With Laura Esmond

Katie Lamb On How To Stop Getting Price Shopped

Laura Esmond — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0600

If it feels harder than ever to stand out as a portrait photographer right now, you’re not imagining it.

In this conversation, Laura sits down with photographer and educator Katie Lamb to unpack one of the biggest challenges in today’s industry: everything looks the same.

From identical editing styles to repeated locations and trends pulled from Instagram and Pinterest, photographers are unintentionally blending in and when that happens, clients default to one thing: price shopping.

But standing out isn’t about being more talented. It’s about being more intentional.

In this episode, Laura and Katie break down what actually differentiates a photography business today (hint: it’s not your presets), how to create an experience clients can’t compare, and why adding something like video + a guided sales process can completely transform your profit per session.

What You’ll Learn

Why photographers are blending together more than ever
The real reason clients price shop (and how to stop it)
Why your photography style alone isn’t enough anymore
The two key ways to stand out: experience + product
How video creates an emotional, undeniable “I have to have this” moment
What happens when you guide clients instead of just delivering a gallery
Why in-person sales (IPS) isn’t about pressure—it’s about service
How to create a full-circle client experience that leads to higher sales and stronger referrals

The Create & Sell Bundle: www.katielamb.com/bundle

Katie’s Creating Session Videos Course
Laura’s The Art of Selling Course
A one hour live Q&A with both of us

Together, these approaches help photographers:

Create something unique your clients will love
And confidently guide clients to go beyond digitals

🔥 Why This Matters

Your clients aren’t just buying photos.

They’re navigating:

Busy schedules
Emotional expectations
The pressure of “getting it right” for their family

If the experience ends with a digital gallery they never print, the value fades.

But when you:

Create something tangible
Guide them through decisions
Help them see the meaning behind the images

You don’t just sell more, you create lasting impact.

About Katie Lamb

Katie Lamb is a photographer and educator who has been in the industry since 2008. With a background in fine art photography, she’s known for simplifying complex things and helping photographers create meaningful, standout work—especially through session films.
Find her education at: www.katielamb.com
Instagram: @katiebethlamb

How To Stop Competing With The Photographer Down The Street

Laura Esmond — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0600

There’s a version of working on your business that feels productive… but doesn’t actually move anything forward.

In this episode, we’re pulling apart one of the biggest traps photographers fall into, especially in a slow season. Posting more. Tweaking captions. Trying to “stay consistent.” And still feeling like nothing is really changing.

This is not a visibility problem.

It is a differentiation problem.

We’re talking about why being seen more does not lead to being chosen, what clients are actually deciding between when they hire a photographer, and the one question that will shift how you approach your marketing moving forward.

Because the goal is not to compete.

The goal is to be chosen.

In This Episode

Why “working on your business” can feel productive but still keep you stuck
The hidden problem with posting more content
What happens when your marketing looks like everyone else’s
The difference between being visible and being chosen
Why beautiful photos, good service, and fast communication are not enough
The trap of relying on style or trends to stand out
The question that changes how you approach your marketing entirely

Connect

Come find me on Instagram at @lauraesmondeducation for more conversations like this and a behind-the-scenes look at how this work actually gets implemented.

The Industry Is Shifting, Are You Ready? A Conversation With Suzy Brown

Laura Esmond — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode, I’m joined by family photographer and educator Suzzane Brown for a conversation that feels a little different, in the best way.

We didn’t come in with a strict plan, but what unfolded was an honest, layered discussion about what it looks like to be a photographer right now, in an industry that’s changing quickly, in a world that feels louder than ever, and in a season where so many of us are questioning how we want to show up.

Suzzane is known for creating deeply connected, high-touch client experiences, especially with families in the luxury market, and she brings such a thoughtful, intuitive perspective to both her work and her business. Together, we explore everything from building trust with our clients to navigating the growing conversation around sharing children’s images online, to the pressure of social media and what it might look like to step outside of it.

But underneath all of that, this episode is really about something deeper: coming back to yourself.

Your voice. Your values. Your way of creating and connecting.

We talk about what happens when your work starts to feel disconnected, how to rediscover what actually lights you up, and why the future of this industry may look a lot more human, relational, and experience-driven than we’ve been taught.

If you’ve been feeling a little burnt out, a little unsure, or like you’re craving something more aligned in your business, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

In this episode, we cover:

Why over-planning sessions can actually block connection, and what to do instead
What high-end clients really want, and why trust matters more than ever
The evolving conversation around sharing children’s images online
Social media fatigue and alternative ways to grow your business
The opportunity to rebrand family photography around connection and experience
How to rediscover your voice when your work starts to feel stale
Why burnout often has more to do with overwhelm than creativity
The power of in-person connection and community-based marketing
How repetition and discomfort lead to real growth
The mindset shifts that separate photographers who feel stuck from those who move forward

This one feels like sitting down with a friend and talking through the big questions, the ones that don’t always have clear answers, but are so worth exploring.

Stop Acting Like A Content Creator

Laura Esmond — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Stop Acting Like a Content Creator

Somewhere along the way, the portrait photography industry traded permanence for convenience. We stopped making things and started delivering files. We told ourselves it was progress. This episode is my pushback on that.

If you have been handing over galleries and hoping clients do something with them, this episode is going to reframe what your job actually is and why the photographer who understands that is running an entirely different business than the one who doesn't.

We talk about the world your client grew up in, why she has no frame of reference for what you're capable of giving her, and what it actually looks like to cross the finish line instead of stopping at mile 25.

This is not a tips episode. It is a line in the sand.

