The Photographer's Couch

n this special Thanksgiving episode of The Photographer’s Couch, Megan shares from the heart about gratitude, community, and the incredible village that has grown around her photography business.

As she reflects on the past year — and honestly, on her entire journey as a photographer — Megan opens up about how much deeper this work is than taking photos. Through every family session, senior portrait, and small business shoot, she’s built connections that have become lifelong friendships and a support system she never expected when she started her business.

This episode is a sim...

In this heartfelt episode of The Photographer’s Couch, Megan shares a powerful reminder that’s as true in business as it is in life: stop changing who you are because of how someone else reacts.

As a mom, business owner, and human navigating everyday life, Megan has learned this lesson over and over — through her kids, clients, and her own reactions. When someone is unkind, rude, or frustrating, it’s easy to mirror their behavior. But when you do that, you’re letting them take control of your emotions — and your character.

This ep...

In this episode of The Photographer’s Couch, Megan opens up about what she no longer photographs — and how letting go can actually grow your business.

When she started over 15 years ago, she said yes to everything: weddings, newborns, birthday parties, boudoir sessions — all of it. Like many photographers, she thought success meant doing it all.

But through experience and burnout, she learned that real growth comes from clarity — knowing what brings you joy and what doesn’t. This episode is equal parts encouragement and permission slip for every creative who’s struggled to niche down or felt...

In this episode of The Photographer’s Couch, Megan dives into one of the most common questions photographers and small business owners ask: “How do I book more clients?”

She’s not a marketing expert — she’s a photographer who’s spent 15 years building a business that thrives through consistency, trust, and connection. These aren’t quick fixes. They’re simple, proven strategies that help you build momentum and keep your calendar full — without burning out or discounting your value.

Whether you’re a photographer, creative, or small business owner, this episode gives you real, repeatable steps to at...

In this short but powerful episode of The Photographer’s Couch, Megan shares one of her favorite mindset shifts inspired by Mel Robbins — the reminder that “No one is coming for you.”

Whether you’re building a business, chasing a dream, or just trying to get yourself off the couch and moving again, this phrase is a wake-up call. It’s not meant to discourage — it’s meant to empower. Because the truth is, no one else can want your life, your goals, or your growth more than you do.

Megan opens up about h...

Taking Responsibility: A Simple Shift That Changes Everything

💬 Episode Summary

In this episode of The Photographer’s Couch, Megan gets real about the word responsibility — and how shifting your mindset around it can completely change your business, your relationships, and your peace of mind.

This one is honest and unfiltered — because it took her three tries to record it just right. But sometimes, that’s exactly what growth looks like. Megan shares how she learned to stop outsourcing her emotions, decisions, and results to others — and instead, started takin...

Welcome back to The Photographer’s Couch! I’m your host, Megan Gioeli, and today we’re talking about something I see all the time during this busy sports season: passionate sports parents.

First, let me say this—I applaud you. To every parent hauling chairs, cheering from the bleachers, driving to practices, and showing up week after week: you are the heartbeat of youth sports. Your encouragement and presence make the experience better not just for your child, but for every kid on the field.

But then there’s the flip side—the parents whose passio...

Welcome back to The Photographer’s Couch! I’m your host, Megan Gioeli, a photographer here in the Triad, and this podcast is my little corner to have real, relaxed conversations—just like we’re sitting together on the couch.

In today’s episode, I’m diving into something that trips so many of us up: the fine line between research and overthinking. Research is valuable—we need it when making decisions about things like choosing insurance, hiring a contractor, or buying a car. But what happens when the “research” becomes endless? When it actually stops us from taking action...

Welcome back to The Photographer’s Couch! I’m your host, Megan Gioeli, and today I’m walking and talking about a simple phrase that’s been hitting home for me lately: Clear is Kind.

It might sound small, but this idea shows up everywhere—our marriages, parenting, friendships, and even in business. So often, frustration doesn’t come from what someone else did or didn’t do, but from our own lack of clarity.

Here’s what we dive into in this episode:

Welcome back to The Photographer’s Couch! In this episode, I’m walking and talking with you about something that’s been on my mind all week: the difference between intentional action and hustle.

We’ve all been there—life feels chaotic, the to-do list is overflowing, and the only option seems to be to push through with a burst of energy. That’s hustle. But what happens when the hustle becomes your default mode? Stress, exhaustion, and a sense of being out of control.

I’m sharing:

• Why I don’t love the...

In this episode of The Photographer’s Couch, I’m recording from the car with a real-time lesson I just had to share. A client interaction left me frustrated, but what it really revealed was something bigger: the importance of slowing down before reacting.

I share how dropping the ball on communication not only cost us a potential client but also gave me an opportunity to reflect on what “good business” really looks like. Instead of rushing to defend myself, I realized the power of pausing, listening, and giving both myself and others a little grace.<...

Welcome back to The Photographer’s Couch! In this episode, I dive into a question that every business owner, creative, and parent should ask: Who are you giving a vote in your life?

So often, we let outside opinions—whether it’s clients, friends, or even complete strangers—dictate how we run our business or live our life. Sometimes we do it without realizing it. The truth is, not everyone deserves a vote.

