We're back! In this honest and energizing episode, Kira and Mary open up about the challenges of 2025—from business slowdowns and burnout to rediscovering creative joy. They unpack the emotional toll of a tough year, how it’s impacted their artistry, and why it’s okay not to feel okay. But don’t worry—this episode isn’t all doom and gloom! The duo shares how they're reigniting their spark through new outlets like AI tools (hello, ChatGPT!), personal projects, and fresh business strategies tha...
In this episode of Get Your Shoot Together, Kira and Mary dive into all the ways control (or the lack of it) shows up in business and life. From unexpected storms and magazine assignments to picky clients and personal milestones like Kira’s brand-new nose piercing, they cover it all. They talk about setting boundaries, knowing when to say yes (or no) to new opportunities, and how to navigate creative control in both portrait and commercial work. If you're feeling like the world’s a little out...
In this episode of Get Your Shoot Together, Kira and Mary dive into the trials and triumphs of marketing to the ultra-wealthy — spoiler alert: they don’t get their own mail! Mary shares a humbling (and hilarious) lesson learned about targeting high-end clients and how sometimes you succeed... and sometimes you learn. Kira reflects on revisiting old ideas with fresh strategies, and the duo talk about living, learning, and leveling up your photography business — foot braces, spirit airlines, an...
This week, we're diving deep into the business of getting paid—because creating great work is only half the battle. From unpaid invoices to awkward follow-ups, Kira and Mary share real (and super frustrating) stories about chasing down payments and the systems they've put in place to avoid it in the future. Whether you're dealing with slow-paying clients or setting up workflows that protect your biz, this one’s packed with hard-earned wisdom for any photographer or creative entrepreneur. We’r...
Spring has sprung, and it’s time for a refresh! In this episode, Kira and Mary talk about the importance of giving your studio—and your business—a little seasonal boost. From decluttering and updating your studio space to refreshing your pricing, marketing materials, and product offerings, they share easy (and mostly free!) ways to breathe new life into your business. Plus, they discuss creative ways to swap, sell, or repurpose old props and furniture to avoid unnecessary spending. If you’re ...
We're back! Kira and Mary are shaking off the rust and diving into the power of community—why it matters more than ever and how to build it in both business and life. From Kira’s unexpected (and hilarious) late-night impromptu photo shoot with international artists to brainstorming how small business owners can create real, lasting client connections, this episode is packed with creative ideas. Mary shares her thoughts on the shifting economy, how traditional marketing might not cut it this y...
This week, Kira and Mary dive into the world of AI tools and how photographers can use them to level up their businesses. From creating custom family poses with ChatGPT to leveraging Google Earth Studio for perfect location planning, they share practical tips to streamline your workflow. Whether it’s automating SEO, building client rapport, or solving last-minute challenges during shoots, AI is the secret sauce! Plus, hilarious stories of on-set mishaps and why you should always listen to you...
Join Kira and Mary as they dive into the branding powerhouse that is Taylor Swift! In this episode, Kira shares the unforgettable experience of taking her daughter to a Taylor Swift concert and how Swift’s branding brilliance transforms every show into a fan-inclusive spectacle. Mary, a branding enthusiast, breaks down what makes Swift's branding strategy so unique—and how her ability to connect with her audience has redefined brand loyalty in the music world. Whether you're a Swifty or not, ...
In this week’s episode, Kira and Mary dive into the ins and outs of effective email marketing! From building your email list and segmenting it properly to crafting compelling campaigns, they share tips for boosting open rates and turning emails into business opportunities. They also explore the magic of AI in helping with email personalization, segmenting audiences, and creating better subject lines. Plus, hear some hilarious stories about bird attacks on cruises and the importance of balanci...
In this episode of Get Your Shoot Together, Kira and Mary explore innovative ways to bring new life to old family photos and snapshots. Kira shares her experience launching a colorful, modern take on photo restorations using RetouchUp’s digital painting services. From experimenting with playful, bold colors to collaborating with clients on unique wall art, they discuss the benefits of offering new creative products that blend art and photography. Mary also brainstorms how social commerce and ...
