Lessons for Surviving Your First Year of Full-Time Photography with Taylor Isselhard

#576 Taylor Isselhard is a full-time wedding photographer and the host of the Wedding Lens Lounge podcast. As a professional who successfully transitioned from part-time to full-time photography, Taylor offers an in-depth perspective on the critical steps required for building a sustainable photography business.A significant theme in his career is the disciplined approach to business growth. Relying on his background in business, Taylor underscores the importance of thorough preparation before leaving stable employment. This includes maintaining a clear understanding of financial needs, forecasting bookings, setting aside an emergency fund, and only making the leap once the business demonstrates consistent demand and stability.KEY TOPICS COVEREDTransitioning to Full-Time Photography - Taylor describes how he built up his business gradually, shooting weddings part-time for six years and only going full-time once he reached a threshold of consistent bookings and had established key systems and savings.The Power of Client Experience and Networking - Taylor attributes much of his rapid growth to the positive client experience he provided and the word-of-mouth referrals it generated. He emphasizes the importance of networking with vendors, tagging them on social media, and intentionally nurturing relationships in the wedding industry to gain referrals and increase visibility.Systems, Workflow, and Work-Life Balance - Taylor discusses the practical systems he implemented for client management (like HoneyBook CRM), planning his work week, and balancing business with family life. He outlines his method for blocking off time, using spreadsheets for goal setting, and the importance of beginning with the end in mind—setting long-term goals and breaking them down into actionable steps.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSCRM (Customer Relationship Management): A software tool (like HoneyBook) used to manage client interactions, contracts, invoices, and communications in an organized, professional manner—critical for scaling and streamlining a photography business.Begin with the End in Mind: A strategic planning principle (from “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”) involving setting clear, long-term business goals and then mapping out the milestones and actions needed to achieve them.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSWhat fears or obstacles do you face in considering a transition to full-time photography, and how could Taylor’s experience inform your approach?How can building client relationships and networking with vendors be integrated into your workflow?What current systems (or lack thereof) are holding you back from scaling your business and achieving balance?RESOURCES:Visit Taylor Isselhard's Website - https://tpiphotography.com/Follow Taylor Isselhard on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tpi_photography/Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#575 Sandra Coan is a seasoned film photographer from Seattle with two decades of experience in newborn, family, and classic portraiture. Sandra shares her inspiring journey—how she turned a creative passion into a thriving business, the challenges of building a successful brand, and the importance of letting your authentic style shine. As you listen, you’ll learn how to define what makes your photography truly unique, why focusing on what brings you joy can fuel both your growth and client satisfaction, and concrete steps for aligning your artistic voice with your business. Take Sandra’s wisdom and start building a brand that’s unmistakably yours.KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe True Nature of Branding - Sandra explains that branding is not just visual identity (logos, colors, fonts), but the entirety of how your work, personality, voice, and client experience come together. Strong branding makes your photos instantly recognizable and helps build trust and authority with clients.Finding Your Unique Voice & Overcoming Comparison - The episode explores the challenges of staying true to your vision in a crowded industry and the pitfalls of copying trends. Sandra urges listeners to focus on what brings joy, to avoid unhealthy comparison, and to bravely lean into their unique point of view as artists.Business Growth through Authenticity and Consistency - Real-world examples illustrate how Sandra’s success grew once she committed to her personal passion—classic portraiture—and learned core business and marketing principles. A strong, consistent brand not only builds trust but also justifies higher prices and client loyalty.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSBranding: More than just a logo or color scheme; it’s the complete representation of your business, including your style, voice, client experience, and consistent execution (episode context: stands out in a crowded markeComparison Trap: The tendency to measure your own success or worth against others, which often undermines creativity and confidence.