Take It Personally

It’s busy season. Your camera is glued to your hand, your editing queue is packed, and marketing? Yeah, that’s probably collecting dust.But here’s the thing—what you post today is what fills your calendar tomorrow. If you tend to see a slowdown in bookings come December or January, it’s probably because your marketing fell off the map in September and October. It happens every year. But this time? You’re going to do it differently.In this episode, I’m diving deep into a strategy I swear by: documentation marketing. It’s the easiest way to stay consistent on Instagram without creating content from scratch. If batching 30 days of content sounds like your personal nightmare (hi, same), this method is for you.We’re talking:The vicious visibility cycle (and how to break it)Why documenting is more effective than creatingSimple, scroll-stopping content ideas you can capture in real timeHow to build a content rhythm that works for your real lifeMarketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and it definitely doesn’t have to stop just because you’re booked and busy. This episode will help you stay top of mind, even when you don’t have a ton of time.LINKS & RESOURCES:📱 Follow along with The Consistency Cure series on Instagram📸 Grab the Ultimate Personal Brand Session Shot List: maddiepeschong.com📝 Blog: More tips and tools to grow your personal brand photography business💬 Want more BTS tips like this? DM me your biggest struggle with Instagram right now.LET’S CONNECT:Website: maddiepeschong.comInstagram: @maddiepeschongIf you loved this episode, leave a review! It helps other photographers find the show and keeps us creating content you actually want to hear.

Doors to Rebrand close TONIGHT and I'm breaking down all the systems inside the program to make sure you don't slip through the cracks, plus the mindset shift you need to make to get results inside a new program every single time. Join Rebrand: https://maddiepeschong.com/rebrand

So many brand photographers struggle with what to post on Instagram. Some go completely quiet because they feel stuck, while others show up daily but still aren’t booking clients. The truth? It’s not just about consistency. It’s about posting the right kind of content that actually converts.In this episode of Take It Personally, I’m sharing the five types of content that booked-out brand photographers are using to stand out, build trust, and turn followers into paying clients. These strategies are simple, sustainable, and designed to help you show up with confidence and intention.What you'll learn in this episode:The two biggest struggles photographers face with Instagram contentWhy “just showing up” isn’t enough to attract new clientsFive categories of content that consistently book clientsHow to shift your Instagram from a stagnant portfolio to a client-generating toolA sneak peek into my Booked Out & In Demand masterclassCONNECT WITH MADDIE:InstagramWebsiteLINKSGrab your free spot in my Booked Up and In-Demand Masterclass: September 23 at noon CST - learn the content system that fills your calendar with premium clientsRebrand Group CoachingUltimate Personal Brand Session Shot List – Free DownloadFull show notes

I will never stop sharing my love for social media. Why? Because it’s one of the most powerful tools we have as business owners. And yet, so many photographers I work with are afraid of it. They worry about being vulnerable, about what showing up online says about them, and as a result, they hold back.But here’s the truth: these limiting beliefs are keeping you from booking clients on Instagram. It doesn’t matter how solid your strategy is or how many content ideas you have—if you can’t work through these beliefs, you’ll struggle to see results.In this episode, I’m breaking down the most common beliefs I hear (and have struggled with myself!) and how to start talking back to those scary voices in your head so you can finally use social media to connect with the right people and book more clients.What you'll learn in this episode:Why “nobody cares” and “I’m not that interesting” are lies you’re telling yourselfHow practicing is the only way to get better at showing up onlineWhy your life doesn’t need to look perfectly aesthetic to attract clientsHow to share what feels comfortable while still making genuine connectionsWhy “professionalism” doesn’t mean hiding who you areThe power of recognizing your red flag thoughts and shifting them into possibilityCONNECT WITH MADDIE:InstagramWebsiteLINKSGrab your free spot in my Booked Up and In-Demand Masterclass: September 23 at noon CST - learn the content system that fills your calendar with premium clientsRebrand Group CoachingUltimate Personal Brand Session Shot List – Free DownloadFull show notes

