Beyond With Liz

In this final episode of Season 2, Elizabeth Austin opens up about her journey transitioning from a wedding photographer to the founder ofPerfete, a revolutionary wedding publication. She discusses the challenges of building an inclusive platform in today's wedding industry landscape, her decision to step back from photography, and her vision for creating meaningful change in an evolving market.Follow Elizabeth's journey onSubstack for behind-the-scenes updates and industry insights through her "Vendor to Founder" series.

Can you really "do it all" as a mom and wedding photographer? 🤔 Join me and the incredible ChiChi (featured in Harper's & Brides) for a raw, honest conversation about balancing motherhood with wedding photography. From shooting weddings at 9 months pregnant to dealing with mom guilt and industry pressure for instant turnarounds, we're getting REAL about the challenges and joys of raising kids while running a successful photography business. Plus, why "balance" might be a myth, and that's okay! 💕 Whether you're a mom, thinking about becoming one, or just trying to find your way in this industry, this episode is full of validation, permission, and real talk about what it actually takes.

Ever wonder what wedding planners REALLY think about photographer pricing? 🤔 Join me and my dear friend Alicia Mae of ILY Events for an honest conversation about package pricing, client expectations, and what it truly means to be a luxury wedding photographer. We're spilling the tea on why six-hour packages might be hurting your business, the real difference between $6K and $15K photographers, and why being available 24/7 isn't just about the money. Plus, Alicia shares invaluable insights from her unique perspective of seeing countless photographer proposals. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this episode is packed with gems you won't want to miss! 💎

Welcome back to Beyond with Liz! After a brief holiday hiatus, we're diving into 2025 with what I'm calling "blind delusion" – the audacity to believe anything is possible. In this raw and personal episode, I'm sharing why I'm restructuring Beyond with Liz, getting honest about the current state of the wedding industry, and introducing my new approach to goal-setting (hint: it involves being gloriously delusional). Plus, big news about Perfect Media's future and why I'm choosing optimization over perfection this year. From dealing with industry slowdowns to shooting your shot, we're getting real about what it takes to level up in 2025. 🎯✨

In this episode of Beyond with Liz, I chat with Avonne, a North Carolina and NYC-based wedding photographer, about the true power of editorial shoots. We explore how styled sessions can: Elevate your portfolio and attract your ideal clients Help you experiment with new techniques, film stocks, and posing methods Provide a platform for cultural and stylistic representation Strengthen your business acumen through contracts, licensing, and strategic collaborations Offer long-term value for marketing, Pinterest presence, and overall brand growth Whether you’re looking to break into luxury venues, showcase your work in diverse settings, or simply refine your brand aesthetic, this conversation dives deep into why editorials remain a powerful, strategic, and fulfilling part of a photographer’s toolkit. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories that will help you rethink the role editorials play in your wedding photography journey.

I sit down with my dear friend and phenomenal destination wedding photographer, Alicia Rinka. Based in Denver, Alicia has been featured in Vogue and countless major publications, and her journey in photography is nothing short of inspiring. We dive deep into the evolution of editing styles, navigating the challenges of maintaining authentic skin tones, and finding your unique voice in photography. From the impact of discontinued film stocks to exploring the nuances of different camera brands, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for photographers at every stage of their journey. Alicia shares her expertise on common editing mistakes, working with diverse skin tones, and the importance of staying true to your style. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, you'll walk away with a renewed sense of creativity and direction. Follow Alicia on Instagram at @AliciaRinka and @AliciaRinkaDaily for her latest work and teaching insights. Don't forget to check out Beyond with Liz for more inspiring conversations and resources for modern photographers!

In this heartfelt episode of Beyond with Liz, Liz sits down with Mo Davis, a talented fine art wedding photographer based in New Orleans. Mo shares her unique journey from a biology major to a visual storyteller in the wedding industry, highlighting her passion for capturing authentic moments and her love for shooting on film. Liz and Mo dive into the artistry of photography, discussing the importance of building trust with clients, the intentionality that film brings, and how genuine relationships with clients can create powerful, timeless images. Mo opens up about her approach to weddings, emphasizing her “less is more” philosophy and her dedication to letting each couple’s story unfold naturally. They discuss the evolving wedding industry, trends, and the challenges of staying true to one’s creative voice. Moe also shares insights on her New Orleans personal photography project, capturing the vibrant essence of the city and its people. This conversation is a refreshing reminder to all creatives: trust the process, embrace the journey, and always honor your own voice in a world full of trends. Highlights: Mo’s journey from studying biology to finding her true calling in photography The beauty of shooting on film and the intentional approach it requires How Mo builds trust with her clients for genuine, unposed moments Reflections on navigating the wedding industry and staying true to oneself Mo’s personal project in New Orleans and the significance of documenting her community Follow Mo on Instagram: @modavidsphotography

Liz sits down with friend and renowned wedding planner Fallon Carter of Fallon Carter Events. Together, they explore the dynamic relationship between planners and photographers, sharing the challenges, strategies, and rewarding moments of working together in the luxury wedding industry. Fallon offers her unique perspective on topics like pricing, client expectations, and why authentic partnerships matter. If you're a wedding pro looking to elevate your approach or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of high-end events, this conversation is packed with insights on creating seamless, unforgettable experiences.

In this episode of Beyond with Liz, Elizabeth sits down with her attorney, Kunbi, to break down everything photographers need to know about contracts. From handling difficult clients to safeguarding your creative work, Kunbi shares invaluable legal insights that every photographer should have in their toolkit. They dive into essential contract clauses like artistic license, intellectual property, overages, and the growing issue of chargebacks. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you protect your business and get paid what you deserve. Plus, find out how to get legally set with Kunbi’s ready-made contracts! Tune in for a conversation that will change how you think about your business.

This week on Beyond with Liz, I’m sharing the highs and lows of wrapping up wedding season in Napa—complete with wine tasting to celebrate the end of a challenging year. But the real takeaway? A deep dive into the power of consultations. I’ll walk you through why skipping those crucial conversations can cost you clients, what I’ve learned from a recent lost booking, and how understanding your client's vision and non-negotiables can make all the difference. Whether you're in the wedding industry or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!