Luxe & Legacy Podcast

In This Episode It's officially busy season. Calendars are full, galleries are piling up, and we're still trying to be present moms and keep our creativity alive. This week we're sharing our best tips for not just surviving busy season, but actually thriving in it. In This Episode We Cover Prepping at the start of the week: batch steaming wardrobe, formatting memory cards, and screenshotting client questionnaires Amber's jewelry organizer trick for storing labeled memory cards until galleries are delivered Scheduling social posts so you stay visible for winter bookings Filling your cup on purpose, from sound baths to date night celebrations Self-care basics: water and snacks at sessions, a hard stop on editing, and client message hours Setting one creative goal per session to break out of autopilot Why automated 17hats workflows save so much brain power A sneak peek at our upcoming Instagram challenge 👀 A Few Things We Mentioned The Becoming Retreat Waitlist: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/waitlist-the-becoming 17hats for client workflows Amber's free posing guide: comment "cake" on her latest posing post at @light_livin_photography Balancing Business & Family in Summer: https://luxeandlegacypodcast.podbean.com/e/balancing-business-family-in-summer/ Coming Next Summer: The Becoming Retreat An intentionally small retreat at a historic farmhouse on Maryland's Eastern Shore, with styled sessions, savory meals, and space to reconnect with your creative vision. Spots open 10/20, so join the waitlist to be first in line: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/waitlist-the-becoming Your Assignment This Week Pick one tip and put it into practice before your next session. Then give yourself one small creative goal at that shoot. Takeaway Busy season is a sign your business is working! Connect With Us Marie: @marie.elizabeth.photo | https://marie-elizabethphotography.com Amber: @light_livin_photography | https://lightlivinphotography.com/education-page Got a favorite busy season tip? DM us or share this episode and tag us both. And if you loved it, a quick review helps other photographers find the show. See you next week! 💛

Marie's out this week spending time with family, so Amber's flying solo. If your fall calendar has more open spots than you'd like, here's exactly what she'd do to book five more clients in the next 30 days. No discounting, no desperate energy, just smart short-term moves that work. In This Episode We Cover Reconnecting with past clients who loved their photos (plus the exact text Amber sends) Starting an email list with a freebie your ideal client actually wants Using Claude or ChatGPT to write a re-engagement sequence for your ideal client avatar Creating one showstopper seasonal highlight reel with a trending audio and a scroll-stopping cover Instagram SEO now that hashtags aren't king, and tagging blogs like The Kindred Path Auditing the "prime real estate" at the top of your homepage and investment page Amber's gentle posing cue for avoiding double chins when parents lift their kids Why your investment page should lead with the experience, not the price Following up with quiet inquiries (assume it went to spam!) What Amber covers on consult calls, and why 98% of them turn into bookings Keeping a sense of scarcity, and why discounting is never the answer A Few Things We Mentioned The Kindred Path / GATHER Workshop: Https://thekindredpath.com/gather-2026 Claude and ChatGPT for nurture email sequences CapCut and Edits for syncing reels to music Our Actual Numbers: Exactly What We Charge and Why: https://luxeandlegacypodcast.podbean.com/e/our-actual-numbers-exactly-what-we-charge-and-why/ Your Assignment This Week Text or email 10 to 15 past clients you loved working with and let them know your fall dates are filling up. Then send one friendly follow-up to any inquiries that went quiet. Takeaway We're not just filling calendars. We're building sustainable businesses that let us create beautiful work and have a life outside of it. Skip the discounts, show up with your best work, and make it easy for the people who love it to say yes. Connect With Us Marie: @marie.elizabeth.photo | https://marie-elizabethphotography.comAmber: @light_livin_photography | https://lightlivinphotography.com/education-page Loved this one? A quick review helps other photographers find the show. See you next week! 💛

In this episode: Ever get on a call with someone and just know they're confident in what they offer? That's energy, and this week we're getting into how it shows up in your business whether you realize it or not. Clients can feel when you're desperate for a booking or uncomfortable with your prices, and they can feel when you're grounded and genuinely there to serve them. We're talking scarcity versus abundance, how your own money beliefs shape your sales, and why the way you make people feel is just as much a part of your client experience as the service itself. In This Episode We Cover: Why trying too hard to book someone can actually repel them, and how detachment shifts your energy Serving over selling, and letting go of your attachment to a specific number at ordering appointments How your own money beliefs get projected onto clients (and why you never really know what someone values) Why your nervous system sets the emotional temperature of every session Practical ways to reset before a consult, session, or ordering appointment Your Assignment This Week: Before your next consult or session, pause and ask: "What energy do I want this person to feel from me?" Then do one small thing to get there, whether that's a few slow breaths, dropping your shoulders, or Amber's go-to of popping in headphones and listening to a calming frequency on Spotify. Notice what shifts. Takeaway: You can only control yourself, but that's a huge part of the client experience. People aren't just experiencing your photographs, they're experiencing you. That energy becomes part of the experience, and ultimately, part of the art. Connect With Us: Marie: marie-elizabethphotography.com | @marie.elizabeth.photoAmber: lightlivinphotography.com | @light_livin_photography If this episode spoke to you, we'd love a review. It helps other photographers find the show. We'll see you next week ✨

In This Episode We Cover Why workshops and retreats are so good for us as creatives, especially when we spend most of our day-to-day working alone in our own little void The connection and community piece, and how being around other photographers reminds you that you're not the only one wrestling with the same wins and struggles Marie's recap of the Kindred Path workshop, from the two horse sessions running at once to the very real Virginia summer humidity that the out-of-state folks were not ready for Watching another photographer work and stealing that one tiny thing they do differently (like the relaxed way Marie's friend Tiffany would adjust dresses) What you can learn from photographers whose work looks nothing like yours, because different light, posing, colors, and genres all hold ideas you can make your own Amber's goal to get messier and less linear with posing, moving away from everyone smiling at the camera toward natural, unposed moments that still have that geometric design underneath The mindset shift that being really good at what you do and still having tons to learn are allowed to be true at the same time Adapting vs. learning, and the AI tools Marie has folded into her business and editing workflow Why the business changes felt scarier than the creative ones when this is your primary income, and doing them anyway because the market and your clients (who keep getting younger) are always shifting Playing with trends like high f-stop, Dutch angles, and direct sun without letting them take over, so you stay relevant but still anchored in your romantic, whimsical, dreamy brand Being less judgmental of your own work, and letting yourself post the beautiful session that happened to be in cloudy or harsh light even when it isn't your signature look A Few Things We Mentioned The Kindred Path / GATHER Workshop: thekindredpath.com/gather-2026 AI tools Marie uses in her business and editing: Claude, ChatGPT, Imagen, and Evoto Your Assignment This Week At your next session, get all your safe shots first (the must-haves, the combos, the ones you know your client is expecting), and then give yourself full permission to try one thing that scares you a little. A weird angle, a trendy technique, an unposed prompt, whatever. If it flops, that's not a sign to quit. Take what you learned, tweak it, and try it again next time. That little experiment is where the real growth lives, and the pressure is low because the essentials are already in the bag. Takeaway There's no shame in still learning. If anything, wanting to get better is exactly what makes you a good photographer, a good artist, and a good businesswoman. Keep experimenting, keep watching how other people work, and be a whole lot kinder to yourself while you do it. You can be proud of your work and still leave room to grow. Connect With UsMarie: @marie.elizabeth.photo | marie-elizabethphotography.comAmber: @light_livin_photography | lightlivinphotography.com Enjoyed this episode? We'd love a review, it helps other photographers find the show and join this community. And if this one hit home, DM us the last new thing you tried in a session. We'd love to cheer you on. See you next week! 💛