You’ve been told you need to show up consistently on Instagram...so you do. But instead of clients rolling in, you’re left wondering if posting is even worth it. Maybe your consistency hasn’t paid off, or maybe you’ve been ghosting your account altogether. Either way, if Instagram isn’t bringing in new bookings, it’s not about the app. It’s about your content strategy.In this episode of Take It Personally, I'm breaking down the three types of Instagram posts that actually get clients to book you. I'm sharing real examples, how to position yourself as the go-to brand photographer, and how storytelling can make your content more effective. If you’ve been frustrated with Instagram, this is the strategy shift you need.01:08 – Why posting on Instagram isn’t working for many photographers02:16 – The 3 types of Instagram posts to get booked03:00 – Reputation-building content05:56 – Rapport-building content09:40 – Relationship-building content19:54 – Focus on your content strategy, not just consistency20:19 – 21 Day Instagram ChallengeCONNECT WITH MADDIE:InstagramWebsiteLINKSJoin my 21-Day Instagram Challenge happening inside a private IG chat starting September 1st—simple, daily prompts that help you stay consistent and get visible so you can get more inquiries from IG. 👉 DM me “challenge” on Instagram @maddiepeschong to join us!Rebrand Group CoachingUltimate Personal Brand Session Shot List – Free DownloadFull show notes

As photographers, it can feel natural to use Instagram as a portfolio—posting your most recent work with simple captions like “Loved this session!” or “Isn’t she gorgeous?” But if you’ve been doing that consistently and wondering why you’re not booking clients, there’s a reason: Instagram isn’t meant to be your portfolio.In this episode of Take It Personally, I'm sharing why using Instagram only to showcase your work keeps you from connecting with your ideal clients and booking sessions. I'm also showing how to shift from treating your feed like a gallery to creating an engaging brand experience—one that builds trust, answers client questions before they ever inquire, and ultimately gets you booked.If you’ve ever felt frustrated that posting pretty photos isn’t leading to results, this episode will give you a clear strategy to change that.01:07 — The viral Threads post that sparked this conversation02:16 — Why using Instagram like a portfolio keeps photographers stuck03:22 — Common posting mistakes03:56 — Building connection and brand experience04:40 — Sharing work strategically06:50 — Practical post examples and client concerns09:42 — Building trust through personal stories10:25 — Brand storytelling and standing out11:07 — 21-day Instagram challenge inviteCONNECT WITH MADDIE:InstagramWebsiteLINKSJoin my 21-Day Instagram Challenge happening inside a private IG chat starting September 1st—simple, daily prompts that help you stay consistent and get visible so you can get more inquiries from IG. 👉 DM me “challenge” on Instagram @maddiepeschong to join us!Rebrand Group CoachingUltimate Personal Brand Session Shot List – Free DownloadFull show notes

If your Instagram feed is filled with nothing but sneak peeks and “look how gorgeous this session was” captions, we need to talk. Instagram is not your portfolio; it’s the experience of your brand.When you treat it like a dusty portfolio, you run out of content quickly and blend in with every other photographer. But when you start treating it like an experience, one great brand session can fuel your feed for 30 days (or more).In this episode, I’m sharing how to stop overthinking, use your sessions more strategically, and turn a single shoot into a month’s worth of posts that build reputation, rapport, relationships, and true embodiment of your brand.01:45 – The problem with using Instagram as a portfolio03:29 – Creating content that works harder for you07:08 – Building reputation: introducing yourself and your work09:39 – Building rapport through storytelling14:56 – Building relationships through social proof22:19 – Embodying your brand authentically24:10 – Repurposing content effectively27:34 – Join the 21-day Instagram challengeCONNECT WITH MADDIE:InstagramWebsiteLINKSJoin my 21-Day Instagram Challenge happening inside a private IG chat starting September 1st—simple, daily prompts that help you stay consistent and get visible so you can get more inquiries from IG. 👉 DM me “challenge” on Instagram @maddiepeschong to join us!Rebrand Group CoachingUltimate Personal Brand Session Shot List – Free DownloadFull show notes