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSWhat is your unique artistic perspective, and how do you communicate it in your portfolio and messaging?If branding is more than visuals, what are small changes you could make today to present a more authentic brand experience?When have you found yourself comparing your work to others, and what strategies could help redirect that energy?RESOURCES:Visit Sandra Coan's Website - https://www.sandracoan.com/Follow Sandra Coan on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sandracoan/Sandra Coan’s Educational Platform - https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#574 In this episode of the podcast, I got brutally honest about an uncomfortable truth many photographers—myself included—often avoid: believing new gear will instantly make us better photographers. I dove into why so many of us, at some point, fixate on the idea that lack of equipment stands between us and the images we want to create. Drawing from my own experiences—like nearly convincing myself to buy a $7,500 Fujifilm GFX100 medium format camera after I left wedding photography—I shared how easy it is to fall into the "gear will fix it" trap, when what I really needed was to spend more time shooting.I challenged listeners (and myself) to rekindle excitement by using the equipment we already own. Whether that’s taking a “camera date” or giving ourselves quirky creative assignments, the goal is to reconnect with the fun and freedom of shooting—without the pressure of perfection or the itch for an upgrade.KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe Gear Myth and Creative Ruts - Raymond explains how photographers often blame their uninspiring work on having outdated or entry-level gear. He shares his own experience almost buying an expensive Fujifilm GFX100, only to realize his creative rut was due to not shooting, not his equipment.What Really Makes a Great Photo? - Instead of megapixels and advanced specs, Raymond outlines the four essential elements of great photography: moment, light, composition, and exposure. He likens the camera to a toaster—it’s the photographer’s decisions that determine the quality of the image.Practical Steps for Rekindling Creativity - To break out of gear-focused thinking, Raymond suggests simple exercises like going on a “camera date” with the least-used gear or imposing creative constraints. He also stresses the value of learning manual mode and studying light and composition.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS• Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS): The compulsion to buy new cameras or lenses as a solution to creative blocks or skill limitations; often a distraction from the real means of improvement.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSThink back to your favorite photo you’ve taken—what role did your gear actually play in the outcome?Have you ever felt creatively stagnant and blamed your equipment? What actions could you take instead?What are some ways you can challenge yourself to see new possibilities with the gear you already own?Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#573 Jim Sinicki is a longtime and active member of the podcast’s Facebook group. The episode explores Jim’s personal photography journey, beginning with what initially inspired him and carrying through his transition from enthusiast to business owner and creative community contributor. Listeners will gain insights into how Jim found inspiration by witnessing another photographer’s vibrant depiction of Milwaukee—a perspective that reignited his love for his hometown and drove him to create meaningful images. KEY TOPICS COVEREDInspiration & Starting Out - Jim shares how discovering Martin Moore’s photography changed his view of Milwaukee and motivated him to pick up a camera. He discusses the emotional and nostalgic appeal of recreating positive memories from his childhood, which underpinned his drive to document his city and, later, his family.Learning, Community, and Overcoming Failure - The importance of the Beginner Photography Podcast’s Facebook community is highlighted as Jim explains how accessible, judgment-free support enabled his progress. This section underscores the value of asking questions, sharing failures, and persistent practice. Jim describes the moment when technical concepts finally “clicked” for him, thanks to an episode on the exposure triangle, and the encouragement to seek help when needed.Building a Photography Business & Personal Connection - Jim reflects on transitioning from hobbyist to business owner (Charlie James Photo), emphasizing the value of genuine client relationships and documenting real-life moments. He speaks about focusing on family and senior photography, the challenges of balancing professional and family life, and the power of word-of-mouth marketing in local communities.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSHistogram: A graphical representation of the tonal values in an image, which helps photographers assess exposure and make accurate adjustments. Understanding the histogram allowed Jim to improve his images, especially with his camera upgrade.