We bring it up basically every other episode, so it's finally getting its own deep dive: artwork. Albums, wall art, the tangible pieces that turn a digital-only business into a profitable one. If you've ever wondered how photographers are actually making real money on artwork sales — or you've been too nervous to try — this is your episode. We break it into three parts: 1. Introducing artwork into your workflow (start small!)The key is keeping it simple so you're not overwhelmed and — more importantly — your clients aren't either. We talk through our minimal starting lineups (one album size, a few frame sizes in small/medium/large/XL), why a one-page pricing guide beats a giant product catalog, and the labs we personally love and trust for quality that sells itself. 2. The breadcrumb method (aka the part so many photographers miss)Artwork should never be a surprise at the ordering appointment. Think Hansel and Gretel — you're leaving a trail of breadcrumbs at every single touchpoint: your website (every page, not just one buried "artwork" tab), Instagram, the inquiry stage, welcome and planning guides, the questionnaire, the session itself. We also walk through sped-up mock ordering appointments for both wall art and albums so you can hear the actual words that come out of our mouths. 3. Mindset (the hardest part)You can't sell what you don't believe in. We get into the money mindset shift: your clients already spend freely on sofas, vacations, and things they value — the money is there. Your job isn't to convince anyone; it's to convey the emotional value and the legacy. Because a hard drive (or a wedding CD you can't even open anymore 👀) is not a legacy. Your action step this week: Pick one album size, three frame options, check that your digitals are priced level with your artwork, and add one new breadcrumb to your workflow. Labs & tools mentioned: Indie Print Co — albums (Marie) Red Tree Albums — albums (Amber) Musea — wall art & framing The Photographers Framer — framing (Amber) Swift Galleries & Pro Select — wall gallery design/mock-ups Fundy — album design Loom — album design walkthroughs Pic-Time — proofing & album comments Connect With UsMarie: @marie.elizabeth.photo | marie-elizabethphotography.comAmber: @light_livin_photography | lightlivinphotography.com Enjoyed this episode? We'd love a review — it helps other photographers find the show and join this community. See you next week! 💛

Episode Summary This one is close to our hearts. We sat down with D'Arcy Benincosa, world renowned photographer, educator, mentor, and host of the Play It Brave podcast, for a conversation that goes way beyond business strategy. D'Arcy has spent years teaching creatives how to build businesses rooted in intuition, mindset, and nervous system regulation, and in this episode she helps us process something a lot of us are quietly carrying: how to stay creative, grounded, and open hearted when the world feels heavy. We talk about setting boundaries around news consumption, how emotions actually move through the body, the difference between masculine and feminine energy, and why "story, style, structure, and sales" are the four pillars every creative business needs to stay aligned. If you've felt creatively frozen lately, this episode is your permission slip to come back to yourself. In This Episode, We Cover How to stay informed and compassionate without becoming emotionally paralyzed Why creativity can't blossom where there's too much consumption David Hawkins' Map of Consciousness and how emotional frequency affects everything, including abundance Moving through shame and guilt without getting stuck in a shame spiral What divine feminine and masculine energy actually mean, and how to live in both D'Arcy's four business pillars: story, style, structure, and sales Why the "best photographer" doesn't always win the booking, and what does Practical tips for photographers navigating a shifting industry and fewer inquiries D'Arcy's approach to NLP, timeline therapy, and quarterly emotional "maintenance" Meet Our Guest D'Arcy Benincosa is a world renowned photographer, educator, and mentor who helps creatives build businesses rooted in strategy, intuition, wealth, and personal expansion. She's the host of the Play It Brave podcast and is master certified in NLP (neuro-linguistic programming). Darcy leads group coaching programs, timeline therapy sessions, and in-person creative workshops around the world. Quotable Moments "Creativity cannot blossom where there is consumption." "Emotions stay in your body for about 90 seconds if you truly feel them. Then they can cycle out." "You could be the best photographer but the worst salesperson, and you could be making hardly any money." "We still need the flowers. We need the beauty. We need to create the art." Resources & Links Mentioned D'Arcy Benincosa: darcybenincosa.com Play It Brave podcast, hosted by D'Arcy Benincosa The Map of Consciousness by Dr. David R. Hawkins D'Arcy's upcoming group coaching program (story, style, structure, sales) D'Arcy's in-person creative workshop in England (limited spots) Connect With Us Marie: @marie.elizabeth.photo | marie-elizabethphotography.com Amber: @light_livin_photography | lightlivinphotography.com

Not booking as much as you want? The answer might be hiding in plain sight... your portfolio. In this episode, Marie and Amber break down the different photography styles that attract luxury clients, what makes a feed look expensive vs. budget, and why luxury isn't one single aesthetic. Spoiler: it comes down to intentionality, restraint, and artistry. What We Cover The Big Myth About Luxury Photography Luxury isn't just light and airy fields and flowing neutral dresses. There are so many paths to a high-end brand, and the one that works best for you is the one that genuinely lights you up. Photography Styles That Can Command Luxury Prices Ethereal and Romantic: Soft light, natural skin tones, feminine elegance, quiet emotion. Beautiful when done well, but easy to go wrong with overexposure, too much haze, or overly trendy styling. Documentary and Storytelling: In-home, layered compositions, real moments. This one requires just as much skill as any other style. Direction, posing, and intentional light still matter, even when it looks effortless. Bold and Colorful: Strong point of view, rich tones, graphic energy. It attracts a specific clientele who will absolutely pay luxury prices for it. Editorial: Fashion-inspired, clean lines, powerful posing. Think strong angles, intentional body shapes, quiet confidence. Scandinavian Minimalism: Controlled color palettes, black and white, nothing unnecessary in the frame. Restrained, intentional, and deeply elegant. What Makes Work Look Budget (No Matter the Style) Overexposed or inconsistent editing Styling that doesn't hang together (outfits, hair, makeup, location) Showing "cheese at the camera" shots Randomness... a feed that feels pulled in different directions Skipping out on hair and makeup (or including sessions where clients clearly did) What Luxury Work Always Has in Common Intentionality: nothing feels random or client-dictated Restraint: no chasing every trend, no clutter Curation: cohesive, emotionally resonant, visually balanced Artistry: the feeling underneath the aesthetic The Big Takeaway Luxury photography is not one specific style. It's the level of intention and passion behind the work. What makes an image feel expensive is the emotion, consistency, curation, and artistry underneath it all. Create work that feels unmistakably you, and then get really masterful at that. Connect With Us Marie Elizabeth Photography marie-elizabethphotography.com | @marie.elizabeth.photo Light Livin Photography lightlivinphotography.com | @light_livin_photography

Thinking about making the leap to full-time photography? This episode is for you. Marie and Amber get real about what it actually takes, and spoiler: the hardest milestones aren't the practical ones. They break down the key milestones you need to hit before going full-time, including the mindset shifts that don't get talked about enough. In this episode: Why committing before you feel ready is the very first (and hardest) step The identity shift that comes with leaving another career behind... and how to grieve it How to set profitable pricing and actually know your minimum Why coaching and masterminds move the needle in ways online courses can't Getting your business structure legit: LLCs, S corps, accountants, and health insurance Booking consistently for 3-4 months before making the leap How memberships and repeat clients create stability and predictability Why saving 4-6 months of income keeps you out of scarcity mode Links mentioned: Amber's coaching: https://lightlivinphotography.com/ Marie's coaching: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/ Follow us: Amber: @light_livin_photography Marie: @marie.elizabeth.photo

In this episode of the Luxe & Legacy Podcast, we’re breaking down exactly how we guide clients through the luxury photography experience using Zoom consultation calls, planning appointments, and ordering appointments… without ever feeling pushy or salesy. We’re sharing the step-by-step process we use to build trust with clients from the very first inquiry all the way through artwork sales and final ordering. If you’ve ever felt awkward about sales calls, unsure how to talk about artwork, or overwhelmed by IPS, this episode will completely change the way you think about client communication. We discuss: Why consultation calls should feel simple and conversational How Zoom calls help clients trust you faster The importance of helping clients envision their session and artwork How we guide wardrobe, locations, and styling during planning calls The key to talking about albums and wall art naturally Why artwork sales actually happen before the ordering appointment How we keep ordering appointments collaborative instead of sales-focused Why offering a full digital gallery can still lead to strong artwork sales The mindset shifts that make luxury sales feel easy and aligned At the heart of it all, luxury service is about making clients feel cared for, guided, and fully supported every step of the way. Listen now and learn how to create a client experience that builds trust, increases sales, and feels effortless for both you and your clients. Marie Elizabeth Photography: https://marie-elizabethphotography.comLight Livin Photography: https://lightlivinphotography.com

