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Motherhood Anthology: Photography Education for a Business You Love
Motherhood Anthology: Photography Education for a Business You Love
Author: Kim Box from the Motherhood Anthology
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Welcome to The Motherhood Anthology podcast: photography education to create a business you love. This podcast will serve as an invaluable resource to guide you in the world of motherhood photography and owning your own successful photography business. Tune in weekly to hear from us and some of our most admired friends and colleagues as we share some of our greatest tools, how-tos, successes, failures, and everything in between.
172 Episodes
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In Part 1, we opened the door to AI. Now it's time to get practical. Rick Mulready walks us through the real, actionable ways photographers can use AI right now—from brainstorming content ideas on a walk to optimizing your website for the future of search. This is where it all clicks.
Topics Covered:
How to use AI as a thought partner to organize ideas, create outlines, and move projects forward faster
Why GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the new SEO—and what you need to update on your site to stay visible
Practical ways to use AI for marketing, operations, and the repetitive tasks draining your time and energy
Creative uses for AI beyond business—from teaching kids to game creation to managing ADHD overwhelm
What AI might look like in one year and five years—and why human connection will matter more than ever
Willow Canvas:
http://willowcanvasbackdrops.com/
Rick's Membership AI Playbook
https://www.skool.com/ai-playbook/about?ref=682f9aabe3694002af406489fdcfac8f
Connect with The Motherhood Anthology
Join TMA!
Enrollment link - https://themotherhoodanthology.com/photography-mentoring/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
AI doesn't have to feel overwhelming or like it's going to steal your creative voice. Rick Mulready breaks down how photographers and creative business owners can use AI as a thought partner to work smarter, not harder—without losing what makes your work authentically yours. This is Part 1 of our conversation—Part 2 drops next week with even more practical strategies you can start using right away.
Topics Covered:
Why ignoring AI isn't an option for small business owners who want to stay competitive
The difference between lazy AI usage and using it thoughtfully to save time while keeping your voice
How to train AI on your writing style so content actually sounds like you
Where to start with AI when you're juggling clients, marketing, and motherhood with limited time
The balance between using AI responsibly and staying ahead in your business
Check out Picture Perfect Rankings:
Group Coaching: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/found-booked/
Learn more: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/
Rick's Membership AI Playbook
https://www.skool.com/ai-playbook/about?ref=682f9aabe3694002af406489fdcfac8f
Connect with The Motherhood Anthology
Join TMA!
Enrollment link - https://themotherhoodanthology.com/photography-mentoring/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
Ali and I are kicking off Season 5 with a casual conversation about finding rest in the new year instead of rushing into productivity. We're sharing what we're celebrating from 2025, our hopes for 2026, and why taking a few weeks to truly reset will put you ahead rather than behind. Plus, we're giving you all the details about our upcoming Coaching Week happening January 12-16.
In this episode, you'll hear:
Permission to rest
Celebrating 2025
Work-life balance and Less but better
TMA Coaching Week preview
Willow Canvas:
http://willowcanvasbackdrops.com/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
Our featured mentor of the month in TMA is Katie Lamb, and in today's episode, we are excited for Katie to guest host the podcast. She's talking all about setting and maintaining clear boundaries to thrive while running a photography business.
Check out Picture Perfect Rankings:
Group Coaching: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/found-booked/
Learn more: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/
Connect with Katie:
https://www.katielamb.com/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
Our guest (and TMA Group Expert) Suzzane Brown is back for another conversation on the podcast this week, all about the importance of presence, authenticity, and creating meaningful connections in the photography business, rather than just focusing on technical skills or "pretty pictures".
We're talking about:
The importance of letting go of expectations and being present to find more joy and playfulness in photography sessions.
Suzy's approach to getting to know her clients deeply before sessions and guiding them through the experience.
Handling clients with different personalities and energy levels, and adapting her approach accordingly.