In this episode:

Why delivering a gallery is not finishing the job and what finishing the job actually looks like
The identity shift that changes everything downstream: from the photographer who hopes to the photographer who leads
Why your client isn't nostalgic for printed photographs, she's never had them, and what that means for how you show up
Why we are memory keepers, not content creators, and why that distinction matters more right now than it ever has

Get Rooted enrollment closes this week for our April start. This is the program where the philosophy in this episode becomes a practice: the pricing, the client process, the ordering meeting, all of it.
lauraesmond.com/getrooted

Follow Laura

Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits

Website: lauraesmond.com

Loved This Episode?

Leave a review! This helps expand our reach and continue doing this work.

And come say hi to Laura on Instagram at @reeseandcoportraits — she actually reads her DMs.

Sources Referenced in This Episode:

Professional Photographers of America

Consumer Technology Information

Why Your Email List Is Failing You (And How to Fix It)

Laura Esmond — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Why Your Email List Is Failing You (And How to Fix It)

with Laura Esmond

About This Episode

If you have an email list that feels like it is just sitting there — people opted in, you send something occasionally, and then nothing really happens — this episode is going to reframe the whole thing for you.

Laura Esmond is a portrait photographer with 26 years of experience and the founder of Get Rooted group coaching. In this follow-up to her guest episode on The Motherhood Anthology podcast, Laura gets into something she dropped into the TMA Facebook group that sparked a lot of questions: how she built her email list to over 4,000 people with open rates above 50%, click rates above 30%, and consistent bookings directly from email — and why almost none of it came from a lead magnet or a paid ad.

The answer is community marketing. Not the kind that lives on Instagram. The kind that happens in actual rooms with actual people — dance studios, country clubs, women's networking events, real estate partnerships, library storytimes. Laura walks through five specific community approaches her studio used, why she never charged for the events themselves, and what the difference really is between a warm lead and a soft one. She also shares the one thing she always does before sending a single email to a potential partner — and why brownies have been part of her marketing strategy for years.

This is a longer conversation but every part of it is practical. Grab a notebook.

What You'll Hear in This Episode

Why the size of your email list is not the point — and what actually determines whether it converts
The difference between a warm lead and a soft lead, and why it changes everything about your open rates and bookings
How Laura's studio used country club events to collect engaged emails from exactly the right families
Why dance studios are one of the most underutilized marketing partnerships in portrait photography
What a Headshot Happy Hour is and how it puts you in a room full of women who will refer you for years
How a real estate agent partnership became one of Laura's most reliable long-term referral sources
What Laura did with her studio space every week that kept a steady stream of new mothers walking through her door
Why she never charged for community events — and exactly what she was charging for instead
The brownies-before-email rule and why humans don't get ignored the way emails do
How to take one concrete first step this week without overhauling your entire marketing strategy

Key Topics Covered

Warm Leads vs. Cold Leads

Not all email subscribers are the same. Someone who opted in for a freebie is a starting point — you still have to earn their attention. Someone who met you in person, watched you work, and handed you their email in a real conversation is already yours. Laura breaks down why that distinction is the entire reason her email list performs the way it does.

The Five Community Approaches

Country club events — photographing member gatherings to collect engaged emails from young families
Dance studio pop-ups — hosted as client appreciation for the studio, not as a revenue event for Laura
Headshot Happy Hours — quick professional headshots at women's networking events as a community value-add
Real estate agent partnership — showing up, supporting, and building a long-term referral relationship
Studio events — monthly Storytime with the local library and weekly lactation classes for new mothers

The Brownies Rule

Before you ever send an email to a potential partner, stop in. Bring something for the staff. Ask to speak with the owner or the person in charge of client happiness. The pitch is simple: let me help you show your clients how much you appreciate them. Emails get ignored. Humans don't.

Links & Resources

Get Rooted Group Coaching

For portrait photographers ready to build a client process that earns — ordering meetings, product pricing, and the full system: lauraesmond.com/getrooted

Mentioned in This Episode

10 Tips To Be Seen — lauraesmond.com/beseen

Follow Laura

Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits

Website: lauraesmond.com

Loved This Episode?

Leave a review! Share it with a photographer friend who has an email list that isn't doing what it should — this one will reframe the whole conversation for them.

And come say hi to Laura on Instagram at @reeseandcoportraits — she actually reads her DMs.

Keywords: email list for photographers, community marketing, portrait photography business, in-person marketing, photography studio marketing, warm leads, motherhood photographer, email open rates, Get Rooted, Laura Esmond, The Motherhood Anthology

What She Actually Means When She Says She Just Wants the Digitals

Laura Esmond — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0600

A lot of pricing advice in the photography industry tells you to either give all the digitals away at a ridiculous price or withhold digital files to pressure clients into investing in artwork they may not be ready for. What if there’s a different way to honor a client's wish for the digitals while not sacrificing your ability to get your photos on their walls.

In this episode I explain exactly why I structure my prices the way I do, share the pricing philosophy behind everything I teach in Get Rooted, and tell the client story that made me certain I was right. Includes a practical framework for how to actually set prices at whatever stage of business you are in right now.

In this episode:

· Why Laura does not hold digital files hostage -- and what she does instead

· The difference between leading a client and pressuring one

· The client story that proved the long-game approach works

· Why CODB is useful but not the whole story

· How to balance draw-in pricing with room to grow

Links:

· Get Rooted -- lauraesmond.com/getrooted

Part 2: Is It the Economy? What Portrait Photographers Can Do When It’s Slow

Laura Esmond — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0600

There was a moment in this conversation where Casia said something that made me pause.

