Take It Personally

I’ve been thinking a lot about why marketing feels hard, even for photographers who are incredibly talented at what they do.So many of my clients are amazing photographers. They’re skilled, experienced, and really good at their jobs… and yet marketing still feels uncomfortable or frustrating.And the more I’ve sat with that, the more I’ve realized: if marketing feels hard for you, that actually makes a lot of sense.In this episode, we’re not talking about hacks, trends, or quick fixes. Instead, I’m offering a reframe that I hope feels grounding, especially if you’ve ever felt like you’re “failing” at marketing or stuck in perfectionism.We’re talking about why marketing is one of the only skills in your business that requires visibility before mastery and how that reality creates so much tension for photographers who are used to being experts.In this episode, I’m breaking down why marketing feels so uncomfortable, how to detach your self-worth from your results, and how to start approaching your content as data

I’ve really loved the direction my content has gone over the last year… but if I’m being honest, I haven’t always loved the look of my Instagram feed.And as a brand photographer, that feels complicated. Because on one hand, we know the content that performs best right now is more organic, in-the-moment, camera-roll style content. But on the other hand, we’re literally in the business of selling aesthetics. So where’s the balance?In this episode, I’m breaking down the push-pull between wanting your Instagram to look good and wanting it to actually work for your business, plus how to stop letting perfectionism get in the way of consistency and conversions.We’re talking:Why organic content often outperforms overly polished posts (even for brand photographers)The uncomfortable tension between selling an aesthetic and posting content that convertsHow to mix curated and organic content without your feed feeling chaoticSimple posting patterns that still look good on the gridWhy consistency and messaging matter more

At the end of 2025, I shared two podcast episodes breaking down my best and worst Instagram content from the year. And when I teased those episodes on Instagram, I got a lot of questions about how I actually decide what makes a post “good” or “bad.”The obvious answer is data. I look at analytics, engagement, and performance. But the deeper answer (and the one that’s mattered way more for the long-term growth of my business) is that there’s a metric I care about even more than what Instagram shows me.For years, I’ve relied on what I call my ground beef metric to gauge whether my content is actually doing what it’s supposed to do: building connection, trust, and relationships that eventually lead to inquiries and bookings.In this episode, I’m breaking down what my ground beef metric is, why vanity metrics don’t tell the full story, and how to tell if your Instagram content is actually working, even when the numbers feel confusing or discouraging.We’re talking:Why Instagram metrics matter (but shouldn’t control

I’m going into 2026 with the goal to scale my business. And that means I’m creating a lot of content.Not just to create more content, but because I know, from years of data and experience, that when my content is done well, it actually moves the needle in my business.For most people who end up working with me, their journey starts on Instagram and then leads to my podcast. That tells me everything I need to know about how important content is. The problem is that creating more content can feel overwhelming fast, especially when you’re already wearing all the hats.In this episode, I’m walking you through how to repurpose content as a photographer so your content can go further in 2026 without burning you out.We’re talking:What content repurposing actually looks like for photographersHow to create one primary piece of content and break it into more pieces of contentWhy long-form content is the foundation of a strong content strategyThe biggest mistakes I see photographers make with micro contentHow often you sh

It’s easy to feel like you’re constantly behind on your marketing, especially during busy seasons of life and business. When client work piles up, marketing often becomes the thing you promise you’ll “get back to later”… until later never comes.In this episode, we’re talking about why your photography business needs a real marketing system and how something as simple as a weekly Marketing Monday can completely change the way you show up, attract clients, and create momentum in your business.Marketing Monday is a dedicated, non-negotiable block of time each week to work on your business, not just in it. It’s the system that helps you stop panic-marketing, stay consistent even when life is chaotic, and build demand year-round instead of reacting when inquiries slow down.We’re talking:Why relying only on referrals eventually stops workingHow weekly marketing time keeps your pipeline fullWhy consistency matters more than doing “all the things”What actually counts as marketing (even when you’re not posting)How to

I almost didn’t record this episode.. not because I didn’t want to reflect on the year, but because I was making it bigger than it needed to be. So instead of overthinking it, I sat down with a post-it note and recorded a simple, honest 2025 wrapped: brand photography edition!This episode isn’t data-driven or trend-heavy. It’s a real reflection on what actually defined my year as a brand photographer, educator, and coach - including what worked, what changed, and what I’m carrying with me into 2026.Before you plan for what’s next, you have to understand what just happened. This episode walks through the three things that shaped my business in 2025, why returning to the basics made everything easier, and how slowing down created more clarity and capacity.We’re talking:The three things that truly defined my brand photography business in 2025Why I intentionally booked fewer brand sessionsHow prioritizing profitability changed the way I make business decisionsWhat hiring more intentionally unlocked in my business

We all love talking about what worked on Instagram, but what about the posts that totally flopped? In this episode, I’m breaking down my “worst” Instagram content from the year, what those posts had in common, and why I’m actually not upset about any of it.This is the second part of a little two-episode series - last week I walked through my best content and this episode is taking a looking at my worst performing content. Spoiler: a lot of my “worst” content is also some of the most important for building trust, deepening relationships, and growing my brand long-term.We’re talking:Why my lowest-performing posts are almost all talking head reelsHow longer, more thoughtful content can still be wildly valuable even with low reachThe difference between content creator goals and business owner goalsHow I’m using my Consistency Cure series, even though it’s not topping my analyticsPractical ways to improve “bad” posts without scrapping the idea completelyHow to look at your own worst-performing content without maki

