How I'd Start a Photography Business in 2026 (What I'd Do Differently)

How to Balance Motherhood and an Elopement Photography Business with Eva-Johanna Lepik

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the podcast for destination and adventure elopement photographers who want to build meaningful businesses while creating unforgettable experiences for their couples. In this episode, I'm joined by Eva-Johanna Lepik, founder of Elopements with Eva, a destination elopement photographer, planner, and coordinator based in Estonia who helps couples create unforgettable experiences across Italy, Portugal, and Europe. Together, we dive into what it really looks like to balance motherhood with building a thriving destination photography business. We talk about outsourcing, batching destination elopements, creating intentional systems, attracting premium clients, and why success doesn't require a massive social media following. Whether you're a parent, dreaming of becoming one, or simply trying to build a sustainable photography business, this conversation is full of practical advice and encouraging reminders that you don't have to choose between your family and your dreams. In this episode, you'll hear: * How Eva balances motherhood while running a destination photography business * Why batching destination elopements creates more time with family * The importance of outsourcing and building efficient business systems * How to overcome mom guilt while pursuing your career * Why taking care of yourself helps you become a better parent and business owner * How Eva broke into destination elopement photography without an established portfolio * Why Google Ads have been more effective than social media for booking luxury clients * How to attract premium destination elopement clients without thousands of followers * The value of investing in education and business coaching * How offering a luxury client experience helps photographers stand out * Why creating your own business model is better than copying everyone else * Advice for photographers trying to balance family, travel, and entrepreneurship This episode is an honest conversation about building a photography business that supports both your personal life and your biggest dreams, proving that you don't have to choose one over the other. Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC. Links & Resources Follow Eva Instagram: @elopementswitheva [https://www.instagram.com/elopementswitheva#] Website: https://elopementswitheva.com?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://elopementswitheva.com/ Explore EPIC: The Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass Find resources created for elopement photographers, including community, courses, creativity tools, and client experience resources to help you build intentional, experience-focused elopements. Access planning guide templates, TikTok education, drone photography courses, and more. Use code EPIC15 for $15 off. https://sherylannephoto.com/epic [https://sherylannephoto.com/epic] Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @sherylannephoto@epicphotopodcast Explore my work:https://sherylannephoto.com [https://sherylannephoto.com/]

Why Keeping Your Full-Time Job Can Help You Build a Successful Photography Business

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to connect, grow, and build intentional businesses. In this solo episode, I'm sharing a perspective that isn't talked about enough in the photography industry: why keeping your full-time job might actually be one of the biggest advantages when you're building your photography business. So much advice online tells photographers to quit their jobs, go all in, and figure it out along the way. While that approach works for some people, my experience was completely different. During my final years in the Navy, I built my photography business on the side before making the leap into full-time entrepreneurship. Looking back, having a steady income gave me the freedom to make smarter business decisions, invest in my growth, and build a strong foundation before relying on photography as my primary source of income. In this episode, you'll hear: * Why financial stability can accelerate your business growth * How a full-time job gives you the confidence to take bigger business risks * Why having an "exit strategy" motivated me to build my photography business * The investments that helped me grow faster, from education to advertising * How I built my destination elopement portfolio before going full-time * Why investing in Google and Meta Ads changed my business * The importance of thinking long-term instead of focusing on immediate income * Why there is no single "right" path to becoming a full-time photographer * The advice my husband gave me that completely changed my career * How to use your current job as an advantage instead of seeing it as a setback Whether you're balancing photography with a full-time job or wondering when the right time is to take the leap into entrepreneurship, this episode will help you see your current season as an opportunity rather than a limitation. Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC. Links & Resources Explore EPIC: The Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass Find resources created for elopement photographers, including community, courses, creativity tools, and client experience resources to help you build intentional, experience-focused elopements. Access planning guide templates, TikTok education, drone photography courses, and more. Use code EPIC15 for $15 off. https://sherylannephoto.com/epic [https://sherylannephoto.com/epic] Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @sherylannephoto @epicphotopodcast Explore my work:https://sherylannephoto.com [https://sherylannephoto.com/]

How I'd Start a Photography Business in 2026 (What I'd Do Differently)

