That Photography Girl

Hosted by Rachel Traxler

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Episodes

203

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

That Photography Girl brings photographers straight-to-the-point, actionable advice you can apply to life and business. Each week you’ll hear a solo coaching episode with host Rachel Traxler plus a guest expert interview packed with strategy, stories, and vulnerability to help you grow with confidence. Rachel is a wedding-photographer-turned-creative-entrepreneur who loves helping photographers elevate their brand, systems, and marketing. Connect with her on Instagram @racheltraxler.

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August 26, 2026Episode 24531 min

Your September Playbook: Turn Busy Season Into Future Bookings

September can feel like pure survival mode as a wedding photographer. You’re shooting weddings, editing galleries, answering emails, creating timelines, posting sneak peeks, and basically just trying to keep your head above water. 😝 But girly, I don’t want you to just survive September. Because while you’re busy serving the clients already on your calendar, your future clients are watching. And the work you’re creating RIGHT NOW can become some of your best marketing for the weddings you want to book next. I’m walking you through my September playbook for turning busy season into future inquiries, stronger leads, and better bookings heading into engagement season. Because September isn’t just a busy month. It’s a visibility month. A trust-building month. A momentum month. And instead of posting another pretty wedding carousel and hoping someone notices, I want you to use the work you’re already doing to strategically build demand. The belief shift here is simple: your fall content shouldn’t just prove that you’re busy—it should prove that you’re bookable. We’re talking about turning current weddings into trust-building marketing, tightening up your first impression, warming future couples before proposal season, following up with warm leads, collecting proof of your value, and fixing the booking leaks that could quietly be costing you conversions. No complete business overhaul required. We do NOT have time for that in September. 🤭 Just smart, intentional moves that can help your current weddings sell your future weddings. What You’ll Learn Why simply showing that you’re busy isn’t enough to create demand and what your content needs to communicate instead How to turn one wedding into multiple trust-building pieces of content without feeling like you’re posting the same thing over and over The behind-the-scenes moments from wedding days that can become some of your strongest marketing and sales assets How to audit your Instagram, website, portfolio, and contact page so your first impression actually leads people somewhere Why September is the perfect time to start building your “engagement season bridge” before couples are officially ready to inquire The simple 30-minute follow-up strategy I want you to try with old inquiries and warm leads How to build a “proof bank” of testimonials, screenshots, client reactions, BTS moments, and stories you can pull from during booking season Why client questions and FAQs are GOLD for future marketing content How to identify one booking leak in your funnel instead of trying to overhaul your entire business during busy season The better question to ask yourself about visibility if you want the work you’re doing now to create future inquiries Your Next Steps Take the Booking Leak Quiz to identify where you may be losing conversions Join my free photography education group for monthly live trainings, resources, and community Screenshot this episode, share it to your stories, and tag me at @racheltraxler DM me and tell me your biggest takeaway from the episodev Ready to get visible, get leads, get bookings, and become that photography girl ? 🌞 Explore ways to work with me Grab my free tools + resources Come hang with me on social And remember: let your current weddings sell your future weddings. Keep shinin’ 🧡🌞

August 11, 2026Episode 24422 min

How to Start Shooting Film at Weddings: A Beginner’s Guide to Film Photography with Loraleah Marie

