Pick My Brain Podcast

Building A Wedding Industry Community Through Networking & Trusting Intuition with Glori Chan

In this episode of Pick My Brain Podcast, I’m joined by Glori Chan, a destination wedding photographer whose work is rooted in connection, intuition, and storytelling. 🌍📸 Glori shares her photography journey, from the early influence of her father to making the bold transition from a career in marketing to wedding photography. We talk honestly about what it takes to build a sustainable creative career, the role of community & networking in long-term growth, and how trusting yourself can open doors you never expected. This conversation is packed with wisdom for photographers and creative entrepreneurs who want to grow with intention without losing sight of why they started! In This Episode, We Talk About: 📷 How Glori’s passion for photography began with her father’s influence  🤍 The importance of community and building meaningful connections  🤝 Why networking is essential for finding opportunities and how to do it well  🗣️ Showing up with vulnerability when meeting new people  📰 The evolving role of publications and why they shouldn’t be the sole focus  ✨ Building genuine relationships instead of transactional connections  ⚖️ Managing work-life balance as a creative entrepreneur  🎉 The importance of celebrating small wins along the way Glori also answers audience questions about her favorite moments to photograph, how she approaches balance in her life and business, and what has helped her stay grounded as her career has grown. Her perspective is a refreshing reminder that success isn’t just about visibility; it’s about people, purpose, and presence. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your photography journey, this episode will encourage you to lean into community, trust your intuition, and honor every step of the process. ✨ Connect with Glori Chan: 🌐 Website → https://www.gloriannachan.com/ [https://www.gloriannachan.com/] 📸 Instagram → @glorianna.chan @gathered___events @the_portrait_bar Mention this episode when you reach out to Glori for a complimentary 30-minute business coaching call! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend in the creative industry. 🎙️✨

Documentary vs. Editorial Wedding Photography with Rachel Monteagudo

In this episode of Pick My Brain Podcast, I’m joined by Rachel Monteagudo, an Atlanta-based hybrid photographer + Super 8 videographer who creates playful, soulful, and unscripted imagery full of genuine emotion.  Rachel’s journey started in the Peace Corps, and today she brings those life experiences into every wedding she photographs. In our conversation, she opens up about what it takes to build a thriving business, the balance between artistry and entrepreneurship, and the truth behind being a documentary-style wedding photographer. Here’s what we dive into ⬇️  🎥 How her Peace Corps and grad school experiences shaped her storytelling approach  🤝 Why second shooting is one of the best ways to learn + grow  💵 Balancing artistry with business: knowing your worth + setting your rates  📖 Documentary vs. editorial photography and how intuition plays a role in both  🌎 The importance of wider shots to tell the full story of a wedding day 💍 Creating comfort + presence for your couples so they feel fully themselves 🧠 The role of empathy, intuition, and life experience in shaping your work ☀️ Self-care as an entrepreneur in a demanding industry 📸 What she looks for in a second shooter + tips for collaborating with planners + content creators Rachel’s insights are equal parts practical + inspiring, reminding us that wedding photography is about more than just pretty pictures. It’s about presence, connection, and telling stories that matter. ✨ Connect with Rachel Monteagudo: Website: www.rachelmphotography.com [http://www.rachelmphotography.com] Instagram: @rachel.jpeg_ [https://www.instagram.com/rachel.jpeg_] If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it!

The Intersection of Photography, Doula Work, and Practicing Yoga with Mary Claire Coleman

In this heartfelt and deeply reflective episode, I’m joined by Mary Claire Coleman—an Atlanta-based photographer, doula, and yoga instructor whose work is grounded in presence, empathy, and connection. Mary Claire brings a truly unique perspective to her photography, drawing from her experiences supporting people through birth, weddings, and life's sacred transitions. In our conversation, we explore how her roles as a doula and yoga instructor beautifully inform her creative approach—emphasizing mindfulness, intuition, and emotional depth in every image she captures. From navigating the early days of her photography career to building intentional community and overcoming imposter syndrome, Mary Claire shares how personal growth and compassion have shaped her business and artistry. She also opens up about how her own recent wedding experience reshaped her understanding of what it means to be seen and cared for as a client and how that now informs the way she shows up for others. This episode is full of beautiful reflections on what it means to value people, to document honestly and intentionally, and to trust yourself as a creative. In This Episode, We Talk About: 📷 Mary Claire’s path into photography and creative entrepreneurship  🤝 The power of community and treating each client as a unique relationship  🧘‍♀️ The overlap between her work as a photographer, doula, and yoga teacher  🧠 How mindfulness and presence elevate her approach to storytelling  👶 The emotional intensity and sacredness of birth photography  💍 How her own wedding impacted how she serves her photography clients  ❤️ The importance of empathy and connection in creating meaningful images Whether you’re a photographer, birth worker, or creative navigating multiple callings, Mary Claire’s story is a beautiful reminder to lead with care, stay grounded in purpose, and honor every story you’re trusted to tell. Connect with Mary Claire Coleman: 📸 Photography Instagram: @maryclairephoto [https://www.instagram.com/maryclairephoto] 🤰 Doula Instagram: @maryclairedoula [https://www.instagram.com/maryclairedoula] 🌐 Website: www.maryclairephoto.com [https://www.maryclairephoto.com] If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow creative or caretaker. 🎙️✨