Getting Published: Is it Worth It and Our Tips on Getting Your Work Featured In today’s episode, Marie is diving into a question that comes up all the time in the photography world: is getting published actually worth it anymore? And if it is… how do you actually get your work accepted? This conversation is honest, practical, and grounded in real experience. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should be spending time submitting your work to blogs and publications, this episode will give you clarity and direction. ✨ What We Cover What “getting published” really means today The difference between Instagram feature accounts vs. full blog/publication features Why not all “features” carry the same value Is getting published still worth it? Why it doesn’t hold the same weight it once did When it can still benefit your business The role of backlinks and how they support your SEO How publications contribute to social proof for potential clients The biggest mistake photographers make when submitting Why “good work” alone doesn’t guarantee acceptance The importance of aligning your work with a publication’s style 📸 Marie’s Best Tips for Getting Published 1. Study the publication before submittingEvery publication has a unique style and preference. Submitting without understanding this is one of the fastest ways to get rejected. 2. Make sure your work is strong and consistent Cohesive editing and true-to-life skin tones Variety in composition, posing, and storytelling Intentional use of light 3. Curate your submission carefullyChoose your best images and include a mix of: Detail shots Wide, scene-setting images Emotional, connection-driven moments 4. Follow submission guidelines exactlyEditors receive a high volume of submissions. If you miss something small (file size, format, required info), your work may be skipped entirely. 5. Don’t overlook the details Some publications require session descriptions or background stories Many do not accept workshop or styled session work Always check what is allowed before submitting 6. Follow up (the right way)A short, respectful follow-up email can help ensure your submission was received—just don’t overdo it. 💭 Final Thoughts Getting published isn’t a magic bullet for business growth—but it can be a helpful piece of the puzzle when approached intentionally. The key takeaway?Focus your energy where it matters most, and treat publication as a supporting strategy, not the main driver of your business. And if you do decide to submit your work… go all in and do it well. Your work deserves to be seen. 🔗 Connect with Us Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.comInstagram: @marie.elizabeth.photo Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.comInstagram: @light_livin_photography If you loved this episode, it would mean so much if you left a review. It helps more photographers find the show and build a business that feels aligned, elevated, and sustainable 🤍

Q&A: Real-Time Answers to Your Biggest Photography Business Questions In this episode, we’re switching things up and diving into a Q&A! Amber and I asked you on Instagram what your most pressing questions are in your photography business right now, and you delivered. Today, we’re answering as many as we can with honest, real-time insight into what’s actually working in our businesses right now. If you’ve been wondering how to get more inquiries, refine your marketing, or confidently raise your prices… this episode is for you. ✨ What We Cover How to get more eyes on your work (and turn that into real inquiries) The three marketing channels we’d focus on if we were starting today Instagram strategies that are actually working right now (and why carousels still convert) How to use SEO on Instagram and your blog to attract ideal clients Pinterest: is it worth it, and do you need to start over? How to handle comparison in the photography industry Booking more newborn sessions and positioning yourself as the expert Building a client wardrobe (and actually getting clients to use it) Setting boundaries with weekday sessions and making them desirable Navigating friends and discounts without it getting awkward What to do when you raise your prices and bookings slow down The biggest factor in converting inquiries into booked clients 📈 A Few Key Takeaways Visibility comes from intentional SEO + consistent, quality content Instagram is less about hacks and more about connection and value Your marketing should speak directly to your ideal client, not everyone Raising your prices means stepping into a new level of clientele Consultation calls can dramatically increase your booking rate and client trust 📄 Contract Resource If you’ve been putting off creating a solid contract (or questioning if yours is actually protecting you), this is your sign. Amber had her contract professionally created by a lawyer and made it available for photographers to use—so you don’t have to DIY something this important. 👉 https://lightlivinphotography.com/portrait-contractUse code PODCAST50 for 50% off 🔗 Connect with Us Marie:🌐 https://marie-elizabethphotography.com📷 Instagram: @marie.elizabeth.photo Amber:🌐 https://lightlivinphotography.com📷 Instagram: @light_livin_photography 💬 Loved This Episode? If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean so much if you left a review or shared it with a photographer friend. It helps more photographers discover the show and build businesses that feel aligned, elevated, and sustainable.

