Dangerous Creatives - A Photography and Creative Business Podcast

On this episode of The Dangerous Creatives Podcast, Kristin chats with Ashley Blair, a TN based wedding and boudoir photographer. Ashley shares her journey of starting her business and rebuilding it in a more intentional way based on her core values, and how she ensures that she is working with the most aligned clients, including some questions she asks to determine if a potential client is a good fit for her. Ashley also opens up about her fear of failure and how she is constantly working to overcome it, including how launching something new to her existing client base paid off, and the lessons she learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of normalizing things that don’t work and how “failure” can be something you learn from. Join us for this inspiring conversation, and if you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review and subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring stories from creative entrepreneurs. Ashley is the owner of Ashley Blair Photography in Nashville, Tennessee. She specializes in weddings and boudoir, and has been in business since 2017. She is passionate about documenting deep connection and helping her clients feel present and beautiful in their own skin. She loves spending time with her family, husband, and two cats, and likes to be outside whenever possible! Connect with Ashley: Website: www.ashleyblairphotos.com Instagram: @ashleyblairphoto Our Sponsors:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠17hats⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code "Dangerous" to receive 50% off your first year.  Currently Launching: Advanced Photographers Mastermind - APPLY NOW! Study Abroad Trips ⁠⁠Book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠ to see which one of our programs might be best for you! Connect with Kristin: ⁠⁠⁠ Instagram @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kristinsweeting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Danger School Online Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply for coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Credits:  Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠⁠⁠shammydee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jen Madigan Creative⁠

Are you feeling nervous or overwhelmed about how you’ll survive the winter months of your business? In this episode, Kristin highlights 10 different ways to add revenue on top of your main income source. Having experienced income insecurity over the years, Kristin has created stability in her life and business by getting creative, learning new skills, and creating multiple streams of income. In seasonal businesses, like photography, creating many pathways to support the life and business you want to have is essential. Listen in for 10 ways you can start working towards adding financial padding to your business this summer!  Our Sponsors:  Pic-Time⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code "DangerousCreatives" to receive one bonus month FREE when you upgrade to a paid plan. Valid for new users only. Also mentioned: Kajabi Wedding SEO Bootcamp | 1 Hour SEO Photographer's Bundle Currently Launching: Advanced Photographers Mastermind - ⁠APPLY NOW!⁠ ⁠Study Abroad Trips ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see which one of our programs might be best for you! Connect with Kristin: ⁠⁠⁠ Instagram @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kristinsweeting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Danger School Online Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply for coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Credits:  Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠⁠⁠shammydee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jen Madigan Creative⁠

On today’s episode, Kristin does a live coaching call with a wedding photographer who has found wonderful success in the luxury market but feels a disconnect between her work and her passion. Ariel is a wedding photographer, mom, travel enthusiast, expert accountability partner, and friend who is ready to incorporate more of her passions into her work but feels as though she’s not enough of an expert to start offering certain services. Kristin helps Ariel stop overthinking, move past perceived barriers to entry and recognize the places where she can already add value to bridge the gap between Ariel’s current career and her dreams for the future.  Ariel Cameron is a documentary-style wedding photographer serving the southeast and celebrations worldwide. She believes in celebrating all love and wants to document the people who mean the most to you. After photographing weddings for a few years, Ariel has found her specialty is documenting wedding days with a mix of mediums using both digital and film formats. She’s been featured in Carats & Cake, Modern Luxury, Brides & Weddings, and more. When she’s not documenting wedding weekends, you can find Ariel making memories of her own with her husband, daughter, and friends, cheering on her many favorited sports teams, or packing a suitcase for her next getaway.  Connect with Ariel: https://www.arielcameronphotography.com/ Instagram: @arielcameronphotography ⁠Book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠ to see which one of our programs might be best for you! Join our online course and business coaching community ⁠⁠⁠⁠Danger School ⁠⁠⁠⁠here.  Connect with Kristin: ⁠⁠⁠ Instagram @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kristinsweeting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Danger School Online Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply for coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Credits:  Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠⁠⁠shammydee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jen Madigan Creative⁠