Turning Passion Into Pathways: The Creative Hustle of My Dad, Ron Crittendon

This week’s episode is incredibly special—I'm joined by someone who has shaped not only my life, but my creative journey from the very beginning: my dad, Ron Crittendon. A multi-hyphenated creative entrepreneur, Ron’s story is filled with rich experiences in drawing, graphic design, photography, business, and fatherhood, all guided by faith and a deep commitment to independence and legacy. From his early days as a visual artist to building multiple creative ventures, Ron opens up about the moments that defined him—not just as a creative, but as a husband, father of four, and man of faith. We talk honestly about the tension between creative ambition and personal responsibility, and how he’s navigated seasons of sacrifice, success, and spiritual growth. This conversation is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to pursue creativity over a lifetime while being deeply rooted in family, mentorship, and faith. In This Episode, We Talk About: 🎨 Ron’s early passions for drawing, stop-motion animation, and graphic design  💼 His experiences with creative entrepreneurship—and the pivots along the way  🧠 Balancing creative work with the weight of being a provider and father  👨‍👧 The lessons he’s learned while raising a family of artists and dreamers  📱 How technology has evolved and impacted the creative process  💡 The value of mentorship, community, and staying teachable  🕊️ How God has shown up unexpectedly to guide, redirect, and sustain him  🌱 The legacy Ron hopes to leave and how creativity plays a part in that Whether you’re a creative parent, a multi-passionate entrepreneur, or someone trying to figure out how to honor your gifts while juggling life’s demands, Ron’s story is full of wisdom, warmth, and grace. Connect with Ron Crittendon: 📷 Instagram: @inky.green [https://www.instagram.com/inky.green] 🌐 Website: www.julienanderson.com [https://www.julienanderson.com] If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone you love—especially if they’ve ever questioned whether creativity and real life can co-exist. Spoiler: they absolutely can. 🎙️✨

From Dietetics to Photography—Creativity, Faith, & Business with Renee Jael

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, I’m joined by Renee Jael, a wedding and branding photographer, entrepreneur, fashion lover, and the visionary behind both Renee Jael and Angel Haus Consulting. Renee opens up about her unexpected and transformative journey—from studying dietetics to becoming a full-time creative entrepreneur rooted in faith, artistry, and purpose. We explore how Renee’s childhood experiences shaped her passion for photography, and how she gradually transitioned into the creative world by saying yes to what lit her up. She shares her story of creative awakening, the realities of being a business owner, and how she’s built a brand that intertwines her love for fashion, consulting, and visual storytelling. Through every pivot and challenge, Renee has leaned on her faith in Jesus, staying grounded in gratitude and seeking mentorship along the way. Her reflections on the importance of memories, presence, ethics, and personal growth are not only relatable but deeply encouraging for creatives walking their own path. In This Episode, We Talk About: 📸 Renee’s journey from studying dietetics to launching a photography business  🌟 Her creative awakening and the leap to full-time entrepreneurship  📈 Balancing the admin side of business with creative passion  👗 Weaving fashion and consulting into a multi-faceted brand  🙏 How faith in Jesus shapes her purpose, growth, and business values  📷 Childhood moments that influenced her love for photography  🤝 The importance of mentorship, gratitude, and ethical storytelling  💡 Creating distinct spaces for different expressions of her business  🕊️ Being present in the moment and honoring memories through photography Renee’s story is full of soul, intention, and wisdom—this episode is a must-listen for anyone building a business with creativity, faith, and purpose at the center. Book a Consulting Session – $50 Off! Renee is offering podcast listeners $50 off a consulting session with her company, Angel Haus Consulting, where she mentors creatives and entrepreneurs looking to align their brand with purpose and vision. 🔗 Click here [https://reneejael.hbportal.co/public/6668a2dc89c3ec001994b3eb/1-Inquiry_form] to book 💰 Mention this podcast episode for $50 off your package! Connect with Renee: 📷 Instagram: @reneejael [https://www.instagram.com/reneejael] @angelhausconsulting [https://www.instagram.com/angelhausconsulting/] @bravebeautifulfree [https://www.instagram.com/bravebeautifulfree/] 🌐 Website: www.reneejael.com [http://www.reneejael.com] If you’re encouraged by Renee’s journey, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow creative! 🎙️✨