Advertise on podcast: With Laura Esmond

Creative Local Business Partnerships: A Real Approach to Growth In this episode, host Laura Esmond shares her personal journey and unique approach to growing her business by forming meaningful partnerships with local businesses, rather than relying on social media or elaborate marketing strategies. She emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships by offering support and generosity, like walking into local businesses with small gifts, such as a basket of muffins and a handwritten note. Laura details actionable steps to identify potential business partners who share your target audience, such as florists, interior designers, real estate agents, and boutique owners. By partnering with these businesses, you can foster mutual growth and community connection. Esmond also provides three practical ways to collaborate with local businesses: supporting existing events, cross-promotion, and creating service-based bundles. The episode concludes with an open invitation to think creatively about local partnerships and a call to action for listeners to reach out to local businesses they admire.  00:00 Introduction and Personal Growth Journey 00:26 The Power of Local Partnerships 01:43 Identifying Potential Business Partners 02:44 Effective Strategies for Collaboration 04:46 Leading with Service and Follow-Up 06:43 Creative Event Ideas and Cross-Promotion 10:27 Successful Partnership Case Studies 13:04 Building Trust and Long-Term Relationships 15:24 Your Invitation to Take Action 16:44 Conclusion and Mentorship Opportunity Connect with Laura: Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentorInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.comKeywords: motherhood photographer, family photography, newborn photographer, maternity sessions, photography pricing tips, portrait photography business, money mindset for creatives, IPS for photographers, work-life balance, photographers who are moms, client experience photography, raising photography prices

In this episode of 'with Laura Esmond,' Laura dives into the essentials of crafting effective inquiry responses for portrait photographers. She discusses how to tailor your response to align with your business and offerings, emphasizing the importance of understanding your core product and unique differentiator. Laura also announces a potential name change for the podcast and provides insights on making personal connections with clients via phone calls and videos. Key concepts include portrait photography pricing, creating a personalized inquiry response, and balancing business with motherhood. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update 01:26 Understanding Your Unique Selling Proposition 05:29 Crafting an Effective Inquiry Response 10:26 Personalizing Your Client Interaction 13:13 Using Video to Enhance Inquiry Responses 17:31 Summarizing Key Points for Inquiry Responses 19:53 Conclusion and Final Tips Connect with Laura: Get Rooted Waitlist: lauraesmond.com/getrootedInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.com

In this episode of the podcast, Laura Esmond shares reflections from a month-long break during the holiday season, including time spent with her family, prepping for the Peace and Profit Bootcamp, and welcoming new students into her Get Rooted program. She opens up about the common guilt many motherhood portrait photographers feel when stepping back from business tasks like social media, blogging sessions, or sending marketing emails. Laura encourages photographers—especially those balancing motherhood and running a photography business—to honor the natural ebb and flow of life and business. She also shares powerful insights from the Peace and Profit Bootcamp, including mindset shifts around money, how to raise your prices with confidence, and how to ensure your portrait photography packages reflect the full value of the experience you provide. Whether you're a newborn photographer, maternity photographer, or specializing in family sessions, this episode will help you reframe how you approach pricing, marketing, and the emotional load of growing a photography business while raising a family. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 00:46 The Importance of Taking Breaks 02:55 Holiday Reflections and Family Time 04:13 Peace and Profit Bootcamp Insights 08:14 Money Mindset and Pricing Strategies 16:51 The True Value of Money 25:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Keywords: motherhood photographer, family photography, newborn photographer, maternity sessions, photography pricing tips, portrait photography business, money mindset for creatives, IPS for photographers, work-life balance, photographers who are moms, client experience photography, raising photography prices

