In this solo episode, Marie shares an honest look at what’s happening in today’s photography market and why things might feel slower, even if you’re still booking.

Between decision fatigue, rising costs, and everything going on in the world, clients are taking longer to book and being more selective. The good news? You’re not doing anything wrong. The market is just shifting.

Instead of overhauling everything, Marie is making small, intentional changes:

• Building local relationships through networking, collaborations, and community involvement
• Reaching out to past clients with personalized emails to get sessions on the calendar
• Using memberships to create repeat bookings and more consistent income
• Increasing revenue per client by offering artwork and upgrades
• Simplifying inquiries by testing quicker, easier ways to respond

This is a season of adjustment, not failure.

Marketing is evolving, and the photographers who stay visible, connected, and adaptable are the ones who will come out stronger.

Keep going. You’re closer than you think.

Websites: marie-elizabethphotography.com lightlivinphotography.com

Instagram: @marie.elizabeth.photo @light_livin_photography

If you enjoyed this episode, leaving a review helps more photographers find the show and grow alongside you.

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 “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

1. Study the publication before submitting Every 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 carefully Choose your best images and include a mix of:

• Detail shots
• Wide, scene-setting images
• Emotional, connection-driven moments

4. Follow submission guidelines exactly Editors 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.

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.

Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com Instagram: @marie.elizabeth.photo

Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com Instagram: @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 🤍

Episode Title: How to Create a Luxury Look in ANY Condition

What really makes an image feel luxurious?

It’s not the perfect light. It’s not the dream location. And it’s definitely not just having beautiful clients.

In this episode, we’re breaking down what actually creates a luxury experience and elevated imagery—from intentional client prep to how you pivot when things don’t go as planned (because they won’t always).

If you’ve ever felt like a session was “off” or not ideal, this episode will completely reframe how you approach your work and give you practical tools to still create magic.

1. Luxury is created, not found

• It starts long before the session
• Styling, communication, and intention set the tone
• You’re designing the outcome before you ever pick up your camera

2. How to prep clients for success

• Styling consults and guiding wardrobe choices
• Creating cohesive color palettes
• Removing overwhelm with clear direction
• Why this step alone dramatically elevates your work

3. What to do when things go wrong Real-life scenarios we cover:

• Clients showing up in off-brand outfits
• Kids melting down
• Stressful or chaotic session starts
• Cloudy or less-than-ideal conditions

And most importantly: how to still create a luxury gallery anyway

When things aren’t perfect, you don’t panic—you pivot.

Here’s what to lean into:

• Tight, intentional cropping to eliminate distractions
• Light as your strongest tool (backlighting, haze, glow)
• Foreground elements for depth and storytelling
• Creative angles (overhead, low angles, drone perspective)
• Motion blur & artistic techniques for emotional impact
• Negative space for softness and balance
• Movement + variety without constantly repositioning clients

• Slow things down instead of forcing smiles
• Focus on connection over perfection
• Reassure parents constantly
• Capture in-between moments (that’s where the magic is)
• Adjust your approach instead of resisting the moment

• Curate ruthlessly — not every image needs to be shared
• Prioritize skin tones for a high-end finish
• Enhance, don’t over-edit
• Only deliver and showcase your strongest work

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode:

Luxury isn’t about perfect conditions. It’s about taking full responsibility for creating something beautiful no matter what you’re given.

Marie shares how her background in music education shaped this mindset—focusing on doing whatever is in front of you exceptionally well.

Amber adds the reminder we all need: Let go of perfection. Stay present. That’s where your best work lives.

Prepare with intention. Lead with confidence. Then let go and trust yourself.

That’s the balance that creates both a luxury experience and a sustainable, joyful business.

Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com

Instagram: @marie.elizabeth.photo @light_livin_photography

If you loved this episode, it would mean so much if you left a review—it helps more photographers like you find the show 🤍