As a photographer, quarter four can feel like a blur - balancing client sessions and product deliveries while trying to create Christmas magic at home. Today Jessica is sharing practical ways to protect your sanity this holiday season through boundaries, planning, and prioritizing what matters most.

From setting clear client deadlines and establishing boundaries on your Q4 bookings to batching content and automating emails, these strategies will help you stay organized and stress-free. Jessica also reminds photographers that your presence at home is the greatest gift you can give your family — so block off family time, simplify holiday traditions, and make space in your schedule for creating new memories.

By taking these simple shifts to heart, you can have a profitable Q4 and enjoy your family through this holiday season!

Creative Moms Focus Episode 33: The True Cost of Undervaluing Your Work

Let’s Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Ever wonder how to make your client experience smoother and create more meaningful work? Samantha and Tara are pulling back the curtain on one of their secret weapons as photographers: client questionnaires.

It might sound simple, but these forms are pure magic when it comes to building trust, personalizing sessions, and truly connecting with clients. From wardrobe planning and location scouting to uncovering stories that help you capture authentic moments, questionnaires are the foundation for collaboration and creativity.

Whether you’re a photographer or any type of creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you design a client experience that feels less transactional and more personal.

Start small. Stay curious. Watch how your work (and client trust) transforms.

Client Questionnaire Sample: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1u3lB2SwSrttr3xHzX2HyGiEZKscowg5xKXD1FL7z1TM/edit?tab=t.0

Let’s Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Every photographer has been there—the toddler meltdown, the sibling squabble, the endless wiggles that seem to derail the perfect family photo session. But the truth is, those chaotic moments don’t have to ruin a shoot. We’re sharing five tried-and-true prompts that help turn unpredictable energy into authentic, joy-filled images.

From playful prompts that spark laughter to techniques that foster sweet, intimate moments, these strategies are designed to help kids feel comfortable, engaged, and even important during a session. You’ll hear how one idea encourages physical closeness, another channels movement into fun, and one even takes inspiration from the beloved show Bluey. We also share simple ways to keep kids fueled and happy during shoots—because sometimes a favorite snack is the magic ingredient that keeps everything on track.

As a bonus, we’re including a prompt we learned firsthand during our own family photos, proving that even as photographers, we never stop learning. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode will give you tools you can rely on when chaos strikes so you can capture genuine, memorable moments every time.

Let’s Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Behind every beautiful photo is a story—and for photographers, some of the most meaningful stories come from clients who return year after year. Today, Tara and Samantha dive into the heart of what makes photography so meaningful: the lasting relationships with returning clients.

From engagements to weddings, maternity sessions to newborn portraits, and everything beyond, photography allows you to walk alongside families through their biggest milestones. Tara and Samantha share why one of the greatest privileges of being a photographer is getting to witness these stories unfold over time.

They discuss:

• The magic of longevity with clients and how trust builds over the years
  
  

• Why return clients create a deeper connection in front of the camera
  
  

• How photographing milestone moments turns into documenting family legacies
  
  

• The role of authenticity, comfort, and consistency in bringing clients back
  
  

• Why relationships—not just posed shots—make the work truly unforgettable
  
  

Whether you’re a photographer, creative, or simply someone who values relationships in business, this episode will remind you that the real magic lies in connection.

Let’s Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

AI is everywhere right now—from social media to photography software—and as creative business owners, we can’t ignore it. But where’s the line between using AI as a helpful tool and letting it take over? In this week’s episode, Tara and Jessica are pulling back the curtain on how they actually use AI in their photography businesses—and where they choose not to.

Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s conversation:

• The AI tools we currently use in our creative workflows (and the ones we’re avoiding).
  
  

• How we use ChatGPT for brainstorming content ideas, writing Instagram captions, drafting blogs, and more—without letting it do all the work.
  
  

• Why Tara loves HoneyBook’s AI notetaker feature for client meetings, plus the important warnings she gives clients before using it.
  