In this episode of Dangerous Creatives, Miami wedding and family photographer Carolina Guzik joins Kristin to discuss actionable steps for boosting social proof and building trust with potential clients. Carolina shares expert tips on utilizing reviews, blogs, and features to eliminate social doubt and showcase your brand in a positive light. Listeners will learn the importance of perception and how to link to past features, as well as the benefits of asking for reviews and periodically assessing their website. Carolina also emphasizes the value of speaking positively about one's business and staying consistent in the long-term. Carolina has been a Miami wedding photographer for the past 10 years! As she started her business, she quickly realized her degree in Mass Communications & Advertising and her previous work experience working in marketing wasn't for nothing - the knowledge and experience she had in marketing was equipping her to serve her brand and clients well. A few years back, she created The Tog Republic Podcast because she wanted to share her knowledge of marketing strategies with other photographers. Since then, her podcast has been downloaded over 150k+ times with listeners from over 30 countries. Her goal is to share with you this knowledge, so you too can have a business that you love + supports your lifestyle! Connect with Carolina: Website: ⁠https://carolinaguzik.com/ Instagram: ⁠@carolina_guzik Our Sponsors:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠17hats⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code "Dangerous" to receive 50% off your first year.  ⁠⁠⁠Book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see which one of our programs might be best for you! Join our online course and business coaching community ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Danger School ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.  Connect with Kristin: ⁠⁠⁠ Instagram @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kristinsweeting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Danger School Online Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply for coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Credits:  Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠⁠⁠shammydee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jen Madigan Creative⁠

On this episode of the Dangerous Creatives Podcast, Nate Grahek joins us to talk about all digital things marketing. Nate is the CEO of Sticky - a marketing company designed to help photographers book more clients. One of the hardest parts about growing a photography business is reaching and booking more clients. Some of the topics discussed include: the importance of clear and simplistic websites, call to action steps, turning traffic into leads, and the psychology behind potential clients contacting you or not via your website. This is an information packed episode that you won't want to miss! Nate Grahek is the founder and CEO of Sticky, a suite of simple DIY tools that help photographers book more clients. As a StoryBrand Certified Guide along with over a decade of experience in the photography industry, Nate understands the unique challenges that photographers face when it comes to building and promoting their business online. Connect with Nate: https://www.stickymarketingtools.com/ Instagram: @stickymarketingtools Book a discovery call⁠ to see which one of our programs might be best for you! Join our online course and business coaching community ⁠⁠Danger School ⁠⁠here.  Our Sponsors:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠17hats⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code "Dangerous" to receive 50% off your first year.  Connect with Kristin: ⁠⁠⁠ Instagram @⁠⁠⁠kristinsweeting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Danger School Online Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply for coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Credits:  Music by ⁠⁠⁠@⁠⁠⁠shammydee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Produced by ⁠⁠⁠Jen Madigan Creative⁠

On today's episode Kristin is doing another live coaching call with a photographer who is looking to raise her prices. Katie is a portrait and family photographer located right outside of Atlanta who does photography on the side in addition to her full time job working in advertising sales. She has been in business for 12 years and has been hesitant to raise her prices with repeating past clients. Much of this hesitation comes from personal fear of asking for more money, which many of us photographers experience. Kristin talks Katie through these fears and hesitations and they create a game plan for her business going forward by making a list of some fun goals she can reach with her price increase! Raising our prices as photographers can feel scary or unknown, but with the right mindset and plan it is totally doable.  Apply to be coached on the podcast ⁠HERE⁠, or sign up for a Magic Money call HERE! Connect with Katie: Katie is a mom, photographer, and lives in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. Her philosophy is that there is extraordinary beauty in the chaos and undeniable joy in the quietest of moments. Katie is a born and raised Southern girl with an uncanny knowledge of all things television and film. http://katieoblinger.com/ Instagram: @katieoblingerphotography Connect with Kristin: ⁠⁠⁠ Instagram @⁠⁠⁠⁠kristinsweeting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Danger School Online Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply for coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Credits:  Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠⁠⁠shammydee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Jen Madigan Creative⁠

Do you feel like you're stuck in the "matrix" and want to reclaim your time and pursue work that you're truly passionate about? In this episode, we'll explore the five stages of creative business success, from starting a side hustle to sustained freedom and flexibility. Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode is for you! Stage 1: Start Up and Side Hustle Success In this stage, you're testing out your business idea and building your client base. You may be feeling overwhelmed with options and unsure of what works and what doesn't. But with excitement, motivation, and pure passion, you'll be able to build momentum and grow your successful side hustle. Stage 2: Replace Your Income Zone As you transition to full-time entrepreneurship and start earning a steady income, you'll face new challenges like managing client communication, developing marketing and sales systems, and navigating feast or famine cycles. But by focusing on building a recurring revenue stream and learning the basics of budgeting and bookkeeping, you'll be well on your way to reaching the six-figure mark. Stage 3: Six Figure Business Momentum Zone In this stage, you'll become known for something specific and claim your place in your industry. You'll need to focus on sales and marketing and dream about what you want next. But as you gain more freedom and security, you may start to feel fidgety and wonder what's next. Stage 4: Next Level Creative Zone - Educator and Multiple Income Streams As you continue to grow your business, you'll need to manage multiple income streams, develop a launching or evergreen marketing strategy, and face imposter syndrome. But by creating content, developing automations, and being a leader in your industry, you'll be able to reach a new level of success and fulfillment. Stage 5: Sustained Success, Freedom, and Flexibility At this point, you've optimized your business and are enjoying sustained success, freedom, and flexibility. You're a respected leader in your field, serving aligned clients, and giving back to your community. But how do you maintain this level of success? By prioritizing rest, investing in yourself, and being around others who can pour into you as you pour into others. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, remember that success is a journey, not a destination. By focusing on your passions, building momentum, and being a leader in your industry, you can achieve the sustained success and freedom you've always dreamed of. Thanks for listening! Book a discovery call to see which one of our programs might be best for you! Join our online course and business coaching community ⁠Danger School ⁠here.  Connect with Kristin: ⁠⁠⁠ Instagram @⁠⁠kristinsweeting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Danger School Online Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply for coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Credits:  Music by ⁠⁠@⁠⁠⁠shammydee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Produced by ⁠⁠Jen Madigan Creative⁠

Today's podcast features a new segment where we will be sharing live coaching calls with our community! This episode features fellow photographer, Allison Lee, as Kristin coaches her through raising her prices. Allison is located in a small rural town on the border of Canada and she averages 26 weddings per year. Her goal is to raise her prices and take on less weddings to meet her financial goal per year while also having a better work/life balance. Family and quality time spent with her husband and dog are most important to her at the moment. Does this sound like you? Tune in to hear what advice and plan Kristin gives Allison! Apply to be coached on the podcast HERE! Connect with Allison: Allison is the owner of AllisonLee Photography based out of Northern New York. She specializes in Weddings, Branding with a sprinkling of Family photography. Allison has had a camera in her hands for as long as she can remember, but went full time in her business in 2021. Growing up on a 7th generation farm has instilled in her the importance of legacy memories that she captures for generations to come. She is a lover of the sunshine & outdoors and enjoys exploring with her husband and rescue dog.https://allisonleephotographyny.mypixieset.com/home/ Instagram: allisonleephotographyny Our Sponsors:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠17hats⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code "Dangerous" to receive 50% off your first year.  Connect with Kristin: ⁠⁠⁠ Instagram @⁠⁠⁠kristinsweeting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Danger School Online Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply for coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Credits:  Music by ⁠⁠⁠@⁠⁠⁠shammydee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Produced by ⁠⁠⁠Jen Madigan Creative⁠

Brooke Schultz  joins Kristin on this episode to talk about one of Kristin's favorite topics which is multi-passionate creatives. Brooke defines herself as a multi-passionate creative person who is currently a family photographer, educator, musical writer, painter, magazine creator, and mother. As creatives we sometimes feel the societal push to stick to one creative niche without ever branching out or dabbling in other creative avenues. Brooke and Kristin chat about the benefits of being multi-passionate and how to stop those limiting beliefs that may be holding you back. Brooke Schultz is a multi passionate creator, family photographer and industry educator who helps women live their most wildly creative lives in art and beyond through her podcast, Wildly Creative Life. Her work has been featured in places like Oprah, Martha Stewart, and Parents, but whether she's writing a musical about motherhood or photographing families, she's most fascinated by wrapping creativity around the amazing, excruciating chance to choose love in a family every day.  Connect with Brooke: https://brookeschultzphotography.com/ Wildly Creative Life Podcast Instagram: @brookebschultz Our Sponsors:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠17hats⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code "Dangerous" to receive 50% off your first year.  Connect with Kristin: ⁠⁠⁠ Instagram @⁠⁠kristinsweeting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Danger School Online Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply for coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Credits:  Music by ⁠⁠@⁠⁠⁠shammydee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Produced by ⁠⁠Jen Madigan Creative⁠

Have you ever wondered what it's like to host, produce, or sell tickets to a photoshoot for a workshop or photography conference? We're back from one of our favorite conferences and we're sharing some of the behind the scenes and what to prepare for if you're ever wanting to host or produce your own ticketed styled shoot or event! Join our online course and business coaching community Danger School here. Connect with Kristin: ⁠⁠⁠ Instagram @⁠kristinsweeting⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Danger School Online Course⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply for coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠  Credits:  Music by ⁠@⁠⁠⁠shammydee⁠⁠⁠⁠  Produced by ⁠Jen Madigan Creative⁠