Motherhood Anthology: Photography Education for a Business You Love
Welcome to The Motherhood Anthology podcast: photography education to create a business you love. This podcast will serve as an invaluable resource to guide you in the world of motherhood photography and owning your own successful photography business. Tune in weekly to hear from us and some of our most admired friends and colleagues as we share some of our greatest tools, how-tos, successes, failures, and everything in between.
BONUS REPLAY: Living & Working Intentionally featuring Alex of Love Daphne Mae
We spend so much time talking about how to make more money, do more, and hustle. In today's episode, Kim is joined by Alex Smith to talk about slowing down and romanticizing your life.
Connect with Alex:
https://www.instagram.com/lovedaphnemae
https://lovedaphnemae.com/links/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG h
BONUS REPLAY: Incorporating Heirloom Photography & Scaling Your Business
In this week's episode, our guest is Anna Claire Collier, founder of Born & Raised Studio, a traveling children's heirloom portrait studio. We leave no stone unturned as we discuss exactly what a session looks like, all the way from session times to pricing and products. This episode is packed with helpful information for any of you who might be interested or slightly intrigued by the beautiful artwork that is heirloom photography.
Connect with Anna Claire Collier:
https://www.bornandraisedstudio.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bornandraisedstudio/
Connec...
BONUS REPLAY: Defining Enough featuring Shanna Skidmore
FLASHBACK: Over two episodes, Kim sat down with Shanna Skidmore to talk about defining enough. This week we're replaying part one, where Kim and Shanna talk about pricing, calculating your "enough number," burnout and taking rests, and understanding what it is we actually want when we set goals. Look back to episode 33 for the second half of this conversation!
Connect with Shanna:
https://shannaskidmore.com/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com...
From Pause to Profitability: Caroline Eidson's Photography Comeback with TMA
After taking a pause for four babies in five years, Caroline Eidson made the brave choice to relaunch her photography business, and she’s doing it with clarity, confidence, and direction. In this episode, Kim sits down with Caroline to talk about what it’s really like to start fresh, what helped her rebuild with purpose, and why the right support makes all the difference.
We talk about:
What it means to relaunch your business after a full pause The mindset shifts that helped Caroline move forward How she’s redefined her pricing, editin..."Hello, Valerie? You're On Air!" - A Spontaneous Conversation with April's TMA Mentor Valerie Vaughan
In this episode, Kim debuts a new segment called “Surprise Dial,” where she checks in with Valerie Vaughan, a TMA mentor and mother of three, including a newborn. Valerie shares insights on balancing business and motherhood, emphasizing the importance of outsourcing and giving herself grace during this season. We're also teasing upcoming resources for TMA members, including email templates and a film photography guide designed to help photographers at all stages.
Connect with Valerie:
https://valeriecallan.com/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com<...
The Secrets to True Light & Airy Photography: Creating Consistent, Cohesive Galleries with Katie Lamb
In this episode, Katie Lamb returns to dive deep into the elements that create a true light and airy photography style. With 17 years of experience as a light and airy photographer, Katie breaks down the key components of this popular aesthetic and dispels common misconceptions.
Episode Highlights:
The three key elements that define light and airy photography: soft neutral tones, clean creamy skin tones, and soft shadows How to choose client wardrobes that enhance the light and airy style What to look for in locations: great light, the right types of trees, open...The Language of Luxury: How to Position Your Photography Business for High-Value Clients with Ashlyn Carter
In this episode, copywriting queen Ashlyn Carter joins Kim for a masterclass in marketing your photography business to high-value clients. From crafting magnetic website copy to confidently communicating your pricing, Ashlyn dives into the language that elevates your brand from "pretty pictures" to powerful positioning. If you want to attract luxury clients without selling your soul—or your soul-crushing sanity—this one’s for you.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
Why photographers *are* solving a problem (and need to market that way) The confidence key to premium pricing How to create messagin...5 Ways to Make Meaningful Connections and Lasting Impressions with Your Clients with Sara Bywaters-Baldwin
Sara Bywaters-Baldwin, TMA Group Expert and the owner of Willow Canvas, is taking over the TMA podcast this week to discuss how small business owners can create meaningful connections with clients by being genuine, attentive, and creative. Sara shares personal stories and insights about building relationships that go beyond transactional business interactions, emphasizing the importance of listening, remembering details, and showing authentic care for customers.