  

• How Jessica uses Photoshop’s AI features, and why she’s giving Lightroom a second chance (even though she’s always been a Photoshop loyalist).
  
  

• Why we believe AI can help streamline and inspire our work—but will never replace the human touch that makes photography so meaningful.
  
  

AI isn’t going away. As creatives, it’s up to us to figure out how to use it intentionally, protect our originality, and let it enhance (not replace) the artistry we bring to our businesses.

We’d love to know: how are you using AI in your creative business? Send us a DM on Instagram @creativemomsfocus and join the conversation!

Let’s Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Are you curious about what it really means to live a “clean lifestyle”? In this episode co-hosts Jessica and Tara open up about their personal journeys toward creating healthier homes for their families. What started as two very different experiences — a family-wide Celiac disease diagnosis for Tara, and a cancer diagnosis in Jessica’s family — eventually led both women to explore the power of small, intentional swaps.

From food to cleaning supplies to personal care products, Jessica and Tara share how these changes impacted their households emotionally and physically. They also dive into the frustrating world of greenwashing, helping you understand how to spot misleading marketing so you can make better, more informed choices.

Their biggest reminder? You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Start small. Swap what feels doable. Notice the difference. And build on it.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore non-toxic living or you’ve been on this path for years, this conversation is packed with relatable stories, practical advice, and encouragement to keep moving forward.

Resources + Links Mentioned:

• Tara’s Clean Living Product List
  
  

Let’s Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

This week on Creative Moms Focus, Samantha and Jessica dive into a conversation every entrepreneurial mom needs to hear—how to prepare for maternity leave while running your own business.

At the time of recording, Jessica was preparing for her third maternity leave (spoiler alert: baby boy is here!) and shares the lessons she’s learned as a solo business owner balancing clients, systems, and family. Even though it’s her third time around, she reminds us that maternity leave never feels easy—but with the right planning, it is possible to step away from work without losing momentum.

Samantha, a mom of two, emphasizes that maternity leave doesn’t have to mean pausing your entire business. Together, the two discuss practical strategies for planning ahead, communicating with clients, automating workflows, and easing back into work at your own pace.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

• The importance of client communication and setting clear expectations.
  
  

• Why systems and automations are your best friend during leave.
  
  

• How to batch social content, newsletters, and blogs before baby arrives.
  
  

• Why backup plans matter when things don’t go as expected.
  
  

• The value of temporary help (even just 5 hours a week!).
  
  

• How to ease back into work after leave without overwhelming yourself.
  
  

Whether you’re expecting your first baby or navigating maternity leave for the third time, this episode is full of practical advice to help you protect your business and savor this precious season of motherhood.

Tune in to learn how to set yourself—and your clients—up for success during maternity leave.

Let’s Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Feeling burned out and struggling to find your creative spark again? You’re not alone. In this episode of Creative Moms Focus, Samantha and Jessica open up about the realities of burnout as photographers — and the intentional resets that helped them reconnect with their creativity.

They share personal stories, from taking a painting class at a local arts center to stepping out of their comfort zones at a retreat (including one surprising role behind the camera!). You’ll hear how they recognized the warning signs of burnout—like procrastination, lack of inspiration while editing, and exhaustion after photoshoots—and what steps they took to create space for rest, rejuvenation, and new inspiration.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The most common signs of creative burnout and how to spot them early.
  
  

• Why stepping away from your camera (and your phone!) can actually make you a stronger photographer.
  
  

• Simple, restorative practices to reignite your inspiration—like embroidery, music, books, walks, or bubble baths.
  
  

• How connecting with other creatives outside your industry can spark fresh ideas.
  
  

• The importance of building “white space” into your schedule as an entrepreneur.
  
  

If you’ve been feeling uninspired or overwhelmed, this conversation is your reminder that rest isn’t wasted time—it’s fuel for your creativity.

We’d love to know: What’s helped you reset and find inspiration lately? Share it with us on social media or send us a message—we’d love to feature your ideas in a future episode. And if you know another photographer or creative who needs this reminder, please pass this episode along!

Let’s Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.