Ever found yourself slammed with client work and thinking, “I don’t need to post to Instagram right now—I’m booked!” …only to be staring at an empty inbox a few months later wondering where everyone went?Yep. I’ve been there. This is what I call the vicious visibility cycle, and it’s time to break it.In this episode, we’re diving into:Why your fully booked season now could mean crickets laterThe sneaky lag time between showing up and booking outWhy marketing is a non-negotiable if you want long-term successHow to stay visible without burning yourself outShifting from “content creation” to documentation marketingPlus, I’m sharing more about my brand new 21-Day Instagram Challenge happening inside a private IG chat starting September 1st—simple, daily prompts that help you stay consistent and get visible so you can get more inquiries from IG.👉 DM me “challenge” on Instagram @maddiepeschong to join us!Links & Resources:Join the 21-Day Instagram Challenge – DM “challenge”Rebrand Group CoachingUltimate Personal Brand Session Shot List – Free Download

You want to charge four figures for brand photography, whether that’s $1,000 or $5,000. But deep down, if you’re still crossing your fingers that your clients are happy with their photos or treating every session like a guessing game, it’s going to be hard to raise your prices with confidence.In this episode of Take It Personally, we’re talking about the one mistake that might be holding you back from charging what your work is worth: not having a strategic, repeatable process behind your sessions. I'm walking you through why your clients are looking for ROI, not just pretty photos, and how a thoughtful brand photography process creates results, for your clients and your business.If you’re tired of feeling unsure about your pricing, nervous on shoot day, or unsure how to talk about the value you provide, this episode is a must-listen.1:07 — The mistake that’s keeping you from charging four figures1:40 — Why your photos need more than “just vibes” to be premium2:57 — My client Roxanne: from unsure to confidently charging $3K+3:53 — What clients really get from brand photography6:27 — The importance of consistent client experience9:04 — Repeatable strategy = premium pricing + better referrals9:55 — Why strategic planning helps your clients (and your time!)12:30 — How to build confidence and charge more12:50 — Three things to focus on for strategic sessions15:57 — What’s inside Behind the Shot16:33 — Live call details in BTS + new pricing module17:16 — How to join the course and get $150 off!CONNECT WITH MADDIE:InstagramWebsiteLINKSBehind the Shot: the full system of planning, posing, shooting, and delivering, so you can stop feeling like an imposter and start showing up like the expert brand photographer you are. $150 off with code SUMMER25!The August summer sprint inside BTS includes live calls, a new pricing module, and the accountability you've been needing to actually finish the courseRoxanne's TIP podcast episodeFull show notes

Lighting can feel so intimidating—especially if you’re used to relying only on natural light. I used to be that photographer who prayed for big windows and white walls and sweated at the thought of using flash. But once I started actually practicing with artificial light, it completely changed my confidence behind the camera.In this episode, I’m sharing the lighting setups I use most often during brand sessions—from natural light to flash to strobes—and how to know which one to use when. Plus, we’re diving into why lighting isn’t just technical, it’s part of your brand.Here’s what we’re talking about:My journey from natural-light-only to confidently using artificial lightThe exact gear I use on brand shoots (hello, Profoto A10 😍)Why modified natural light is my go-to setupHow lighting helps create a cohesive, elevated brand portfolioWhat’s included in Behind the Shot and why now’s the perfect time to join✨ Join Behind the Shot and get $150 off with code SUMMER25: maddiepeschong.com/behindtheshotThe August summer sprint inside BTS includes live calls, a new pricing module, and the accountability you’ve been needing to actually finish the course.

Ever wonder what the client experience actually looks like inside a premium brand photography business? In this episode, I'm walking you through the exact workflow I use with every single client—from initial inquiry to gallery delivery and beyond. You’ll hear about the systems, templates, automations, and even the personal touches that make a huge difference. If managing your clients feels messy or exhausting, this episode is your permission to simplify it.Plus, don’t miss the invite to my free webinar with Colie James where we’ll help you streamline your client experience and charge more with less stress.0:00 – Why client experience workflows matter2:15 – Why every client starts with my contact form4:50 – The first email they get after inquiring7:05 – How I set up calls and book discovery sessions9:30 – The discovery call map that leads to more bookings12:20 – Proposals, automations, and payment reminders14:45 – My onboarding email and when I send questionnaires17:10 – How I outsource shoot guides (and why that’s been a game changer)19:20 – Invitation to the free workflow webinarCONNECT WITH MADDIE:InstagramWebsiteLINKSJuly 17 Webinar with Colie James: Charge More Stress Less - Learn how to automate the sales process for your luxury brand photography offer. Save your spot now!Dubsado: 20% offHoneybook: 25%Cloudspot: 50% offImagenEvoto creditsMy photoshoot planning guide templateFull show notes