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSHow does being part of a supportive community influence a photographer’s growth and confidence?What are some healthy ways to process and learn from creative failures?Why is vulnerability important for building relationships both with clients and fellow photographers?How can documenting everyday moments shape memories and family history?RESOURCES:Visit Jim Sinicki's Website - https://www.charliejamesphoto.com/Follow Jim Sinicki on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/charlie_james_photo/Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#572 In this episode of the podcast, I talk about what it really means to capture summer memories as a beginner photographer. As a parent with two kids on summer break, I know how chaotic this season can get—plans change, weather interrupts, and sometimes my camera is nowhere near when moments unfold. That’s why this episode is all about embracing progress over perfection and being present with your camera, no matter if it’s a phone or a “real” camera. I share personal stories, like the time I snapped a treasured summer photo with just my phone because my camera was inside, to prove that it’s the feeling and memory that matters, not how technically perfect the shot is.KEY TOPICS COVEREDMaking Everyday Summer Moments Photogenic - Raymond urges listeners not to wait for "perfect" planned events, but to photograph daily summer experiences. He explains that some of the best, most meaningful images come from spontaneous occasions—like family time around a backyard firepit or a child enjoying a popsicle—using whatever camera is on hand. The focus is on presence and being ready to document the essence of summer.Developing Practical Habits for Photography: - The episode encourages the habit of always having a camera nearby, whether that’s a phone or a compact camera, and provides tips to reduce friction—keeping batteries charged, storing cameras in convenient locations, and using simple accessories. This approach helps cultivate an instinct for capturing unplanned moments and builds a portfolio over time.Understanding and Utilizing Summer Light: - Raymond highlights the unique, dynamic qualities of summer light—golden hour, harsh midday sun, and artificial light at fairs or night events. He suggests photographic exercises to observe and shoot how light changes throughout the day, offering practical examples and ways to train the eye for compelling compositions in any lighting scenario.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSGolden Hour: The short window of time right after sunrise or before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and flattering. It’s popular with photographers because of the golden glow and long shadows.Friction-free Shooting: The practice of minimizing obstacles to carrying and using your camera, such as by keeping it handy, ensuring batteries are charged, and having a plan for spontaneous shooting. This makes photography a natural part of daily life rather than a chore.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSHow can you make photography a more integrated part of your everyday life this summer?Think about a meaningful summer memory—how could you capture it without worrying about technical perfection?In what ways does your relationship to light change throughout the day, and how can you use that to create more dynamic photos?Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#571 Valerie Jardin is a renowned street photographer, educator, and host of the Hit the Streets podcast, celebrated for her candid approach to capturing everyday moments. She recounts how her early influences growing up in France and her father's passion for wildlife photography shaped her artistic vision, even before she picked up a camera in her twenties. Valerie’s evolution from shooting wildlife and family portraits to running a commercial studio, and finally transitioning to street photography, offers listeners valuable lessons on adaptability and following creative passions.KEY TOPICS COVEREDNavigating the Photographer’s Journey - Valerie shares her gradual shift from wildlife and portrait work to full-time street photography, emphasizing experimentation and personal projects as core to discovering one’s true passion.Cultivating Photographic Vision - She explains why vision trumps technical perfection, advocating for real-world practice, making creative choices in-camera, and learning to see the world through a photographic lens.Street Photography Practice—Ethics, Legality, and Approach - Valerie clarifies misconceptions around street photography, covers ethical/legal aspects, shares tips on gear (favoring lightweight, unobtrusive cameras), and highlights the value of patience and discernment while shooting.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSPhotographic Vision: The distinctive way a photographer perceives and interprets scenes, fundamental for creating impactful images.Street Photography: The art of candidly documenting everyday life in public spaces, focusing on story and context rather than posed shots.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSHow has Valerie’s career evolution influenced your perspective on trying different photography genres?What are simple exercises you can do to sharpen your photographic vision?How do you interpret the ethical responsibility of photographing strangers in public?How might simplifying your gear impact your style or results?RESOURCES:Visit Valerie Jardin's Website - https://www.valeriejardinphotography.com/Follow Valerie Jardin on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valeriejardin/Hit the Streets Podcast - https://www.valeriejardinphotography.com/podcastSign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#570 In Today’s Episode of the podcast I chat with YOU as I tackle a wide range of listener questions covering every stage of the photography journey. I respond directly to your real-world concerns, offering practical advice and personal insights on topics like preparing for photography trips, finding