In this conversation, I share:

• How giving too many people influence over your decisions can derail your busin...

From going to the gym, sending that email, making that phone call, or even just doing the dishes—excuses creep in every day. I’ll be honest: I don’t always want to go to the gym, even though I’ve been consistent since January. But here’s the difference—I’ve trained myself to flip the script. Instead of focusing on why I don’t need to do something, I focus on how I’ll feel once it’s done.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

In today’s episode of The Photographer’s Couch, Megan dives into the idea of noise—all the opinions, advice, and “must-dos” that come at us in business, photography, and even motherhood. From editing styles to marketing strategies, everyone seems to have a perspective on what’s “right.” But how do you filter through the noise and figure out what actually works for you?

Megan shares her own experiences, including the long-debated topic of shooting in RAW vs. JPEG, and how her 15-year journey of photographing in JPEG proves that sometimes what works for one person doesn’t h...

Welcome back to another episode of The Photographer’s Couch! I’m your host, Megan Joli, a portrait photographer based in North Carolina.

Today we’re diving into a topic that so many photographers and clients bump into: Pinterest boards. We love them, we hate them, and sometimes… they set us up for unrealistic expectations.

Why Pinterest Can Be Helpful

I actually appreciate when clients share a Pinterest board with me. It:

The Photographer’s Couch – Episode: Choosing Family Over Business (Without Losing Your Clients)

Welcome back to another episode of The Photographer’s Couch! I’m your host, Megan Joi, a portrait photographer based in North Carolina.

Today’s episode is all about a hard lesson I recently re-learned: the importance of setting boundaries with your business so you don’t sacrifice what matters most—your health, your kids, and your family.

What Happened

I had opened up my fall calendar for clients, only to realize later that some of those dates conflicted wit...

https://www.mgioeliphotography.com/contact

Episode Summary: Today’s episode is short and sweet—but I need your input. On a walk with a friend this morning, we started talking about connection. Real, face-to-face connection. And I realized: this is exactly the kind of conversation I want to have more of on the podcast, especially with moms.

We live in a world where we can contact almost anyone instantly—FaceTime, text, social media, gaming, you name it—but somehow we’ve never been more disconnected. I believe this lack of true connection plays a huge rol...

Feeling stuck or scattered when it comes to your goals? In this episode of The Photographer’s Couch, I’m talking about something simple—but seriously powerful—that changed everything for me as a business owner, mom, and dream-chaser: writing my goals down.

Whether you’ve got a million dreams swimming in your head or you’re avoiding that big scary goal because it feels “too much,” this is your reminder: you’re allowed to want what you want. And you owe it to yourself to write it down, say it out loud, and start moving toward it.

🔑 In Thi...

This week, I’m turning 40. And instead of freaking out about it (like my 20-something self thought I would), I’m sitting in a place of deep gratitude. In this episode of The Photographer’s Couch, I’m reflecting on the journey so far—20 years of marriage, three amazing boys, a business I love, and the messy, beautiful balance of motherhood and entrepreneurship.

I’m talking about what it feels like to reach this milestone, why 40 feels better than I ever imagined, and how gratitude can shift the way we look at both the chaos and the calm in our...

Are you stuck in the daily grind of running your business and never getting to those big things on your to-do list? In this episode of The Photographer’s Couch, I’m sharing the heart behind our upcoming small business retreat—created for women entrepreneurs by women entrepreneurs. Whether it's updating your website, finally understanding SEO, or just having time to focus, this retreat is built to help you actually move forward.

Co-hosted by my friend and fellow photographer Sara-Anne, this three-day, two-night retreat (September 7–9) is the perfect reset to work on your business, not just in it. We’l...

We teach our kids how to tie their shoes, say “please,” drive a car, and maybe even how to fish — but how often do we teach them how to love themselves?

In this episode, I’m opening up about why I believe self-love is one of the most important (and overlooked) lessons we can pass on to our kids. This isn’t a one-time talk — it’s a lifelong practice. From building confidence through responsibility to helping them handle failure with compassion, I’m sharing real ways we can model and nurture self-love in our children… and ourselves.

I...

In today’s episode, I’m sharing how small habits—like making the bed or washing my face—have created powerful, lasting change in my life. It didn’t start with a massive transformation or rigid schedule. It started with one habit that gave me momentum… and the confidence to keep going.

If you’re craving more consistency, structure, or self-trust in your life—but feel overwhelmed by where to begin—this episode is your gentle, no-pressure guide to start small.

✨ In this episode, I talk about:

Boundaries Aren’t Walls—They’re Doors: Why Saying No is an Act of Self-Respect

📌 Episode Description: In this episode of The Photographer’s Couch, I’m diving into a topic that’s been showing up in my own life lately—boundaries. Not the kind that shut people out, but the kind that help you protect your energy, your peace, and your purpose.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for saying no, afraid to disappoint people, or unsure where your needs fit into the picture, this one’s for you. I’m sharing why boundaries are not about others—th...