She admitted that bookings slowed down at the end of 2024 and into 2025.

And instead of pretending everything was fine or quietly panicking behind the scenes, she said the thing a lot of photographers are feeling but not always saying out loud.

Things feel different right now.

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s the economy, the industry, your pricing, or something you’re doing wrong… this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air.

Because instead of spiraling into discounting or chasing more Instagram posts, we talk about what actually works during slower seasons: getting back into your community, building real relationships, and playing the long game in your business.

Casia shares how she’s leaning into what she calls her “season of yes” and showing up to events, supporting other small businesses, and creating touchpoints that lead to future opportunities.

And we also dig into some of the big mindset traps photographers fall into when things get quiet… especially the temptation to lower your prices.

If business has felt a little wobbly lately, this conversation is here to remind you of something important:

Ups and downs are normal.
But how you respond to them can change everything.

In This Episode

Why photographers are feeling a shift in bookings right now
The danger of assuming slower inquiries mean your pricing is wrong
What a “season of yes” looks like in a photography business
Simple ways to start networking in your community (even if you hate networking)
How one small connection can turn into multiple opportunities
Why lowering your prices during slow seasons can hurt you long-term
A smarter way to adjust your offers without discounting your work
The real reason ghosting happens with inquiries and what to do about it
How following up can immediately set you apart in a saturated market
Why photographers should stop hiding behind their computers and start building real relationships again

If this conversation resonated, Get Rooted is where we go all in on this work.

Inside the program, you build:

Clear, confident pricing
A simple but powerful sales structure
A hands-on client experience that leads to artwork
Marketing that attracts right-fit, investing clients
The identity of a photographer who leads

Spots are limited. Once they’re filled, enrollment closes for several months. We get started in April.

If you want your business solid before we head into the busiest season of the year, what are you waiting for??

👉 Apply here

Connect with Casia:

https://fletcherandco.photo
https://www.instagram.com/fletcherandco/

Connect with Laura:

Apply now for Get Rooted: lauraesmond.com/getrooted
Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
Website: lauraesmond.com

Part 1: Is It the Economy? What Portrait Photographers Can Do When It’s Slow

Laura Esmond — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:06:04 -0700

In this first part of my conversation with Casia Fletcher, we go deep.

You may have heard Casia’s story on The Motherhood Anthology podcast, where she shared about a $45,000 client win inside her motherhood membership: check out that episode here!

But our conversation is a little different.

It’s an honest conversation about the shifts we have seen the past two years and what you can do when bookings slow down.

Casia and I talk honestly about navigating slower seasons without spiraling and why the photographers who thrive long-term are the ones who build depth with their clients.

This episode turned into a two-part conversation because we couldn’t stop unpacking the real strategy behind sustainable success.

In Part One, we dive into:

Why diversification can stabilize your business (without diluting your brand)
The long-game mindset that creates lifetime clients
What shifted in 2024–2025 for many portrait photographers
The power of in-person sales — consultations, ordering appointments, and real connection
Why IPS isn’t just about revenue… it’s about leadership
Creating multiple touchpoints that increase trust and average sale
Why full-service photographers are positioned differently in slower markets

We also break down what it actually looks like to guide a client from inquiry to artwork, and why that clarity changes everything.

If this conversation resonated, Get Rooted is where we go all in on this work.

Inside the program, you build:

Clear, confident pricing
A simple but powerful sales structure
A hands-on client experience that leads to artwork
Marketing that attracts right-fit, investing clients
The identity of a photographer who leads

Spots are limited. Once they’re filled, enrollment closes for several months. We get started in April.

If you want your business solid before we head into the busiest season of the year, what are you waiting for??

👉 Apply here

Connect with Casia:

https://fletcherandco.photo
https://www.instagram.com/fletcherandco/

Connect with Laura:

Apply now for Get Rooted: lauraesmond.com/getrooted
Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
Website: lauraesmond.com

How to Diversify Your Income as a Portrait Photographer with Joy Michelle

Laura Esmond — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0700

Feeling the slow season hit a little harder this year? Wondering if there's more you could be doing to create consistent income, even when bookings slow down?

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredibly wise and wildly practical Joy Michelle, educator, business coach, and host of the Called to Both podcast. Joy walks us through how she’s built multiple income streams as a working photographer and a mom of three, and how affiliate marketing became a surprisingly powerful piece of the puzzle.

We’re not just talking about side hustles. We're talking about sustainable income that fits your life and your brand. Whether you're just getting curious about affiliate links or want to understand how this works without needing a massive audience or becoming an “influencer,” Joy breaks it all down with so much clarity.

Here’s what we cover:

Why photographers should be thinking about income streams beyond client bookings
What affiliate marketing actually looks like for a photographer (hint: it's not just Amazon links)
How Joy made $600 in affiliate income… while in labor
The mindset shift that changed how she approached content and monetization
The first steps you can take to start earning affiliate income, even with a small audience

Connect with Joy:

Affiliate Marketing Jumpstart -- free resource!
Instagram: @joymichelle
Website: joymichelle.co
Coaching: joymichelle.co/coaching
Affiliate Boss: joymichelle.co/affiliate-boss
Pitch Power: joymichelle.co/pitchpower
Hobby-to-Pro Toolkit: joymichelle.co/hobby-to-pro-toolkit

Connect with Laura:

Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentor
Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
Website: lauraesmond.com

Lessons from Scaling a Portrait Photography Studio

Laura Esmond — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0700

I’m sharing three honest lessons I learned from scaling my portrait photography business, and then intentionally scaling it back. If you're a family photographer, brand photographer, or creative entrepreneur who’s ever been tempted to "go big" with a studio, team, and all the trappings of growth, this is a must-listen.

