Say Cheese!

Hosted by Lilly Red

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Sep 2025

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About the show

Welcome to Say Cheese!—where we go beyond photography to uncover the journeys, lessons, and strategies behind the success of photographers, artists, creators, and entrepreneurs. Hosted by Lilly Red, a wedding photographer based in Lake Como, this podcast isn’t just about beautiful images—it’s about the why and the how behind every creative breakthrough. Every week, we’ll dive into conversations with industry leaders and innovators, breaking down their biggest wins, their hardest lessons, and the strategies that got them there. You’ll hear raw stories about overcoming obstacles, building resilience, and creating work that doesn’t just look good but feels right. This isn’t fluff—it’s actionable insights and real-world advice you can immediately apply to your creative business and personal growth. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, Say Cheese! is your go-to podcast for clarity, motivation, and practical tips. Hit play, take notes, and let’s turn inspiration into action. 🚀

Listen to episodes

35 recent

September 12, 2025Episode 81 hr 5 min

Monika Frías: Why True Creativity Means Breaking the Rules

Sometimes, the hardest thing as a creative isn’t learning the technical skills — it’s unlearning everything you were told about how life should look. In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Monika Frías (@latxina) to talk about what it really means to be an artist in a world full of rules, expectations, and “programming.” Monika shares her deeply personal journey of choosing freedom over formulas : Leaving behind what didn’t serve her and starting fresh with just a suitcase Why she refuses to let photography define who she is How doing “too many things”, weddings, videography, DJing, planning, actually makes her more creative The thrill of starting something new when you have no idea what you’re doing And why skipping the “rules” can lead you closer to the kind of art — and life — you’ve always wanted This episode is raw, real, and deeply relatable for any photographer or creative who’s ever felt stuck in someone else’s version of success. If you’ve been questioning your path or craving the courage to create on your own terms — this conversation will light a fire in you.

August 27, 2025Episode 749 min

Our First 3 Months With a Baby as Photographers (The Honest Truth)

Becoming parents while running a full-time photography business has been the most life-changing (and honestly, challenging) chapter of our lives. In this episode of Say Cheese, we open up about everything from pregnancy struggles, birth stories, and postpartum recovery to what it really looks like balancing newborn life with destination weddings, editing, and building a business. This isn’t a highlight reel, it’s the real, unfiltered truth about the transition from photographers to parents. What you’ll hear in this episode: - Our honest pregnancy + birth experience (including 60 hours of labor) - How we prepared our photography business for time off - Breastfeeding, pumping, and navigating postpartum recovery - Balancing newborn life with wedding season - What parenthood is teaching us about creativity, identity, and resilience Timestamps 00:00 – Becoming parents while running a photography business 04:32 – Pregnancy struggles and birth story (60 hours of labor) 12:48 – Preparing our photography business for time off 19:55 – Postpartum recovery: breastfeeding, pumping, and healing 28:40 – Balancing newborn life with destination weddings 36:12 – Editing, travel, and sleep deprivation 45:30 – How parenthood shifts identity and creativity 52:47 – Lessons we’re taking into photography and life If you’re a photographer, creative, or parent juggling business and family—you’ll relate to this one.

August 6, 2025Episode 61 hr 42 min

Quiet Luxury, Creative Freedom, and the Honeymoon Mindset with Jeff (The Apartment Photo)

After nearly two decades as a wedding photographer, Jeff Chan (@theapartmentphoto) is rethinking everything — from how he books clients, to how he uses social media, to what authenticity actually means. In this episode, hosted by Lilly Red (@elisabettalillyred), Jeff opens up about his decision to only take on “heck yes” weddings in 2025, why he’s obsessed with the idea of becoming a “SKU of one,” and how he’s reframing Instagram as a creative tool instead of a constant stressor. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to identify and book only the right clients for you Why being a “SKU of one” is the ultimate business advantage The surprising truth about authenticity on social media How Instagram’s trial reels can reach the right audience Why creating from abundance changes everything 🎧 Listen now and get inspired to build your photography business with more intention, creativity, and joy. Links & Resources: Jeff Chan – Instagram Elisabetta Lilly Red – Instagram Lilly Red Academy - https://lillyredacademy.com/ Book Recommendation – Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen

July 30, 2025Episode 51 hr 6 min

Photography Nearly Broke Us...What Saved Our Careers with Jana Williams

What happens when your body aches, the industry shifts, and social media feels like a full-time job… but you still love wedding photography? In this raw conversation with Jana Williams, we dig into the truth about staying in this industry past 40 — the burnout, the social media pressure, and the mindset shifts that can make (or break) your career. We cover: The real reason most photographers burn out before 40 How to evolve your career to stay relevant (without chasing every trend) The energy, mindset, and brand shifts that keep you shooting for decades Why personal growth, not just skill, is the secret to longevity If you’re a photographer wondering, “Can I actually do this for the long haul?” — this episode is for you.