and owning your unique editing style, breaking into specialized fields such as wedding or food photography, and building a sustainable photography business even when time and energy are limited.KEY TOPICS COVEREDTrip Preparation & Gear Selection - Raymond breaks down how to plan a photography trip, using Alaska as an example. He stresses focusing on desired shots first, packing only essential gear, planning for power and backup needs, and not letting equipment overshadow the enjoyment of the trip.Finding & Owning Your Editing Style - A listener asks about confidence in a "purposefully imperfect" editing style. Raymond encourages embracing what moves you emotionally rather than succumbing to trends. Authenticity, he argues, attracts the right audience and sustains creative motivation.Building a Photography Business with Limitations - Addressing questions about starting (or sustaining) a business with limited time or neurodivergence, Raymond offers practical marketing strategies, including leveraging local business partnerships, automating social media, and focusing on core client beliefs. IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSExposure Compensation: Adjusts camera-determined exposure in automatic or semi-automatic shooting modes to lighten or darken images without switching to full manual mode. Essential for managing tricky lighting situations and achieving desired creative effects.Macro Lens: A lens designed for close-up photography that allows for high magnification and sharpness at very close focusing distances, ideal for genres like food photography.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSWhat personal moments or subjects are most important for you to capture on a photography trip, and how might your gear choices support that?How can you refine your editing style to better reflect your personal taste or storytelling goals?If you were to market your photography business, what unique value or emotional connection would you offer your ideal client?How might you balance career ambitions with personal well-being or time constraints?RESOURCES:Check out the food photography channel: Tin House StudioSocial media scheduling tools: SocialBee, Buffer, Hootsuite, and PlanolySign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#569 Sean Kim is a passionate photographer whose journey explores the ways photography can help process emotions and discover meaning in life. Originally from South Korea and now living in the U.S., Sean transitioned from running a family business to finding profound purpose and self-expression through photography. His story is a testament to how picking up a camera can become a deeply personal tool for processing emotions, spiritual reflection, and connecting with the world, especially during times of personal upheaval.KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe Transformative Power of Photography - Sean reveals how photography helped him process emotions, find meaning during hard times, and discover beauty amidst chaos. He describes how immersive engagement with photography—especially during periods of personal struggle—can be both therapeutic and spiritually fulfilling.Learning Through Practice and Reflection - Emphasizing self-education, Sean advocates borrowing books from the library, consuming a broad range of resources, and returning to them as skills progress. The iterative process of shooting, reviewing, and reflecting enables growth, even when early results seem confusing or flat. The importance of reviewing past work to chart progress is highlighted as a motivational exercise.From Technical Mastery to Personal Style - The conversation covers Sean’s evolution from technical naiveté to developing a distinctive style emphasizing light, silhouettes, and the interplay between small subjects and vast natural backgrounds. The discussion includes practical insights on editing, the value of natural versus artificial lighting, and how artistic intent shapes both gear choices and compositional decisions.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSSilhouette Photography: Capturing subjects as dark shapes against a brighter background, often used by Sean to convey emotional stories and symbolism (like hope or introspection), relevant in his beach and landscape work.Iterative Learning: The continuous cycle of shooting, reviewing, learning, and refining one’s craft—a central theme as Sean encourages learners to revisit educational resources as their understanding deepens.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSHow can photography be used as a tool for personal or emotional growth?What are the benefits of returning to older work or educational materials as you develop your skills?In what ways do your life experiences shape your creative vision or the subjects you are drawn to photograph?How do you balance technical mastery with personal expression in your photography?RESOURCES:Follow Sean Kim on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/seankimstyle/"People Pictures” by Chris Orwig - https://www.amazon.com/People-Pictures-Exercises-Authentic-Photographs/dp/0321774973Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#568 Brian Doben is a celebrated commercial photographer whose journey into the craft was driven by pure instinct and a love for observing life—what he calls the “greatest romance” of his life aside from his marriage. Key themes throughout the episode include Brian’s unexpected entry into