We’re getting real about what happens when your business looks successful on the outside but starts to feel misaligned on the inside. I’ll walk you through what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d do differently now.

Whether you're in your first five years of photography business or considering opening a studio, this episode will help you build a photography business that’s profitable, sustainable, and truly aligned with your life.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why scaling your photography business doesn’t automatically lead to time freedom
What it really looks like to run a brick-and-mortar photography studio with a team
How overhead, burnout, and decision fatigue can creep in quietly
The difference between ego-driven growth and value-driven decisions
How to protect your creativity and peace as a portrait photographer

Connect with Laura:

Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentor
Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
Website: lauraesmond.com

My Effortless Full Service Portrait Photography Experience

Laura Esmond — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0700

In today’s episode, I’m inviting you behind the scenes of the full client experience I’ve refined over the last two decades as a portrait photographer. From that very first inquiry to the moment artwork is installed in their home, every touchpoint is intentionally crafted to make clients feel safe, seen, and deeply cared for.

Whether you’re new to business or ready to elevate your systems with more ease and clarity, this episode will walk you through the thoughtful steps I take to nurture trust, communicate with intention, and create an experience that feels effortless for both you and your client.

In This Episode, I Share:

How to set a tone of warmth and professionalism from the first inquiry
My approach to automated systems that still feel personal and human
Why planning calls are essential for connection and clarity
How I guide families with care during the session (even in the chaos of toddlerhood)
Why the ordering appointment is never the beginning of the sale
The subtle ways we build loyalty, trust, and referrals through genuine service

Connect with Laura:

Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentor
Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
Website: lauraesmond.com

How to Partner with Local Businesses (Bring the muffins)

Laura Esmond — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0700

Creative Local Business Partnerships: A Real Approach to Growth

In this episode, host Laura Esmond shares her personal journey and unique approach to growing her business by forming meaningful partnerships with local businesses, rather than relying on social media or elaborate marketing strategies. She emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships by offering support and generosity, like walking into local businesses with small gifts, such as a basket of muffins and a handwritten note. Laura details actionable steps to identify potential business partners who share your target audience, such as florists, interior designers, real estate agents, and boutique owners. By partnering with these businesses, you can foster mutual growth and community connection. Esmond also provides three practical ways to collaborate with local businesses: supporting existing events, cross-promotion, and creating service-based bundles. The episode concludes with an open invitation to think creatively about local partnerships and a call to action for listeners to reach out to local businesses they admire.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Growth Journey

00:26 The Power of Local Partnerships

01:43 Identifying Potential Business Partners

02:44 Effective Strategies for Collaboration

04:46 Leading with Service and Follow-Up

06:43 Creative Event Ideas and Cross-Promotion

10:27 Successful Partnership Case Studies

13:04 Building Trust and Long-Term Relationships

15:24 Your Invitation to Take Action

16:44 Conclusion and Mentorship Opportunity

Connect with Laura:

Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentor
Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
Website: lauraesmond.com

Keywords: motherhood photographer, family photography, newborn photographer, maternity sessions, photography pricing tips, portrait photography business, money mindset for creatives, IPS for photographers, work-life balance, photographers who are moms, client experience photography, raising photography prices

Is Your Inquiry Response For Portraits Standing Out?

Laura Esmond — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0700

In this episode of 'with Laura Esmond,' Laura dives into the essentials of crafting effective inquiry responses for portrait photographers. She discusses how to tailor your response to align with your business and offerings, emphasizing the importance of understanding your core product and unique differentiator. Laura also announces a potential name change for the podcast and provides insights on making personal connections with clients via phone calls and videos. Key concepts include portrait photography pricing, creating a personalized inquiry response, and balancing business with motherhood.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update

01:26 Understanding Your Unique Selling Proposition

05:29 Crafting an Effective Inquiry Response

10:26 Personalizing Your Client Interaction

13:13 Using Video to Enhance Inquiry Responses

17:31 Summarizing Key Points for Inquiry Responses

19:53 Conclusion and Final Tips

Connect with Laura:

Get Rooted Waitlist: lauraesmond.com/getrooted
Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
Website: lauraesmond.com

Is There a Gap Between Your Price and Your Value as a Portrait Photographer?

Laura Esmond — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the podcast, Laura Esmond shares reflections from a month-long break during the holiday season, including time spent with her family, prepping for the Peace and Profit Bootcamp, and welcoming new students into her Get Rooted program. She opens up about the common guilt many motherhood portrait photographers feel when stepping back from business tasks like social media, blogging sessions, or sending marketing emails.

Laura encourages photographers—especially those balancing motherhood and running a photography business—to honor the natural ebb and flow of life and business. She also shares powerful insights from the Peace and Profit Bootcamp, including mindset shifts around money, how to raise your prices with confidence, and how to ensure your portrait photography packages reflect the full value of the experience you provide.

Whether you're a newborn photographer, maternity photographer, or specializing in family sessions, this episode will help you reframe how you approach pricing, marketing, and the emotional load of growing a photography business while raising a family.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back
00:46 The Importance of Taking Breaks
02:55 Holiday Reflections and Family Time
04:13 Peace and Profit Bootcamp Insights
08:14 Money Mindset and Pricing Strategies
16:51 The True Value of Money
25:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

When It Finally Clicks: Tawni’s Journey from $300 to $1500+ Portrait Sessions

Laura Esmond — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 04:59:00 -0700

In this inspiring episode of the podcast, Laura Esmond sits down with portrait photographer Tawni Adams to unpack the real and raw journey of transforming a photography business—from charging $300-$600 per session and burning out, to confidently booking consistent $1500+ sessions and even landing a nearly $12,000 sale.

