Summer School - A Photography + Creative Podcast

Hi everyone! In this episode, I’m chatting with Laura Shepherd about her journey into photography and the role that off camera flash has played in transforming her work. We cover learning flash through trial and error, favorite gear, stepping outside your niche to stay inspired, and finding balance between business, family, and creativity.Meet Laura:Laura is a Portland based wedding and elopement photographer. She is the photographer who everyone describes as 'chill' but is always ready to laugh, cry, and party with you! With a love for everything romantic, editorial, and emotional, becoming a wedding photographer came easy to her. Laura is ready to translate your love into a visual editorial that you and your partner can cherish forever... while always having a good time! Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content. Subscribe hereLaura's "Master Guide to Off-Camera Flash" is on sale through October 1st for 40% off! Get it HEREConnect with Laura:Instagram + TikTok: @laurashepherdimagesWebsite: www.laurashepherdimages.com Connect with Me:Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!SUBSCRIBE HEREShow Notes: the-summerschool.comInstagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool Shop My Products:Become a Member of Summer SchoolMy Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)My Pricing Guide

Hi everyone! This week on Summer School, I’m joined by the team behind The Vendor Table podcast - wedding photographers Michael Cassara and Lauren O’Brien. With years of experience and hundreds of weddings between them, Michael and Lauren know the industry inside and out.Together, they’ve built The Vendor Table into a go-to space for honest conversations, pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to work in weddings. In our chat, we talk about their journeys as photographers, why they decided to start the podcast, and how they’re using their voices to bring more connection, authenticity, and perspective to both couples and vendors alike. Meet Michael and Lauren:Mike Cassara & Lauren O’Brien are award-winning wedding photographers based in Long Island, New York. With acombined 20+ years of experience and over 800 weddings captured, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the industry.In January 2023, they launched "The Vendor Table" Podcast, a show that highlights the chaos, thrill, and humor of being full-time wedding photographers. Their goal is to share theirexperiences, provide tips and tricks for aspiring photographers and wedding vendors, as well as offer valuable advice to couples planning their weddings.Since its premiere in March 2023, they have recorded 120 full-length episodes and released 300+ Reels/TikTok videos. Their influence in the industry has also led them to be Summit Speakers at the WPPI 2025 Conference, where they shared their expertise with fellow photographers and creatives.With a combined 185,000+ followers on Instagram and TikTok, their content continues to engage and inspire a growing community of wedding professionals and engaged couples alike. Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.  Subscribe here Connect with Michael and Lauren: Website: www.thevendortable.com | www.michaelcassara.me | www.laurenobrienphoto.com Instagram (and all platforms): @thevendortablepod | @michaelcassaraphoto | @laurenobrienphoto Connect with Me:Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!SUBSCRIBE HEREShow Notes: the-summerschool.comInstagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool Shop My Products:Become a Member of Summer SchoolMy Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)My Pricing Guide 

Hey everyone! Today I’m joined by the amazing Brandon Woelfel - a photographer known for his colorful, dreamy portraits and his ability to turn ordinary spaces into something magical. We dive into his creative journey from backyard experiments to global brand campaigns.Meet Brandon:Brandon Woelfel is a freelance creative portrait photographer and Nikon Creator based in Brooklyn, New York. He enjoys using light and color to transform ordinary spaces into something magical. His favorite aspect of photography is collaborating with small groups of people, sharing a vision to create something unique while having a great time in the process. Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.  Subscribe here Connect with Brandon:TikTok: @brandon_woelfelYouTube: Brandon WoelfelInstagram: @brandonwoelfel @bran.wolf Connect with Me:Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!SUBSCRIBE HEREShow Notes: the-summerschool.comInstagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool Shop My Products:Become a Member of Summer SchoolMy Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)My Pricing Guide 

This week I’m joined by Nashville-based photographer James Wolf. We chat about his journey from Minnesota to running a thriving business in Tennessee, his cinematic approach to photography, and how community has shaped his career. James shares about the importance of styled shoots and retreats, why asking for help matters, and the importance of staying true to your artistic vision. Meet James:James Wolf is a Nashville based destination wedding photographer with a semi-documentary style that is cinematic-inspired and organic at its core. Originally from Minnesota, James moved to Nashville, TN in 2021 and began to seriously pursue photography a few years later, with 2025 being his first official year as a full-time photographer. James has also worked in the coffee industry for nearly ten years which has resulted in a caffeine-addiction masked by his love for coffee. Being the high-energy extrovert that he is, James loves to make friends everywhere he goes - whether that be a coffee shop, the grocery store, or a completely different city. He enjoys using his free time to spend with friends and hosting dinners and parties. With a passion for people and documenting the stories they carry in a romance-focused and artistic approach, James is eager continue to learn and grow and see where his photography journey takes him. Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content. Subscribe here Connect with JamesHis website launches soon, along with his own clothing line, so stay tuned for that :)Pinterest: jameswolfphotographyInstagram: @jameswolfphotographyTikTok: @jameswolfphotographyFacebook: jameswolfphotography  Connect with Me:Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! SUBSCRIBE HEREShow Notes: the-summerschool.comInstagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool Shop My Products:Become a Member of Summer SchoolMy Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)My Pricing GuideSummer School Merch

This week I’m joined by Jason Vinson - photographer, educator, and all-around creative risk-taker. We chat about his personal approach to lighting, why failure is essential to growth, and how his personal projects documenting family life have shaped his storytelling.Meet Jason:Jason Vinson is a husband, father, and wedding and documentary photographer, based out of Northwest Arkansas. He has a passion for creatively documenting real moments, as well as taking epic and unique portraits. He has been ranked as the #1 Fearless Photographer in North America and Top 3 in the World for 2021. He is also ranked as one of the Top 100 Fearless Photographers of all time. He is a multi award winning photographer through Junebug Weddings, Worlds Best Wedding Photos, ISPWP, Masters of Wedding Photography, Documentary Family Awards, and more. Jason also is an ambassador for brands such as Stella Pro Lights, Flashpoint, Magmod, Aftershoot, DreambooksPro, Holdfast, DVLOP, and more. In addition to his photography work, Jason spends countless hours educating the photography community. He has been a speaker, instructor, writer, and content creator for establishments such as WPPI, Portrait Masters, Rangefinder, PPA, Fstoppers, and many more. Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content. Subscribe here Connect with Jason:Website: www.vinsonimages.comYoutube: @JasonVinson183Instagram: @vinsonimages_jasonWorkshops, conferences, etc. are coming up - follow Jason on instagram to stay in the loop! Connect with Me:Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!SUBSCRIBE HEREShow Notes: the-summerschool.comInstagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool Shop My Products:Become a Member of Summer SchoolMy Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)My Pricing Guide

In this episode, I sit down with Bianca and Kyle of Oak and Iron to talk about their creative approach to photography, and carving your own unique path in the wedding industry.Meet Bianca and Kyle:Oak and Iron Photo is a husband-and-wife photography duo based in Central Florida. They specialize in weddings and portraiture all over the U.S. with a laid-back, offbeat approach. These dark lords of the industry are known for their double exposures, artistic compositions, and overall good vibes. Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content. Subscribe here Connect with Bianca and Kyle:Instagram: @oakandironphotoWebsite: www.oakandironphoto.comYoutube: @oakandironworld (be on the lookout for new BTS vlog vids!)TikTok: @pastramionrye Connect with Me:Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! SUBSCRIBE HEREShow Notes: the-summerschool.comInstagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool Shop My Products:Become a Member of Summer SchoolMy Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)My Pricing Guide

This week I’m joined by the amazing Rita - a photographer known for her bold colors, creative use of light, and fearless approach to experimentation. We dive into her unexpected start in Norway, how she carved out her unique style, and the creative techniques that she uses in her work.Meet Rita:My name is Rita, and I'm a photographer based in the small coastal city of Ålesund, Norway. I'm slowly carving out my path towards fashion photography. I'm drawn to character, color and storytelling. I share bits of my process, lessons and growth on my social media for others, one shoot at a time. Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content. Subscribe here Connect with Rita:Instagram: @ps_ritabusaWebsite: www.ritabusa.com Connect with Me:Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!SUBSCRIBE HEREShow Notes: the-summerschool.comInstagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool Shop My Products:Become a Member of Summer SchoolMy Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)My Pricing Guide 

Hi everyone! I had the best time chatting with the incredibly talented Lucia Wallace. She’s funny, down-to-earth, and takes amazing pictures. If you’re not already following her, you’re missing out. We talked all about what editorial photography actually is, how she blends it with a documentary style, and how creative shoots have helped her grow and stay inspired. We also got into direction, storytelling, and the role all of that plays in building intentional, standout work.Meet LuciaLucia Wallace is an editorial photographer based in Charlotte, North Carolina, specializing in sessions that feel cinematic, creative, and grandiose. Since 2018, she has been styling and capturing visual stories - ranging from fashion collections to weddings. Lucia brings a harmonious balance of editorial and documentary, leaving her clients feeling like living works of art.Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content. Subscribe here Connect with Lucia:Website: luciawallacephoto.comInstagram: @luciawallacephoto Connect with Me:Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! SUBSCRIBE HEREShow Notes: the-summerschool.comInstagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool Shop My Products:Become a Member of Summer SchoolMy Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)My Pricing Guide