photography after realizing his first passion, professional cycling, wouldn’t pan out. He credits his success to a willingness to follow instinct, embrace humility, and prioritize listening—to both his own creative impulses and to clients. KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe Role of Instinct and Human Connection in Photography - Brian recounts how his instinct led him to pick up a camera during a period of personal uncertainty. He has since trusted his intuition not only in what he photographs but in how he forms connections with his subjects. Takeaway: Success in photography relies as much on empathy and actively listening as it does technical skill.Professional Development and Navigating the Photography Industry - The episode discusses Brian's transition from student to professional, the value of assisting, and how humility and a willingness to start from the bottom are essential for long-term career success. Doben highlights lessons learned through real-world experiences—such as working in demanding client settings and building resilience.Personal Projects and Creative Renewal: The "At Work" Project - Brian shares the origin and evolution of his personal project, “At Work,” which helped reignite his passion after creative burnout. He describes his process for finding subjects, the importance of curiosity over agenda, and how personal storytelling elevates his portraiture. Real-world anecdotes illustrate how life experiences, vulnerability, and setbacks inform creative vision.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSInstinctual Photography: Trusting one’s gut feelings and spontaneous creative urges rather than rigid planning; essential to finding authenticity in both subject matter and method.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSHow can following your instincts guide your creative or career choices in photography?What strategies can photographers use to build authentic connections with clients or subjects, especially in high-pressure environments?In what ways can personal setbacks or life events inform and enrich your photography or storytelling?RESOURCES:Visit Brian Doben's Website - https://www.briandoben.com/Follow Brian Doben on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/briandoben/“At Work” Project and Gallery -  https://www.atworkproject.com/“At Work” Book by Brian Doben – https://www.amazon.com/At-Work-Brian-Doben/dp/195196330XSign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#567 Allie Siarto is a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in East Lansing, Michigan, and host of the Photo Field Notes podcast. The episode is a deep dive into the importance of creating a world-class experience for portrait clients, a factor Allie emphasizes as crucial for building client loyalty and generating referrals in the photography business. Through engaging stories and clear advice, Allie illustrates how exceptional service, thoughtful preparation, and emotional connections often outweigh technical perfection in client satisfaction.KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe Power of Client Experience Over Technical Perfection - Allie explains that while technical skill is important, the client’s emotional experience during the shoot has a greater impact on their satisfaction. Providing guidance, being prepared, and making clients comfortable often leads to higher perceived value and greater word-of-mouth referrals.Practical Steps for Improving Client Experience - Major points include communicating proactively (e.g., style guides, prep emails), planning for logistics (like family lists and timeline management), dressing professionally, and using prompts to create genuine moments. Real-world examples such as helping clients find venues or ensuring parents feel included underscore how small efforts make a big difference.Continuous Learning and Reflection - Allie shares her own learning curve, including mistakes (like not asking parents if they wanted more photos), and details how she implements those lessons to continually improve. The importance of treating early years in business as an extension of education is highlighted, encouraging listeners to seek feedback and view setbacks as opportunities.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSClient Experience: The cumulative impressions and feelings that clients have throughout their interactions with a photographer, from initial inquiry to final image delivery. Ensuring a positive client experience can be a greater predictor of success and referrals than technical image quality alone.Unposed Posing: A posing style that uses prompts and interactive questions to evoke natural expressions and genuine emotion, rather than traditional, static posing. This approach helps even uncomfortable clients relax, leading to more authentic and memorable images.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSHow do you currently manage the experience of your clients before, during, and after a shoot? What areas can you improve based on Allie’s advice?Think about a time you had a remarkable or disappointing service experience (outside of photography). What specific factors made the difference, and how can you apply those lessons to your photography business?RESOURCES:Visit Allie Siarto's Website - http://alliesiarto.com/Follow Allie Siarto on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alliesiarto/Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!