Episodit

  • Have you ever wondered what it’s like to capture intimate moments in breathtaking destinations around the world? In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Daacke, a destination elopement photographer, as she takes us through her journey from nature photography to a career photographing elopements in various destinations. Nicole shares pivotal moments in her path, like attending a life-changing workshop in Iceland, and reveals how she decided to make elopement photography her full-time focus.

    She opens up about the challenges and rewards of shooting in different locations and how she balances work and personal travel. She also provides insights for aspiring photographers when it comes to building their portfolios and managing the logistics for destination shoots.

    If you're passionate about travel, photography, or both, don't miss this episode with Nicole!

    In this episode, we chat about:

    How Nicole got into elopement photography

    And experience in Iceland that shaped her career path

    Some of Nicole’s favorite locations to shoot at

    Tips on managing work/life balance and travel

    Avoiding burnout from traveling

    The importance of knowing the locations you’re shooting at well

    Connect with Nicole:

    Instagram: @‌nicoledaacke

    Website: nicoledaackephotography.com

    Connect with Megan:

    🔥 Join Stoked Academy! The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media.

    All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at @‌stokedwithmeganmacphail and let me know your thoughts.

    You can also connect with me on my website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

  • How can you keep your couples happy when the weather has other plans? Concerns over rain or snow are not uncommon when speaking to couples about their elopement day, but we have figured out ways to put them at ease and make sure they’re happy even when the weather is less than ideal.

    During this episode, we go over how to stay flexible with scheduling, choosing the right gear, and prepping for all kinds of unexpected conditions. You’ll learn how to set realistic expectations during consult calls, offer smart backup plans, and keep communication open.

    Hit play to get the insights you need to stay prepared and keep clients thrilled, rain or shine.

    In this episode, we chat about:

    Weather challenges in elopement photography

    Clearly communicating weather plans with couples

    Being prepared for any weather

    Dealing with wildfires

    Connect with Megan:

    🔥 Join Stoked Academy! The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media.

    All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at @‌stokedwithmeganmacphail and let me know your thoughts.

    You can also connect with me on my website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

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  • Have you ever wondered how styled shoots can transform your portfolio and help you attract your dream elopement clients? Styled shoots are not just about capturing beautiful images; they are essential for building your portfolio, attracting ideal clients, networking with vendors, and honing the skills necessary for successful elopement planning.

    During this episode, We discuss tips for coordinating with vendors, planning detailed shoots, and portraying full-day elopement experiences that attract high-end clients. We also share how you can make these shoots more authentic, and the difference between styled shoots and workshops.

    Tune in now and start mastering the art of styled shoots to attract your dream elopement clients!

    In this episode, we chat about:

    Why styled shoots matter

    Tips on organizing and planning a styled shoot

    How to make a styled shoot more authentic

    Workshops vs. styled shoots

    Connect with Megan:

    🔥 Join Stoked Academy! The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media.

    All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at @‌stokedwithmeganmacphail and let me know your thoughts.

    You can also connect with me on my website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

  • Are you ready to hear how a bold move can transform your elopement photography business? In this episode, we sit down with Kristen Spencer, a talented elopement photographer (and one of my first-ever coaching clients) who took a leap from her established business in Sedona, Arizona, to start fresh in Durango, Colorado.

    Kristen dives into her journey of rebuilding her business, learning a new market, and balancing the transition between two locations. Whether you're considering a big life change or want to learn how to strategically grow your business in new areas, this episode will leave you motivated.

    Press play now to hear Kristen’s journey of transforming her elopement photography business in a new area, and discover how you can apply the same strategies to build a thriving business in any location!

    In this episode, we chat about:

    Being a successful elopement photographer in Sedona and why she wants to move

    What business was like in Sedona

    How raising her prices helped raise her self-worth and get rid of burnout

    The biggest learning experience from moving her business to a different state

    Advice for those who want to become 6-figure elopement photographers

    Connect with Kristen:

    Instagram: @‌bykristenmarie

    Website: www.bykristenmarie.com

    Connect with Megan:

    🔥 Join Stoked Academy! The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media.

