This week it's just me. I've gotten some awesome questions from all of you on the gram, in-person and over email and I'm happy to take this episode to give you the answers. Please take a listen as I go a bit more in-depth on my photography process and business.  

REMINDER! LIVE SHOW THIS WEEK. Have you RSVP'd yet? Join me and special guests for a live show on Thurs., October 17 @ 7-9pm at Ipsento 606 (1813 N Milwaukee). RSVP via @alishatova. Keep those questions coming, hit me at @alishatova or hello@alishatova.com.  Your Burning Questions Answered: 

2:20 - Which lenses do I use? And why I travel with two cameras, always.   

6:06 - How do I have time for anything? I share more about when I am most productive, time management and outsourcing.  

9:00 - How do I get couples to look so comfortable and confident? It's all about humanity and what I'd want if I was on the other side of the camera. I always walk my clients through the day and process and we don't get into shooting right away. We first have a drink .  

11:09 - How many weddings do I have booked for 2020? I have 18 for 2020, and my goal is to keep it at 25. I have 35 this year for context. I want to slow down a little bit. But that does not mean I still don't need to work hard to get my goal of 25.  

11:50 - Do I get an associate shooter? Great question. It's hard to get your clients to trust someone else. I am going through that process of deciding if it's right, right now.  

13:05 - Yes, the accountant episode is coming!  

13:34 - What was I doing before what I do now? I worked at Tabletop and Fab.com.  

14:40 - What to dowhen I am not getting respected on the job? From videographers to parents, it's all about knowing how to work with various people and stay confident you are a professional. I now have a preferred vendors list I send to clients. Plus, listen to Chaz Cruz's episode, he has great tools on how to work with families and new people.   

16:50 - Inspiration!  Book, The Second Mountain by David Brooks: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40642458-the-second-mountain

Photojournalist, Andre Wagner, @photodre: https://www.instagram.com/photodre/?hl=en

Go for a hike, get out of the city and turn off your phone!