Elevate your portraits with Willow Canvas' beautiful, hand-painted Fine Art backdrops - get free shipping and 25% off multiple canvases with code "multi25" at WillowCanvasBackdrops.com
How to Plan a Styled Shoot: Strengthen Your Portfolio & Rediscover Your Creative Joy with Adrianne Shelton
In this episode, I sit down with Adrianne Shelton, one of our incredible TMA mentors, to dive deep into the world of styled shoots. As a photographer balancing a full-time job and her creative passion, Adrianne shares her unique approach to creating meaningful, intentional photography that tells a story. We explore how styled shoots can transform your portfolio, inspire your creativity, and help you connect with your artistic vision.
Key Takeaways:
Styled shoots are a powerful way to control your creative narrative, allowing you to choose every element from models to location Collaborating...Part 2 Living Creatively with Intention: Riley Hitchner on Photography, Motherhood, and Finding Your Own Path
What if living creatively wasn't about forcing inspiration, but about finding your own natural rhythm?
In this Part 2 of our conversation, international photographer Riley Hitchner shares how she's intentionally carved her own path, from starting her photography journey at 16 to now balancing motherhood and a thriving business. Join us as Riley dives deeper into her unique approach to resetting, finding inspiration, and defining success.
This week, we're talking about:
Resetting and Recharging: The benefits of walking and Riley's favorite ways to reset Creative Inspiration: How Riley finds inspiration...Part 1 Living Creatively with Intention: Riley Hitchner on Photography, Motherhood, and Finding Your Own Path
What if living creatively wasn't about forcing inspiration, but about finding your own natural rhythm?
This week's conversation with international photographer Riley Hitchner explores exactly that. From starting her photography journey at 16 to now balancing motherhood and a thriving business, Riley shares how she's intentionally carved her own path at every turn.
In this Part 1 of this conversation, Riley shares:
How she transformed her business to align with her family's rhythms, focusing on seasonal work and homeschooling her three children The importance of building genuine creative communities that...From $75 to $2,150: A Photographer's Success Story Follow-Up
Brielle Pepper from Jacob & Brielle Photography is back on the podcast this week to share an update. If you remember, Brielle was a guest over a year ago sharing about making a BIG pivot with the help of the resources in the TMA Community. Now, she's here to update us about how it's gone since she made some big decisions, raised her prices, and what you can expect in your own business when making a pivot, too.
Listen to Brielle's previous episode:
https://themotherhoodanthology.com/the-motherhood-anthology-podcast-ep-59-success-story-with-brielle-pepper/
...
Get Paid for Your Vision, Speak Confidently About Your Pricing
This week, our Community Manager Ali and group expert, Shannon Griffin, went live in our Facebook group and the conversation was so good we just had to share it here on the podcast, too. Shannon is sharing her pivot from wedding photography to family and boudoir, her unique positioning when she tells people what she does that sets her apart, her pricing and marketing strategy for booking high-value clients and selling physical products, and so much more. You are going to want to take notes for this one!
Connect with Shannon & Ali:
...
Unlocking Creativity: Kate Marie’s Tips for Photographers
This week, I am chatting with the talented Kate Grabowski of Kate Marie Portraiture. Kate and I dive into the importance of setting boundaries, taking breaks, and staying inspired as creative entrepreneurs. We discuss Kate's incredible photography style and her client process, from initial inquiries to session planning and delivery. We also explore the sources that fuel our creativity, from nature and dance to film and interior design, while emphasizing the need to stay true to our authentic selves.
Elevate your portraits with Willow Canvas' beautiful, hand-painted Fine Art backdrops - get free shipping...
Get Rooted with Laura Esmond: Strategies to Simplify and Scale Your Photography Business
Today I'm joined by Laura Esmond, the creator of the "Get Rooted" coaching program for motherhood photographers. We cover topics like simplifying business processes, pricing strategies, balancing business and personal life, and standing out in a saturated market... and so much more!