    All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at @‌stokedwithmeganmacphail and let me know your thoughts.

    You can also connect with me on my website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

  • How can you turn your travel chaos into a seamless adventure while capturing unforgettable moments? For most elopement photographers, traveling is a big part of what we do, whether we’re driving or flying. We may end up we facing unique travel challenges that can turn these fun and exciting adventures into stressful experiences. Our hacks tackle these issues head-on, ensuring smoother journeys and more efficient shoots.

    In this episode, we share our top hacks that have helped ease our travels, including getting a business credit card, sticking with the same brands, and having something to store all your gear.

    If you’re ready to have a seamless travel experience, then press play on today’s episode!

    In this episode, we chat about:

    The benefits of a business credit card - Earn extra points and make tracking your expenses easier

    Having a Pelican case to store all of your camera gear and then being able to transfer what you need to a smaller hiking bag for shoots

    Bring a tech kit to organize cords, hard drives, and chargers to prevent forgetting essential items, and use a power strip to charge multiple devices

    Using a wall calendar to avoid overbooking yourself

    Stick with the same companies, whether it’s the airline, hotel chain, and rental car company so you can accumulate more points

    Bringing your own pillow. Hotel pillows are notoriously crappy so having your own will make your sleep a lot better

    Having an elopement emergency bag with essentials like snacks, hand warmers, and first aid supplies

    Dividing and conquering, especially as a duo so you know who does what

    Using the Rakuten app for cash back on purchases related to travel and other expenses

    Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

    If we are staying in a hotel, we always book through Hotels.com

    Check out my Amazon Storefront for all my favorite camera, office, elopement, and travel gear! You'll also find a list of my favorite business books.

    Connect with Megan:

    🔥 Join Stoked Academy! The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media.

    All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at @‌stokedwithmeganmacphail and let me know your thoughts.

    You can also connect with me on my website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

  • Have you ever wondered what it takes to plan a destination elopement while juggling motherhood and running a successful photography business? I’m sitting down with Rose Groves, a Colorado and destination elopement photographer and new mom, who has traveled the globe capturing stunning weddings in remote locations.

    Rose shares how she balances being a full-time photographer and mom, including how she manages traveling with her baby. She also dives into what goes into planning unforgettable destination elopements and how she’s able to book these incredible shoots.

    Don’t miss this episode filled with behind-the-scenes stories, practical advice, and the motivation you need to pursue your passion! Press play to listen now.

    In this episode, we chat about:

    Rose’s journey into elopement photography, including her growing up in a different country and being exposed to different cultures and landscapes, which sparked her passion for travel and storytelling through images

    How she is able to balance motherhood and her photography career while adapting to life with her daughter and setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance

    Managing the logistics of shooting in remote locations like Alaska and Iceland, emphasizing the importance of preparation, communication, and problem-solving

    How Rose grew her business by blogging and attending photography workshops, which has helped boost her online presence and skills

    Launching photography retreats in Iceland as a way to expand her business

    Connect with Rose:

    Website: matlaiphotography.com

    Instagram: @‌matlai_photography

    TikTok: @‌matlai_photography

    Connect with Megan:

    🔥 Join Stoked Academy! The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media.

    All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at @‌stokedwithmeganmacphail and let me know your thoughts.

    You can also connect with me on my website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

  • Have you ever thought about what it could look like for you to bring your spouse into your elopement photography business and successfully work together?

    That’s exactly what my guests, Laura and Hugo of Together We Roam have done. After Hugo lost his job, Laura invited him to join her in her photography business, and even expanded their offerings to include videography! They share their experiences of transitioning into a husband-and-wife elopement photography team, discussing how they successfully navigate the challenges of working together while keeping their relationship a top priority.

    Ready to hear firsthand how Laura and Hugo navigated the shift to becoming a successful husband-and-wife duo? Hit play now and dive into their journey!

    In this episode, we chat about:

    Hugo’s transition into working with Laura in her elopement photography business and how he went from glorified second shooter to videographer

    Hugo’s struggle to get the hang of videography, but gained confidence through practice and positive client feedback

    Laura and Hugo were able to start booking videography as a new service by offering surprise videos to build their portfolio and gradually increasing their pricing as they gained experience

    The dynamic of working together as a husband and wife duo - working through challenges and playing on each other’s strengths. Laura takes the lead on client communication and marketing while Hugo handles the backend tasks

    The challenges of working together and the importance of being patient, especially when one partner is less experienced and still learning.

    Keeping business and personal life separate by setting boundaries, using timers, and communicating expectations for the day

    Recognizing each other’s love languages and making sure they have plenty of quality time together

    Connect with Laura and Hugo:

    Website: togetherweroamphoto.com

    Instagram: @‌togetherweroamphoto

    Episode 41: Breaking Barriers as a Child of Immigrants with Laura Bertaud

    Connect with Megan:

    🔥 Join Stoked Academy! The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media.

    All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at @‌stokedwithmeganmacphail and let me know your thoughts.

    You can also connect with me on my website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

  • Feeling unsure about what to do during an 8-12 elopement day, let alone how how to book one!?

    In this episode, we uncover the secrets to creating incredible all-day elopement experiences that couples love—and how to market them.

    What You'll Learn:

    Why clients who value the full experience are the ones you want to attract (no convincing needed!) How to fill a full-day elopement with magical activities, from astrophotography to helicopter rides Real-life examples of all-day elopements that showcase what’s possible

    Start booking all-day elopements that exceed expectations. Press play and take your business to the next level!

    Connect with Megan:

    🔥 Join Stoked Academy! The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media.

    All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at @‌stokedwithmeganmacphail and let me know your thoughts.

    You can also connect with me on my website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

  • Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the tasks in your photography business and wondering what you should be outsourcing to get your time and energy back? Outsourcing can definitely be a game-changer, but there are also things to think about when you are deciding on what to delegate.

    During the conversation, we emphasize the importance of looking at your daily tasks and identifying the things that drain your energy and don’t bring you joy. Those are the things you should be outsourcing. We also share some of the common tasks photographers typically outsource, why people get scared to outsource, and why you should outsource BEFORE you’re overwhelmed.

    Outsourcing can transform your business by freeing up your time and mental energy. Start small, experiment, and don’t feel pressured to do it all at once. Press play and learn how to leverage outsourcing to boost your productivity, creativity, and overall satisfaction.

    In this episode, we chat about:

    Clarity on what to outsource - discover the tasks that photographers commonly outsource and learn how to identify the ones that are holding you back The fears associated with outsourcing and how to overcome them Advice on starting small with outsourcing, experimenting with different tasks, and managing the transition without feeling overwhelmed If you’re considering outsourcing, start before you’re behind. It’s too much to go back and fourth with someone when you’re overwhelmed

    Resources mentioned in this episode:

    Episode 69 - Overcoming Your All-Or-Nothing Mindset as an Elopement Photographer or Creative Entrepreneur

    Connect with Megan:

    🔥 Grab my mini-course How to Book Elopements for only $9.

    🔥 Watch my free workshop, Cheap & Easy Google Ads, to learn how to get on the first page of Google using paid ads.

    🔥 Get my free Elopement Planning Questionnaire, so you can streamline your elopement planning process and get 5-star reviews from your couples.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at @‌stokedwithmeganmacphail and let me know your thoughts.

    You can also connect with me on my website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

  • How can pursuing your passions lead to a more meaningful career and life? My guest, Corey, a photographer based in Connecticut, shares her own journey with this after deciding to leave a 20 year career in corporate America. Before getting into photography, Corey fell in love with massage therapy and had her own practice for 15 years, but she always had a camera in her hand. After attending her first photographer workshop in 2017, she realized destination weddings and elopements were her passion.

    Since becoming an elopement photographer, her prime market is Acadia National Park in Maine, but she’s also branching out to places she wants to travel including the Dolomites, Catskills, and the Adirondacks.

    During our conversation, Corey shares the courage it took to leave a stable career in corporate and pursue her dreams in photography. She also explains how she has used manifestation in her life and her business to achieve her desires.

    Corey is a huge believer in following your dreams and has always wanted to do things that make a difference. She believes photography is the way to do that. Tune in to hear Corey’s story and get ready to be inspired to take action toward your dreams.

    Get ready to hear:

    Corey’s background and experience going from corporate to owning her own massage therapy business to running her own elopement photography business How Corey gained the confidence to leave her corporate job AND quit her massage therapy business to become an elopement photographer What Corey has done to harness the power of manifestation, including a trip to Grand Teton National Park Her favorite elopement experience

    Connect with Corey:

    Instagram: @‌elopewithcorey

    Website: coreylynntuckerphotography.com

    Pinterest: coreylynntucker

    Connect with Megan:

    🔥 Grab my mini-course How to Book Elopements for only $9.

    🔥 Watch my free workshop, Cheap & Easy Google Ads, to learn how to get on the first page of Google using paid ads.

    🔥 Get my free Elopement Planning Questionnaire, so you can streamline your elopement planning process and get 5-star reviews from your couples.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at @‌stokedwithmeganmacphail and let me know your thoughts.

    You can also connect with me on my website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

  • Are you ready to break through to the six-figure mark in your elopement photography business?

    Reaching six figures isn’t just a milestone; it’s a sign that your business is thriving—clients are booking, your marketing is solid, and you’ve got your expenses under control. But how do you actually get there? This episode dives into the crucial steps you need to take to achieve that coveted six-figure income and why it’s a benchmark worth aiming for.

    Gain clarity on the difference between gross income and net income, and why understanding both is key to your financial success. Discover what your year needs to look like to realistically hit six figures, with actionable examples and strategies. Learn how to profit around 50% of your revenue by knowing your costs and charging effectively, all while honing your money management skills.

    Tune in now to learn the steps that can help you reach that six-figure milestone in your elopement photography business and start living the lifestyle you’ve been working towards!

    Resources mentioned in this episode:

    Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

    Connect with Megan:

    🔥 Grab my mini-course How to Book Elopements for only $9.

    🔥 Watch my free workshop, Cheap & Easy Google Ads, to learn how to get on the first page of Google using paid ads.

    🔥 Get my free Elopement Planning Questionnaire, so you can streamline your elopement planning process and get 5-star reviews from your couples.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at @‌stokedwithmeganmacphail and let me know your thoughts.

    You can also connect with me on my website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

  • One of the biggest regrets I often hear people have after their elopement day is that they didn’t hire a videographer. Imagine being able to relive those moments for years and years. Elizabeth Kurpanek, a Colorado-based elopement videographer and owner of Embr Films and Ruff and Roam understands this sentiment firsthand.

    Elizabeth started out as a photographer back in high school but switched over to video in 2015. After Covid hit, her couples began switching to elopements, and that’s when she decided to dive deep into that niche.

    Elizabeth not only shares her journey into videography, but she also talks about why she feels every couple should have a videographer on their elopement day, emphasizing the emotional value videos bring that photos can’t provide. She also stresses the importance of collaboration between photographers and videographers. Having clear communication with one another can make the day run as smoothly as possible.

    In this episode, we chat about:

    How she got into elopement videography Her favorite elopement so far Why should couples have a videographer on their elopement day? How can photographers serve their couples by recommending a videographer What Elizabeth would tell photographers who are nervous about recommending videographers to their couples

    Connect with Elizabeth:

    Elopement Videography Instagram: @‌embrfilmco

    Elopement Videography Website: embrfilms.com

    Pet Photography and Videography IG: @‌ruff.and.roam

    Connect with Megan:

    🔥 Grab my mini-course How to Book Elopements for only $9.

    🔥 Watch my free workshop, Cheap & Easy Google Ads, to learn how to get on the first page of Google using paid ads.

    🔥 Get my free Elopement Planning Questionnaire, so you can streamline your elopement planning process and get 5-star reviews from your couples.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at @‌stokedwithmeganmacphail and let me know your thoughts.

    You can also connect with me on my website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

  • If you’re wondering if moving your elopement photography business across the country can actually work, my guest is living proof that it’s possible. Natasha Cardinal is a Washington-based elopement photographer, but she wasn’t always one! She started off as a wedding photographer in New York and eventually moved her business to Washington state, where she shifted gears to focus on elopement photography.

    Natasha shares her journey of rebuilding her business from the ground up in a new state. She talks about how she struggled to gain traction at the beginning, having to rebuild her network and learn about the market. It wasn’t until she niched down to elopement photography and found the Elopement Photographer Mastermind that things began to change. She ran Google Ads to her website and that’s when she started to see success.

    Natasha also talks about the importance of creating an incredible client experience. Yes, she takes beautiful pictures, but she also builds genuine relationships with each couple that go beyond the wedding day.

    In this episode, we chat about:

    Natasha’s backstory - going from commercial photography to elopement photography The struggle Natasha had with her business when she moved to Washington How Natasha ramped up her business - Using Google ads to drive people to her website What Natasha’s client experience is as an elopement photographer and how it helps her build trust with her clients Natasha’s favorite elopement so far

    Connect with Natasha:

    Instagram: @‌thecardinals.co

    Website: www.thecardinals.co/

    Connect with Megan:

    🔥 Grab my mini-course How to Book Elopements for only $9.

    🔥 Watch my free workshop, Cheap & Easy Google Ads, to learn how to get on the first page of Google using paid ads.

    🔥 Get my free Elopement Planning Questionnaire, so you can streamline your elopement planning process and get 5-star reviews from your couples.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at @‌stokedwithmeganmacphail and let me know your thoughts.

    You can also connect with me on my website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

  • Think making money from elopements is impossible? My guest today is here to bust that myth. Vanessa Halliday is an elopement photographer based in the white mountains of New Hampshire. She went from studying kinesiology to being a struggling wedding photographer to having a thriving elopement photography business on the East Coast, and she is sharing her story of how she did it.

    During the conversation, Vanessa opens up about the challenges she faced in 2023 of being overworked, relying on social media to get bookings, and having crippling anxiety and depression. However, through all of the struggles, she found a turning point.

    She invested in a business coach and manifested her goals, which helped her achieve the success she had always hoped for. Vanessa went from making $18K in 2023 to already booking $110K in elopements this year alone! Now, she’s booked with clients she loves, traveling to national parks, and hoping to retire her fiancé within the next 5 years.

    She also gives advice to those on the fence about pivoting from weddings to elopements - Take the biggest deep breath of your life and dive in head first. Figure out a way to go and invest in yourself because if you do the work intentionally, you’ll absolutely change the inner workings of your business, your mind, and how you operate as a human, and you will find success.

    In this episode, we chat about:

    Vanessa’s backstory - how she went from kinesiology to photography Why Vanessa’s 2023 was so tough and the difference 2024 has been Busting the myth that you can make money with elopements The turning point for Vanessa that made her realize this was going to be successful Overcoming comparison How Vanessa was able to convert elopement couples when she hadn’t photographed a ton of elopements Vanessa’s advice for those who want to pivot into elopements

    Connect with Vanessa:

    Instagram: @‌vanessa_halliday

    Website: vanessahalliday.com

    Connect with Megan:

    🔥 Grab my mini-course How to Book Elopements for only $9.

    🔥 Watch my free workshop, Cheap & Easy Google Ads, to learn how to get on the first page of Google using paid ads.

    🔥 Get my free Elopement Planning Questionnaire, so you can streamline your elopement planning process and get 5-star reviews from your couples.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at @‌stokedwithmeganmacphail and let me know your thoughts.

    You can also connect with me on my website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

  • Entrepreneurship comes with ups and downs. One day you’re on top of the world and the next day, you feel like you want to burn everything to the ground. I’ve been there, but that’s the last thing I want you to do. If you’re ever in that moment where you feel like quitting your elopement photography business, I want you to ask yourself these 5 questions:

    What was your why for starting your elopement photography business? What have been your achievements so far? Are you comparing yourself to others? What challenges are you truly facing? Who can you turn to for support?

    These questions will remind you why you should keep going and not give up. We’re sharing our own answers to them and some actionable tips to help you with each one.

    Save this episode in your back pocket for when you’re having a bad day, week, or even month. Remind yourself why you’re doing this, that you’re strong, and you’ve done hard things before. You’re going to get through it and you’re going to be just fine.

    Elopement Photography Resources:

    🔥 Grab my mini-course How to Book Elopements for only $9.

    🔥 Watch my free workshop, Cheap & Easy Google Ads, to learn how to get on the first page of Google using paid ads.

    🔥 Get my free Elopement Planning Questionnaire, so you can streamline your elopement planning process and get 5-star reviews from your couples.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at @‌stokedwithmeganmacphail and let me know your thoughts.

    You can also connect with me on my website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

  • As an elopement photographer, you’re probably at least somewhat familiar with the Leave No Trace principles. However, you may not fully know the controversies that surround them.

    One of the biggest issues I see when it comes to these principles is the “Leave No Trace police.” These are people who publicly shame others online for not perfectly following them. In fact, one of my mastermind students received a one-star review from someone who had never hired him, just because his photo didn’t fully adhere to the principles.

    And this bothers me because public shaming can impact someone’s livelihood. It’s important to remember that everyone is learning. Nobody is perfect, and making mistakes is part of the process. Yes, you should follow the principles to the best of your ability but also remember to be kind and considerate to others.

    In this episode, we chat about:

    The 7 Leave No Trace principles Why public shaming is not okay The impact these principles have made on Indigenous communities Staying kind and giving others grace

    Resources mentioned in this episode:

    Leave No Trace website: https://lnt.org/

    Article: How Not To Be a Bullying Bitch in the Outdoors

    Elopement Photography Resources:

    Offerings:

    🔥 Grab my mini-course How to Book Elopements for only $9.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    Freebies:

    🔥 Get my free Elopement Planning Questionnaire, so you can streamline your elopement planning process and get 5-star reviews from your couples.

    🔥 Watch my free workshop, Cheap & Easy Google Ads, to learn how to get on the first page of Google using paid ads.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, please CLICK HERE to leave us a review!

    Connect with Megan:

    IG @meganmacphail

    IG @stokedwithmeganmacphail

    Website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

  • Making a career shift in the middle of your life is definitely a terrifying endeavor. However, my guest today has been able to navigate this challenge with a ton of success. I’m so excited to chat with Erica Swantek, an elopement photographer based in the Pacific Northwest, serving Oregon and Washington.

    Erica started her career in forestry but realized the lack of creativity wasn’t for her. After picking up a camera and photographing landscapes, she found her passion for photography. Erica shares this journey of transitioning from forestry to photography at 38 years old, and the challenges that came along the way.

    She opens up about the fear of not finding success when taking a new path and the mindset shifts she needed to make in order to get to where she is now. For those passionate about pursuing a career in photography, Erica shares this advice: even if you are scared, just do it. If you follow your heart and what brings you joy, you will figure it out.

    In this episode, we chat about:

    Erica’s journey from forestry to elopement photography and changing careers at 38 years old Why she pivoted from traditional weddings to elopements The challenges Erica faced when switching to strictly elopements How her life has changed just from 1 year ago Advice for those who want to make the pivot to elopement photography, but have fears

    Connect with Erica:

    Website: ericaswantekphotography.com

    Instagram: @‌ericaswantekphotography

    Elopement Photography Resources:

    Offerings:

    🔥 Grab my mini-course How to Book Elopements for only $9.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    Freebies:

    🔥 Get my free Elopement Planning Questionnaire, so you can streamline your elopement planning process and get 5-star reviews from your couples.

    🔥 Watch my free workshop, Cheap & Easy Google Ads, to learn how to get on the first page of Google using paid ads.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, please CLICK HERE to leave us a review!

    Connect with Megan:

    IG @meganmacphail

    IG @stokedwithmeganmacphail

    Website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

  • As elopement photographers, we do everything we can to make sure our couples feel incredible on their wedding day and in their photos, but how can we continue to help them look amazing throughout their day? That’s where elopement adventure stylists come into play, and my guest today is here to share exactly what this looks like.

    Crystal Gillis is a backcountry hair and makeup artist based in Colorado with 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. After working as a traditional wedding stylist, she decided to transition to working specifically with adventure elopement couples.

    Crystal shares her experience being a backcountry stylist, and the unique needs of adventure elopement couples. She also talks about the differences between a traditional stylist and an elopement stylist. She gives tips for couples who are considering adventure elopements and explains what it looks like to work with her, including hiking right alongside couples to make sure they look perfect throughout their day.

    Crystal offers a very special for couples who are planning adventure elopements. For anyone looking to have an adventure elopement, having someone like Crystal can seriously make all the difference!

    In this episode, we chat about:

    Crystal’s transition from being a traditional wedding stylist to an adventure stylist A typical elopement day for Crystal The difference between traditional and adventure elopement styling Tips for brides considering adventure elopements The best way for photographers to talk to their couples about this type of service

    Connect with Crystal:

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: wildbridesbackcountry.com

    IG: @‌wild_brides_backcountry

    If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at @‌stokedwithmeganmacphail and let me know your thoughts.

    You can also connect with me on my website: www.meganmacphail.com

  • How can you streamline your workflows in your photography business to make life easier AND more profitable? My guest today, Karen Castor, an Arizona-based elopement photographer, shares her approach to automation, which has allowed her to work only a few hours a day while maintaining a six-figure income.

    She shares her experience pivoting to elopement photography, balancing motherhood, and the importance of workflow optimization and automation. We also talk about the benefits of focusing on one specific location and how automating repetitive work can help to not only grow in your business but also maintain a healthy work-life balance.

    In this episode, we chat about:

    How Karen pivoted into elopement photography with a newborn and a toddler at home The moment Karen almost completely quit her business Automating and streamlining your planning process Karen’s advice on creating a workflow and writing emails Karen’s methods for client tracking and management The benefits of focusing on one location and how it can help you profit more

    Connect with Karen:

    Photography Instagram: @‌karencastorphoto Photography Website: karencastorphotography.com/ Photography Education Instagram: @‌karencastorr Photography Education Website: karencastorphotography.com/photographer-education

    Elopement Photography Resources:

    Offerings:

    🔥 Grab my mini-course How to Book Elopements for only $9.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    Freebies:

    🔥 Get my free Elopement Planning Questionnaire, so you can streamline your elopement planning process and get 5-star reviews from your couples.

    🔥 Watch my free workshop, Cheap & Easy Google Ads, to learn how to get on the first page of Google using paid ads.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, please CLICK HERE to leave us a review!

    Connect with Megan:

    IG @meganmacphail

    IG @stokedwithmeganmacphail

    Website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.

  • Curious about how I get such great results for my students and the members of The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️? It’s all because of Google ads. I honestly think a lot of educators are proud of the fact that they do all of these things that don’t involve paid ads, but I’m here to tell you that paid ads are freaking amazing!

    They don’t require any hustling, or chasing people down, or dancing on reels. You can literally pay $10-$20 a day in Google ads, get to the first page of Google, and book a good $100K worth of elopements.

    And while I used to hold this information close to my heart, I decided to offer it more freely because I want more people to learn just how powerful Google Ads are. So, we are unpacking why all things Google ads and why you shouldn’t be afraid of them.

    In this episode, we chat about

    Some changes regarding the podcast How the effectiveness of Instagram has gone down over the years for short-term bookings, and why Google ads are the way to go The potential of ROI with Google ads The importance of long-term strategies, including SEO and Pinterest Having a strong online presence and a well-optimized website The impact of Google ads on driving website traffic Tracking website traffic and inquiries

    Elopement Photography Resources:

    Offerings:

    🔥 Grab my mini-course How to Book Elopements for only $9.

    🔥 Learn more about The Elopement Photographer Mastermind™️.

    Freebies:

    🔥 Get my free Elopement Planning Questionnaire, so you can streamline your elopement planning process and get 5-star reviews from your couples.

    🔥 Watch my free workshop, Cheap & Easy Google Ads, to learn how to get on the first page of Google using paid ads.

    If this episode made you feel stoked, please CLICK HERE to leave us a review!

    Connect with Megan:

    IG @meganmacphail

    IG @stokedwithmeganmacphail

    Website: www.meganmacphail.com

    STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.