Instagram has been my thing since before I even had a photography business, but this year, my content looked a little different. I hired a social media manager, leaned into more nuanced topics, and started paying closer attention to what was actually working instead of just guessing. And spoiler: my best-performing posts were not the perfectly designed, “Pinterest-worthy” ones.In this episode, I’m breaking down my best Instagram content from the year and what all of those posts had in common.You’ll hear what kind of posts actually did the best for my brand photography and education business and how you can also use those patterns to create better, more strategic Instagram content of your own.We’re talking:Why I finally hired help for Instagram, even though social media has always been “my thing”How I identified my best-performing posts (and what those posts actually were - see them on the blog!)What my top content had in common: 5 main thingsHow “I” language and personal stories can still be super valuable fo

We’ve all had those moments where we know we need to post something…but have absolutely no idea what to say. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the simple mindset shift that will help you create better Instagram content without feeling like you have to reinvent the wheel every single time.Creating great content isn’t about being clever. It’s about being accurate, relevant, and empathetic. And one of the fastest ways to build trust is by speaking to your clients in the same words they use. Today I’m sharing where to find that language, how to use it, and why this approach works so well for brand photographers who want to create content that genuinely resonates.We’re talking:The real reason you get stuck wondering what to postWhy client language is the foundation of strong messagingThe exact places to collect content ideasHow to stop writing for photographers and start writing for your actual brand clientsWhy vague, AI-ish captions don’t convert...and what to do insteadHow to us

Almost every brand photographer has said it at some point: “My clients only want a one-hour session.” And honestly? I get why that feels true; I used to believe it too. But one-hour brand shoots are keeping so many photographers stuck, exhausted, and wildly underpaid.In this episode, we’re getting into why short sessions are creating chaos (for you and your clients) and why introducing a signature session is one of the fastest ways to elevate your work, raise your prices, and get clients the results they actually want.This episode walks through what a signature session includes, how to position it, and what it takes to confidently remove “time” from your packages, so you can finally price based on value instead of minutes on your watch.We’re talking:Why one-hour brand sessions lead to chaos, over-delivery, and burned-out photographersThe #1 mindset shift photographers need to stop underchargingWhat a signature session actually looks likeHow to confidently push back when clients s

You’ve probably heard me talk a lot about niching into brand photography... and for good reason. It changed my business and my bookings. But today, we’re zooming out and talking about something I don’t cover nearly enough: what it looks like to simply add brand photography to the services you already offer.Because here’s the truth: you don’t have to completely niche down to benefit from this work. And for so many photographers (weddings, families, seniors, interiors), adding brand photography in 2026 might be the smartest, most profitable move you make. In this episode, we’re breaking down why.We're talking:Why brand photography helps you avoid burnoutThe income consistency brand photographers see year-roundThe creative side of brand shootsWhich photographers transition beautifully into brand photography, and whyHow your existing skill set probably already makes you perfect for this nicheLinks & Resources

If you’ve been trying to grow your brand photography portfolio, you’ve probably thought about posting a model call. But here’s the thing.. model calls can get messy. You lose control of the creative direction, it’s hard to attract the right kind of client, and suddenly you’re shooting something that doesn’t even align with the work you actually want to be known for.In this episode, we’re talking about how to actually build your portfolio in a way that sets you up for paying clients and better sessions moving forward. I'm sharing my favorite strategy for staying in the driver’s seat and explaining how you can grow your portfolio while still getting paid (or at least still getting massive value).We're talking:Why model calls can do more harm than good for brand photographersThe difference between a model call and a portfolio-building sessionHow to stay in control of your creative direction (and still get your dream shots)How to price your portfolio session so you don’t feel resentfulWhy every sho

You’ve been doing the thing: showing up, marketing, documenting, staying visible... and it’s finally working! Engagement is up, DMs are rolling in, and you’re even getting inquiries.But then you open one and think… “Ugh. This brand sounds so boring.”In this episode, we’re diving into what to do when you get an inquiry from a brand that doesn’t seem exciting to photograph and how to reframe those “boring” brands into some of the most profitable, fulfilling work you’ll do.We’re talking:Why there’s no such thing as a boring brandHow to use storytelling and strategy to make any brand shoot interestingThe mindset shift from “uninspired” to “opportunity-rich”Real-life examples (like dental offices!) and how to find the story within themWhy “boring” clients are often your most lucrative onesBy the end, you’ll see why the best brand photographers aren’t just camera pros; they’re creative directors and storytellers who can make any business shine.LINKS & RESOURCES:

You know those “what’s in my bag” peeks we all love? Same. I’m endlessly curious about how different photographers get similar results with totally different setups. And while I’m not a gearhead, I’ve learned what’s worth investing in for ease, speed, and consistency... without pretending you need every single shiny thing.In this episode, I’m walking through my current brand-session kit, why I chose each piece, and how I keep lighting simple and flattering so my clients look like the best version of themselves. We’re diving into: what I actually bring to brand shoots in 2025, how I light (without drama), and the small add-ons that make big differences on set.Episode highlights:My camera + lens combo and why I switched to mirrorlessThe zoom that replaced my prime-girl era and why it’s perfect for tight interiorsFlash philosophy: natural-looking light with Profoto A10sGo-to modifiers and when I use eachHeadshot vs. lifestyle setups, tethering and on-site workflow tipsUnsexy-but-essential extrasWh

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

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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 Booke

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 p

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

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.2:00 The viral Threads post that sparked this conversation4:15 Why using Instagram like a portfolio keeps photographers stuck6:50 The difference between good photos and stra