The value photographers can provide beyond just taking "pretty pictures", such as creating meaningful, connective experiences.
Advice for photographers on staying inspired, avoiding burnout, and standing out in a saturated market.
& so much more!
Willow Canvas:
http://willowcanvasbackdrops.com/
Connect with Suzzane:
https://simplybysuzy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/simplybysuzy/
https://simplybysuzy.com/home-grown
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
In this episode of The Messy Middle, Ali sits down with Carly Matthews—a motherhood and newborn photographer, mom of four, and TMA member—to talk about building a profitable photography business while raising babies. Carly shares her biggest wins from 2025, including how she pivoted her scheduling to better serve her family, traveled for three weeks without stopping her business momentum, and shifted her mindset around client communication. This conversation is full of practical encouragement for photographers navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood and entrepreneurship.
Topics Covered:
Pivoting your schedule to fit your season of life (weekdays vs. weekends)
Running your business while traveling with young kids
Staying neutral in client communication to reduce stress
Building long-term client relationships through genuine connection
Knowing yourself as a creative and setting boundaries accordingly
Finding work-life balance when you're a mom of multiples
Check out Pic-Time:
https://motherhoodanthology.pic-time.com/referral
Check out Picture Perfect Rankings:
Group Coaching: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/found-booked/
Learn more: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/
Connect with The Motherhood Anthology
Join TMA!
Enrollment link - https://themotherhoodanthology.com/photography-mentoring/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
In part two of this conversation, Kim and Allison Rodgers dive into the practical side of building a sustainable photography business. Allison shares her approach to in-person sales, how to find and keep ideal clients, and why slowing down might be the best thing you can do for your business. She also opens up about loss, creativity, and her new self-portrait project. If you've ever wondered how to charge what you're worth or felt like you're doing too much, this conversation will give you permission to do less and create more.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Your best advertising isn't social media. It's getting your work on your clients' walls where their friends can see it
What feels old to you is completely new to your clients, so don't get bored with your signature work too quickly
Success isn't about working harder. It's about being compensated well enough to buy back your time
Getting in front of the camera yourself reminds you how hard it is for your clients and makes you a better photographer
The fastest way to grow creatively is to create something for yourself, not just for what you think will sell
Connect with Allison:
https://www.allisonrodgers.com/
Check out Pic-Time:
https://motherhoodanthology.pic-time.com/referral
Willow Canvas:
http://willowcanvasbackdrops.com/
Connect with The Motherhood Anthology
Join TMA!
Enrollment link - https://themotherhoodanthology.com/photography-mentoring/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
In part one of this two-part conversation, Kim sits down with photographer Allison Rodgers to talk about building a photography business that lasts. Allison shares her journey from art director to full-time photographer, and opens up about pricing, client experience, and why she believes in doing less but doing it better. If you've ever felt mad during a session or wondered how to charge what you're worth, this honest conversation is for you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
When prices feel too low, create something new and exciting instead of announcing a price increase across the board
You know it's time to raise your prices when you're angry during sessions and feel like a button-pusher instead of an artist
In-person sales appointments help you become a better photographer because you see how clients respond to your work
People attach emotions to images based on the experience of creating them, not just how the photos look
Doing less work with more intention creates better results than trying to do everything for everyone
Connect with Allison:
https://www.allisonrodgers.com/
Check out Pic-Time:
https://motherhoodanthology.pic-time.com/referral
Check out Picture Perfect Rankings:
Group Coaching: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/found-booked/
Learn more: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/
Connect with The Motherhood Anthology
Join TMA!
Enrollment link - https://themotherhoodanthology.com/photography-mentoring/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
In this hot seat episode, Katie Lamb coaches photographer Pola Seely on becoming the go-to in-home newborn photographer in Columbia, South Carolina. They discuss strategic approaches to portfolio building, marketing messaging, and creating an exceptional client experience. Katie provides actionable advice on niching down, building authority, and leveraging word-of-mouth marketing.
Key Themes:
Portfolio Consistency & Positioning – Creating recognizable work and ensuring your online presence clearly showcases your in-home newborn specialty
Brand Messaging & Marketing Strategy – Developing authentic messaging that addresses client hesitations and articulates why in-home sessions are ideal
Building Local Authority – Establishing expertise through educational content, hyper-local partnerships, and SEO optimization
Exceptional Client Experience – Creating referral-worthy experiences by eliminating stress points and adding thoughtful touchpoints throughout the process
Connect with The Motherhood Anthology
Join TMA!
Enrollment link - https://themotherhoodanthology.com/photography-mentoring/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
If you get stressed out about algorithms, hashtags, engagement, and how to grow your photography business on Instagram, then this episode is for you! Today, Kim is joined by TMA educator, Amber Courtney, talking all things Instagram.
Connect with The Motherhood Anthology
Join TMA!
Enrollment link - https://themotherhoodanthology.com/photography-mentoring/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
Building a photography business while juggling a full-time job, kids at home, and financial uncertainty might feel impossible, but it's not. In this Messy Middle episode, community manager Ali Payne and TMA group expert Ellen Wagner tackle the most common obstacles that keep photographers stuck between starting out and running a profitable business. From pricing fears to mom guilt, they offer real, unfiltered advice on pushing through to build a business that truly supports your life.
**In This Episode:**
- How to grow your photography business while working a full-time job
- Carving out time for your business when you have kids at home
- Why investing in education before you're "making enough" is essential
- Overcoming pricing fears and charging what you're worth
- The power of one "yes" to start your momentum
Connect with Ellen
https://www.instagram.com/ellenwagnerphoto/
Connect with The Motherhood Anthology
Join TMA!
Enrollment link - https://themotherhoodanthology.com/photography-mentoring/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
In part two of our conversation with Aga and Nirit from Pic-Time, we're exploring the practical steps photographers can take to start selling prints, the role AI plays in supporting creative work, and the trends shaping the future of our industry. This is part two of our conversation! If you missed part one, go back and listen for the full picture.
Topics Covered:
Choosing the right products to sell
The power of abandoned cart and early bird automations
Starting the conversation about prints with clients
How Pic-Time uses AI to support photographers
The future of interactive, personalized galleries
And so much more!
In a world increasingly dominated by screens and digital overload, tangible memories matter more than ever. Your clients are ready, are you?
Check out Pic-Time:
https://www.pic-time.com/
Connect with The Motherhood Anthology
Join TMA!
Enrollment link - https://themotherhoodanthology.com/photography-mentoring/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
If you've been waiting for the right moment to prioritize print sales, this is it. The last quarter of the year isn't just busy, it's when your clients are most ready to invest in tangible memories. The strategies shared in this episode can help you create gallery experiences that feel personal, professional, and impossible to resist. Your images deserve to be printed, and your clients deserve to experience them in a way that lasts. Be sure to tune in next week for part two of this conversation where we'll continue exploring even more ways to maximize your print sales with Pic-Time.
Topics Covered in Part 1:
Why printing matters in a digital-first world
The origin story of Pic-Time
Creating personalized gallery experiences
The power of smart automation for print sales
Why Q4 is your biggest sales opportunity
How to use Black Friday campaigns effectively
Pre-designed products and packages that convert
Check out Pic-Time:
https://www.pic-time.com/
Connect with The Motherhood Anthology
Join TMA!
Enrollment link - https://themotherhoodanthology.com/photography-mentoring/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
In this episode, Kim is joined by New York Times bestselling author and digital marketing expert Amy Porterfield for an honest conversation about success, ambition, and what it really takes to build a business you love. Amy shares how she defines success now versus ten years ago, the challenges of being a female breadwinner out-earning her husband, and why taking care of your physical and mental health directly impacts your income. This conversation goes beyond tactics to explore identity, relationships, navigating the current trust recession in marketing, and the power of community in building sustainable success.
