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"This felt hard to do, but my soul feels nourished and free!" - Sara Sara records a voice note while waiting to pick up Ben and announces she’s pausing the education side of her business, including the podcast, and will not relaunch Outsourcing Made Easy (OME) with group coaching calls this fall after running it each y for 6 years. She explains the shift is about honoring her evolving self, and she’ll accept education opportunities like mentoring or VIP days case-by-case; the OME course-only library and Facebook community will remain available. She shares a major personal season of uncertainty involving selling their house, losing their 16-year-old dog Abby in December, and eventually finding a better home with a river in the backyard, which contributed to her need for spaciousness. She encourages listeners to accept ebbs and flows, practice self-compassion, and design a business to meet personal needs rather than chase constant growth. Timestamps 00:00 Car Voice Note Intro 01:49 Big Business Pause 02:55 Why OME Is On Hold 05:48 What Still Available 08:50 House Hunt And Loss 13:20 Ebb Flow Lessons 17:31 Self Compassion Reset 23:14 Design For Your Needs 26:29 Stay Connected Outro Resources - To inquire about Outsourcing Made Easy or 1:1 mentoring, inquire directly with Sara on IG @saramonikaphoto or her email [email protected] - Intuitive Wedding Storytelling self-paced course - Crystal Clear Marketing self-paced mini course

After feeling lost and pressured to have everything figured out in the evolution of my business, I share a new approach of taking the pressure off, following my excitement, and recording raw, low-production podcast episodes with no expectations or fixed schedule.  I also go into how using Jenna Zoe’s human design app, Align (especially its “Ask Jenna” AI feature) helped me get HUGE clarity by answering questions based on my personal chart! THIS IS A GAME-CHANGER! I then tell a post office story about discovering a cheaper way to ship client packages after a frustrating return, illustrating the lesson that events are neutral and we can’t label them as good or bad. Jenna Zoe's Align App Connect with me on IG @saramonikaphoto

In this short solo episode, I share a simple mindset shift I use when I’m tired, overwhelmed, or procrastinating during busy seasons. This is a quick, grounding practice to help you finish what you’ve committed to with more presence and energy. You’ll hear about: • A grounding breath and embodiment practice to bring you back into the present moment  • How I connect to the future joy and gratitude of my clients to fuel my energy now  • Why this works through the law of reciprocity  • Why it’s okay to use a “band-aid” mindset shift during intense seasons  • How gratitude and focused intention can help you work more efficiently! This episode is meant to be a quick hit of encouragement to help you get through the end of season! :) Connect with my on Instagram here > @saramonikaphoto

In this episode, I share the two identities I didn’t realize I was still clinging to—and how releasing them has created more ease, creativity, and connection in my life. This is a grounding, heart-led riff on: Why we resist change (even when we crave it)What your morning routine might be trying to tell youIdentity evolution as a creative and a motherThe sneaky programming we inherit around “success” and “womanhood”Why the real power is in the pauseIf you’ve been feeling like the version of you that once worked… no longer fits, you’re not broken. You’re evolving!! Resources mentioned (not sponsored just sharing what I love): - My morning green juice: THRIVE peach flavour - Theralite SAD Lamp - Organic Adaptogen Coffee with Ashwagandha - Manifestation Babe Academy - Meghan Markle’s “With Love” series on Netflix  🌞Dm me your takeaways: @saramonikaphoto

What if you could take 300 hours of editing, culling, and admin off your plate — and fall back in love with your photography business in the process? In this episode, I chat with OME student Anika about how she reclaimed her time, creativity, and peace of mind — after nearly giving up on weddings for good. We dive into: How she went from “burnt to a crisp” to booked and balancedThe exact tasks she outsourced (and what she still does herself)Why hiring a specialized editor changed everythingWhat happened when she had to fire her VA mid-seasonHow outsourcing let her enjoy fall again, spend time with family, and actually restThis is the final student story in the series — and it’s the perfect dose of motivation for any photographer who feels overworked right now. 🎧 Listen now and imagine what 300 hours back could look like for you. 🔗 Links & Resources: Join Outsourcing Made Easy here 🌞Connect with Anika on IG: @amari_studiosCheck out Anika’s presets on her website

