Preston Luke: From Photographer to Creator | 1M+ Audience, Big Brand Collabs, and Building a Business Beyond Sessions

Episode DescriptionJared and I sat down with Jeff Chang from The Apartment and it felt like talking shop with an old friend who still wakes up excited to make pictures. We dig into how to protect the art, why composition is really about proportion, and how trust with your couples unlocks the best frames. If you are tired of rinse and repeat, this one is a reset. PHOTOCO members get an Aftercast where Jeff lays out simple steps to last a full career without losing joy. Join us at mileswittboyer.com/photo for the Aftercast and all the perks.GuestJeff Chang of The ApartmentWhat we coverThe artist struggle and how to keep your work fresh after nearly two decadesComposition as proportion and the bento box way to see a frameWhy connection comes first and direction works better after thatPartnership in the field and how a trusted teammate lifts everythingBurnout myths and the habits that make room for joyChasing trends with taste including direct flash and when to move onJoin PHOTOCO for the Aftercast with JeffMembers get a bonus episode with Jeff’s practical roadmap for longevity, portfolio evolution, and upgrades to client experience. Grab access at mileswittboyer.com/photo and listen today.LinksPHOTOCO membership and Aftercast access: mileswittboyer.com/photoHow we use AI to buy back time with Imagen AI: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=mileswittboyerSubscribe and review on Apple and SpotifyMembership info any time: mileswittboyer.com/photoPeople first wins. When couples feel known, the photos breatheProportion matters. Let parts of the frame rest and place your subjects with intentionThe right shot looks different for every couple. Build a toolkit and pivot fastA good partner doubles your eyes and calms the roomJoy sticks around when you protect time for the art and keep the business simpleStart with connection. Take two minutes off camera and remind your couple what this day meansGuide with a steady flow. Gentle prompts keep energy up and nerves downBuild your nine pack. Three prompts for movement, three for stillness, three for close connectionScout for proportion. Find light and lines first, then place people where the frame already singsTag team. If you work with a partner, trade two minute windows to chase a bold ideaThe Apartment origin story and why simple names stick when they come from real lifeThe bento box metaphor you will never unseeWhy in person meetings book higher than Zoom and how that trust shows up in the workThe real way to avoid burnout and keep loving the craftWelcome and why this one mattersThe Apartment originComposition as proportionTrust before directionPartnership on a wedding dayLongevity and protecting the artAftercast inviteIf this conversation fired you up, come sit with us inside PHOTOCO. The Aftercast with Jeff is loaded with step by step ideas you can put to work on your next wedding. Join now at mileswittboyer.com/photo. Bring your questions to the next live call, grab the bonus resources, and keep the momentum going.wedding photography podcast, Jeff Chang, The Apartment Photo, luxury wedding photography, fine art wedding photography, composition tips, client experience, photography longevity, creative burnout, Northwest Arkansas wedding photographer, Imagen AI workflow

