Passion With Purpose - Photography Podcast, Creative Business, Six Figure Photographer

What happens when you let go of your plans and trust God with the dream He's put on your heart?

In today's episode, I'm joined by wedding photographer Isabel Odewald, who took a leap of faith, dropped out of grad school, and pursued photography full-time.

Less than a year later, and after joining the Business Blueprint coaching program, she's booked over $100K in her photography business.

Get all the info for Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email [email protected] to ask Nathan di...

Ever thought of changing your photography niche from families to weddings, or seniors to weddings, or weddings to seniors, etc...?

This episode is for you.

Listen to this live coaching call with Rayli Rose who is a photographer from Arkansas and who is transitioning from families to Weddings.

Get all the info for Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email [email protected] to ask Nathan directly.

⭐️Get the Free Inquiry & Follow Up Email & Text Templates Here!⭐️

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What an abstract topic: "honoring God" in our photography business. But we're talking about it today!

I want to show you a side of the Gospel that doesn't focus on:

(all those are great too).

Today I'm talking about the simple, quiet acts that often speak WAY louder than words.

Get all the info for Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email [email protected] to...

"When is it my turn to win?"

That's the question Chrissy, a wedding photographer and videographer, was asking herself not just a year ago.

She knew the ropes of photography, but her business was stuck at around $50k/year, and nothing was changing.

Finally, she took a chance on learning business, trusted the Lord with her decision, and joined the Business Blueprint. This year, she already hit $100k by September (with many months to spare).

Find out how she did it...

Get all the info for Nathan’s Signature Co...

If you've been unsure of WHEN and HOW to send your pricing to clients, this episode is for you.

It's not as simple as "share everything on your website" or "share nothing."

There's a balance we have to strike between "showing it all" and keeping some cards close.

I will break down, step-by-step, how/when (and *IF*) to present your pricing on your website, and beyond. No more guessing.

Get all the info for Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email info@na...

Have you heard this from a client?

"The other guy can do it cheaper." or "They have an all-in-one package for the venue, photographer, and planner." blah blah blah.

We've all heard these types of objections from clients probably at least once in our careers, and so how do you still win over the client, even when you're NOT the cheapest option?

In this live coaching call with a photographer named Rebecca, we tackle exactly how to handle these situations, what to actually say back to them, and how to attract a better...

These are the traits/signs that separate the winners from the losers.

After coaching & meeting hundreds (or thousands) of photographers at this point, I can spot the ones who will be successful, even when they are early on in their growth.

Don't have these traits yet? No worries. You can start implementing them as soon as today.

Get all the info for Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email [email protected] to ask Nathan directly.

⭐️Get the Free Inquiry & Follow Up Email...

Today's episode is a live coaching call with podcast listener, Holly (@lumiere_photographie_ and lumierephotographie.com) who asks me all about how she should "speak to her ideal client" as the industry tells us to do.

But what does that even mean as a photographer?

We break all of that down in this episode with tangible, tactical, and mindset shifts that will help you do the same thing Holly has set out to do.

Get all the info for Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Questions about the Business Bl...

I'm fired up about websites in the photography industry. Because there are too many bad ones out there.

So this episode covers how to make yours rise above the industry (hint: it's not that hard. MOST people do it so so wrong).

Do these 4 things, and put yourself at the head of the industry. Period.

Get all the info for Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email [email protected] to ask Nathan directly.

⭐️Get the Free Inquiry & Follow Up Email & Text Templa...

Most photographers just check their competitors' pricing. Most educators just say "you just have to show your value." Most amateurs just guess.

And that's how the majority of the photography industry raises their pricing.

I've found that this is all wrong. There's no quick fix for raising your pricing, but there is a specific way to do it the right way, so that you actually get BOOKED at those higher prices, you feel CONFIDENT when you show them, and you know mathematically that you are WORTH those prices.

This is an episode straight...

Have you ever messed up? Failed? ME TOO.

This episode is reminder that we all do it. Come here the tea on the mistakes I've made recently as a photographer, business owner, and coach. Yes, recently. I still make em.

And then let's talk about what to do with those mess-ups, and how to not let them beat you.

Get all the info for Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email [email protected] to ask Nathan directly.

⭐️Get the Free Inquiry & Follow...

In this episode, I sit down with Business Blueprint student Jalen Moore, who went from roughly $12K in annual revenue to $168K+ booked in 2026 while preparing to leave a nine-year Air Force career.

This conversation is such a powerful reminder: if you’re good at something you’re NOT passionate about, imagine what could happen when you put that same energy into something you ACTUALLY love.

Get all the info for Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email [email protected] to ask Nathan directly.

⭐️Ge...

Is Instagram still worth your time in 2026, or is it time to get photography clients elsewhere?

In this episode, I share what I've learned after coaching hundreds of photographers and where I believe client marketing is headed next.If you've been feeling discouraged by social media, I hope this episode gives you clarity and confidence to market your business with purpose.

Get all the info for Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email [email protected] to ask Nathan directly.

⭐️Get the Free Inquiry & Follow...

Want to build a business that supports your FUTURE LIFE goals? Perfect. Today I sit down with Olivia, a student in my Business Blueprint coaching program, to dive into her journey from burnout to intentionally growing a six-figure photography business, why saying “no” creates better opportunities, and how focusing on the right clients—not more clients—changed everything.

Get all the info for Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email [email protected] to ask Nathan directly.

⭐️Get the Free Inquiry & Follow Up Email & Text Templates Here!⭐️

...

The middle class is disappearing... and photographers who keep doing what everyone else is doing are going to feel it first. "

Average" is going to feel like POOR in the photography industry in a few years, and if not, it already does.First time home buyer age has now risen to a whopping FORTY YEARS OLD.

This is one of the most personal episodes I've ever recorded. If I could sit across the table from my 24-year-old self, this is exactly what I'd say. If you're tired of surviving, settling, or wondering why your business...

What if your biggest breakthrough comes after your hardest season? In this episode, I sit down with Business Blueprint student Cecily Hyde to share her incredible journey of faith, perseverance, and business growth.

In this episode:

Get all the info for Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email [email protected] to ask Nathan directly.

⭐️Get the Free Inquir...

THIS is the episode to listen to before your next wedding, photoshoot, or event.

Pre-wedding jitters? Listen to this episode.

Feeling a bit "meh" about the work? Listen to this episode.

Just not super exited to drive there? THIS EPISODE.

Wedding photographers and lifestyle photographers alike, this one's for you. I got some huge, encouraging, and practical perspective shifts for you today.

Get all the info for Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email [email protected] to ask Nathan di...

If you feel like you're doing everything right but still aren't seeing inquiries, this episode is for you.

I've been there, and I want to tell you why it hasn't all clicked yet.

• Why marketing can feel like it's not working

• The power of slow, consistent growth

• Building know, like, and trust

• Why you could be "Three Feet from Gold" without knowing it.

Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email [email protected] to ask Nathan directly.

⭐️Get th...

Feeling burnt out in your photography business? Booking wedding photography left and right, but feeling like you're running on empty because of how much you have to book to reach yout goals? Worried that RAISING your prices is just greedy?

In this live coaching session, I sit down with wedding photographer Dana Mann to talk about overbooking, fear around charging more, and how to build a sustainable business that honors both your clients and your faith. We unpack the tension between hustle and stewardship and why faith over fear may be your next step.

• Overcoming bu...

Is pursuing money wrong for a Christian? Do you feel a nagging GUILT for wanting to raise your prices, or build wealth?

Let's talk about it.

I share my personal journey, unpack key biblical passages, and explore the difference between stewarding wealth and loving it.

Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email [email protected] to ask Nathan directly.

⭐️Get the Free Inquiry & Follow Up Email & Text Templates Here!⭐️

Follow Nathan on Instagram:

https://instagram.com/nathanchan

Is getting the shot "for Instagram" a bad thing? Is taking BTS content at a wedding unprofessional?

In this episode, I’m tackling a topic that’s been making waves in the photography industry: should you create for your clients or for your marketing?

I share why great client service and great marketing aren’t competing priorities. They can actually strengthen each other when approached with wisdom and balance.

• Why “client vs. marketing” is a false choice

• The value of sharing your work publicly

• BTS content at weddings: when it works and whe...