If you're about to shoot your first wedding, this episode is packed with everything you need to know. I'm sharing the lessons I learned the hard way - like what gear to bring, camera settings, how to plan ahead, and why backups are a must. I hope this episode helps you walk into your next wedding feeling prepared, calm, and ready to do your thing.   Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.  Subscribe here   Connect with Me: Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! SUBSCRIBE HERE Show Notes: the-summerschool.com Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool   Shop My Products: Become a Member of Summer School My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) My Pricing Guide  

Hi! It's another solo episode, and this time I'll be diving into some hot takes straight from Threads. I’m sharing my honest reactions, what I agree with, and where I think we’re getting it wrong (or right).   Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.  Subscribe here   Connect with Me: Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! SUBSCRIBE HERE Show Notes: the-summerschool.com Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool   Shop My Products: Become a Member of Summer School My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) My Pricing Guide  

In this episode, I’m reflecting on how my approach to Instagram has evolved, what I’ve learned about showing up consistently without burning out, and how I’ve started to enjoy it again. Some things have really changed the way I think about social media altogether, and I'm excited to share some of my revelations with you!   Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.  Subscribe here   Connect with Me: Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! SUBSCRIBE HERE Show Notes: the-summerschool.com Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool   Shop My Products: Become a Member of Summer School My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) My Pricing Guide  

Today, I sat down with Andrew Keher to talk all about personal branding, and what it really looks like to stand out in today’s wedding photography world. We unpacked the idea of the “forest of noise,” and how to evolve with a changing industry.   Meet Andrew: Andrew Keher is a wedding photographer turned content creator and aspiring photography mentor, known for his deadpan humour and mildly unhinged approach to helping creatives show up online. In 2024, after nearly going out of business, he rebuilt from scratch, growing an audience of 50,000 creative followers on Instagram with honest, personality-led content which has led to him doing all sorts of cool things like talking on podcasts and writing 3rd person introductory bios for himself.   Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.  Subscribe here   Connect with Andrew: Instagram: @andrewkeher Website: andrewkeher.co.uk Only a couple spots left to join his online personal branding bootcamp July 9: JOIN HERE   Connect with Me: Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! SUBSCRIBE HERE Show Notes: the-summerschool.com Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool   Shop My Products: Become a Member of Summer School My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) My Pricing Guide  

In this episode, I’m catching you up on a wild week of teaching in Utah, and accidentally landing a full bridal shoot. I’m also sharing how I fell in love with the new Godox Lux Master flash, and giving you all the fun life updates as always!   Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.  Subscribe here   Connect with Me: Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! SUBSCRIBE HERE Show Notes: the-summerschool.com Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool   Shop My Products: Become a Member of Summer School My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) My Pricing Guide  

In this episode, I'm recapping my trip to New York City for the Build Conference - one of the biggest creative events of the year. I’m sharing what the experience was really like, the gear that caught my eye, and why conferences like this matter.   Click HERE to save your spot on the SLC field trip.   Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.  Subscribe here   Connect with Me: Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! SUBSCRIBE HERE Show Notes: the-summerschool.com Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool   Shop My Products: Become a Member of Summer School My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) My Pricing Guide  

In this episode, I’m joined by luxury wedding photographer Chris J. Evans. We talk about his unexpected start in weddings, what it’s really like transitioning into high-end events, and how personality plays a huge role in your work. Chris opens up about the burnout that came with high-volume weddings, his shift into the luxury space, and why real-life connections still matter more than ever. We also chat about systems, outsourcing, and his passion for education.   Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.  Subscribe here   Connect with Chris: Instagram: @chrisjevansphoto Website: chrisjevans.com Shop: Education + Merch   Connect with Me: Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! SUBSCRIBE HERE Show Notes: the-summerschool.com Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool   Shop My Products: Become a Member of Summer School My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) My Pricing Guide  

In this episode, I sat down with Layni Becker—one of the most visually distinct photographers I know. Her work is moody, nostalgic, and wildly cinematic in the best way. We talked about how her love of movies shaped her eye for storytelling, how music drives her creative vision, and why doing free work helped her find her signature style. Laney also shared all the details on Camp Cinematic, the retreat she is co-hosting this fall in Mendocino, CA.   Meet Layni: Layni is a Colorado based photographer, but always traveling. She's been obsessed with taking photos since she was five years old. She started her business in 2019 and has been capturing life through her lens ever since. Inspired by movies, bold colors, and everyday life, Layni’s style is vibrant, emotional, and full of story. She loves Jesus, color, her community, and living life like a movie.   Apply for Camp Cinematic HERE   Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.  Subscribe here   Connect with Layni: Instagram: @karalaynebeckerphotography   Connect with Me: Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! SUBSCRIBE HERE Show Notes: the-summerschool.com Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool   Shop My Products: Become a Member of Summer School My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) My Pricing Guide

In this episode, I chat with Lindsay Coulter about what it actually takes to build a profitable photography business without burning out. We dive into raising your prices, leaving the average market grind, and what it means to create a business that actually supports your life — not the other way around.   Meet Lindsay: Lindsay Coulter is a Waterloo, Ontario based photographer with over a decade of experience. She has photographed hundreds of weddings and thousands of portrait sessions across North America, Europe & Australia. Her ability to connect with clients and tell compelling visual stories earned her recognition as one of Canada’s Most Inspiring Wedding Photographers by Wedding Bells Magazine. Her love for nature and the outdoors influences her approach to storytelling and composition. Beyond photography, Lindsay is a devoted educator and co-host of the Shoot Your Shot podcast, where she shares insights on creativity, business, and the ever-evolving photography industry. Married to fellow photographer and YouTuber Taylor Jackson, she continues to push the boundaries of modern photography through brand collaborations and education.   Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.  Subscribe here   Connect with Lindsay: Website: lindsaycoulterphoto.com Instagram: @lcoulterphoto || @theshootyourshotpodcast   Connect with Me: Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! SUBSCRIBE HERE Show Notes: the-summerschool.com Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool   Shop My Products: Become a Member of Summer School My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) My Pricing Guide

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the wildly creative and completely unfiltered Joshua Huggett — a wedding photographer who’s carved out a thriving business by doing the exact opposite of what most people think they should do. We talk about showing up as yourself, why he intentionally keeps his Instagram following small, and how ditching second shooters actually made his work better. Who is Joshua: Joshua Huggett is a wedding photographer from Adelaide, South Australia who specialises in making everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera.   Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.  Subscribe here   Connect with Josh: Website: joshuahuggettmedia.com Instagram / TikTok / Youtube: @ImJoshHuggett Get info on his upcoming educational workshop: HERE   Connect with Me: Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! SUBSCRIBE HERE Show Notes: the-summerschool.com Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool   Shop My Products: Become a Member of Summer School My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) My Pricing Guide

In this episode, I’m breaking down what I’d do differently if I were starting from scratch as a wedding photographer. We’re talking about skipping the logo obsession, building a portfolio that actually books, how to tap into your network on purpose, and why showing up in real life matters more than posting online. If you’re trying to land those first few clients—or pivot your business in a fresh direction—this episode is for you.   Start your free 7-day trial of HoneyBook here:  TRY HONEYBOOK   Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.  Subscribe here   Connect with Me: Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! SUBSCRIBE HERE Show Notes: the-summerschool.com Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool   Shop My Products: Become a Member of Summer School My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) My Pricing Guide

In this episode, I’m diving into some super helpful new HoneyBook features that have been leveling up my client workflow. We’re talking all things AI — especially HoneyBook’s new AI Note Taker (aka my favorite new assistant). It quietly joins your calls, takes notes for you, and sends everything straight to your dashboard. No more multitasking or forgetting what someone said two weeks ago. I’ll walk you through exactly how I’ve been using it — plus a few other smart tools — to save time, stay organized, and be way more present during client calls. If you want to check it out for yourself, you can try HoneyBook free for 7 days using the link below! Start your free 7-day trial of HoneyBook here:  TRY HONEYBOOK   Subscribe to Summer School to get access to exclusive podcast episodes, classes, an amazing community of photographers + educators, and tons more amazing content.  Subscribe here   Connect with Me: Subscribe to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! SUBSCRIBE HERE Show Notes: the-summerschool.com Instagram: @summergrace.photo  @the_summerschool   Shop My Products: Become a Member of Summer School My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) My Pricing Guide