With Laura Esmond
With Laura Esmond is the unfiltered podcast for women growing creative businesses while raising families and raising themselves.I’m Laura, a mom of three, educator, coach, and photographer. After scaling a portrait studi...
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
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| 7/14/26 | The Four Mental Tools That Keep Portrait Photographers Going | In this episode, we're talking about something every portrait photographer will face at some point: hard seasons.Maybe you're struggling to book clients. Maybe you had a session that didn't go as planned. Maybe you're feeling discouraged, questioning yourself, or wondering if you still have what it takes.I've been there more times than I can count.This episode was inspired by a friend who's preparing to run the Leadville 100, one of the toughest endurance races in the world. As I thought about the mental preparation required to finish a race like that, I couldn't help but see the parallels to running a business.Because the truth is, building a photography business isn't just about learning marketing or sales. It's about learning how to keep going when things get hard.Today I'm sharing the four mental tools that have helped me navigate difficult seasons over the last 26 years. These are the tools that have helped me push through setbacks, quiet the negative self-talk, and stay in the game.If you've been feeling discouraged lately, I hope this episode reminds you that you're not behind, you're not incapable, and you're certainly not alone.In this episode, we'll talk about:Why you should expect hard seasons instead of fearing themHow your response to setbacks shapes your futureWhy taking one small step is more powerful than chasing the entire planA better way to use visualization other than a vision boardA simple way to organize your thoughts when you feel overwhelmedWhy adversity isn't working against you. If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to share it with another photographer who might need to hear it today.Until next time, keep building the business and the life you've been called to create.Connect with Laura:https://www.lauraesmond.com/https://www.instagram.com/lauraesmondeducation/ | 43m 07s | ||||||
| 6/30/26 | Why Some Sessions Feel Like Magic (It's Not Luck) with Morgan Williams | You know those sessions where everything just flows? The light cooperates, the kids cooperate, you and your clients are completely in sync, and you drive home thinking that was magic — I could never repeat that.Morgan Williams doesn't accept that. She says the magic is repeatable. But only if you understand what actually created it, and that answer goes deeper than your prompts, your presets, or your Pinterest board. It comes down to knowing your purpose as a photographer, the thing you specifically were created to make, and building every piece of your business from that place.Morgan is a family photographer and educator in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the founder of Flourish, a five-month mastermind and retreat that helps photographers uncover their creative purpose and build a business around it. In this conversation, we get into why so many of us are tending to all the little pieces of our businesses, the fonts, the editing, the client emails, the marketing, without a thread holding them together, and what changes when you find that thread.In this episode, we talk about:The difference between your style, your voice, and your purpose — and why purpose has to come firstWhy your work gets easier to price (and easier to sell) when it's something clients can't get anywhere elseThe magic sessions: why they happen, why we let them stay a mystery, and how to make the feeling repeatableThe reflective work of studying your own sessions to find what you're actually meant to createMorgan's favorite client questionnaire question — the one that turns a family's ordinary daily rhythms into artHow purpose becomes your filter for trends, so you stop getting tossed around by every industry shiftThe industry-wide lie that your work has to look a certain way to be "luxury" or to work with in-person salesWhy income level doesn't determine what a client will invest in photography — and who Morgan's clients actually areTime management for photographer moms: brain dumps, hour-by-hour assignments, and why Morgan finally gave herself permission to add five hours of childcare a weekWorking on your business versus working in it — and protecting the deep-focus time where momentum actually happensFlourish enrollment for the current cohort has closed, but the next cohort opens for enrollment in October 2026 and begins in January 2027. Join the waitlist here: https://morganwilliamsphoto.com/flourish-waitlistConnect with Morgan Williams: https://morganwilliamsphoto.com/education/ | 1h 06m 20s | ||||||
| 6/16/26 | When Everyone Seems to Be Moving Faster with Laura Gattis | A few months ago, portrait photographer Laura Gattis called me and said the words so many of us have felt but rarely say out loud: I am really struggling. She had just come home early from an industry retreat, and over the next two weeks, a string of small moments stacked up until she found herself at an awards ceremony with tears streaming down her face, asking herself what she'd done with her life.Here's the thing. Laura has run a thriving portrait business in Tampa for over 13 years. Her clients adore her, her black and white childhood portraits are unmistakable, and she built all of it while being fully present for her kids. By every real measure, she has succeeded. But comparison doesn't care about real measures, and in this episode, Laura gets honest about imposter syndrome, the feeling of being left behind in the photography industry, and what finally lifted the weight.In this episode, we talk about:The retreat, the group text, and the awards ceremony — the story of how comparison quietly became a depression Laura didn't see comingWhy "what have I done with my life?" had nothing to do with what she'd actually builtRedefining success when yours doesn't come with a stage or an awardChoosing family first in your photography business — and why Laura says it's a choice, not a sacrificeHow Laura handles social media as a photographer who never built her business thereHer surprising strategy when she feels insecure about another photographer (it involves becoming their friend)Protecting your Instagram algorithm and your peaceWhy vulnerability and real community are the antidote to working on an islandConnect with Laura Gattis: www.lauragattisphotography.com, | Instagram @lauragattisphotography | 49m 46s | ||||||