In this inspiring episode of the podcast, Laura Esmond sits down with portrait photographer Tawni Adams to unpack the real and raw journey of transforming a photography business—from charging $300-$600 per session and burning out, to confidently booking consistent $1500+ sessions and even landing a nearly $12,000 sale. Tawni opens up about the mindset hurdles she faced, the emotional rollercoaster of raising her prices, and how she almost gave up before things finally clicked. If you’re a photographer feeling stuck at lower price points or wondering if sustainable, high-profit portrait sessions are possible, this conversation is your permission slip to believe in what's possible. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Tawni originally thought no one would pay more than $500 for a sessionThe exact mindset shift that helped her move from “overwhelmed and underpaid” to building a thriving, profitable portrait businessHow Get Rooted helped her break down her pricing, boundaries, and valueThe emotional weight of changing your business model while raising a familyWhy your first $1500+ client might be closer than you thinkHow Tawni learned to trust the process and “let it simmer”What actually happens between $300 sessions and a $12,000 artwork sale Resources Mentioned: LEARN MORE ABOUT GET ROOTED –  https://www.lauraesmond.com/getrooted Follow Tawni Adams on Instagram: @tawniadamsphoto Tawni’s website: https://www.tawniadams.com/ SEO Keywords:photography pricing strategy, raise photography session rates, profitable portrait business, $1500 photography session, photography business coaching, Get Rooted program, luxury portrait pricing, family photographer success story, photography business mindset, how to increase photo session prices, photographer burnout recovery

In today’s episode, we’re talking about one of the most powerful ways to grow your portrait photography business: creating a little spectacle. But don’t worry, I don’t mean hopping on every trend or becoming a human highlight reel. This is about showing up with intention, creativity, and a little bit of wow factor that feels true to you. Whether you’re in year one or five of business, creating a buzz around what you do is how you get seen by the right people and start booking the kinds of clients you love. In this episode, I’m walking you through 5 concrete ideas to help you do exactly that. We’ll talk about: How to create portfolio work that actually attracts your dream clientsWhy fun, low-stakes portrait events can build big-time momentumThe simple monthly habit that books more sessions than Instagram ever has for meThis one’s packed with practical ideas you can use right away, no matter how busy life is. Grab your notebook or just listen in while you edit! Links & Resources: Sign up for the Peace & Profit Bootamp: lauraesmond.com/bootcamp Apply for Get Rooted—now open for enrollment: lauraesmond.com/getrooted portrait photography business, photography business strategy, in-person sales photography, IPS tips, IPS for photographers, pricing for photographers, photography business reflection, goal setting for photographers, profitable photography business, how to sell photo products, photographer workflow, client experience for photographers, get rooted, laura esmond podcast

Welcome back to part three of this four-part planning series. If you’re dreaming about a 2026 that feels aligned, profitable, and actually doable, this episode is for you. So far, we’ve walked through gratitude (what’s already working) and reflection (what needs to shift). Today, we’re stepping into planning your photography business—but not just numbers on a spreadsheet. This is where photography business strategy meets mindset in the most powerful way. Inside this episode, we’re talking all about:– Why manifestation for photographers isn’t magic (and what it actually is) – How photography pricing strategy impacts your time, energy, and sustainability – The key questions to ask before planning your 2026 photography calendar – Why your real life deserves to be in the plan You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on how to create intentional business goals that fit your life, not just your Instagram grid—and how to take those dreamy goals and turn them into something real. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: – Get the free photography reflection worksheet, https://www.lauraesmond.com/reflections – Join the Peace & Profit Bootcamp for photographers, https://www.lauraesmond.com/bootcamp – Apply for Get Rooted: Business Coaching for Portrait Photographers, https://www.lauraesmond.com/getrooted photography business planning, portrait photography pricing, sustainable photography business, how to plan your photography business, profitable photographer tips, photography income goals, intentional business strategy, photography coaching, business planning for photographers, 2026 photography goals NEXT UP: Don’t miss next week’s episode—our final step in the series—where we’ll bring it all together and talk about action. Plus, there's a fun bonus episode dropping tomorrow about marketing for photographers (and creating a spectacle in the best way). Can’t wait to share that one with you! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: – Get the free reflection worksheet -- https://lauraesmond.com/reflections– Join the Peace & Profit Bootcamp https://lauraesmond.com/bootcamp – Apply for Get Rooted -- https://lauraesmond.com/getrooted NEXT UP: Don’t miss next week’s episode—our final step in the series—where we’ll bring it all together and talk about action. Plus, there's a fun bonus episode dropping tomorrow about marketing (and creating a spectacle in the best way). Can’t wait to share that one with you!

In Part 2 of our 4-part series on planning your most intentional and profitable photography year, we’re diving into two game-changing topics: how to reflect honestly on your business before you set 2026 goals, and the biggest mistake photographers make when starting In-Person Sales (IPS). If you’re a portrait photographer who wants to grow a sustainable, profitable business—and you're tired of chasing someone else’s version of success—this episode is for you. We’ll talk through the exact questions you need to ask yourself as you review your photography business, including how much money you actually made, what sessions lit you up creatively, and whether your pricing truly supported your income goals. Then we shift gears and talk about IPS—specifically, the common misstep that derails so many photographers who want to sell products but don’t see the results they hoped for. Spoiler: it’s not about having the perfect sales strategy or needing to be perfect. Whether you're just starting to sell products or you're restructuring your pricing and packages for the new year, this episode will help you get grounded in what matters most—clarity, consistency, and confidence in how you show up and sell. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why honest reflection is the key to intentional growth in your photography businessThe exact questions to ask yourself when reviewing your yearHow to stop building your goals on comparison and start building from realityThe biggest IPS mistake photographers make—and how to avoid itWhy committing to a consistent pricing and product strategy is critical for sustainable successLinks & Resources: Download the free Reflection Worksheet: lauraesmond.com/reflection Apply for Get Rooted—now open for enrollment: lauraesmond.com/getrooted Keywords: portrait photography business, photography business strategy, in-person sales photography, IPS tips, IPS for photographers, pricing for photographers, photography business reflection, goal setting for photographers, profitable photography business, how to sell photo products, photographer workflow, client experience for photographers, get rooted, laura esmond podcast

It’s Thanksgiving week, and if you're anything like me—and most photographers I know—you’re probably feeling a strange mix of gratitude, pressure, comparison, and reflection. This slower season in our photography businesses gives us a rare chance to breathe and think about where we’ve been and where we’re going. In this episode, I’m kicking off a four-part series designed specifically for photographers navigating the end of the year with intention. And we’re starting with something foundational: gratitude. Whether you’re questioning if you did enough this year, wondering how to set goals for your photography business in 2026, or just need to quiet that inner critic, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through how gratitude can reframe your mindset, fuel your momentum, and help you move forward without burnout. I'm also sharing the exact journaling prompts I use to reflect on the year—ones that help me reconnect with why I started this journey and where I want to go next. These aren’t fluffy gratitude practices; they’re strategic, grounding tools for any creative entrepreneur ready to build a more sustainable and profitable business. If you're tired of comparing your year to someone else’s highlight reel—or their entire decade—you'll find some peace and perspective here. Inside, we’ll talk about: Why gratitude is a powerful business strategy for photographersHow to shift out of scarcity and comparison during the slower seasonWhat sustainable success in your photography business really looks likeThree intentional questions to help you reflect and resetHow to begin setting aligned goals for the new year—without the overwhelmIf you want even more support as you reflect, dream, and plan for next year, I’d love to invite you to the Peace & Profit Bootcamp, where we’ll map out your 2026 goals and build a strategy that actually fits your life. You can sign up at lauraesmond.com/bootcamp. For now, grab a journal, your favorite holiday drink, maybe even a slice of pumpkin pie—and let’s reflect together. Gratitude comes first. Connect with Laura: Get Rooted Waitlist: lauraesmond.com/getrootedPeace & Profit Bootcamp: lauraesmond.com/bootcampInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.com

In this episode, Laura Esmond dives into the intricacies of portrait photography pricing, especially for photographers transitioning into premium pricing. Laura discusses four common pricing mistakes that many photographers make, such as offering the wrong session length, overdelivering in petite sessions, copying competitor pricing without real market research, and staying at starter rates for too long. She provides actionable advice on how to avoid these pitfalls, ensuring a more sustainable and profitable business. If you're a photographer ready to refine your pricing strategy and grow your business, this episode is for you. Connect with Laura: Get Rooted Waitlist: lauraesmond.com/getrootedPeace & Profit Bootcamp: lauraesmond.com/bootcampInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.com

Balancing Business and Motherhood: From Wedding to Portrait Photography with Caroline Klaar Join Laura Esmond as she welcomes wedding and portrait photographer Caroline Klaar to discuss her transition from focusing on wedding photography to portrait photography. Caroline shares her journey of building a sustainable business while raising young children, pricing strategies, the impact of burnout, and creating balance between work and family life. Discover valuable insights on mindset shifts, the importance of charging your worth, and how intentional pricing can create more time for your family and improve your artistry. This episode dives into practical advice for photographers who want to pivot in their business and cultivate a healthy work-life balance. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:28 Caroline's Photography Journey 02:08 Balancing Motherhood and Photography 03:11 Struggles and Burnout 05:52 Transitioning from Weddings to Portraits 08:17 Pricing and Mindset Shifts 12:31 Contentment and Work-Life Balance 19:28 Current Pricing Strategy and Challenges 22:13 Strategies for Pricing and Packaging 23:12 Pre-Sales Conversations and Client Engagement 23:59 Testing Sales Strategies and Client Reactions 24:38 Building Confidence in Selling Artwork 25:10 Understanding the Value of Your Service 29:38 Transitioning from Weddings to Portraits 32:32 Balancing Work and Family Life 40:08 Setting Boundaries and Avoiding Burnout 45:35 The Importance of Community and Support 46:48 Final Thoughts and Farewell You can find Caroline on Instagram at @klaarphotography. Connect with Laura: Get Rooted Waitlist: lauraesmond.com/getrootedPeace & Profit Bootcamp: lauraesmond.com/bootcampInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.com

Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in constant hustle mode? You’re not alone. In this episode, Laura talks about the photographer’s burnout cycle — that endless loop of editing, marketing, posting, and pushing — and how slowing down might actually be the most productive thing you can do for your portrait photography business. Laura shares four powerful ways to slow down as a photographer so you can find balance, boost creativity, and build a sustainable business you love. You’ll learn why rest isn’t lazy, how your brain and body respond when you pause, and why giving yourself (and your clients) space leads to better focus, happier clients, and more profit. In This Episode: How slowing down can actually speed up your photography businessWhy portrait photographers struggle with balance and boundariesThe science behind burnout — and how to reset your nervous systemHow 10 minutes of rest or connection can fuel creativity and clarityWhy a simple coffee date or short walk can change your productivityHow to slow down with your clients for better service and faster salesThe power of slowing down to learn new systems that save hours laterHow planning from a calm state leads to clarity, confidence, and growthKey Takeaways for Portrait Photographers: You don’t need more hustle — you need margin.Slow moments create the brain space for your next big idea.Burnout is not a badge of honor; it’s a sign you’ve been over-giving.The most successful photographers build rhythm, not chaos.Balance in business begins with balance in your body and mind.Connect with Laura: Get Rooted WaitlistPeace & Profit BootcampInstagramWebsite

In this episode, I’m diving into something so many of us feel but don’t always talk about—burnout during busy season. Especially if you're juggling work, motherhood, and the ever-present pressure to grow your business, this one’s for you. I share a bit about my own journey, from the early days of running a tiny, high-touch studio (think: Pinterest boards and custom sessions for every client) to moving into a high-volume retail studio where mini sessions and cashflow ruled. Spoiler: it didn’t end well. I completely overdid it and hit a wall. But burnout taught me some pretty important lessons, and I’m sharing the six guardrails I use now to protect my energy, calendar, and joy. From blocking editing time like a boss to selling value over volume, from knowing my true capacity to carving out quiet time for my brain—I’ve learned that a sustainable business isn’t just possible, it’s necessary. If you’re feeling stretched thin or already burned out, I hope this episode feels like a deep breath and a gentle nudge toward change. 00:00 Introduction: The Struggles of Balancing Work and Life 00:33 Early Days: Building a Business from Scratch 01:10 The Mini Session Revelation 02:38 Transition to a Retail Studio 03:33 Burnout from Overbooking 04:32 Implementing Guardrails for a Sustainable Business 04:57 Step 1: Block Your Calendar Like a Boss 06:38 Step 2: Sell Value, Not Just Volume 07:53 Step 3: Respect Your Capacity 10:42 Step 4: Use Tools and Habits That Save Your Sanity 12:44 Step 5: Protect Your Mental Space 14:57 Step 6: Share the Workload 18:02 Conclusion: Respecting Capacity and Building a Sustainable Business Hyperfocus drops I mentioned can be found here.That brainwave app I mentioned. Connect with Laura: Get Rooted WaitlistPeace & Profit BootcampInstagramWebsite

n this episode of the podcast, Laura Esmond explores the concepts of confidence and conviction. She articulates that confidence doesn't precede action but develops through the act of doing, often emerging from stumbles and mistakes. Laura distinguishes conviction as a firmly held belief or gut feeling that motivates one to start something new. She outlines a five-step process to build confidence: starting with conviction, taking imperfect action, learning from failures, reflecting on growth, and celebrating small progress. Emphasizing the importance of quiet perseverance, Laura encourages listeners to trust the process and see challenges as opportunities for growth, ultimately building a resilient and confident business. 00:00 Introduction to Confidence 00:20 Understanding Conviction vs. Confidence 04:01 Building Confidence Step-by-Step 04:23 Embracing Imperfection and Learning from Failures 05:21 Reflecting on Growth and Celebrating Progress 08:39 Quiet Perseverance and Long-Term Growth 14:23 Parenting Parallels and Teaching Through Mistakes 16:32 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Connect with Laura: Get Rooted WaitlistPeace & Profit BootcampInstagramWebsite

In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend and incredibly talented portrait photographer, Kate Marie. We talk about what it really looks like to slow down, set boundaries, and build a photography business that supports your life, not the other way around. Kate shares how she transitioned from a low priced business model to a slower-paced, high-touch experience that feels more aligned with the kind of artist and mom she wants to be. We also talk about: How to stop overbooking yourself during busy seasonWhy raising your prices might actually save your creativityWhat to do when clients show up with Pinterest boards and big expectationsCreating calm, connected client experiences in a busy worldAnd how our boundaries are actually a gift to our people, not a barrierIf you’ve ever wondered whether it’s really possible to grow a thriving business without burning out, this episode will give you the encouragement and clarity you need. LINKS & RESOURCES: Connect with Kate on Instagram → @katemarieportraiture Want help mapping out your own high-touch model? Get on the waitlist for my mindset workshop where we will pair up an unstoppable mindset with strategy to grow the business you've always dreamed of owning. If you loved this episode, would you leave a quick review? It helps more photographers find the podcast—and it means the world to me. Connect with Laura: Get Rooted WaitlistPeace & Profit BootcampInstagramWebsite

What if the business you’ve been building isn’t actually the one you want? In this episode, I’m sharing the story of how I created a “successful” studio that looked great on the outside but left me drained on the inside. The turning point came when I finally asked myself a simple but life-changing question. This conversation will help you quiet the noise, uncover your own definition of success, and give you permission to start building a business that feels aligned with your life, not just impressive on paper. Connect with Laura: Get Rooted WaitlistPeace & Profit BootcampInstagramWebsite