If you've ever avoided setting up automations in your business because you're scared something will break, sound robotic, or feel impersonal, this episode of Take It Personally is for you.In this episode, I’m sharing a little tough love and a whole lot of encouragement for those of you who are automation-curious but stuck in perfectionism. I’ll walk you through real-life examples from my own brand photography business and show you how automations can actually give you more space for personal touch, creativity, and freedom. You don’t have to babysit your inbox forever. Let’s talk about what’s really holding you back—and how to fix it.01:30 Why I avoided automations too (and what changed my mind)03:40 What’s really holding you back from setting up workflows05:15 Automations don’t have to be robotic07:10 A behind-the-scenes look at how my CRM is set up09:00 What to do if you’re scared of sending something by accident11:35 Why human error is not the end of the world14:00 Strategic automation vs. intentional personal touch16:15 Why automations create more space for connection18:10 Final pep talk (plus your invite to the free webinar!)CONNECT WITH MADDIE:InstagramWebsiteLINKSJuly 17 Webinar with Colie James: Charge More Stress Less - Learn how to automate the sales process for your luxury brand photography offer. Save your spot now!Dubsado: 20% offHoneybook: 25%Full show notes

Feeling like your brand photography biz runs you during busy seasons (and disappears during slow ones)? This episode is your permission slip to take a break, without your business falling apart. I'm breaking down the three essential workflows every brand photographer should have in place to run a streamlined, premium-feeling business that keeps booking even when you're off the grid.These automations will help you simplify your backend, lighten your mental load, and create an experience that gets clients talking (and referring). Whether you’re still sending paper contracts or already dabbling with CRMs like HoneyBook or Dubsado, you’ll walk away from this episode with easy, actionable ideas to uplevel your process.Want even more help building a premium brand? Colie James and I are hosting a free masterclass: Charge More, Stress Less, on July 17th to help you set up workflows that help you book dream clients, save hours every week, and make your brand feel premium. Grab your free spot here!1:40 Why summer slow seasons don’t mean your business has to stop4:20 The power of automations (and what they really do for your brand)6:15 The inquiry workflow automation and creating a strong first impression9:20 The onboarding + delivery workflow (think start to finish steps for client)17:35 Why communication matters more than speed for editing21:10 The offboarding workflow and increasing rebookings and referrals26:25 How these automations make you look premium and stand out to commercial clients29:45 Getting started: simple places to begin automating todayCONNECT WITH MADDIE:InstagramWebsiteLINKSJuly 17 Webinar with Colie James: Charge More Stress Less - Learn how to automate the sales process for your luxury brand photography offer. Save your spot now!Dubsado: 20% offHoneybook: 25%Full show notes

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I don’t shut up about the power of systems, mostly because of Colie and the backend magic she helped me set up in my brand photography business a few years ago.In this episode, we’re diving into how to build a luxury brand photography business that basically runs itself. We’re talking about proposals that do the selling for you, onboarding workflows that prep your clients before you even show up with a camera, and offboarding strategies that bring in rebookings and referrals on autopilot. Whether you’re still DIY-ing every client touchpoint or already using a CRM like Dubsado or HoneyBook, this episode is packed with actionable ideas to save you time and up-level your client experience.Plus, we’re hosting a free webinar on July 17 all about this: Charge More, Stress Less. You can save your spot right here.3:45 Why your proposal is not just a pricing list and how it can literally close the sale for you9:12 The biggest places photographers lose clients in the booking process (and how to fix it)17:30 – The onboarding gap no one talks about and why it affects your entire shoot24:05 – Client prep with workflows, automations, and even video (don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be scary)36:22 – The secret to better rebooking and referrals: your offboarding strategy45:40 – Dubsado vs. HoneyBook: what’s actually working right now56:10 – Why systems don’t have to be “all or nothing” to make a big differenceCONNECT WITH MADDIE:InstagramWebsiteCONNECT WITH COLIE:InstagramWebsiteLINKSJuly 17 Webinar with Colie James: Charge More Stress Less - Learn how to automate the sales process for your luxury brand photography offer. Save your spot now!Dubsado: 20% offHoneybook: 25%Full show notes