| 6/2/26 | What Shannon Griffin Taught Me About Letting Go | As business owners, it's easy to believe that success means doing everything ourselves. Editing the images. Answering every email. Keeping the house clean. Being present with our kids. Growing the business. Holding it all together.But what if that belief is exactly what's keeping us exhausted?In this honest conversation, photographer Shannon Griffin and I talk about the surprising freedom that comes from letting go. From outsourcing editing and household tasks to releasing the guilt about not wanting to play with Barbies, we explore what it looks like to build a business around who you actually are, not who you think you're supposed to be.Shannon shares her journey as a low-volume, high-end photographer, mother, editor, and entrepreneur, and why embracing support and a secondary source of income has allowed her to create a business and life she truly loves.Together, we discuss:Why doing everything yourself isn't a badge of honorThe emotional challenge of letting go of controlHow outsourcing can create more space for creativity and familyThe reality of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurshipWhy your business should reflect your personality, values, and season of lifeThe difference between being busy and being intentionalHow understanding your "why" can guide every business decisionThe guilt many women feel around work, motherhood, and wanting moreBuilding a low-volume business that prioritizes relationships and artistryLearning to trust others with parts of your businessWhether you're struggling to delegate, feeling stretched thin, or simply wondering how to create more breathing room in your life, this conversation will remind you that you don't have to carry it all.Sometimes the greatest growth comes from letting something go.Connect with Shannon Griffin:https://www.shannongriffin.com/Connect with Laura:https://www.lauraesmond.com/If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs the reminder that she was never meant to do it all alone. | 58m 49s | ||||||
| 5/19/26 | Why Photographers Discount — and What It's Really About | Why Photographers Discount — and What It's Really AboutIf you are a portrait photographer who has ever built a discount into your pricing hoping it would make clients more likely to say yes, this episode is for you. We talk about why the impulse to discount makes complete sense on the surface, what is actually driving it underneath, and why a simple package structure will always outperform a complicated incentive every single time — whether you are shooting family photography, newborns, or motherhood sessions.In this episode:Why discounting your digitals, bundling add-on products, and building in savings rarely moves the family photography clients you are hoping to reachWhat is actually happening in a client's brain during the ordering meeting and why she does not need a discount to say yesThe real reason portrait photographers reach for incentives when building their pricing guideWhy simplicity is not a shortcut for family photographers, it is the strategyLinks: The Art of Selling — lauraesmond.com/ips | 12m 46s | ||||||
| 4/21/26 | Katie Lamb On How To Stop Getting Price Shopped | If it feels harder than ever to stand out as a portrait photographer right now, you’re not imagining it.In this conversation, Laura sits down with photographer and educator Katie Lamb to unpack one of the biggest challenges in today’s industry: everything looks the same.From identical editing styles to repeated locations and trends pulled from Instagram and Pinterest, photographers are unintentionally blending in and when that happens, clients default to one thing: price shopping.But standing out isn’t about being more talented. It’s about being more intentional.In this episode, Laura and Katie break down what actually differentiates a photography business today (hint: it’s not your presets), how to create an experience clients can’t compare, and why adding something like video + a guided sales process can completely transform your profit per session.What You’ll Learn Why photographers are blending together more than ever The real reason clients price shop (and how to stop it) Why your photography style alone isn’t enough anymore The two key ways to stand out: experience + product How video creates an emotional, undeniable “I have to have this” moment What happens when you guide clients instead of just delivering a gallery Why in-person sales (IPS) isn’t about pressure—it’s about service How to create a full-circle client experience that leads to higher sales and stronger referrals The Create & Sell Bundle: www.katielamb.com/bundleKatie’s Creating Session Videos CourseLaura’s The Art of Selling CourseA one hour live Q&A with both of usTogether, these approaches help photographers: Create something unique your clients will love And confidently guide clients to go beyond digitals🔥 Why This MattersYour clients aren’t just buying photos.They’re navigating: Busy schedules Emotional expectations The pressure of “getting it right” for their family If the experience ends with a digital gallery they never print, the value fades.But when you: Create something tangible Guide them through decisions Help them see the meaning behind the images You don’t just sell more, you create lasting impact.About Katie LambKatie Lamb is a photographer and educator who has been in the industry since 2008. With a background in fine art photography, she’s known for simplifying complex things and helping photographers create meaningful, standout work—especially through session films.Find her education at: www.katielamb.comInstagram: @katiebethlamb | 44m 37s | ||||||
| 4/14/26 | How To Stop Competing With The Photographer Down The Street | There’s a version of working on your business that feels productive… but doesn’t actually move anything forward.In this episode, we’re pulling apart one of the biggest traps photographers fall into, especially in a slow season. Posting more. Tweaking captions. Trying to “stay consistent.” And still feeling like nothing is really changing.This is not a visibility problem.It is a differentiation problem.We’re talking about why being seen more does not lead to being chosen, what clients are actually deciding between when they hire a photographer, and the one question that will shift how you approach your marketing moving forward.Because the goal is not to compete.The goal is to be chosen.In This Episode Why “working on your business” can feel productive but still keep you stuck The hidden problem with posting more content What happens when your marketing looks like everyone else’s The difference between being visible and being chosen Why beautiful photos, good service, and fast communication are not enough The trap of relying on style or trends to stand out The question that changes how you approach your marketing entirely ConnectCome find me on Instagram at @lauraesmondeducation for more conversations like this and a behind-the-scenes look at how this work actually gets implemented. | 13m 41s | ||||||
| 4/7/26 | The Industry Is Shifting, Are You Ready? A Conversation With Suzy Brown | In this episode, I’m joined by family photographer and educator Suzzane Brown for a conversation that feels a little different, in the best way.We didn’t come in with a strict plan, but what unfolded was an honest, layered discussion about what it looks like to be a photographer right now, in an industry that’s changing quickly, in a world that feels louder than ever, and in a season where so many of us are questioning how we want to show up.Suzzane is known for creating deeply connected, high-touch client experiences, especially with families in the luxury market, and she brings such a thoughtful, intuitive perspective to both her work and her business. Together, we explore everything from building trust with our clients to navigating the growing conversation around sharing children’s images online, to the pressure of social media and what it might look like to step outside of it.But underneath all of that, this episode is really about something deeper: coming back to yourself.Your voice. Your values. Your way of creating and connecting.We talk about what happens when your work starts to feel disconnected, how to rediscover what actually lights you up, and why the future of this industry may look a lot more human, relational, and experience-driven than we’ve been taught.If you’ve been feeling a little burnt out, a little unsure, or like you’re craving something more aligned in your business, this conversation will meet you right where you are.In this episode, we cover:Why over-planning sessions can actually block connection, and what to do insteadWhat high-end clients really want, and why trust matters more than everThe evolving conversation around sharing children’s images onlineSocial media fatigue and alternative ways to grow your businessThe opportunity to rebrand family photography around connection and experienceHow to rediscover your voice when your work starts to feel staleWhy burnout often has more to do with overwhelm than creativityThe power of in-person connection and community-based marketingHow repetition and discomfort lead to real growthThe mindset shifts that separate photographers who feel stuck from those who move forwardThis one feels like sitting down with a friend and talking through the big questions, the ones that don’t always have clear answers, but are so worth exploring. | 1h 09m 55s | ||||||
| 3/31/26 | Stop Acting Like A Content Creator | Stop Acting Like a Content CreatorSomewhere along the way, the portrait photography industry traded permanence for convenience. We stopped making things and started delivering files. We told ourselves it was progress. This episode is my pushback on that.If you have been handing over galleries and hoping clients do something with them, this episode is going to reframe what your job actually is and why the photographer who understands that is running an entirely different business than the one who doesn't. We talk about the world your client grew up in, why she has no frame of reference for what you're capable of giving her, and what it actually looks like to cross the finish line instead of stopping at mile 25.This is not a tips episode. It is a line in the sand.In this episode:Why delivering a gallery is not finishing the job and what finishing the job actually looks likeThe identity shift that changes everything downstream: from the photographer who hopes to the photographer who leadsWhy your client isn't nostalgic for printed photographs, she's never had them, and what that means for how you show upWhy we are memory keepers, not content creators, and why that distinction matters more right now than it ever hasGet Rooted enrollment closes this week for our April start. This is the program where the philosophy in this episode becomes a practice: the pricing, the client process, the ordering meeting, all of it. lauraesmond.com/getrootedFollow LauraInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.comLoved This Episode?Leave a review! This helps expand our reach and continue doing this work.And come say hi to Laura on Instagram at @reeseandcoportraits — she actually reads her DMs.Sources Referenced in This Episode:Professional Photographers of AmericaConsumer Technology InformationOfficial Google blogUCLA HealthChatbooksPsychology Today | 25m 14s | ||||||
