Summer School - A Photography + Creative Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Power of Positivity: Building a Business as a Couple with Chasing Sunsets Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

Hi everyone! Today I had an amazing chat with Brittany and Alex from Chasing Sunsets to talk about their journey from living on the road in a van to building a thriving creative business. We dive into how they turned their love for storytelling into a full-time career, the power of a positive mindset, and how daily routines keep them grounded. Listen in as they share about showing up authentically online, working as a couple, and finding balance between stability and creativity. I loved this conversation, and I hope you find it and inspiring :)

Meet Alex and Britt

Alex and Britt are an energetic husband and wife team based in Wisconsin, specializing in wedding photography and videography. With a deep passion for storytelling, they capture the unique, heartfelt moments of every couple’s big day, creating timeless memories that reflect the emotions and love that make every celebration unique. Beyond their craft, Alex and Britt are firm believers that by focusing on positivity, growth, and gratitude, they can unlock limitless potential in both their personal lives and their business. They are committed to empowering others to harness the same energy of possibility, inspiring couples and fellow creatives alike to manifest their dreams and live with intention. Together, Alex and Britt are not just business partners—they’re a team dedicated to building a life of purpose, joy, and abundance, both through their wedding work and in the way they approach every aspect of life. They love sharing their journey, helping others tap into the power of their own creativity along the way.

Connect with Britt and Alex:

Website: chasingsunsetsphotoandfilm.com
Instagram: @chasingsunsetsllc | TikTok: @chasingsunsetsphotoandfilm

Click Here for More Links and Education

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Show Notes: the-summerschool.com

Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool

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Client Management Made Easy: Why HoneyBook Is My Go-To Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

Hi everyone! With the holidays and the new year just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get organized and explore new tools to help your business. So in today's episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite tools that has completely transformed my business: HoneyBook. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your creative business, I’ll share how HoneyBook can help you set up the systems you need to achieve big goals. HoneyBook has been my go-to for staying organized and growing my business since I was 19. I’ll break down my favorite features, like contact forms, automated payment reminders, and professional invoicing, and share how they’ve saved me time and helped me book more clients.

Connect with Me:

Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!

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Show Notes: the-summerschool.com

Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool

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My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

My Pricing Guide

Shooting Destination Weddings: Travel Tips and All Things Film with Kayleigh Taylor Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

Hi everyone! Today I sat down with the incredibly talented Kayleigh Taylor. We chatted all about her journey into destination wedding photography, and everything she's learned along the way. Listen in as she shares all about traveling, film, and so many awesome tips for photographers of all kinds. I hope you find this conversation valuable and inspiring :)

About Kayleigh:

Kayleigh Taylor is a destination wedding photographer based on the east coast, though her work frequently has her traveling all around the country and throughout Europe. She is most known for her film work and hyper-romantic yet documentary style images. Along with her photography career she is a passionate educator to fellow creatives, specializing in teaching about breaking into the destination market, shooting film, flash photography, editing and more.

Connect with Kayleigh:

Instagram: @kayleightaylor

For presets and educational products visit kayleightaylorphotography.com

Connect with Me:

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Show Notes: the-summerschool.com

Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool

Shop My Products:

Become a Member of Summer School

My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

My Pricing Guide

Navigating the Wedding Photography World with Tess Gearhart: Film, Posing, and Behind-the-Scenes Insights Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

Hi friends! In this episode, I chat with Tess Gearhart, an incredible wedding photographer known for her unique blend of digital and film styles. We explore her journey into film photography, her approach to authentic posing, and tips for working smoothly with other vendors.

About Tess:

Tess is a 26 year old wedding photographer based in the southwest. She has been in the wedding industry for 8 years now, but has been in love with photography since she was a kid. What started as a weekend side gig, has now completely transformed into a full time career of traveling and photographing the most amazing couples. She has also dedicated her time to creating educational content for aspiring wedding photographers. Her style is very casual, yet refined. Mixing together chaos and elegance, she is a lover of finding meaning in the mundane through the art of photography.

Connect with Tess:

Want to shop any of Tess' education? Use this code for 25% off site-wide: TGFILM25

Website: tgphotofilm.com

Presets: tgphotofilm.com/presets

Instagram: @tessgearhart.photofilm

Connect with Me:

Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!

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Show Notes: the-summerschool.com

Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool

Shop My Products:

Become a Member of Summer School

My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

My Pricing Guide

Building an Associate Team with Ben Lau: Tips for Expanding Your Photography Business Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

Welcome Back! Today I sat down with Ben Lau, an incredible wedding photographer and entrepreneur from Northern New Jersey and NYC, to talk about building an associate team and running multiple brands. Ben shares his journey from solo photographer to managing three distinct wedding brands alongside his wife, Karis, allowing them to capture over 100 weddings a year. We dive into everything from finding the right people, defining brand identity, and the power of networking to keep a business thriving. I found this conversation super inspiring, and I hope you do too!

About Ben:

Ben Lau is one-half of a husband & wife duo who owns/manages 3 award winning wedding photography brands, photographing over 100 weddings every year in NYC & Northern NJ. He's also a sales & marketing educator, teaching wedding creatives how to do better in their sales & marketing, so they can focus on what they do best - their photography, filmmaking, or whatever it is that they sell. He and his wife are the founders of the Focused AF Summit, a business-focused wedding conference here in Northern NJ, and they're also co-hosts of the Focused AF Podcast, where he, his wife, along with another husband & wife duo, interview other successful entrepreneurs to learn how to level-up in their businesses.

