Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast

What if tuning into your body could unlock more creativity, clarity, and connection in your photography work? In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by photographer and podcast host Danika, for a free-flowing conversation on the role that movement and mindfulness play in helping us stay grounded, inspired, and intentional — both behind the lens and in life. We talk about what movement looks like beyond exercise — how it helps photographers regulate energy, access joy, and stay present in high-pressure moments. From puddle-jumping in the rain to mindful post-wedding workflows, Sara shares powerful insights on staying connected to your body and creativity. Our conversation took some personal turns as we reflected on birth and motherhood, marveling at how capable and wise our bodies truly are. It all tied back to the episode’s theme: the importance of listening inward. The conversation flowed as if we’d known each other for years, and Sara brought so much depth, intention, and practical wisdom. In this episode, we explore: — How to use movement as a reset before, during, and after photo sessions and weddings. — Embodied mindfulness and what that actually looks like in a creative business.— Playful movement practices that reignite creative energy.— The value of slowing down, trusting your body, and redefining productivity.If you’re a photographer or creative who wants to feel more present, intentional, and creatively fueled, this episode will meet you right where you are.📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode > ✔️Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE > saramonika.com/workflow✔️ Danika’s Sharp Shooter Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zFAXGh10xOCVURtgVtFb9✔️ Danika’s Shop for Photographers (where you can find her freebies -- Her Business Apps Revealed and Running Your Business with a Baby Masterclass): https://stan.store/sharpshooterpod✔️ Danika’s Photo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharpshooter.photo/✔️ Danika’s Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharpshooter.pod/✔️ Danika’s Website: www.sharpshooter-ssp.com👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!Photography account: @saramonikaphotoEducation account: @sara.monika ✅SUBSCRIBEIf you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. Leave a Review 🙏If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!To all YOUR success,Sara

Ever felt that pit in your stomach when you check your bank account or just totally overwhelmed with how to manage your money in your photography business? You’re not alone. In this episode, I open up about how a tough financial year – one that started with just $30k in guaranteed revenue for 2024 – became the turning point that completely transformed how I manage money. I share the simple, sustainable system that helped me grow my revenue to $195k in under 12 months, how I set up my bank accounts for clarity and calm, and the practical steps I took to rebuild trust in myself as a business owner. If finances have ever felt overwhelming or confusing, this one's for you.In this week’s episode you’ll discover:The real, raw details of how I almost ran out of money and what caused it 😳The simple yet powerful money management system I discovered that saved the day and how you can use it in your business 💸A behind-the-scenes breakdown of my bank accounts, including how I allocate my money into different accounts to create clarity, peace of mind, and stay on track with my goals ✅My best tips and tool recommendations for making your "CEO money date" fun, enjoyable and easy to stick to 📅How I went from having only $30k in guaranteed revenue at the start of the year, to a $195k year at the end of the year: the exact steps I took to revitalize my business and create financial security (this is a must-listen if you’re not where you want to be financially right now!) 👀📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode > ✔️Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE > saramonika.com/workflow✔️ Discover more resources on my website > saramonika.com/photographers✔️ Profit First by Mike Michalowicz > https://amzn.to/4lpleVh👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!Photography account: @saramonikaphotoEducation account: @sara.monika ✅SUBSCRIBEIf you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. Leave a Review 🙏If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!To all YOUR success,Sara

Ever wondered how a photographer you admire got “that” shot? The one that stops your scroll and immediately gets you curious? I know I do! And so I figured, why don’t I be that person for someone else and take you behind-the-scenes of my latest wedding in Mexico, so you can steal an idea or two for your next shoot.In this over-the shoulder tutorial, you’ll:Get a behind-the-scenes look at how I prompted my couple on the day thanks to footage from my new Meta glasses! 👓Learn how I use engagement questionnaires to understand a couple’s unique energy and capture their connection authentically on wedding days 📋Watch me edit a photo in real time and get a walkthrough of my editing process, tools and techniques 💻Discover how I use ImagenAI to create a strong base edit (+ how you can get 1500 free edits free!) 🤖Get free access to my 3 Hour Post Wedding Workflow Checklist to see exactly which parts of the process I outsource, why, and how much time it saves me ⏰📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode > ✔️Get my 3-Hour Post Wedding Workflow FREE > saramonika.com/workflow✔️ Get my engagement questionnaire questions FREE > saramonika.com/questions✔️ Imagen Ai, how I get a stronger base edit for less time spent on editing. Sign up using the link to get 1500 free edits ➡︎ https://imagen-ai.com/?ref_id=151662007✔️ Discover more resources on my website > saramonika.com/photographers👋🏻Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!Photography account: @saramonikaphotoEducation account: @sara.monika ✅SUBSCRIBEIf you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. Leave a Review 🙏If you feel like you've gotten a lot of value from my podcast, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by letting me know what you love about it! It helps me reach + help more photographers like you!Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!To all YOUR success,Sara

