Episode Summary: In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate sits down with attorney, entrepreneur, and business strategist Rachel Brenke to unpack the key legal protections every creative business should have. Rachel shares insights from her own journey balancing law, family, and creative ventures, covering contracts, copyright, liability, AI and prevention strategies that save time, money, and stress.

What We Cover (Timestamps):

[5:40] Watermarks, copyright, and how to deter infringements

[47:23] Rachel’s background: attorney, author, and creative entrepreneur

[50:54] The three non-negotiables for creatives: contracts, copyright, liability protection

[52:53] Liability protection deep dive: contracts, business entity, insurance

[55:40] The value of prevention over cleanup—why front-end planning saves headaches

[58:20] Free resources and business audit for creative entrepreneurs

[1:01:58] Using AI as a legal and creative tool—pros, cons, and best practices

[1:02:58] Closing thoughts: incremental learning, practical legal steps, and protecting your business while you grow

Quotes to Remember:

"Contracts, copyright, and liability protection aren’t optional - they’re your business safety net." – Rachel Brenke

"Prevention always beats cleanup. It saves you time, money, and sanity." – Rachel Brenke

"AI is a good starting point, but it can’t replace strategy and human perspective." – Rachel Brenke

Resources Mentioned:

👉 Rachel Brenke’s website: rachelbrenke.com

🎧 Rachel’s podcast: Business Bites Podcast

🌐 TheLawTog: thelawtog.com → Use code LENS to save 20% off anything

📲 Free business audit and resources: rachelbrenke.com

💻 PhotoBiz: photobiz.com → Save 25% off your first year with code TOBTL

☕ The Coffee Roaster: coffeeroasterlnk.com → Enjoy 5% off your order with code TOBTL

Work with Kate:
🎓 Photography Workshop (Virtual, October) → katedecostephotography.com/photographers
✨ Earlybird Pricing available until September 15th!

Connect with Kate:

📸 Instagram: @katedecoste

🌐 Website: katedecostephotography.com

In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate DeCoste dives into the power of saying “no” in your photography business—and in life. She shares her personal journey of discovering what truly lights her up, letting go of the work that drains her, and embracing the messy middle of her creative story. From weddings and newborn sessions that weren’t a fit, to finding freedom and focus in high school senior and headshot sessions, Kate shows how saying no can lead to clarity, joy, and creative growth.

What We Cover (Timestamps):

[0:00] Welcome back, Shutter Squad—introducing the theme of saying no

[2:30] The messy middle: where anxiety, doubt, and growth intersect[

5:10] No as a complete sentence: freeing yourself and others

[7:40] Kate’s personal story: why weddings and newborns weren’t her fit

[12:20] The anxiety and pressure of shooting weddings—lessons from theater

[16:50] How saying no opened the door to what Kate truly loves: seniors & headshots[19:30] The Photo Confession Booth: sharing your photography fears, habits, or guilty pleasures[

22:00] Kate’s confession: missing an important bride & mother moment at a wedding

[27:40] Lessons learned from missed moments and why shot lists matter

[30:10] Weekly challenge: identify what you’ve been saying yes to that doesn’t bring you joy and practice saying no

Quotes to Remember:"

No is a complete sentence. It’s one of the kindest things you can do for yourself—and for others." – Kate DeCoste

"Saying no helped me hone my craft. It helped me get really good at what I love." – Kate DeCoste

"No is a boundary, no is a filter, no is a complete sentence—and no can change your business, your creativity, and your life." – Kate DeCoste

Resources Mentioned:

Shutter Squad Freebies: www.katedecostephotography.com/photographers

🌐 Kate’s website & booking info: katedecostephotography.com

💡 Aller Enterprises: https://tayloraller.myflodesk.com/freeplanner

Connect with Kate:

📸 Instagram: @katedecoste

🌐 Website: www.katedecostephotography.com

Episode Summary: In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate sits down with storytelling strategist and business coach Megan Yelaney to unpack how your origin story can be your greatest marketing asset. Megan shares how she went from theater and network marketing to building a multi-million-dollar business—all by leaning into what made her different and learning how to tell her story with intention. She also walks us through her signature 5-part Business Story Blueprint and how to use it to craft content that connects and converts.

What We Cover (Timestamps):

• [3:00] Megan’s unexpected journey from theater to network marketing to full-time business coach

• [7:44] How unlearning performance and learning to show up authentically transformed her brand

• [10:16] Why storytelling is your most powerful sales tool—especially in the age of AI

• [14:20] How to turn everyday moments (like toddler tantrums or Target runs) into relatable business content

• [16:42] The biggest storytelling mistake entrepreneurs make—and how to fix it

• [17:00] Megan’s 5-part Business Story Blueprint explained step-by-step:

• 1. Catalyst Moment – the hook that draws people in

  2. Transformation – what changed and how

  3. Impact – the ripple effect of solving the problem

  4. Mission – why you care deeply about what you do

  5. Unique Edge – what sets you apart from everyone else

• [26:00] Should you show your face online? (Especially if you're a behind-the-scenes creative)

• [28:00] Going live: why it builds trust and how to make it less awkward

• [31:00] Tips for going live without feeling like you need to “perform”