Tawni opens up about the mindset hurdles she faced, the emotional rollercoaster of raising her prices, and how she almost gave up before things finally clicked. If you’re a photographer feeling stuck at lower price points or wondering if sustainable, high-profit portrait sessions are possible, this conversation is your permission slip to believe in what's possible.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why Tawni originally thought no one would pay more than $500 for a session
The exact mindset shift that helped her move from “overwhelmed and underpaid” to building a thriving, profitable portrait business
How Get Rooted helped her break down her pricing, boundaries, and value
The emotional weight of changing your business model while raising a family
Why your first $1500+ client might be closer than you think
How Tawni learned to trust the process and “let it simmer”
What actually happens between $300 sessions and a $12,000 artwork sale

Resources Mentioned:
LEARN MORE ABOUT GET ROOTED – https://www.lauraesmond.com/getrooted
Follow Tawni Adams on Instagram: @tawniadamsphoto
Tawni’s website: https://www.tawniadams.com/

SEO Keywords:
photography pricing strategy, raise photography session rates, profitable portrait business, $1500 photography session, photography business coaching, Get Rooted program, luxury portrait pricing, family photographer success story, photography business mindset, how to increase photo session prices, photographer burnout recovery

Portrait Photography Marketing: 5 Ways to Create a Beautiful Spectacle

Laura Esmond — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 04:57:00 -0700

In today’s episode, we’re talking about one of the most powerful ways to grow your portrait photography business: creating a little spectacle. But don’t worry, I don’t mean hopping on every trend or becoming a human highlight reel.

This is about showing up with intention, creativity, and a little bit of wow factor that feels true to you.

Whether you’re in year one or five of business, creating a buzz around what you do is how you get seen by the right people and start booking the kinds of clients you love. In this episode, I’m walking you through 5 concrete ideas to help you do exactly that.

We’ll talk about:

How to create portfolio work that actually attracts your dream clients
Why fun, low-stakes portrait events can build big-time momentum
The simple monthly habit that books more sessions than Instagram ever has for me

This one’s packed with practical ideas you can use right away, no matter how busy life is. Grab your notebook or just listen in while you edit!

Links & Resources:

Sign up for the Peace & Profit Bootamp: lauraesmond.com/bootcamp
Apply for Get Rooted—now open for enrollment: lauraesmond.com/getrooted

portrait photography business, photography business strategy, in-person sales photography, IPS tips, IPS for photographers, pricing for photographers, photography business reflection, goal setting for photographers, profitable photography business, how to sell photo products, photographer workflow, client experience for photographers, get rooted, laura esmond podcast

Series Part 3: How to Plan a Profitable (and Sustainable) Portrait Business in 2026

Laura Esmond — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 04:57:00 -0700

Welcome back to part three of this four-part planning series. If you’re dreaming about a 2026 that feels aligned, profitable, and actually doable, this episode is for you.

So far, we’ve walked through gratitude (what’s already working) and reflection (what needs to shift). Today, we’re stepping into planning your photography business—but not just numbers on a spreadsheet. This is where photography business strategy meets mindset in the most powerful way.

Inside this episode, we’re talking all about:
– Why manifestation for photographers isn’t magic (and what it actually is)
– How photography pricing strategy impacts your time, energy, and sustainability
– The key questions to ask before planning your 2026 photography calendar
– Why your real life deserves to be in the plan

You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on how to create intentional business goals that fit your life, not just your Instagram grid—and how to take those dreamy goals and turn them into something real.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
– Get the free photography reflection worksheet, https://www.lauraesmond.com/reflections

– Join the Peace & Profit Bootcamp for photographers, https://www.lauraesmond.com/bootcamp

– Apply for Get Rooted: Business Coaching for Portrait Photographers, https://www.lauraesmond.com/getrooted

photography business planning, portrait photography pricing, sustainable photography business, how to plan your photography business, profitable photographer tips, photography income goals, intentional business strategy, photography coaching, business planning for photographers, 2026 photography goals

NEXT UP:
Don’t miss next week’s episode—our final step in the series—where we’ll bring it all together and talk about action. Plus, there's a fun bonus episode dropping tomorrow about marketing for photographers (and creating a spectacle in the best way). Can’t wait to share that one with you!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
– Get the free reflection worksheet -- https://lauraesmond.com/reflections
– Join the Peace & Profit Bootcamp https://lauraesmond.com/bootcamp
– Apply for Get Rooted -- https://lauraesmond.com/getrooted

NEXT UP:
Don’t miss next week’s episode—our final step in the series—where we’ll bring it all together and talk about action. Plus, there's a fun bonus episode dropping tomorrow about marketing (and creating a spectacle in the best way). Can’t wait to share that one with you!

Series Part 2: Reflection + The #1 IPS Mistake Photographers Make

Laura Esmond — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:57:00 -0700

In Part 2 of our 4-part series on planning your most intentional and profitable photography year, we’re diving into two game-changing topics: how to reflect honestly on your business before you set 2026 goals, and the biggest mistake photographers make when starting In-Person Sales (IPS).

If you’re a portrait photographer who wants to grow a sustainable, profitable business—and you're tired of chasing someone else’s version of success—this episode is for you.

We’ll talk through the exact questions you need to ask yourself as you review your photography business, including how much money you actually made, what sessions lit you up creatively, and whether your pricing truly supported your income goals.

