More Than Photos

063 - What Matters Most? Josh Helton on Art, Life, and Business

If Josh Helton is going to create something, it has to answer bigger questions: What’s life about? What matters most? That instinct has shaped A Little Long Distance since Josh and his wife, Jess, began making wedding films in 2013. Their films reach beyond the wedding day into home movies, family history, loss, memory, and the people who made a couple who they are. Eventually, those same questions followed Josh beyond the edit and into his business. After years of travel, moves, children, and a growing career, Josh realized the way he was working no longer fit what his family needed. Every yes was costing something. For 6 months, he stopped taking new work without knowing what would come next. In this conversation, Brad sits down with one of his closest friends to talk about artistry, originality, family, faith, ambition, and changing a business that was technically working. Josh shares what it cost to ignore the signs, why his wife’s peace became the line he could no longer cross, and how he is rebuilding A Little Long Distance around a team and a different definition of success. This is not about giving up ambition. It is about letting the bigger questions decide what the work is allowed to become, what enough looks like, and where business belongs in a full life. WHAT WE COVER Making work that answers bigger questions Finding a voice that feels like your own Home movies, family history, and deeper storytelling Building a family culture around presence and slowness Recognizing when work no longer fits your season What every yes costs Choosing family peace over predictable income The fear of losing momentum, relevance, and identity Why ambition and a slow life can coexist Defining enough before more becomes the goal Rebuilding A Little Long Distance around a team Moving from filmmaker to creative director Keeping work from becoming your identity Faith, stewardship, and control What Josh hopes his children remember CONNECT WITH JOSH A Little Long Distance: https://alittlelongdistance.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alittlelongdistance/ CONNECT WITH US Brad & Jen Education: https://learn.bradandjen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradandjeneducation/ Mastermind: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching Purpose & Profit: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course KEYWORDS Josh Helton, A Little Long Distance, More Than Photos podcast, Brad and Jen, wedding filmmaking, wedding videography, wedding films, documentary wedding films, nostalgic wedding films, wedding filmmaker, wedding film storytelling, home movies, family history, family legacy, artistic voice, originality, creative identity, creative direction, life-first business, family-first business, slow living, intentional living, work-life balance, business pivot, filmmaker burnout, creative team, defining enough, healthy ambition, faith and business, stewardship, family and career, fatherhood, sustainable wedding business, creative longevity, meaningful work, presence over productivity

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062 - Raising the Bar Without Losing the Way w/ Dalton & Breanna

Most success stories are told years after the climb. When a photographer has already reached the pinnacle of their journey. This one is a little different. Dalton & Breanna Upchurch are in the middle of a season that's changing the trajectory of their business, and we had a front-row seat to the last year of it. When they joined our Mastermind, they were already making beautiful wedding films and running a good business. But they were also beginning to feel the weight of a demanding schedule, constant travel, and a business that wasn't quite supporting the life they wanted to build. Over the next year, they began making some pretty significant changes. Raising their prices, moving into a higher-end market, pursuing new relationships and opportunities, and becoming more confident in the work they were already creating. But what makes their story special isn't just the business growth. It's how deeply rooted they've remained in their family, their values, and their love for filmmaking. In this conversation, we talk about the decisions that changed their direction, learning to trust your artistic voice, the role of mentorship and community, and why building a bigger business doesn't have to mean giving up the things that matter most. And perhaps our favorite part...is that so much of what they've been working toward is still ahead of them. We're getting to hear their story while it's still unfolding. Themes Building a life-first business Moving upmarket without losing yourself The power of mentorship and borrowed belief Knowing yourself before knowing yourself as an artist The growth nobody can see yet Marriage, creativity, and building something together Falling in love with the pursuit Links Brad & Jen Mastermind: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching Apply for the Mastermind: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-application Dalton & Breanna: https://daltonandbreanna.com/ & https://www.instagram.com/daltonandbreanna Keywords Wedding filmmaking, Dalton and Brianna Upchurch, More Than Photos podcast, Brad and Jen, Forma, wedding photography business, wedding videography business, moving upmarket, high-end wedding clients, luxury wedding filmmaking, raising wedding photography prices, wedding filmmaker mentorship, photography business coaching, wedding photography Mastermind, creative entrepreneurship, building a life-first business, work-life balance for photographers, artistic identity, creative confidence, personal growth, intentional business growth, pricing strategy, wedding industry relationships, sustainable wedding business, filmmaker burnout, building a business around family, creative direction, finding your artistic voice

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061 - Why You’re Constantly Inspired But Still Not Growing Creatively

