Episode summary:
Event photography is one of the most reliable income streams a photographer in business can build, and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Grace Costa draws on 25 years behind the camera to share exactly how she runs corporate events, from the first inquiry to the final gallery. That experience includes weddings, a decade as a Department of Defence photographer covering VIP ceremonies, and years of corporate work for major Australian organisations.

You'll hear how Grace quotes events so she wins against three competing vendors, why she arrives early (and it's not to set up her gear), the two lenses and flash setup she relies on, and the specific way she photographs speakers, award presentations and networking groups so her images stand out. She also shares how Google has been sending her event leads for years, and how you can set up your website to do the same.

Support the show

Find Grace at www.gracecosta.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ONLY NEWSLETTER https://www.gracecosta.com/subscribe/

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIES https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

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

About This Episode

Grace sits down with Hugh Stewart, a photographer and director with a 35+-year career spanning London, New York, Sydney & Melbourne. Hugh has worked for major magazines + brands (Vogue, Vanity Fair, Dior), advertising agencies, and film companies including a long-running creative relationship with Baz Luhrmann on films like Elvis, Moulin Rouge, Gatsby, The Get Down and Chanel commercials and worked with Peter Jackson on Lord of the Rings. He opened an accessible portrait studio in Woollahra, Sydney, flipping the traditional high-pressure studio model on its head. In this conversation, he shares what he's learned about authenticity, connection, and surviving decades in a changing industry.

The book Hugh mentions The Maverick Soul

Links

• Grace Costa on Instagram: @gracecostaphotographer
• Photographers Only Business Membership HERE
• Hugh Stewart on Instagram: @hugh_stewart_

This is membership is only for photographers who are done mucking around and sick of waiting for results.

If you're ready to back yourself, build your business, and stop waiting for clients to find you, I’d love you to join me HERE.

Support the show

Find Grace at www.gracecosta.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ONLY NEWSLETTER https://www.gracecosta.com/subscribe/

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIES https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

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

In this episode:

• What "bitch face vibes" means for your website and why it could be the reason clients ghost you
• The homepage essentials: stating who you serve, who you are, and how you serve them all above the fold
• Why missing your first name on your website and Instagram bio is turning people away before they even reach out
• How to use AI (ChatGPT, Claude) to craft a succinct messaging statement that attracts your ideal client
• The importance of clear call-to-action buttons, readable font sizes, and enough copy to make visitors feel safe investing in you
• Why even photographers using website templates (Squarespace, WordPress, Wix) still struggle to convert and what to do about it

Resources mentioned:

• Website Checklist — download your free first step HERE
• Website Audit Sessions — book a one-on-one audit with Grace HERE
• Photographers Only Mentorship Community — monthly masterclasses, co-working sessions, and virtual coffee catch-ups. Doors are open now!

Connect with Grace:

• Share this episode with a photographer friend using the share function
• Leave a review so more photographers can find the podcast
• Subscribe to be notified when each new episode drops

Support the show

Find Grace at www.gracecosta.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ONLY NEWSLETTER https://www.gracecosta.com/subscribe/

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIES https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

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

Resources for photographers https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

In this debut Ask Grace segment, Grace Costa answers a listener question from a recent Pricing Blueprint workshop: What do you do when a client asks for something outside your skillset?

Grace breaks down three ways to handle this situation:

1. Learn it fast — Practice at home before the job (not recommended unless you're confident you can deliver).
2. Hire a subcontractor — Bring in another photographer or videographer, pay them a portion of your quote, and keep the job under your production.
3. Guide the client to their own solution — Say no politely, recommend other professionals, and let the client find their own answer.

Support the show

Find Grace at www.gracecosta.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ONLY NEWSLETTER https://www.gracecosta.com/subscribe/

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIES https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

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

Resources for photographers https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

Support the show

Find Grace at www.gracecosta.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ONLY NEWSLETTER https://www.gracecosta.com/subscribe/

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIES https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

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

Resources for photographers https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Photo Diaries Podcast, Grace Costa breaks down a common problem for photographers in business: not asking for the sale. From websites with no clear call-to-action buttons to social media posts that leave potential clients guessing, Grace explains why assuming people know you're open for business is costing you bookings and what to do about it.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Pricing Blueprint Live Class — A live class for photographers on building pricing you can stand behind and communicating it with confidence. Happening August 31st, 2026. $27. HERE
• Photographers Only Mentorship — Grace's community for photographers looking to build a booked-out business. HERE

Action Items for Listeners:

1. Audit your website homepage is there a clear CTA button telling visitors what to do next?
2. Review your last 5 social media posts did you include a call to action in the caption?
3. Check your Instagram Stories are you telling people you're open for bookings?
4. Look at your blog posts are there booking and pricing links in the copy?
5. Test your enquiry-to-booking flow how many clicks does it take for a client to give you money?

Support the show

Find Grace at www.gracecosta.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ONLY NEWSLETTER https://www.gracecosta.com/subscribe/

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIES https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

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

Resources for photographers https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

Find out about the Photographers Only Mentorship Community HERE

Episode Summary

Grace walks through exactly how to create and run a headshot day a streamlined, profitable format that helped her grow her photography business early on. Whether you're a commercial, branding, wedding, or portrait photographer, this episode breaks down everything you need to set one up from scratch.

Key Takeaways:

• Keep it simple for your first one solo, strip it back, white background
• Always send a booking reminder (day before, or week before + day before)
• Use the proof gallery as your upsell opportunity
• Build a dedicated sales page with all details, pricing, and inclusions
• Promote relentlessly across multiple formats (reels, video, slides, carousels)

Support the show

Find Grace at www.gracecosta.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ONLY NEWSLETTER https://www.gracecosta.com/subscribe/

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIES https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

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

Resources for photographers https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

Resources mentioned: Website checklist HERE Google Listing Guide HERE

The Photographers Only Membership HERE

In this episode Grace Costa makes the case that websites are far from dead and in fact should be doing the heavy lifting for your photography business instead of relying on social media alone. Drawing from recent website reviews she conducted for Photographers Only members, Grace breaks down exactly what's missing from most photographer websites and how to fix it.

This is membership is only for photographers who are done mucking around and sick of waiting for results.

If you're ready to back yourself, build your business, and stop waiting for clients to find you, I’d love you to join me HERE.

Support the show

Find Grace at www.gracecosta.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ONLY NEWSLETTER https://www.gracecosta.com/subscribe/

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIES https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/

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

Resources for photographers https://www.gracecosta.com/resources/