Take Your Shot Podcast

In this 100th episode (ahh that still doesn't even feel real!) we reflect on the journey behind the Take Your Shot Podcast as it reaches 100 episodes. From leaving a corporate career to building a photography business and eventually launching this platform, she shares the story of how it all started, the lessons learned along the way, and the values that continue to shape the community today. This episode is an honest look behind the scenes of building a creative business and a reminder that success rarely looks as polished as it appears online.Thank you for being here! Be sure to check these out:Enter the giveaway!Get on the waitlist for the booking breakthrough:Follow on Instagram @takeyourshotcollective

If you’ve ever said, “I’m just not a numbers person,” this episode is for you.I’m joined by Danielle Hayden, founder of Kickstart Accounting, and we’re talking about the financial mindset shift every creative business owner needs to make. In this episode, you'll learn: – The biggest money mistakes creatives are making – Why revenue growth doesn’t always mean profit – The truth about “spending to save on taxes” – How AI and automations can quietly mess up your books – What healthy, sustainable profit actually looks likeDanielle breaks down how to review your numbers monthly, make smarter decisions, and build a business that lasts.More from Danielle Hayden:Website: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickstartaccounting/ More from Take Your Shot Collective:Try Dubsado (Use code: TAKEYOURSHOT for an additional 30% off): https://www.dubsado.com/?c=takeyourshotFree SEO Guide: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources1:1 Coaching with Halle: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coachingFree Online Community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community

What happens if you step away from your business for six weeks? In this episode, I share how I worked just 3–5 hours per week, stopped posting on Instagram, and still brought in over $10,000 in payments last month AND I booked a $13,000 wedding. Being able to do this was the result of years of investing in SEO and building strong backend systems that keep our photography business running, even when we’re not constantly visible.A huge part of that foundation is Dubsado, the CRM we’ve used since 2020. It manages our inquiries, contracts, payment plans, questionnaires, and automated workflows from start to finish. Because our systems were already in place, clients were nurtured, payments were processed, and nothing slipped through the cracks — even while I stepped back to focus on what mattered most in this season. And so when they flew us out to California this past week to connect, learn more, and help shape the future of their platform - it was an easy yes for us!This episode is your reminder that resilience is built before you need it. If you want a business that supports your life instead of consuming it, you don’t need more hustle — you need infrastructure. I’m sharing exactly what made that possible and how you can start building it too.Resources Mentioned:Try Dubsado (Limited time birthday sale + code TAKEYOURSHOT): https://www.dubsado.com/?c=takeyourshotFree SEO Guide: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources1:1 Coaching with Halle: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coachingFree Online Community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community

In this episode, I express the reality of things here in Minnesota and how we are getting through one day at a time. I then express just as business owners how we can lead and what people in our community are doing to step up and meet the moment and community and the needs. If you want to help support here in Minnesota, here is an awesome resource:Stand with Minnesota More from Take your shot collective:Free Resources and favorite tools

There's no perfect way on how to navigate difficult and heavy times. Right now, we live in a city that is once again at the center of national headlines and we are experiencing a lot of heaviness, grief, pain, and so many other things. There are no words, there is no perfect response, and in this episode I just wanted to have an honest reflection. No script, no perfectly planned episode, just speaking from the heart on this one. There's a lot more I could have said, but out of a lack of capacity this was all I felt I could share right now.

