An Unscripted Podcast for Photographers

Weddings are weird — and that’s what makes them beautiful. Melbourne photographer Oli Sansom joins us to talk about paying attention, resisting content culture, surviving chaos, and why the images that matter most often feel quiet, awkward, or unimportant at the time. We get into the absurd, the intimate, the theatrical — and what it means to shoot like a flâneur.

Follow Oli:
  📸 Instagram → @olisansom @briarsatlas
 Website → briarsatlas.com

Want to keep the conversation going? Join our Facebook group for An Unscripted Podcast for Photographers. It’s where you can swap takeaways with other listeners, t...

A lot of photographers dream about teaching one day, but most hold back because they don’t feel “ready.” In this episode, Summer Grace returns to the podcast to talk about why waiting might be the wrong move.

We get into how explaining your process can sharpen your own craft, what gaps she wishes had been filled when she was starting out, and why building community matters more than chasing follower counts.

It’s not a step-by-step on how to sell a course — it’s a conversation about the why behind education, and why you might alread...

Your portfolio doesn’t need to be bigger — it needs better curation. In this episode, Cam from LENSEL shares why your taste is your most powerful asset as a photographer, how to make the most of the work you already have, and what it means to curate with intention. A must-listen for photographers ready to refine their voice and attract the right clients.

Follow LENSEL:
  📸 Instagram → @lenselworld
 Website → lensel.com

Want to keep the conversation going? Join our Facebook group for An Unscripted Podcast for Photographers. It’s where you can swap takeaways with other list...

Freddie Öst from world-class branding agency SNASK joins us to talk about branding, imperfection, and what photographers can learn from design. We dig into “pink lies” and the art of faking it till you make it, how to build trust by showing your human side, and why imperfection is often more powerful than polish. If you’re ready to stand out in a crowded industry, this conversation will change the way you see your brand.

Follow SNASK:
  📸 Instagram → @snasksthlm
 Website → snask.com

Try The Unscripted App for Photographers for free —  save poses to shoots, create fave...

Todd Smith joins us to unpack the hidden costs of people-pleasing and why highly sensitive people struggle with boundaries. We explore how self-abandonment shows up in creative work, what aligned decision-making actually feels like, and how to stop overthinking every choice. If you're a photographer, creative, or chronic “nice person,” this one's for you.

Follow Todd:
  📸 Instagram → @hspcoachtodd
 Website → trueinnerfreedom.com
 
 Try The Unscripted App for Photographers for free —  save poses to shoots, create fave lists, and share them with your clients before the session.

Lauren Ashley Grenda shares how life’s hardest moments — from premature motherhood to personal tragedy — shaped her artistry and drive. In this candid conversation, she reveals how compassion born from her lived experiences fuels her work as a destination wedding photographer. Hear how she built the business of her dreams while staying true to herself and her clients.

Follow Lauren Ashley:
  📸 Instagram → @laurenashleystudios
 Website → lauren-ashley.com

Try The Unscripted App for Photographers for free —  save poses to shoots, create fave lists, and share them with your clients before the session.

Jon Taylor Sweet shares how he grew from shooting on an iPhone to becoming an internationally recognised photographer—without spending a cent on ads. Hear how word‑of‑mouth built his career, why serving clients comes before ego, and how he’s redefining success while leaning into music photography.

Follow Jon:
  📸 Instagram → @jontaylorsweet
 Website → jontaylorsweet.com
 
 💵Did you know you can offer instalments through Unscripted and still get paid in full upfront?

Turn on Afterpay and Klarna in just a few clicks.

Photographing kids can be unpredictable! But with the right prep, it doesn’t have to be stressful. In this episode, I chat with family and branding photographer, kid whisperer, and former teacher Laura Jane Ferguson about how she plans inclusive, kid-friendly photo sessions. 
 
 From using visual guides for neurodiverse brains to creating calming environments and reading the room, Laura shares practical tips for family photographers at every level.

💡 Want tools to help prep your next shoot? Download the Unscripted App for client questionnaires, pose guides, and shot lists that save time and build trust.

Follow...

You don’t have to niche down or share every photo online to build a photography business that works for you. Lindsay Coulter joins us to talk about what it really means to shoot with heart — from weddings to family sessions and everything in between.

We dive into her privacy-first approach, why consistency matters more than choosing a niche, and how teaching yoga helped her become more intuitive with posing — using words, directing movement, and showing up with presence to guide her clients with ease. Lindsay also shares how one good timeline can make or break your shoot...