Episode Title:Building Community and Posing Families Naturally with Adrianne Shelton of Beatific Visions Photography Show Notes:In this episode of the Luxe & Legacy Podcast, we are joined by Adrianne Shelton of Beatific Visions Photography for a conversation about community, connection, and the art of creating natural family images. Adrianne shares the heart behind founding The Kindred Path, an online family photography publication created to inspire photographers at every stage of their journey and foster meaningful connection in an industry that can sometimes feel isolating. We talk about how powerful it can be to reach out, build relationships with other photographers, and create a sense of community in your local market and beyond. We also dive into Adrianne’s approach to family posing and how she leads sessions in a way that feels organic, playful, and true to each family. From preparing clients before the session to using simple prompts and movement-based direction, Adrianne offers so much wisdom for photographers who want to create images that feel both beautiful and natural. If you have ever felt alone in your business, struggled to create authentic connection in your sessions, or wanted a fresh perspective on family posing, this episode is full of encouragement and practical takeaways. In this episode, we discuss: Why community matters so much in the photography industry How Adrianne started The Kindred Path in 2020 Practical ways to build relationships with photographers in your local area Why leading with generosity creates stronger connection Adrianne’s philosophy for natural, connection-filled family sessions Simple rules and prompts that help families feel at ease How to work with kids in a playful, low-pressure way Tips for creating flattering images while keeping sessions organic The importance of helping clients feel prepared before the session begins Upcoming opportunities to learn from Adrianne through workshops and events Connect with Adrianne:Website: https://beatificvisionsphotography.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beatificvisionsphotography/ The Kindred Path:Website: https://thekindredpath.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindredpath/ Connect with us:Marie Elizabeth Photography:Website: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marie.elizabeth.photo/ Light Livin Photography:Website: https://lightlivinphotography.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/light_livin_photography/ Listen and subscribe:If you enjoyed this episode, we would be so grateful if you left a review. It helps more photographers discover the show and become part of this community.

How to Find Incredible Photo Locations (Without Feeling “Lucky”) If you’ve ever looked at another photographer’s work and thought, How are they finding these locations?! this episode is for you. Today, Marie and Amber break down what actually makes a location work for your style (not just what looks “pretty”), plus the practical ways they discover new spots year after year. From light and negative space to texture, layers, and avoiding distractions, this conversation will help you build a curated location list that supports a luxury, consistent brand and makes your sessions feel more intentional from the start. You’ll also hear a real behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into “magical” locations, including scouting, permits, building relationships with property owners, and why it’s totally okay to keep certain spots private. In this episode, we cover: Why “pretty” isn’t enough and how to choose locations that support your specific brand look What Marie and Amber look for first (and why light is still the dealbreaker) Negative space, depth, and avoiding “nature walls” that flatten your background How to use texture and layers to add refinement and dimension (foreground, mid-ground, background) How to think through environmental color and tone, especially on cloudy days Handling distractions like cars, trash cans, and crowds without ruining the image The best practical ways to find new locations: Trusted photographer relationships (and how to ask respectfully) Pinterest and reverse image search Trail apps like AllTrails and local hiking or wildflower Facebook groups Old-school Googling and learning from wedding photographer blogs Why scouting is non-negotiable, even if you found a location online Private property etiquette, permits, and how to avoid awkward session interruptions How knowing your criteria helps you start seeing location possibilities everywhere A reminder we love: Your locations aren’t just backgrounds. They’re part of your signature, and choosing them intentionally is one of the simplest ways to create recognizable work. Connect with us Marie Elizabeth PhotographyWebsite: https://marie-elizabethphotography.comInstagram: @marie.elizabeth.photo Light Livin PhotographyWebsite: https://lightlivinphotography.com Instagram: @light_livin_photography Leave a review If you enjoyed this episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a minute to leave a review of the Luxe & Legacy Podcast. Reviews help other photographers discover the show and join the community, and we truly appreciate the support.