If you’ve been wanting to incorporate film into your wedding photography but have NO idea where to start, this episode is for you! Today I’m chatting with film and editorial wedding photographer Loraleah Marie all about how to start shooting film at weddings and sessions without feeling completely overwhelmed by the process.Because adding film to your work isn’t just about grabbing a film camera and hoping for the best. There are so many little pieces to think about from choosing your settings and understanding your film stock to knowing when to push or pull your film, where to send it for processing, and how to actually stay organized when you’re shooting both digital AND film on a wedding day. Loraleah is breaking it all down and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at her process so you can feel more confident experimenting with film in your own photography business. In this episode, we cover: How to start incorporating film into your sessions and weddings Film camera settings and what you need to know before shooting What pushing and pulling film actually means How to decide when to push or pull your film Where to send your film for developing and processing What to know about film scansHow processing and scanning can impact the final look of your images How to organize your film rolls throughout a wedding day Keeping track of what you’re shooting when working with multiple rolls Tips for balancing digital and film photography during a wedding How to start experimenting with film without putting too much pressure on yourself If film photography has been sitting on your “I really want to try this someday” list, consider this your sign to finally start experimenting with it.You don’t need to completely change the way you shoot or suddenly become an expert. Start learning the process, understand what’s happening behind the scenes, and find ways to intentionally incorporate film into the work you’re already creating. About Loraleah Marie Loraleah Marie is a Charleston-based film and editorial wedding photographer known for creating imagery that feels cinematic, nostalgic, authentic, and a little funky. She photographs weddings throughout Charleston, New York, the East Coast, and destinations around the world, blending editorial imagery with documentary storytelling to capture both the big moments and everything happening in between. Connect with Loraleah and see more of her work at https://loraleahmarie.com/photographers https://www.instagram.com/loraleahmariephotography/ 👉 Shop my low-ticket education resources → https://racheltraxler.com/shop🧡APPLY for high-level Photography Business Coaching → https://racheltraxler.com/apply📸Join That Photography Group for FREE live masterclasses + resources → https://www.skool.com/that-photography-group-2871/about🦄Try Aftershoot for your culling, editing, retouching, and gallery program → https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=racheltraxlerCode: RACHELTRAXLER⬇️ My wedding photography gear list: ⬇️▸ Camera Body: https://amzn.to/44pB4sd ▸ Canon g7x mark iii: https://amzn.to/4b1IZzJ ▸ Fuji x100vi: https://amzn.to/3JyuXLL ▸ Most Used Lens: https://amzn.to/44iY6B0 ▸ Canon 35mm f1/4: https://amzn.to/4oE7SHv ▸ Meta Glasses: https://amzn.to/4vl7jES ▸ Camera Harness: code: TRAXLER26: https://spiderholster.com/products/spiderpro-dual-camera-system-v3 ▸ My Camera Bag: https://kamrette.com/?rfsn=8967723.56f4bf&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8967723.56f4bf ▸ Most Reliable SD Cards: https://amzn.to/3SkL17J ▸ Most Reliable SSD: https://amzn.to/4eSq9gL▸ Most Reliable HD: https://amzn.to/4eSq9gL🎞️ My Wedding Presets → https://www.gpresets.com/product/rachel-traxler-presets/

August 4, 2026Episode 2437 min

Are Your Photography Packages Costing You Bookings? Common Mistakes to Fix Today

If your photography packages aren't converting the way you hoped, it may not be your pricing. In this episode, I share some of the most common mistakes I see photographers make when creating their packages and, more importantly, how to fix them. From overwhelming clients with too many choices to accidentally attracting the wrong inquiries, your packages play a much bigger role in your booking process than you may realize. Whether you're building your pricing guide for the first time or giving your offers a much-needed refresh, this episode will help you create packages that feel clear, strategic, and easy for clients to say yes to. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The biggest mistakes photographers make when structuring their packages. Why more package options can actually hurt your bookings. How to create offers that guide clients toward your ideal experience. What clients are really looking for when they compare packages. Simple ways to make your pricing guide easier to understand. How to position your packages so they communicate value instead of just price. Why your packages should support your business goals, not just your clients' budgets. Small adjustments that can lead to more confident bookings. Your packages aren't just a list of what's included. They're a sales tool that helps potential clients understand your value and confidently choose to work with you. A few intentional changes can make a significant difference in both your client experience and your bottom line. If you've been wondering why inquiries aren't converting or why clients always choose your lowest package, this episode is for you. 👉 Shop my low-ticket education resources → https://racheltraxler.com/shop 🧡APPLY for high-level Photography Business Coaching → https://racheltraxler.com/apply 📸Join That Photography Group for FREE live masterclasses + resources → https://www.skool.com/that-photography-group-2871/about 🦄Try Aftershoot for your culling, editing, retouching, and gallery program → https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=racheltraxler Code: RACHELTRAXLER ⬇️ My wedding photography gear list: ⬇️ ▸ Camera Body: https://amzn.to/44pB4sd ▸ Canon g7x mark iii: https://amzn.to/4b1IZzJ ▸ Fuji x100vi: https://amzn.to/3JyuXLL ▸ Most Used Lens: https://amzn.to/44iY6B0 ▸ Canon 35mm f1/4: https://amzn.to/4oE7SHv ▸ Meta Glasses: https://amzn.to/4vl7jES ▸ Camera Harness: code: TRAXLER26: https://spiderholster.com/products/spiderpro-dual-camera-system-v3 ▸ My Camera Bag: https://kamrette.com/?rfsn=8967723.56f4bf&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8967723.56f4bf ▸ Most Reliable SD Cards: https://amzn.to/3SkL17J ▸ Most Reliable SSD: https://amzn.to/4eSq9gL ▸ Most Reliable HD: https://amzn.to/4eSq9gL 🎞️ My Wedding Presets → https://www.gpresets.com/product/rachel-traxler-presets/