You don’t need a big studio, luxury clients, or perfect timelines to build a meaningful photography business. Becca Cannon joins us to talk about how she left traditional weddings behind, embraced elopements, and hit the road — literally — in her van with her dog Desi.

We talk about what it really takes to pivot niches, why fear is part of the process, and how over-communicating with your couples can actually strengthen the experience. Becca also shares how she approaches posing without being stiff or performative — and why letting clients into your creative process builds trust fast.

This e...

You don’t need awards, followers, or a six-figure floral budget to make meaningful work. Photographer Miles Witt Boyer joins us to talk about legacy, leadership, and why chasing vanity metrics will burn you out faster than a wedding double-header. He shares how kidney stones (yes, literal kidney stones) kept him from one of the biggest weddings of his career — and what it taught him about trust, teamwork, and doing this job for the right reasons.

This episode is about staying human in an industry that rewards hustle — and why your best art lives on the other side o...

You don’t need 10,000 followers to land your first brand deal. David Zhou shares how photographers can start small, pitch smart, and build real partnerships — no gatekeeping, no fluff. If you’re ready to grow beyond client shoots and generate more opportunities for yourself, this one's for you.

Want to streamline your business behind the scenes?

Want to earn passive income and dip your toes into photography brand partnerships?
 Join Unscripted’s referral program — it’s an easy, low-effort way to make money while sharing a tool you already love.

And if you’re lookin...

Brittany Couture isn’t just taking photos — she’s crafting experiences her couples never forget. In this episode, we dive into the client journey: building trust, creating ease, setting boundaries, and why the way you show up matters just as much as the work itself.

Want specialised tools to make your client experience better than ever?
 Try The Unscripted App for Photographers free — questionnaires, contracts, client guides & more.

Follow Brittney:
  📸 Instagram → @brittneycouture
🌐 Website → brittneycouture.com

From piggy bank to booked out, Staci Brucks shares how she built a thriving wedding photography business from scratch — and what it *really* felt like behind the scenes. We talk rapid growth, mindset shifts, identity, money, and the emotional cost of “making it.”

Whether you’re just starting out or growing fast, this one’s for you.

Want tools to take your photography hobby full-time?
 Try The Unscripted App for Photographers free — poses, prompts, client workflows & more.

Follow Staci:
  📸 Instagram → @stacibrucksphoto
🌐 Website → stacibrucksphoto.com

Celeste Shiels is a photographer from the Sunshine Coast, Australia, who specializes in maternity, motherhood, family, and wedding photography. You might have seen her featured on Unscripted recently, but today, we’re diving even deeper into her creative journey.

Celeste started out studying film and television before shifting her focus to photography, and that cinematic influence is still woven throughout her work. In this episode, we talk about creative rest, personal projects, and how to balance artistic exploration with client expectations.

Celeste shares how she carves out time to create for herself—even with three kids...

Jonathan Hicks Jr. is a talented couples and wedding photographer based in New York City. Jonathan is known for his cinematic, moody style that captures the romance and connection between his subjects. 

In our conversation, we'll dive into Jonathan's creative journey - from picking up a camera for the first time on a trip to Cuba, to developing his signature look inspired by the world of film. We'll also explore Jonathan's approach to color grading and editing, including his use of split toning to evoke specific moods and emotions.

Additionally, we'll unpack Jonathan's diverse artistic i...

If you’re a new photographer struggling to book clients and grow your business, this episode is exactly what you need. Today, I’m joined by the incredible Brooke Jefferson, a family photographer and photography educator who turned her passion into a thriving business. Brooke went from a simple Valentine's Day shoot with her daughter to going full-time in just six months—and now she teaches photographers how to do the same.

In this episode, Brooke shares her best strategies for generating leads, booking clients, and keeping them coming back. We’ll dive into how personal branding, in-perso...

Flash photography doesn’t have to be intimidating—just ask Eden Strader! She’s back on the podcast to break down everything you need to know about artificial light, from the basics to her go-to setups. Whether you’re shooting weddings, studio portraits, or just experimenting, Eden shares her best tips for making flash feel natural and effortless.

We also touch on:
 ⚡ How to ease into flash without the pressure
 ⚡ The gear Eden swears by for pro-level results on a budget
 ⚡ Why client communication is key when using artificial light

If you’ve been hesitant to...

Kayleigh Taylor’s unique approach to documentary-style wedding photography is all about capturing the real, authentic moments – those fleeting, beautiful snippets of the day that might go unnoticed but mean the most. She focuses on storytelling through her lens, emphasizing that the photos should reflect the true essence of the wedding, without any staging or forced moments.