In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I’m walking you through how to start the year intentionally—without falling into the trap of trying to do everything at once. If you tend to come into January with big ideas, high motivation, and a long list of things you want to change, this conversation is for you.We’re talking about why this season should be viewed as a marathon, not a sprint, and how real, long-term success comes from slowing down enough to reflect, reset, and build a plan that’s actually sustainable.Inside this episode, we cover:What to intentionally carry into the new year—and what to let go ofThe importance of dreaming big before jumping into tacticsIdentifying the routines, systems, and distractions that are holding you backHow tools, outsourcing, and better systems can support your energy—not drain itWhy getting clear on your why is essential for goals that actually stickThe role community plays in building a fulfilling and sustainable businessI also share how I personally think about alignment, money, time freedom, and community—and why success without clarity or support often leads to burnout, even when things look good on paper.To help you go deeper, I’ve created a free strategy and vision-setting guide that walks you through these questions step by step. You can copy it into a Google Doc, take it to a coffee shop, or use it during your own personal retreat—whatever helps you sit with your business and your life more intentionally.Resources & Links MentionedGet the FREE 2026 Vision and Alignment Workbook!https://take-your-shot.myflodesk.com/2026-vision-workbookFree online community:https://takeyourshotcollective.com/communityFree resources & guides (including the strategy/vision guide):https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resourcesOne-on-one coaching with Halle:https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coachingFollow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeyourshotcollectiveIf you’re ready to set the tone for the year ahead in a way that feels grounded, thoughtful, and aligned, this episode is a great place to start.Come say hi on Instagram and tell me what you’re most excited about this year. And if this episode resonated, screenshot it, share it, and tag us—I’d love to reshare and continue building this community together.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Minneapolis DJ and event host Benny Nord for a conversation that every wedding pro needs to hear. Benny has become one of the most trusted DJs in our market — couples literally plan their wedding dates around his availability — and it has far less to do with music and far more to do with how he makes people feel.We’re diving into the soft skills that truly transform the client experience and what it looks like to put people first, even in the busiest seasons of business.In this episode, we cover:• Why connection matters more than perfection in creative work• How “looking up more often” completely shifts your presence on a wedding day• The difference between guest experience and client experience — and why they’re inseparable• How to know when a client isn’t the right fit (and how to turn them away with kindness)• Handling unexpected moments with confidence and care• The simple audits Benny uses to consistently improve his client experienceWhether you’re a photographer, videographer, planner, or any creative in the wedding space, this episode will help you rethink how you show up — not just technically, but relationally.Connect with BennyInstagram: @bennynordUP Event Group: @upeventgroupTake Your Shot Collective Resources• Free Community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community• Business Resources + Discounts: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources• Coaching with Halle: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching• Follow on Instagram: @takeyourshotcollective

December can feel loud, overwhelming, and full of pressure—holiday chaos, Black Friday sales, and the lingering burnout from wedding season. In this episode, we talk about why this month is not the time to overhaul your business or make big decisions, especially when you're operating from exhaustion instead of clarity. If you’re feeling tired, behind, or pulled in too many directions, this episode gives you permission to slow down and reset before heading into January with a clearer mind.Take Your Shot Resources:Free community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/communityFree resources: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resourcesApply for 1:1 Coaching: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching

If you’ve ever wondered when to hire a VA, what to hand off first, or how to stop “delegating” only to redo the work later, this episode will help you build an outsourcing plan that truly supports your business. I’m joined by Ellie Leonard, Founder and CEO of Virtual Bliss Assisting, to talk about sustainable systems, clear communication, and trust-based partnerships that protect your energy and improve your client experience.We walk through how to recognize the signs you’re ready for help, what a strong onboarding process looks like, and how to set expectations so tasks get done right the first time. Ellie shares a simple roadmap for choosing your first delegations, creating SOPs without overcomplicating them, and measuring the ROI of admin support versus an online business manager. We also cover how to course-correct if you’ve had a less-than-ideal outsourcing experience, and ways to structure weekly rhythms so you stay in your lane while your VA keeps the back end moving.If you’re tired of juggling everything yourself and want structure that fits your season, this conversation will give you the language, steps, and confidence to delegate well.STAY CONNECTED:• Virtual Bliss Assisting website: https://www.virtualblissassisting.com• Ellie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtualblissassistingMORE FROM TAKE YOUR SHOT COLLECTIVE • Free online community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community• Business resources and tools: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources• 1:1 coaching with Halle: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeyourshotcollectiveIf this episode helped you rethink how you delegate, follow the show and leave a review so more creatives can find it.