July 22, 2025Episode 450 min

The Career Change That Made Jordan Voth One of the Top Wedding Photographers

What does it take to leave a stable corporate job and build a photography career that lasts? In this episode of Say Cheese , we sit down with Jordan Voth , a former accountant turned full-time wedding and lifestyle photographer, who has spent nearly a decade photographing intimate weddings, luxury celebrations, and lifestyle sessions across the U.S. (and beyond). Jordan shares: How he transitioned from a corporate accounting job to full-time photography The strategies he uses to avoid burnout, balance travel, and stay creative Why diversifying your work (weddings, families, lifestyle) can actually strengthen your brand How photographers can use BTS content, reels, and content creators to grow in 2025 The shifts happening in the wedding industry (smaller weddings, tighter budgets) and how to pivot Whether you’re dreaming of going full-time, looking to scale your business, or just want to hear how one of the industry’s most respected photographers is adapting to 2025, this episode is packed with insight. Listen now and subscribe to Say Cheese for more conversations with the photographers and creatives shaping the wedding industry.

July 9, 2025Episode 341 min

Why Most Photographers Fail (And What No One Tells You About Success)

Cole Roberts (Way Up North founder) opens up about burnout, ego, and building a life that fuels your creativity, not drains it. We talk about: Why most photographers burn out What makes (or breaks) a great speaker Building a digital detox retreat in Sweden The real reason he stepped back from destination weddings If you’ve ever felt stuck, this one will shift your perspective. Full show notes + blog: lillyredacademy.com/podcast Timestamps 00:00 – The truth about being vulnerable 01:45 – Why photographers burn out 05:32 – What Cole looks for in speakers (it’s not followers) 11:20 – From photographer to entrepreneur 15:04 – His 25-year vision for a digital detox resort 21:33 – The real reason he left destination weddings 29:40 – Advice for photographers who want to speak on stage 35:01 – Why Instagram isn’t the path anymore 39:50 – Building legacy through family, not just business

July 2, 2025Episode 222 min

Why Less Gear Makes Better Photos!

What if losing all your gear was the best thing that ever happened to your photography? In this episode, Lilly shares the story of a major gear theft in Los Angeles and how it unexpectedly transformed her entire approach behind the lens. From hauling multiple cameras and lenses to embracing a one-camera, one-lens setup, this shift didn’t just lighten the load, it unlocked more creativity, freedom, and intentionality. We dive into the power of simplifying your gear, staying prepared with smart backups, and why the emotional experience you create will always matter more than the tools you use. Whether you’re overwhelmed by all the tech or just curious about minimal setups, this episode will challenge how you think about your gear. Feeling weighed down by your equipment? Your photography doesn’t need more. It needs meaning. Go lighter, create deeper. Our full gear list Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Simplify Your Gear for Better Photos 00:50 – The Obsession with Gear 00:57 – One Camera, One Lens: A Game Changer 01:45 – The Turning Point: Equipment Theft 04:50 – Adapting to a Minimalist Setup 10:21 – Traveling Light: The Benefits 12:35 – Backup Gear: Always Be Prepared 17:21 – Final Thoughts: Focus on Experience, Not Equipment

May 14, 2025Episode 11 hr 1 min

You Can’t Attract Dream Clients If You Don’t Trust Yourself First

What if growing your brand didn’t mean doing more? What if it actually started with slowing down? In this episode, I sit down with Anna of Ginger's Eyes —a wedding photographer who built a beautiful, thriving business by doing things differently. She stopped chasing trends, stepped back from the constant pressure to perform, and built a brand that reflects her energy, her voice, and her values. We talk about: ✨ Building a business without burning out ✨ Finding clarity in your creative identity ✨ Attracting aligned clients without shouting online ✨ And what happens when you finally trust your own pace If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise or disconnected from your work, this conversation is a breath of fresh air—and a reminder that doing less can actually bring you more of what you really want. Guest Bio: Anna at [https://www.instagram.com/ohh.ginger] Get 15% off your Uncommon Sense belt here: https://un-commonsense.co using code LILLYRED15 :)

April 10, 2024Episode 749 min

Staying Inspired as Fashion Photographer with Olivia Bossert

In this weeks episode, we explore Olivia Bossert journey from Geneva to the UK, her transition from wedding to fashion photography, and her approach to creative work and client collaboration. We also chat about the role of education, the importance of finding one's style, and how to effectively pitch to brands. Our conversation touches on the impact of AI on photography, the evolving fashion industry, and the power of collaboration. Olivia graciously shares from her experience as a student of fashion photography, why she chooses to shoot fashion over weddings and what her thoughts are on trends in the industry. Follow Along With Us: @ElisabettaLillyred @LillyRedAcademy Find Olivia: Website: www.oliviabosserteducation.com Instagram: @oliviabosserteducation Check out the Show Notes: Staying Inspired as a Fashion Photographer

April 3, 2024Episode 656 min

Mastering the Art of SEO for Photographers with Corey Potter

We've got a special guest with us today - Corey Potter, the brilliant mind behind Fuel Your Photos . Cory takes us through his personal journey, transitioning from a thriving full time photography business owner to a dedicated SEO educator. Together, we get into the nitty-gritty of leveraging SEO to propel photographers' online visibility and business growth. From crafting market-centric content to the profound impact of being featured in publications, we leave no stone unturned. We also discuss the intriguing shift within the photography industry, from the intimacy of elopements to the allure of luxury weddings, and how this influences SEO strategies. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode offers so much education and wisdom that will help you navigate the world of SEO and elevate your online presence. Follow Along With Us: @ElisabettaLillyred @LillyRedAcademy Find Corey: Website: https://coreypotter.com Instagram: @coreyapotter Check out the Show Notes: Mastering the Art of SEO