What it actually looks like to open and run a photography studio.

Alex talks with @annalaurasommer, photographer and owner of @shinestudio.chs, about the shift from photographer to studio owner and everything that comes with it.

Anna Laura shares how she first got started in photography, what her business looked like before a studio was even on her radar, and the moment she realized her role was changing. They talk through the decision to open a physical studio, what made her feel ready to take that step, and the fears that came up before opening the doors.

The conversation gets into the real day to day of studio ownership, including admin, scheduling renters, + communication. Anna Laura also shares what surprised her most, what she wishes she had known earlier, and what she would tell someone thinking about opening a studio in their own area.

If you’ve ever thought about opening a studio or felt the pull toward the business owner side of photography, this episode offers an honest look behind the scenes.

DON’T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

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PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ https://www.photocampinfo.com

🎉MENTORSHIPS

If you’re craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET’S CONNECT 🫶

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephoto

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡 My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

I'm chattin' with @lindseycrawfordphoto to talk honestly about what it really looks like to transition into full time photography. From navigating burnout and slow seasons to building community and trusting yourself when nothing feels “official,” this conversation is real, practical, and soooo good to listen to if you want to become a full time photographer!

DON’T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

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🎉MENTORSHIPS If you’re craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET’S CONNECT 🫶

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephoto

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡

My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ https://www.photocampinfo.com

Scott Proposki has photographed for National Geographic, Sports Illustrated, HBO, the White House, and so many massive brands and teams, and then experienced a complete business and identity reset when the pandemic hit.

We talk about what it’s really like to lose momentum after building something big, how identity can quietly get wrapped up in our work, and why sustainable success for photographers has so much more to do with leadership, clarity, and problem solving than just “good photos.”

Scott shares the behind the scenes of rebuilding from scratch, why comparison can derail even the most experienced creatives, and how focusing on one thing (instead of 32 ideas at once 🙃) can change everything.

If you’re a photographer who feels stuck, overwhelmed, burnt out, or just unsure of what the next step should be, this episode is such an encouraging reminder that your story, your experience, and your perspective actually matter more than you think. This one is full of mindset shifts, practical wisdom, and a lot of “oh wow, I needed that” moments.

You’re going to love Scott and the heart behind what he’s building.

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🎉MENTORSHIPS

If you’re craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET’S CONNECT 🫶

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephoto

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡

My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ https://www.photocampinfo.com

DON’T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

omg it's my first podcast episode! in this episode, we talk about my life and have a little get to know moment, then hear my "why" behind starting a podast. come hang out with me!

In this episode, Alex Blake (@alexblakephotography) shares her best tips for shooting in harsh mid-day sunlight. Learn how to handle tricky lighting, avoid blown-out highlights, and make the most of your photos!

In This Episode:

● Challenges of Mid-Day Shoots: Harsh shadows, overexposure, and squinting.

● Tips: Use diffusers, find shade, try backlighting, and keep your ISO low.

● Posing & Editing: Use creative shadows, lower whites/highlights, and raise shadows in post-processing.

Connect with Alex Blake:

● Watch on YouTube: Alex Blake Photography

● Follow on Instagram: @alexblakephotography

● Photo Camp Info: Photo Camp

● AI CULLING/EDITING 30 DAY FREE TRIAL: https://aftershoot.com/friends?ref=alexotto.

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! 🎙️

Sharing all my current favs with you guys!!!

From my own editing trends and my new mic, to books I'm loving, Plato's Closet, and work tools (Aftershoot, Pass, + HoneyBook all linked below), and little happy things like reading the book of John and getting outside more.

Next week, my pal Maegan Grendell is joining me on the pod to answer your questions—check my IG stories to send one in!

LET'S CONNECT 🫶

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡

My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️

https://www.photocampinfo.com

DON'T FORGET!

🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

Photography retreats can feel intimidating at first. Like you need to be more experienced, more confident, or have everything figured out before you go. Spoiler alert: you don't.

In this episode, I'm sharing what I've actually learned from going to photography retreats over the years. The awkward first day energy, how much you learn just by watching other photographers shoot, why Instagram confidence disappears the second you meet people in real life, and why styled shoots feel so creatively freeing.

If you've ever thought about going to a retreat but felt nervous, unsure, or like you might not fit in, this one's for you. It's light, honest, and very real.

Hit play and hang out with me 🎧

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🎉MENTORSHIPS If you're craving direction in your photo business, want real, honest guidance, or just wanna hang with me in person—my 1:1 mentorships are open (in person or virtual)! https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/services

LET'S CONNECT 🫶 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephoto

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Alexblakephoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexblakephotography

STUFF I SWEAR BY 🫡 My Gear, Bible Stuff, + Life Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexblakeotto

Pass Gallery – 1 Month Free: https://alexblakephotography.passgallery.com/referral

AI Editing (30-Day Free Trial): https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=alexotto

HoneyBook Discount (Get organized!): https://share.honeybook.com/alex89263

Merch, Presets, & More: https://www.alexblakeeducation.com/

PHOTO CAMP INFO 🌊⛺️ https://www.photocampinfo.com

DON'T FORGET! 🎙️ Rate, review & subscribe to the pod to stay inspired + support the show!

In this episode, Alex Blake (@alexblakephotography) welcomes Abbey Jo (@abbeyjophotos), a talented brand photographer based in San Diego. As a new mom-to-be, Abbey shares her journey from shooting weddings to focusing on brand work, all while maintaining a beautiful film-inspired aesthetic in her photography.

In This Episode:

- Abbey introduces herself and shares her current photography gear and what she shoots.

- Insights on how pregnancy and motherhood will influence her creative process and business.

- A deep dive into Abbey's film-inspired style and how she achieves that look in digital photography.

- The exciting journey of developing presets to match her aesthetic.

- What she loves most about lifestyle and editorial photography in Southern California.

- How her faith shapes her work as a photographer and entrepreneur.

- Advice for photographers looking to transition into brand work from other niches.

- Memorable and challenging shoots, including any horror stories she has to share.

- What Abbey is most excited about as she embraces motherhood and upcoming projects.

Connect with Alex Blake:

- Watch on YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography)

- Follow on Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography)

- Photo Camp Info: (http://photocampinfo.com)

Connect with Abbey Jo:

- Instagram: [@abbeyjophotos](https://www.instagram.com/abbeyjophotos)

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast!