EP 52: you asked i answered pt 2: film photography, declining bookings, finding associates and more
Hey, everyone! Welcome to another episode of Summer School! Today, I’m doing another solo episode, and I’m so pumped to share it with you. If you haven’t checked out the last few episodes with some awesome guest speakers, head over to my YouTube channel at Summer Grace Photo and catch up. It’s always fun seeing it all on video, so come hang out!
Life Updates
Nothing too wild, except... still pregnant! We had a super fun hospital tour recently, and I also just finished a Godox shoot testing out some of their new lights, which was a blast. I’ve got reels up on Instagram if you want to check out some behind-the-scenes action. I’ve even been shooting some maternity photos, even though that’s never been my favorite thing to photograph (shoutout to body changes!), but it’s still been a sweet experience.
Wrapping Up Wedding Season
We’re gearing up for the last wedding before my maternity leave—can’t believe it’s here! After mid-October, I’m taking a break from wedding shoots. I’ll still be editing and handling some behind-the-scenes tasks, but as far as physically shooting and traveling, that’s going on pause. We’ve got just one more wedding left, and I’m so ready for the break. Also, my coaching students are killing it right now! It’s been such a joy to see their progress and help guide them on their journeys.
Q&A Time
Let’s get into your questions—these are always my favorite to dive into!
How Do You Decline a Booking Gracefully?
Saying no can feel awkward, but you can absolutely do it with kindness. If it’s not a great fit, be honest and gentle. Recommend another photographer who might suit their needs better. That way, you’re helping them out without burning any bridges.
My Go-To Photography Kit
When I’m shooting weddings or sessions, I always reach for the Contax G2 with a 35mm lens and my Fuji GA645. Those two are my dream team. I also like to throw in a Holga for some fun, artistic shots—it adds a little creative magic.
Finding the Right Associate Photographers
When looking for associates, prioritize personality over skill. You can teach them the technical stuff, but their ability to connect with clients and represent your brand is way more important. When I had associates, I made sure they could genuinely align with my brand vibe and values.
Balancing Work and Life with a Kid on the Way
Since I’m still waiting for baby girl to arrive, I’m not fully living this yet, but here’s my plan: good habits! Waking up early, time-blocking, and scheduling in breaks are going to be key for me. I think that mindset will help keep me productive while still enjoying time with my little one.
Starting a Photography Website
Getting your website up can feel overwhelming, but keep it simple to start. Platforms like Squarespace or ShowIt are perfect for beginners. Make sure you have the essential pages—Home, About, Portfolio, and Contact—and make sure your images are web-optimized so your site loads quickly!
Pricing Film in Packages
Instead of charging per roll, offer a set number of film photos as an add-on package. This gives you flexibility with shooting and avoids clients expecting an exact number of images per roll. It keeps things more creative and less transactional.
Introducing Film to Your Workflow
Start small! A point-and-shoot is a perfect entry into incorporating film into weddings or sessions. Once you’re comfortable with that, you can move into more advanced cameras. The key is to ease into it while learning to handle film during the fast-paced moments of a wedding day.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for hanging out with me on this solo episode! If you enjoyed this, share it with a friend, leave a review, and hit me up on social. The more we grow, the more awesome guests we can bring on, and I can’t wait for that!
I’ll catch you guys in the next episode! Bye for now!"
Connect with Me Online:
Instagram: @summergrace.photo
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