Connect with Laura:
https://www.lauraesmond.com/getrooted
Melissa Arlena offers SEO services and a group coaching program to help photographers rank higher on Google - Get 20% off with code "motherhood" at pictureperfectrankings.com/TMA
Connect with TMA:
We...
BONUS REPLAY: Setting Clear Boundaries with Katie Lamb
One of our featured mentors in TMA is Katie Lamb, and in today's episode, we are excited for Katie to guest host the podcast. She's talking all about setting and maintaining clear boundaries to thrive while running a photography business.
Connect with Katie:
https://www.katielamb.com/
Elevate your portraits with Willow Canvas' beautiful, hand-painted Fine Art backdrops - get free shipping and 25% off multiple canvases with code "multi25" at WillowCanvasBackdrops.com
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology...
Back to Basics SEO Challenge with Melissa Arlena
This week, our resident SEO expert, Melissa Arlena is taking the mic to share some SEO Basics.
Melissa Arlena offers SEO services and a group coaching program to help photographers rank higher on Google - Get 20% off with code "motherhood" at pictureperfectrankings.com/TMA
Elevate your portraits with Willow Canvas' beautiful, hand-painted Fine Art backdrops - get free shipping and 25% off multiple canvases with code "multi25" at WillowCanvasBackdrops.com
Connect with Melissa:
https://pictureperfectrankings.com
Connect with TMA...
BONUS REPLAY: The Framework to Going Full-Time in Your Photography Business
Marie of Marie Elizabeth Photography is taking over the mic today to outline the steps she took to transition from a teaching career to running a successful full-time photography business., In this episode, she emphasizes the importance of raising prices to a profitable level, developing a strong brand, and implementing effective marketing strategies focused on SEO and social media to gradually grow her client base.
Elevate your portraits with Willow Canvas' beautiful, hand-painted Fine Art backdrops - get free shipping and 25% off multiple canvases with code "multi25" at WillowCanvasBackdrops.com
Launching a Mini Membership: Balancing Client Retention, Pricing Strategies, and Predictable Income in 2025
Adrianne Shelton is back this week to discuss the "mini membership" program in her photography business, which offers shorter and more affordable photography sessions throughout the year as a way to provide options for clients who may have been priced out of her full session offerings, allowing them to continue documenting their family. We are also discussing the pricing and structure of the mini membership, as well as how she hopes it will complement her existing full-session offerings.
Melissa Arlena offers SEO services and a group coaching program to help photographers rank higher on...
Finding Inspiration and Growth for 2025 with Adrianne Shelton & Sara Bywaters-Baldwin
As we head into the new year, I'm thrilled to welcome back mentors Adrianne Shelton and Sara Bywaters-Baldwin to the podcast for a conversation about finding inspiration and setting ourselves up for growth in 2025. We also discuss practical tips for managing stress, avoiding burnout, and cultivating a supportive community - all essential for sustainable growth.
Key Takeaways:
The power of taking time for yourself as a creative entrepreneur Practical tips for managing stress and avoiding burnout The importance of cultivating a supportive communityElevate your portraits with Willow Canvas...
Newborn Photography Secrets with Danielle Hobbs
I'm so excited to welcome back one of our favorite guests, Danielle Hobbs, to the podcast. Danielle is a master of newborn photography and a beloved mentor inside our TMA membership. If you've been around the photography community for a while, you've probably heard Danielle referred to as the "GOAT" (greatest of all time) when it comes to capturing those sweet, sleepy newborns. In this episode, Danielle and I dive into all things newborn photography - from setting up the perfect bean bag scene to nailing the ideal lighting. She's also giving us a peek into her studio and...
Live Hot Seat Coaching with Kristin Sweeting (Part 2)
Today, we are back with the incredible Kristin Sweeting joining us to lead hot seat coaching, and our guest in the hot seat this week is Emily Murdock. This is part 2 from last week's episode - don't miss part 1 from last week featuring Anna Dobrovolskaia.
Emily has been in the industry for 17 years and has navigated some big changes in her business, including quadrupling her prices in 2022. Emily is getting real about the challenges and wins of that transition, and Kristin is providing her with some amazing insights and actionable advice.
<...