| 3/24/26 | Why Your Email List Is Failing You (And How to Fix It) | Why Your Email List Is Failing You (And How to Fix It)with Laura Esmond About This EpisodeIf you have an email list that feels like it is just sitting there — people opted in, you send something occasionally, and then nothing really happens — this episode is going to reframe the whole thing for you.Laura Esmond is a portrait photographer with 26 years of experience and the founder of Get Rooted group coaching. In this follow-up to her guest episode on The Motherhood Anthology podcast, Laura gets into something she dropped into the TMA Facebook group that sparked a lot of questions: how she built her email list to over 4,000 people with open rates above 50%, click rates above 30%, and consistent bookings directly from email — and why almost none of it came from a lead magnet or a paid ad.The answer is community marketing. Not the kind that lives on Instagram. The kind that happens in actual rooms with actual people — dance studios, country clubs, women's networking events, real estate partnerships, library storytimes. Laura walks through five specific community approaches her studio used, why she never charged for the events themselves, and what the difference really is between a warm lead and a soft one. She also shares the one thing she always does before sending a single email to a potential partner — and why brownies have been part of her marketing strategy for years.This is a longer conversation but every part of it is practical. Grab a notebook.What You'll Hear in This EpisodeWhy the size of your email list is not the point — and what actually determines whether it convertsThe difference between a warm lead and a soft lead, and why it changes everything about your open rates and bookingsHow Laura's studio used country club events to collect engaged emails from exactly the right familiesWhy dance studios are one of the most underutilized marketing partnerships in portrait photographyWhat a Headshot Happy Hour is and how it puts you in a room full of women who will refer you for yearsHow a real estate agent partnership became one of Laura's most reliable long-term referral sourcesWhat Laura did with her studio space every week that kept a steady stream of new mothers walking through her doorWhy she never charged for community events — and exactly what she was charging for insteadThe brownies-before-email rule and why humans don't get ignored the way emails doHow to take one concrete first step this week without overhauling your entire marketing strategyKey Topics CoveredWarm Leads vs. Cold LeadsNot all email subscribers are the same. Someone who opted in for a freebie is a starting point — you still have to earn their attention. Someone who met you in person, watched you work, and handed you their email in a real conversation is already yours. Laura breaks down why that distinction is the entire reason her email list performs the way it does.The Five Community ApproachesCountry club events — photographing member gatherings to collect engaged emails from young familiesDance studio pop-ups — hosted as client appreciation for the studio, not as a revenue event for LauraHeadshot Happy Hours — quick professional headshots at women's networking events as a community value-addReal estate agent partnership — showing up, supporting, and building a long-term referral relationshipStudio events — monthly Storytime with the local library and weekly lactation classes for new mothersThe Brownies RuleBefore you ever send an email to a potential partner, stop in. Bring something for the staff. Ask to speak with the owner or the person in charge of client happiness. The pitch is simple: let me help you show your clients how much you appreciate them. Emails get ignored. Humans don't.Links & ResourcesGet Rooted Group CoachingFor portrait photographers ready to build a client process that earns — ordering meetings, product pricing, and the full system: lauraesmond.com/getrootedMentioned in This Episode10 Tips To Be Seen — lauraesmond.com/beseenFollow LauraInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.comLoved This Episode?Leave a review! Share it with a photographer friend who has an email list that isn't doing what it should — this one will reframe the whole conversation for them.And come say hi to Laura on Instagram at @reeseandcoportraits — she actually reads her DMs.Keywords: email list for photographers, community marketing, portrait photography business, in-person marketing, photography studio marketing, warm leads, motherhood photographer, email open rates, Get Rooted, Laura Esmond, The Motherhood Anthology | 33m 34s | ||||||
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| 3/17/26 | What She Actually Means When She Says She Just Wants the Digitals | A lot of pricing advice in the photography industry tells you to either give all the digitals away at a ridiculous price or withhold digital files to pressure clients into investing in artwork they may not be ready for. What if there’s a different way to honor a client's wish for the digitals while not sacrificing your ability to get your photos on their walls. In this episode I explain exactly why I structure my prices the way I do, share the pricing philosophy behind everything I teach in Get Rooted, and tell the client story that made me certain I was right. Includes a practical framework for how to actually set prices at whatever stage of business you are in right now.In this episode: · Why Laura does not hold digital files hostage -- and what she does instead · The difference between leading a client and pressuring one · The client story that proved the long-game approach works · Why CODB is useful but not the whole story · How to balance draw-in pricing with room to growLinks: · Get Rooted -- lauraesmond.com/getrooted | 23m 29s | ||||||
| 3/10/26 | Part 2: Is It the Economy? What Portrait Photographers Can Do When It’s Slow | There was a moment in this conversation where Casia said something that made me pause.She admitted that bookings slowed down at the end of 2024 and into 2025.And instead of pretending everything was fine or quietly panicking behind the scenes, she said the thing a lot of photographers are feeling but not always saying out loud.Things feel different right now.If you’ve been wondering whether it’s the economy, the industry, your pricing, or something you’re doing wrong… this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air.Because instead of spiraling into discounting or chasing more Instagram posts, we talk about what actually works during slower seasons: getting back into your community, building real relationships, and playing the long game in your business.Casia shares how she’s leaning into what she calls her “season of yes” and showing up to events, supporting other small businesses, and creating touchpoints that lead to future opportunities.And we also dig