Then we shift gears and talk about IPS—specifically, the common misstep that derails so many photographers who want to sell products but don’t see the results they hoped for. Spoiler: it’s not about having the perfect sales strategy or needing to be perfect.

Whether you're just starting to sell products or you're restructuring your pricing and packages for the new year, this episode will help you get grounded in what matters most—clarity, consistency, and confidence in how you show up and sell.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Why honest reflection is the key to intentional growth in your photography business
The exact questions to ask yourself when reviewing your year
How to stop building your goals on comparison and start building from reality
The biggest IPS mistake photographers make—and how to avoid it
Why committing to a consistent pricing and product strategy is critical for sustainable success

Links & Resources:

Download the free Reflection Worksheet: lauraesmond.com/reflection
Apply for Get Rooted—now open for enrollment: lauraesmond.com/getrooted

Keywords:
portrait photography business, photography business strategy, in-person sales photography, IPS tips, IPS for photographers, pricing for photographers, photography business reflection, goal setting for photographers, profitable photography business, how to sell photo products, photographer workflow, client experience for photographers, get rooted, laura esmond podcast

Series Part 1: Photographers, Grab the Pumpkin Pie and Let’s Get Grateful.

Laura Esmond — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 04:57:00 -0700

It’s Thanksgiving week, and if you're anything like me—and most photographers I know—you’re probably feeling a strange mix of gratitude, pressure, comparison, and reflection. This slower season in our photography businesses gives us a rare chance to breathe and think about where we’ve been and where we’re going.

In this episode, I’m kicking off a four-part series designed specifically for photographers navigating the end of the year with intention. And we’re starting with something foundational: gratitude.

Whether you’re questioning if you did enough this year, wondering how to set goals for your photography business in 2026, or just need to quiet that inner critic, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through how gratitude can reframe your mindset, fuel your momentum, and help you move forward without burnout.

I'm also sharing the exact journaling prompts I use to reflect on the year—ones that help me reconnect with why I started this journey and where I want to go next. These aren’t fluffy gratitude practices; they’re strategic, grounding tools for any creative entrepreneur ready to build a more sustainable and profitable business.

If you're tired of comparing your year to someone else’s highlight reel—or their entire decade—you'll find some peace and perspective here.

Inside, we’ll talk about:

Why gratitude is a powerful business strategy for photographers
How to shift out of scarcity and comparison during the slower season
What sustainable success in your photography business really looks like
Three intentional questions to help you reflect and reset
How to begin setting aligned goals for the new year—without the overwhelm

If you want even more support as you reflect, dream, and plan for next year, I’d love to invite you to the Peace & Profit Bootcamp, where we’ll map out your 2026 goals and build a strategy that actually fits your life. You can sign up at lauraesmond.com/bootcamp
.

For now, grab a journal, your favorite holiday drink, maybe even a slice of pumpkin pie—and let’s reflect together. Gratitude comes first.

Connect with Laura:

Get Rooted Waitlist: lauraesmond.com/getrooted
Peace & Profit Bootcamp: lauraesmond.com/bootcamp
Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
Website: lauraesmond.com

Four Pricing Mistakes Portrait Photographers Make (& how to fix them)

Laura Esmond — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 04:56:00 -0700

In this episode, Laura Esmond dives into the intricacies of portrait photography pricing, especially for photographers transitioning into premium pricing. Laura discusses four common pricing mistakes that many photographers make, such as offering the wrong session length, overdelivering in petite sessions, copying competitor pricing without real market research, and staying at starter rates for too long. She provides actionable advice on how to avoid these pitfalls, ensuring a more sustainable and profitable business. If you're a photographer ready to refine your pricing strategy and grow your business, this episode is for you.

Connect with Laura:

Get Rooted Waitlist: lauraesmond.com/getrooted
Peace & Profit Bootcamp: lauraesmond.com/bootcamp
Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
Website: lauraesmond.com

Balancing Business and Motherhood: From Wedding to Portrait Photography with Caroline Klaar

Laura Esmond — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 04:57:00 -0700

Balancing Business and Motherhood: From Wedding to Portrait Photography with Caroline Klaar

Join Laura Esmond as she welcomes wedding and portrait photographer Caroline Klaar to discuss her transition from focusing on wedding photography to portrait photography. Caroline shares her journey of building a sustainable business while raising young children, pricing strategies, the impact of burnout, and creating balance between work and family life. Discover valuable insights on mindset shifts, the importance of charging your worth, and how intentional pricing can create more time for your family and improve your artistry. This episode dives into practical advice for photographers who want to pivot in their business and cultivate a healthy work-life balance.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:28 Caroline's Photography Journey

02:08 Balancing Motherhood and Photography

03:11 Struggles and Burnout

05:52 Transitioning from Weddings to Portraits

08:17 Pricing and Mindset Shifts

12:31 Contentment and Work-Life Balance

19:28 Current Pricing Strategy and Challenges

22:13 Strategies for Pricing and Packaging

23:12 Pre-Sales Conversations and Client Engagement

23:59 Testing Sales Strategies and Client Reactions

24:38 Building Confidence in Selling Artwork

25:10 Understanding the Value of Your Service

29:38 Transitioning from Weddings to Portraits

32:32 Balancing Work and Family Life

40:08 Setting Boundaries and Avoiding Burnout

45:35 The Importance of Community and Support

46:48 Final Thoughts and Farewell

You can find Caroline on Instagram at @klaarphotography.