July 28, 2026Episode 24217 min

Your Pricing Isn't Why They Ghosted You

You sent your pricing. They opened it. Then... silence.It's one of the most frustrating parts of running a photography business, and it's easy to assume your prices scared them away. But what if pricing isn't actually the problem? In this episode, Rachel unpacks the real reasons potential clients ghost after an inquiry. From the messaging you use to the overall client experience you're creating, there are subtle signals that influence whether someone feels confident moving forward or quietly moves on. If you've been second-guessing your pricing every time an inquiry disappears, this conversation will help you shift your perspective and identify what may actually be holding clients back. In This Episode 🧡Why ghosting isn't usually about your prices. 🧡The hidden signals that create hesitation during the inquiry process. 🧡How your communication shapes a client's confidence. 🧡Common mistakes that unintentionally push potential clients away. 🧡Ways to create a smoother, more trust-building client experience. 🧡How to evaluate your inquiry process instead of immediately lowering your rates. Before you discount your services or assume you're charging too much, take a closer look at the experience you're creating. Small shifts in your messaging, communication, and client journey can make a much bigger impact than changing your pricing ever will. Tune in to learn how to stop blaming your prices and start building an inquiry experience that converts more of the right clients into booked clients. Connect with Rachel: 🎧 Listen to more episodes of That Photography Girl ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-photography-girl/id1553374027 ⁠⁠📷 Instagram: @racheltraxler Create predictable leads:⁠⁠ https://racheltraxler.com/predictable-inquiries-freebie⁠⁠ Join the That Photography Girl Community: ⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/that-photography-group-2871/about⁠⁠ 🧡 Apply for Business Coaching - ⁠⁠https://racheltraxler.com/apply⁠⁠ 🌞 Resources - ⁠⁠https://racheltraxler.com/shop⁠

July 21, 2026Episode 24131 min

How One Small-Town Wedding Photographer Built a Luxury Destination Brand with Social Media with Staci Brucks

Think you need to live in a major city to book luxury destination weddings? Think again. In this episode, Rachel sits down with wedding photographer Staci Brucks , who has built a thriving high-end destination wedding business while living in a small town. Staci shares how she strategically uses social media to attract dream clients from around the world, create a recognizable luxury brand, and stay consistently booked without relying on referrals alone. Whether you're a photographer, wedding professional, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with practical strategies for positioning yourself for premium clients, standing out online, and building a business that supports the life you actually want. In This Episode, We Cover: How Staci built a luxury destination wedding brand from a small town. The biggest misconceptions about booking high-end weddings. Using Instagram and social media to consistently attract dream clients. Creating content that speaks directly to premium buyers. Branding strategies that elevate your perceived value. Why location doesn't have to determine your success. How to build trust with clients before they ever inquire. Staying booked with intentional marketing instead of constantly chasing leads. Advice for photographers ready to break into the luxury wedding market. Connect with Staci Brucks https://www.instagram.com/stacibrucksphoto/ https://stacibrucksphoto.com Connect with Rachel: 🎧 Listen to more episodes of That Photography Girl ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-photography-girl/id1553374027⁠ 📷 Instagram: @racheltraxler Create predictable leads: ⁠ https://racheltraxler.com/predictable-inquiries-freebie⁠ Join the That Photography Girl Community: ⁠https://www.skool.com/that-photography-group-2871/about⁠ 🧡 Apply for Business Coaching - ⁠https://racheltraxler.com/apply⁠ 🌞 Resources - ⁠https://racheltraxler.com/shop⁠

