What it actually looks like to open and run a photography studio.

Alex talks with @annalaurasommer, photographer and owner of @shinestudio.chs, about the shift from photographer to studio owner and everything that comes with it.

Anna Laura shares how she first got started in photography, what her business looked like before a studio was even on her radar, and the moment she realized her role was changing. They talk through the decision to open a physical studio, what made her feel ready to take that step, and the fears that came up before opening the doors.

The conversation gets into the real day to day of studio ownership, including admin, scheduling renters, + communication. Anna Laura also shares what surprised her most, what she wishes she had known earlier, and what she would tell someone thinking about opening a studio in their own area.

If you’ve ever thought about opening a studio or felt the pull toward the business owner side of photography, this episode offers an honest look behind the scenes.

DON’T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

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PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ https://www.photocampinfo.com

🎉MENTORSHIPS

If you’re craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET’S CONNECT 🫶

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephoto

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡 My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

I'm chattin' with @lindseycrawfordphoto to talk honestly about what it really looks like to transition into full time photography. From navigating burnout and slow seasons to building community and trusting yourself when nothing feels “official,” this conversation is real, practical, and soooo good to listen to if you want to become a full time photographer!

DON’T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

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🎉MENTORSHIPS If you’re craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET’S CONNECT 🫶

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephoto

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡

My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ https://www.photocampinfo.com

Scott Proposki has photographed for National Geographic, Sports Illustrated, HBO, the White House, and so many massive brands and teams, and then experienced a complete business and identity reset when the pandemic hit.

We talk about what it’s really like to lose momentum after building something big, how identity can quietly get wrapped up in our work, and why sustainable success for photographers has so much more to do with leadership, clarity, and problem solving than just “good photos.”

Scott shares the behind the scenes of rebuilding from scratch, why comparison can derail even the most experienced creatives, and how focusing on one thing (instead of 32 ideas at once 🙃) can change everything.

If you’re a photographer who feels stuck, overwhelmed, burnt out, or just unsure of what the next step should be, this episode is such an encouraging reminder that your story, your experience, and your perspective actually matter more than you think. This one is full of mindset shifts, practical wisdom, and a lot of “oh wow, I needed that” moments.

You’re going to love Scott and the heart behind what he’s building.

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🎉MENTORSHIPS

If you’re craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET’S CONNECT 🫶

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephoto

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡

My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ https://www.photocampinfo.com

DON’T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

in this episode, alex (@alexblakephotography) introduces us to her husband, zach. enjoy some q+a with zach from alex's instagram friends, and hear about how they find creative inspiration, their nicknames for each other, the evolution of his hair, what it's like to be married to an entrepreneur, and more!

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WATCH ON YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography

HANG WITH ME ON IG:

https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography/

PHOTO CAMP INFO:

http://photocampinfo.com

Have you ever felt like you're taking a step backward in your business? Like things that used to flow easily suddenly feel slow, quiet, or uncertain?

In today's episode, I'm sharing about what it really means to walk through a season of refinement — and how I've learned that those hard seasons aren't wasted ones. From rebuilding my business after moving from Georgia to Charleston, to seeing God's hand in the quiet in-between, I'm reminded that refinement isn't failure. It's formation.

We'll talk about what refinement looks like, how to recognize when you're in it, and how to lean into the process instead of rushing through it.

Because sometimes the seasons that feel like falling behind are actually the ones that make you the strongest!

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🎉MENTORSHIPS If you're craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET'S CONNECT 🫶 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephoto

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡 My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ https://www.photocampinfo.com

DON'T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

In today's special holiday episode, I'm sharing a heartwarming Christmas story designed to spark creativity in every artist and creative.

This tale is about Noelle, a creative who's feeling a little burnt out this holiday season, but she's reminded of the magic that Christmas brings. With the help of her friend, Nicholas, Noelle finds the inspiration she's been searching for in the most unexpected place—a quiet manger scene. Through this story, we explore the themes of love, light, and how the simplest moments can ignite a creative spark.

If you're feeling stuck or uninspired this season, this episode is for you. Grab your cocoa, cozy up, and let's dive into this holiday tale together.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• A heartwarming Christmas story for creatives

• How a quiet moment of reflection can reignite your artistic passion

• The importance of finding inspiration in the small, often overlooked details

• A gentle reminder to let love and joy guide your creativity

Follow Alex on Instagram: instagram.com/alexblakephotography

Photo Camp Info:photocampinfo.com

AI Culling/Editing 30-Day Free Trial: https://aftershoot.com/friends?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount: https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast to stay inspired and support the show! 🎙️

Struggling to turn inquiries into actual bookings? You're not alone! In this episode, I'm chatting with Rachel Traxler, a sales funnel expert for photographers, about how to create a seamless client journey that actually converts.

We're breaking down:

✅ What a sales funnel is & why it's a game-changer for your business

✅ How to simplify your client experience to book more effortlessly

✅ The power of customized booking forms & vendor relationships

✅ Different buyer types & how to sell to each one

✅ What to do if your sales funnel isn't working

If you're ready to book more clients without working harder, this episode is for you!

💬 What's one change you'll make to your sales process? Drop a comment!

RACHEL TRAXLER:

https://www.instagram.com/racheltraxler/?hl=en

LET'S CONNECT 🫶

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡

My Gear + Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊

⛺️

https://www.photocampinfo.com

DON'T FORGET!

🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!