Jenny Day from Jenny Pearl Photography joins Miles and Jared for a conversation that hits every photographer in the sweet spot. From growing up off the grid in Montana to building a sought-after wedding brand in Utah, Jenny shares how curiosity became her greatest tool, why she refuses to live in one visual box, and how moms and new photographers can build real momentum with simple systems and brave creativity. We dig into lighting beyond golden hour, clean color and skin tones, time blocking, Patreon education, and turning imposter syndrome into a challenge that actually fuels growth. Stay to the end for the Aftercast preview where Jenny walks through starter camera settings and business basics.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN• Curiosity as a superpower to keep your work fresh• Lighting beyond golden hour (harsh light, shadows, uneven light)• Composition prompts that move you past “safe” poses• Systems that buy your time back (HoneyBook, editing flow)• Education with receipts (monthly styled shoots, BTS, full edits)• Mindset shifts to turn comparison into a useful challenge• A client intake that tailors the experience to every coupleCONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• Off-grid beginnings and learning tech with ChatGPT• Variety over niche and a monthly concept engine• Canon R5 color and skin tones, plus DSLR backup workflow• Word of mouth + consistent Instagram as growth engines• Editing faster and overthinking less with Imagen AI• The exact pre-wedding questions Jenny asks to customize direction and timeline• Managing travel, parenting, and business with time blocking• Choosing fewer, higher-level weddings while expanding educationTACTICAL TAKEAWAYS• Build a monthly creative theme for yourself or your community• Schedule your brain: deep work by day, light cull/polish while you unwind• Use a couple questionnaire to clarify direction, priorities, and style• Practice hard lighting on low-stakes shoots so wedding-day stress drops• Treat envy as data: reverse-engineer what you admire and train that skillIMPORTANT LINKS• PHOTOCO Aftercast (extended episode with Jenny’s camera settings and starter systems): join inside the Photographic Collective https://www.mileswittboyer.com/photo• Imagen AI (Miles’s referral): https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=mileswittboyer• Miles Witt Boyer site: https://www.mileswittboyer.comCHAPTERS00:00 Welcome and why Jenny’s color stops Jared in his tracks06:40 Off-grid beginnings and learning tech with ChatGPT15:22 Variety over niche and the monthly concept engine23:10 Lighting in the real world31:45 Systems for moms and makers39:20 Tools that help: HoneyBook and Imagen47:05 Client intake that personalizes the whole day54:50 Turning comparison into a challenge59:20 Aftercast previewLove this one? Jump into the PHOTOCO Aftercast for Jenny’s step-by-step settings and starter systems, then use the Imagen link to win back your editing time. Subscribe, rate, and share with a friend who needs a creative push today.

This week's episode brought to you by IMAGEN Ai.This week, Miles and Jared sit down with Michelle Harris, luxury destination wedding photographer, Sigma ambassador, and powerhouse educator behind M Harris Studios, Laila Chanel Studios, and the 2K+ M Harris Hustlers community.From founding multiple brands to raising her daughters as a single mom and teaching thousands of photographers worldwide, Michelle has become a voice of confidence, community, and unapologetic hustle in an industry that often confuses success with perfection.In this conversation, Michelle opens up about the lessons she’s learned building associate teams in D.C. and Atlanta, creating systems for sustainable growth, and redefining what “hustle” really means. You’ll hear the heart behind her education, the real story of how her Master the City workshops started, and how she built a business that genuinely serves people while raising a family.Plus, Michelle shares practical steps for managing clients, creating emotional connection, and running consultations that book—and the mindset shifts that make it all possible.🎧 AFTERCAST BONUS: PHOTOCO members get an exclusive session with Michelle, “How Not to Get Ghosted: How to Book Weddings During a Consultation” — available only inside the PHOTOCO membership community.👉 Join at mileswittboyer.com/photo to unlock the Aftercast and get weekly education, resources, and coaching with Miles, Jared, and the PHOTOCO team.Systems Over Stress: Michelle’s repeatable workflows for posing, lighting, and editing keep her creativity sharp and her brand consistent.Education as Legacy: Teaching was never a “pivot” for her—it was a promise. She built her workshops because no one looked like her in education spaces when she began.Scaling with Heart: How she grew two associate teams across states while maintaining personal relationships with every client and community member.Confidence Is Contagious: Why her energy in client calls and workshops comes from genuine purpose, not performance.The Power of Community: How the M Harris Hustlers became more than a Facebook group—it’s an ecosystem of accountability and growth.Creative Motherhood: How being a mom fuels her work ethic and keeps her grounded.Client Care that Converts: Her signature approach—spending real time, humanizing the process, and becoming the advocate her brides didn’t know they needed.Southern Wedding Culture: Michelle shares how moving to Atlanta doubled her diversity in clients and gave her new perspective on style, flash, and culture in weddings.Rest Before Risk: Learning to pause, reflect, and let her children remind her to shut the laptop once in a while.Michelle HarrisWebsite: mharrisstudios.comInstagram: @mharris_studiosAssociate Brand: Laila Chanel StudiosCommunity: M Harris HustlersEducation & Workshops: Master the CityPHOTOCOJoin PHOTOCO + Aftercast: mileswittboyer.com/photoInstagram: @photographiccollectiveHostsMiles Witt Boyer: @mileswittboyerJared Mark Fincher: @jaredmarkfincherJoin the PHOTOCO community to access Michelle’s full Aftercast episode, “How Not to Get Ghosted — How to Book Weddings During a Consultation.” You’ll get direct insight into her real consultation framework, pricing psychology, and the exact steps that turn conversations into bookings.👉 Join PHOTOCO for exclusive podcast extras, monthly live calls, and the full Aftercast library.