into some of the big mindset traps photographers fall into when things get quiet… especially the temptation to lower your prices.If business has felt a little wobbly lately, this conversation is here to remind you of something important:Ups and downs are normal.But how you respond to them can change everything.In This EpisodeWhy photographers are feeling a shift in bookings right nowThe danger of assuming slower inquiries mean your pricing is wrongWhat a “season of yes” looks like in a photography businessSimple ways to start networking in your community (even if you hate networking)How one small connection can turn into multiple opportunitiesWhy lowering your prices during slow seasons can hurt you long-termA smarter way to adjust your offers without discounting your workThe real reason ghosting happens with inquiries and what to do about itHow following up can immediately set you apart in a saturated marketWhy photographers should stop hiding behind their computers and start building real relationships againIf this conversation resonated, Get Rooted is where we go all in on this work.Inside the program, you build:Clear, confident pricingA simple but powerful sales structureA hands-on client experience that leads to artworkMarketing that attracts right-fit, investing clientsThe identity of a photographer who leadsSpots are limited. Once they’re filled, enrollment closes for several months. We get started in April.If you want your business solid before we head into the busiest season of the year, what are you waiting for??👉 Apply hereConnect with Casia:https://fletcherandco.photohttps://www.instagram.com/fletcherandco/Connect with Laura:Apply now for Get Rooted: lauraesmond.com/getrootedInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.com | 43m 11s | ||||||
| 3/4/26 | Part 1: Is It the Economy? What Portrait Photographers Can Do When It’s Slow | In this first part of my conversation with Casia Fletcher, we go deep.You may have heard Casia’s story on The Motherhood Anthology podcast, where she shared about a $45,000 client win inside her motherhood membership: check out that episode here!But our conversation is a little different.It’s an honest conversation about the shifts we have seen the past two years and what you can do when bookings slow down.Casia and I talk honestly about navigating slower seasons without spiraling and why the photographers who thrive long-term are the ones who build depth with their clients.This episode turned into a two-part conversation because we couldn’t stop unpacking the real strategy behind sustainable success.In Part One, we dive into:Why diversification can stabilize your business (without diluting your brand)The long-game mindset that creates lifetime clientsWhat shifted in 2024–2025 for many portrait photographersThe power of in-person sales — consultations, ordering appointments, and real connectionWhy IPS isn’t just about revenue… it’s about leadershipCreating multiple touchpoints that increase trust and average saleWhy full-service photographers are positioned differently in slower marketsWe also break down what it actually looks like to guide a client from inquiry to artwork, and why that clarity changes everything.If this conversation resonated, Get Rooted is where we go all in on this work.Inside the program, you build:Clear, confident pricingA simple but powerful sales structureA hands-on client experience that leads to artworkMarketing that attracts right-fit, investing clientsThe identity of a photographer who leadsSpots are limited. Once they’re filled, enrollment closes for several months. We get started in April.If you want your business solid before we head into the busiest season of the year, what are you waiting for??👉 Apply hereConnect with Casia:https://fletcherandco.photohttps://www.instagram.com/fletcherandco/Connect with Laura:Apply now for Get Rooted: lauraesmond.com/getrootedInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.com | 40m 34s | ||||||
| 2/24/26 | How to Diversify Your Income as a Portrait Photographer with Joy Michelle | Feeling the slow season hit a little harder this year? Wondering if there's more you could be doing to create consistent income, even when bookings slow down?In this episode, I’m joined by the incredibly wise and wildly practical Joy Michelle, educator, business coach, and host of the Called to Both podcast. Joy walks us through how she’s built multiple income streams as a working photographer and a mom of three, and how affiliate marketing became a surprisingly powerful piece of the puzzle.We’re not just talking about side hustles. We're talking about sustainable income that fits your life and your brand. Whether you're just getting curious about affiliate links or want to understand how this works without needing a massive audience or becoming an “influencer,” Joy breaks it all down with so much clarity.Here’s what we cover:Why photographers should be thinking about income streams beyond client bookingsWhat affiliate marketing actually looks like for a photographer (hint: it's not just Amazon links)How Joy made $600 in affiliate income… while in laborThe mindset shift that changed how she approached content and monetizationThe first steps you can take to start earning affiliate income, even with a small audienceConnect with Joy:Affiliate Marketing Jumpstart -- free resource!Instagram: @joymichelleWebsite: joymichelle.coCoaching: joymichelle.co/coachingAffiliate Boss: joymichelle.co/affiliate-bossPitch Power: joymichelle.co/pitchpowerHobby-to-Pro Toolkit: joymichelle.co/hobby-to-pro-toolkitConnect with Laura:Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentorInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.com | 44m 44s | ||||||
| 2/17/26 | Lessons from Scaling a Portrait Photography Studio | I’m sharing three honest lessons I learned from scaling my portrait photography business, and then intentionally scaling it back. If you're a family photographer, brand photographer, or creative entrepreneur who’s ever been tempted to "go big" with a studio, team, and all the trappings of growth, this is a must-listen.We’re getting real about what happens when your business looks successful on the outside but starts to feel misaligned on the inside. I’ll walk you through what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d do differently now.Whether you're in your first five years of photography business or considering opening a studio, this episode will help you build a photography business that’s profitable, sustainable, and truly aligned with your life.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why scaling your photography business doesn’t automatically lead to time freedomWhat it really looks like to run a brick-and-mortar photography studio with a teamHow overhead, burnout, and decision fatigue can creep in quietlyThe difference between ego-driven growth and value-driven decisionsHow to protect your creativity and peace as a portrait photographerConnect with Laura:Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentorInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.com | 19m 03s | ||||||
| 2/10/26 | My Effortless Full Service Portrait Photography Experience | In today’s episode, I’m inviting you behind the scenes of the full client experience I’ve refined over the last two decades as a portrait photographer. From that very first inquiry to the moment artwork is installed in their home, every touchpoint is intentionally crafted to make clients feel safe, seen, and deeply cared for.Whether you’re new to business or ready to elevate your systems with more ease and clarity, this episode will walk you through the thoughtful steps I take to nurture trust, communicate with intention, and create an experience that feels effortless for both you and your client.In This Episode, I Share:How to set a tone of warmth and professionalism from the first inquiryMy approach to automated systems that still feel personal and humanWhy planning calls are essential for connection and clarityHow I guide families with care during the session (even in the chaos of toddlerhood)Why the ordering appointment is never the beginning of the saleThe subtle ways we build loyalty, trust, and referrals through genuine serviceConnect with Laura:Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentorInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.com | 21m 21s | ||||||
| 2/3/26 | How to Partner with Local Businesses (Bring the muffins) | Creative Local Business Partnerships: A Real Approach to GrowthIn this episode, host Laura Esmond shares her personal journey and unique approach to growing her business by forming meaningful partnerships with local businesses, rather than relying on social media or elaborate marketing strategies. She emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships by offering support and generosity, like walking into local businesses with small gifts, such as a basket of muffins and a handwritten note. Laura details actionable steps to identify potential business partners who share your target audience, such as florists, interior designers, real estate agents, and boutique owners. By partnering with these businesses, you can foster mutual growth and community connection. Esmond also provides three practical ways to collaborate with local businesses: supporting existing events, cross-promotion, and creating service-based bundles. The episode concludes with an open invitation to think creatively about local partnerships and a call to action for listeners to reach out to local businesses they admire. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Growth Journey00:26 The Power of Local Partnerships01:43 Identifying Potential Business Partners02:44 Effective Strategies for Collaboration04:46 Leading with Service and Follow-Up06:43 Creative Event Ideas and Cross-Promotion10:27 Successful Partnership Case Studies13:04 Building Trust and Long-Term Relationships15:24 Your Invitation to Take Action16:44 Conclusion and Mentorship OpportunityConnect with Laura:Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentorInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.comKeywords: motherhood photographer, family photography, newborn photographer, maternity sessions, photography pricing tips, portrait photography business, money mindset for creatives, IPS for photographers, work-life balance, photographers who are moms, client experience photography, raising photography prices | 17m 45s | ||||||
| 1/27/26 | Is Your Inquiry Response For Portraits Standing Out? | In this episode of 'with Laura Esmond,' Laura dives into the essentials of crafting effective inquiry responses for portrait photographers. She discusses how to tailor your response to align with your business and offerings, emphasizing the importance of understanding your core product and unique differentiator. Laura also announces a potential name change for the podcast and provides insights on making personal connections with clients via phone calls and videos. Key concepts include portrait photography pricing, creating a personalized inquiry response, and balancing business with motherhood.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update01:26 Understanding Your Unique Selling Proposition05:29 Crafting an Effective Inquiry Response10:26 Personalizing Your Client Interaction13:13 Using Video to Enhance Inquiry Responses17:31 Summarizing Key Points for Inquiry Responses19:53 Conclusion and Final TipsConnect with Laura:Get Rooted Waitlist: lauraesmond.com/getrootedInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.com | 20m 06s | ||||||
| 1/20/26 | Is There a Gap Between Your Price and Your Value as a Portrait Photographer? | In this episode of the podcast, Laura Esmond shares reflections from a month-long break during the holiday season, including time spent with her family, prepping for the Peace and Profit Bootcamp, and welcoming new students into her Get Rooted program. She opens up about the common guilt many motherhood portrait photographers feel when stepping back from business tasks like social media, blogging sessions, or sending marketing emails.Laura encourages photographers—especially those balancing motherhood and running a photography business—to honor the natural ebb and flow of life and business. She also shares powerful insights from the Peace and Profit Bootcamp, including mindset shifts around money, how to raise your prices with confidence, and how to ensure your portrait photography packages reflect the full value of the experience you provide.Whether you're a newborn photographer, maternity photographer, or specializing in family sessions, this episode will help you reframe how you approach pricing, marketing, and the emotional load of growing a photography business while raising a family.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 00:46 The Importance of Taking Breaks 02:55 Holiday Reflections and Family Time 04:13 Peace and Profit Bootcamp Insights 08:14 Money Mindset and Pricing Strategies 16:51 The True Value of Money 25:07 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsKeywords: motherhood photographer, family photography, newborn photographer, maternity sessions, photography pricing tips, portrait photography business, money mindset for creatives, IPS for photographers, work-life balance, photographers who are moms, client experience photography, raising photography prices | 25m 36s | ||||||
| 12/16/25 | When It Finally Clicks: Tawni’s Journey from $300 to $1500+ Portrait Sessions | In this inspiring episode of the podcast, Laura Esmond sits down with portrait photographer Tawni Adams to unpack the real and raw journey of transforming a photography business—from charging $300-$600 per session and burning out, to confidently booking consistent $1500+ sessions and even landing a nearly $12,000 sale.Tawni opens up about the mindset hurdles she faced, the emotional rollercoaster of raising her prices, and how she almost gave up before things finally clicked. If you’re a photographer feeling stuck at lower price points or wondering if sustainable, high-profit portrait sessions are possible, this conversation is your permission slip to believe in what's possible.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Tawni originally thought no one would pay more than $500 for a sessionThe exact mindset shift that helped her move from “overwhelmed and underpaid” to building a thriving, profitable portrait businessHow Get Rooted helped her break down her pricing, boundaries, and valueThe emotional weight of changing your business model while raising a familyWhy your first $1500+ client might be closer than you thinkHow Tawni learned to trust the process and “let it simmer”What actually happens between $300 sessions and a $12,000 artwork saleResources Mentioned: LEARN MORE ABOUT GET ROOTED – https://www.lauraesmond.com/getrooted Follow Tawni Adams on Instagram: @tawniadamsphoto Tawni’s website: https://www.tawniadams.com/SEO Keywords:photography pricing strategy, raise photography session rates, profitable portrait business, $1500 photography session, photography business coaching, Get Rooted program, luxury portrait pricing, family photographer success story, photography business mindset, how to increase photo session prices, photographer burnout recovery | 1h 04m 45s | ||||||
| 12/10/25 | Portrait Photography Marketing: 5 Ways to Create a Beautiful Spectacle | In today’s episode, we’re talking about one of the most powerful ways to grow your portrait photography business: creating a little spectacle. But don’t worry, I don’t mean hopping on every trend or becoming a human highlight reel.This is about showing up with intention, creativity, and a little bit of wow factor that feels true to you.Whether you’re in year one or five of business, creating a buzz around what you do is how you get seen by the right people and start booking the kinds of clients you love. In this episode, I’m walking you through 5 concrete ideas to help you do exactly that.We’ll talk about:How to create portfolio work that actually attracts your dream clientsWhy fun, low-stakes portrait events can build big-time momentumThe simple monthly habit that books more sessions than Instagram ever has for meThis one’s packed with practical ideas you can use right away, no matter how busy life is. Grab your notebook or just listen in while you edit!Links & Resources:Sign up for the Peace & Profit Bootamp: lauraesmond.com/bootcampApply for Get Rooted—now open for enrollment: lauraesmond.com/getrootedportrait photography business, photography business strategy, in-person sales photography, IPS tips, IPS for photographers, pricing for photographers, photography business reflection, goal setting for photographers, profitable photography business, how to sell photo products, photographer workflow, client experience for photographers, get rooted, laura esmond podcast | 10m 11s | ||||||
| 12/9/25 | Series Part 3: How to Plan a Profitable (and Sustainable) Portrait Business in 2026 | Welcome back to part three of this four-part planning series. If you’re dreaming about a 2026 that feels aligned, profitable, and actually doable, this episode is for you.So far, we’ve walked through gratitude (what’s already working) and reflection (what needs to shift). Today, we’re stepping into planning your photography business—but not just numbers on a spreadsheet. This is where photography business strategy meets mindset in the most powerful way.Inside this episode, we’re talking all about:– Why manifestation for photographers isn’t magic (and what it actually is) – How photography pricing strategy impacts your time, energy, and sustainability – The key questions to ask before planning your 2026 photography calendar – Why your real life deserves to be in the planYou’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on how to create intentional business goals that fit your life, not just your Instagram grid—and how to take those dreamy goals and turn them into something real.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: – Get the free photography reflection worksheet, https://www.lauraesmond.com/reflections – Join the Peace & Profit Bootcamp for photographers, https://www.lauraesmond.com/bootcamp – Apply for Get Rooted: Business Coaching for Portrait Photographers, https://www.lauraesmond.com/getrooted photography business planning, portrait photography pricing, sustainable photography business, how to plan your photography business, profitable photographer tips, photography income goals, intentional business strategy, photography coaching, business planning for photographers, 2026 photography goalsNEXT UP: Don’t miss next week’s episode—our final step in the series—where we’ll bring it all together and talk about action. Plus, there's a fun bonus episode dropping tomorrow about marketing for photographers (and creating a spectacle in the best way). Can’t wait to share that one with you!MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: – Get the free reflection worksheet -- https://lauraesmond.com/reflections– Join the Peace & Profit Bootcamp https://lauraesmond.com/bootcamp – Apply for Get Rooted -- https://lauraesmond.com/getrootedNEXT UP: Don’t miss next week’s episode—our final step in the series—where we’ll bring it all together and talk about action. Plus, there's a fun bonus episode dropping tomorrow about marketing (and creating a spectacle in the best way). Can’t wait to share that one with you! | 14m 00s | ||||||