You want to make better work. So you save photographs. Study photographers you admire. Build mood boards. Buy the camera. Try on editing styles... And somehow, you still feel stuck. In this episode, Brad shares his own journey of trying to grow creatively, including the mentoring experiences that changed how he saw his work, 3 days in Brooklyn with Ritual Collective, and the realization that his creative voice wasn't something someone else could hand him. This is an episode about inspiration, taste, mentorship, creative resistance, trusting your own work, and learning to hear the quiet voice that says: Go there. CHAPTERS 00:00 — When wanting to grow keeps you stuck 02:40 — Inspiration vs. participating in your own creativity 04:41 — When successful work stops feeling like your work 07:00 — Looking for mentors to help me “see the ants” 09:09 — Three days in Brooklyn with Ritual Collective 11:31 — The good photographs I didn't actually need 13:31 — What if creative growth is about removing, not adding? 14:45 — Changing how I photograph to stay connected to myself 15:55 — Joel Bedford and “go to the balcony” 17:57 — Your creative voice whispers 19:28 — Arriving creatively uncluttered 20:19 — The man behind the glass door 22:43 — Did any of this actually fix the stuckness? 24:06 — The walking reveals the map LINKS More Than Photos episode w/ Joel & Justyna: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xYjmcfls4e1OoBG01u9qJ?si=6d81e69289ce4e17 Brad & Jen Education: https://learn.bradandjen.com/ Holger/Ritual Collective: https://ritualcollective.net/ KEYWORDS creative voice, creative growth, photography inspiration, photographer creativity, finding your photography style, photography style, creative block, photographer burnout, photography mentorship, Ritual Collective, Holger Thoss, creative resistance, artistic voice, photography education, wedding photography, wedding photographer, photography inspiration, finding your style, developing your style, creative confidence, trusting your work, comparison, photographer mindset, artistic growth, making better photographs

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060 - How Sav & Cam Changed Their Work, Clients, and Career

A few years ago, Sav & Cam found themselves in a place a lot of photographers know well. The business was working, but the work didn’t feel like where they wanted to stay. That realization started a pretty massive shift. In this episode, we talk with Sav & Cam about what changed over the last few years, from the weddings they were photographing and the work they were making to the opportunities, relationships, and clients that followed. But this isn’t really a conversation about “making it.” It’s about giving yourself permission to want something different. Getting serious about your work. Learning to say no to opportunities that don’t fit where you’re going. And realizing that even when things are working, you might still need to stop and ask whether they’re taking you where you actually want to go. We also get into creativity and taste, working together as a married photo + video team, their relationship with social media, the unexpected connections that changed their career, and why some of the photographers who appear to have “made it” are still figuring it out too. THEMES • Changing direction when your business is technically working • Getting out of the box you’ve built around yourself • Developing stronger taste and creative conviction • Why better-fit work often requires saying no • The invisible relationships and decisions behind growth • Film, imperfection, and making photographs that feel honest • Documentary photography and creating space for real moments • Social media, attention, and protecting your creativity • Working together as a married photo + video team • Ambition, determination, and the myth of finally “arriving” CHAPTERS 00:00 – Meet Sav & Cam 07:30 – Hawaii, home, and building a life together 15:00 – Working together as a married creative team 24:00 – Photography, filmmaking, and finding their roles 32:00 – The breaking point that started a bigger change 40:00 – Getting out of the box and believing something different was possible 48:00 – Film, creativity, taste, and making work that feels like you 57:00 – The unexpected relationships that changed their career 1:05:00 – Saying no, better-fit weddings, and protecting what you actually want 1:14:00 – Documentary photography and making room for real moments 1:22:00 – Social media, attention, and the wedding industry 1:30:00 – Ambition, success, and why nobody really “arrives” 1:38:00 – What Sav & Cam are questioning and chasing next LINKS Sav & Cam: https://www.savandcam.com/ Purpose & Profit: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course KEYWORDS Sav and Cam, Sav & Cam, wedding photography, wedding photographer, wedding videography, wedding filmmaker, film photography, documentary wedding photography, creative growth, photography business, wedding photography business, photography career, destination wedding photographer, luxury wedding photography, photographer mindset, creative process, artistic voice, photography style, working with your spouse, husband and wife photography team, social media for photographers, photographer relationships, wedding industry

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059 - Counterpart Photos Founder: Beyond Beautiful - Finding Your Own Way of Seeing

What makes a photograph last? Reni Maria has spent years thinking about that question, both through her own work as a documentary wedding photographer and as the founder of Counterpart Photos, a collective celebrating some of the most distinct voices in wedding photography today. In this conversation, we talk about learning to notice, trusting your instincts, finding your own way of seeing, and why Reni isn’t necessarily looking for beautiful photographs. She’s looking for photographs that surprise her. We also explore what weddings look like when you stop trying to manufacture moments, why Reni believes fewer photographs can sometimes tell a better story, and the responsibility we have as photographers to decide which images deserve to survive. Reni takes us inside the thinking behind Counterpart, including why she places contemporary wedding photography alongside photographs from Magnum archives and generations past. It opens up a much bigger conversation about weddings as historical documents and the role our photographs may play long after the trends, clothes, and aesthetics of today have passed. And ultimately, we come back to the photographer. Who are you? What do you notice? What photographs actually feel like you? Because as Reni says, “People should book you for how you see the world. Not because you take beautiful photographs.” THEMES Artistic voice and originality Documentary wedding photography The art of noticing Trusting your instincts Curation and editing Fewer, stronger photographs Counterpart Photos Wedding photography as history Timelessness vs. trends Finding yourself in your photographs Creating work beyond Instagram CHAPTERS 00:00 – Meeting Reni and the life behind her photography 06:28 – Photography as a practice of noticing 13:52 – Culture, travel, and letting weddings surprise you 18:30 – Recognizing meaning instead of manufacturing it 22:51 – Finding a way of photographing that feels like you 27:21 – How Reni recognizes distinct photographic voices 33:50 – The story behind Counterpart Photos 43:19 – Why fewer photographs may matter more 48:05 – You are the photographer AND the editor 55:18 – Getting booked for how you see the world 58:15 – Wedding photography in the larger frame of history 01:02:42 – What actually makes a photograph timeless? 01:06:46 – How to find yourself in your own photographs Connect with Reni Website: https://www.renimaria.com Counterpart Photos: https://www.counterpartphotos.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renimariaphotos Counterpart Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counterpartphotos/ Connect with Brad & Jen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradandjen/ Education: https://www.instagram.com/bradandjeneducation/ KEYWORDS Counterpart Photos, wedding photography, documentary wedding photography, wedding photographer, artistic voice, photography curation, timeless photography, photography inspiration, wedding photography trends, documentary photography, editing, photography portfolio, creative growth, photography mentorship, wedding photography history, photographer creativity

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058 - How to Break Through the Ceiling in Your Market

There’s a frustrating point in business where things are working, but it starts to feel like there’s nowhere obvious left to go. You’re making good work. You’ve raised your prices. You’ve built a reputation. But you’re still being compared to the same photographers, competing for the same couples, and wondering how much further your market will let you go. In this episode, we’re talking about what happens when we hit that ceiling, and why getting beyond it may require us to question some of the expectations we’ve learned to follow. We talk about the fear of doing something differently when the business is already working, why being easy to compare can eventually limit our growth, and how some of the photographers we admire most built permission to work differently over time. Because we can’t become meaningfully different while making sure we never do anything differently. At some point, differentiation has to feel like something. CHAPTERS 00:00 Why being different can feel so personal 02:30 What hitting a ceiling actually feels like 04:53 Why success can make us afraid to experiment 07:20 “I want to grow, but I’m afraid to stop doing what everyone else does” 09:28 Sneak peeks and the fear of breaking expectations 11:47 If we do it differently, we have to bring people with us 13:00 How great photographers earn permission to break the rules 15:20 Why risk often comes before permission 17:23 The other risk we rarely think about 18:32 Which risk are we actually more afraid of? 20:32 The greener pastures might already be in your market READY TO BREAK THROUGH YOUR OWN CEILING? We currently have one spot available inside our Mastermind. If you’re ready to raise your rates, create more demand for your work, and build a business that feels more like you instead of following someone else’s blueprint, we’d love to hear from you. Apply Here: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching KEYWORDS wedding photography business, photography business, wedding photographer pricing, market ceiling, photography pricing, creative differentiation, standing out as a photographer, wedding photography marketing, creative business, photography competition, raising photography prices, luxury wedding photographer, photographer mindset, photography coaching, wedding photographer mastermind

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057 - Raising 3 Kids, Running a Business & Homeschooling: A BTS Look at Our Days

What does it actually look like to raise three kids, homeschool, run a business, work from home, and still have a life? We’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what’s worked for us, what hasn’t, and what we’ve learned after nearly 10 years of parenting while running our business. We talk childcare, routines, quiet time, Sunday planning, outsourcing, marriage, decision fatigue, and why we’ve stopped looking for the schedule that will finally “figure it all out.” Chapters: 00:00 Recording from the Trader Joe’s parking lot 02:11 The biggest lesson: flexibility 07:02 What we thought parenting + business would look like 09:26 Can you actually “do it all?” 14:11 Why there’s no perfect schedule 16:38 Creating rhythms that reduce decisions 21:00 Our Sunday meeting + defining a successful week 25:31 Boundaries between work and family 26:15 How we use childcare 27:51 How we divide work when the kids are home 30:16 Outsourcing inside the business 31:40 Why we hired a family assistant 34:00 Protecting your marriage while working together 35:03 Extra grace required 39:47 Good doesn’t always mean right 42:09 Building the family you actually want 43:00 You’re not alone in figuring this out Connect with us: Instagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjen learn.bradandjen.com Keywords: working parents, working from home with kids, work life balance, parenting and business, homeschooling, homeschool parents, entrepreneur parents, working mom, family business, childcare, family routines, time management, marriage and business, family rhythms, raising kids, creative entrepreneur

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056 - The Truth About Style, Taste & Presets w/ Austin Trenholm