Though Kayleigh is a self-proclaimed homebody who isn’t the biggest fan of travel, you’ll find her capturing destination weddings around the country, balancing her passion for documenting love stories with her desire to stay grounded. What’s even more fasci...

Henry Tieu is an elopement photographer based in Seattle, Washington. You might remember Henry from his last visit over a year ago, when he shared how he made the bold leap from being a nurse to chasing his dream of becoming a photographer.

A lot has happened since then. Henry’s now a dad to twins, juggling parenthood and running a thriving photography business. In this episode, he opens up about how being a father has reshaped the way he sees love, relationships, and representation in the wedding world. We also dive into what it’s really like...

What does it take to travel over 250,000 miles and still love what you do? In this episode, we chat with Jordan Voth, a photographer whose post-COVID career has been defined by constant travel and capturing love stories around the world.

Jordan shares how he’s created a sustainable photography business while living life on the go. From finding joy in personal projects to mastering the art of saying no, he explains how he stays inspired, focused, and fully engaged in his craft—whether he’s shooting halfway across the world or close to home.

If you’re...

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Hannah Rosser, a total sweetheart and an incredibly talented gal behind the lens and a rising star in the destination wedding photography world. In this conversation, Hannah will take us on a journey, sharing how she transitioned from a science and math background into the creative and very glamorous realm of destination wedding photography. 

You'll hear about her first international elopement shoot in Mexico, where she filled her plate as full as humanly possible with not just the scheduled elopement work, but creative shoots galore. She also g...

Whether you're just starting out or you're feeling like it's time for a brand refresh, we've got some seriously practical tips to help you level up your photography business.

Today, we’ll break down what branding really means in photography, how to build a strong brand that pulls in your dream clients, and how to ensure every part of your client experience reflects who you are. Dawn Charles is joining us, and she’s an absolute pro for this. She’ll share her insights on everything from picking logos, fonts, and color palettes to rebranding and evolving as you...

Today, we’re sitting down with Daniel Kim, an extraordinary wedding photographer known for his deeply intuitive, documentary-style approach. Daniel's journey began when he started taking photos after the passing of his mother when he was just 17. Since then, photography has become not only his profession but a way of truly connecting with people and moments.

In this episode, we’ll explore Daniel’s self-development journey, his shift from a career-driven, editorial approach to a more authentic, documentary style, and how learning to let go of control has helped him create some of his most meaningful work. If you...

Jake Tovar is a film photographer based in San Luis Obispo, and trust me—you’re going to love his story. Jake went from snapping pics on his iPhone to becoming a master of film photography, where every shot counts, and it’s all about that beautiful, intentional process. In this episode, Jake opens up about how he builds real, genuine relationships with his clients, balances his passion with the business side of things, and why staying true to yourself as a photographer can unlock so many unexpected opportunities. So, if you’re ready to take your creativity up a notch...

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome back Anni Graham to the podcast. Anni is an incredibly talented photographer known for her timeless, emotive style. She’s captured elopements and love stories in some of the most stunning locations around the world and, more recently, has decided to focus her energy on generating bookings in the luxury wedding market.

In this episode, we talk about how to pivot yourself into a different price bracket, how to create a luxury portfolio, and how to fight off the imposter syndrome that comes from stretching into unfamiliar territory. So, if t...

Today, we're addressing a topic that is hot on the lips of many in our photography community – the oversaturated wedding photography market. We know you’ve thought about it, too, but what if we flipped the script and told you it's actually a good thing?

In a world flooded with images, standing out as a wedding photographer is no easy feat. Yet, this intense competition has inadvertently created a landscape where creativity thrives. It's forcing photographers to discover their unique voices, refine their craft to perfection, and to build brands that resonate deeply with couples.

Join...

Have you ever felt like the odds are stacked against you as a photographer? Wondered how to adapt your craft in the face of limitations? 
 
 Today, we're featuring a truly inspiring portrait photographer, Michele Mateus. 
 
 Michele’s here to share her remarkable story of resilience and reinvention. In this episode, Michele will reveal how she’s redefined success in the photography world on her own terms. 

Insta:

@mateusstudios

Web:

mateusstudios.com

Today, we’re going to dive straight into the world of Instagram reels with Angela Shae. Angela is a former wedding photographer who transitioned to social media management and template creation to help photographers like you rock their Instagram presence. She’s also the founder of Social Templates, a done-for-you Instagram Reel template service for busy creatives. 
 
 If you’re not on the Reel bandwagon yet, you’re not alone. There are a couple of reasons why newbie photographers might hesitate to jump on reels: maybe you’re camera shy, a perfectionist, or simply don’t have the time! But b...

