Summer School - A Photography + Creative Podcast

Latest Episodes:

All Things Summer School: The Membership Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Alright... I’ve got some HUGE news to share. I’m beyond excited to announce that Summer School is evolving into an actual, literal school—and I want you to be a part of this new adventure. Join me as I break down the new subscription platform—complete with exclusive podcasts, classes, digital products, and community features designed to elevate your creative journey and help you connect with others. I’ll cover how you can access the platform on both app and browser, and all that will be included in this comprehensive and affordable educational platform for photographers!

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: You Asked I Answered Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

Hi everyone! Today we're talking about all things advice. You all submitted questions for me on Instagram, and I'll be going through a bunch of them, giving you my two cents and feedback. Also, I'm spilling the beans on our new Summer School subscription platform launching March 1st, which will include exclusive podcasts, classes, and more. I hope you enjoy this episode :)

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

Photography Hot Takes with Summer and Jake: Part 3 Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

It's finally here - Part 3 of Hot Takes with Summer and Jake! We're diving back into more Hot Takes, tackling a fresh round of your wild opinions and our honest reactions. From luxury wedding photographers, the film versus digital debate, and Taylor Swift...it was a fun one! We hope you enjoy it :)

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

Wedding Trends 2025: What's In and What's Out with Jess from Authenica Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Hi everyone! In this episode we're hitting a HOT topic. Today I sit down with Jess from Authenica to explore the hottest wedding trends for 2025. We chat about how couples are moving away from traditional styles and embracing authenticity in every detail—from decor and photography to overall vibe. Jess shares her insider insights on which trends are making waves and which ones are fading out, offering a fresh perspective for wedding professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Meet Jess:

A master of all things beautiful, Jess began her journey orchestrating unforgettable weddings and crafting floral masterpieces that told love stories in petals and hues. A proud East Coast native and graduate of Johnson & Wales with a degree in event planning, she honed her eye for detail and her knack for capturing magic in every moment. In 2020, she traded the Atlantic breeze for Utah’s mountain air, bringing her creative spirit westward. But her passion didn’t stop at florals and flawless events—recently, she dove into the world of photography, freezing time with the same elegance and artistry that once adorned aisles and altars. Whether behind the scenes or behind the lens, Jess brings passion, precision, and a touch of magic to everything she touches.

Connect with Jess:

Website: authenica.co
Instagram: @jesselizmyers

Connect with Me:

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

SUBSCRIBE HERE

Show Notes: summergracephoto.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

Off-Season Grind: Set Yourself Up for Success Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

Hi friends! It's just me this time, and we’re talking about how to make the most of those quieter months when business slows down. Now's a great time to prepare, refresh your portfolio, and tackle that ever-growing admin pile. I’ll also be catching you up on my life, where my head is at going into this year, and what I’ve been up to lately!

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

TikTok Ban, Social Media Predictions, and 2025 Updates with Angela Shae Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

Hey friends! In this episode, I’m hanging out with Angela Shae of Social Templates to break down all the latest social media changes—from TikTok’s brief U.S. disappearance to Instagram’s newest features. We’re sharing all the tips on diversifying your presence. Plus, Angela spills on personal branding tricks and staying nimble in this fast-paced digital world. If you want a quick rundown on rocking socials in 2025, this chat is for you.

Meet Angela:

After over a decade spent working as a wedding photographer, weekends full of destination shoots, thousands of hours spent building her photography business and earning features in BRIDES, Style Me Pretty, Junebug Weddings, Magnolia Rouge, and more, Angela chose to walk away from photography. Being a young mom to two boys, while building a business — burnt out, exhausted and running on a cocktail of adrenaline, stress, and anxiety left her looking for a calmer lifestyle.

After a year sabbatical, Angela organically started helping other photographers and creatives with their social media. With deep understanding of the industry, Angela realized the huge need for easy content creation and Instagram marketing. Out of sheer need, her new company (@socialtemplates.co) was born. A community of creatives, where members have access to high-quality, done-for-you social media resources, saving them time and taking the stress out of content creation.

Connect With Angela:

Get her instagram templates here, and use code SUMMER for your 1st month free!