This week Brad & Jen sit down with Austin Trenholm, a wedding photographer of nearly two decades and the co-founder of Good Light Presets. Between shooting weddings across the country and building editing tools with his business partner Cody, Austin has had a rare front row seat to how thousands of photographers edit, the trends they chase, and the styles they grow into. That vantage point makes him the perfect person to untangle a question every photographer wrestles with: what is style, how do you actually develop it, and what is the difference between borrowing a look and building a voice? Austin's throughline is that YOU are the differentiator. We are all shopping at the same retailers, using the same gear and the same presets, so style is less about the ingredients than how you combine them. What starts as a talk about editing turns into decisiveness, boundaries, creative burnout, and the freedom to experiment without blowing up your business. We also explore: Why you, not your gear or your presets Editing like a home chef From a camera at fourteen to nearly twenty years behind the lens How Goodlight started Why your voice, not one rigid style, is the thing that should stay consistent The "I could never wear that" story we tell ourselves, and how to drop it A simple reference-card trick to commit to a look and stop second guessing Why boredom and monotony cause burnout as much as overwork Chasing timelessness while working in an industry built on trends Why no AI culling: your voice lives in choosing every frame yourself Connect with Austin Website: https://www.trenholmphoto.com/ Instagram: @trenholmphoto Good Light Presets: https://goodlightpresets.com/ @goodlightpresets Connect with Us Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings Apply for the Mastermind Program - High level 1:1 creative coaching & community. Chapters (00:00) Welcome and why style is a lot like fashion (04:52) A camera at fourteen and a summer in New Mexico (08:12) How Good Light Presets started (10:42) Editing like a home chef (13:01) Why your voice, not one style, should stay consistent (15:33) To find a style, try on every style (21:23) A reference-card trick to commit and stop second guessing (26:06) Decisiveness, film cameras, and a cohesive voice (31:44) Stop worrying about your voice and just work (34:58) Boundaries, creativity, and leaving the 50mm at home (37:46) Burnout, boredom, and keeping it fun for twenty years (42:31) Is it the gear? The onion and the sharp knife (50:32) Chasing timelessness in a trend-driven industry (58:57) Where the industry is heading and the swing back to pretty (01:05:37) How do you know when you are growing? (01:15:02) Developing a voice: cull your own work and know what you love Keywords: wedding photography, photography editing, presets, developing your style, finding your voice, Lightroom, film aesthetic, creative burnout, photographer mindset, decisiveness, wedding photography trends, Goodlight Presets, photographer education

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055 - On Belief, Bold Moves, and 3 Years That Changed Everything w/ Fulton Events

What if the biggest opportunities in your business don't come because you're finally "ready"… but because you've spent years preparing before they ever arrived? This week we're joined by Kellie and Caitlin of Fulton Events for one of our favorite conversations to date. On the surface, it's the story of three years that changed everything. But underneath, it's a conversation about believing in a future before anyone else can see it. About making decisions before there's proof they'll pay off. About saying "yes" when the opportunity feels just a little bigger than you're ready for. Over the course of just 3 years—while raising three young kids—they transformed their business through intentional relationships, strategic investments, countless uncomfortable decisions, and a willingness to build the business they wanted long before they actually needed it. If you've ever wondered whether the work you're doing today is actually leading somewhere… this conversation is a reminder that growth rarely looks dramatic while you're living it. It looks like showing up. Again. And again. And again. Chapters 00:00 – Meet Kellie & Caitlin of Fulton Events 04:15 – Building belief before there was proof 11:42 – Why three years changed everything 20:31 – Preparing for the business you want 29:18 – Saying yes before you're ready 37:40 – Relationships that change your trajectory 46:52 – Every next level starts with one step 55:26 – The unseen work behind extraordinary growth 1:05:14 – Advice for creatives chasing their next chapter In This Episode Building the business before you need it Belief before proof Strategic business growth Making bold decisions Preparing for opportunity Relationship marketing Reputation and referrals Leadership and team building Entrepreneurship Creative business Wedding industry Fulton Events Keywords Business growth, entrepreneurship, creative business, wedding planner, Fulton Events, business strategy, leadership, relationships, networking, mindset, entrepreneurship podcast, photographer education, business development, creative entrepreneur, premium clients, business mindset, reputation, marketing, long-term growth, intentional business.

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054 - Book More Weddings by Changing This One Thing

This week's episode is a little different. Brad & Jen are recording from the road instead of their usual studio, but the conversation couldn't wait. If you've ever stared at a new inquiry wondering, "Do I send pricing? Do I email first? Do I schedule a call?" this episode is for you. What starts as a conversation about discovery calls quickly becomes something much bigger. Why are photographers becoming more efficient, yet feeling less connected? Why do couples ghost? And what if the problem isn't your pricing at all? Brad & Jen unpack one of the biggest mindset shifts they've seen transform photographers inside Purpose & Profit and the Mastermind. You'll learn why leading with connection instead of efficiency changes the way couples experience your brand, why discovery calls are about serving rather than selling, and how one simple shift can change your confidence, your bookings, and the way you show up as a business owner. Main Points • Why photographers unintentionally make booking harder after an inquiry • The real reason couples ghost (and why it usually isn't your pricing) • Why you're asking couples to judge your worth before they've experienced your value • How AI and automation are increasing the value of genuine human connection • Why discovery calls are about service, not sales • The four ways every discovery call pays you, whether you book the wedding or not • How curiosity replaces defensiveness and changes the entire pricing conversation • Why premium businesses are built by leading conversations, not sending information Chapters 00:00 The $5,000 inquiry that sparked this conversation 02:00 Why photographers focus on the wrong questions 05:00 The real reason couples ghost 08:00 Why human connection is becoming more valuable 10:00 Discovery calls are about serving, not selling 15:00 The four paychecks of every discovery call 20:30 A real story about making an impact without booking the wedding 24:30 The mindset shift that changes pricing conversations 29:00 Becoming the kind of business owner people trust 32:00 One challenge for your next inquiry How to Connect Purpose & Profit Ready to build a business that attracts better-fit couples, increases your confidence, and gives you a clear path forward https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course Keywords wedding photography, wedding photographer, photography business, discovery calls, inquiry process, booking more weddings, sales for photographers, photography pricing, client experience, wedding inquiries, photography marketing, premium wedding photographer, business mindset, human connection, photography education, Purpose & Profit, Brad and Jen

