I'm sitting down with Abbey for a really honest conversation about motherhood, comparison, and running a creative business in a new season of life.

Abbey was on the podcast before becoming a mom, and so much has shifted since then! We talk about how motherhood reshapes not just your schedule or workflow, but how you see yourself as a person and a creative. This conversation isn't about having it all figured out, but about navigating change, releasing expectations, and redefining success in a season that looks very different than before.

If you're a photographer who's a mom, becoming one, or simply feeling tension between who you were and who you're becoming, this episode is for you.

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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!

Today I'm chatting with Sue (@sue.shutterbug) to talk honestly about what it looks like to build a profitable and sustainable senior photography business.

We cover everything from the importance of community and client relationships to creating a standout senior experience that actually supports your income. Sue shares how shifting to in-person sales changed her business, how she thinks about the full client journey, and what profitability really means beyond just revenue numbers.

We also dive into mindset shifts that matter, including the 80/20 rule, intentional income dips, niche marketing, and how to communicate value without overextending yourself or burning out.

You'll hear us reference Jen throughout this conversation as well - If you want to connect with her, you can find her on Instagram at @jenrenpro.

If you love senior photography but feel stuck between staying busy and building something sustainable, this conversation will give you clarity, encouragement, and practical perspective :)

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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!

I asked photographers to send in their most awkward photoshoot moments… the ones no one posts, the ones that still make you cringe, and the ones that remind you we're all human. And I'm reading them exactly as they were sent to me.

From saying the wrong thing, to calling a client the wrong name, to moments that were awkward, uncomfortable, or straight up chaotic — this episode is all storytelling and no shame.

If you've ever walked away from a shoot replaying something in your head thinking "why did I say that," this one's for you.

Follow @alexblakephoto and subscribe if you want more convos like this - and if you have an awkward story of your own, send it my way for a future episode 🤍

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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!

It's the first episode of the year!!! YAY! I'm kicking things off with a casual, honest conversation with my friend Maegan (@maegangrendellphoto) about the things we're officially leaving in 2025.

We're talking about habits, expectations, and mindsets we picked up over the years that just don't make sense to carry into a new year. As photographers and business owners, it's easy to hold onto things out of fear, pressure, or "this is how it's always been done" thinking, and we get real about what we're choosing to let go of instead.

This episode feels like sitting on the couch talking it out, not a list of resolutions or a big motivational speech. Just a real conversation to start the year feeling lighter, more clear headed, and reminded that you don't have to bring everything with you into what's next.

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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!

Photography retreats can feel intimidating at first. Like you need to be more experienced, more confident, or have everything figured out before you go. Spoiler alert: you don't.

In this episode, I'm sharing what I've actually learned from going to photography retreats over the years. The awkward first day energy, how much you learn just by watching other photographers shoot, why Instagram confidence disappears the second you meet people in real life, and why styled shoots feel so creatively freeing.

If you've ever thought about going to a retreat but felt nervous, unsure, or like you might not fit in, this one's for you. It's light, honest, and very real.

Hit play and hang out with me 🎧

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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!

Today we're talking about the little things that make a big difference in your photos — the tiny tweaks most beginners overlook but instantly transform your work once you start paying attention to them.

If you've been wanting to improve your posing, clean up your compositions, make your photos look more polished, or just feel more confident behind the camera… this is the episode for you.

Everything in here is simple, beginner friendly, + something you can start using today :)

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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!

Today we're getting cozy and talking through 10 indoor photoshoot ideas you can try this winter. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean your creativity has to freeze with it. From hotel lobbies to grocery stores to museums, these locations will spark new ideas, stretch your skills, and get you shooting again even on the chilliest days. Save this one for the next time you're stuck inside and need a little inspiration!

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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!

After walking through infertility for nearly three years, I was preparing for surgery — and just two days after publicly opening up about that journey for the first time, we found out we were pregnant. A literal miracle.

But this episode isn't just about the miracle. It's about what surrender really looks like — in life, in business, and in faith. Because even now, I'm still learning that being pregnant isn't the finish line of infertility… it's another opportunity to trust God fully.

Today I'm sharing how surrender has shaped every part of my story — from trusting Him with finances when I wasn't booking shoots, to redefining what success means as I prepare for motherhood.

If you're in a season of waiting, pivoting, or releasing control, this one's for you.

🎉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!