How to Scale Your Wedding Business and Build a Team with Ryan from Forged in the North

I'm joined by the incredible Alora Rachelle—photographer turned sales strategist—who's sharing all the secrets to raising your prices with confidence and turning your business into a money-making machine. Alora has been in the game since 2011, building her brand from the ground up, going viral, and booking 17 weddings in a single month. Now, she helps creatives step into their CEO role, ditch the scarcity mindset, and price their services in a way that actually supports the life they want. If you've ever felt stuck in the cycle of undercharging or unsure how to confidently sell without feeling pushy, this episode is exactly what you need. We’re diving deep into the psychology of pricing to the power of branding and messaging—plus, the real reasons you might not be booking the right clients. Alora breaks down the biggest mistakes photographers make in their sales process and shares her follow-up strategy that keeps inquiries turning into bookings.    Follow Alora on IG: https://www.instagram.com/alora.rachelle/ Alora's free training to stop getting ghosted: https://www.alorarachelle.com/free-training   We're diving into manifestation, meditation and self empowerment practices for energetic and logistical upgrades within your business! Email [email protected] for more information on our newest coaching container.   Come join our annual Flash Photography Workshop in NYC on April 8th, 2025! You'll learn how to shoot on camera and off camera flash, with a plethora of techniques to absolutely stun your ideal clients and explode your portfolio. After class is over, you'll have multiple hours in studio to practice your new skills while Eden helps you troubleshoot! https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!

As February comes to a close, we're wrapping up the month of self-love with a personal solo episode. We're diving into the journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and navigating life’s ever-evolving blueprint. If you’ve ever felt like you’re figuring things out as you go, this one’s for you. But self-love isn’t just about introspection—it’s about showing up, experimenting, and learning to navigate both success and setbacks with curiosity. In this episode, we talk about the power of taking risks, handling criticism, and finding confidence. If you’re ready to dive into some real talk about growth, business, and the in-between, let’s get into it.   We're diving into manifestation, meditation and self empowerment practices for energetic and logistical upgrades within your business! Email [email protected] for more information on our newest coaching container.   Come join our annual Flash Photography Workshop in NYC on April 8th, 2025! You'll learn how to shoot on camera and off camera flash, with a plethora of techniques to absolutely stun your ideal clients and explode your portfolio. After class is over, you'll have multiple hours in studio to practice your new skills while Eden helps you troubleshoot! https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by social media, stuck in the comparison trap, or just completely burnt out from constantly being online—this episode is for you. We’re welcoming back the incredible Jessica Whitaker, photographer, educator, and founder of Build and Bloom, for a much needed conversation. Jessica shares her journey of navigating social media while protecting her mental health, her strategies for setting clear boundaries with her phone, and how she manages to run a thriving community without letting Instagram consume her life. From easy habit shifts to extreme (but game-changing) steps like getting a separate work phone, she’s breaking down exactly how to reclaim your time and energy. Whether you're a photographer, creative entrepreneur, or just someone looking to unplug and be more intentional with your time, this episode will leave you rethinking the way you use your phone.    Follow Jessica on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessicawhitaker/ https://www.instagram.com/buildandbloom/   Build and Bloom Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildandbloomjessicawhitaker/   We're diving into manifestation, meditation and self empowerment practices for energetic and logistical upgrades within your business! Email [email protected] for more information on our newest coaching container.   Come join our annual Flash Photography Workshop in NYC on April 8th, 2025! You'll learn how to shoot on camera and off camera flash, with a plethora of techniques to absolutely stun your ideal clients and explode your portfolio. After class is over, you'll have multiple hours in studio to practice your new skills while Eden helps you troubleshoot! https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!

In this episode, I chat with Colleen, an embodied messaging and self-expression coach, about reclaiming self-expression and redefining what it means to be "selfish." She shares her journey from feeling stuck to building a business that fully reflects her voice. We dive into the power of self-expression, unlearning the need to shrink ourselves, and navigating big life transitions. We also talk about the real-life practice of speaking up, experimenting with self-expression, and dealing with pushback online. Colleen shares how small steps, like setting boundaries or even dancing, can build confidence in owning your voice. If you’ve ever struggled with showing up fully as yourself, this episode is for you!   Follow Colleen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/selfishlyexpressed?igsh=MTRoNGE1bTEwaXc4   Colleen's website: https://selfishlyexpressed.com/   We're diving into manifestation, meditation and self empowerment practices for energetic and logistical upgrades within your business! Email [email protected] for more information on our newest coaching container.   Come shop all our education! https://edenstrader.com/the-best-education-resources-to-better-your-business#galleries   Come join our annual Flash Photography Workshop in NYC on April 8th, 2025! You'll learn how to shoot on camera and off camera flash, with a plethora of techniques to absolutely stun your ideal clients and explode your portfolio. After class is over, you'll have multiple hours in studio to practice your new skills while Eden helps you troubleshoot! https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!

This week we’re having a real talk about navigating business and life in uncertain times. February is all about love, but before we dive into that, we need to address the emotional and political weight so many of us are carrying. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone—let’s process it together. We’re also talking about the shift away from online marketing, the power of in-person connections, and why sustainability in business matters more than ever. Tune in for an honest conversation on showing up, setting boundaries, and prioritizing what truly matters.   Come join our annual Flash Photography Workshop in NYC on April 8th, 2025! You'll learn how to shoot on camera and off camera flash, with a plethora of techniques to absolutely stun your ideal clients and explode your portfolio. After class is over, you'll have multiple hours in studio to practice your new skills while Eden helps you troubleshoot! https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!