Live Hot Seat Coaching with Kristin Sweeting (Part 1)
This week, TMA community mentor Kristin Sweeting led an amazing "hot seat" coaching session with two of our talented members. In today's episode, we're giving you a behind-the-scenes look at part of this hot seat coaching call featuring our member, Anna Dobrovolskaia.
Anna is a photographer who recently made the big move from Shanghai to Richmond, Virginia, and she's been working hard to build up her business in her new city. In this hot seat coaching episode, she opens up about the challenges she's faced with pricing - wanting to charge what she's worth...
Creating Meaningful Connections, Not Just Pretty Pictures with Suzzane Brown
Our guest (and TMA Group Expert) Suzzane Brown is back for another conversation on the podcast this week, all about the importance of presence, authenticity, and creating meaningful connections in the photography business, rather than just focusing on technical skills or "pretty pictures".
We're talking about:
The importance of letting go of expectations and being present to find more joy and playfulness in photography sessions. Suzy's approach to getting to know her clients deeply before sessions and guiding them through the experience. Handling clients with different personalities and energy levels, and adapting her...How The Motherhood Anthology Helped Me Succeed: Insights from a TMA Community Manager
In this episode, Ali, our incredible TMA community manager, shares her personal journey with the membership and how it transformed her photography business. Ali describes how TMA opened her eyes to a new perspective on running a successful photography business, from pricing and marketing strategies to the power of the supportive community. As the community manager, Ali sees her role as a peer, experiencing the same challenges you are and she loves working together to find solutions. This week, Ali is here to encourage you to take advantage of the upcoming enrollment period and the wealth of resources available...
Staying Creative as a Photographer: How to Avoid Comparison & Overcome FOMO with Kristin Sweeting
Kristin Sweeting, this month's Featured Mentor in The Motherhood Anthology membership, joins Kim to share practical tips for staying creative, avoiding comparison, and neutralizing FOMO in your photography business. Kristin opens up about her own struggles with creative slumps and burnout, and provides actionable advice on how to nurture your inspiration through daily routines, intentional scheduling, and tapping into your authentic voice... and so much more!
Connect with Kristin:
https://dangerschool.com/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: ht...
Redefining the Value of Creativity: An Interview with Business Strategist Sean Low and Shannon Griffin
This week, TMA mentor Shannon Griffin is guest-hosting the podcast and interviewing Sean Low, a consultant who has worked with various creative businesses including photographers. Sean shares his insights on the value of the creative process, the importance of charging appropriately, and building meaningful connections with clients... and so much more!
Connect with Sean:
sean@thebusinessofbeingcreative.com
www.thebusinessofbeingcreative.com
Connect with Shannon:
https://www.shannongriffin.com/
https://www.instagram.com/shannongriffin/
Connect with TMA:
...
The Simple Sales System to Grow Your Photography Business
This week, meet photographer and business educator Annemie Tonken. She shares insights into building a sustainable photography career leveraging her "Simple Sales System" approach.
We're talking about:
Leveraging technology and personalized education to create efficient client experiences, rather than relying on one-on-one meetings Developing a sales system that balances profitability and client satisfaction, bridging the gap between all-inclusive and in-person sales Aligning all aspects of your business (pricing, policies, products) with your personal preferences and parameters for long-term success Implementing recurring revenue streams through membership models to provide stability and predictable income Adapting...Navigating Anxiety as a Creative Entreprenuer
If you experience anxiety in your business journey, you are not alone. This week, Kim brings her go-to counselor, Christy Holding, MEd, LPC, to talk about anxiety and mental health for creative entrepreneurs.
We're talking about:
The importance of community support and therapy for managing anxiety and mental health Understanding the physical and psychological aspects of anxiety, and practical tips for managing it in daily life The role of self-awareness, intentionality, and seeking professional help when anxiety becomes overwhelming And so much more!Alabama residents, to schedule a virtual...
Seriously - is the IRS going to hunt me down in 5 years?!
This episode features a discussion from our member community with return guest, Shanna Skidmore. We know a lot of you have questions about business finances - so consider Shanna your TMA finance expert here to help you with the financial side of running your photography business. Today, we're covering topics like setting up a business structure, managing finances and taxes, and creating a financial system for your business.
