More Than Photos

In this episode of More Than Photos, Brad shares a powerful metaphor drawn from a skiing trip in Colorado to explain why growth in your business can suddenly feel exhausting—even when you’re experienced and capable. This conversation reframes pricing, markets, and “leveling up” not as a ladder to climb, but as terrain that requires conditioning. If growth has felt heavy, chaotic, or discouraging lately, this episode offers clarity, language, and a healthier path forward.Key TakeawaysStrain is not always a sign of growth — often it’s feedbackDifferent markets aren’t better or worse, just different terrainRaising prices isn’t about numbers; it’s about readinessSustainable growth requires conditioning, not shortcutsEndurance, specificity, and emotional regulation matter more than tacticsA healthy business should support your life, not consume itLinksPurpose and Profit Course https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-courseMastermind Coaching https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coachingChapters(00:00) A skiing story that reframes growth(02:45) Why doing “the right things” can still feel wrong(05:00) Growth vs. strain: learning to read the feedback(06:30) Why markets aren’t a ladder—but terrain(08:45) The three muscles every creative must build(09:00) Endurance: systems, structure, and sustainability(10:30) Specificity: confidence, taste, and clarity(12:00) Breathing at altitude: handling pressure and expectations(13:30) The danger of leaping instead of stepping(15:00) A real-life filmmaker case study(17:30) What aligned growth actually produces(19:00) Invitation to go deeper with intentionKeywordscreative growth, photography business, burnout, pricing photographers, creative sustainability, purpose and profit, photography education, creative business coaching, imposter syndrome, raising prices, More Than Photos podcast

Daniel Kim, a wedding photographer and educator, shares his insights on creativity and sustainable careers. He emphasizes the importance of rest as a discipline rather than a luxury, revealing how it enhances performance and creative output. Daniel discusses the value of journaling for self-awareness and avoiding burnout through intentional living. He also highlights the necessity of budgeting for financial freedom and choosing modesty to gain mental clarity. With a focus on building a fulfilling career, he offers practical tips for balancing ambition with personal life.

Samm Blake, a veteran wedding photographer with over two decades of experience, shares her insights on building a lasting career. She emphasizes the importance of discipline and resisting trends to focus on what truly matters in photography. Samm reflects on navigating high-pressure celebrity weddings, learning when to push through and when to rest, and the critical role of editing and curation. She advocates for continuous growth without losing one's core values, highlighting how burnout can lead to valuable recalibration.

In this episode, we sit down with Christian Sudrath of Noble Photo Co. to talk about a hard truth many photographers avoid: you can build a following that will never hire you!!!We unpack what it looks like to stop posting for other photographers, separate making art from selling it, and build a business that actually moves you forward. If you’re feeling stuck, chasing engagement, or questioning who you’re really creating for, this conversation offers clarity and a better way forward.Connect with Christian: https://instagram.com/noblephotocoExplore Purpose & Profit: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

In this episode, we sit down with Texas-based wedding photographer Grant Daniels, a fourteen-season veteran, father of four, and someone who has built a thriving photography business by choosing small things done with care over the pressure to scale fast. Grant opens up about burnout, rebuilding his business with intention, and learning how to pace his life so he can show up fully - both for his couples and for his family. We talk about work–life balance for wedding photographers, creating a business that supports your life (not the other way around), the role of rest in your creative process, and how slowing down can actually deepen your artistry. Grant shares practical rhythms, thoughtful philosophies, and honest stories that will resonate with any photographer longing for a healthier pace, deeper presence, and more sustainable success. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your wedding photography business and your life at the same time—or how to build a career rooted in joy, meaning, and discernment—this conversation is a breath of fresh air. View Grants Work: https://grantdanielsphotography.com/ Connect with Grant: https://www.instagram.com/grantdaniels Interested in having more conversations like this? Learn more about the Mastermind here: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching

In this episode, we sit down with New York–based photographer Tracy Jade, whose work and words have reshaped the conversation around documentary wedding photography. Tracy shares how creative boredom pushed her to get radically clear on what she’s about, who she’s for, and the kind of couples she’s meant to work with. We explore how speaking boldly—about her philosophy, her limits, and her values—became the key to attracting couples who want the same thing she does: presence over performance, honesty over perfection, and space to simply be themselves. If you’ve ever wondered whether your people actually exist… or feared that naming what you’re truly about might cost you clients, this conversation will feel like exhale. Tracy’s story proves the opposite: clarity creates connection, boldness creates momentum, and your people can find you—when you show them where you stand. Explore Tracy's Work: https://www.tracyjadephotography.com/ Connect with Tracy: https://www.instagram.com/tracyjadephoto/ Explore Purpose & Profit: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

Is the urge to redesign your website worth it? Delve into why a website only amplifies existing foundations and can lead you astray if not prepared. Explore six essential questions to clarify your market, message, and identity before any redesign. Discover the importance of genuine relationships in reaching premium clients and plan your website with future goals in mind. Finally, learn how clarity leads to success, with practical actions to reconnect and enhance your visibility!

Fine art photographer Joanna Brown joins us for a conversation about developing a recognizable style, trusting your instincts, slowing down on purpose, and tuning out the noise that pulls so many photographers off their path. Joanna shares honest stories about failure, mentorship, business, film, and the creative freedom that comes when you finally work from your own point of view. Whether you’re early in your career or deep into it, this one will reset something in you. https://www.joannabrownstudio.com/ https://www.instagram.com/joannabrownstudio/ Learn more about the Mastermind: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching

Explore how the trap of busyness can hinder a photographer's growth. Learn why establishing systems is crucial for creative success. Discover a daily one-hour routine that prevents burnout while boosting your art and income. Hear inspiring stories of photographers who transformed their businesses through small, consistent actions. Jen urges listeners to protect their dedicated hour for growth and to shift from reactive habits to intentional practices. Get ready to reclaim your creativity and elevate your work!

Join Joel and Justyna Bedford, a dynamic duo in the world of photography, known for their soulful and cinematic style. They delve into the importance of seeing differently, sharing transformative moments that shaped their unique vision. The couple discusses the courage to take creative risks, the balance between confidence and doubt, and how honest client service trumps trends. With insights on handling wedding day expectations and the value of emotional check-ins, they inspire listeners to trust their instincts and redefine success without waiting for permission.