Today we're talking to Nina Larsen Reed, an elopement photographer based in beautiful Boulder, Colorado. Nina has grown a multi-six figure business specializing in adventure elopements and micro-weddings. Nina is also a web designer and self-proclaimed SEO nerd, and loves teaching photographers how to blog better.  Nina has mastered the art of blogging and SEO to grow her business. Nina shares how her background in building websites and her love of storytelling helped her develop a blogging strategy that attracts thousands of visitors each month and converts them into dream clients. She offers actionable advice for creating blog posts that rank on Google while staying true to your voice and connecting with your ideal audience! From avoiding common SEO mistakes to crafting content that feels human and relatable, Nina breaks down how to write posts that serve both search engines and your potential clients. She also talks about balancing technical SEO with storytelling, the importance of interlinking blog content, and how updating old posts can give your website an edge. Come listen!   Follow Nina on IG: https://www.instagram.com/larsenphotoco/ Follow Nina on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@larsenphotoco   Sign up for our email list! https://edenstrader.kit.com/e56bcb5f1a   Come join our annual Flash Photography Workshop in NYC on April 8th, 2025! You'll learn how to shoot on camera and off camera flash, with a plethora of techniques to absolutely stun your ideal clients and explode your portfolio. After class is over, you'll have multiple hours in studio to practice your new skills while Eden helps you troubleshoot! https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!

Ever wonder what it takes to build a long-standing, stable, and thriving wedding photography and videography business? In this episode, we're joined by Ryan from Forged in the North, who shares the inspiring journey of how he and his wife, Heidi, transformed their careers from architects to destination wedding creatives. From navigating the chaos of starting a business to balancing parenthood with running two successful studios, Ryan gives us a behind-the-scenes look at their 15-year adventure in the industry. Plus, he reveals the strategic moves that helped them book hundreds of weddings each year while staying true to their creative vision. Ryan offers actionable advice for photographers looking to scale their teams and create sustainable growth. Whether you're curious about building strong vendor relationships, expanding your reach without burning out, or embracing the long game of marketing, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.   Follow Forged in the North on IG: https://www.instagram.com/forgedinthenorth/   Forged in the North website: https://www.forgedinthenorth.com/   Come join our annual Flash Photography Workshop in NYC on April 8th, 2025! You'll learn how to shoot on camera and off camera flash, with a plethora of techniques to absolutely stun your ideal clients and explode your portfolio. After class is over, you'll have multiple hours in studio to practice your new skills while Eden helps you troubleshoot! https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop   We're diving into manifestation, meditation and self empowerment practices for energetic and logistical upgrades within your business! Email [email protected] for more information on our newest coaching container.   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!

In this week’s episode, we’re diving deep into the world of film photography and creative transformation with the incredibly talented Hannah Gunnell of Ramble Free Photo Co. Hannah opens up about her journey from a thriving but misaligned digital photography business to finding her true artistic voice by incorporating film photography into her client work. She shares how she overcame fears of shifting her branding and pricing, redefined her workflow, and ultimately created a business that brings her joy while better serving her clients. If you’ve ever wondered how to pivot in your career or integrate more of your personal passions into your work, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable advice!   Hannah's websites: https://ramblefree.com/ https://www.ramblefreestudios.com/   Hannah's IG: https://www.instagram.com/ramblefreehannah/   Film 101 free guide! https://www.ramblefreestudios.com/filmfreebie   Come join our annual Flash Photography Workshop in NYC on April 8th, 2025! You'll learn how to shoot on camera and off camera flash, with a plethora of techniques to absolutely stun your ideal clients and explode your portfolio. After class is over, you'll have multiple hours in studio to practice your new skills while Eden helps you troubleshoot! https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop   We're diving into manifestation, meditation and self empowerment practices for energetic and logistical upgrades within your business! Email [email protected] for more information on our newest coaching container.   You've got questions, I've got answers. Book an hour of coaching for tailor-made strategy on refining your craft. Let's put our heads together! https://edenstrader.com/mini-mentoring   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!

This week, we’re chatting with Southern California wedding photographer Carmen Lopez about navigating trends while staying true to your brand. From the rise of film photography to the importance of capturing real, meaningful moments, Carmen shares her insights on maintaining consistency in an ever-changing industry. Carmen also dives into the value of connection, both in her photography and with her clients, and how staying genuine has shaped her career. If you’re a creative looking to balance trends with timelessness, this episode is for you!   Follow Carmen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/carmenlopezphoto/ Carmen's website: https://www.carmenlopezphotography.com/   Come join our annual Flash Photography Workshop in NYC on April 8th, 2025! You'll learn how to shoot on camera and off camera flash, with a plethora of techniques to absolutely stun your ideal clients and explode your portfolio. After class is over, you'll have multiple hours in studio to practice your new skills while Eden helps you troubleshoot! https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!

As we close the chapter on 2024, we’re reflecting on a year that’s been full of growth, gratitude, and stepping outside our comfort zones. In this final episode of the year, we’re diving into what made 2024 so transformative, from embracing creativity and curiosity to rethinking what it means to align our business and personal lives.  We’re also looking ahead to 2025 with big goals and bold moves. We’re talking career shifts, personal challenges, and a newfound focus on living intentionally. Join us as we reflect, plan, and set our sights on a new year filled with creativity, alignment, and curiosity. Let’s step into 2025 together, ready to explore, grow, and embrace all the magic this next chapter has in store!   Use code "SECRETS" for 75% off our entire course library! From our bestselling Building a Profitable Pinterest to fan favorite Indoor and Artificial Light, everything is on sale - the biggest we've ever done. https://edenstrader.com/the-best-education-resources-to-better-your-business#galleries   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!