Preston Luke went from small-town senior photographer to creator, educator, and creative director with an audience of 1M+ across Instagram and TikTok. In this conversation, Preston breaks down the practical steps behind turning your photo brand into a creator business—while staying sane and protecting your love for the craft.We cover:The photographer → creator pivot (and why he paused client work to open new doors)Content systems, editing help, and posting cadence that fueled rapid growthPitching and delivering for brand partners (Nikon, Adobe, SanDisk, Best Buy)Building a business that goes beyond sessions: presets, workshops, and Slate StudiosThe senior-model team engine he built across 30+ school districtsMental health, a 250-lb weight-loss journey, and taking a strategic break when growth got heavyConfidence vs. imposter syndrome (and why “showing up” as the brand matters)🎧 Stick around to the end for how Preston prices seniors at the high end, the full year-round senior playbook, and why delayed posting keeps him present on shoots.💬 AFTERCAST: Members get Preston’s tactical deep-dive on building a luxury senior offer, annual calendar, and pricing strategy. Join PHOTOCO below.—Hosted by Miles Witt Boyer & Jared Mark Fincher on the Photographic Collective Podcast.Preston LukeWebsite: prestonluke.com Preston LukeInstagram: @iamprestonluke InstagramPresets (Desktop & Mobile bundle): prestonluke.com/shop/p/preston-luke-presets-desktop-mobile Preston LukeDesktop Presets (individual): prestonluke.com/shop/p/preston-luke-desktop-presets Preston LukeEvents / Workshops: prestonluke.com/events-1 Preston Luke“Club Content” workshop preview (IG): instagram.com/p/C3-e2Z1OkuE/ InstagramSlate Studios (Preston’s all-white natural-light space)Instagram: @sl8studios InstagramBooking (via IG bio link): slatestudios.as.me (linked from @sl8studios bio) InstagramWhy “SLATE” (origin story reel): instagram.com/p/C_RfxrBsYpW/ InstagramPHOTOCO / Aftercast AccessJoin PHOTOCO (membership + Aftercast access): mileswittboyer.com/photo Miles Witt Boyer Photographic CollectiveSubscribe to the Photographic Collective PodcastApple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/photographic-collective-podcast-with-miles-witt-boyer/id1586170715 Apple PodcastsSpotify: open.spotify.com/show/7iYqQmxuNvgkkkxfnkOfOl SpotifyHostsMiles Witt Boyer (IG): @mileswittboyer InstagramJared Mark Fincher (IG): @jaredmarkfincher Instagram

We love conversations like this. Staci Brucks sat down with Jared and me and let us into the real story. Five years ago she was working in cardiac rehab. Today she’s a fast-rising wedding photographer with a gift for connection and a presence online that feels honest and fun. We talk about how she found her voice, why consistency beats perfection, the realities of destination work, packing smart, and how simple behind-the-scenes clips can build trust with the right clients.Staci’s approach is all heart and all hustle. If you’ve been stuck second-guessing your work or overthinking your marketing, this one will feel like a reset.Join PHOTOCO to hear the exclusive AFTERCAST with Staci where we dig into her workflow, social strategy, and the little systems that keep her business moving: www.mileswittboyer.com/photoFollow Staci:Instagram: @stacibrucksphotoWebsite: stacibrucksphoto.comFollow your hosts:Miles on Instagram: @mileswittboyerJared on Instagram: @jaredmarkfincherWatch the video episode and more:YouTube: The Photographic Collective