Do you need any more advice? Fill out the inquiry form below if you would like to schedule a mentorship with me. Mentorship’s open Nov. 1st!!

BOOK A MENTORSHIP

Connect with Ben Online:

Website: benlau.com

Instagram: @benlauphoto
FB Group: Go-Getting Creative

Connect with Me:

Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!

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Show Notes: the-summerschool.com

Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool

Shop My Products:

Become a Member of Summer School

My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

My Pricing Guide

A Chat with G&M Photo and Film: Social Media, Posing, Client Experience, and More Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

Welcome Back! Today, I sit down with Georgia McMaster of G&M Photo and Film to explore the art of posing and creating authentic client connections. Georgia shares how she and her husband, Micah, bring each couple’s story to life with natural poses, collaborative mood boards, and relaxed sessions. We also dive into their social media strategies that attract clients and build a strong brand. Be sure to connect with Georgia - links down below!!

About Georgia:

Georgia and Micah are destination wedding photographers as well as photography educators! They started their business together in 2020, and being part of people’s stories has been an incredible experience for them over the past four years. Their journey has taken them all over the world and has created so many amazing friendships with the best people along the way.

Based out of Charleston, South Carolina, they made the move a few years ago on a whim, and it’s turned out to be one of their best decisions yet. When they’re not shooting in Charleston, they’re likely traveling the globe for weddings and sessions, or working on education content to help photographers. They are passionate about empowering photographers by sharing courses and presets to help elevate their businesses to the highest level. They believe in fostering growth within the photography community and are dedicated to supporting others in reaching their full potential.

Do you need any more advice? Fill out the inquiry form below if you would like to schedule a mentorship with me. Mentorship’s open Nov. 1st!!

BOOK A MENTORSHIP

Connect With Georgia online:

Website: gmvisionsphotography.com

Instagram: @_gmphotoandfilm_
Presets: @_gmpresets_
Education: @_gmeducation
Tik Tok: @_gmvisions_

Connect with Me:

Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!

SUBSCRIBE HERE

Show Notes: the-summerschool.com

Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool

Shop My Products:

Become a Member of Summer School

My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

My Pricing Guide

Advice Column: Bad Contracts, Finding Your Editing Style, and More Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Summer School, I’m answering your comments and stories! From handling shooting stress to discovering your editing style, I’m diving into real questions you’ve sent in and sharing advice based on my own experiences. Tune in for real talk, updates, and hopefully some inspiration for your photography journey :)

Do you need any more advice? Fill out the inquiry form below if you would like to schedule a mentorship with me. Mentorship’s open Nov. 1st!!

BOOK A MENTORSHIP

Connect with Me:

Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!

SUBSCRIBE HERE

Show Notes: the-summerschool.com

Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool

Shop My Products:

Become a Member of Summer School

My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

My Pricing Guide

Travel Tips: Learn From My Mistakes as a Destination Wedding Photographer Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

Today, I’m diving into the travel tips and tricks I’ve picked up as a destination wedding photographer. From booking non-stop flights to maximizing travel rewards and navigating last-minute car rentals, I’m sharing the lessons I’ve learned from both my wins and mistakes. We’ll cover everything from smart gear packing to why non-stop flights are a must for wedding days. Whether you’re juggling multiple events or prepping for your first big destination gig, these tips will help you travel more efficiently and stress-free. Join me as I share the strategies that have helped me streamline my business travel!

Connect with Me:

Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!

SUBSCRIBE HERE

Show Notes: the-summerschool.com

Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool

Shop My Products:

Become a Member of Summer School

My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

My Pricing Guide

5 Mistakes I Made When Starting My Business and How You Can Avoid Them Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Summer School, I'm diving into the 5 biggest mistakes I made when starting my business—and how you can avoid them. From underpricing your services to trying to do it all yourself, I’m sharing the lessons I’ve learned along the way to help you run a smoother, more sustainable business. As usual, I’ll give you some life updates, including prepping for my last wedding before maternity leave and how i've been juggling work-life balance these days. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, tune in for some real talk and practical advice!

My Accountant:

Instagram: @roccotundocpa

Connect with Me:

Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!

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Show Notes: the-summerschool.com

Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool

Shop My Products:

Become a Member of Summer School

My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

My Pricing Guide

You Asked I Answered Pt 2: Film Photography, Declining Bookings, Finding Associates and More Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

It's Q&A time! I'm diving into some of your most-asked questions and sharing updates on life, business, and photography. From balancing a busy wedding season while preparing for maternity leave to my go-to photography gear, I’m answering it all. I’ll cover everything from how to gracefully decline a booking, what I pack in my camera bag, pricing film packages, and even how I plan to navigate work-life balance once the baby arrives. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, there’s something here for everyone! Tune in for some candid insights and practical advice.

Connect with Me:

Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!

SUBSCRIBE HERE

Show Notes: the-summerschool.com

Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool

Shop My Products:

Become a Member of Summer School

My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)

My Pricing Guide