We are in the heat of summer right now, and if you’re anything like me, you don’t really want to spend your summer working. But you do want your business to keep running—and more importantly, to keep making money—while you’re taking time off.That’s where systems and automations come in. And today, I’m kicking off a short summer series on the podcast to help you simplify the backend of your brand photography business—starting with the one tool I truly couldn’t live without: a CRM.If the admin side of your business feels messy, inconsistent, or overwhelming, this episode is going to show you exactly what’s possible when you have the right tool in place.01:26 How I still make money while working way less in the summer03:15 What is a CRM, and why does it matter for brand photographers?05:40 Signs you need a CRM ASAP09:04 Dubsado vs. HoneyBook: Which one is better?13:11 The automations I use in my CRM that save me hours every week17:22 Why great client experience (not great photos) makes you premium20:33 How to start small and still make a big impact with automations26:04 My favorite time-saving CRM features (and how to use them)Links→ Dubsado Free Trial + Discount→ HoneyBook Free Trial + Discount→ Join the July 17 Webinar with Colie James (more details coming soon!)

In this episode of Take It Personally, I’m chatting with Nicole Hodgson, a branding photographer based in Northern California, who made the leap from family photography to brand photography. As a mom of three and a former marriage and family therapist, Nicole shares the moments that led her to pursue brand photography and how Rebrand helped her elevate her business.Nicole talks about her initial hesitation in offering branding sessions and how her passion for education and growth led her to Rebrand. Since joining, she’s gained the clarity, confidence, and tools needed to position herself as a sought-after brand photographer. She's also made an additional $6500 in revenue in just a couple months. In this episode, you’ll learn:How Nicole transitioned from family photography to branding photography and the struggles she faced along the wayThe key differences between the Behind the Shot course and the Rebrand program, and how Rebrand took her business to the next levelWhy positioning yourself as a brand photographer is crucial for business growth, and how Nicole found the confidence to niche downThe impact of learning how to use flash in branding photography, and how Nicole pushed herself to grow in new areasHow the Rebrand community and support system helped Nicole gain clarity and actionable steps to grow her businessThe power of discovery calls and how Nicole is now booking her highest packages with confidenceLinks & Resources:Join RebrandNicole’s InstagramIf you’re ready to gain clarity and confidence in your business, join us inside Rebrand, where we provide you with the tools, strategies, and support to become a booked out brand photographer.

In today’s episode of Take It Personally, I'm featuring my client Tori Kelner, a talented wedding photographer who made a smooth and strategic transition into brand photography. Tori shares her journey of moving from wedding photography to branding, how Rebrand helped her sharpen her strategy, and the powerful lessons she’s learned along the way.If you’re a photographer considering a shift toward brand photography, Tori’s story is filled with valuable insights. From navigating burnout to embracing a new niche, she shares the tools and confidence she’s gained to position herself as a brand photographer—and not just someone who "does brand photos occasionally."In this episode, you’ll learn:How Tori decided to pivot from weddings to brand photography (and why it felt like the perfect move)The strategic changes she implemented right away to get her business set up for successThe power of positioning yourself as a brand photographer and why it’s key to attracting the right clientsHow Rebrand’s resources—like templates, questionnaires, and group coaching—accelerated her growth and confidenceThe importance of building a portfolio that reflects your unique approach to brand photographyTori’s thoughts on blending multiple photography niches and why it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing choiceLinks & Resources:Join RebrandTori’s InstagramIf you’re ready to take the next step in your photography business and pivot to brand photography, join us inside Rebrand where we help photographers like you build a strategy, find their niche, and gain the confidence to charge premium rates for their services.

If you’ve been doing brand photography for a while but feel stuck at that $1,200–$1,500 price point, this episode is for you!Catie has been a pro photographer for 15 years—weddings, seniors, and then a pivot into brand photography when her son started preschool. Even though she was booking solid sessions, she knew her work was worth more. She just didn’t know how to get clients to see that.In this episode, Catie breaks down:How she restructured her packages so price wasn’t tied to timeThe pricing differentiator that made discovery calls effortlessThe confidence shift that turned a $1,500 average into a $3,500 booking—without a single pushbackWhat happened when she leaned into positioning herself as the expertHer top networking move (it wasn’t cold-DM’ing!) that brought in referralsHow the Rebrand community and coaching kept her accountable and inspired00:00 Introduction & Catie's journey from weddings to brand photography02:15 The “good but not great” plateau at $1,200–$1,500 sessions04:10 The moment she decided she needed more than referrals06:05 Why she finally joined Rebrand—trusting a current photographer, not a retired one08:22 Restructuring packages: moving off “hourly” pricing11:45 Discovery calls that sell strategy—not just pretty photos14:30 Booking her first $3,500 session in just 4 weeks17:50 Leveraging referrals and coffee chats for client attraction20:05 The mindset and positioning shifts that made it all click22:40 How the Rebrand community fueled her momentum25:15 Advice for experienced photographers on leveling upLinks & Resources:Join Rebrand (doors close Friday!): https://maddiepeschong.com/rebrandCatie Ronquillo Photography: https://catieronquillo.com/DM Catie about her Rebrand experience: https://www.instagram.com/catieronquillo/

If you’re navigating a pivot in your photography business, or wondering how to actually get traction with brand photography, this episode is for you!Kayla shares what it looked like to walk away from weddings, embrace a brand new niche, and finally build a business that fits her life as a military spouse and mom of two young boys. She talks about the unique challenges of moving every few years, how Rebrand helped her feel equipped and supported through her transition, and what gave her the confidence to start showing up consistently and signing brand clients.In fact, since joining Rebrand, Kayla booked two brand clients in just two weeks and made back her investment in less than two months, even while offering portfolio-building rates. She also shares how she overcame imposter syndrome and created a content system (with a little help from our new AI assistant, Rebecca) that skyrocketed her Instagram reach and helped her connect with aligned clients.00:22 Transition from Wedding to Brand Photography01:18 Challenges of a Military Spouse Photographer02:49 Pivoting to Brand Photography04:37 Mindset Shift and Booking Differences08:39 Joining the Rebrand Program14:15 Initial Steps and Portfolio Building17:34 Leveraging Content with Rebrand Custom GPT Rebecca21:51 Gaining Confidence in Social Media22:47 The Impact of Consistency31:55 The Power of Rebrand Community CollaborationCONNECT WITH MADDIE:InstagramWebsiteCONNECT WITH KAYLA:InstagramWebsiteLINKSJoin Rebrand: My 12-month transformative brand program for photographers who want to book their highest paid sessions EVER (and feel damn good doing it). Become a booked out brand photographer when you join Rebrand. Enrollment is open!Full show notes

If you’ve been thinking about niching down but feel nervous about how it might affect your income or your business overall, this episode is a must-listen.Jill shares how niching was actually the thing that catapulted her business forward. After joining Rebrand, she was able to simplify her marketing, raise her prices, and see a 69% increase in revenue from Q1 of last year to Q1 of this year (all while working less).In this episode, we walk through Jill’s journey of finding Rebrand, what it helped her clarify in her business, and how it gave her the confidence to go all in on brand photography. Now a highly-skilled and successful brand photographer, Jill continues to stick around in the Rebrand community because of the support and continued growth she experiences inside. 01:31 Jill's Photography Journey02:32 Challenges Before Joining Rebrand04:20 How Jill Found Rebrand and Took the Leap06:27 Transitioning Exclusively to Brand Photography11:55 Impact of Niching Down17:51 Advice for Photographers Considering NichingCONNECT WITH MADDIE:InstagramWebsiteCONNECT WITH JILL:InstagramWebsiteLINKSJoin Rebrand: My 12-month transformative brand program for photographers who want to book their highest paid sessions EVER (and feel damn good doing it). Become a booked out brand photographer when you join Rebrand. Enrollment is open!Full show notes