In today’s episode of The Photographer’s Couch, I’m sharing a personal reminder I come back to often—especially during the summer and busy seasons of life and business: saying no is what gives your yes its power.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to say yes to everything—every session, every invitation, every opportunity—this episode is for you. I talk about how I’ve learned (and am still learning) to say no without guilt, and how that simple shift allows me to stay aligned with my goals, protect my energy, and show up more fully in...

Fall is one of the busiest—and most profitable—times of the year for photographers. But the truth is, the success of your fall season starts now. In this episode of The Photographer’s Couch, I’m sharing three practical, actionable ways you can use the slower summer months to prepare your photography business for a strong, sustainable, and less stressful fall.

Whether you shoot families, seniors, or branding sessions, this episode is packed with tips to help you work smarter—not harder—when the busy season hits.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

Thanks for coming back to part 2 with my interview with my son Maxden.

n this episode of The Photographer’s Couch, I’m opening up about something I think so many of us quietly wrestle with—how to find joy in the everyday moments, especially when those moments don’t always feel meaningful in the moment.

As a mom, a creative, and someone who’s constantly juggling life and business, I often catch myself struggling to connect when the activity isn’t something I personally enjoy (hello, Minecraft and endless YouTube videos 🙃). But I also know that those small, mundane moments are where deep connection and joy live—if we can learn to see...

Lighting can make or break a photo—and it’s one of the most important things I consider when planning a session. In today’s episode of The Photographer’s Couch, I’m diving into how I evaluate lighting at new locations, why I sometimes ask clients to send me photos of their space, and how I adapt my approach when the weather throws us a curveball.

Whether you're a fellow photographer or someone planning a photo session, this episode will give you insight into how I think through lighting decisions, what types of shade work best, and why I...

We are starting something new. Mondays with Maxden. Maxden is my 9 year old son and I am excited to bring him on the podcast today for an interview. Check back next Monday for the 2nd part.

Ever have one of those days where you finally get a break—no appointments, no errands, no chaos—and instead of feeling peaceful, you feel completely overwhelmed?

That was me today. I had the time I’d been craving, and yet my mind was racing, my to-do list felt endless, and I couldn’t focus on a thing.

In this episode, I’m talking about:

Welcome back to The Photographer’s Couch! In this episode, host Megan Gioeli invites you into a vulnerable and honest conversation about reflection, alignment, and personal growth.

After a season of running late, running on empty, and repeating cycles that didn’t serve her, Megan shares how she started asking herself a powerful question: “Are the things I’m doing every day aligning with the life I want to live?”

From fitness goals to motherhood routines and business habits, Megan gets real about what wasn’t working, what’s shifting, and how regular self-reflection has helped her bre...

In this episode of The Photographer’s Couch, Megan Gioeli dives into a simple yet powerful question that can shift the way we live, create, and do business: “If no one saw this… would I still buy it?”

Inspired by a moment of reflection while online shopping, Megan explores how this one question goes far beyond impulse buys. It’s about alignment, intentional living, and making choices that feel good — not just look good.

This episode is for creatives, entrepreneurs, moms, and dreamers who want to make decisions rooted in authenticityinstead of external validation.

🔑 Key Take...

In this episode, Megan shares a powerful conversation she had with her son about the difference between doing a task for money and doing it with intention. What started as a talk about chores turned into a reminder for all of us — especially business owners — about why adding value matters more than just checking things off a list.

Key Takeaways:

Today I am talking about 4 things that have been nagging at me that I want to change.

1.) Putting my phone away from 7PM - 6AM

2.) Check social media once a day and email only 3x a day.

3.) Regularly have 1:1 time with my kids every week (intentional time with them daily)

4.) Do 1 thing every day that brings me joy.

How often are you putting things off. Acknowledging what you need to do then feeling accomplished by planning to do it later. Or justifying why it's okay to do it later. ::raising my hand::

I made a list the other day of all the things I have been saying I wanted to do, and it was eye-opening. Let's take action on ONE thing today that we are saying later about. Because those things are going to turn into never if we keep putting them off.

You have this one small, amazing life, stop saying later. <...

When I start to talk myself out of things that I need to do in my life, business, house, etc I automatically declare RED FLAGS. Listen in to my latest ah ha moments in how I can do what I say I am going to do.

There is a marketing term called the Rule of 7. While I was at a woman's small business retreat we talked about how it takes a client at least 7 times to see what you offer before they are provoked to buy. If a client is looking at your social media & website what will they see?

In this episode, I reflect on a conversation with a fellow small business owner about the fears that often hold us back. We discussed how we used to hide in our businesses and personal lives, putting ourselves on the back burner. The core realization? We were afraid to speak our truths and tell our stories.

Your Story Matters:

In this episode of The Photographer's Couch, Megan Gioeli dives into the deeper meaning of self-love and how it has transformed her ability to make consistent, positive changes in her life. Building on last week's discussion about five small impactful changes, Megan shares how loving herself has been the key to sustaining those habits.

Key Takeaways:

Are you a small business? Let's do a 1:1 virtual chat - https://calendar.app.google/H3fJSLvdWvz4wUh7A

In today's episode I talk about a few was to network your small business even if you can not get out to networking events or meet people in person.