Summer Grace is a wedding photographer whose work is visually stunning and whose approach is refreshingly honest. Summer's journey has been deeply defined by her capacity to make bold decisions, like uprooting her life and moving across the country, being willing to face difficulty, and taking in all the profound learnings that come from forging your own path.

We'll delve into the complexities of building a creative business – navigating challenges like burnout and the ever-present tug-of-war between work and personal life.  Summer will share her insights on how you can personalize your approach to business and let us...

Today we have a truly inspiring creative joining us – Blake Nelson, a photographer, art director, digital creator, and model! Now, Blake's journey isn't your typical artist's path. He's worn many hats, from shooting five-figure weddings to collaborating with major brands like Calvin Klein and Armani in the heart of New York City.

This conversation dives deep into Blake's world. We'll explore: how a powerful realization about self-imposed limitations kickstarted his creative journey, juggling photography, art direction, and modeling, and how these diverse skills fuel each other, and how his modeling experience translates into creating a comfortable and co...

Emily Enns of Emily Noelle Photography is an Oregon-based senior adventure photographer who specializes in crafting unique, custom senior sessions that capture the spirit of exploration and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

In this episode, Emily's gonna be giving us the inside scoop on her photography journey. We'll hear how she transitioned from not even considering photography to be a ‘real job’ to being a full-time photographer absolutely thriving in a new state.

We'll also explore her career path - both triumphs and challenges -  from building her business to that one time her g...

Just in time for Mother’s Day, we’ve got a special episode for you all about maternity photography with the queen herself. Jodi Lynn is someone whose name has popped up time and time again in our Facebook group. Every time we ask you guys who we should interview next, she’s on the top of the list. If you haven’t heard of her, a) where have you been? But b) she’s a motherhood and family photographer/educator who creates magical, poetic, and inspirational images in her home state of California. Her images are known for their stun...

Today on the show is Maggie Rechkemmer – a family photographer based in the Midwest. Maggie’s work is known for being intentional, creative, and a beautiful window into capturing the beauty of everyday motherhood and family life. She stepped away from her photography business 7 years ago to have her first child, but six months into maternity leave, she decided to reopen her business. Now, she not only documents families, but also educates other photographers through mentoring and workshops. 
 
 This episode, Maggie and I dive deep into the world of motherhood photography. You’ll hear all about how Maggie bu...

Today, we're diving deep into the world of grad photography with the amazing Meghan Gibson – grad photographer, elopement photographer, and valued Unscripted team member!

Now, graduation season is upon us, which means capturing those momentous "I did it!" moments are more important than ever. But for aspiring photographers, breaking into the grad scene can feel daunting.

That’s why we’re thrilled to have Meghan on the show. Throughout this interview, we'll be unlocking her secrets to capturing stunning grad photos, from creative posing tips to navigating client expectations.

Whether you're a seasoned photog...

As photographers, we spend countless hours honing our craft, chasing the perfect light, daydreaming about our creative ideas, and capturing breathtaking moments. But for our photography businesses to be successful, we need to pair all of this good stuff with something crucial: financial stability. Today I’m joined by Mycah Bain, wedding photographer and business coach, and we’re talking about just that. Diving right into the business side of things, we explore what financial freedom looks like as a photographer and how to get there. As we’re sure you know, building a sustainable photography business doesn't happen overni...

Today we're chatting with Daniel Useko, the founder of Pixellu, about the importance and power of physical photo albums. Step off the ‘gram and join us as we dive deep into a topic that's close to the hearts of many photographers in this digital age.

Daniel will share how printed albums can elevate your photography (both personally and professionally), strengthen your connection with clients, and even boost your business. Whether you're a passionate hobbyist or just starting your professional journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights and tips to help you rediscover the magic of print.  Duration: 00:51:36

Today on the show, we have the wonderfully talented Jennifer Moher - a Toronto-based wedding photographer and educator. Jennifer’s elegant and enduring style reminds us that photography is about more than just aesthetics – it’s about noticing and building relationships. 

If you ever feel like you’ve struggled to keep up with the comings and goings of trends or feel frustrated that you spend hours mastering one style only to realise that trend has come and gone, this is an episode for you. Together, Jennifer and I take you on a deep dive into the art of creati...

Jackson Grant is not your average run-of-the-mill wedding photographer. His images are vivid, wild, and buzzing. But don’t let his exuberant approach fool you – there’s nothing careless about the way he does things. He takes on 25 couples a year and is intentional and generous with his time. His is a no-shortcut approach to inquiries, client communication, photographing, culling, and editing, and he’s willing to spend time on each stage of this process. Today, we’re diving right into the virtues and benefits of a workflow that doesn’t hold maximum productivity or efficiency as the pinnacle of success...

