Episodes
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Alex reflects on the intertwining of personal life and business as a creative entrepreneur. She discusses the importance of community, especially during the holiday season, where many face disappointment despite the festive atmosphere. Alex emphasizes the significance of finding joy amidst challenges and shares practical tips for processing disappointment, including acknowledging feelings, reframing expectations, and leaning on personal beliefs. She also hints at expanding the podcast's focus to include more aspects of life beyond photography.
Key Takeaways:
Community plays a crucial role in navigating life's challenges.
True joy includes the acceptance of sadness and disappointment.
Disappointment can be a common experience during the holiday season.
It's essential to acknowledge and process feelings of disappointment.
Reframing expectations can help in dealing with disappointment.
Finding a source of hope is vital during tough times.
The podcast will expand to cover more life topics beyond photography.
Follow Alex on Instagram: instagram.com/alexblakephotography
Photo Camp Info: photocampinfo.com
AI Culling/Editing 30-Day Free Trial: https://aftershoot.com/friends?ref=alexotto
HoneyBook Discount: https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263
Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/
______Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast to stay inspired and support the show!
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Alex interviews model Teagan Litten (@teaganlitten) who shares her journey of becoming a successful and signed model based in Charleston. Teagan discusses her unique path, including her decision to travel and volunteer around the world, her experiences in the modeling industry, and the importance of confidence and support in a challenging field. She also highlights the cultural differences in modeling styles and the significance of building strong relationships with photographers. In this conversation, Teagan Litten shares her experiences in the modeling industry, discussing the importance of photographers providing comfort during shoots, the pride in booking significant jobs, and the challenges of e-commerce modeling. She emphasizes the role of agency representation and the unpredictability of bookings, while also sharing memorable experiences.
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Connect with our guest: https://www.instagram.com/teaganlitten/
Follow Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography/
Photo Camp Info: https://www.photocampinfo.com
AI Culling/Editing 30-Day Free Trial: https://aftershoot.com/friends?ref=alexotto
HoneyBook Discount: https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263
Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/
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Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast to stay inspired and support the show!
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Missing episodes?
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Alex chats with Chantel Miller, a wedding photographer, artist, and official Nikon Creator. Chantel shares how her fine arts background influences her photography style, her journey to finding her distinct moody and artistic aesthetic, and her tips for photographers still discovering their voice.
They also discuss balancing creativity with the chaos of weddings, staying inspired through intentional practices, and the power of storytelling in making your work stand out. Plus, Chantel gives an inside look at her partnership with Nikon and how it’s shaped her creative process.
Stay tuned for the fun Photography Red Flags game, where Chantel tackles hypothetical wedding day dilemmas with quick-thinking strategies!
Key Takeaways:
● Tips for developing your unique photography style.
● How to stay creative and inspired, even in busy seasons.
● The importance of storytelling in wedding photography.
● Practical solutions for tricky wedding day scenarios.
Connect with Chantel: https://www.instagram.com/chantelmillerstorytelling/
Connect with Alex Blake:
Watch on YouTube: @Alexblakephotography Follow on Instagram: @alexblakephotography Photo Camp Info: photocampinfo.com
Amazon Storefront: Amazon
AI Culling/Editing 30-Day Free Trial: Aftershoot HoneyBook Discount: HoneyBookDon’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast to stay inspired and support the show!
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Alex introduces a brand-new segment called Ask Alex, where she answers listener questions. She dives into a variety of topics, including:
● Starting a Podcast: Practical advice for launching your own show.
● Senior Photography: Tips for breaking into this market and standing out.
● The Power of Niching Down: Why focusing on a specific niche can elevate your
photography career.
● Workflow Organization with HoneyBook: How Alex uses this tool to stay on top of
client management and bookings.
She also reflects on her transition from Canon to Sony cameras, shares strategies for branding shoots, and talks about overcoming self-esteem challenges as a creative. Other highlights include streamlining the booking process, balancing personal life with work, and finding new ways to connect with senior photography clients.
Throughout the episode, Alex emphasizes the importance of community, support, and intentionality in building a sustainable and fulfilling photography business.
Keywords: podcast, photography, creativity, advice, community, coaching, workflow, niching down, senior photos, HoneyBook, photography, client automation, branding shoots, camera switch, self-esteem, booking process, work-life balance, senior photography
Connect with Alex Blake:
Watch on YouTube: @Alexblakephotography
Follow on Instagram: @alexblakephotography
Photo Camp Info: photocampinfo.com
Amazon Storefront: Amazon
AI Culling/Editing 30-Day Free Trial: AftershootHoneyBook Discount: HoneyBook
Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast to stay inspired and support the show!
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Alex talks with Ruthie Henderson (@ruthiesmagicalcamera) to explore the bold and vibrant world of creative portrait photography. Ruthie shares her journey into the art of self-portraits, how she found her unique style, and what led her to partner with Adobe Photoshop. Together, they discuss embracing creativity, pushing boundaries, and going "out there" with unconventional self-portraits.
Ruthie opens up about her creative process, what it takes to bring her vibrant concepts to life, and how she uses colors like blues, purples, and pinks to make a statement. She also offers advice for photographers interested in experimenting with self-portraits or adding bold elements to their work—encouraging them to let go of insecurities and embrace their unique vision.
After the chat, Alex and Ruthie have a little fun with a rapid-fire game, where Ruthie reveals her favorite Photoshop tool, most daring self-portrait, and the gear she can't live without!
Connect with Ruthie Henderson:
Follow on Instagram: @ruthiesmagicalcamera
Connect with Alex Blake:
Watch on YouTube: @Alexblakephotography
Follow on Instagram: @alexblakephotography
Photo Camp Info: photocampinfo.com
AI Culling/Editing 30-Day Free Trial: AftershootHoneyBook Discount: HoneyBook
Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast to stay inspired and support the show!
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Alex sits down with Sue (@sue.shutterbug) to dive into the journey of self-portraiture, creativity, and building confidence behind the camera. Sue shares her insights on using self-portraits as a powerful creative tool, her experiences with social media growth, and tips for photographers looking to put themselves out there.
Sue shares her photography story, reflecting on her journey so far, and talks about her recent experience at Photo Camp, where she spoke about pushing creative boundaries. She offers advice on building self-confidence through self-portraits and tips for creating unique, captivating shots. Sue also discusses a memorable photoshoot that took an unexpected turn and what she learned from it. She dives into how TikTok and Instagram influenced her photography style and offers tips on building a strong online presence. Plus, she answers a question from Alex’s last guest, Cassidy, about where she finds her inspiration.
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Connect with Sue:
Follow on Instagram: @sue.shutterbug Connect with Alex Blake:
Watch on YouTube: Alex Blake Photography
Follow on Instagram: @alexblakephotography Photo Camp Info: photocampinfo.com
AI CULLING/EDITING 30 DAY FREE TRIAL: https://aftershoot.com/friends?ref=alexotto
HONEYBOOK DISCOUNT: https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263
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Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast!🎙
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Alex chats with Cassidy Lynne (@cassidylynne) about her transition from photographer to educator and influencer in the photography industry. They share stories, including favorite moments from Photo Camp, and dive into Cassidy's journey and insights on balancing photography with educating others.
Cassidy shares what inspired her to start educating fellow photographers and the challenges she faced in this transition, especially on social media. She offers valuable advice for photographers looking to make a similar shift, along with common misconceptions about being an educator or influencer. Cassidy also shares her tips for creatives wanting to transition into the influencing space.
After the deep talk, Alex and Cassidy engage in a fun rapid-fire game with questions about photography preferences, dream shoots, and inspiration sources.
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Connect with Cassidy Lynne:
Follow on Instagram: @cassidylynne
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Connect with Alex Blake:
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography
Follow on Instagram: @alexblakephotography
Photo Camp Info: photocampinfo.com
AI CULLING/EDITING 30 DAY FREE TRIAL: https://aftershoot.com/friends?ref=alexotto HONEYBOOK DISCOUNT: https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263
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Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! -
In this episode, Alex (@alexblakephotography) shares a personal update fresh off a road trip to Tampa with family and an inspiring experience at Photo Camp. While this is a mini episode, Alex reflects on how hosting Photo Camp has sparked her creativity, and she’s excited to jump back into creative shooting.
She also discusses a powerful talk by Sue Dukeminier (@sue.shutterbug) at Photo Camp, focusing on the importance of pushing yourself to do things that are hard, especially during busy seasons when it can be tough to find inspiration.
As Alex prepares for a slower season, she’s ready to dive into creative portraits and is sharing her favorite ways to find inspiration for shoots:
- Seasons: Think through summer, winter, fall, or summer themes - Alex chats about how fall is a big inspiration for her right now.
- Emotions: Sue mentioned this at camp, and Alex likes to assign an emotion to her shoots. For instance, her styled shoot with Preston Luke at Photo Camp was based on "Loneliness."
- Music: Trends are always great for content. Last April’s Photo Camp featured a Taylor Swift-themed shoot.
- Books/Scripture: Alex has used scripture to plan shoots in the past, finding deeper meaning in her creative work.
- Lighting: Playing with different lighting setups to inspire new ideas.
- Colors: Monochromatic themes or diving into color theory to shape a shoot.
- Props: Shelby Cece talked about props in a past episode, and they can be a fun way to add depth to your shoots.
Feeling inspired? Plan your own creative shoot and tag Alex to share your work—she'd love to see it!
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WATCH ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography
HANG WITH ME ON IG:
https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography/
PHOTO CAMP INFO:
http://photocampinfo.com -
In this episode of the podcast, Alex Blake (@alexblakephotography) sits down with the hilarious and vibrant Danielle Hickman (@_daniellephotog), a destination wedding and family photographer who travels to breathtaking locations to capture love stories. Danielle, known for her true-to-color photography style with a touch of filmy “home” style, shares how she brings her 'hype girl' energy into her sessions and how humor helps her connect with her clients.
In This Episode:
- Danielle's approach to creating engaging reels and hilarious content.
- How she balances her energetic personality with maintaining professionalism.
- Capturing her signature true-to-color style with a filmy touch in sessions.
- The joys and challenges of destination weddings—what makes them special and how to handle the planning logistics.
- Danielle’s favorite destination so far and her dream wedding location.
- Tips for photographers looking to break into the destination wedding industry.
- The beauty of family sessions and building relationships with repeat clients.
Connect with Alex Blake:
- Watch on YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography)
- Follow on Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography)
- Photo Camp Info: (http://photocampinfo.com)
Connect with Danielle Hickman:
- Instagram: [@daniellehickman](https://www.instagram.com/_daniellephotog)
Don’t forget to apply to Photo Camp and rate/review the podcast!
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In this episode, Alex Blake (@alexblakephotography) welcomes Abbey Jo (@abbeyjophotos), a talented brand photographer based in San Diego. As a new mom-to-be, Abbey shares her journey from shooting weddings to focusing on brand work, all while maintaining a beautiful film-inspired aesthetic in her photography.
In This Episode:
- Abbey introduces herself and shares her current photography gear and what she shoots.
- Insights on how pregnancy and motherhood will influence her creative process and business.
- A deep dive into Abbey's film-inspired style and how she achieves that look in digital photography.
- The exciting journey of developing presets to match her aesthetic.
- What she loves most about lifestyle and editorial photography in Southern California.
- How her faith shapes her work as a photographer and entrepreneur.
- Advice for photographers looking to transition into brand work from other niches.
- Memorable and challenging shoots, including any horror stories she has to share.
- What Abbey is most excited about as she embraces motherhood and upcoming projects.
Connect with Alex Blake:
- Watch on YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography)
- Follow on Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography)
- Photo Camp Info: (http://photocampinfo.com)
Connect with Abbey Jo:
- Instagram: [@abbeyjophotos](https://www.instagram.com/abbeyjophotos)
Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast!
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In this episode, Alex Blake (@alexblakephotography) shares her best tips for shooting in harsh mid-day sunlight. Learn how to handle tricky lighting, avoid blown-out highlights, and make the most of your photos!
In This Episode:
● Challenges of Mid-Day Shoots: Harsh shadows, overexposure, and squinting.
● Tips: Use diffusers, find shade, try backlighting, and keep your ISO low.
● Posing & Editing: Use creative shadows, lower whites/highlights, and raise shadows in post-processing.
Connect with Alex Blake:
● Watch on YouTube: Alex Blake Photography
● Follow on Instagram: @alexblakephotography
● Photo Camp Info: Photo Camp
● AI CULLING/EDITING 30 DAY FREE TRIAL: https://aftershoot.com/friends?ref=alexotto.
Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! 🎙️
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In this episode, Alex Blake (@alexblakephotography) sits down with Shelby (@shelby.cece), a talented creative portrait photographer who recently moved to Charleston. Join us as Shelby shares her journey from relocating to a new city and becoming neighbors with Alex, to mastering the art of creative portraiture. Discover her unique approach to photography, how she overcomes challenges, and the secrets behind capturing her unique photos.
Connect with Shelby:
In This Episode:
- Shelby’s journey in creative portrait photography.
- The process from concept to execution of her creative portraits.
- How Shelby collaborates with clients and makes them feel at ease.
- Challenges in creative portraiture and strategies for overcoming them.
- Balancing personal style with trends and social media pressures.
- Tips for aspiring creative portrait photographers.
Connect with Alex Blake:
- Watch on YouTube: [Alex Blake Photography](https://www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography)
- Follow on Instagram: [@alexblakephotography](https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography)
- Photo Camp Info: [Photo Camp](http://photocampinfo.com)
- Instagram: [@shelby.cece](https://www.instagram.com/shelby.cece)
Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! -
In this episode, Alex Blake (@alexblakephotography) interviews Shawna Marino (@shawna.marino_), a Charleston-based wedding dress designer who went from a small town in Indiana to leading runway shows at New York Fashion Week. Shawna shares her inspiring story, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced fashion world, and reflects on her experiences as a young designer navigating the competitive fashion industry. Now settled in Charleston, Shawna reveals how her life has changed since transitioning from the New York fashion scene to a slower-paced life.
In This Episode:
- From Small Town Indiana to Fashion Success: Shawna talks about her humble beginnings and how she broke into the world of high-fashion wedding dress design, building a successful career on the runways of New York.
- Behind the Scenes at New York Fashion Week: Discover insider stories from one of the biggest events in the fashion industry, including the pressure, excitement, and challenges that come with it.
- Challenges of Being a Young Fashion Designer: Shawna shares her personal journey of being a young designer in a competitive field, discussing the obstacles and rewards that come with breaking into the fashion world at an early age.
- Relocating to Charleston: Learn how Shawna made the bold decision to leave New York and what it’s like running a wedding dress design business in Charleston, SC.
Key Takeaways:
- How Shawna Marino's journey from Indiana to New York Fashion Week shaped her as a designer.
- The realities of working behind the scenes in the fashion industry.
- Balancing creativity with the business side of wedding dress design.
Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! ______________________
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography
PHOTO CAMP INFO: http://photocampinfo.com SHAWNA MARINO IG: https://www.instagram.com/shawna.marino_/ SHAWNA MARINO BRIDAL: https://www.shawnamdesigns.com/ -
In this episode, Alex Blake (@alexblakephotography) interviews Summer Grace (@summergrace.photo), diving into the nuances of building a successful photography career while navigating significant life changes. From relocating to a new state to capturing couples in an editorial style, Summer shares her experiences and insights. The conversation also explores working alongside a spouse and the transition to pregnancy and motherhood as a photographer.
In This Episode:
- Moving to a New State in Photography: Summer reflects on the challenges and opportunities of relocating to a new state and its impact on her photography business.
- Luxury vs. Success in Wedding Photography: Discover why Summer believes that wedding photography doesn’t need to be luxury to be successful and how she finds value in different niches.
- Editorial Style Wedding Photography: Hear about Summer’s approach to capturing couples in an editorial style on their wedding day, and the storytelling elements involved.
- Working Alongside Your Spouse: Summer and Alex share their experiences of working with their husbands, talking both the benefits and challenges. - Transitioning to Motherhood as a Photographer: Listen to Summer’s reflections on balancing her photography career with the journey of becoming a mother.
Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast! _____________
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography/
PHOTO CAMP INFO: http://photocampinfo.com SUMMER'S PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/summer-school/id1708684974 -
In this episode, Alex (@alexblakephotography) takes us through some of the craziest photography horror stories from Reddit. From the missing groom and chaotic dog photoshoots to the unforgettable Bridezilla moments and unexpected weather disasters, this episode is packed with cringe-worthy moments as a photographer. Whether you're a beginner photographer or a seasoned pro, these stories will make you laugh, cringe, and maybe even rethink your next shoot.
Plus, Alex shares some exciting life updates— being back from California, getting ready for Utah, and wrapping up her small group at home in Charleston. If you’re enjoying the podcast, don’t forget to rate it 5 stars and leave a review!