053 - The Making of an Artist w/ Emilie White

This week Brad & Jen sit down with Emilie White, a French wedding and editorial photographer whose life has stretched across seven countries, two careers, and a constant pull toward something more than the photography itself. Before she ever picked up a camera professionally, Emilie spent 7 years in law, working in international law and intellectual property across Paris, Ireland, and the Middle East. When she and her husband left Oman, she traded a comfortable expat life for a shoebox apartment in the south of France, a newborn, and a leap into photography with no formal training and no safety net. What unfolds is an honest look at the long, winding road to becoming an artist: years of imposter syndrome, the slow work of finding her voice, and the grief that shaped her eye. Emilie opens up about losing her father at 15, the family hardships that pushed her work through darker and lighter seasons, and why she believes you have to feed your soul and then trust it to surface in your work when you least expect it. Together, we explore patience, preparation, curation, parenthood, and the discipline of holding your ego loosely while building a career the industry calls successful. We also explore: Trading a seven-year law career for photography with a newborn in tow Living across seven countries and how it taught her to read any room The accolades that signaled she was on the right path (and why she keeps them in perspective) Working under pressure when a portrait window shrinks to three minutes Why preparation, not acceptance, is what makes the hard moments work Using film cameras to spark curiosity and disarm a tough crowd Building teams around strengths and treating hires as investments, not expenses Why curation is the hardest part, and the one thing she will not hand to AI Making images that gain value with age, not just attention How motherhood reshaped what she shoots and how she protects her time Keeping her ego in check while her work lands in Vogue, Harper's, and Brides Connect with Emilie Website: https://emiliewhite.com/ Instagram: @emiliewhitephotography Connect with Us Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings Apply for the Mastermind Program - High level 1:1 creative coaching & community. Chapters (00:00) Welcome and a life across seven countries (08:32) From law school to photography (11:40) Imposter syndrome and owning the artist title (14:15) Shooting a designer's wedding and early validation (18:32) Finding her voice through editing and curation (24:15) Grief, dark seasons, and how life shapes the work (27:14) Patience, process, and time to be bored (30:43) Three-minute portraits and preparation over acceptance (39:46) Cameras as tools to read and disarm a room (44:51) Building teams around strengths (50:10) Why curation is the hardest part (59:00) Empathy in the edit: don't forget the elders (01:03:43) The couple behind the curation: Greer and Dimitri (01:06:16) Accolades, ego, and staying grounded (01:10:38) How motherhood reshaped her work (01:16:14) Movies, inspiration, and what's next

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052 - What Actually Happens Inside Coaching

What actually helps photographers grow? After years of coaching photographers through every stage of business, we've noticed something surprising. The biggest breakthroughs rarely come from finding more information. They come from clarity, community, personalized guidance, and having the confidence to take the next step. In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the lessons we've learned from working closely with photographers inside Purpose & Profit and our Mastermind. We talk about the difference between courses, coaching, and community, why so many photographers feel stuck despite having endless free information, and how real transformation happens when you stop trying to build your business alone. Whether you're wondering what kind of support you actually need, or you're simply looking for a fresh perspective on growing your business, this conversation will help you think differently about what moves the needle. LINKS Learn more about Purpose & Profit: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course Apply for the Mastermind: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome and why we recorded this episode 03:00 What are you really building your business for? 09:30 Why information alone rarely creates growth 18:20 The difference between learning and implementing 27:40 Purpose & Profit and building a business with intention 39:45 Why community changes everything 47:10 Inside the Mastermind experience 58:30 What makes a great coaching student? 1:04:45 Purpose & Profit vs. The Mastermind 1:08:30 Final thoughts and next steps KEYWORDS wedding photography business, photography education, photography coaching, mastermind for photographers, photography community, photography mentor, photography course, wedding photographer marketing, photography pricing, photography business strategy, photography mindset, creative entrepreneur, business coaching, Purpose and Profit, Brad and Jen, More Than Photos podcast

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051 - Building a Life Bigger Than Your Business w/ Perry Vaile