Episode 91: Time Management That Fits Your Brain with Lauren GlynnWhat if your time management wasn’t a rigid system to force yourself into—but a flexible framework that works with your energy, your season, and your actual life? In this episode, I’m joined by time management and productivity coach Lauren Glynn to talk about building sustainable structure as a creative, testing your “ideal week” instead of guessing, and making small shifts that unlock real momentum.We dig into how to recognize misalignment (busy but not effective), why tracking your time honestly is the first step to change, and how to design your calendar around your energy patterns instead of defaulting to what everyone else does. Lauren shares her BREK Framework (Baseline, Record, Evaluate, Keep practicing), along with her “Hell Yes Task Sorter” approach to clarify what you should keep, automate, delegate, or drop. We also talk about experimenting with meeting days, protecting creative focus time, and adjusting your systems by season so you’re not burning out in the busiest months.If you’ve tried every planner and still feel behind, this conversation will help you build a simple, repeatable rhythm that actually supports your business and your life.Learn from Lauren• Hell Yes Task Sorter (Notion template): https://laurenglynn.com/hellyes • Connect with Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurengconsulting/ More from Take Your Shot Collective• Free community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community• Business resources and tools: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources• 1:1 coaching with Halle: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeyourshotcollective• Content Strategy Boot Camp: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/content

Have you ever looked at someone else's business and wondered how they “made it” so quickly?In this episode of the Take Your Shot Podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on what “overnight success” really looks like—and why it’s almost always anything but overnight. I’m sharing real stories (including one from a YouTuber who worked for 10 years before seeing traction) and my own journey building a business that’s sustainable, fulfilling, and built on systems—not hustle.If you’ve ever felt behind, burnt out, or unsure whether your hard work is ever going to pay off… this episode is for you.You'll walk away with:Why consistency is your most underrated advantageHow to build a business that can actually lastWhy comparing your journey to someone else’s middle will always backfireAnd what it takes to create momentum that compounds over timeWhether you're in year one or year ten of your business, this episode is your reminder that your work matters—and it’s working even when it doesn’t feel like it yet.Learn more about the Booking breakthroughFree Business Resources & Tools1:1 Coaching with HalleFollow on InstagramIf you found this episode helpful, leave a review and share it with a friend who needs to hear this today.

Ever finish a consultation call and wonder if you really connected with the couple? In this episode, I’m sharing three intentional things I do in every single inquiry call that consistently lead to more bookings—without feeling salesy or scripted.If you want to book more weddings, serve your couples better from the very first conversation, and create an experience that makes you the obvious choice—this one’s for you.We’re talking about the power of asking better questions, making couples feel known, and guiding them in a way that builds trust right from the start.You’ll walk away with simple changes you can make on your next call that could lead to your next “yes.”More from Take Your Shot Collective:Join our free online community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/communityFree resources and discounts: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resourcesCoaching opportunities with Halle: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coachingConnect on Instagram: @takeyourshotcollective

If you’ve ever looked at another entrepreneur and thought, “How is she doing it all?” — this one’s for you.This week, I’m joined by systems and automation expert Taylor Hedden of Chanel & Lee. She’s a Dubsado specialist, a mom of two, a photographer, a podcast host, and the owner of a thriving consulting business. And somehow? She’s not drowning in her inbox.In this episode, Taylor walks us through her journey from burned-out VA to building a business designed around her life — not the other way around. You’ll hear her exact process for building workflows, what to automate first, and how to stop spending your best energy on repetitive tasks. If you’re ready to create more space, serve your clients better, and actually enjoy running your business again… this is the episode for you.What you’ll learn:How Taylor got started with systems and automation — and why it changed everythingWhat she recommends automating first (and what’s not worth your time)Why your brand voice matters more when automating — not lessThe tool she says is the most underrated feature in DubsadoLinks & Resources:• Taylor’s Free Client Experience Library: https://chanelandlee.com/the-ex-library• Connect with Taylor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanelandlee• Explore her services & shop: https://www.chanelandlee.comTry Dubsado for freeMore from Take Your Shot!• Follow the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/takeyourshotcollective• Grab my free business tools: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources• Apply for coaching: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching

If there’s something you want — a dream, a vision, or a next step in your business — but you keep hitting a wall, this episode is for you. Because sometimes the thing standing in your way isn’t strategy… it’s fear.In this episode of the Take Your Shot Podcast, I’m walking you through three of the most common fears I see over and over again — in my own life, in my students, and in other creatives trying to build something meaningful.Each one can be sneaky. They show up as procrastination, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and overthinking — and they often disguise themselves as being “realistic.” But when you name them, you can move through them.We’ll talk about what these fears sound like, how they show up, and practical ways to move forward anyway — because you don’t have to be fearless to take action. You just have to start.Want support as you grow your business and move past the fear?→ Apply for coaching: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coachingResources + Links:• Business resources & tools: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources• Follow on Instagram: @takeyourshotcollectiveIf this episode hit home, send it to a friend or share your favorite takeaway on Instagram and tag me — I love hearing from you!

Curious about landing paid travel partnerships or diving into the world of user-generated content (UGC)? In this episode, I sit down with Mallory Green to talk about how she’s built a thriving content creation business centered around UGC and brand partnerships—especially in the travel and lifestyle space.Mallory shares how she got started, the mindset shifts she had to make, and her top advice for creatives who want to work with brands—without having a massive audience. We talk about pricing your work confidently, negotiating with brands, and what it takes to build long-term brand relationships rooted in trust.Whether you're new to content creation or looking to add a revenue stream beyond your service-based business, this episode will help you see what's possible.Connect with Mallory GreenWebsite: www.reinsmarketing.comInstagram: @ouitravelpodcastMore From Take Your Shot CollectiveWe're all about supporting and elevating creative business owners, and so along with our weekly business podcast, we have so much more to share with you! Get plugged in, take what you need, and let me know how I can continue to support you in your business.Join our free online community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/communityFree resources and discounts: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resourcesCoaching opportunities with Halle: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coachingConnect on Instagram: @takeyourshotcollectiveIf you enjoyed this episode of the Take Your Shot Podcast, don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I’m sharing the full story behind the $8,000 wedding I turned down. Not because it wasn’t good money. Not because I didn’t need the booking. But because it wasn’t aligned—and saying yes would’ve compromised the client’s experience, my values, and the kind of business I want to run.We talk about how to trust your gut, how to navigate uncomfortable client conversations with kindness and professionalism, and what it looks like to serve with integrity—especially when the stakes are high.If you’ve ever second-guessed a boundary or wondered how to stay client-first without getting walked over, this episode is for you.Shop contracts from the Legal Paige https://thelegalpaige.com/?aff=804More from Take Your Shot Collective:• Join our free online community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community• Download free tools and business resources: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources• Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Halle: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching• Follow along on Instagram: https://instagram.com/takeyourshotcollective• Content Strategy Boot Camp: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/content

Are you still relying only on natural light and hoping for the best at every shoot? This week on the Take Your Shot podcast, I’m joined by Eden Strader—wedding photographer turned educator and artificial lighting queen. Eden breaks down why every photographer needs to learn how to use flash and how mastering artificial light can literally change everything for your business and creative confidence.If you’ve ever felt intimidated by flash, unsure where to start, or convinced it’s only for certain styles, Eden is here to reframe it all. We talk about the biggest misconceptions, how to start small (even on a budget), and how learning artificial light can make you a better, more reliable photographer—no matter the situation.Whether you’re shooting high-end weddings or creative sessions in tough lighting, this is a must-listen for photographers ready to uplevel.✨ In this episode, we cover:Why learning artificial light is an investment in your clients and your confidenceThe biggest mental blocks holding photographers back from using flashGear recommendations for every budget (you don’t need to drop $3k to get started!)Eden’s favorite flash and softbox setup—and why it mattersSimple ways to practice flash without using clients as your guinea pigsWhy mastering lighting leads to more creative freedom (and better client experience)🔗 Resources & Links MentionedConnect with Eden Strader:Website: https://edenstrader.comIn-Person Flash Photography Workshop: https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop“Let’s Get Lit” Free Artificial Light Guide: https://edenstrader.com/let-s-get-lit-or-artificial-light-freebieInstagram: @edenstraderPodcast: That’s My Personal BusinessMore from Take Your Shot Collective:Free Online Community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community1:1 Coaching with Halle: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coachingBusiness Resources & Freebies: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resourcesInstagram: @takeyourshotcollective🎙 If you enjoyed this episode of the Take Your Shot Podcast — be sure to follow, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s ready to step up their game behind the camera. Your support means everything!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become the first vendor couples hire—before the planner, the venue, or even the date itself? In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I’m sharing exactly how we’ve built that kind of trust in our brand and the intentional steps that made it possible.We’ll talk about what couples are really looking for when they’re choosing who to hire, how to communicate your value clearly and consistently, and why connection always converts better than perfection. This isn’t about being everywhere or going viral—it’s about showing up in a way that makes people feel safe, excited, and ready to work with you.Whether you’re in a saturated market or just trying to book more aligned clients, this episode will help you rethink how you’re building trust and positioning yourself in your business.Resources & Links• Join the Content Strategy Bootcamp: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/content • Download tools and business resources: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources• Join the free online community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community• Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/takeyourshotcollective• Get the Meta Glasses to record your own BTS: https://amzn.to/4eEzp6oIf this episode resonates with you, make sure you’re subscribed and leave a review. We’d love to hear what connected most and how you're building trust with your people.

How do you build a business that actually supports your life—not the other way around? In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I sat down with Briana Wells, systems strategist and founder of Flourish and Structure, to talk about what it really means to create a business strategy grounded in data, structure, and intention.We dive into how to approach your systems through the lens of sustainability and why understanding your numbers and backend processes is one of the most empowering things you can do as a creative entrepreneur. Briana shares practical tips for using data to drive decisions—from streamlining your client experience to evaluating when and how to scale.If you’ve ever felt like you're running on autopilot or reacting to every fire that pops up, this conversation is your invitation to pause, reflect, and build smarter. Briana breaks down how to make data feel approachable, where to start if you're not "a systems person," and how to set up a structure that actually gives you more freedom and clarity.Whether you're trying to optimize your onboarding, refine your client workflows, or prepare your business for growth, this episode will help you see your numbers and systems not just as back-end tasks—but as key pieces of your strategy.Resources MentionedConnect with Briana Wells: https://flourishandstructure.comFollow Briana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishandstructureMore From Take Your Shot CollectiveJoin the free online community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community1:1 coaching with Halle: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coachingBusiness resources and tools: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resourcesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeyourshotcollectiveIf this episode helped you think differently about your backend strategy or gave you practical ways to move forward, we’d love for you to leave a review and share the episode with a fellow creative. Thanks for tuning in.

Are you deep in wedding season and feeling totally overwhelmed? Whether your editing queue is stacked sky-high, your inbox is overflowing, or social media has taken a back seat—you are not alone. In this episode, I’m walking you through how to actually thrive during busy season as a wedding photographer, instead of just surviving it.I’m sharing how I used to feel completely burned out every summer and what finally helped me turn things around. From managing your calendar and batching client sessions to setting boundaries, organizing workflows, and outsourcing editing—you’ll walk away from this episode with practical ways to take back control and make your business more sustainable. You don’t have to live in constant chaos to be successful. Let’s get things back on track so you can keep growing your business and still have a life outside of it.If you’re feeling stressed, behind, or out of rhythm, this is your permission to reset.More from Take Your Shot CollectiveWe're here to help you build a sustainable, successful business that actually fits your life.Join the 3-day boot camp and check out all our other resources like dubsado and imagine AI:: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resourcesCoaching with Halle: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coachingFree online community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community