If you've ever felt ready for the next level in business but struggled with the confidence to step into it, this episode is for you. In this live coaching call, I sit down with photographer Taylor as we unpack the mindset shifts needed to move from mid-priced weddings into the high-end market. Together, we explore confidence, sales, self-belief, and what it takes to stop standing in your own way.

• Transitioning into the luxury wedding market

• Confidence vs. competence in business growth

• Selling as an act of service

• Overcoming imposter syndrome

• Han...

And now for a bit of HOPE surrounding this topic. In this episode, I share the “Heart Nate” side of the AI conversation and why I don’t believe creativity, artistry, or human connection are disappearing anytime soon.

• Why people are rejecting certain AI experiences

• The growing demand for authenticity and human connection

• What creatives should focus on in the AI era

• Why I believe human value is increasing, not decreasing

• My thoughts on artistry, analog experiences, and personal branding

I hope this episode leaves you encouraged to create boldly...

TikTok isn’t just for trends anymore... it’s becoming one of the biggest opportunities photographers have to get real inquiries and real bookings. In this episode, I sit down with wedding photographer LaRita Fisher to talk about how TikTok completely changed her business and became responsible for 50% of her bookings.

• Using TikTok to attract ideal clients

• Educational content that actually gets saved

• Why portfolio-only content fails

• Venue videos that lead to bookings

• How consistency compounds over time

Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Questions abou...

In this episode, photographers Kristy & Vic Arias share how they went from questioning whether they’d need full-time jobs again to completely reigniting their business and doubling their income in just six months of being in the Business Blueprint coaching program.

We talk about faith, marriage, parenting, business burnout, and how showing up authentically changed everything for them.

• Losing passion after COVID and becoming parents

• Rebuilding their business from the ground up

• The power of coaching and community

• Why authenticity attracts aligned couples

• Setting boundaries and implementing Sabbath rest...

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the “middle” with your pricing, this episode will challenge everything you think you know. I break down the truth about the so-called dead zone and what’s actually happening beneath the surface.

In this episode, I unpack pricing psychology, client behavior, and how to position yourself to attract the right people.

If you’ve been second-guessing...

Imagine a wedding videographer who goes all-in on alignment, niching down, and grows to $300K+ in a year...

Meet Frankie, one of my Business Blueprint coaching students.

In this episode, I sit down with Frankie from Salt Shaker Films (one of my Business Blueprint students) who completely transformed his business. From $80–90K on the side, to turning down the wrong clients for him (even to the tune of $25k+ one month) to then making over $300K full-time as a videographer, this is what happens when skill meets strategy and conviction.

That moment an inquiry hits your inbox? That’s your best chance to book, and most photographers mess it up.

In this episode, I give you a simple system to turn inquiries into paying clients with confidence.

This is how you stop losing leads.

⭐️Get the Free Inquiry & Follow Up Email & Text Templates Here!⭐️

Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email info@nathanchanski...

AI is here...and whether we like it or not, it’s about to reshape the photography industry in a big way. In this episode, I’m breaking down what I see coming and how you can stay ahead without losing what makes your work human.

I’m not here to hype AI. I’m here to prepare you. Because the photographers who adapt wisely will be the ones who win.

• AI and the future of post-production

• Scaling your workload without burnout

• Why shooting skill still matters most

• The growing importan...

Have you ever felt like you’re getting plenty of photography inquiries… but struggling to actually get people on a consult call? In this episode, I coach Lacey through closing that exact gap so she can turn more leads into booked clients.

We break down where her process is leaking and how to fix it fast.

• Why inquiry → call is the real bottleneck

• How to instantly improve your confirmation page

• The power of speed + clarity in your response

• Pre-qualifying better clients through pricing

• Simple CRM tweaks to increase convers...

Where is your breakthrough? I’ve asked that question too, and today, I have a challenge AND encouragement for you.

I’m diving into what it really means to be faithful with what you’ve been given, and why sometimes the delay you’re feeling is true spiritual development. I’ve lived through seasons of waiting, and I can tell you: nothing is wasted. God isn’t just here to build your business, He’s building you.

If you feel stuck, I hope this shifts your perspective and strengthens your faith.

⭐️Nathan’s Signature Coaching P...

