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.

Episode Title: Building Community and Posing Families Naturally with Adrianne Shelton of Beatific Visions Photography

Show Notes: In this episode of the Luxe & Legacy Podcast, we are joined by Adrianne Shelton of Beatific Visions Photography for a conversation about community, connection, and the art of creating natural family images.

Adrianne shares the heart behind founding The Kindred Path, an online family photography publication created to inspire photographers at every stage of their journey and foster meaningful connection in an industry that can sometimes feel isolating. We talk about how powerful it can be to reach out, build relationships with other photographers, and create a sense of community in your local market and beyond.

We also dive into Adrianne’s approach to family posing and how she leads sessions in a way that feels organic, playful, and true to each family. From preparing clients before the session to using simple prompts and movement-based direction, Adrianne offers so much wisdom for photographers who want to create images that feel both beautiful and natural.

If you have ever felt alone in your business, struggled to create authentic connection in your sessions, or wanted a fresh perspective on family posing, this episode is full of encouragement and practical takeaways.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why community matters so much in the photography industry

• How Adrianne started The Kindred Path in 2020

• Practical ways to build relationships with photographers in your local area

• Why leading with generosity creates stronger connection

• Adrianne’s philosophy for natural, connection-filled family sessions

• Simple rules and prompts that help families feel at ease

• How to work with kids in a playful, low-pressure way

• Tips for creating flattering images while keeping sessions organic

• The importance of helping clients feel prepared before the session begins

• Upcoming opportunities to learn from Adrianne through workshops and events

Connect with Adrianne: Website: https://beatificvisionsphotography.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindredpath/

Connect with us: Marie Elizabeth Photography: Website: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/ Instagram: https://lightlivinphotography.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/light_livin_photography/

Listen and subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, we would be so grateful if you left a review. It helps more photographers discover the show and become part of this community.

Choosing the Right Education for the Stage of Business You're In

Education is one of the most powerful ways photographers grow their artistry and businesses, but with so many courses, workshops, retreats, masterminds, and coaching programs available today, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start.

In this episode, Marie and Amber share how they’ve both invested in education throughout their careers and why continued learning has played such a big role in the growth of their businesses. They break down how the right education depends entirely on the stage of business you’re in, and how choosing wisely can help you move forward with more clarity and intention.

From beginner photographers building their technical foundation, to mid-career photographers refining their work, to photographers ready to step into the luxury market, this conversation walks through the types of education that tend to be the most impactful at each stage.

They also discuss how to evaluate educational opportunities, how to identify experienced educators, and why it’s important to budget both money and time for learning if you want to build a refined and profitable photography business.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should invest in a course, mentorship, retreat, or mastermind, this episode will help you approach those decisions with far more confidence.

• Why education should look different depending on your stage of business

• The best educational investments for beginner photographers building their foundation

• How mid-career photographers can refine their artistry, client experience, and brand

• When masterminds and coaching programs become the most valuable investment

• The key business shifts photographers make when moving into the luxury market

• Why brand alignment and marketing strategy matter for higher-end businesses

• How to recognize high-quality education and experienced educators

• What to look for in testimonials, reviews, and real-world results

• Why budgeting both money and time for education is essential for growth

The goal is not to collect courses that sit unfinished in your inbox.

The goal is to invest in the right education at the right stage so that it truly moves your business forward.

When photographers choose educational opportunities intentionally, those investments can shape their artistic voice, refine their client experience, and ultimately transform their business.

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

Light Livin Photography Website: https://lightlivinphotography.com Instagram: @light_livin_photography

Both Marie and Amber offer educational opportunities for photographers who want to build elevated, intentional businesses. You can explore their courses, mentorships, and upcoming offerings through their websites.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Luxe & Legacy Podcast and share it with a photographer who is growing their business with intention.

If you’ve ever looked at another photographer’s work and thought, How are they finding these locations?! this episode is for you.

Today, Marie and Amber break down what actually makes a location work for your style (not just what looks “pretty”), plus the practical ways they discover new spots year after year. From light and negative space to texture, layers, and avoiding distractions, this conversation will help you build a curated location list that supports a luxury, consistent brand and makes your sessions feel more intentional from the start.

You’ll also hear a real behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into “magical” locations, including scouting, permits, building relationships with property owners, and why it’s totally okay to keep certain spots private.

• Why “pretty” isn’t enough and how to choose locations that support your specific brand look

• What Marie and Amber look for first (and why light is still the dealbreaker)

• Negative space, depth, and avoiding “nature walls” that flatten your background

• How to use texture and layers to add refinement and dimension (foreground, mid-ground, background)

• How to think through environmental color and tone, especially on cloudy days

• Handling distractions like cars, trash cans, and crowds without ruining the image

• The best practical ways to find new locations:

  • Trusted photographer relationships (and how to ask respectfully)

  • Pinterest and reverse image search

  • Trail apps like AllTrails and local hiking or wildflower Facebook groups

  • Old-school Googling and learning from wedding photographer blogs

• Why scouting is non-negotiable, even if you found a location online

• Private property etiquette, permits, and how to avoid awkward session interruptions

• How knowing your criteria helps you start seeing location possibilities everywhere

Your locations aren’t just backgrounds. They’re part of your signature, and choosing them intentionally is one of the simplest ways to create recognizable work.

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

Light Livin Photography Website: https://lightlivinphotography.com Instagram: @light_livin_photography

If you enjoyed this episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a minute to leave a review of the Luxe & Legacy Podcast. Reviews help other photographers discover the show and join the community, and we truly appreciate the support.

If we were starting our photography businesses in 2026, we wouldn’t chase more sessions or try to grow as quickly as possible. We would focus on building a strong artistic foundation, a clear brand identity, and profitable pricing from the very beginning. In this episode, we share the exact order we would follow to build a luxury photography business with more clarity, confidence, and intention.

Building your portfolio intentionally through styled sessions We share why we would plan a full year of curated styled shoots to create a portfolio that reflects exactly what we want to be hired for. Styled sessions give you full creative control and serve as powerful marketing that shapes your brand identity.

Investing in education to elevate your work faster Your art is the foundation of your brand. We talk about why investing in high quality education early helps you refine your eye, build confidence, and create work that supports profitable pricing sooner.

Finding community while developing your own artistic voice Connecting with aligned photographers can provide support, inspiration, and shared learning. But it’s equally important to create independently so your work remains distinct and true to your vision.

Setting profitable pricing from the start Instead of slowly raising prices over years, we explain why it’s more effective to build a strong portfolio first, then set pricing based on your cost of doing business and long-term goals.

Reinvesting into your business to build momentum During the early stages, reinvesting income into marketing, education, and visibility helps create long-term consistency and growth.

Using SEO and social media together for visibility Social media builds connection and showcases your artistry, while SEO helps clients who are already searching find you. Both are essential for creating steady, aligned inquiries.

Curating a brand presence that reflects your ideal client Your website and Instagram should function like a gallery. Being selective about what you share helps position your brand as elevated and cohesive.

Niching down by following what energizes you Paying attention to which sessions inspire you most helps you refine your focus, attract aligned clients, and build a more fulfilling and profitable business.

The fastest way to build a luxury photography business is not by doing everything. It’s by building your portfolio, brand, and pricing with intention from the beginning.

Use code LEGACY200 for $200 off Amber’s photography courses. Links and a ChatGPT brand identity cheat sheet are available in the show notes.

Follow us on Instagram: Amber: @light_livin_photography Marie: @marie.elizabeth.photo

Website:

Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com/

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

If you enjoyed this episode, leaving a review helps other photographers discover the show.