Bölümler
-
If you've ever felt a sinking feeling as you send in your taxes, wondering if you're missing something (or have just signed and avoided the numbers altogether), you're not alone.
Thatās why I brought in Danielle Hayden, founder of Kickstart Accounting, to break down exactly what photographers should be doing year-round to stay on top of their numbers, avoid surprises, and maximize their tax deductions. The truth is, that managing your business finances doesnāt have to be stressful. In fact, when you do it right, it actually helps you make more money.
And donāt worryāthis isnāt a dry, accountant-speak episode. Danielle makes it practical, actionable, and yes, even empowering.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why bookkeeping is NOT your job (and what your actual role should be as a business owner)The top tax deductions photographers miss (that could save you real money)How to avoid common QuickBooks mistakes that can cost you thousandsWhat an accountable plan is and how it lowers your tax billThe biggest tax season myths and what really matters when it comes to financial healthI know taxes arenāt exactly fun, but this conversation will help you sleep better at nightānot just during tax season, but all year long.
Get Danielleās Free Guide ā Top 10 Tax Deductions for Photographers Listen to Danielleās Podcast: Business By The Books Follow Danielle on Instagram New around here? Grab 3 of my most popular free resources to build a profitable, sustainable photography businessResources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
AI is everywhere right now, but letās be realāmost of us donāt have time to sort through all the noise to figure out which tools actually help photographers run their businesses better.
Thatās why I called in Colie James. Sheās a workflow automation expert, a photographer, and someone who has gone much further with AI than most of us (but in a way that makes running a business easier, not more complicated). In this episode, sheās breaking down how sheās using AI to speed up content creation, simplify marketing, and create custom automation that saves hours of time every week.
Weāre talking about:
How AI tools can help photographers streamline their marketingThe best AI tools for content repurposing, SEO, and automationHow to create a custom GPT that actually understands your businessThe power of AI-assisted blogging for getting found on GoogleThe smart way to use AI without losing your personal voiceIf youāve been wondering how AI can actually work for photographers, this episode is full of actionable, real-world strategies to help you start using it today.
Try Colieās Custom GPT Workflow Magician Follow Colie on Instagram Listen to the Business First Creatives Podcast New around here? Grab 3 of my most popular free resources to build a profitable, sustainable photography businessResources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
Eksik bölüm mü var?
-
Photography may seem like a business with low legal risk, but if you donāt cover your bases, one unexpected issueālike a contract dispute, a tax audit, or an independent contractor misclassificationācan cause major headaches.
Today, Iām talking with Braden Drake, a lawyer and tax expert who specializes in helping creative entrepreneurs actually understand business compliance, contracts, and financial protection. And trust me, this conversation is anything but boring. Braden makes legal and tax talk fun, digestible, and completely manageable, so you can finally stop avoiding these must-dos in your business.
In this episode, weāre breaking down:
The five layers of legal protection every photographer should have in placeWhat you really need to know about contracts, taxes, and business complianceThe common legal mistakes photographers make (and how to avoid them)Whether your independent contractors should actually be employeesWhy a good contract is worth every pennyāand where to get one without breaking the bankIf legal and tax stuff stresses you out, this episode will make you feel clear, confident, and ready to tackle the things that actually protect your business.
Download Bradenās Free Legal Guide Join the Contract Club for Rock-Solid Legal Templates Get Bradenās Book: Unf*ck Your Biz Follow Braden on Instagram New around here? Grab 3 of my most popular free resources to build a profitable, sustainable photography businessResources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
Most photographers assume that if they donāt shoot in a studio, they donāt need one. But what if a studio space could be so much more than just a backdrop for sessions?
In todayās episode, Iām chatting with Michelle McAfee, a photographer who turned her studio into so much more than just a place to shoot. She shares how she transitioned from using her space exclusively for client sessions to creating a studio membership modelāone that serves other photographers and small business owners, boosts her marketing, and generates additional revenue.
We talk about:
Why a studio space is more than just four wallsāitās a business growth toolHow Michelle transformed her studio into a community hub for creativesSmart ways to monetize and maximize a studio beyond client workWhat to consider before renting or buying a studio spaceCreative marketing ideas for leveraging a studio to attract more clientsIf youāve ever considered opening a studio, renting one, or simply using a studio more effectively, this episode will open your eyes to all the possibilities.
Download Michelleās Free Guide ā 10 Ways to Use a Studio for Brand GrowthFollow Michelle on InstagramLearn More About Michelleās Photography Business New around here? Grab 3 of my most popular free resources to build a profitable, sustainable photography businessResources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
If youāve ever felt like your emails are going out into the voidāignored, unopened, or worse, unsubscribed fromāthis episode is just for you.
Email marketing doesnāt have to feel awkward or forced. In fact, when done right, itās one of the most powerful ways to turn casual followers into loyal clients. But what actually makes an email engaging? How do you keep people excited to hear from you instead of clicking delete?
Today, I'm breaking it all down, with a fun analogy (of course!)
How to get people to subscribe to your email list in the first placeThe secret to subject lines that actually get openedHow to write emails that feel personal, not pushyThe simple tweak at the end of every email that makes all the differenceIf you want your emails to be the kind people look forward to (instead of ignoring), tune in!
Links:
Join The Consistency Club for Done-For-You Email & Marketing ContentResources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
Generating leads for your photography business can feel like a full-time job. You put yourself out there, cross your fingers, and hope the inquiries roll inābut what happens when they donāt? Thatās where a smart, strategic approach to lead generation makes all the difference.
This week, Iām talking with photographer, business coach, and Gold Biz Podcast host Rachel Traxler about how she approaches lead generation intentionallyānot just throwing things at the wall to see what sticks. Rachel breaks down how different types of buyers make decisions, why understanding that matters, and how to create marketing content that speaks to the right clients at the right time.
In this episode, we cover:
The three different types of buyers and what actually gets them to bookWhy your leads might be dropping offāand how to fix itHow to speed up the booking process (without feeling salesy)Rachelās favorite ways to create a steady stream of inquiriesIf you want to bring in more predictable leadsāand convert more of them into paying clientsāthis episode is for you!
Links:
Grab Rachelās Free Training: 10 FREE Lead Generation Strategies to grow your business effortlessly!Follow Rachel on InstagramListen to The Gold Biz Podcast New around here? Grab 3 of my most popular free resources to build a profitable, sustainable photography businessResources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
Most photographers spend their time marketing in all the usual (free) waysāposting on social media, tweaking their SEO, and waiting for word-of-mouth referrals to kick in. And while all of those can work, they also take time... often a lot of it! But what if you could get your business in front of people right when theyāre searching for a photographer?
Thatās exactly what Google Ads do. Unlike social media ads that interrupt people mid-scroll, Google Ads only show up when someone is actively looking to book a photographer. And according to todayās guest, Lindsay Herkert, that small but powerful shift has completely transformed her business.
In this episode, Lindsay breaks down:
Why Google Ads are so underused in the photography industry (and why thatās a huge advantage for you)How she spends just $300/month and books out her calendar with dream clientsThe 3-part system she uses to attract, convert, and keep clients coming backSimple changes to your website that make your ads way more effectiveIf youāve ever wished for a way to bring in clients without constant hustling, this episode is a must-listen.
Visit Lindsay's website and Google Ads resourcesAccess Lindsay's mini course and guide for photographersNew around here? Grab 3 of my most popular free resources to build a profitable, sustainable photography businessResources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
Itās easy to lose the creative spark that brought you to photography in the first place. Between running a business, keeping up with clients, and tackling your endless to-do list, the joy of making art can start to feel like a distant memory.
Download Trishās Personal Project GuideVisit Tea Lily PhotographyNew around here? Grab 3 of my most popular free resources to build a profitable, sustainable photography business
In todayās episode, Iām joined by Trish Chong, an incredible family photographer, educator, and all-around thoughtful human being, to talk about the power of personal work in a creative business. For over a decade, Trish has kicked off each year with her āJanuary Projectāāa deeply personal tradition that melds photography and journaling. What started as a way to document her family has grown into a cornerstone of her creative practice, a magnet for aligned clients, and a powerful remedy for burnout.
Personal work like this can reignite your love for photography, give you a fresh perspective on your life and art, and even benefit your business in the process. Whether you're looking for a reset, battling burnout, or just want to feel inspired again, this conversation will remind you of the power of picking up your camera for you.Resources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
Considering switching to Simples Sales? What's better than a case study? How about three?
I'm excited to share this in-depth conversation with Robyn, AnneMarie, and Christina: three recent students who've launched Simple Sales in their three very different businesses.We discuss:
How and why each of them decided to give Simple Sales a try - what was (and wasn't) working in their businesses that gave them the push to seek a better solutionTheir fears and hesitations about the SystemTheir experience with the Blueprint and the leadup to launchingThe Big Switch, including the reactions of both returning clients and new clientsAnd perhaps most importantly... their RESULTS:
Robin turned her part-time pet photography business from a hobby into a profitable venture.Christina doubled her profit while setting boundaries and saving time for her family.Anne Marie scaled her family and newborn photography business to over $230,000 in revenue this year alone.These women have been very generous, sharing their financial before and afters, as well as their plans going forward. If you're on the fence about whether Simple Sales might work for you, you're sure to see some version of your situation reflected here.
Learn about Simple Sales New around here? Grab 3 of my most popular free resources to build a profitable, sustainable photography businessResources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
New Year, new mindset. š„ As we turn the page to 2025, itās time to take stock of whatās been working in our businessesāand more importantly, what hasn't. In this episode, Iām sharing seven things you can leave behind to build a stronger, more sustainable businesses moving forward.
If youāve been caught in the cycle of saying āyesā to too much, pricing yourself too low, or running yourself ragged, youāre not alone. Weāll explore how these common patterns take a tollāand, more importantly, how to break free. Iāll share practical tips for setting boundaries, streamlining your processes, and giving your business the respect it deserves. Because sustainability isnāt just about efficient systemsāitās about protecting your mental and emotional well-being too.
Tune in for an honest conversation about what it takes to start the new year on the right foot, and letās make 2025 the year of a better, more balanced business.
Ready to figure out how to make your business sustainable in 2025? Binge the Recipe for Success private podcast series.Resources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
Burnout. Overwhelm. Frustration. If youāre feeling the weight of running your photography business, youāre not alone. Lately, Iāve been hearing from so many photographers who are unsure if itās even possible to keep going.
In todayās episode, I sit down with Daynaāmy partner in The Consistency Club and all-around champion of real talkāto tackle those big questions head-on. Where does the photography industry stand right now? Why are so many of us feeling stuck? And the biggest question of all: is quitting the answer?
From inquiries that donāt convert to the myth that no one wants to pay for quality photography anymore, weāre unpacking the challenges that can make running a business feel impossible and sharing strategies for tackling these obstacles, shifting your mindset, and building a business that feels sustainable and rewarding.
Whether youāre ready to pivot, push through, or pause and regroup, this episode is here to remind you that youāre not in this aloneāand that the best days of your business might still be ahead.
Listen to this episode The Six Levels of Freelance Life New around here? Grab 3 of my most popular free resources to build a profitable, sustainable photography businessResources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
Itās New Yearās Eve, and what better time to talk about setting yourself up for a successful (and sustainable!) new year? š In this final episode of the Sustainability Series (and the year!), Iām giving you a little taste of something I cooked up for you: a private podcast series called Recipe for Success.
Think of your business like a favorite recipeāsome ingredients are non-negotiable, but others? You can totally swap, simplify, or even skip altogether. From outsourcing to batching to creating systems, weāre talking about all the ways you can work smarter, not harder.
Ready to dive in? Tune in to this episode, then grab the full private series at thiscantbethathard.com/sustainability to start your year off right. Hereās to less hustle and more joy in the year ahead! š„Resources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
In this third episode of the Sustainability Series, Iām diving into one of the biggest time and energy drains for photographers: marketing. Letās face itāhunting for clients can feel like an endless Easter egg hunt. But what if, instead of searching for golden eggs, you focused on finding a golden goose?
In this episode, I share how I created a portrait membership that became my golden gooseāa predictable, recurring revenue stream that reduced my marketing workload and made my business more sustainable. Whether itās memberships, school portraits, or partnerships, the goal is to build systems that decrease your reliance on constant client-hunting and give you more time to focus on what matters most.
If youāre ready to spend less time chasing clients and more time building a business that supports your life, this episode will give you the inspiration and strategies to get started.Resources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
In the second episode of my Sustainability Series, Iām sharing how a major ālifequakeā forced me to rethink everything about my business. Back in 2017, I hit a breaking pointāI was working 50-60 hours a week, juggling too many types of jobs, and still not making enough to feel secure. I knew something had to change.
Thatās when I created whatās now known as the Simple Sales System. By streamlining my workflow and cutting out anything unnecessary, I was able to make more money in less time, all while delivering a better experience for my clients. In this episode, I walk you through how I did it, how Parkinsonās Law (the idea that work expands to fill the time you give it) was holding me back, and why adding creative constraints was the key to my success.If youāre feeling like your business is running you instead of the other way around, this episode will show you how to take back control, free up your time, and create a more sustainable path forward.
Learn more about The Simple Sales System
Link:Resources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
When life throws you curveballsāa health crisis, a financial downturn, or a global pandemicāhow does your business hold up? In this weekās episode of This Canāt Be That Hard, Iām kicking off the Sustainability Series, a four-part exploration of why planning for longevity in your business is so important.
I start this series with a story about challenges I've faced in my own life and business that could have been the end of my photography career, but instead were the catalysts that forced me to build a stronger, more sustainable business.If youāve ever wondered how to ādisaster-proofā your business or create systems that help you weather life's storms, this series is for you. This episode lays the foundation, reminding us that while we canāt control lifeās twists and turns, we can prepare for themāand in doing so, we build businesses that thrive in the long run.
Resources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
Ah, the sweet smell of a brand-new plannerāthereās just something about it, right? That fresh-start feeling gets me every time, and as it turns out, my guest Brittnie Sturm feels the same way. Brittnie is a family photographer, mom of three, and a fellow systems enthusiast š¤ whoās learned firsthand how powerful organization can be in running a better business and a smoother life.
Grab your Planner and get organized.Download the Free Time Blocking PDF to master your schedule. Visit Brittnieās website for more resources.New around here? Grab 3 of my most popular free resources to build a profitable, sustainable photography business
In this episode, she shares her journey from feeling completely overwhelmed to finding clarity through time blocking, routines, and building systems that actually work. She shares how getting organized isnāt just about checking off to-dosāitās about creating space for the things that matter most, both in your business and your personal life. If youāve ever felt like youāre drowning in the chaos, this conversation is full of ideas and encouragement to help you regain control and build a business (and life) you truly love.Resources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
Weāve all been there: the to-do list feels endless, the deadlines are piling up, and the thought of getting it all done is just... laughable. Maddie Peschong knows the feeling, too. As a brand photographer, educator, and mom, Maddie has weathered her fair share of stressful seasons, and in this episode, sheās sharing how she finds her way back to balance.
Grab this guide for creative and essential shots to elevate your brand sessions. Take the Brand Photographer Quiz to discover your unique strengths as a brand photographerNew around here? Grab 3 of my most popular free resources to build a profitable, sustainable photography business
Why does overwhelm feel so paralyzing? Maddie explains how naming the real source of your stress is often the first step to tackling it. She also shares the systems and mindset shifts that have helped her reset when life gets hectic. Whether youāre in the thick of it or trying to get ahead of it for next time, this conversation is a reminder that thereās always a way throughāand sometimes, it starts with simply slowing down.Resources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
Iāve taken my fair share of personality tests over the years, but none have resonated with me quite like the Enneagram. If youāre an Enneagram enthusiast, you might not be surprised to hear that Iām a Type 3 (The Achiever), and when I first read that description, I felt seen in a way that was almost embarrassing!
Follow Ellie for stunning photography and educational tips! Instagram: Ellie Photography & Photography Business Education Visit Ellie's website New around here? Grab 3 of my most popular free resources to build a profitable, sustainable photography business
In todayās episode, I sit down with wedding photographer and Enneagram expert Ellie McKinney to explore how understanding our Enneagram types can impact not only our personal growth but also our business journeys. One of the reasons the Enneagram resonated so deeply with me is its focus on self-awareness and growth ā tools that have been invaluable in building both my photography and education businesses. Together, Ellie & I discuss how the Enneagram can be a guide to playing to your strengths and understanding where you might get tripped up in your photography business.
If youāve ever thought of the Enneagram as just another personality test, I encourage you to tune in with an open mind. Ellie provides so many insightful takeaways, whether youāre looking to better understand yourself, deepen your relationships, or improve how you approach your business.Resources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
Being a photographer can sometimes feel isolating, especially when youāre working solo day in and day out. But knowing you have a supportive network of fellow creatives? That changes everything.
This week, I got to chat with Kim Box, the founder of The Motherhood Anthology. Kim has built a community that truly embodies the spirit of connection and openness I think so many of us are looking for. The Motherhood Anthology is more than just a place to learnāitās a space where photographers come together, share real business advice, and lift each other up.
In a world that can sometimes feel cutthroat, Kim has managed to foster a culture of encouragement and trust, and that wasn't by accident. Join Kim and I as we discuss her journey, the inspiration behind The Motherhood Anthology, and why finding your own community might be the best thing you can do for your business.
Dive into The Motherhood Anthology websiteJoin the The Motherhood Anthology free Facebook groupJoin The Motherhood Anthology while enrollment is open from Nov 14 - 22ndNew around here? Grab 3 of my most popular free resources to build a profitable, sustainable photography businessResources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! -
Have you ever made the mistake of going to the grocery store without a listāor at least a plan? We've all been there, right? And while we might manage to wing it in the produce section or snack aisle, we almost always end up forgetting something essential.
In the early days of my photography business, I actually ran things a bit like those haphazard grocery trips. Every morning, Iād jot down a list of to-dos from memoryārelying solely on my brain to keep track of what needed to happen. On my good days, I could just about pull it off. But if one of my kids got sick or something threw me off my game, things would inevitably slip through the cracks.
I talk a lot about how systems transformed my business, but today I'm showing you how that doesn't need to be any more complicated than making a grocery list. If you feel like you're missing opportunities or constantly playing catch up, today's episode is a must-listen!
Resources:
New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review! - Daha fazla göster