What if the resistance I feel is actually confirmation I’m on the right path? In this first Business Bible Study, I unpack Nehemiah and what it looks like to keep building even when fear shows up.

I walk through Nehemiah’s story and share how opposition, doubt, and pressure often follow calling—and why that’s not a sign for me to stop, but to stay focused and keep going.

If I’m in a season of doubt, this is my reminder: keep building.

⭐️Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program: THE BUSINESS BLUEPRI...

What if your photos aren’t the reason clients aren’t booking you as a photographer? In this episode, we unpack the overlooked factor that truly drives client booking decisions—how people feel around you.

I dive into why personality, presence, and connection often outweigh skill, and how you can intentionally grow in this area to book more clients and show up with confidence.

• Why clients choose based on comfort, not just quality

• The truth about personality growth and neuroplasticity

• How to build social confidence through reps

• Books, tools, and people tha...

Your words are either helping photography clients book… or quietly pushing them away. In this episode, I break down common phrases photographers say during inquiries and sales conversations that actually hurt bookings—and what to say instead to create clarity, urgency, and confidence.

You’ll learn how small tweaks in your wording can dramatically improve your booking process.

In this episode:

• Why “I’ll let you know if someone else inquires” kills urgency

• The problem with asking “How are you feeling so far?”

• Why “Let me know your thoughts” overwhelms clients

...

What do you do when a health crisis takes over your business and more importantly - nearly your whole life?

Eric Hillestad was 25 years old when his lungs began filling with blood.

Doctors eventually placed him on ECMO — the most advanced life support available.

Many people don’t survive it.

Eric did.

After weeks in the hospital, he had to relearn how to walk, breathe, and speak. He missed months of his newborn daughter’s life. Doctors told his family to prepare for the worst.

But Eric’s story...

Peyton Helm (Meta Ads WIZARD) and I getting real about what’s changing in the wedding industry in 2026.

If you’ve noticed more ghosting, more hesitation, tighter budgets, and a whole lot more “shopping around”… you’re not crazy. Peyton breaks down what he’s seeing across hundreds of photographers and filmmakers — and what to do about it.

We talk about the shift toward trust + transparency, how to stop attracting tire kickers, and the behind-the-scenes funnel changes that can make inquiries feel way more “ready to book.”

If you want more consistent, higher-quality leads in 2026 — this...

If you’ve felt heavy lately… distracted… angry… stuck in the scroll - you’re not alone.

But what if the world doesn’t need more consumers right now? What if it needs CREATORS?

In this episode, I share why some of history’s greatest artists created their most meaningful work in the middle of chaos, and why your small, everyday work might matter more than you think.

Put the phone down. Pick the work back up. Create.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the noise, this is for you.

⭐️Nathan’s...

"I’m giving myself one more year… and if by the start of 2026 this is still literally going nowhere… maybe this isn’t what I’m supposed to be doing."

That's what Olivia Tarkowski (today's guest) said to her husband in January of 2025.

Good grief did her story take a turn!

Today, I'm joined by Business Blueprint student named Olivia, a wedding photographer who went from struggling to book consistently (she floated the idea of quitting at one point!) — to closing her books, doubling her income, and hitting 70–80% booking rates in just a few months. <...

Today I’m sitting down with Josh and Lily of McKinley Made Photo & Film(Wedding Photographer and Videographer team), Business Blueprint students who went from being overworked, underpriced, and stretched thin — to breaking $200K in a year as a photo + video duo.

We talk honestly about what actually changed: raising prices, refining their client experience, rebuilding confidence, investing before it felt comfortable, and trusting God through the uncertainty of entrepreneurship.

No theory. No hype. Just a behind-the-scenes look at what growth really looked like for them.

If you want proof that change is poss...

You asked, and I answered on this Q&A episode.

In this rapid-fire Q&A, I’m tackling the real questions photographers are thinking but rarely say out loud: family discounts, industry haters, how to get in with planners, personal branding beyond Instagram, and how to create boundaries when you’re booking months out. We also go into some juicy stuff: politics + pressure, sharing faith in business, and a nuanced take on tithing vs. generosity as a Christian entrepreneur.

If you want an industry real talk (without the fluff), this one’s for you.

⭐️Na...