• [32:30] Don’t think you have a story? Here’s what to do instead

• [35:00] The power of “small” stories and why they often convert better than big dramatic ones

• [39:00] How to sell in a way that feels natural, not salesy

• [42:00] Perfectionism, progress, and why you need to just post the story already

• [45:00] Why likes ≠ sales and the importance of DMs over public validation

• [47:00] Vulnerable content and the quiet lurkers who become clients

Quotes to Remember:

"You don’t need a wild transformation to have a story worth telling. You need relatability and intention." – Megan Yelaney

"If you’re not selling, you’re actually limiting someone from being able to work with you." – Megan Yelaney

"I could get 10 likes and 5 DMs from the right people—and that’s a win." – Megan Yelaney

Resources Mentioned:

👉 Download the Free Business Story Blueprint

🎧 Listen to Megan’s podcast: https://meganyelaney.com/podcast

📲 Follow Megan on Instagram: @meganyelaney

💻 Work with Megan or learn more: www.meganyelaney.com

Mentioned in the episode:

5% off your Coffee Roaster Order: http://www.coffeeroasterlnk.com/tobtl

Episode 4 - The One with the Business Game Plan: Ads, Pricing & Photo Biz Wisdom with Andrew Hellmich

Connect with Kate: 📸 Follow Kate on Instagram: @katedecoste

🌐 Visit the website: www.katedecostephotography.com

Welcome to a special behind-the-scenes episode of The One Behind the Lens where Kate sits down with the consultant and strategy partner who helped bring this very podcast to life — Taylor Aller.

From the first sparks of an idea to late-night voxer messages and spreadsheet grading systems, Taylor shares her take on the magic of launching with heart, structure, and sustainable strategy.

They cover:

• The real reason multipassionate creatives burn out (and what to do instead)

• The moment Taylor knew Kate’s podcast had legs — and why this show fills a big industry gap

• A test-all-the-buttons breakdown of how Taylor helps clients reverse engineer their biggest dreams

• Taylor’s spicy hot take on business without social media (and how she fills her client roster anyway)

• Plus, Taylor’s #1 tip for anyone with a big idea and zero clue where to start

  🎯 Whether you're a few years into your photography biz or staring at a half-finished idea in your notes app — this one is for you.

  🔗 Grab Taylor’s free Make It Happen Planner: [https://tayloraller.myflodesk.com/freeplanner]

  🧠 Learn more about consulting with Taylor: [Website Link] 📅

  
  

  ⏱️ Timestamps:

  00:00 – Let’s go!

  01:04 – Voxer besties turned podcast guests

  02:33 – Taylor’s mission and why she’s never done doing new things

  05:59 – The moment Taylor knew “The One Behind the Lens” needed to exist

  10:20 – What really goes into launching a podcast (spoiler: way more than recording)

  12:36 – How Taylor helps clients with too many ideas find their strategy

  14:46 – Green flags Taylor looks for in clients (and how she screens them)

  20:24 – “Is this a Right Now or Not Yet?” — how to avoid the Thanksgiving plate problem

  22:03 – A breakdown of the Make It Happen Method 27:00 – Who’s your who? Why success never happens solo

  28:16 – Why this podcast matters — and what makes it so different

  32:39 – Taylor’s two best tips if you’re sitting on a stuck idea

  38:49 – The mindset shift to move forward even when you're overwhelmed

  41:15 – Do you really need social media to grow your business? Taylor’s take

  48:48 – What Taylor’s most excited about right now (Hint: It involves AI bots and women in tech)

  51:27 – One final takeaway: Find your who's

  52:51 – Wrapping it up with gratitude, leashes, and upcoming vacations

  💬 Quotes to Remember from “The One Behind the Launch”

  1. “My mission has always been the same — the vessels just keep changing.” – Taylor on building a career as a multipotentialite

  2. “You don’t have to do it all at once. And you don’t have to do it alone.” – Taylor’s reminder to creatives everywhere

  3. “The moment you said ‘yay, it’s YOU’ — I knew this podcast was going to be something special.” – Taylor on the magic behind Kate’s brand

  4. “Focus is a skill — not a personality trait.” – Taylor on helping multipassionates create sustainable strategies

  5. “Most people don’t need to niche down — they need to say ‘not yet’ more often.” – Taylor’s reframe for overwhelmed creatives

  6. “Success isn't about how fast you get there — it's about not quitting.” – Taylor on the real secret to long-term business growth

  7. “Business wasn’t always run on social media — and it doesn’t have to be now either.” – Taylor on why showing up differently still works

  8. “We’re not meant to hold the weight of our dreams alone.” – Taylor on finding your 'who’s'

  Let’s Connect:

  • DM or tag Kate on Instagram: @katedecoste

  • Subscribe, rate, and review if this episode helped you

  Want more behind the scenes? Subscribe to The One Behind the Lens wherever you listen to podcasts.

  
  

In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate chats with Andrew Hellmich. Wedding and portrait photographer, host of the #1 photography business podcast PhotoBizX, and a go-to expert for marketing, pricing, and business growth. With over 20 years of experience, Andrew shares actionable insights on running effective Facebook ads, building sustainable pricing models, and what truly makes a photography business thrive. Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale, this conversation is packed with smart strategies and real-talk wisdom.