In this episode of The Photographic Collective Podcast, Miles and Jared sit down with LA-based photographer and educator Summer Grace. Known for her film and digital artistry, as well as her growing influence in education, Summer shares a raw, authentic look into her journey of balancing business, motherhood, and creative fulfillment.The conversation touches on her shift from shooting a heavy wedding load to focusing more on Summer School, her educational platform, while raising her daughter Georgia alongside her husband Jake. Summer opens up about the tension between business and art, why success is not defined by six-figure income metrics, and how she finds balance by prioritizing sustainability, creativity, and family.Listeners will hear candid insights on avoiding burnout, defining personal success, resisting trends, motherhood as a creative discipline, and embracing business as an art form.Success is Personal: Summer redefines success as living to work (loving what you do so it doesn’t feel like work), rather than working to live. For her, success blends creativity, financial sustainability, and family balance.Business as Art: She views business not as separate from creativity but as a complementary art form. Running a strong business allows her the freedom to be a better artist and parent.Resisting Trends: Summer emphasizes staying true to personal style and brand rather than conforming to industry fads.Education with Integrity: Instead of teaching “get rich quick” six-figure formulas, she focuses on holistic growth—helping photographers create art they’re proud of and a life they love.Motherhood & Discipline: Parenthood has made her more disciplined and efficient, valuing her time more deeply while still embracing imperfection.Creative Renewal: Some of her best work comes from self-initiated, unpaid projects. She encourages artists to carve out time for shoots that are purely creative.✅ Key TakeawaysSuccess is Personal: Summer redefines success as living to work (loving what you do so it doesn’t feel like work), rather than working to live. For her, success blends creativity, financial sustainability, and family balance.Business as Art: She views business not as separate from creativity but as a complementary art form. Running a strong business allows her the freedom to be a better artist and parent.Resisting Trends: Summer emphasizes staying true to personal style and brand rather than conforming to industry fads.Education with Integrity: Instead of teaching “get rich quick” six-figure formulas, she focuses on holistic growth—helping photographers create art they’re proud of and a life they love.Motherhood & Discipline: Parenthood has made her more disciplined and efficient, valuing her time more deeply while still embracing imperfection.Creative Renewal: Some of her best work comes from self-initiated, unpaid projects. She encourages artists to carve out time for shoots that are purely creative.Stay connected with the hosts and exclusive content:Listen & SubscribeDive deeper into creative entrepreneurship and photography by listening to The Photographic Collective Podcast Instagram+6Apple Podcasts+6YouTube+6.Unlock the AftercastAccess exclusive Behind-the-Scenes content, extended lessons, and bonus material—like the conversation with Summer Grace—by enrolling in PhotoCO, the members-only platform: [ mileswittboyer.com/photo ]Apple Podcasts+10Miles Witt Boyer Photographic Collective+10Miles Witt Boyer Photographic Collective+10.Follow the CreatorsMiles Witt Boyer (Host & Educator): [@mileswittboyer]YouTube+1Instagram+8Instagram+8Apple Podcasts+8Jared Mark Fincher (Co-host & Creative Director): [@jaredmarkfincher]Miles Witt Boyer Photographic Collective+4Instagram+4YouTube+4

Join Miles Witt Boyer and Jared Mark Fincher on the Photographic Collective Podcast for a deep dive with acclaimed photographer and educator Tom Wright. In this conversation, Tom unpacks how to design a streamlined photography workflow that protects your creativity, enhances your client experience, and fuels long-term business growth. Whether you’re shooting weddings, portraits, or commercial projects, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to refine your process, market your brand, and deliver images that resonate long after delivery day.Follow & Connect:📸 Tom Wright — Instagram📸 Miles Witt Boyer — Instagram📸 Jared Mark Fincher — InstagramDON'T MISS THE EXCLUSIVE CONTENT - IN THE AFTERCAST. Tom, gives step by step information on how to build the perfect backup workflow, what systems need to be built to create redundancy for peace of mind, and how to protect our creativity with structure.Join The Photographic Collective:The Photographic Collective is a growing community for photographers who want to level up their craft, grow their business, and connect with like-minded creatives. As a member, you’ll gain access to quarterly courses, exclusive podcast extras, monthly live call-ins, and our signature business training protocols. Whether you’re just starting your journey or scaling a thriving studio, The Collective gives you the tools, knowledge, and support to create a business that serves your life — not the other way around.🎯 Sign up now at mileswittboyer.com/photo and become part of a network committed to inspiring, educating, and empowering photographers around the world.