I'm hooking you up with the audio replay from a recent OME alumni Q&A panel call with a few of my Outsourcing Made Easy alumni students: Tia, Jennifer, and Bri.They are crushing experiencing being the embodiment of a time + income abundant photographer - and you get to learn from them directly for free! 📷✨🎉🙌🏻​Get your burning outsourcing questions answered right now by pressing play now on this episode.​​Here are just some of the questions they answered that were pre submitted by you all!👇🏻​​✨ Where is the best place to find a good editor?​✨ Has outsourcing affected your income in a way where your expenses increased so your income dropped? It’s hard for me to wrap my head around working less and making more being actually attainable.​✨What questions should I be asking myself to unearth who my ideal VA even is?​✨ If I start outsourcing, what should I outsource first? My editing, culling, admin tasks? Ahh i need help with it all!​✨ I heard Sara mention that the way she teaches outsourcing is very affordable. Is that true?​✨ How did you know it was the right time for you to start learning how to outsource?​✨ What’s your favourite part about getting your time back through outsourcing?​✨ I really want to join OME but I’m nervous to make the investment, how did you finally decide you’re gonna go ahead and commit to taking the course?​✨ What fear popped up for you before joining OME that almost stopped you from signing up but you’re SO glad you didn’t listen to it?​✨ I feel like I’m drowning right now. I can’t even fathom adding another thing to my to do list, let alone a course, should I wait to sign up next year when hopefully I’ll have my ducks in a row then?​And we covered even more!!🌞​So grab a drink, get cozy, get editing, and hit play on this replay and enjoy soaking in all this wisdom while we keep you company! 💖🌞Join Outsourcing Made Easy here

Mom photographers (and photographers that want to work less hard + make more), this bonus episode is for you specifically! (if you want to work fewer hours + STILL make the income you desire).Get your free spot in my once yearly FREE live Masterclass "The 4 Secrets To Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer"And in case you’ve been around here for a while and attended this class before, here’s a quick rundown of why you should join (or join again) this year:👉 Each year I refresh and improve this class with the most up-to-date industry stats, transparent numbers from my own business, and “working right now” pricing guidance so you know exactly how much outsourcing will be for you (and hint: it’s the most affordable it’s ever been) 💸👉 I’ll also sharing a brand-new 3-step outsourcing framework which actually gives you results you’re happy with 🤯👉 This is one of the only ways to get FREE live coaching from me (I always leave as much time that is needed at the end to troubleshoot your biggest questions and challenges)👉 You’ll get to connect with like-minded photographers from all over the world who understand *exactly* what you’re going through (which we all need more of in our lives! You can’t get that on a replay ;) 💛👉 Our brains love repetition. If you loved this class but were snowed under at the time or simply need to light a fire under yourself again to make this happen for you…Get your free spot in my once yearly FREE live Masterclass "The 4 Secrets To Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer"See ya there!

My once-yearly training + implementation program Outsourcing Made Easy for Photographers is BACK! And today, I’m beyond excited to share a special three-way episode (lol three-way 😉) with two of my incredible students, Bri & Montana. Why the pairing?Because Bri and Montana have not only been hugely successful on their outsourcing journeys and have tons of wisdom to share with you! - like how affordable it was for them to get 319 hrs back of their lives through outsourcing, but they’ve also formed a budding friendship thanks to the OME community (which makes my heart swell with pride) 🥹And they’re not the only ones! I regularly get feedback from my students that the community is one of the best parts of their experience. AND I also regularly get feedback of how EASY and AFFORDABLE outsourcing is with my smart outsourcing workflows!Tune in to this week’s episode to discover:✨ What drew Bri (a stay at home mom + photographer) to start outsourcing in her business as a struggling mom on the brink of quitting photography altogether 😢✨ What drew Montana to start outsourcing in her business and how she was able to spot the signs BEFORE experiencing burnout in her business 💪✨  What Bri’s life looks like now and the ripple effect that fixing your work situation has on ALL areas of your life and psyche as a stay at home mom! 🧠✨  What Montana’s life looks like now and how it feels to experience busy season WITHOUT getting behind 💁‍♀️✨ What you need to hear if outsourcing hasn't gone well for you in the past and why the occasional poor-fit first hire can be a blessing in disguise✨ How Bri and Montana were able to catch each other before slipping into old patterns and how they were able to supercharge their success TOGETHER 🤝✨ The mindset shift you need to hear if you think you don’t have the time or bandwidth to train someone else to support you in your business 🫠✨ A breakdown of how much money Bri + Montana have spent and how many hours they’ve saved thanks to outsourcing 💸This episode will give you the REAL scoop on what it’s like inside Outsourcing Made Easy from people who were in your shoes not so long ago, so I encourage you to soak up every last second of it as soon as possible.And remember, doors are open NOW and will close soon for the entire year ⏰So whether you’re teetering on the edge of burnout or just dreaming of more time to focus on the things that light you up, this is your time to make a change and to make some new business besties along the way! You do NOT have to do this alone (nor are you supposed to). I’m here to support you every step of the way – to care about you, to challenge you… all of it. Your success is MY success. All you’ve got to do is take the first step 💛Just click here to join the crew 😎RESOURCESSign up for Imagen Ai here and get 1500 free editsJoin Outsourcing Made Easy here > Bri's website >Bri's Instagram > Montana's Website >Montana's Instagram > 

I don’t know about you, But if I can avoid a painful experience simply by learning from somebody else’s story…. Sign. me. up!It’s also the reason I’m an open book when it comes to my own challenges and mistakes, because I’m always thinking about how my story can ultimately help someone else avoid what I went through #silverlinings.And today is one of those days where I’m sharing a story that I KNOW so many photographers need to hear, so they can avoid the same trap too 💛In this week’s episode of The Shine + Thrive Photography Podcast you’ll meet Nicole, who was doing it ALL in her photography business (sound familiar?)Until her body literally gave out and she landed in the hospital with burnout 💔Tune in to discover…✨ The series of events (and the laundry-list of things) Nicole was doing in her business that that led her to being hospitalized with burnout – and how this experience finally forced her to make a change and start outsourcing 🥴(Important: if you’re doing a lot of the same things Nicole mentions in this part, PLEASE don’t let it get to this point – take this as a warning sign to get help in YOUR biz, too!) ⚠️✨ What Nicole’s life looks like now – from the changes in her personal life, to the improvements in her client experience, to raising her prices, DOUBLING her Instagram following, and more! 🤯✨ A step-by-step breakdown of all the things Nicole now outsources in her business, how much she pays for this support, and how many hours she saves a week on average 🗓️✨ The limiting beliefs Nicole had to overcome to get to this point in her business (don’t miss this part if you struggle with letting go of control!) 👋✨ How Nicole’s first experience with a VA didn’t go according to plan but how that paved the way for an even better relationship with her second VA (if you’ve tried outsourcing before and it didn’t go well, this could be why) 👀✨ How Nicole’s desire to have children one day sped up her decision to outsource, plus my perspective of how becoming a parent changed the way I approach my photography business 👶✨ Why you should NOT wait until you’re in the thick of busy season to get support and Nicole’s final words of advice for anyone thinking about starting outsourcing 🗣️Resources + Links:FREE Live Masterclass: “The 4 Secrets To Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer”Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority ListNicole’s WebsiteNicole’s InstagramNicole’s Instagram (Boudoir)Nicole’s TikTok

Today, I want to talk about the difference between struggling photographers and time and income abundant photographers. Yesterday, I watched a show called "Million Dollar Listing" and it got me thinking about success and abundance. There was a couple on the show who seemed to have it all - a successful real estate business, a beautiful house, and all the material possessions one could desire. But as I watched, I realized that they were overworked, stressed, and constantly on the verge of burnout. It broke my heart to see them sacrificing their well-being and family time for the sake of their business. This got me thinking about photographers who are in a similar situation - overworked, underpaid, and struggling to find balance. Many photographers are doing everything themselves, which leads to exhaustion and low income. In fact, when you calculate the hours worked and the income earned, most photographers are making less than minimum wage. It's a heartbreaking reality. That's why I'm so passionate about teaching photographers how to work smarter instead of harder. Outsourcing is the key to reclaiming your time and increasing your income. By delegating tasks like editing, culling, and album design, you can free up your schedule and focus on what you love most - capturing beautiful moments. I've been outsourcing for nine years now, and it has been a game-changer for my business. It allows me to work fewer hours, make more money, and have more time for my family and well-being. I want to share this knowledge with you all because I believe that success is not just about money and possessions. It's about living a slow, abundant life where you have the time and freedom to enjoy the fruits of your labor. If you resonate with any of the symptoms of an underpaid and overworked photographer - constantly playing catch-up, feeling low energy and creativity, and hitting an income ceiling - I encourage you to explore the possibility of outsourcing. It may seem daunting at first, but it's the fastest and most effective way to reclaim your time and increase your income. I'll be hosting a free masterclass where I'll be sharing “The 4 Secrets To Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer”. I'll also be sharing my three-step outsourcing made easy framework, which has helped hundreds of photographers transform their businesses! This masterclass is live, so you'll have the opportunity to ask me questions and connect with other photographers in the community! Cheers to slow, abundant living and becoming time and income abundant photographers together! I'm here to support you every step of the way. Click the link below or DM me the word “masterclass” on my Instagram @saramonikaphoto for the registration link.RESOURCE + LINKS: “The 4 Secrets To Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer” FREE live Masterclass 