Topics Covered:
How Amy's definition of success has evolved from focusing on money in the bank to prioritizing marriage and family happiness
The reality of leaving a dream job with Tony Robbins and the messy first years of entrepreneurship
Why hiring help earlier matters more than wearing solopreneurship as a badge of honor
Navigating marriage dynamics as a female breadwinner and the importance of open communication
How physical and mental health directly impact your ability to make money in business
The trust recession in marketing and why getting more personal with your audience is essential right now
Building community and finding your people as an entrepreneur
Practical rapid-fire advice on taking action, choosing where to focus your limited time, and betting on yourself
Connect with Amy Porterfield:
https://www.amyporterfield.com/
Connect with The Motherhood Anthology
Join TMA!
Enrollment link - https://themotherhoodanthology.com/photography-mentoring/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
Starting over in a new market can feel overwhelming, especially when you're moving to one of the most competitive photography cities in the country. But what if that challenge is exactly what you need to step into the next level of your business?
In this episode, Ali Payne talks with Kayla Victor of Kayla Mari Photography about navigating this major transition by investing in business coaching, deciding what to outsource versus what to own, and building a brand identity that truly serves her goals.
We talk about:
How understanding your brand at its core helps you attract the right clients and build confidence in your business
Deciding what to outsource and what to keep
The difference between destination market strategy and local market strategy, and why SEO became a priority in a new city
Why business coaching was the right investment during a major transition, and how to know when it's time to seek outside support
The one sentence that shifted Kayla's mindset from panic to confidence when she was freaking out about the move
Growth often requires getting uncomfortable and seeking outside support. Whether you're navigating a big transition or simply trying to figure out where to focus your energy next, this episode offers clarity and encouragement to keep moving forward.
Connect with Kayla:
http://kaylamariphoto.com/
Connect with The Motherhood Anthology
Join TMA!
Enrollment link - https://themotherhoodanthology.com/photography-mentoring/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
What if offering artwork actually saved you time instead of taking it? Marie Elizabeth transformed her photography business from $99 sessions into a sustainable full-time career by working just 4-6 days a month with average sales of $3,000-$4,000. In this episode, she walks through the five critical pitfalls that keep photographers from profitable artwork sales and exactly how to avoid them.
Topics Covered
The Time Myth and Why Artwork Creates Freedom Discover why offering artwork with ordering appointments actually frees up your schedule, allowing you to work with fewer clients at higher price points while creating real margin in your life.
Not Integrating Artwork Into Every Touch Point Learn why artwork can't be an afterthought and how to weave it naturally into your website, discovery calls, planning appointments, and ordering sessions so clients expect it from the start.
Overwhelming Clients With Too Many Options Find out why Marie only offers three artwork options and how simplicity converts while lengthy product menus push clients toward digital files.
Not Sharing About Artwork Enough Understand the marketing strategy behind consistent artwork visibility, including sharing about products regularly on Instagram and featuring them throughout your website.
Leaving Clients to Make Decisions Alone See why busy luxury clients need guided ordering appointments to actually follow through on purchasing artwork instead of defaulting to digital files.
Not Believing in Your Offerings Explore the mindset work that helped Marie go from $99 sessions to confidently presenting $4,000 albums, including practical strategies like affirmations and focusing on value over price.
Marie's Marketing Strategy Learn the specific tactics Marie implemented—SEO, blogging, and consistent Instagram presence—that transformed her booking rate and attracted ideal clients ready to invest in artwork.
Referenced in This Episode
HoneyBook - Client management platform
Indie Print Co - Premium album supplier
Marie's Photography Resources - Courses and templates
Luxe & Legacy Podcast - Co-hosted by Marie Elizabeth and Amber Courtney
Guest Bio: Marie Elizabeth
Marie Elizabeth is a motherhood photographer, educator, and co-host of the Luxe & Legacy Podcast. After transitioning from teaching, she built a thriving photography business working 4-6 sessions per month with average sales of $3,000-$4,000, primarily in artwork. She specializes in helping photographers create luxury businesses rooted in artistry, exceptional client experience, and profitable workflows.