Instagram: @socialtemplates.co

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

Nailing the Niche: Building a Senior Photography Brand with Alex Blake Jan 07, 2025

Show notes

Hi again! In this episode, I’m chatting with Charleston-based photographer Alex Blake about how she built a booming senior and brand photography biz. We talk about her journey from Georgia to the coast, overcoming the challenges of a new market, and finding unique ways to connect with local seniors. Alex also shares how she balances parents’ expectations, manages a growing team, and hosts her immersive retreat, Photo Camp. If you’re looking to carve out a niche, stand out in a crowded market, or just up your photography game, then I think you're going to love this episode.

Meet Alex

Alex Blake is a Charleston-based photographer, podcast host, and photography educator who never expected to become a full-time photographer—but now she can’t imagine life any other way. Alex brings a deep passion for creativity, coaching, and community to her work and always tried to uplift people in every part of her job, whether she's capturing portraits, telling brand stories, or chatting with her fellow photographer friends. Through her podcast and educational content weekend, Photo Camp, she shares her insights on the art and business of photography, making education accessible and enjoyable. Known for her friendly, down-to-earth approach, Alex is all about helping fellow photographers feel seen and empowered as they find their own creative path in the industry.

Connect with Alex:

Website: alexblakephoto.com
Instagram: @alexblakephotography

TikTok: @alexblakephotography
Podcast: www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography/podcasts

Apply for Photo Camp here: www.photocampinfo.com

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

From Destination Weddings to Daily Routines: Hannah Rosser’s Journey to Sustainable Success Dec 31, 2024

Show notes

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share about my recent conversation with the incredibly talented East Coast wedding photographer, Hannah Rosser. Together, we explore the ups and downs of building a sustainable creative business, as she shares her unexpected venture into destination weddings, the personal challenges that made her step back and refocus. She also shares tips on everything from setting up workflows, staying organized with Notion, and email templates to carving out time for self-care.

Meet Hannah Rosser

Hannah Rosser is an East Coast-based destination wedding photographer whose artistry has taken her to stunning locations worldwide including Italy, Thailand and beyond. In addition to her photography career, Hannah is deeply committed to educating and empowering fellow photographers and enjoys sharing her expertise, techniques, and creative insights.

Connect with Hannah:

Website: hannahrosser.com
Instagram: @hannahrosserphotography

General shop link: hannahrosser.com/shop
Notion template for organization: hannahrosser.com/notion-business-vault

Welcome Guide + Wedding Questionnaires: hannahrosser.com/template-guide-bundle
Email Templates: hannahrosser.com/email-template

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

A Guide to Cinematic Storytelling with Hannah Kutner Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

Hi friends! Today I had the best time chatting with Hannah Kutner about bringing a cinematic feel to your photography. Hannah shares how embracing a filmmaker’s mindset—focusing on authentic narratives and meaningful details—completely transformed her everyday work into something truly special. We cover practical tips for building sessions around your clients’ personal stories and how to transition into more immersive, storytelling-style shoots. If you’re feeling stuck or just looking for a more heartfelt approach to your images, this episode is for you.

Meet Hannah:

Hannah is a photographer and educator with a heart for storytelling and a love for creating images that feel like scenes out of a movie. She blends cinematic techniques with real, honest moments, capturing memories that feel alive and connect on a deeper level. Inclusivity and accessible education are important to Hannah and she’s passionate about sharing what she’s learned with other photographers. Through her courses and community-focused retreats, she’s building a space where photographers of all backgrounds can learn, connect, and grow together. For Hannah, photography is about more than just beautiful images—it’s about telling stories that truly resonate, that make the photographer feel alive, as well as the client.

Connect with Hannah:

If you’re ready for more guidance, be sure to check out Hannah's new course on cinematic storytelling at wildfaithphoto.co

Instagram: @wildfaithphoto

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

Leveling Up Your Photography with Paid Advertising: A Conversation with Peyton Helm Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

Hey friends! On today's episode, we’re tackling a topic that can feel a bit intimidating—paid advertising. I’m thrilled to welcome Peyton Helm, an expert in ads for creative businesses, who’s here to share everything you need to know about making them work for you. Since I’m not exactly an ads pro myself, I found our conversation incredibly enlightening, and I’m confident you’ll walk away with some awesome insights for your photography business.

About Peyton:

Peyton is a wedding photographer/filmmaker and a marketing coach for other wedding creatives. He teaches how to attract ideal clients, charge more, and book consistently with paid advertising.

Connect with Peyton:

If you’re ready for more guidance, be sure to check out Peyton’s educational programs at fulltimeweddingpro.com

Instagram: @peytonhelm

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