This week Brad and Jen sit down with Perry Vaile, a destination and editorial wedding photographer, historian, educator, and creative whose life stretches far beyond the wedding industry. What begins as a conversation about Perry’s mountain home in North Carolina quickly turns into something much bigger: ambition, success, identity, community, social media, and what it means to build a life that doesn’t depend on your work to fulfill you. Perry shares the story of building a 15-year photography career, the moments she felt like she had finally “made it,” and how her relationship to success has evolved over time. From photographing a Victoria’s Secret supermodel’s wedding to intentionally removing social media from her phone, she offers a refreshing perspective on staying connected to what matters while working in an industry built on visibility and comparison. Together, we explore boundaries, hobbies, community, family, creativity, and the challenge of building a successful career without sacrificing the life around it. We also explore: • Living a “split life” between the mountains and the city, and why each pace feeds the other • Buying land on instinct and building a home designed to last generations • The two moments Perry felt like she had “made it” • Finding the confidence to stand up for her work on a make-or-break deadline • Entering a world of wealth without attaching her worth to it • Why real memories matter more than staged perfection • Removing social media from her phone and creating healthier boundaries • Archery, needlepoint, gardening, reading, and building a life outside the industry • Creating local community on purpose • Holding success open-handedly and defining it on your own terms • Working smarter, protecting rest, and avoiding burnout • Why “going quiet” may be the biggest risk for photographers today Connect with Perry Website: https://perryvaile.com/ Instagram: @perryvaile Connect with Us Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings Apply for the Mastermind Program - High level 1:1 creative coaching & community. Chapters (00:00) Welcome and the seven-weekend stretch ahead (01:00) A split life between the mountains and Raleigh (03:30) Buying the land and building a forever home (08:45) The long view: who do you want to be at 70? (14:00) Fifteen years in and the moments she “made it” (22:00) Chutzpah, film deadlines, and confidence (24:00) Wealth, worth, and belonging in luxury spaces (27:00) The historian’s approach to photography (32:00) Redefining success and holding it loosely (40:00) Protecting the craft from the industry (42:00) Social media boundaries and bricking the phone (48:00) Hobbies, books, and building community (56:00) Perspective, gratitude, and figure-out-able problems (59:00) Working smarter and protecting rest (01:13:00) What matters now and why going quiet is risky (01:20:00) Books, recommendations, and what’s next Keywords: wedding photography, destination wedding photographer, boundaries, work-life balance, redefining success, building community, photographer mindset, burnout, rest and margin, intentional living, historic preservation, film photography, photographer education

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050 - How Great Photographers Become So Versatile w/ Sophie Lin Berard

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by photographer and artist Sophie Lin Berard. Known for blending documentary honesty with editorial sophistication, Sophie’s work draws from a wide range of influences including street photography, fashion, commercial work, architecture, and fine art. In this conversation, we explore what it actually takes to become a versatile photographer and why some of the most important skills are developed far away from a wedding day. Sophie shares her unconventional path into photography, from photographing sneakers for a local retailer to working in editorial fashion, commercial photography, and eventually weddings. We talk about building confidence through repetition, why preparation creates freedom, and how learning multiple disciplines has shaped her ability to adapt and create in real time. Beyond photography, we also dive into burnout, ambition, boundaries, and what it means to define success on your own terms. From technical mastery to creative curiosity, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for photographers looking to grow their craft and build a sustainable creative life. What We Cover: Why great photographers develop skills outside of weddings How commercial, fashion, and street photography shaped Sophie’s voice The case for becoming a “jack of all trades” Why preparation creates confidence and creative freedom How Sophie approaches documentary and editorial photography The role of personal projects in developing your eye What burnout taught her about boundaries and success Defining your “enough number” and creating a more sustainable career Connect with Sophie: Website: https://sberard.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sberardweddings/ Connect with Us: Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings: Instagram: @bradandjeneducation Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Sophie Lin Berard (03:00) From sneaker photography to commercial work (08:00) Why being a jack of all trades matters (13:00) How different creative disciplines shape your photography (19:00) Preparation, timelines, and creative freedom (25:00) Building confidence through technical mastery (33:00) Developing your eye outside of weddings (38:00) Documentary versus editorial photography (45:00) High-profile weddings, planners, and staying true to your voice (48:00) Burnout, boundaries, and redefining success (57:00) Gratitude, social media, and protecting your creativity (01:10:00) What success looks like now Keywords: wedding photography, documentary photography, editorial photography, creative growth, photography education, artistic voice, commercial photography, film photography, wedding photographer, photography business, creativity, confidence, personal projects, photography workflow, burnout, creative process

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049 - 3 Skills We're Leaning Into in an AI Era

AI is changing the way we work, create, and communicate, but what if the most important response isn’t learning how to use AI better? What if it’s becoming more human? In this episode, Jen shares 3 simple skills she’s intentionally investing in during an AI era. Skills she believes they’reare becoming increasingly rare, and therefore increasingly valuable. Books Mentioned Theo of Golden - Allen Levi Bird by Bird - Anne Lamott Key Takeaway When everyone else is relying on automation, your ability to think deeply, communicate clearly, and connect genuinely may become your greatest advantage. The future may belong to those who remain unapologetically human. Episode Chapters (00:00) Why this conversation matters (02:00) How Brad & Jen use AI in their business (03:10) Skill #1 (06:45) Skill #2 (08:45) Skill #3 (10:15) Why Skill #3 matter more than ever (13:00) Building your human superpowers Links & Resources Purpose & Profit: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course Keywords AI and creativity, photography business, storytelling, discovery calls, writing, reading fiction, human connection, creative growth, wedding photography, communication skills, entrepreneurship, artist development, purpose and profit.