| 12/2/25 | Series Part 2: Reflection + The #1 IPS Mistake Photographers Make | In Part 2 of our 4-part series on planning your most intentional and profitable photography year, we’re diving into two game-changing topics: how to reflect honestly on your business before you set 2026 goals, and the biggest mistake photographers make when starting In-Person Sales (IPS).If you’re a portrait photographer who wants to grow a sustainable, profitable business—and you're tired of chasing someone else’s version of success—this episode is for you.We’ll talk through the exact questions you need to ask yourself as you review your photography business, including how much money you actually made, what sessions lit you up creatively, and whether your pricing truly supported your income goals.Then we shift gears and talk about IPS—specifically, the common misstep that derails so many photographers who want to sell products but don’t see the results they hoped for. Spoiler: it’s not about having the perfect sales strategy or needing to be perfect.Whether you're just starting to sell products or you're restructuring your pricing and packages for the new year, this episode will help you get grounded in what matters most—clarity, consistency, and confidence in how you show up and sell.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why honest reflection is the key to intentional growth in your photography businessThe exact questions to ask yourself when reviewing your yearHow to stop building your goals on comparison and start building from realityThe biggest IPS mistake photographers make—and how to avoid itWhy committing to a consistent pricing and product strategy is critical for sustainable successLinks & Resources:Download the free Reflection Worksheet: lauraesmond.com/reflectionApply for Get Rooted—now open for enrollment: lauraesmond.com/getrootedKeywords: portrait photography business, photography business strategy, in-person sales photography, IPS tips, IPS for photographers, pricing for photographers, photography business reflection, goal setting for photographers, profitable photography business, how to sell photo products, photographer workflow, client experience for photographers, get rooted, laura esmond podcast | 23m 05s | ||||||
| 11/25/25 | Series Part 1: Photographers, Grab the Pumpkin Pie and Let’s Get Grateful. | It’s Thanksgiving week, and if you're anything like me—and most photographers I know—you’re probably feeling a strange mix of gratitude, pressure, comparison, and reflection. This slower season in our photography businesses gives us a rare chance to breathe and think about where we’ve been and where we’re going.In this episode, I’m kicking off a four-part series designed specifically for photographers navigating the end of the year with intention. And we’re starting with something foundational: gratitude.Whether you’re questioning if you did enough this year, wondering how to set goals for your photography business in 2026, or just need to quiet that inner critic, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through how gratitude can reframe your mindset, fuel your momentum, and help you move forward without burnout.I'm also sharing the exact journaling prompts I use to reflect on the year—ones that help me reconnect with why I started this journey and where I want to go next. These aren’t fluffy gratitude practices; they’re strategic, grounding tools for any creative entrepreneur ready to build a more sustainable and profitable business.If you're tired of comparing your year to someone else’s highlight reel—or their entire decade—you'll find some peace and perspective here.Inside, we’ll talk about:Why gratitude is a powerful business strategy for photographersHow to shift out of scarcity and comparison during the slower seasonWhat sustainable success in your photography business really looks likeThree intentional questions to help you reflect and resetHow to begin setting aligned goals for the new year—without the overwhelmIf you want even more support as you reflect, dream, and plan for next year, I’d love to invite you to the Peace & Profit Bootcamp, where we’ll map out your 2026 goals and build a strategy that actually fits your life. You can sign up at lauraesmond.com/bootcamp.For now, grab a journal, your favorite holiday drink, maybe even a slice of pumpkin pie—and let’s reflect together. Gratitude comes first.Connect with Laura:Get Rooted Waitlist: lauraesmond.com/getrootedPeace & Profit Bootcamp: lauraesmond.com/bootcampInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.com | 11m 30s | ||||||
| 11/18/25 | Four Pricing Mistakes Portrait Photographers Make (& how to fix them) | In this episode, Laura Esmond dives into the intricacies of portrait photography pricing, especially for photographers transitioning into premium pricing. Laura discusses four common pricing mistakes that many photographers make, such as offering the wrong session length, overdelivering in petite sessions, copying competitor pricing without real market research, and staying at starter rates for too long. She provides actionable advice on how to avoid these pitfalls, ensuring a more sustainable and profitable business. If you're a photographer ready to refine your pricing strategy and grow your business, this episode is for you.Connect with Laura:Get Rooted Waitlist: lauraesmond.com/getrootedPeace & Profit Bootcamp: lauraesmond.com/bootcampInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.com | 13m 44s | ||||||
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