In this raw and powerful episode, we sit down with Nikon Ambassador and viral photography sensation Lauren Ashley, whose story goes far beyond the lens. With over 600,000 followers on Instagram and 850,000 on TikTok, Lauren has built more than just a brand—she’s built a movement grounded in vulnerability, resilience, and radical authenticity.What unfolds in this conversation is not your average industry talk. Lauren opens up about surviving unimaginable personal loss, raising a son with level-three autism, leaving a toxic relationship, and rebuilding her photography business from the ground up. Her story is one of deep emotional truth—and it's reshaped how she sees life, art, and the true value of a photograph.This episode isn’t just for fans of beautiful imagery—it’s for anyone who’s ever doubted their worth, faced heartbreak, or questioned if they could still succeed after hitting rock bottom. Lauren’s journey will challenge you to stop hiding behind your portfolio and start leading with who you are.🎧 Photographers, prepare to feel empowered, inspired, and deeply moved.SEE LAURENS WORK HERE💡 PLUS: Don’t miss the exclusive “After the Pod” bonus episode inside The Photographic Collective platform, where Lauren shares a 10-minute masterclass on going viral, building a loyal audience, and monetizing your story. It’s pure gold. CLICK THIS LINK TO HOLD YOUR SPOT IN LINE : https://mileswittboyer.myflodesk.com/photocowaitlistSubscribe now and hear why vulnerability is the most powerful tool a creative can wield.Download our FREE GUIDE on how to photograph DYNAMIC SPACES

FREE GUIDE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS https://mileswittboyer.myflodesk.com/captureBut don't call it a come back. Miles Witt Boyer and Jared Mark Fincher are back for a brand new season of the Photographic Collective Podcast with an all new vision and some exciting news. This episode breaks down the absolutely Chat GPT written vision statement for the new pod, sets some big goals for new and returning guests and explains what is so exciting about the Photographic Collective Platform launching August 15th.Exclusive content available via PHOTOCO after launch but you can get on the waitlist RIGHT NOW using the link https://www.mileswittboyer.com/photo Affiliate discounts, huge giveaways, community collaborations, monthly live calls, trainings, behind the scenes, and early access to retreats and industry hang outs all available inside the PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTIVE.In this episode Miles + Jared chat through favorite guests from the past like Fer Juaristi, Jonas Peterson, and Jai Long and paint a clear picture towards the goals of a new season of episodes. If you're not familiar with the podcast yet : The Photographic Collective Podcast with Miles Witt Boyer and Jared Mark Fincher is a bi-weekly conversation with creatives who are chasing depth over hype. No ego. Very Little gear talk. Just real stories from people who’ve built something meaningful — and the mess, growth, and grit it took to get there.This show is a seat at the table. Sometimes it’s business, sometimes it’s art, sometimes it’s about navigating what it means to be human — all through the lens of a camera and a calling. If you're looking for honest conversations that feed your soul and push you forward, welcome home.Join us wherever you listen to your podcasts or simply by clicking this link https://open.spotify.com/show/7iYqQmx...OR Hangout with us on VIDEO on YOUTUBE at https://youtu.be/s8SbYnnIxvE?si=ehUw9K0yZyb0P4hFThis episode is brought to all platforms via the power of AI and the strongest most advanced Photo Ai platform on the Market! ICONIC is our all new profile available exclusively on the Imagen Ai platform. Click here to try ICONIC for FREE and watch your images come to life with the power of over 25,000 of our own edits powering every click. Imagen : https://imagen-ai.com/homepage-lp/?re...AUGUST 15 : https://www.mileswittboyer.com/photo SIGN UP NOW.

FREE GUIDE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS https://mileswittboyer.myflodesk.com/captureThe photo educator that the world kind of needs. Especially for the ladies, this episode dives DEEP behind Alora Rachelle. From Burned Out to CEO Alora is a successful photographer turned mindset coach that focuses on inspiring female photographers to level up their businesses. She's a mom, a brilliant voice, a talented artist, and a really entertaining podcast host over at the Wedding Atelier Podcast which I (Miles) was just a guest on, ALSO releasing TODAY. CHECK HER PODCAST OUT AT https://podcasts.apple.com/ky/podcast/how-to-be-authentically-artistic-with-miles-whitboyer/id1494012135?i=1000706473782If you need a marketing coach, CEO coach, or just super rad new friend connect with Alora athttps://www.alorarachelle.com/