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the podcast for destination and adventure elopement photographers who want to build a thriving business while creating unforgettable experiences for their couples. In this solo episode, I'm sharing exactly what I would do if I had to start my photography business from scratch in 2026. After years of building a destination elopement business, traveling the world, and mentoring photographers, I've noticed that many new photographers are asking the same questions. So instead of giving scattered advice, I wanted to lay out the roadmap I would personally follow if I were starting over today. From choosing a niche and building a portfolio to marketing, education, SEO, and creating an incredible client experience, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you avoid common mistakes and grow your business with intention. In this episode, you'll hear: * How to choose a photography niche without feeling boxed in * Why waiting until you feel "ready" is holding you back * The importance of building your personal brand on social media * How to create your own opportunities through styled shoots and model calls * Why investing in education can save you years of trial and error * The marketing strategies I'd prioritize in 2026, including SEO and paid ads * When to start running Google and Meta Ads * Why systems, workflows, and client experience matter from day one * The biggest mindset shifts that helped me grow my photography business Whether you're launching your photography business or looking to transition into destination elopements, this episode will help you focus on the actions that truly move the needle and build a business designed for long-term success. Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC. Links & Resources Explore EPIC: The Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass Find resources created for elopement photographers, including community, courses, creativity tools, and client experience resources to help you build intentional, experience-focused elopements. Access planning guide templates, TikTok education, drone photography courses, and more. Use code EPIC15 for $15 off. https://sherylannephoto.com/epic [https://sherylannephoto.com/epic] Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @sherylannephoto @epicphotopodcast Explore my work:https://sherylannephoto.com [https://sherylannephoto.com/]

How Elopement Photography Retreats Can Transform Your Business

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to connect, grow, and build intentional businesses. I’m your host, Sheryl Anne, destination elopement photographer, Navy veteran, and proud mama. In this episode, I’m joined by Kasey Jo, founder of Elope Academy and one of the leading educators in the elopement photography industry. Kasey shares her journey from photographing 40 traditional weddings a year while working a full-time job to building a business focused on adventure elopements, education, retreats, and community. After attending a photography retreat in Iceland that completely changed the direction of her career, Kasey discovered the power of intentional experiences and went on to create Elope Academy, helping hundreds of photographers grow their businesses through education, connection, and destination elopement experiences. In this episode, we dive into the value of photography retreats beyond just creating a beautiful portfolio. Kasey shares what photographers should look for before investing in a retreat, how destination experience can improve your client experience, and why building genuine community is one of the most powerful parts of growing as an elopement photographer. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Kasey went from traditional weddings to full-time elopement photographyWhy attending a retreat completely changed the direction of her businessHow Elope Academy was created and what makes an intentional retreat experienceWhy retreats are more than just styled shoots and portfolio buildingHow to choose the right photography retreat for your goalsHow destination experience helps you better serve elopement couplesThe reality of planning destination elopements behind the scenesWhy community matters in the elopement photography industryHow photographers can turn retreat content into real business growthAdvice for building a sustainable and meaningful photography business This episode is for elopement photographers who want to grow intentionally, build connections, create better client experiences, and step into destination photography with more confidence. Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC. Links & Resources Explore EPIC: The Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass Find resources created for elopement photographers, including community, courses, creativity tools, and client experience resources to help you build intentional, experience-focused elopements. Access planning guide templates, TikTok education, drone photography courses, and more. Use code EPIC15 for $15 off. https://sherylannephoto.com/epic [https://sherylannephoto.com/epic] Follow Kasey Jo and Elope Academy:Website: https://elopeacademy.com [https://elopeacademy.com/]Instagram: @elopeacademy Use Code: SHERYLANNEPHOTO at checkout or your application for content days, retreats, and educational courses! Follow Kasey’s Photography:Website: https://elopewithkaseyjo.com [https://elopewithkaseyjo.com/]Instagram: @elopewithkaseyjo [https://www.instagram.com/elopewithkaseyjo/] Follow me on Instagram and TikTok:@sherylannephoto@epicphotopodcast Explore my work:https://sherylannephoto.com [https://sherylannephoto.com/]

How to Book Destination Elopements & Build a Travel Photography Business with The Chaffins

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to connect, grow, and build intentional businesses. I’m your host, Sheryl Anne, destination elopement photographer, Navy veteran, and proud mama. In this episode, I’m joined by Sammie and Micah Chaffin, a husband and wife elopement photography team known for their cinematic storytelling, destination work, and intentional client experience. They share how they built a full-time elopement photography business together, how they broke into destination elopements without a portfolio, and what it really takes to succeed in this space beyond just taking beautiful photos. This episode is packed with real strategies, honest insights, and behind-the-scenes processes that can help you grow your elopement photography business with intention. In this episode, you’ll hear: * How to transition from weddings to elopements and niche down with confidence * How to book destination elopements without prior international experience * Why travel experience matters more than a destination portfolio * Practical ways to build a destination portfolio on a budget * How to guide clients into dream locations and create unforgettable experiences * The reality of destination photography and what no one talks about * Their full location scouting process for new and unfamiliar places * How they structure their husband and wife photography business * The difference between being a good photographer vs a good business owner * How mindset, mental health, and consistency impact long-term success Links & Resources Follow The Chaffins: Instagram: @thechaffins Website: https://thechaffins.co [https://thechaffins.co] Links & Resources Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @sherylannephoto and @epicphotopodcastExplore my work: https://sherylannephoto.com [https://sherylannephoto.com] Booked Not ViralA calm TikTok content system for elopement photographers.Use code EPIC15 for $15 off.https://sherylannephoto.com/booked-not-viral-elopement-photographers/ [https://sherylannephoto.com/booked-not-viral-elopement-photographers/]