What if next wedding season didn’t feel like a blur of burnout… but instead felt like expansive time-freedom? In this episode, I’m chatting with photographer and mom of two, Brooke Murray, about the real changes she made to reclaim 90+ hours of her life — in just one wedding season. We talk about: Her exact breaking point last summer — and what changed everythinghow she reclaimed 90+ hours, booked more weddings than ever, and delivered galleries faster without burning out.What it actually looks like to outsource editing (without losing control)How much it costsHow she shifted from “just keeping up” to actually thrivingThe surprising freedom and clarity that came from getting supportWhether you're feeling stuck in the editing hamster wheel or just craving more space in your schedule, Brooke’s story is full of hope and actionable takeaways. 🎧 Listen now and imagine what's possible for your next season. 🌞 Join OME and start reclaiming your time →  Connect with Brooke @brookemurrayphotography

What if more bookings didn’t have to mean more burnout? 🙌🏻 In this episode, I sit down with luxury wedding photographer Mark, who photographed 50 weddings last year...without burning out 🎊 But here’s what really blew me away. Mark didn’t just find an outsourcing system that worked. He found his joy again. If you’re deep in the editing cave, juggling a full client load, and wondering “How long can I keep this up?” — this one is for you. Inside this episode, you’ll hear 👇🏻 The turning point where Mark realized: “If I don’t make a change, I’m going to quit.”Why outsourcing reignited his creativity and helped him fall back in love with photographyThe small investment that saved him 1500 hours of his timeHow he built a business that supports travel, rest, and daily beach timeThe biggest mindset shifts that allowed him to trust, let go, and grow sustainablyThe emotional shift from feeling like a machine… to feeling like an artist againThis one is especially for you if 👇🏻 You’re fully booked but constantly behindYou feel like you “should be grateful,” but you’re running on fumesYou want to grow your business without sacrificing your life in the processMark’s story is proof that your business can thrive — without burning you out.  You just need the right support system. 🌞 Join the Outsourcing Made Easy waitlist here → 👥 Connect with Mark on Instagram here →

💭 What if the burnout you’re feeling right now…is actually your promotion? You built the business you once dreamt of! 🎉You have the clients, the bookings, the revenue. But somewhere along the way, your time disappeared, your energy tanked, and the dream started to feel like a weight 😔 You’re not broken. You’re just at capacity! That’s not failure. That’s a sign! It means it’s time to run your business differently 🙌🏻 👉 In this 9-minute live replay, I walk you through: • Why burnout is often a soul signal, not a stop sign • How this season of stress might actually be your invitation to grow into the next version of your business • And what I want you to know so you don’t repeat this same cycle next year And… Join my the free live training I host only once a year: How to Reclaim 15+ Hours/Week Without Sacrificing Quality or Income as a Photographer. I’ll teach you how to cut up to 70% of your computer work, the mindset shifts photographers must make before hiring help, and my 3-Part Outsourcing Made Easy™ Framework that’s helped 190+ photographers take their time and peace back. 👉 Save your seat (or get the replay) → 🌞 Join the Outsourcing Made Easy waitlist here →

From drowning in 30 weddings to floating in a river while her VA sent contracts and a wedding from a couple days ago was being culled (by her virtual assistant). In this episode, I sit down with Katie Shaw, a wedding photographer and twin mama, who doubled her income while working 65% less. We dive into how she reclaimed over 223 hours of her time, invested $2100 into support that generated a $70K+ raise for herself, and built a business that runs without her while she’s camping. Katie shares what it looked like to navigate grief, motherhood, burnout, and finally let go of doing it all. If you’ve been wondering if time freedom and income can coexist, this episode is your proof. Katie Shaw's Instagram Want the framework Katie used to start outsourcing with clarity and confidence? 🌞 Join the Outsourcing Made Easy waitlist here →  Join my free live masterclass I host only once a year: How to Reclaim 15+ Hours/Week Without Sacrificing Quality or Income as a Photographer. I’ll teach you how to cut up to 70% of your computer work, the mindset shifts photographers must make before hiring help, and my 3-Part Outsourcing Made Easy™ Framework that’s helped 190+ photographers take their time and peace back. 👉 Save your seat (or get the replay) →