July 14, 2026Episode 24023 min

3 Ways to Advertise Your Photography Business Without Paying for Ads with Brandi Alyse

If you've ever felt like you have to spend money on Facebook or Instagram ads to keep your calendar full, this episode is going to change the way you think about marketing. Rachel sits down with photographer and educator Brandi Alyse to unpack the three organic marketing strategies that consistently bring in inquiries and bookings without relying on paid advertising. Instead of chasing trends or pouring money into ads, Brandi shares the relationship-driven approach that has helped her build a thriving photography business through trust, visibility, and genuine connection. Whether you're just getting started or looking to create more predictable inquiries, these strategies will help you market smarter, not more expensively. In This Episode We Discuss: The biggest misconception photographers have about paid advertising Three proven ways to consistently market your business for free How relationship marketing creates long-term referrals and repeat clients Simple ways to stay top-of-mind with past clients and vendor partners Why organic marketing often creates stronger, more qualified leads than paid ads Practical steps you can start implementing today to increase your visibility About Brandi Alyse Brandi Alyse is a photographer, educator, and business mentor who helps photographers build sustainable businesses through intentional marketing and authentic relationship building. Her approach focuses on creating long-term visibility, trusted connections, and consistent bookings without depending on paid advertising. Connect with Brandi Instagram: @itsbrandiallyse https://brandiallyse.com Connect with Rachel: 🎧 Listen to more episodes of That Photography Girl https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-photography-girl/id1553374027 📷 Instagram: @racheltraxler Create predictable leads: https://racheltraxler.com/predictable-inquiries-freebie Join the That Photography Girl Community: https://www.skool.com/that-photography-group-2871/about 🧡 Apply for Business Coaching - https://racheltraxler.com/apply 🌞 Resources - https://racheltraxler.com/shop

July 7, 2026Episode 23920 min

Photography Client Workflow: How to Create an Unforgettable Client Experience

What makes a photography experience unforgettable? It's not just beautiful images. It's how your clients feel from the very first inquiry to the final gallery delivery. In this episode, I sit down with photographer Maegan Grendall to talk about the client workflow that has helped her create a seamless, personalized experience while building a business fueled by referrals and repeat clients. We dive into the systems, communication, and intentional touch points that make clients feel cared for every step of the way, while also creating a workflow that's sustainable for photographers. Whether you're just starting out or refining your client experience, you'll walk away with practical ideas you can implement right away. In This Episode: Why your client experience starts long before the session. The workflow steps that help clients feel confident and cared for. Simple ways to stand out in a competitive photography market. How clear communication creates happier clients and fewer headaches. The small details that lead to more referrals and repeat bookings. Creating systems that save time without sacrificing a personal touch. Why she feels contracts are one of the most important parts of the workflow ( Here are the ones I use CODE: RACHELTR10 for 10% off) If you're ready to elevate your client experience and build a photography business that feels both professional and personal, this episode is for you. About the guest: Maegan Grendell is a portrait and wedding photographer based in northern Utah, serving clients wherever their stories take her. After studying art and design at Utah Valley University, she followed her passion for photography full time, turning a lifelong love of creativity into a career. With a camera in her hands since the age of three, Maegan is passionate about creating an experience that goes far beyond beautiful photos. She believes photography is about helping people feel confident, seen, and genuinely cared for from the first inquiry to the final gallery. Her thoughtful client workflow and intentional approach have helped her build a business rooted in connection, storytelling, and unforgettable experiences. When she's not behind the camera, you'll find her traveling, spending time with family and friends, listening to music, working out, searching for the perfect drink, or attempting to learn guitar. Connect with Rachel: 🎧 Listen to more episodes of That Photography Girl https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-photography-girl/id1553374027📷 Instagram: @racheltraxler Create predictable leads: https://racheltraxler.com/predictable-inquiries-freebieJoin the That Photography Girl FB Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/racheltraxlereducation🧡 Apply for Business Coaching - https://racheltraxler.com/apply 🌞 Resources - https://racheltraxler.com/shop

June 30, 2026Episode 2387 min

Your Packages Are Making It Harder to Buy From You

Why Photographers are making it harder for clients to book their packages and how to fix it 👉 Shop my low-ticket education resources → https://racheltraxler.com/shop 🧡APPLY for high-level Photography Business Coaching → https://racheltraxler.com/apply 📸Join That Photography Group for FREE live masterclasses + resources → https://www.skool.com/that-photography-group-2871/about 🦄Try Aftershoot for your culling, editing, retouching, and gallery program → https://aftershoot.com/friends/?ref=racheltraxler Code: RACHELTRAXLER ⬇️ My wedding photography gear list: ⬇️ ▸ Camera Body: https://amzn.to/44pB4sd ▸ Canon g7x mark iii: https://amzn.to/4b1IZzJ ▸ Fuji x100vi: https://amzn.to/3JyuXLL ▸ Most Used Lens: https://amzn.to/44iY6B0 ▸ Canon 35mm f1/4: https://amzn.to/4oE7SHv ▸ Meta Glasses: https://amzn.to/4vl7jES ▸ Camera Harness: code: TRAXLER26: https://spiderholster.com/products/spiderpro-dual-camera-system-v3 ▸ My Camera Bag: https://kamrette.com/?rfsn=8967723.56f4bf&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8967723.56f4bf ▸ Most Reliable SD Cards: https://amzn.to/3SkL17J ▸ Most Reliable SSD: https://amzn.to/4eSq9gL ▸ Most Reliable HD: https://amzn.to/4eSq9gL 🎞️ My Wedding Presets → https://www.gpresets.com/product/rachel-traxler-presets/follow me on instagram: https://instagram.com/racheltraxler