Today on the show we have Aly Hansen – a wedding, family, and in-home film photographer based out of Richmond, Virginia. After stumbling across a Polaroid camera in Target after an interstate move, she fell down a rabbit hole of researching, studying, and devoting every waking minute to understanding film. After eventually teaching herself enough to develop a roll of color film in her bathroom, she knew she was hooked. Today, she shoots almost exclusively on film, and her clients seek her out for it. Having built her business on in-home sessions, she has a lot to share about what it...

Today on the show, we have the lovely Sarah Crook of Alisabeth Designs giving us all the hot tips on how to hack your SEO so you can book whatever job you want, wherever in the world you want to go. Sarah is a website wiz with a specialty for creating beautiful and effective websites for photographers, creatives, and wedding vendors alike. Along the way, she’s taken many a deep dive into the world of SEO so that she can ensure the beautifuil sites she makes are getting seen by the right people. Today, we talk about what SE...

Asha Bailey is a San Diego-based destination wedding photographer, but she’s also so much more. Proudly at the helm of four(ish) businesses, she often blurs the line between passion projects and careers. As someone who’s spent the last eight years learning how to use social media to her advantage, Asha is a great person to talk about creating a relationship with social media that helps you grow the business you want and feels good, too. As the owner of multiple businesses, she puts a lot of herself into what she does, and she’s super visible online...

Christian O’Reilly is the founder and creative brains behind Fire & Ice – an award-winning, UK-based photography and cinema production company specializing in weddings, elopements, and now so much more. Capturing over 100 weddings per year, Christian is an insatiable and voracious photographer and businessman. Just when he feels like he’s made it, he does something else to push himself out of his comfort zone. In this episode, we talk about some of the things he’s lived through that have challenged him, tested him, and made him who he is – you’ll never believe what they are. If you want to lear...

Today on the show I have Justin Benson – a professional wedding photographer and the founder of AfterShoot, an AI culling software designed to speed up your postproduction workflow. With AI culling tools on the rise, it’s starting to feel absolutely inevitable that these tools will become an essential part of every photographer’s toolkit. With that in mind, I really just wanted to get someone on the show to talk about finding the balance with it all. In this episode, we discuss how to retain the human element while still taking advantage of time-saving tech, how your pricing struct...

Today on the show I have Jordan Voth. Jordan’s been in the game for a good 15 years and for the majority of that time he’s been shooting on a Canon Mark II and editing all of his sessions on Photoshop. If this blows your mind, you’re not alone. Which is why, in my opinion, he’s the perfect person to talk to about whether or not you should make the switch to mirrorless. Having built a super successful career off the back of one of Canon’s older camera models, his decision to transition to mirrorless is not one...

Dylan Fox is an intimate couples photographer based in West Virginia who has been in the photography industry for over 13 years. He taught himself everything he knows, and now he’s super passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping new photographers feel more empowered on their journey. 

Today, we talk about how he found himself in the role of an educator, and how you could branch out into that space too. We cover things like ‘how you know when you’re ready’, ‘what kind of prep you need to do before you start’, ‘and how you know if you’re cut o...

If you’ve ever thought about expanding your wedding photography packages to bring on a videographer, been curious about the logistics of how it would all work, or what it would mean for your timelines and workflow to have a videographer alongside you, this episode is a great place to start. 

Today’s guests are Dryden and Em – the husband-and-wife team behind Wild & Roam – a luxury wedding photography and videography company. Dryden does the video and Em takes care of the photo side of things. 

I’m sure you’ve noticed the algorithm’s move to favoring vide...

David Suh is a portrait photographer, educator, and content creator based out of LA. You may know David from his 60 second Tiktok clips which are an educational goldmine for all things photography and posing, or you might have stumbled across his beautiful portrait work on your feed. During this podcast episode, we have the privilege of getting to break the form of short, snappy reels and tiktok videos and go deep with in-depth conversation about posing, beauty standards, and identity. After over a decade in the industry, and a lot of time spent reflecting on himself and refining his...

India Earl has gone from sleeping in her Honda Civic to being a household name in the realm of wedding photography, presets, and photography education. This episode is a really candid chat about what life can look like after a really successful wedding photography career. No matter if you’re just starting out as a wedding photographer, wanting to take a step back from your biz, looking for some helpful business tips, or curious about setting up passive income streams, there’s no doubt that there’s something good in this episode for you.

Inst...