Connect with Laura:

Get Rooted Waitlist: lauraesmond.com/getrooted
Peace & Profit Bootcamp: lauraesmond.com/bootcamp
Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
Website: lauraesmond.com

Portrait Photographer Burnout: 4 Ways to Slow Down So You Speed Up

Laura Esmond — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 04:57:00 -0700

Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in constant hustle mode? You’re not alone. In this episode, Laura talks about the photographer’s burnout cycle — that endless loop of editing, marketing, posting, and pushing — and how slowing down might actually be the most productive thing you can do for your portrait photography business. Laura shares four powerful ways to slow down as a photographer so you can find balance, boost creativity, and build a sustainable business you love. You’ll learn why rest isn’t lazy, how your brain and body respond when you pause, and why giving yourself (and your clients) space leads to better focus, happier clients, and more profit.

In This Episode:

How slowing down can actually speed up your photography business
Why portrait photographers struggle with balance and boundaries
The science behind burnout — and how to reset your nervous system
How 10 minutes of rest or connection can fuel creativity and clarity
Why a simple coffee date or short walk can change your productivity
How to slow down with your clients for better service and faster sales
The power of slowing down to learn new systems that save hours later
How planning from a calm state leads to clarity, confidence, and growth

Key Takeaways for Portrait Photographers:

You don’t need more hustle — you need margin.
Slow moments create the brain space for your next big idea.
Burnout is not a badge of honor; it’s a sign you’ve been over-giving.
The most successful photographers build rhythm, not chaos.
Balance in business begins with balance in your body and mind.

Connect with Laura:

Busy Season Burnout? 6 Tips Every Portrait Photographer Needs

Laura Esmond — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 04:58:00 -0600

In this episode, I’m diving into something so many of us feel but don’t always talk about—burnout during busy season. Especially if you're juggling work, motherhood, and the ever-present pressure to grow your business, this one’s for you.

I share a bit about my own journey, from the early days of running a tiny, high-touch studio (think: Pinterest boards and custom sessions for every client) to moving into a high-volume retail studio where mini sessions and cashflow ruled. Spoiler: it didn’t end well. I completely overdid it and hit a wall.

But burnout taught me some pretty important lessons, and I’m sharing the six guardrails I use now to protect my energy, calendar, and joy. From blocking editing time like a boss to selling value over volume, from knowing my true capacity to carving out quiet time for my brain—I’ve learned that a sustainable business isn’t just possible, it’s necessary.

If you’re feeling stretched thin or already burned out, I hope this episode feels like a deep breath and a gentle nudge toward change.

00:00 Introduction: The Struggles of Balancing Work and Life

00:33 Early Days: Building a Business from Scratch

01:10 The Mini Session Revelation

02:38 Transition to a Retail Studio

03:33 Burnout from Overbooking

04:32 Implementing Guardrails for a Sustainable Business

04:57 Step 1: Block Your Calendar Like a Boss

06:38 Step 2: Sell Value, Not Just Volume

07:53 Step 3: Respect Your Capacity

10:42 Step 4: Use Tools and Habits That Save Your Sanity

12:44 Step 5: Protect Your Mental Space

14:57 Step 6: Share the Workload

18:02 Conclusion: Respecting Capacity and Building a Sustainable Business

Hyperfocus drops I mentioned can be found here.
That brainwave app I mentioned.

Connect with Laura:

5 Steps to Build Confidence as a Photographer: Why Conviction Comes First (and How to Keep Going When It’s Hard)

Laura Esmond — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:57:00 -0600

n this episode of the podcast, Laura Esmond explores the concepts of confidence and conviction. She articulates that confidence doesn't precede action but develops through the act of doing, often emerging from stumbles and mistakes. Laura distinguishes conviction as a firmly held belief or gut feeling that motivates one to start something new. She outlines a five-step process to build confidence: starting with conviction, taking imperfect action, learning from failures, reflecting on growth, and celebrating small progress. Emphasizing the importance of quiet perseverance, Laura encourages listeners to trust the process and see challenges as opportunities for growth, ultimately building a resilient and confident business.

00:00 Introduction to Confidence

00:20 Understanding Conviction vs. Confidence

04:01 Building Confidence Step-by-Step

04:23 Embracing Imperfection and Learning from Failures

05:21 Reflecting on Growth and Celebrating Progress

08:39 Quiet Perseverance and Long-Term Growth

14:23 Parenting Parallels and Teaching Through Mistakes

16:32 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Laura:

Always Take the Vacation with Kate Marie Portraiture

Laura Esmond — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:57:00 -0600

In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend and incredibly talented portrait photographer, Kate Marie. We talk about what it really looks like to slow down, set boundaries, and build a photography business that supports your life, not the other way around.

Kate shares how she transitioned from a low priced business model to a slower-paced, high-touch experience that feels more aligned with the kind of artist and mom she wants to be.

We also talk about:

How to stop overbooking yourself during busy season
Why raising your prices might actually save your creativity
What to do when clients show up with Pinterest boards and big expectations
Creating calm, connected client experiences in a busy world
And how our boundaries are actually a gift to our people, not a barrier

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s really possible to grow a thriving business without burning out, this episode will give you the encouragement and clarity you need.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Connect with Kate on Instagram → @katemarieportraiture

Want help mapping out your own high-touch model? Get on the waitlist for my mindset workshop where we will pair up an unstoppable mindset with strategy to grow the business you've always dreamed of owning.

If you loved this episode, would you leave a quick review? It helps more photographers find the podcast—and it means the world to me.

Connect with Laura:

The #1 Mindset Question to Ask Yourself as a Portrait Photographer

Laura Esmond — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:57:00 -0600

What if the business you’ve been building isn’t actually the one you want? In this episode, I’m sharing the story of how I created a “successful” studio that looked great on the outside but left me drained on the inside. The turning point came when I finally asked myself a simple but life-changing question. This conversation will help you quiet the noise, uncover your own definition of success, and give you permission to start building a business that feels aligned with your life, not just impressive on paper.