Connect with Shanna:
Shanna's Website: https://shannaskidmore.com/
From pinching pennies to Regular Friday paydays: 3 Profit Boosting Money Moves...
The Framework to Going Full-Time in Your Photography Business
Marie of Marie Elizabeth Photography is taking over the mic today to outline the steps she took to transition from a teaching career to running a successful full-time photography business., In this episode, she emphasizes the importance of raising prices to a profitable level, developing a strong brand, and implementing effective marketing strategies focused on SEO and social media to gradually grow her client base.
Connect with Marie:
Marie's Website
Marie's IG
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
...
Case Study: Laura Nockett of Precious Little Sprinkles Photography
This week, Kim is joined by Marie Elizabeth & Laura Nockett. If you're a member of The Motherhood Anthology community, you know that Marie Elizabeth is our featured mentor providing extra resources and education. Laura Nockett is here to ask us her burning questions about selling products in her photography business. If you want to sell more products in your business, this episode is for you!
Laura's photog website
kim's website
marie's website
Laura's IG
Marie's IG
More Info about Marie's courses:<...
The Power of Partnership PT 2
We're back with very special guest, Kim's business partner of over 20 years, Josh Moates. This is part 2 of our conversation, so be sure to check out the previous episode (EPISODE 100!) for part 1!
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
Happy 100th Episode: The Power of Partnership PT 1
Do you know what today is? It's the 100th EPISODE of the TMA podcast! We are so grateful you are here. And this week, we have a very special guest, Kim's business partner of over 20 years, Josh Moates. This is just part 1 of our conversation, so stay tuned for next week for the second part of this conversation all about partnerships.
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
C...
Coaching Call with TMA Mentor Katie Lamb
This week, get a sneak peek inside a Coaching Call with TMA Mentor, Katie Lamb. In this conversation, Katie provides detailed advice on increasing prices, leveraging Instagram reels and keywords, delivering a high-quality client experience, and more.
Listen in for:
Recommendations for raising prices gradually or jumping to a higher price point Strategies for consistent, targeted Instagram content and reels Tips for natural newborn posing and efficient gallery editing Insights on hiring an associate and implementing a client referral program Guidance on email marketing and newsletter contentConnect with...
Setting Clear Boundaries with Katie Lamb
Our featured mentor of the month in TMA is Katie Lamb, and in today's episode, we are excited for Katie to guest host the podcast. She's talking all about setting and maintaining clear boundaries to thrive while running a photography business.
Connect with Katie:
https://www.katielamb.com/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: h...
5 Marketing Strategies when Moving Your Photography Business
Ali is taking the mic this week to share five of her favorite marketing strategies with you when moving your business. You've met Ali on the podcast before and we are so excited to share some more of her wisdom with you based on her own experience as a photographer and marketer.
Connect with Ali:
www.alipaynephotography.com
Additional links:
Melissa's Picture Perfect Rankings course
Flodesk sign-up - *this is an affiliate link
Connect with TMA:
...
TMA Reimagined
If you're part of our free public group or our private membership, you know there have been some big changes at TMA. We're using this as an opportunity to create a new vision for the future of TMA, while keeping the best parts and the things you have told us you love the most. In this episode, my guest is Katie Lamb, one of our new group mentors, and we are breaking down the vision for what is coming next.
Connect with Katie:
https://www.katielamb.com/
...
BONUS REPLAY: Creating Meaningful Client Connections
This week on the podcast, our guest is Laura Gattis, owner of Laura Gattis Photography and an educator in our TMA membership community. Laura brought so much value to our conversation that we decided to split this into two parts again. In this episode, Part 1, Laura shares how she has set her brand and workflow apart from other photographers, and how the client connection is one of the most important factors in her business strategy.
Connect with Laura Gattis:
https://lauragattis.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lauragattisphotography/
<...
BONUS REPLAY: Success Story: Kate Marie Portraiture
In this week's episode, we are excited to share another success story with you. Meet Kate, a newborn and family photographer from Texas.
In this episode, Kate is spilling the beans on tons of the best practices that she's used to build her business:
encouraging clients to do a consultation before their sessions selling luxurious experiences and physical products to increase your average sale price point advice for raising prices that Kim has never heard before Kate's best business advice that she would give herself if she could go back in time how...
