Running a wedding photography business can feel like a constant tug of war. I talk honestly about work-life balance as a wedding photographer and what it really looks like behind the scenes. Between editing, client communication, travel, and family life, it can feel like everything is competing for your attention at once. I break this episode into five parts, including my 20 minute rule for time management, editing without obsessing over every tiny imperfection, setting boundaries around travel and life, managing client expectations, and growing your business without losing creative fulfillment.

I share the systems and mindset shifts that have helped me protect my time, keep clients happy, and still enjoy life outside of photography. This episode is a reminder that you do not have to do everything at once or perfectly for your business to thrive. Small consistent choices add up, and when you create space for rest, clarity, and boundaries, your work and your life both benefit.

Key takeaways:

• Clear focus matters more than having more time, and working in short intentional bursts helps prevent burnout while increasing productivity.
• Editing does not require perfection on every image, and letting go of tiny imperfections can save hours without changing how clients experience their photos.
• Setting boundaries around availability, travel, and personal time protects both your energy and your professionalism.
• Clear and predictable client communication reduces stress and helps manage expectations before and after the wedding day.
• Sustainable growth comes from saying no when needed, protecting your creativity, and building a business that supports life outside of work.

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In this episode I talk about how to evaluate opportunities without burning out or losing sight of your worth. Early in my career, I said yes to far too many things because I thought that was how you proved yourself. This conversation is about slowing down your decision making and learning how to tell the difference between an opportunity that moves you forward and one that quietly drains your time, energy, and confidence.

I break down the reality of exposure, when low paying or unpaid work can actually be a smart investment, and when it is simply a cost. We also talk about second shooting, mentorship, burnout, and boundaries, and how clarity and intention are key at every stage of your career. The goal is not to say yes less, but to say yes with purpose, protect your energy, and build a career that is sustainable.

Key takeaways:

• Exposure is not a form of payment. If an opportunity cannot clearly explain who will see your work, how it will be shared, and why it matters for your goals, it is not a strategy, it is a vague promise.
• Low paying or unpaid work can be valuable when it offers real learning, mentorship, or meaningful connections. Second shooting and intentional mentorship often accelerate growth more than jumping straight into your own bookings.
• Burnout is not just about being busy. It often comes from imbalance, especially when effort is not matched with fair compensation, respect, or recognition.
• Red flags are usually about a lack of clarity. Vague expectations, pressure to decide quickly, no contract, or working for free while others profit are signs to pause or walk away.
• Your career moves in seasons. A strategic yes can be an investment in one phase, and a strategic no can protect your energy in another. Growth comes from intentional decisions, not saying yes to everything.

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I sit down with my good friend and fellow photographer, Nikki of Nicole Michelle Photography, to talk about her journey into wedding photography and what it really takes to grow in this industry. We dive into how she transitioned from running a jewelry business to photographing weddings, why second shooting and mentorship accelerated her growth, and how much contracts, preparation, and professionalism actually matter. We also talk about energy on a wedding day, working seamlessly as a team, standing out in a saturated market, navigating Gen Z clients, and why being yourself is still the most powerful business strategy. This conversation is honest, practical, and rooted in community over competition.

Key takeaways:

• Mentorship and second shooting can dramatically shorten the learning curve by exposing you to real wedding day situations and workflows that cannot be learned alone.
• The energy you bring into a wedding day matters as much as your technical skill because couples and guests respond to your presence and calm under pressure.
• A strong and clearly written contract is essential for running a sustainable business because it sets expectations and helps prevent misunderstandings before they happen.
• In a saturated industry the photographers who stand out are those who show up consistently and stay true to their personality instead of chasing trends.
• Thoughtful preparation and strong teamwork allow photographers to tell the story more fully and create a smoother experience for the couple.

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Check out Lisette's website and follow her on Instagram