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048 - Guarding Your Creative Life w/ Kate Thompson

This week Brad is sitting down with Kate Thompson for a conversation about creativity, parenthood, burnout, ambition, and the discipline of protecting the parts of yourself that make meaningful work possible in the first place. Over the last several years, we’ve watched Kate intentionally refine her work and her business, but what surprised us most in this conversation wasn’t hearing about “leveling up” or entering the "luxury market"... it was hearing what happened underneath all of it. Kate shares openly about navigating postpartum depression during the pandemic, learning to detach her self-worth from success, and the tiny daily habits that slowly helped her rebuild her creativity, confidence, and joy. We also explore: her background in speech pathology and linguistics working alongside her sister at Palindrome Creative Co. creating personal work in seasons of limitation simplifying her business and refining her editing process why curation matters and how learning to quiet outside noise helped her trust her own artistic voice again This episode was so special and is a refreshing and honest look at what it takes to sustain a creative life over the long haul. In This Episode Protecting your creativity in a noisy industry Tiny habits, self-care, and rebuilding after burnout Motherhood, surrender, and creative ambition Detaching self-worth from success The role of personal work and bookmaking Learning to trust your artistic intuition Simplifying your business and editing process Working in both weddings and commercial photography Creating meaningful work in real-life seasons Quote Worth Remembering “I had to create this fortress to protect my internal fire of inspiration. I had to redefine what success looked like for me. And for a while, success just meant staying inspired.” Books Mentioned North Woods — Daniel Mason I Cheerfully Refuse — Leif Enger Connect with Kate Kate Thompson Weddings Palindrome Creative Co. Connect with Brad & Jen Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings Apply for the Mastermind Program Instagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjen

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047 - Should You Deliver Previews? (You’re Asking the Wrong Question)

Previews. Sneak peeks. Whatever you call them… this conversation keeps coming back around. In this episode, we unpack why so many photographers feel stuck in the tension between artistry and expectation and why the question “should I do previews or not?” might actually be the wrong place to start. Instead of giving a formula, we invite you into a different way of thinking. One rooted in ownership, clarity, and building a business from your own philosophy...not just reacting to industry pressure. If you’ve ever felt torn between what’s expected and what feels aligned, this episode will help you rethink how you make decisions… not just about previews, but about everything. What You’ll Learn in This Episode - Why the previews debate isn’t actually about previews - The hidden pressure photographers feel (and how it shapes decisions) - The difference between reacting vs. building from conviction - What previews are really doing for your clients and your business - How to think through tradeoffs without defaulting to industry norms - The power of communicating your philosophy to your clients - How to redefine previews in a way that feels aligned to you Links & Ways to Connect Apply for the Mastermind Program: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course Instagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjen Episode Chapters (00:00) The DM that sparked the conversation (01:30) The pressure photographers feel around previews (03:40) Why “should I do previews?” is the wrong question (05:00) Building conviction vs. outsourcing decisions (07:10) The parenting story (and decision-making framework) (10:30) Why previews exist (and what they actually do) (13:50) The tension: connection vs. artistic integrity (15:30) Two different approaches that both work (18:50) Questions to ask instead of defaulting to trends (20:10) The tradeoffs of both paths (22:10) Finding your own way (and redefining previews) Quotes Worth Remembering: “Don’t just ask what works. Ask what you believe—and build from there.” “Neither option is wrong… but neither is free.” Keywords: wedding photography, sneak peeks, previews, photography business, client experience, artistic integrity, decision making, photography marketing, creative business, wedding photographers

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046 - The Inner Life of Anni Graham: On Success, Self-Doubt, Creativity, and Staying Whole

Hey everyone! This week on the podcast we’re joined by photographer, educator, and artist Anni Graham for a conversation that goes far deeper than photography, pricing, or building a luxury brand. What began as a conversation about growth, reinvention, and moving into a higher-end market quickly became something much more honest - about the inner life of being a creative, the private tensions many photographers carry, and what it takes to keep believing in yourself through seasons of doubt, ambition, motherhood, and change. Anni speaks candidly about the emotional rollercoaster of creative work, the mindset work underneath business growth, why so many photographers try to build on a fractured foundation, and what it looked like for her to make bold shifts before she had evidence they would work. We also talk about motherhood, moving to Costa Rica, redefining success, and the surprising freedom that comes when you begin building a career around the life you actually want. This one is personal, practical, and deeply encouraging. What We Cover: • Why the hardest work in photography often has little to do with photography • The mindset battles many creatives quietly carry • Building a business from identity, not insecurity • What Anni learned moving from elopements into the luxury market • Why she doubled her prices before she had proof it would work • Risk, reinvention, and trusting yourself before you have evidence • How motherhood reshaped her definition of success • Protecting creativity, nurturing energy, and tuning out the noise • Why experimentation and personal taste matter more than most strategy Connect with Anni: Anni's New E-Book: https://anni-graham.myflodesk.com/free-e-book
Website: https://www.annigraham.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annigraham Connect with Us: 
Apply for the Mastermind Program: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course Instagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjen Chapters:
 (00:00) Why this conversation felt different
 (04:10) Life in Costa Rica and redefining success
 (11:45) The inner battle many creatives don’t talk about
(22:30) Mindset, insecurity, and building on a strong foundation
 (36:10) Protecting creativity and trusting your artistic voice
 (49:20) Motherhood, ambition, and what success can cost
 (01:02:15) Making the leap into the high-end market
 (01:16:30) Identity shifts, pricing, and finding aligned clients
 (01:29:00) Risk, reinvention, and making bold moves before proof
 (01:40:20) Final thoughts on courage, trust, and building a life Keywords:
wedding photography, photographer mindset, creative growth, luxury wedding photography, artistic identity, entrepreneurship, self doubt, creativity, motherhood and business, pricing mindset, personal growth, photographer education, creative courage, reinvention

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045 - Originality, Copycats & Creative Discipline with Roma Vera

This week on the podcast we’re joined by Roma Vera , whose films have become some of the most recognizable and influential in the wedding world. In this conversation, we talk about originality, creative discipline, and what it takes to build work that still feels fresh after 16 years. Roma and Vera share their journey from a small town in Siberia to Moscow to Spain, the surprising influences behind their style, and the creative “policies” they’ve developed to avoid copying, repeating themselves, or getting stuck. We dig into how they create such expressive films, how they work with couples who aren’t naturally outgoing, and why they focus so much on the moments happening “behind the corner” instead of only the obvious highlights. We also talk about copycats, editing, burnout, building teams across the world, and the pressure of staying original when your work is being emulated everywhere. What We Cover: How they built one of the most recognizable styles in wedding filmmaking Why they avoid looking at other filmmakers for inspiration The creative rules that keep them from repeating themselves How they get couples to loosen up without over-directing What they do when a couple isn’t naturally expressive The pressure of being copied and staying original Why editing is painful, uncertain, and essential to great work How they’ve built teams across Europe and the US What success, longevity, and reinvention look like after 16 years Connect with Roma Vera: Website: https://romavera.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romavera_films/ Connect with Us: NEW Inquiry Process Email Templates: https://learn.bradandjen.com/inquiry-process-email-templates-for-photographers Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course Apply for the Mastermind Program: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching Instagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjen Chapters: (00:00) Meeting Roma Vera (04:00) From Siberia to Spain (07:30) The early moments that shaped their style (11:00) Inspiration beyond the wedding industry (20:00) Finding humor and unexpected moments (24:00) Why they don’t follow other filmmakers (30:00) How they direct without over-directing (35:00) Working with quieter couples (39:00) Their dream wedding weekends (43:00) Building teams across Europe and the US (49:00) Why editing feels like suffering (58:00) Burnout, inspiration, and staying creative (01:01:00) Being copied and staying original (01:09:00) What success looks like now Keywords: wedding filmmaking, wedding videography, creative discipline, originality, editing process, storytelling, destination weddings, wedding films, documentary filmmaking, artistic voice, creativity, burnout, wedding filmmakers, business growth

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044 - A New Way to Set Goals (That You’ll Actually Follow Through On)

Hey everyone! This week on the podcast, Jen is walking through a handful of ideas that have been reshaping the way we think about goals, happiness, and what it actually looks like to move forward in life and business. What We Cover: Why goal setting doesn’t need to revolve around a new calendar year The shift from “have, do, be” to “be, do, have” How happiness actually drives success (not the other way around) Five simple habits that can reshape your mindset and daily life The concept of a 12-week year and why it creates better momentum Why consistency matters more than breakthroughs The emotional cycle of change (and how to push through it) How to set goals you can actually measure and follow through on Books Mentioned: The Slight Edge: https://amzn.to/3QbPbh4 The 12 Week Year: https://amzn.to/3QcV6CA So Good They Can’t Ignore You: https://amzn.to/4tJuesh The Happiness Advantage: https://amzn.to/4swIEec Connect with Us: **NEW** Inquiry Process Email Templates - https://learn.bradandjen.com/inquiry-process-email-templates-for-photographers Join Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k Weddings: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course Instagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjen Chapters: (00:00) Why goal setting shouldn’t be seasonal (03:00) The connection between happiness and success (07:30) Be → Do → Have: a mindset shift (12:00) Five daily habits that create real change (18:30) Why most people don’t follow through (22:00) The 12-week year and building momentum (27:00) Small actions vs. big breakthroughs (31:00) The emotional cycle of change (36:00) Setting goals you can actually achieve (40:00) Final thoughts and a simpler way forward Keywords: goal setting, personal growth, habits, happiness, productivity, 12 week year, mindset, consistency, entrepreneurship, creative business, motivation, follow through, self development

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