June 23, 2026Episode 23751 min

Building a Meaningful Brand with Lauren Ashley

What if the thing that makes your brand unforgettable isn't your logo, website, or color palette? In this episode, I'm sitting down with Chicago photographer Lauren Ashley to talk about what really creates a recognizable brand in today's photography industry. We dive into why connection will always outperform perfection and how sharing your story can become one of your biggest differentiators. Lauren has built a thriving photography business by embracing authenticity, leaning into vulnerability, and creating a brand experience that people genuinely connect with. This conversation is a powerful reminder that clients aren't just hiring a photographer. They're investing in the person behind the business. If you've been wondering how to stand out in a saturated market without constantly redesigning your website or changing your branding, this episode is for you. In This Episode We Discuss: Why branding goes far beyond logos, fonts, and color palettes The role vulnerability plays in building trust with potential clients How personal experiences can shape a stronger, more memorable brand The difference between attracting followers and creating genuine connection Why people remember stories more than aesthetics How to identify what truly makes your business unique Building a brand that feels aligned with who you are, not who you think you should be Ways photographers can stand out without competing on price Creating deeper client relationships that naturally lead to referrals Why authenticity is becoming one of the most valuable marketing tools available About Lauren Ashley Lauren Ashley is a Chicago-based luxury wedding and portrait photographer known for blending emotional storytelling with a highly personalized client experience. Through her own life experiences and commitment to authenticity, she's built a brand that helps clients feel seen, understood, and fully present in some of life's most meaningful moments. Connect with Lauren Website: lauren-ashley.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenashleystudios/ Connect with Rachel:🎧 Listen to more episodes of That Photography Girl https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-photography-girl/id1553374027📷 Instagram: @racheltraxler Create predictable leads: https://racheltraxler.com/predictable-inquiries-freebieJoin the That Photography Girl FB Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/racheltraxlereducation🧡 Apply for Business Coaching - https://racheltraxler.com/apply 🌞 Resources - https://racheltraxler.com/shop

June 16, 2026Episode 23738 min

The Exposure Triangle: A Better Way to Grow Your Photography Business with John Bunn

What if building a successful photography business wasn't about posting more, working harder, or constantly chasing the latest marketing strategy? In this episode, Rachel sits down with photographer, filmmaker, and educator John Bunn to discuss his Exposure Triangle framework, a unique approach to helping photographers build stronger brand recognition, attract better-fit leads, and create a business that stands out in a crowded market.John shares why so many photographers struggle to gain traction, not because they're lacking talent, but because they're missing one of the key pieces needed for long-term business growth. Through his Exposure Triangle system, he teaches photographers how to strengthen the three areas that influence visibility, reputation, and opportunities. If you've ever felt like you're doing all the things but still not attracting the clients you want, this conversation will challenge the way you think about growth and help you focus on what actually moves the needle. In This Episode, We Cover: The inspiration behind John's Exposure Triangle framework Why great work alone isn't enough to build a thriving business How to create stronger brand recognition in your market The connection between visibility and attracting better leads Why networking is still one of the most powerful business growth tools Common mistakes photographers make when trying to stand outBuilding a brand people remember and refer How to create more opportunities without constantly marketing yourself The role community plays in long-term success About John Bunn John Bunn is a photographer, filmmaker, educator, and founder of the Exposure Triangle Mastermind. Through his coaching and education programs, he helps photographers build recognizable brands, attract higher-quality leads, and create sustainable businesses through intentional growth strategies, community, and connection. Connect with John Website: john-bunn.com Exposure Triangle Mastermind: john-bunn.com/exposure-triangle Shifting Focus Experience: john-bunn.com/the-shifting-focus-experienceCODE: TPG100 gets you $100 off Instagram: @johnbunn_ / @johnbunnfilms Connect with Rachel:🎧 Listen to more episodes of That Photography Girl https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-photography-girl/id1553374027📷 Instagram: @racheltraxler Create predictable leads: https://racheltraxler.com/predictable-inquiries-freebieJoin the That Photography Girl FB Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/racheltraxlereducation🧡 Apply for Business Coaching - https://racheltraxler.com/apply 🌞 Resources - https://racheltraxler.com/shop