Imagine being able to work as little as 2 to 4 hours a day and still run a thriving six figure photography business (← yep, read that again) 🤯This has been my reality and the reality of many of my Outsourcing Made Easy students for a while now… I remember feeling like nobody could do things as well as I could in my business… Like it was a badge of honor to do everything myself… Like my clients would think less of me if they saw I had support… Like I couldn’t afford it, where would I even start, what if the person I brought in got things wrong and MY WHOLE BUSINESS BURNED DOWN…  Okay a liiittle dramatic but you get my drift, right? 😅Which is why whether you’re new to my community or an old timer, you’ll notice that I constantly share REAL, “no-details-held-back” examples from my students to help PROVE what’s possible for you, too #cantstopwontstop 😂Because truthfully, the “doing” part of outsourcing is the easy part. The hard part is getting over all of those limiting beliefs that stop you from getting started in the first place.Which is why I’m so excited to share that it’s *that* time of year again! 🎉 For the next few weeks, you’ll get to hear directly from my Outsourcing Made Easy students about their experiences. And boy, do I have a great episode to kick things off with this week 🙌 On this week’s episode of The Shine + Thrive Photography Podcast you’ll meet Jessica, who was able to get back a minimum of 15 hours per week, sometimes only working 2 hours a day 🤩Tune in to discover:✨ How Jessica was able to get over the belief that nobody can do things as well as she can in her business AND her desire to want to do all of those things herself✨ The first “baby step” things Jessica started outsourcing and in what order 📋✨ How quickly Jessica was able to find a VA, the number of hours they started with, and how much Jessica paid for this support (hint: it’s WAY more affordable than you might think!)✨ What Jessica’s life looks like now and how she’s adjusted to working sometimes as little as 2 (!!) hours a day 🤯✨ All of the things Jessica’s VA now helps with that give Jessica back a minimum of 15 hours a week (including things you may not have even realized you could outsource yet!) ✨ How many hours Jessica has saved across the year vs. how much she spent on this support 💸✨ What Jessica loved most about Outsourcing Made Easy and her final words of advice for anyone who may be toying with getting started on their outsourcing journeyResources + Links:Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority ListJessica’s Annual Pet Calendar Contest Fundraiser: GoGo Photo ContestJessica’s WebsiteJessica’s FacebookJessica’s Instagram

I LOVE a good student success story and this one with Katie Silva, one of my Outsourcing Made Easy students, gives me all the feels! Come on a journey with us to discover how Katie was able to transform her life and business through OME these past few years, plus her advice for starting your own outsourcing journey (whatever that may look like for you!)...Tune in to learn…Katie’s pre-Outsourcing Made Easy journey – from leaving her government job, to Covid cancellations in 2020, to discovering boudoir photography, to opening her own studio [10.21]A snapshot of Katie’s life at her most overwhelmed, and how she was able to move through her fear and throw herself into outsourcing [17.06], [20.47]Why looking for a “magic pill” won’t work if you’re feeling burnt out right now and the *real* secret to sustainable, long-term success as a photographer [22.42]A deep dive into all the things Katie now outsources and her learnings along the way [25.38]How Katie hired an in-person assistant to maximize her time on shoot days and stay firmly in her zone of genius (+ keep her clients even happier!) [29.00]Katie’s most stubbornly-held false belief around outsourcing, which she has now overcome (and how you can too!) [31.59]A handful of the pursuits Katie now channels her new-found energy into and how her relationships have changed for the better thanks to OME [39.59]The number #1 thing you NEED to hear if you think paying someone else to do something you “could” technically do yourself is a waste of money (and why it’s a sure-fire way to keep yourself in burnout city) [36.51]Katie’s favorite parts of OME and the importance of a strong, supportive community throughout your outsourcing journey [43.54]What happened when two of Katie’s Tik Toks went viral and McDonalds slid into her DMs… (yup, for reals!) [47.52]Why it’s NEVER too early (or too late!) to get on the outsourcing train [49.34]Katie’s final words for anyone considering Outsourcing Made Easy <3 [56.34]RESOURCES + LINKS:Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for PhotographersGet on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority ListFree Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer