I’m pulling back the curtain on real coaching conversations—and what I found might surprise you.

This week, I did something I’ve never done before: I’m walking you through three real client case studies from inside my coaching sessions. These are experienced photographers—talented, established, and doing so many things right—but still hitting frustrating plateaus.

What’s fascinating? The problems they thought they had weren’t the real problems at all. In this episode, I break down how we identified the true blind spots in their businesses and the strategic shifts that led to immediate breakthroughs.

This episode originally aired as episode 174.

In this episode:

• Why more traffic won’t fix a conversion problem (and what will)
• How generosity can actually accelerate your authority—not dilute it
• The key to raising your prices without just saying “luxury”

Find It Quickly:

02:48 - Case Study #1: A wedding photographer stuck in a booking plateau

08:50 - Case Study #2: “Is my freebie too good to give away for free?”

13:04 - Case Study #3: Raising prices without just saying “luxury”

Mentioned in this Episode

joymichelle.co/coaching

More ways to connect:
JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM
WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH
JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

Doors are NOW OPEN for The Rise Collective, an intimate group coaching experience designed for photographers whose work is strong—but whose business hasn’t caught up yet. If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone and build a business that reflects your talent, this is your next step. We kick off on September 16th, 2026!

DM RISE on Instagram for all the details: instagram.com/joyymichelle

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

What if the clarity you’ve been looking for in your business was just a few powerful questions away? Today I’m bringing you to a coffee shop with big mugs filled to the brim and walking you through the questions that help reveal what’s holding you back and what’s possible next. Join me for 10 minutes to sit, breathe, and reflect as I walk you through each of these questions.

In this Episode:

• Why asking questions is one of the most powerful clarity tools in business
• Five reflection prompts to realign with your goals and eliminate overwhelm
• How to shift from emotional decision-making to data-driven confidence

Find It Quickly:

0:00 - The power in a good question.

4:40 - What feels the most heavy in your business right now?

5:14 - Kick the bottlenecks to the curb.

5:53 - Where are you making things harder than they need to be?

9:53 - What can future you thank you for?

11:18 - Trusting yourself completely can change your business

Mentioned in this Episode:

www.joymichelle.co/call

joymichelle.co/streamlined-schedule-20-hour-work-week

joymichelle.co/reboot-better-decisions-in-business

More ways to connect:
JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM
WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH
JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

Doors are NOW OPEN for The Rise Collective, an intimate group coaching experience designed for photographers whose work is strong—but whose business hasn’t caught up yet. If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone and build a business that reflects your talent, this is your next step. We kick off on September 16th, 2026!

DM RISE on Instagram for all the details: instagram.com/joyymichelle

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

There is so much value in finding success in our lives and business, but what is the driving factor and number 1 predictor in your success? Having a growth mindset. In today's episode, we're walking through 5 signs of a growth mindset and how you can adjust your approach to a growth mindset if you're struggling through any of these signs.

This episode originally aired as episode 31 on September 26, 2022.

In This Episode You'll:

1. Understand the importance of a growth mindset.
2. Learn the value of planning ahead.
3. Review 5 signs of a growth mindset.

Find it quickly:

0:46 - What is a Growth Mindset?

1:52 - Make space to slow down and evaluate.

5:12 - You ask for help and are open to feedback.

7:52 - You identify your shortcomings to grow from those things and not to shame yourself.

9:07 - Make time for yourself and your business.

10:16 - You see failure as a crucial part of growth.

Links + Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Watch Joy's Vlog on Planning
• Download The Strategic Business Planning Guide
• Read More than a Mom

More ways to connect:

JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM

WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH

JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

Doors are NOW OPEN for The Rise Collective, an intimate group coaching experience designed for photographers whose work is strong—but whose business hasn’t caught up yet. If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone and build a business that reflects your talent, this is your next step. We kick off on September 16th, 2026!

DM RISE on Instagram for all the details: instagram.com/joyymichelle

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

Don’t have time for journaling? Trust me, I’ve been there. But, as entrepreneurs, we're constantly searching for the next tactic, marketing strategy, AI tool, or productivity hack that will move our businesses forward. But sometimes the biggest shift doesn't come from consuming more information. It comes from creating space to hear our own thoughts.

For years, I thought journaling simply wasn't for me. I wasn't naturally drawn to writing pages about my feelings, and honestly, I thought I was too busy. But once I discovered a different approach to journaling—one focused on processing rather than documenting—it completely changed the way I lead my business, coach my clients, and make decisions.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing how I finally became dedicated to journaling and why I’m such a huge proponent of it for each of my coaching clients. Plus, how you can use it as a tool for business growth.

In This Episode You’ll:

1. Get my approach for getting started with journaling
2. Learn of the unexpected results that can come from regular journaling
3. Hear 3 prompts for personal and business growth

Find it quickly:

Why I needed to record this episode (2:02)

My approach to journaling (4:00)

Find a journal and pen that you love (9:03)

Capture some ideas for later (10:07)

Follow prompts for business growth (11:38)

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Your Dream Life Starts Here by Kristina Karlsson

Your Dream Life Starts Here Workbook

Notion: joymichelle.co/notion

Pens

Pen Subscription

Fringe Journals: fringestudio.com

Doors are NOW OPEN for The Rise Collective, an intimate group coaching experience designed for photographers whose work is strong—but whose business hasn’t caught up yet. If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone and build a business that reflects your talent, this is your next step. We kick off on September 16th, 2026!

DM RISE on Instagram for all the details: instagram.com/joyymichelle

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

What if building a new revenue stream in your photography business didn’t take two years, but instead took 90 days or less? In this episode, I’m answering a question a client asked me this week: How long does it really take to start seeing consistent revenue from a new income stream?

If you’ve been craving more freedom, more flexibility, and more stability in your business, but you’re worried about how long it will take or how much it will demand from you—this conversation is for you.

Listen in as I share why I don’t believe it should take years to see results, how mindset and decision-making dramatically impact your timeline, and the two foundational moves that will speed up your success.

Find It Quickly:

00:00 - Diversifying your revenue streams doesn’t have to be hard.

2:12 - It doesn’t take long to see results.

3:57 - The effort is worth the outcome.

5:56 - The timeline is up to you.

6:48 - Build trust with your audience.

8:11 - Build your authority.

10:17 - Your business is like a car.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brand authority blueprint: https://learn.joymichellephotography.com/Brand-authority

Brand Authority Series:

Episode 36: How to Become Seen as the Go-To Expert At What You Do: joymichelle.co/go-to-expert

Episode 37: Your Brand Messaging: joymichelle.co/your-brand-messaging

Episode 38: What Your Visual Brand is Telling Your Audience: joymichelle.co/your-visual-brand

Episode 39: How to Create Social Proof in Your Business: joymichelle.co/how-to-create-social-proof

More ways to connect:
JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM
WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH
JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

Doors are NOW OPEN for The Rise Collective, an intimate group coaching experience designed for photographers whose work is strong—but whose business hasn’t caught up yet. If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone and build a business that reflects your talent, this is your next step. We kick off on September 16th, 2026!

DM RISE on Instagram for all the details: instagram.com/joyymichelle

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

When others doubt you, it makes it hard to want to keep going, but I believe entrepreneurs are resilient. In today's episode, we're discussing overcoming critics, haters, negativity, self doubt and what it looks like to have resiliency in your entrepreneurship journey.

If you've ever felt like you are an outsider in your own industry or have face criticism and gossip that wasn't kind, you are in good company and this episode is for you.

In This Episode You'll:

1. Hear my own struggles with doubts and critics.
2. Learn how to overcome those negative thoughts and opinions.
3. Determine who is worth paying attention to.

Find it quickly:
00:20 - Overcoming Doubt & Critics
00:53 - Navigating Negativity and Self-Doubt
03:35 - The Entrepreneurial Journey: Doubts, Pivots, and Resilience
06:36 - The Importance of Mental Fortitude in Business
07:47- Navigating Criticism and Embracing Your Path
10:13 - The Power of Being Misunderstood and Staying True to Your Calling

More ways to connect:

JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM

WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH

JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

Doors are NOW OPEN for The Rise Collective, an intimate group coaching experience designed for photographers whose work is strong—but whose business hasn’t caught up yet. If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone and build a business that reflects your talent, this is your next step. We kick off on September 16th, 2026!

DM RISE on Instagram for all the details: instagram.com/joyymichelle

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

Have you ever felt like your business is working, but deep down you know it's time to shake things up?

This week, I'm sharing a simple experience that completely shifted the way I think about growth in business. After returning from vacation, I realized I didn't need to work harder—I needed to work differently. That realization led me to step outside my normal routine, work from a beautiful coffee lounge instead of my home office, and discover just how much our environment influences our creativity, confidence, and decision-making.

If you've been craving your next level but keep repeating the same routines, this episode is your reminder that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs begin with the smallest intentional changes.

In This Episode You’ll:

1. Why doing what's already working may not be enough if you want exponential growth.
2. How changing your physical environment can unlock creativity, fresh ideas, and renewed motivation.
3. Practical ways to intentionally break routines that are keeping you comfortable instead of helping you grow.

Find it quickly:

The chat that pushed me to get out of the house (0:53)

The split-second decision to go in (5:34)

Making the change now in how I’m showing up (7:33)

What can you do to intentionally break the pattern today? (9:12)

More ways to connect:
JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM
WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH
JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

Doors are NOW OPEN for The Rise Collective, an intimate group coaching experience designed for photographers whose work is strong—but whose business hasn’t caught up yet. If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone and build a business that reflects your talent, this is your next step. We kick off on September 16th, 2026!

DM RISE on Instagram for all the details: instagram.com/joyymichelle

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

Does it feel like summer is pulling you away from your business? You don't have to choose between making memories and making money.

In this episode, I'm sharing the simple marketing routine I rely on when life gets busy, schedules change, and I have less time to devote to my business. As a business owner and homeschooling mom, I know what it's like to juggle family vacations, changing routines, and the desire to keep bookings coming in without working around the clock.

Instead of trying to do everything, I'm walking you through the three marketing activities that consistently generate leads, conversations, and sales (even during slower seasons). If you only have 30 minutes a day or a couple of focused hours each week, this framework will help you prioritize the work that actually moves your business forward.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why visibility should always be your first marketing priority and what to focus on when creating new content feels overwhelming.
• How intentional follow-up conversations can dramatically improve your inquiry-to-booking conversion rate.
• Why discovery calls continue to be one of the most effective ways for service providers to increase bookings and uncover what's really preventing potential clients from saying yes.

Find it quickly:

03:03 - Summer Marketing

04:36 - Visibility First

06:21 - Build a Visibility Plan

09:45 - Conversations and Follow Up

12:41 - Track Leads Simply

13:41 - Sales Calls That Convert

Mentioned in this Episode:

Episode 154: Homeschooling While Building a Business: My Real‑Life Schedule & Curriculum Choices - joymichelle.co/homeschooling-while-building-a-business

Episode 131: 7 Content Ideas to Boost Your Visibility & Brand Authority - joymichelle.co/7-content-ideas-visibility

Episode 34: Creating a Visibility Plan For Your Business Marketing - joymichelle.co/visibility-plan

Episode 167: The Invisible Sales Leak: Why Your Clients Stop Paying Attention After They Inquire - joymichelle.co/why-your-clients-stop-paying-attention-after-they-inquire

Rise Collective: learn.joymichellephotography.com/Rise-collective-Waitlist

Coaching: joymichelle.co/coaching

More ways to connect:
JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM
WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH
JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

Doors are NOW OPEN for The Rise Collective, an intimate group coaching experience designed for photographers whose work is strong—but whose business hasn’t caught up yet. If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone and build a business that reflects your talent, this is your next step. We kick off on September 16th, 2026!

DM RISE on Instagram for all the details: instagram.com/joyymichelle

If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!

Join Now >>

CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!