] and educator, sits down with brand strategist and website designer Krista Marie, a NYC brand photog [https://heykristamarie.com/] and website designer, to discuss how photographers can attract more of the right clients through stronger messaging, authentic branding, and strategic SEO. If you've ever wondered why your website gets traffic but isn't generating inquiries, this conversation breaks down the psychology behind client decisions, the importance of clear messaging, and how to create a website that builds trust and converts visitors into bookings. Krista shares practical insights on authentic marketing, standing out in a crowded photography industry, improving website conversions, and using SEO as a long-term growth strategy rather than a quick fix. In this episode, you'll learn: • How authentic messaging helps photographers attract ideal clients • Why some photographers rank on Google but still struggle to book clients • The connection between SEO, website design, and conversions • What visitors need to see in the first few seconds on your website • How to build confidence and trust through your brand voice • Practical strategies for growing a photography business without relying solely on social media Connect with Krista Marie Website [https://heykristamarie.com/about] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/heykristamarie/] Podcast [https://heykristamarie.com/podcast/] Learn More from Jaime The Booked PhotograpHER + Business Coaching [http://jaimebugbeephotography.com/photography-mentorship] If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another photographer who wants to improve their website, messaging, and SEO strategy.

The Secret to Consistent Photography Marketing (Without Burning Out) with Annemie Tonken

In this episode of The PhotograpHER Podcast, I sit down with photographer, educator, podcast host, and creator of the Simple Sales System, Annemie Tonken. If you've ever wondered how to raise your prices, create a sustainable photography business, automate your sales process, or consistently market your photography business without burning out, this conversation is for you. Annemie shares how a major life transition led her to completely rethink the way she sold photography, resulting in a system that helped her break six figures while working fewer hours. We discuss the Simple Sales System, online sales, pricing psychology, client education, automation, AI, content creation, and what photographers need to focus on during uncertain economic times. We also dive into Annemie's Consistency Club, how photographers can use AI as a tool rather than a replacement for their voice, and why building strong business systems matters more than ever. Whether you're a family photographer, newborn photographer, portrait photographer, or creative entrepreneur, you'll walk away with practical strategies you can implement immediately. In this episode, you'll learn: • How Annemie transitioned from nursing to a thriving photography business • Why photographers struggle with pricing and raising rates • The Simple Sales System and how it eliminates traditional in-person sales • How automation can improve the client experience • Why education and communication increase bookings and sales • How to use AI responsibly in your marketing • The biggest mistake photographers make when times feel uncertain • Why consistency matters more than perfection • How to create content without spending hours every week • What gives Annemie hope for the future of photography If you're ready to build a photography business that supports your life instead of consuming it, this episode is packed with insight. Connect with Annemie Tonken: Website: https://thiscanbethathard.com [https://www.thiscantbethathard.com] Podcast: This Can't Be That Hard Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-cant-be-that-hard/id1498142155] Instagram: @thiscantbethathard [https://www.instagram.com/thiscantbethathard/] --> Free 5-Day Content Challenge [https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/5dcc] Connect with Jaime: Website: https://jaimebugbee.com [https://jaimebugbee.com/] Instagram: @photomarketingcoach [https://www.instagram.com/photomarketingcoach/] If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with another photographer who needs to hear it.

She Matched Last Year's Revenue in 5 Months: Michelle's Transformation in The Booked PhotograpHER Course

Michelle Baril didn't need another marketing tactic. She needed confidence, clarity, and a website that actually worked for her. In this episode of The PhotograpHER Podcast, I sit down with photographer and one of my alumni students, Michelle Baril to talk about her incredible transformation from feeling overwhelmed by SEO and unsure about her website to confidently marketing her business, attracting more leads, and building systems that support her growth via The Booked PhotograpHER Mentorship. Michelle shares how she matched her entire previous year's revenue in just the first five months of this year, why she stopped relying on social media for bookings, and the mindset shifts that helped her stop second-guessing herself as a business owner. We also discuss: ✔ Why photographers need a website they actually understand ✔ The biggest SEO misconceptions holding photographers back ✔ How confidence affects pricing, inquiries, and sales ✔ Why patience matters more than chasing overnight success ✔ Creating systems that make your business feel easier to run ✔ The difference between getting traffic and getting bookings ✔ How Michelle uses her website, email list, and networking together ✔ Why photographers need to stop competing on price If you've ever felt overwhelmed by SEO, unsure how to market yourself, or frustrated by inconsistent bookings, this conversation is packed with practical advice and encouragement. Connect with Michelle: 📸 Website: Michelle Baril: Vancouver Family Photographer [https://www.michellebarilphotography.com] 📱 Instagram: @michellebaril_photography [https://www.instagram.com/michellebaril_photography/] Ready to turn your website into your hardest-working employee? Learn more about The Booked PhotograpHER mentorship and how to attract more dream clients through SEO, messaging, and strategy: ✨ The Booked Photographer Mentorship [https://www.jaimebugbee.com/]

How to Become the Go-To Branding Photographer with Angie McPherson

In today's episode, I'm sitting down with branding photographer, educator, and marketing strategist Angie McPherson for a real conversation about visibility, confidence, personal branding, burnout, and what actually helps photographers stand out in today's market. Angie shares her journey from wedding photographer to becoming one of the most recognized voices in the branding photography industry, along with the mindset and marketing shifts that helped her build a business aligned with her life and values. We talk about: * How Angie pivoted from weddings into branding photography * What branding clients are REALLY looking for * Why visibility matters more than ever * The difference between posting content and actual marketing * Building a personal brand that attracts higher-end clients * Confidence, pricing, and finding your unique edge * Systems, workflows, and avoiding burnout * The power of consistency and community * How ambitious women can stop constantly moving the goalpost * Angie's Branding Photographer Growth Lab and how she mentors photographers This episode feels like sitting down for coffee with two photographers talking honestly about business growth, motherhood, marketing, and building a sustainable business in a way that actually feels good. CONNECT WITH ANGIE: Website: Angie McPherson [https://angiemcpherson.com] Instagram: www.instagram.com/angiejanine/ [https://www.instagram.com/angiejanine/] Branding Photographer Growth Lab: Growth Lab [https://angiemcpherson.com/education] CONNECT WITH JAIME: Portland Branding Photographer: Portland Branding Photographer [https://jaimebugbeephotography.com/brand-photography] The Booked Photographer Mentorship: The Booked Photographer [https://jaimebugbeephotography.com/photography-mentorship] Instagram: www.instagram.com/photomarketingcoach/ [https://www.instagram.com/photomarketingcoach/]