If you’re staring down a mile-long to-do list, still editing 10 hours a day, and wondering how you’re supposed to keep this pace up until the end of the season—this episode is for you. Sara shares the real reason most photographers stay stuck in the hustle-then-crash pattern… and the one number that can change how you work, rest, and grow moving forward. In this short, powerful episode, you’ll learn how a free 3-minute tool can help you: ✔️ Calculate the cost of reclaiming 5, 10, or even 20 hours a week—without sacrificing income or quality ✔️ Discover your Freedom Hourly Rate (and how to actually hit your income goals without burnout) ✔️ Understand HOW to continue building your photography business in a way that honours your time, energetic, and creative needs, while making great money at the same time! If you’ve ever said, “I just need a break…” this is your moment. 🔗 Links Mentioned: → Try the Time Freedom Calculator (it’s free!) 🕊️ saramonika.com/calculator 🎧 Loved this episode? DM me on Instagram @saramonikaphoto and share your Freedom Hourly Rate —and also share this episode with a photographer friend to give them hope too!

If you’ve ever thought “I just need to hire someone for marketing and I’ll finally feel caught up,” this episode is your intervention—delivered with love, truth, and strategy. Today I’m sharing the biggest mistake I made when I started outsourcing, what it really cost me (time, money, energy), and the shift I wish I made first. If you’re overwhelmed, doing it all yourself, or hiring out of urgency—this episode will help you reclaim your clarity before you spend another dollar. In this 15-minute episode, you’ll learn: The hiring mistake that drained me instead of saving meWhy “expensive” support isn’t always better supportThe order of operations that makes outsourcing actually workHow to get quality help at $6/hour CAD—ethically and effectivelyThe mindset shift that helped me reclaim 15–30+ hours a week and finally step into the the freedom-first business I was craving🔗Try the Time Freedom Calculator (free)  In 3 minutes, you’ll see what it would actually cost to buy back 5–20 hours/week of your time—with support that’s values-aligned, ethical, and totally within reach. Discover your cost of outsourcing (it’s less than you think)Get your custom dream hourly rate✨ Save your seat for the once-yearly free live masterclass: If you’re ready to work less, earn more, and finally have time for what matters most—this is your next step. 🔗 How to Reclaim 15+ Hours/Week Without Sacrificing Quality or Income To protecting your energy,  Sara

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most overlooked reasons photographers stay stuck in burnout—even when their business looks amazing from the outside. You’ll discover the key difference between building a photography brand vs. a business, and why values-aligned workflows are the missing link to creative freedom and sustainable income. In this episode, you’ll learn:  • How I delivered 7 weddings in 1 month without burning out  • The myth that success = working hard (and how to ditch it)  • Why your brand shouldn’t be doing all the heavy lifting  • What a workflow-focused business actually looks like • How to start reclaiming your time without sacrificing quality 🎁 Want to reclaim 15+ hours/week? Join my free live masterclass available only once a year: saramonika.com/masterclass 👋🏻 Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you! Photography account: @saramonikaphoto ✅ SUBSCRIBE If 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 feel like you’re stuck in “safe mode” on wedding days – shooting what you think you should instead of what truly lights you up? Maybe you crave those soulful, layered images that make your heart skip a beat, but fear, burnout, or the pressure to deliver “must-have” shots keeps you playing small. If you’re ready to break free and capture the real essence of your couples, this episode is your permission slip. I sat down with Raphaëlle Granger – documentary wedding photographer, educator, and all-around creative soul – to unpack how she ditched her safe zone, started shooting more fearlessly, and attracted dream clients who value her unique vision.  Tune in to discover: Why playing it safe with your photos is holding you back and how Raphaëlle broke free to shoot with fearless creativity  Mini show-and-tell: watch us break down 3 of Raphaëlle’s recent wedding photos and how she got those soulful, candid shots (even when the days felt chaotic)  The second shooter hack that frees you up to take risks and experiment – without missing the “safe” shots  Tips to help your guests forget the camera is there so you capture genuine candids  How to attract hell yes clients (and gently turn away the ones who aren’t a fit) How Raphaëlle broke through her $3.5K pricing ceiling and started booking higher-paying clients who love her fearless style 📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗  ✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode ✔️ See Raphaëlle’s soulful images from the episode ✔️ Free resource from Raphaëlle ✔️ Check out Raphaëlle’s Mentorship & Educational Resources ✔️ Connect with Raphaëlle on Instagram ✔️ Discover more resources for photographers  👋🏻 Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you! Photography account: @saramonikaphoto Education account: @sara.monika ✅ SUBSCRIBE If 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 feel like you’re hustling nonstop – shooting, editing, delivering, and still wondering where all your time (+ money) went? Maybe you’re hitting those “six-figure” milestones, but behind the scenes, you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and missing out on the life you actually want. If you’ve ever felt stuck on the hamster wheel, battling mom guilt, burnout, or the fear of raising your prices, this episode is for you. Today I’m joined by Alora Rachelle, who gets real about her journey from overbooked and underpaid to working less and charging more as a photographer and busy mom of two. We dive deep into the mindset shifts, practical strategies, and honest stories that will help you break free from the grind and step into a business (and life) that truly lights you up. In this week’s episode you’ll discover: Why just “working harder” isn’t the answer – and how simplifying your business can actually unlock more income and freedom  How Alora raised her prices (and how you can do it too without losing bookings or feeling “salesy”) How to spot the difference between a marketing problem and a sales or mindset block – and what to do about it  The journaling prompts and reframes that melt away imposter syndrome before every sales call How to lead sales conversations with confidence, serve your clients deeply, and attract dream bookings with ease  Real-life stories of photographers who doubled their prices, booked higher-ticket clients, and reclaimed their time (and joy!) to inspire you on your journey 📄RESOURCES + LINKS🔗 ✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode ✔️ Alora’s Free Training: How to Book $10K Weddings This Year – Learn how to master the art of brand, marketing and sales without booking more than 20 weddings a year ✔️ Apply for Alora’s Wedding Atelier Program – Get personalized support to raise your prices, book dream clients, and reclaim your time ✔️ The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron – The journaling book that changed both our lives   ✔️ E-Squared by Pam Grout – Mindset experiments to see what’s possible ✔️ Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen – A must-read for shifting your self-talk ✔️  Connect with Alora on Instagram ✔️ Listen to the Wedding Atelier Podcast 👋🏻 Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you! Photography account: @saramonikaphoto Education account: @sara.monika ✅ SUBSCRIBE If 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

Real talk: finding a second shooter you can actually trust (who cares as much as you do) can feel like a tall order. Maybe you’ve been burned by “bare minimum” seconds, or you’re stuck in the cycle of doing it all yourself because letting go of control feels scary. But what if you could finally get trusted support, book more dream gigs, and reignite your own creative spark – without sacrificing your standards or sanity? In this episode, I sit down with Jimmy Lick, founder of Second Society – a vetted network that makes finding, hiring, and being a second shooter easier (and more fun) than ever. We dive into practical strategies and surprising mindset shifts to help you hire (or become) a second shooter who truly elevates the experience – so you can save time, serve your clients better, and fall back in love with your business. In this week’s episode you’ll discover: The origin story behind Second Society: How Jimmy turned a simple idea into a 4,000+ strong platform for photographers  Why hiring a vetted second shooter is so important – and what to look for beyond just skill (this one thing can make or break your entire experience)  The biggest red and green flags we’ve seen in second shooters — and how to stand out if you're looking for gigs  How to communicate expectations before, during, and after the shoot to avoid nightmare scenarios  The underrated second shooter hack no one talks about: why hiring someone more experienced than you can be the ultimate level-up in your photography business  How to get started with Second Society – whether you’re hiring, looking for work, or just curious RESOURCES + LINKS ✔️ Direct link to YouTube episode ✔️ Follow Jimmy Lick on Instagram ✔️ Follow Second Society on Instagram – Connect with Jimmy and the Second Society community for inspiration, job postings, and more.  ✔️ Listen to the Second Society Podcast – Tune in for more behind-the-scenes stories, tips, and industry insights.  ✔️ Join Second Society – The vetted platform for finding (and becoming) high-quality second and lead shooters for photographers and videographers worldwide.  ✔️ Discover more resources for photographers – Free guides, tools, and support at saramonika.com/photographers 👋🏻 Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you! Photography account: @saramonikaphoto Education account: @sara.monika ✅ SUBSCRIBE If 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