In this episode of "Get Your Shoot Together," Kira and Mary dive into how you can boost your photography business with a unique holiday offering—photo restorations! They share how RetouchUp makes it easy to transform old snapshots into beautiful heirlooms, perfect for gifting. Learn how to market this service to your clients and maximize profits while outsourcing the heavy lifting. Plus, they discuss how AI tools like ChatGPT can streamline your workflow without losing that personal touch. Tu...
Get ready for a deep dive into effective networking and business collaboration strategies. We explore the importance of building meaningful relationships, organizing exclusive neighborhood events, and collecting vital contact information for targeted marketing. Hear about our experiences partnering with local businesses and the potential for community members to become portrait representatives. Wrapping up, we discuss the significance of equitable value exchanges in business relationships and...
In this episode of "Get Your Shoot Together," Kira Derryberry and Mary Fisk-Taylor geek out on all things digital marketing and productivity for photographers. They chat about using Chat GPT to give your WordPress blog a makeover, dive into SEO tricks, and share why backlinks are your new best friend for getting noticed online. Plus, they spill the tea on cool AI tools like SEMrush and how hiring a virtual assistant can save you tons of time. Whether you're looking to level up your website ga...
In this episode of "Get Your Shoot Together," Kira and Mary dive into the challenges and triumphs of running a photography business in today's market. They discuss the shifting landscape of digital marketing, sharing insights on why direct mail might be making a comeback. The duo explores innovative ways to engage potential clients through LinkedIn and the power of creating exclusive community groups on social media. They also touch on the importance of rest and self-care amid a busy schedule...
In this episode of "Get Your Shoot Together," Kira Derryberry and Mary Fisk-Taylor chat about the summer heat, copyright drama in the Dave Matthews Band fan world, and why respecting trademarks is a must. They also share cool sales tips for photographers, covering everything from building client relationships to smart pricing and marketing. With a mix of laughs and practical advice, this episode is perfect for anyone looking to protect their creative work and boost their business. Tune in an...
In this episode of "Get Your Shoot Together," Kira and Mary take you on a deep dive into the fascinating world of custom GPTs and how they can revolutionize your photography business. After some fun banter about pajamas, favorite dresses, and dealing with the summer heat, they switch gears to discuss the practical applications of AI in social media marketing and content creation. Kira shares her weekend adventure setting up a custom GPT to streamline her social media posts, while Mary offers ...
Mary is back from Vegas and Kira is settling in after a whirlwind installation week for clients and things are busy as usual. So busy in fact, it's hard to fit everything in. This week, the girls discuss whether or not it's ok to lose a bid in the face of please current clients AND the many ins and outs of sportsball mascots. Tune in! This episode was written and performed by Mary Fisk-Taylor and Kira Derryberry, produced by Kira Derryberry and edited by Joel North.
This week on "Get Your Shoot Together," Kira Derryberry and Mary Fisk Taylor get real about the rollercoaster of running a photography business. They dive deep into Kira’s headache with the 2023 Annual Integrated Economic Survey from the Census Bureau—a beast of a task demanding a super detailed inventory of business assets. They chat about the stress of ticking all those government boxes and how it’s a wake-up call for keeping tight records. The duo also spills details about their awesome c...
In this week's episode of "Get Your Shoot Together," join Kira Derryberry and Mary Fisk Taylor as they explore the highs and lows of springtime photography and the unexpected challenges that come with it. From the lush, bloom-filled settings of Kira’s recent outdoor senior sessions to the chilling tales of check fraud that shook her business, this episode dives deep into the realities photographers face beyond the lens. Amidst these narratives, Kira and Mary discuss the enduring importance of...
Just when you thought it was safe to assume you knew all there was about managing a photography business, we’re pulling back the curtain on the importance of strategic timing for selling portraits and the hustle of graduation season. Through laughter and genuine insights, we share the trials of working through a back injury, the comical side of pet personalities, and the adrenaline rush of capturing those irreplaceable graduation moments. Tune in for a blend of heartwarming stories and laugh...