Also, make sure to follow Alex on Instagram to submit your own stories or questions for future episodes!
📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography
📸 HANG WITH ME ON IG:
https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography/
📷 PHOTO CAMP INFO:
http://photocampinfo.com
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In this episode, Alex Blake (@alexblakephotography) is joined by the best guest—her husband, Zach! Join them as they take a trip down memory lane, sharing hilarious and sweet stories from their travels together over the years. From staying on the cliffs of Santorini, to getting weird massages in Italy, no story is off-limits. There’s plenty of laughter as Alex (usually the queen of organization) gets called out on some of her more disorganized moments, making this episode a must-listen just for fun.
Don't forget to rate and review the podcast!
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: (https://www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography)
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: (https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography/)
PHOTO CAMP INFO: (http://photocampinfo.com) -
In this episode, Alex Blake (@alexblakephotography) sits down with her good friend Preston Luke (@iamprestonluke) to discuss the ins and outs of building a successful brand. From finding your unique voice to staying authentic while engaging with your audience, Preston shares his journey and offers invaluable advice for photographers at any stage of their careers.
In This Episode:
Finding Your Voice: Preston reveals how he discovered his unique style in photography and how it has shaped his brand over the years. Consistency vs. Authenticity: Balancing consistency with authenticity can be challenging. Preston shares his strategies for staying true to his brand while maintaining a consistent online presence. Engaging with Your Audience: Learn Preston’s top tips for genuine engagement with followers, creating meaningful connections that go beyond the screen. Showcasing Personality: Discover how Preston showcases his personality online without oversharing, and why this balance is key to building trust with your audience. Dealing with Trends: Trends come and go, but staying true to your brand is crucial. Preston discusses how he navigates trends while remaining authentic to his style. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Preston opens up about his experiences with imposter syndrome and shares practical advice on how to overcome it. Monetization and Authenticity: The challenge of balancing monetization with authenticity is real. Preston talks about how he stays true to himself while monetizing his work. Advice for New Photographers: For those just starting out, Preston offers his top advice on building a strong, authentic brand.Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast!
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography/
PHOTO CAMP INFO: http://photocampinfo.com
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In this episode, Alex (@alexblakephotography) dives into your most pressing questions about running a photography business. From marketing strategies to dealing with burnout, and even tips on working with local brands, Alex shares personal insights and practical advice to help you succeed.
- Pricing Transparency: Thoughts on displaying pricing on your website.
In This Episode:
- Marketing Strategies: Tips on using reels, posts, and stories to showcase your work, and the value of building friendships over selling.
- Relocating Your Business: Networking tips and advice for making new connections in a new state.
- Naming Your Business: Pros and cons of using your own name versus a unique business name.
- Dealing with Burnout: Building healthy work rhythms and managing essential tasks.
- Working with Local Brands: How to pitch yourself effectively and build a portfolio.
- Posing Clients with Confidence: Tips for running a shoot and using mood boards.
Join the conversation and get inspired by Alex's personal experiences and professional tips. Don't forget to give 5 stars and review the podcast if you have a second :)
WATCH ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography/
PHOTO CAMP INFO:
http://photocampinfo.com
Alex Blake Otto alexblakephoto.com IG: @alexblakephotography -
In this episode, Alex (@alexblakephotography) dives into the topic of imposter syndrome, sharing personal experiences that will resonate with everyone and feel relatable. This episode offers support and insight into this common struggle, as well as chatting through some tips of how to combat imposter syndrome in the future. Join the party and remember, you're not alone. Story submissions happen through Alex's Instagram, so make sure you are following her to share your experiences in the future!
Don't forget to give 5 stars and review the podcast if you have a second :)
WATCH ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography/
PHOTO CAMP INFO:
http://photocampinfo.com
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in this episode, alex (@alexblakephotography) shares some crazy photography horror stories and photo shoots gone wrong! Some of them will make you laugh, others might make you cry. wherever you are on your photography journey - beginner photographer or you've been doing this for years, this is a fun episode to join the community and laugh alongside our friends who submitted stories. story submissions happen through alex's instagram, so make sure you are following her to submit in the future!
don't forget to give 5 stars and review the podcast if you have a second :)
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WATCH ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography
HANG WITH ME ON IG:
https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography/
PHOTO CAMP INFO:
http://photocampinfo.com
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