Connect with Marie:
Instagram: @marie.elizabeth.photo
Website & Courses: marie-elizabethphotography.com
Podcast: Luxe & Legacy (with Amber Courtney of Light Livin Photography)
Connect with The Motherhood Anthology
Join TMA!
Enrollment link - https://themotherhoodanthology.com/photography-mentoring/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
Brittany Barb went from charging $500 for shoot-and-burn sessions to making her first $4,000 sale by adding in-person viewing parties. Shannon Griffin offers advice on keeping this success going by talking about products earlier in the process and showing confidence when presenting options.
Key Topics Covered:
Creating memorable client experiences that naturally lead to higher sales
Setting product expectations before the shoot, not after
Positioning yourself as the expert who solves problems for busy clients
Removing technical barriers that hold you back from offering premium products
Building genuine connections instead of "selling" to make clients feel comfortable investing
Connect with Shannon:
https://www.shannongriffin.com,
Connect with Brittany:
https://www.brittanybarb.photography
Join the e-mail list:
https://membership.themotherhoodanthology.com/membership-waitlist
Join TMA!
Enrollment link - https://themotherhoodanthology.com/photography-mentoring/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
Family and newborn photographer Abby Park shares her journey of redirecting her successful photography business away from profitable weekend and evening shoots to prioritize family time. She discusses the challenge of recognizing when business momentum is taking you in a direction that no longer serves your values, and how she communicated these boundary changes to existing clients while maintaining her business relationships.
In this episode, we discuss:
Understanding when success is pulling you away from your core values and family priorities
The evolution from client-led scheduling to photographer-driven boundaries, and the confidence required to make this shift
How to frame business changes as benefits rather than limitations
Balancing the demands of a growing photography business with the realities of parenting four children ages 4-9
Moving beyond traditional metrics of busy schedules and high booking rates to define success as being present across all spheres of life
and so much more!
Connect with Abby:
https://abbyparkphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/abbyparkphotography/
Join the e-mail list:
https://membership.themotherhoodanthology.com/membership-waitlist
Join TMA!
Enrollment link - https://themotherhoodanthology.com/photography-mentoring/
Connect with TMA:
Website | Membership | Courses: www.themotherhoodanthology.com
Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themotherhoodanthology
Our Instagram: instagram.com/themotherhoodanthology
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
In part two, Elizabeth Messina dives deep into the behind-the-camera experience of her photography sessions and shares her thoughtful approach to post-shoot curation. She reveals how she creates an atmosphere where clients feel like guests first, subjects second, and explains her "immersive photography" philosophy where the entire experience becomes part of the session.
Key Takeaways:
Show up even when you don't feel like it
Create atmosphere and connection before performance
Curation is where the art lives
Give tangible gifts to clients
And more!
Elizabeth Messina's sanctuary for creatives:
https://theartedept.com
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox
In the first part of this riveting 2-part interview, photographer Elizabeth Messina shares how she evolved from being too shy for photos to confidently teaching others about her craft. She believes successful photography businesses start with creating excellent work you're proud of, not just clever marketing.
Key Takeaways:
Start with good work: Build your business on photography you actually love, not just marketing tactics
Growing confidence takes time: Overcoming shyness and learning to trust your vision
Balance art with client needs: Serve clients while still making time for your own creative work
Focus on what you control: During slow periods, improve your portfolio and skills instead of worrying about what's not working
Join us next week for Part 2!
Elizabeth Messina's sanctuary for creatives:
https://theartedept.com
Connect with Kim:
Site: https://kimbox.com
IG https://www.instagram.com/kimbox