Guest: Andrew Hellmich

Host: Kate DeCoste

Episode Length: 45 mins

Air Date: August 2025

⏱️ Timestamps + Episode Highlights

[0:00] Kate welcomes Andrew to the show Andrew shares how it feels to be on the other side of the mic (for once!) and reflects on what makes a great interview.

[2:10] The surprising reason Andrew got into photography Hint: it had nothing to do with weddings—and everything to do with fishing magazines.

[5:20] “Cheap guy syndrome” and raising rates Andrew shares how being known as the budget photographer nearly broke his business—and how niching changed everything.

[11:15] The biggest mistake photographers make in their first 5 years Trying to serve everyone (and pleasing no one).

[13:45] The truth about niching It’s not about style—it’s about knowing your client.

[16:30] Real talk on pricing and profit margins “If you’re not making money, it’s a hobby.”

[20:05] The difference between a business owner and a photographer who just takes pictures Spoiler: one has systems, the other has burnout.

[24:40] The mindset shift that changed everything Why Andrew stopped chasing “more” and started designing for enough.

[30:00] Marketing tips that actually work Why you don’t need more inquiries—you need better conversions.

[37:10] What Andrew wishes he knew earlier The importance of setting boundaries, expectations, and automating early.

[41:20] Final advice from Andrew Simple, powerful, and so worth writing down.

🔥 Quotable Moments

“It’s not about getting more inquiries. It’s about converting the ones you already have.” —Andrew Hellmich

“If you’ve been doing this for a few years and still feel like you’re just spinning your wheels, it’s time to get honest about your systems—or lack of them.” —Kate DeCoste

“You’re not too expensive. You just haven’t told the story of your value yet.” —Andrew Hellmich

📎 Resources + Links

• PhotoBizX Podcast – Andrew’s podcast for photographers who want to make a real income
  Follow Andrew on Facebook
  Andrew’s Freebie - Facebook Cheatsheet https://learn.photobizx.com/fb-ads-cheat-sheet/

  
  

  
  

  🔗 Grab Taylor’s free Make It Happen Planner Here
  

  
  🎧 Ready to Fix Your Business Workflow?

• If you loved this episode and want more like it, share it with a fellow photog, leave a review, or tag Kate on Instagram @katedecoste.

  And don't forget, every episode comes with a free, actionable resource to help you build your business better. Check the show notes!

  
  

Episode Title: Bonus: The One Where We Shutter Up & Celebrate: Live Launch Party & Replay+Juicy Photo Confessions

Length: ~45 minutes

Inside this Episode: We’re popping the virtual champagne! This bonus episode drops you right into the live launch party for The One Behind the Lens. Hear from guest experts Megan Yelaney and Ivy Towler, get Kate’s top three lessons for running a photography business, and laugh along with real-life photographer confessions. Plus — prize giveaways, sponsor shoutouts, and a reminder that you and your work matter.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Pre-party banter & music (“Walking on Sunshine” vibes)

• 10:25 – Kate’s welcome + podcast origin story

• 23:33 – Guest Panel: Megan Yelaney on storytelling that sells

• 37:20 – Guest Panel: Ivy Towler on realistic wellness for creatives

• 49:11 – Kate’s 3 things she wishes she knew before starting her business

• 52:00 – Giveaway #1 ($550 value)

• 55:45 – Photo Confession Booth – Hilarious & cringe-worthy photographer stories

• 1:01:50 – Giveaway #2 ($800 value)

• 1:05:00 – Closing gratitude + sponsor shoutouts

Quotes to Remember:

“Your story is the only thing that’s going to make you different from anyone else promising the same thing.” – Megan Yelaney “Get rid of the word diet and start living your life in a way that works for you.” – Ivy Towler “Being a great photographer isn’t enough — marketing, storytelling, and connection are just as important.” – Kate DeCoste

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Megan Yelaney – Website | Instagram

• Ivy Towler – Website | Instagram

• Sponsors & Discounts – Download the Launch Party Toolkit here
  

Inside the episode:

In this juicy solo episode, Kate pulls back the curtain on her own struggles with workflow. She shares her real-life photo confession and the exact 5-step fix that turned her mess into a manageable, repeatable system.

Whether you're a photographer, creative business owner, or just tired of feeling buried under your to-do list, this episode is your permission slip to simplify and thrive.

• The 5 foundational steps that keep Kate’s workflow under control

• How 10 minutes can change your creative life

• Tools that prevent burnout and lost client trust

📄 Download the free workflow guide & bonus video:
👉 The One with the 10-Minute Workflow Fix

Follow Kate:

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

Website

Big love to our sponsor Photobiz.com

The all-in-one platform trusted by photographers for websites, booking, galleries, and more.

✨ Want to simplify your workflow and look professional doing it?
They’ve got you covered and they’ve created a special offer just for listeners of The One Behind the Lens! Grab 25% off your first annual membership.

🔗 Head to: landing-page.photobiz.com/behind-the-lens