In today’s episode, Marie is diving into a question that comes up all the time in the photography world: is getting published actually worth it anymore? And if it is… how do you actually get your work accepted?

This conversation is honest, practical, and grounded in real experience. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should be spending time submitting your work to blogs and publications, this episode will give you clarity and direction.

What “getting published” really means today

• The difference between Instagram feature accounts vs. full blog/publication features
• Why not all “features” carry the same value

Is getting published still worth it?

• Why it doesn’t hold the same weight it once did
• When it can still benefit your business
• The role of backlinks and how they support your SEO
• How publications contribute to social proof for potential clients

The biggest mistake photographers make when submitting

• Why “good work” alone doesn’t guarantee acceptance
• The importance of aligning your work with a publication’s style

1. Study the publication before submitting Every publication has a unique style and preference. Submitting without understanding this is one of the fastest ways to get rejected.

2. Make sure your work is strong and consistent

• Cohesive editing and true-to-life skin tones
• Variety in composition, posing, and storytelling
• Intentional use of light

3. Curate your submission carefully Choose your best images and include a mix of:

• Detail shots
• Wide, scene-setting images
• Emotional, connection-driven moments

4. Follow submission guidelines exactly Editors receive a high volume of submissions. If you miss something small (file size, format, required info), your work may be skipped entirely.

5. Don’t overlook the details

• Some publications require session descriptions or background stories
• Many do not accept workshop or styled session work
• Always check what is allowed before submitting

6. Follow up (the right way) A short, respectful follow-up email can help ensure your submission was received—just don’t overdo it.

Getting published isn’t a magic bullet for business growth—but it can be a helpful piece of the puzzle when approached intentionally.

The key takeaway? Focus your energy where it matters most, and treat publication as a supporting strategy, not the main driver of your business.

And if you do decide to submit your work… go all in and do it well. Your work deserves to be seen.

Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com Instagram: @marie.elizabeth.photo

Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com Instagram: @light_livin_photography

If you loved this episode, it would mean so much if you left a review. It helps more photographers find the show and build a business that feels aligned, elevated, and sustainable 🤍

Episode Title: How to Create a Luxury Look in ANY Condition

What really makes an image feel luxurious?

It’s not the perfect light. It’s not the dream location. And it’s definitely not just having beautiful clients.

In this episode, we’re breaking down what actually creates a luxury experience and elevated imagery—from intentional client prep to how you pivot when things don’t go as planned (because they won’t always).

If you’ve ever felt like a session was “off” or not ideal, this episode will completely reframe how you approach your work and give you practical tools to still create magic.

1. Luxury is created, not found

• It starts long before the session
• Styling, communication, and intention set the tone
• You’re designing the outcome before you ever pick up your camera

2. How to prep clients for success

• Styling consults and guiding wardrobe choices
• Creating cohesive color palettes
• Removing overwhelm with clear direction
• Why this step alone dramatically elevates your work

3. What to do when things go wrong Real-life scenarios we cover:

• Clients showing up in off-brand outfits
• Kids melting down
• Stressful or chaotic session starts
• Cloudy or less-than-ideal conditions

And most importantly: how to still create a luxury gallery anyway

When things aren’t perfect, you don’t panic—you pivot.

Here’s what to lean into:

• Tight, intentional cropping to eliminate distractions
• Light as your strongest tool (backlighting, haze, glow)
• Foreground elements for depth and storytelling
• Creative angles (overhead, low angles, drone perspective)
• Motion blur & artistic techniques for emotional impact
• Negative space for softness and balance
• Movement + variety without constantly repositioning clients

• Slow things down instead of forcing smiles
• Focus on connection over perfection
• Reassure parents constantly
• Capture in-between moments (that’s where the magic is)
• Adjust your approach instead of resisting the moment

• Curate ruthlessly — not every image needs to be shared
• Prioritize skin tones for a high-end finish
• Enhance, don’t over-edit
• Only deliver and showcase your strongest work

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode:

Luxury isn’t about perfect conditions. It’s about taking full responsibility for creating something beautiful no matter what you’re given.

Marie shares how her background in music education shaped this mindset—focusing on doing whatever is in front of you exceptionally well.

Amber adds the reminder we all need: Let go of perfection. Stay present. That’s where your best work lives.

Prepare with intention. Lead with confidence. Then let go and trust yourself.

That’s the balance that creates both a luxury experience and a sustainable, joyful business.

Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com

Instagram: @marie.elizabeth.photo @light_livin_photography

If you loved this episode, it would mean so much if you left a review—it helps more photographers like you find the show 🤍

Q&A: Real-Time Answers to Your Biggest Photography Business Questions

In this episode, we’re switching things up and diving into a Q&A! Amber and I asked you on Instagram what your most pressing questions are in your photography business right now, and you delivered. Today, we’re answering as many as we can with honest, real-time insight into what’s actually working in our businesses right now.

If you’ve been wondering how to get more inquiries, refine your marketing, or confidently raise your prices… this episode is for you.

• How to get more eyes on your work (and turn that into real inquiries)
• The three marketing channels we’d focus on if we were starting today
• Instagram strategies that are actually working right now (and why carousels still convert)
• How to use SEO on Instagram and your blog to attract ideal clients
• Pinterest: is it worth it, and do you need to start over?
• How to handle comparison in the photography industry
• Booking more newborn sessions and positioning yourself as the expert
• Building a client wardrobe (and actually getting clients to use it)
• Setting boundaries with weekday sessions and making them desirable
• Navigating friends and discounts without it getting awkward
• What to do when you raise your prices and bookings slow down
• The biggest factor in converting inquiries into booked clients

• Visibility comes from intentional SEO + consistent, quality content
• Instagram is less about hacks and more about connection and value
• Your marketing should speak directly to your ideal client, not everyone
• Raising your prices means stepping into a new level of clientele
• Consultation calls can dramatically increase your booking rate and client trust

If you’ve been putting off creating a solid contract (or questioning if yours is actually protecting you), this is your sign.

Amber had her contract professionally created by a lawyer and made it available for photographers to use—so you don’t have to DIY something this important.

👉 https://lightlivinphotography.com/portrait-contract Use code PODCAST50 for 50% off

Marie: 🌐 https://marie-elizabethphotography.com 📷 Instagram: @marie.elizabeth.photo

Amber: 🌐 https://lightlivinphotography.com 📷 Instagram: @light_livin_photography

If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean so much if you left a review or shared it with a photographer friend. It helps more photographers discover the show and build businesses that feel aligned, elevated, and sustainable.