Building a Creative Business Empire with Christy Speers

Gabe McClintock an acclaimed photographer known for his distinctive and consistent style over the past decade. Gabe shares insights on maintaining a timeless style, the evolving photography industry, and the importance of light and mood in his work. About Gabe: Gabe McClintock, based in Calgary, Canada, has been photographing weddings since 16 years. He shot his first wedding for friends who asked him to document their special day since he has a background in Photojournalism – he replied “sure…you buy the film, feed me dinner and I'll shoot it.” Links: https://www.gabemcclintock.com/ https://www.instagram.com/gabemcclintock https://www.onedayworkshop.ca/ Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

In this episode, we talk with Blair DeLaubenfels, the creative force behind Junebug Weddings and World's Best Wedding Photos. Blair discusses her lifelong passion for photography, her journey from creating Junebug to curating the best wedding images globally, and her insights into building a successful portfolio. About Blair: With 25 years of experience in the photography and wedding industries as a publisher, curator, writer, public speaker, and professional photographer, my work focuses on catapulting the careers of creative entrepreneurs. With an emphasis on the luxury wedding market, I help transform established companies and turns startups into well-respected brands. Links: https://www.artlifeandbusiness.com/ https://www.worldsbestweddingphotos.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theworldsbestweddingphotos/ Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

Cameron Thorp, a veteran wedding photographer and founder of Lensel, a thought leadership platform for wedding photographers. Covering insights into the evolving trends in wedding photography, the importance of planning and mood boarding, and how Lensel is helping to elevate the photography community. instagram.com/lenselworld lensel.com/subscribe Sign up for Narrative for free narrative.so

Based in Northern California, Christy started her wedding photography career in 2016 and traveled the world shooting couples in places like Saint Lucia, Nicaragua, Paris, Jamaica, Mexico and all around the United States. While shooting weddings, she started to build her brand photography portfolio and today is a full time commercial photographer. Her clients include La Croix, BHLDN, Narrative and more. Co-Founded along with her husband, they run Creativ Rise, an online education platform focused on helping others succeed in their creative businesses. Links: instagram.com/christyjspeers instagram.com/creativrise Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

Growing up in the ranching and rodeo world, Kadra Clark's deep-rooted connection to the Western way of life shines through in every shot. From weddings to branding sessions, she captures authentic rural life in Nebraska, Wyoming, and beyond. She shared with us how she built a thriving business by being true to herself, embracing versatility in her work, and balancing business with life in a rural setting. About Kadra:  Hi, I'm Kadra! I am a western wedding and lifestyle photographer based out of Wyoming and Nebraska and love to travel! Growing up ranching and rodeoing, the western lifestyle is what inspires me and my business. My approach is to tell stories through dreamy and timeless images that document their authentic connection with a western flare! My passion for photography started many years ago and grows every day. It is always an honor to photograph memories and connect with so many amazing people. I find joy in creating connections with my clients to cultivate a great client experience. I love to capture the little moments and the in-betweens for people. I am a 2025 bride myself and a very proud dog mom! I love the gym, walking, roping, and thrifting.  Links: http://www.kadramariephoto.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kadramariephotography/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kadramariephoto https://open.spotify.com/show/6YBIHxAkUW8zd0JWYTUrsi?si=cbd27cd08b23401c Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

Zara Staples has crafted a style all her own by combining the artistry of film with a fearless approach to growth. Every step she takes is intentional, from building genuine connections with clients to developing close partnerships with film labs—all while pushing creative boundaries. Here, Zara shares how she attracts clients who resonate with her distinct style, how embracing discomfort fuels her creativity, and her secrets to an efficient film photography workflow. About Zara: Zara Staples is a talented photographer and videographer from Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland, whose passion for detail and keen observational skills have shaped her artistic journey since her high school days. Specializing in a diverse range of genres, including music, fashion, TV & film, portraits, and Super 8 moving imagery, Zara has earned recognition in publications like Rolling Stone and Woman Magazine. As an analogue film photographer, she fuses timeless artistry with contemporary trends, creating visually stunning images that capture the essence of her subjects. Whether collaborating with brands or telling individual stories, Zara combines technical expertise with a deep commitment to her clients' visions. Links:   https://www.instagram.com/zarastaplesweddings/ https://www.instagram.com/zara.staples/ https://nz.pinterest.com/zarastaples/ https://zarastaples.com/ Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

Is hustle culture a killer of creativity? Julian Guevara’s photography journey took him from relentless hustling to burnout to balancing passion with practicality. After nearly stepping away from weddings entirely, he found that slowing down and stepping back was the best way to move forward. He talked with us about finding new inspiration, rethinking his workflow, and learning to say ‘no.’ Julian reimagined his photography path to build a way forward that honors his passion and well-being About Julian: I’m Julian, A California Native and a photographer who works across both film and digital mediums. I’ve been fortunate to document a wide range of moments, from elopements and weddings to lifestyle shoots. I try to keep my approach grounded in storytelling, and I’m always chasing new ways to blend artistry with the structure of running a sustainable business. Links: http://julianguevara.com/ http://instagram.com/julianguevaraphoto/ http://www.youtube.com/c/JulianGuevaraphoto Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

Taylor Nixon’s creative journey has always been driven by a love for storytelling that connects people. Now, as Narrative’s new Photographer Relationship Manager, he’s connecting with the creative community in a whole new way. In this conversation with Kyle Wilson, Taylor dives into his career path, the balance between passion projects and professional work, and the importance of finding creative fulfillment. From filming music videos to launching community projects, Taylor shares how he stays inspired and what he’s working on next. About Taylor: Taylor Nixon is a Photographer and Award Winning Filmmaker based in Auckland, New Zealand.His work consists of Music, Commercial and Film works, while also recently joining Narrative as the Photographer Relationship Manager, looking after Narrative’s fantastic collection of Ambassadors. Links: https://www.instagram.com/taylornixonfilm/ https://www.youtube.com/@taylornixonfilm Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

In this episode, join Narrative CEO James Broadbent as he sits down with renowned destination wedding photographer Eric-René Penoy. Originally from France and now based in Scotland, Eric shares his unique approach to photography that blends cinematic storytelling with an emotional touch. With over 250 weddings across 30 countries, Eric discusses how he connects with couples, capturing their love stories in breathtaking locations, from the bustling streets of London to the serene landscapes of Hawaii. Links: https://www.ericrenepenoy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ericrene.penoy/ Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select

With over 1,000 weddings under his belt and a thriving photography brand, Paul McPherson of Shutterfreek is no stranger to juggling a heavy workload. But how does he manage 170+ shoots a year without sacrificing quality or burning out? In this chat with Narrative’s CEO and Founder, James Broadbent, Paul reveals the tools and strategies that help him and his team stay on top of it all. Hint: it’s not just about working harder, but smarter. Links: https://shutterfreek.com/ https://www.instagram.com/shutterfreek Get Narrative Select for Free: https://narrative.so/select