Advertise on podcast: The One Behind the Lens with Kate DeCoste

Stop Chasing Contracts: How I Automate Client Onboarding Hey Shutter Squad! Think about your last client. Not the session, just getting them booked and ready. How many emails was that? How many follow-ups? This week I’m talking CRMs, and if you’ve been quietly nodding along whenever that word comes up in photography groups, this one’s for you. I’ve used VSCO Workspace for years, but I’m finally setting it up the right way. I walk you through my new onboarding flow, step by step, from the booking link to session day. Every client still gets every touch point. I’m just not the one hitting send anymore. And no, this doesn’t turn your business into a robot. The automations handle getting clients prepped. The consultation and the session are where I show up fully present, so every client feels seen. In this episode: What a CRM is, in plain languageThe real math on how much time one client takes before session dayWhy a booking link beats the “does Tuesday work?” email danceThe contract, questionnaire and payment that go out automatically at bookingWhy I send the prep guide the day after booking, not the same dayMy three-day session reminder and what to include in itHow I set consultation days and shooting days on my booking linkWhy I recommend offering a Zoom consult to every client (and require it for seniors)Your challenge: count your touch points and automate just one LinksVSCO Workspace + my $75 discount code: https://katedecostephotography.com/form/the-one-where-you-get-vsco-oneInstagram: @katedecosteWebsite: www.katedecostephotography.com If this episode got you thinking about your own client process, take a screenshot, share it to your Instagram Stories and tag me so I can see it. And if you’re loving the show, leaving a rating and review helps more photographers find it.

Not on Page One of Google? Let’s Fix That. Shutter Squad, have you ever Googled your niche and your city and not found yourself anywhere? I get it. I recently moved my business from Wahoo to Lincoln, which means I’ve been doing a full SEO overhaul of my own site. So I’m right there with you on this one. In this episode, I break SEO down into five simple, doable steps that help you start ranking in your niche and your city. Before any of that, though, there’s one thing you absolutely have to have first, and it’s not your Instagram. You don’t need to do all five perfectly overnight. Pick one and start there. My suggestion? Start by asking three recent clients for a Google review this week. In this episode: Why a real .com website is non-negotiable (Google doesn’t rank your Instagram grid)How to use your niche and your city naturally across your site, from page titles to image descriptionsHow I used AI to catch old “Wahoo” references hiding on my site after my moveWhat backlinks are and how vendor relationships, local directories, and school or team pages can helpWhy blogging is one of the easiest SEO wins, plus simple ideas for what to blog aboutHow my three-part senior guide blog series does double duty as evergreen, searchable contentWhat bounce rate is and the basics that keep people on your siteWhy Google reviews matter so much for local search, and a simple script for asking clients Links:PhotoBiz: photobiz.com (get $25 off your first year) https://www.katedecostephotography.com/form/get-the-hookup-my-exclusive-photobiz-offerInstagram: @katedecosteWebsite:www.katedecostephotography.com If this episode helped you, share it to your Instagram Stories and tag me so I can see which episodes are hitting home for you. And if you haven’t yet, leaving a review helps other photographers find the show too.

The One Brands Want to Hire: Positioning & Outreach with Paul Weaver To kick off Season 4, I'm joined by Paul Weaver, a Miami-based commercial photographer and videographer who shoots for health and wellness brands like Garmin and Prada Beauty. Paul is the founder of The Freelance Photographer and Director of Education at VSCO. We cover the difference between a niche and positioning, how AI is changing the way brands find photographers, what good outreach looks like, price shoppers versus value shoppers, and why video is a big deal right now. Then Paul steps into the Photo Confession Booth with a story about a big Garmin shoot. In this episode:0:00 Niche vs. positioning3:29 Who is Paul Weaver?10:03 What really holds photographers back in years one to three12:08 Treating senior sessions like lookbook shoots15:54 How Paul found his niche (the ice cream shop analogy)18:57 How to narrow down what you shoot24:19 Taking work outside your niche without showing it26:49 Positioning, keywords, and how brands are using AI to find photographers33:21 How Paul reaches out to brands: selfie videos, LinkedIn, and Instagram search36:34 Handling rejection and finding community42:00 Why Paul started teaching51:50 Price shoppers vs. value shoppers54:42 How adding video changes what you can charge59:20 Behind-the-scenes content as your front door1:01:51 Paul's advice to his year-one self1:03:24 The TFP Accelerator1:08:25 The Photo Confession Booth Connect with Paul:LinkedIn: Paul WeaverInstagram: @paulwheatthinsWebsite: www.paulwashere.comThe Freelance Photographer: www.thefreelancephotographer.com (monthly workshops open to everyone; the Accelerator opens once a quarter) If this episode helped you, leave a review and share it with a photographer friend!

“I’m awkward.” “I don’t know how to pose.” “I hate having my picture taken.” “What do I do with my hands?” And the classic: “I’m not photogenic.” If you've ever said any of those things before getting in front of a camera, this episode is for you. In this bonus episode and the Season 3 finale of The One Behind the Lens — I'm wrapping up my Senior Session Playbook with the part that can make seniors the most nervous: What am I actually supposed to DO in front of the camera? Here's the first thing I want you to know: You don't need to know how to pose. That's your photographer's job. We're talking about why those first few minutes of a senior session might feel awkward, how movement helps you relax, why you shouldn't compare your session to someone else's, and how bringing things you love can help your personality come through in your photos. I'm also talking to parents about how to be the ultimate hype person without accidentally making your senior more self-conscious. And photographers, there's plenty in this one for you too. Your clients don't do this every day — you do. How you direct, communicate, encourage and give feedback can completely change someone's experience in front of your camera. 🎧 In This Episode📸 The Senior Session Playbook 00:24 — Welcome + the Season 3 finale 01:35 — You don't need to know how to pose 03:22 — Why the first 5–10 minutes might feel awkward 04:45 — Why I don't recommend wearing your favorite outfit first05:05 — Stop worrying about what you look like 06:20 — Movement is your friend 07:25 — Bring things that make you feel like YOU 08:20 — Bring someone who makes you feel confident 09:25 — You don't have to smile in every photo 10:25 — Don't compare your session to someone else's 11:20 — Tell your photographer what you're nervous about 12:55 — Why consultations matter + the senior who hates bugs13:55 — Parents, this part is for you 15:35 — Photographers: remember what this feels like 16:30 — Your client can't read your mind — give them feedback17:15 — Confidence is contagious 17:30 — Putting the Senior Session Playbook together 18:25 — Wrapping up Season 3 19:45 — Season 4 is coming in October! This episode wraps up our three-part senior photography series: Part 1: How to Choose the Right Location for Your Senior Photos Part 2: What to Wear for Your Senior Photos Part 3: The One Where They Said, “I’m Awkward in Photos” Location matters. What you wear matters. But ultimately, your senior session should feel like you. You don't need to know how to pose. You don't need to be “photogenic.” And you definitely don't need to become somebody else for your senior photos. You need a photographer who knows how to guide you, an experience that gives you room to relax, and permission to show up as yourself. And with that, Season 3 is officially a wrap! Thank you, Shutter Squad, for listening, sharing episodes, sending me messages when something resonates, and being part of another season of The One Behind the Lens. Season 4 drops in October! Until then, it's the perfect time to go back and catch up on any Season 3 episodes you missed. Make sure you're following or subscribed so you'll know when we're back. And remember: There's always more to the story behind the lens. I'll see you next season.

The One About Building a Marketing System That Actually Works with Lindsay Pinchuk In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Pinchuk, an award-winning entrepreneur, consultant, and small business mentor who's among the less than 1% of female founders to successfully lead her company through an acquisition. Lindsay built her first company, Bump Club and Beyond, from just $500 into a 7-figure brand with partnerships including Target, Nordstrom, Huggies, and Unilever, reaching over 3 million people every month before selling the business to a large agency holding company. Today, she's the founder of Dear FoundHer, a top 0.5% podcast and community supporting women business owners over 40. We talk about her signature SWEEP framework for simplifying marketing, why partnerships don't have to mean brand deals, how to show up on camera even if it terrifies you, why chasing trends isn't the growth strategy people think it is, and why women over 40 might have the biggest advantage in business right now. In this episode: 2:41 — Lindsay's story: from corporate America to founding Bump Club and Beyond4:21 — How Dear FoundHer came to be5:23 — The SWEEP framework: what it stands for and how one piece of content can be repurposed across six channels9:16 — A real example: turning one blog post into weeks' worth of content13:24 — Why LinkedIn is an underused platform for photographers14:44 — How SWEEP changed the way Lindsay thinks about marketing19:34 — Why "partnership" is broader than brand deals — and how your own clients are partners25:01 — Two tips for showing up on camera when you hate being on camera30:57 — Why chasing trends won't grow your bottom line36:28 — Why women over 40 have an edge in business right now46:51 — How and why Lindsay started The FoundHer Files on Substack53:41 — The three-month premium listener gift, explained55:31 — Rapid fire round57:17 — More on the Dear FoundHer podcast and communityConnect with Lindsay: Instagram: @dearfoundher Podcast/Community: dearfoundher.com The FoundHer Files: foundherfiles.substack.com Special offer: Lindsay is giving Shutter Squad listeners three months free of the premium FoundHer Files — claim it here. The Coffee Roaster of Lincoln Discount: 5% off online orders Code: TOBTL Podcast link: coffeeroasterlnk.com/tobtl ☕ The Coffee Roaster — Save 5% on your online order with code TOBTL, or shop through the podcast link above. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The One Behind the Lens so you never miss a conversation, and leave a review to help more photographers find the show.

The One Where AI Can't Steal Your Joy with Jon Cheney In this episode, I sit down with Jon Cheney, founder and CEO of the General AI Proficiency Institute, to talk about what AI actually means for photographers and creatives — beyond the hype and the fear. Jon breaks down how AI is already working behind the scenes in your iPhone photos, how to use it to fix blown shots, remove distractions, and clean up editing work that used to eat up hours. We also get into the tools he actually uses day to day, why different AI platforms can give you completely different answers to the same question, and the story behind how he built an entire business — one that would've cost $3.2 million and 18 months the traditional way — in a single weekend for $400. My favorite part of this conversation: Jon's take on why the joy of creating, and the stewardship that comes after, is something AI can never take from us. In this episode we cover: Why you're probably already using AI without realizing it Using AI to fix framing issues, remove distractions, and clean up shots How to give your AI tools your own "voice" for writing and content What Jon actually uses ChatGPT, Claude, and Replit for in his own business Why AI platforms can give wildly different answers depending on how they're trained How Jon built a business in a weekend for $400 Why creativity and stewardship are uniquely human, no matter how good AI gets 0:00 Intro 2:14 Who is Jon Cheney? From tech-lover to AI founder 4:42 You're already using AI (yes, even on your iPhone) 5:10 Jon's Alaska story: fixing a blown photo with AI 7:34 Removing distractions — cars, trees, tan lines, blemishes 9:34 Why AI just makes creatives faster, not less creative 10:54 What AI can take off a photographer's plate (admin, emails, scheduling) 13:00 Vibe coding explained: how Jon uses Replit 16:17 Giving AI "your voice" for writing and content 19:00 Will photographers get left behind if they ignore AI? 22:25 Jon's business and course offer (with your discount code) 24:54 ChatGPT vs. Claude vs. Replit vs. Midjourney — what Jon uses for what 30:54 Why different AI platforms give different answers 36:13 Spotting AI content and being transparent about your process 40:00 The future of photography and why AI can't fake real creativity 42:48 Creation vs. stewardship — the part AI can never replace 44:49 How Jon built a $3.2M business in one weekend for $400 48:23 Jon's advice: the first AI tool to try if you're starting from zero 53:00 Rapid fire questions 57:47 Shoutout to Jon's mom, Carolyn Cheney (1.1M followers!) 59:03 Where to find Jon and wrap-up Evoto — my go-to AI editing tool for things like skin retouching, tan lines, and blemish removal. Get free credits to try it for yourself here: katedecostephotography.com/form/the-one-where-you-get-evoto Connect with Jon Cheney: LinkedIn: Jon Cheney Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, YouTube: @CheneyPiano Course: "How to Build a Business in a Weekend" at GenAIPI.org — use code KATE for $350 off https://genaipi.org/live-courses/1 Follow his mom, Carolyn Cheney, a nature photographer with 1.1 million followers

She's the Founder and CEO of a multi seven-figure, women-led social media agency and a former NBC News reporter, and in this episode Katie Love breaks down what really builds trust on social and it's not follower count. Hey Shutter Squad! This episode is packed for photographers and creatives. Katie Love, founder of Love Social Media, joins me to talk about why credibility matters more than followers, the story behind her very first $800 brand photos (and her now-iconic pink brand), why chasing everyone means you're building trust with no one, and the biggest content mistake she sees photographers make over and over. We also talk about the three "hooks" that stop someone from scrolling, why Pinterest and YouTube are so underrated for booking clients, and how her team actually uses AI without losing their voice. Katie is an Entreprenista 100 winner, and Love Social Media was named to Inc's Best Places to Work 2025. Plus — her team currently has five reels nominated for the Reelies Awards, and she shares a rapid-fire round at the end you don't want to miss. Connect with Katie LoveInstagram: @katielovesocialWebsite: loveyoursocialmedia.com Get VSCO ONE: https://refer.vsco.co/katedecoste If this episode helped you, I'd love if you left a review or shared it with a friend. See you next time, right here behind the lens.

One of the biggest myths about senior pictures is that you need to buy an entirely new wardrobe. The truth? Some of the best outfits are already hanging in your closet. In this episode, you'll learn: In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate shares how to choose outfits that feel authentic, photograph beautifully, and help you feel confident in front of the camera. Whether you're a senior, a parent, or a photographer guiding clients through the planning process, you'll walk away with practical tips that take the stress out of deciding what to wear. Because at the end of the day, your clothes shouldn't steal the spotlight—they should help tell your story. Why confidence always photographs better than expensive clothes. How to build outfit variety without buying an entirely new wardrobe. Why your clothing should complement your location—not compete with it. The importance of choosing outfits you can comfortably sit, walk, and move in. Creative ways to incorporate your hobbies, interests, and personality into your wardrobe. How one "dressier" outfit can elevate your gallery while still feeling like you. Why trying on outfits before your session can save stress on picture day. Kate's favorite planning tip: sending outfit photos to your photographer before your session. Mentioned in this episode 📖 Free Resource: What to Wear for Senior Pictures: A Nebraska Senior Style Guide Not sure where to start? This free guide walks you through choosing outfits that fit your personality, complement your location, and photograph beautifully. Even if you don't live in Nebraska, the advice applies to every senior session. 👉 Read the guide:https://www.katedecostephotography.com/blog/what-to-wear-for-your-nebraska-senior-pictureshttps://www.katedecostephotography.com/blog/what-to-wear-for-your-nebraska-senior-pictures ✨ Shop your closet first. ✨ Dress for your location. ✨ Comfort creates confidence. ✨ Your senior pictures should look like you—not someone else's Pinterest board. Almost every senior worries about one thing before picture day: "What if I'm awkward in front of the camera?" In the next Senior Session Playbook episode, Kate shares how she helps seniors feel comfortable, confident, and natural—even if they've never had professional photos taken before. Let's Connect Website: https://www.katedecostephotography.com Instagram: @katedecoste Facebook: Kate DeCoste Photography Pinterest: Kate DeCoste Photography If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a senior or parent who's getting ready to plan senior pictures. Your support helps more families discover the podcast and feel confident before they ever step in front of the camera.

When most people start planning senior pictures, they ask the same question:**"Where should we take them?"**But what if that's actually the wrong place to start?In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate pulls back the curtain on her senior session planning process and shares why the best senior sessions don't begin with a location—they begin with getting to know the person in front of the camera.From asking the right questions during consultations to uncovering meaningful places, hobbies, and experiences, Kate explains how every senior session can become a personalized reflection of who someone is instead of just another Pinterest-inspired photoshoot.Whether you're a high school senior, a parent, or a photographer looking to create a more intentional client experience, this episode will help you think differently about planning a session that's authentic, memorable, and uniquely personal.In this episode, you'll learn:* Why choosing a location should never be the first step.* The consultation questions that reveal the best session ideas.* How to move beyond sports and school activities to tell a more complete story.* Why Pinterest should inspire your session—not define it.* How outfits and locations should work together.* Practical planning tips that can save time and reduce stress on session day.* What to do when a senior says, "I have absolutely no ideas."* Why some of Kate's favorite galleries started with clients who felt completely stuck.Mentioned in this episode:📖 Free Resource: How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Nebraska Senior PicturesIf you're planning your senior session and need help deciding where to take your photos, this free guide walks you through the same process Kate uses during every consultation. From flower farms and soccer fields to hometown favorites and meaningful locations, you'll learn how to create a senior session that truly reflects your personality.👉 Read the guide:https://www.katedecostephotography.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-perfect-location-for-your-nebraska-senior-picturesWant to checkout VSCO One?👉https://www.katedecostephotography.com/form/the-one-where-you-get-vsco-oneComing Up NextThe One About What to Wear for Senior PicturesWondering what to wear for your senior session? In the next episode, Kate shares how to choose outfits that complement your location, photograph beautifully, and help you feel confident in front of the camera—without buying an entirely new wardrobe.---Lets ConnectWebsite: https://www.katedecostephotography.comInstagram: @katedecosteFacebook: Kate DeCoste PhotographyPinterest: Kate DeCoste PhotoIf this episode was helpful, consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with a senior or parent who is starting to plan senior pictures. Every review helps more families discover the podcast and feel a little more confident before stepping in front of the camera.💥 New episodes every week.💻 Learn more + get freebies at katedecostephotography.com/podcast📸 Follow Kate on Instagram: @katedecoste✨ It’s time to Shutter Up & Shine.

What does the future of photography actually look like? If you've been feeling overwhelmed by constant changes in social media, AI, marketing, and the business side of photography, you're not alone. This week, I'm joined by Eric Wittman, CEO of VSCO, for a conversation about where our industry is headed and why photographers should be paying just as much attention to their business as they do their camera. We talk about why photographers aren't struggling because they need to take better photos. Instead, they're trying to navigate marketing, visibility, pricing, client management, and running a profitable business in a rapidly changing world. Eric also shares his perspective on AI, why he believes photographers aren't being replaced, and how technology should support creativity not replace it. Of course, we also dive into VSCO One, VSCO's all-in-one platform built to simplify the business side of photography by bringing together editing, galleries, portfolio websites, client management, contracts, education, and workflow into one place. Whether you're just starting your photography business or you've been photographing clients for years, this episode is packed with practical insights that will help you think differently about where our industry is headed. In this episode • The biggest challenges photographers face in 2026 • Why the business side of photography is often harder than photography itself • How AI is changing the creative industry • The importance of community and mentorship • Why photographers need to adapt their marketing strategies • Building a business that lasts • An inside look at VSCO One Resources Mentioned 📸 Learn more about VSCO One:https://refer.vsco.co/katedecoste ☕ Free Photography Resources:https://www.katedecostephotography.com If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to leave a review and share it with another photographer. Your support helps more creatives discover the show, and it truly means the world to me.

What if the key to growing your photography business isn't working more... but working differently?In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, I'm joined by family photographer, educator, homeschooling mom of three, and founder of the Realign Retreat, Tiffany Crenshaw.Tiffany has intentionally built a photography business around her season of life instead of trying to force her life around her business. We dive into creating boundaries that actually stick, building a sustainable calendar, avoiding burnout, and why saying "no" can often be the best business decision you make.Whether you're juggling kids, another job, or simply trying to reclaim your evenings and weekends, this conversation is packed with practical ideas to help you build a business that supports the life you want—not the other way around.In This Episode We Talk About:Building a photography business around your current season of life.Creating a shooting schedule that protects your time and energy.Setting boundaries that actually improve your client experience.How CEO planning days and quarterly goal setting can transform your business.Avoiding burnout by saying "no" more often.Why comparing yourself to social media is holding you back.Transitioning into a new photography niche without starting over.Creating workflows that save time and reduce stress.Memorable Quotes"I'd rather be excellent for five clients than mediocre for thirty-five.""Sometimes we spend so much time protecting everyone else's mental and emotional space that we forget to protect our own.""We're not just photographers—we're CEOs."Connect with Tiffany📸 Instagram: @tiffanycrenshawedu📷 Photography: @animalhousephotographyLearn more about Tiffany's coaching, the Realign Retreat, and her educational resources through the links below.Free ResourceTiffany has generously shared her Quarterly Planning Guide to help you start thinking like the CEO of your business.➡️ Download the Quarterly Planning Guide: https://animalhousephotography.myflodesk.com/katiedResources MentionedSprout Studio CRMRealign RetreatQuarterly Planning GuideListener PerkLooking for a better way to organize your photography business?I've been using VSCO One to simplify my workflow, keep projects organized, and spend less time searching for files and more time creating.As a listener of The One Behind the Lens, you can save $75 on VSCO One using my referral link below.➡️ Get $75 Off VSCO One: https://refer.vsco.co/katedecosteLove the Podcast?If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to:⭐ Leave a review.📲 Share this episode with a photographer friend.🎙️ Subscribe so you never miss an episode of The One Behind the Lens.Connect with Kate🌐 Website: katedecostephotography.com📸 Instagram: @katedecoste🎥 YouTube: The One Behind the LensThanks so much for listening! Until next time, keep showing up, keep creating, and remember—you get to build a business that fits the life you want to live.💥 New episodes every week.💻 Learn more + get freebies at katedecostephotography.com/podcast📸 Follow Kate on Instagram: @katedecoste✨ It’s time to Shutter Up & Shine.

Have you ever felt like people wanted you to pick just one thing? Maybe you're a photographer who also teaches. A creative who's been dreaming about starting a podcast. A business owner with an idea you've been afraid to pursue because you're worried people will think you're "all over the place." In this solo episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate shares why being multi-passionate isn't something to apologize for—it's one of your greatest strengths. Through personal stories and practical encouragement, she explains how your passions can work together to build a stronger business, spark more creativity, and create a life that actually feels like you. Why society encourages us to stay inside one box The difference between having a clear niche and limiting yourself How your passions naturally strengthen one another Why thinking in seasons can reduce overwhelm How to stop apologizing for evolving A simple exercise to help you connect your passions Take five minutes and write down every passion, hobby, business idea, or creative outlet that lights you up. Then ask yourself: "How could one of these passions make another one stronger?" Instead of choosing between your passions, start looking for the ways they support one another. Creative work gets a whole lot easier when everything has a place. This episode is brought to you by VSCO Workspace I've been using VSCO Workspace to help organize projects, simplify my workflow, and spend less time searching for files and more time creating. ✨ Check it out using my referral link:👉 https://refer.vsco.co/katedecoste Connect with Kate 🌐 Website:https://www.katedecostephotography.com 📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/katedecoste 🎙️ Listen to more episodes of The One Behind the Lens 📩 Join Marketing Backstage for monthly marketing ideas, content prompts, and behind-the-scenes strategies:https://www.katedecostephotography.com/photographers If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to leave a review and share it with another creative who needs the reminder that they don't have to fit into someone else's box.

What happens when you've built the business everyone thinks they should want... and discover you're miserable? In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate sits down with New York City pet photographer, educator, and entrepreneur Jen Hillenga to talk about the winding road that led her from portrait photography and million-dollar businesses to photographing dogs in one of the most competitive cities in the world. "I had spent my entire late twenties and thirties making a business, but I hadn't made a life." Jen shares her incredible journey—from working in portrait studios, building a successful education and template company, managing a large team, and eventually realizing that bigger wasn't necessarily better. As her businesses grew, so did the pressure. "I was praying for rain so I could cancel sessions." After selling her company and moving to New York, Jen found herself once again at a crossroads. During the pandemic, a creative project involving her own dogs sparked something she hadn't felt in years. "I think I'm done directing creative and I need to go back to being a creative." That realization eventually led her to launch what would become a thriving pet photography business built around freedom, creativity, and a completely different definition of success. In This Episode We Discuss: How Jen accidentally fell into photography and built her first portrait business The reality of managing employees, overhead, and multiple companies Why a million-dollar business wasn't bringing more fulfillment Leaving everything behind and moving to New York City Building a successful niche business around pet photography Creating a highly personalized client experience Using Instagram to build an engaged community Photographing dogs in one of the busiest cities in the world Why systems and boundaries can actually create more freedom Redefining success as your life and priorities change A Few Favorite Jen-isms "I'm happy to make people happy, but I'm not happy to inconvenience myself to convenience someone else." "Your clients will fall in line if these are your policies and they want what you have." "People just want joy these days." "I'm not talking about what I'm selling. I'm talking about the dog." "Dogs are kind of like toddlers... but they rarely have a bad day." Connect with Jen Website: The Ways of the Dog Instagram: @thewaysofthedog Pet Photographer Community: Pet Portrait Pros Spotlight: Sundays for Dogs — Get 50% OFF at Sundays for Dogs with the following link: https://share.sundaysfordogs.com/Kate43!18247fc234!a Final Takeaway This episode isn't really about dog photography. It's about permission. Permission to evolve. Permission to change your mind. Permission to redefine success. And permission to build a business that supports the life you want instead of the one you think you're supposed to want. "I swore to myself that if I did this again, I was going to do it differently." If you've ever found yourself questioning what success really looks like, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. Enjoyed the Episode? • Follow The One Behind the Lens• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform• Share this episode with a photographer or business owner friend Your support helps more creatives discover the show ✨ 💻 Learn more + get freebies at katedecostephotography.com/photographers 📸 Follow Kate on Instagram: @katedecoste ✨ It’s time to Shutter Up & Shine.

Feeling behind on your marketing? You're not alone. In this solo episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate is serving as your unofficial marketing cheerleader and helping you create a simple, realistic marketing plan for July—without burnout, overwhelm, or spending hours staring at a blank content calendar. Whether you're a photographer, creative entrepreneur, or small business owner, this episode will help you simplify your marketing by focusing on three key content buckets that actually move the needle: visibility, relationships, and offers. Kate shares practical content ideas, July marketing themes, email newsletter prompts, and a reminder that you don't need to market perfectly—you just need to stay visible. Plus, she gives listeners a first look at her brand-new monthly marketing membership, Marketing Backstage, designed to help creatives and business owners show up consistently with confidence. Why marketing feels harder than ever right now The three content buckets every business owner should focus on Visibility content ideas that keep you top of mind Relationship content that helps people connect with you How to sell without feeling salesy July marketing themes to inspire your content Reel, social media, and email ideas you can start using immediately Why consistency matters more than perfection Mentioned in This Episode Marketing Backstage - https://www.katedecostephotography.com/photographers PhotoBiz (Use code POD25 for 25% off your first year) Connect with Kate Website: Kate DeCoste Photography Instagram: @katedecostephotography If You Loved This Episode: Share it with a fellow photographer, creative, or small business owner who could use a July marketing reset. And don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the Shutter Squad for future episodes filled with business tips, marketing strategies, and honest conversations from behind the lens.

🎙️ Episode Overview What if your blog didn’t have to feel like a content treadmill? In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate sits down with content strategist and High Leverage Content creator Jana Osofsky to talk about blogging in a way that actually supports your business instead of draining it. Jana introduces her “capsule blog” strategy — a system built around creating 12–20 intentional blog posts that answer the exact questions your audience needs in order to feel ready to book, buy, or work with you. Instead of constantly chasing new content, Jana shares how photographers, creatives, and business owners can repurpose and reuse their best content over and over again. During the conversation, Kate and Jana dive into: • Why blogging is NOT dead• What a capsule blog actually is • Why photographers should think differently about SEO • Repurposing content without sounding repetitive • Using AI without losing your voice • Why content burnout is usually an ROI problem • How to create content that actually converts into clients If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with social media, blogging, emails, and content creation… this episode is for you. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Meet Jana Osofsky + what is a capsule blog? 04:00 – Why blogging still matters for photographers & creatives 07:00 – SEO vs human-first blogging 10:00 – How often should you actually blog? 11:00 – Refreshing and repurposing old blog content 15:00 – Why repetition in content is a GOOD thing 18:00 – What keywords actually are (without the confusing jargon) 22:00 – Categories, tags & getting overwhelmed by blogging 24:00 – Using AI for blog writing without sounding robotic 29:00 – The difference between “more content” and the RIGHT content 30:00 – Content burnout & why your content may not be converting 33:00 – Repurposing blogs into email + social media content 36:00 – Jana’s free blog strategy training 38:00 – Rapid fire round 40:00 – Biggest content marketing myths 41:00 – Why content shouldn’t feel disposable In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate chats with content strategist Jana Osofsky about building a “capsule blog” strategy designed to help photographers, creatives, and small business owners create high-leverage content that keeps working long after it’s published. Meet Our Guest Jana Osofsky is a content strategist and the creator of High Leverage Content, a program that teaches business owners how to create capsule blog libraries that help turn readers into clients. After years working as a virtual assistant and done-for-you service provider, Jana developed a sustainable content system designed to help business owners market their services without constantly creating new content from scratch. Today, she helps photographers, creatives, coaches, and service providers build intentional blogs that support SEO, repurposing, email marketing, and long-term business growth. A Quote From Jana “You’re not a blogger. You’re a business owner with a blog.” Another Favorite Quote “I don’t want so much content. I want the RIGHT content.” Connect with Jana Website: JanaOmedia.comFree Blog Strategy Training: JanaOmedia.com/free-blog-training Instagram: @janaomedia ☕ Sponsor Spotlight: The Coffee Roaster — Fresh-roasted, small-batch coffee shipped nationwide. Grab 5% off your online order with code TOBTL. Enjoyed the Episode? • Follow The One Behind the Lens• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform• Share this episode with a photographer or business owner friend Your support helps more creatives discover the show ✨ 💻 Learn more + get freebies at katedecostephotography.com/podcast📸 Follow Kate on Instagram: @katedecoste ✨ It’s time to Shutter Up & Shine.