Connect with Laura:

Marketing for Portrait Photographers: Actionable Steps and Common Pitfalls

Laura Esmond — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:56:00 -0600

Marketing for Your Portrait Photography Business

In this episode, Laura Esmond, a seasoned portrait photographer and educator, discusses the significance of focusing on marketing to grow your photography business. She emphasizes that while elements like logos, websites, and pricing are important, marketing should be the primary focus, especially within the first three years of operation. Laura shares actionable marketing strategies, including optimizing your Google Business profile, maintaining a consistent blogging and email marketing routine, effectively using social media, and building local partnerships. Additionally, she points out common pitfalls to avoid, such as neglecting online presence, inconsistent social media activity, and lack of tracking results. Laura concludes with encouraging advice to start small and build consistent marketing habits, showcasing that sustainable growth requires continuous effort and strategic planning.

00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Marketing

00:38 When to Focus on Marketing

02:00 Actionable Marketing Steps: Online Presence

03:54 Blogging and Email Marketing

06:25 Social Media Strategies

13:11 Building Community Relationships

18:54 Common Marketing Pitfalls

20:40 Conclusion and Final Tips

Connect with Laura:

Four Tips to Master Mini Session Portrait Events

Laura Esmond — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 04:59:00 -0600

Mastering Mini Sessions: Strategies for Photographers

In this podcast episode, Laura Esmond delves into the importance of mini sessions for photographers. She emphasizes the need to reflect on current practices to improve future outcomes and discusses the two main reasons photographers offer mini sessions: providing quick updates for clients and ensuring reliable cash flow. Laura shares her own experiences in managing a photography business with high overheads and explains how mini sessions helped sustain her. She also outlines three types of sessions she currently offers and provides detailed insights into streamlining mini sessions through mindset, boundaries, systems, and marketing strategies. The episode serves as a comprehensive guide for photographers looking to effectively plan, execute, and market mini sessions to enhance their business.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of Mini Sessions
00:55 Why Photographers Offer Mini Sessions
01:44 Personal Experience with Mini Sessions
04:02 Structuring Different Types of Sessions
06:10 Streamlining Mini Session Events
06:36 Key Strategies for Successful Mini Sessions
10:12 Conclusion and Call to Action

Connect with Laura:

More Than Just Tired: The Lonely Side of Photography

Laura Esmond — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:57:00 -0600

Entrepreneurship can be thrilling, creative, and empowering... but also incredibly lonely. In this episode, I’m sharing a story I’ve never fully told before—the late night I realized just how isolated I felt in my business. No team, no coworkers, no one to bounce ideas off of. Just me, working in silence while everyone else seemed to have support.

If you’ve ever wondered, "Is it just me?"—it’s not. We’re diving into the hidden loneliness that can come with building a photography business, especially in those early years of motherhood. I’ll walk you through the five types of community every creative entrepreneur needs and how to find the people who will help you feel supported, grounded, and excited again.

This one’s part pep talk, part story, and part strategy... and I think you’re going to feel seen.

Connect with Laura:

Don't Quit the Middle & Other Lessons for Portrait Photographers

Laura Esmond — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 04:57:00 -0600

In this episode, I’m sharing the things I wish I could go back and tell my younger self. The version of me who was hopeful, overwhelmed, and constantly questioning if she was doing any of this right in her portrait photography business.

We’re talking about what it really means to trust your gut, why showing up imperfectly matters more than you think, and how to step away from the constant hustle without losing momentum. There’s some storytelling, a little tough love, and a few confessions about midnight editing and running in nerdy vests.

Whether you’re in your first few years of entrepreneurship, feeling stuck in the messy middle or about to leap into something new and unknown, this episode is here to remind you that you’re not alone. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to keep going.

Connect with Laura:

The Portrait Studio That Nearly Broke Me (But Taught Me Everything)

Laura Esmond — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 04:57:00 -0600

You know that moment when everything feels hard and you start to wonder if you’ve made a huge mistake? Maybe you’re pivoting, starting over, or stuck in the messy middle, questioning if this dream is actually meant for you.

In this episode, I’m sharing the story of my own “retail studio era.” It was a five-year season filled with risk, burnout, and a lot of soul-searching. At the time, it felt like a failure. But what I couldn’t see back then was that the storm was shaping me for something even better.

Whether you're in the early stages of your business or navigating a big shift, I hope this story reminds you that resistance doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path. It might be confirmation that you’re exactly where you need to be.

Inside the episode, I talk about:
• The real story behind opening a high-overhead studio
• Why hard seasons hold some of our biggest lessons
• How resistance might actually be preparing you for your next chapter

If you're in a hard season right now, I see you. This one is here to help you feel less alone and a little more hopeful.

Connect with Laura:

Success Without Purpose: The Real Reason I’m Starting This Podcast

Laura Esmond — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 11:35:41 -0600

In this very first episode of With Laura Esmond, I’m pulling back the curtain on why I started this podcast and what you can expect moving forward. I share how I scaled a brand new portrait studio to multi–six figures in under two years, only to realize that version of success wasn’t what I actually wanted.

You’ll hear why building a creative business takes more than likes, follows, or even a big revenue month, and why your why matters more than your how. This is about falling in love with the process, embracing the messy middle, and creating a business driven by purpose, not outcome.

If you’re a photographer, creative entrepreneur, or mom building a business with heart, then this podcast is for you.

Connect with Laura: