Take It Personally

Hosted by Maddie Peschong

Business Marketing

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228

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Take It Personally, hosted by professional brand photographer Maddie Peschong, shares advice to help you grow your personal brand to stand out from the noise and thrive, even in the most saturated markets. Episodes feature business and marketing advice, branding expertise, and real stories and inspiration from creative professionals all over the world.

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60 recent

August 20, 202612 min

Your Referrals Are About to Run Out

Getting started as a photographer can feel a little magical. Your friends and family book you, word starts to spread, and clients come in without you having to think too hard about marketing or positioning. But as your business grows, your prices increase, and you want to attract a more specific type of client, those early referrals may not fuel your business the way they once did. That doesn’t mean your work suddenly isn’t good enough or other photographers are better than you. It usually means your business needs what every growing business needs: clear positioning, consistent marketing, and a referral strategy you’re actively steering. In this episode, I’m sharing why I will never fully rely on referrals, what happened when I took my own foot off the marketing gas, and how visibility helps you stay in the driver’s seat of your business. We’re talking: Why friends, family, and word of mouth can only take your business so far The six-week lag I experienced after stepping away from marketing Why good work alone is not a differentiator Referrals as a byproduct versus a real strategy How well-positioned marketing makes sales calls feel easier The one lever you can pull when inquiries slow down Links & Resources ✨ Join Rebrand : My 12 month transformative brand program for photographers who want to attract and book more brand photography clients. Learn more here ! 📸 Grab the Ultimate Personal Brand Session Shot List: maddiepeschong.com 📝 Blog : Discover more branding tips and marketing tools to grow your brand photography business 💬 Episode ideas?! Connect with me on Instagram ! Let's Connect: Website: maddiepeschong.com Instagram: @maddiepeschong If you loved this episode, leave a review! It helps other photographers find the show and keeps us creating content you actually want to hear.🎙️✨

August 13, 202610 min

Why Photographers Who Are Great at Their Job Still Struggle to Get Clients

You have invested in your craft. You’ve done the work. Your portfolio is strong. And somehow, it still feels like you’re the best-kept secret that nobody knows about. This is one of the most demoralizing places to be in business because the thing you can point to, your work, isn’t actually the thing that’s broken. At a certain point, the gap isn’t skill. It’s everything happening around the skill. Because as much as we’d all love for great work to simply speak for itself, the market doesn’t automatically reward talent. It rewards the photographers who can clearly communicate their value, build trust, and make the right client think, “That’s exactly what I need.” In this episode, we’re looking at what actually keeps talented brand photographers stuck and the four gaps that could be standing between you and better clients, stronger inquiries, and more bookings. And yes, I’m going to tell you to put down the Lightroom catalog for a minute. 😬 We’re talking: Why better photography might not be what grows your business The four gaps that you may be struggling with A simple way to test whether your brand is actually clear Why competing on price is a race to the bottom The hard truth that, at a certain point, talent is talent Why getting clear on your brand comes before fixing your marketing Links & Resources ✨ Join the Rebrand Waitlist : Be the first to know when doors open this September for my 12-month marketing program for brand photographers who are ready to build a brand with a clear point of view. 📝 Blog : Discover more branding tips and marketing tools to grow your brand photography business 📱 Send me a DM on Instagram to chat about your pricing! Let's Connect: Website: maddiepeschong.com Instagram: @maddiepeschong If you loved this episode, leave a review! It helps other photographers find the show and keeps us creating content you actually want to hear.🎙️✨

August 6, 202614 min

The Instagram Mistake That's Making You Invisible

We have an epidemic on our hands… and it's not that photographers aren't posting enough. It's that we're so focused on creating the perfect Instagram aesthetic that we've accidentally made ourselves disappear. If you've ever waited to post until your hair looked better, your grid felt cohesive, or your caption was just right, this episode is for you. Today we're talking about why your dream clients aren't hiring you because your feed is pretty. They're hiring you because they feel like they know you. If your content looks polished but lacks personality or perspective, you could be blending in instead of standing out. I'm sharing why connection will always outperform perfection, how to stop hiding behind your aesthetic, and the mindset shift that can completely change the way you show up online. We're talking: Why a perfect Instagram grid can actually hurt your brand The difference between looking polished and building real connection A simple question to test whether your content is truly recognizable Why your perspective matters more than your aesthetic How over-explaining and caveating your content can hold you back The role personality plays in attracting dream clients Links & Resources ✨ Join the Rebrand Waitlist : Be the first to know when doors open this September for my 12-month marketing program for brand photographers who are ready to build a brand with a clear point of view. 📝 Blog : Discover more branding tips and marketing tools to grow your brand photography business 📱 Send me a DM on Instagram to chat about your pricing! Let's Connect: Website: maddiepeschong.com Instagram: @maddiepeschong If you loved this episode, leave a review! It helps other photographers find the show and keeps us creating content you actually want to hear.🎙️✨

July 30, 202616 min

Signs It's Time to Raise Your Prices

Most photographers wait until they feel ready to raise their prices, but unfortunately, ready is just not something that shows up. Readiness is not the signal that it's time for a price increase. But there are real signals you can watch for that clue you in to when that price hike you've been putting off is actually overdue. This is the conversation nobody really wants to have, and I'll be honest, 2026 is a tough year to raise prices. But that doesn't mean you don't deserve to get paid what you're worth. In this episode, I'm walking through the obvious and not-so-obvious signs it's time to raise your prices, so you can stop guessing and start charging what actually makes sense for the business you're running. We're talking: The 3 obvious signs you're overdue for a price increase Why resentment toward your sessions is almost always a pricing problem in disguise What your inquiry-to-booking rate is actually telling you about your prices Why your price is a brand signal, whether you want it to be or not The truth about asking friends and family what you should charge Why confidence comes after you raise your prices, not before Links & Resources ✨ Join Rebrand : My 12 month transformative brand and marketing program for photographers to build the visibility that gets them booked out. Learn more here! 📸 Check out Behind the Shot : the brand session blueprint that books you more brand work. This photography skills course helps you price, plan, shoot, and send brand sessions that have clients raving about your work. 📝 Blog : Discover more branding tips and marketing tools to grow your brand photography business 📱 Send me a DM on Instagram to chat about your pricing! Let's Connect: Website: maddiepeschong.com Instagram: @maddiepeschong If you loved this episode, leave a review! It helps other photographers find the show and keeps us creating content you actually want to hear.🎙️✨

July 23, 202616 min

Stop Chasing FUN In Your Business—Do This Instead

"Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life." I call BS on that. Business is work! Business is hard, and if it were easy, everyone would have one. I need you to hold some nuance with me today, because two things can be true: you can love your business AND you shouldn't rely on it to fill you up all the time. Chasing fun in your business is sabotaging your growth. That's what we're getting into. This week I'm talking about the lie we've been sold in the age of social media — that everything in our business needs to feel aligned and fun, or something's broken. It's not. Some of it is sticky, unglamorous, and gritty, and that's not a red flag, that's just business. For brand photographers especially, this one matters, because I see so many of you chasing that first-launch dopamine hit instead of building something sustainable — and burning yourself out switching things up instead of sitting with the discomfort of making what you have actually work. We're talking: Why "just outsource it" isn't always realistic (or smart) advice The sequencing mistake I made with my own outsourcing Why I'll never fully hand off my Instagram, even with a social media manager Chasing the dopamine hit vs. building something sustainable Why "boring" and repetitive might be the most underrated business strategy The truth about what your business is actually for (hint: not entertaining you) Links & Resources ✨ Join Rebrand : My 12 month transformative brand and marketing program for photographers to build the visibility that gets them booked out. Learn more here! 📸 Check out Behind the Shot : the brand session blueprint that books you more brand work. This photography skills course helps you price, plan, shoot, and send brand sessions that have clients raving about your work. 📝 Blog : Discover more branding tips and marketing tools to grow your brand photography business 💬 Episode ideas?! Connect with me on Instagram! Let's Connect: Website: maddiepeschong.com Instagram: @maddiepeschong If you loved this episode, leave a review! It helps other photographers find the show and keeps us creating content you actually want to hear.🎙️✨

July 16, 202621 min

Behind the Scenes of my Best Launch Ever

I just wrapped up a launch with a 12% conversion rate, and I'm gonna tell you all about it. I don't typically take you behind the scenes of my business quite like this, but today I am, because this is the stuff I spend most of my time on now (the education side of my business). And this launch was my best one yet. In this episode, I'm breaking down the two big tests I ran with this launch of Behind the Shot : going all organic (no ads into the masterclass) and treating Behind the Shot as its own standalone launch instead of always pushing Rebrand. I'm sharing the real numbers, what I learned about my funnel, and what you're probably underestimating the most in your content. If you've ever wondered what actually goes into a successful launch, or you're curious about the education side of business ownership, this one's for you! We're talking: Why I tested an all-organic launch (no ads) for the first time The exact numbers: 300+ on the wait list, 36 enrolled, 12% conversion How my shot list freebie is quietly doing more work than I realized The real amount of content it takes to have a launch like this (spoiler: it's a lot) Why I'm rethinking how often I launch Behind the Shot vs. Rebrand The mindset shift I want you to have around posting and selling Links & Resources 📷 Behind the Shot : the brand session blueprint that books you more brand work ✨ Rebrand : the marketing program to build the visibility that gets you booked out 💻 My high-converting freebie : Ultimate Brand Photography Shot List 📝 Blog : Discover more branding tips and marketing tools to grow your brand photography business Let's Connect: Website: maddiepeschong.com Instagram: @maddiepeschong If you loved this episode, leave a review! It helps other photographers find the show and keeps us creating content you actually want to hear.🎙️✨

July 9, 202619 min

How to Use a Slow Season Intentionally

The month of July can feel a little... slow. And every year I watch photographers absolutely panic about that. 😅 But slow doesn't have to mean scary. In fact, when you handle it intentionally, a slow season can end up being one of the most valuable parts of your entire year. In this episode, I'm sharing exactly how I use slower months like July (and December) to rest, reset, and build a stronger business without disappearing from my marketing. We'll talk about the money mindset that makes slow seasons feel less stressful, how to keep showing up without burning yourself out, and the behind-the-scenes projects that will make your busy season so much easier. Because the photographers who have a booked-out fall? They're laying the groundwork for it right now. We’re talking: Why slow doesn't have to mean scary Planning your finances for inconsistent income Keeping your marketing consistent without posting nonstop Turning one brand session into months of content Behind-the-scenes projects worth tackling during slower months Why your booked-out fall starts in July Links & Resources: 💰 Small Business Money School with Gina Knox 💻 Get coached inside Rebrand , my 12-month program for photographers who want to stand out, book more brand photography clients, and build a business that feels sustainable 💬 Questions or episode ideas? DM me on Instagram ! 📝 Blog: More tips and tools to grow your personal brand photography business Let's Connect: Website: maddiepeschong.com Instagram: @maddiepeschong If you loved this episode, leave a review! It helps other photographers find the show and keeps us creating content you actually want to hear.🎙️✨

July 1, 202619 min

What No One Tells You About Being a Brand Photographer

At the risk of sounding incredibly cheesy... brand photography is truly my dream. I genuinely can't imagine doing anything else. But here's the thing: there are a lot of parts of building a profitable brand photography business that nobody really talks about. In this episode, I'm sharing the lessons I wish someone would've told me sooner. Because being a talented photographer and running a profitable business are two completely different skill sets. We'll talk about why the camera is actually a small part of your job, what really creates clients who rebook and refer, and why your systems matter so much more than being "naturally talented." If you've ever felt like the business side is harder than the photography side, this one's for you. We're talking: Why being a great photographer isn't enough to build a profitable business The strategy before the shoot (and the delivery after) that clients actually remember Teaching clients the value of brand photography Why pricing isn't based on your gear or hours Turning your delivery process into a marketing moment Building repeatable systems that create referrals and rebookings Links & Resources: 📸 Behind the Shot is 50% off! Learn how to price, plan, shoot, and deliver portfolio-building brand sessions, plus get access to Portfolio Payday (new!), Summer School live coaching calls, and a $500 credit toward Rebrand if you join that program in the fall. Sign up by July 2 to get the bonuses and BTS for under $500: maddiepeschong.com/behindtheshot 💬 Questions or episode ideas? DM me on Instagram ! 📝 Blog: More tips and tools to grow your personal brand photography business Let's Connect: Website: maddiepeschong.com Instagram: @maddiepeschong If you loved this episode, leave a review! It helps other photographers find the show and keeps us creating content you actually want to hear.🎙️✨

July 1, 202611 min

The Difference Between a Pretty Shoot and a Profitable One

Before I started shooting brand photography, I had this really idealistic picture in my mind of what it could look like. Beautiful sessions, incredible clients, and helping businesses grow. And while all of that is true... nobody tells you that creating beautiful photos and running a profitable brand photography business are two completely different skills. In this episode, we're talking about everything that happens outside of clicking the shutter. From pricing and client education to portfolio strategy and delivering galleries that actually lead to referrals, this is the side of brand photography that can completely change your business. If you've ever felt like you're creating great work but still struggling to build consistent momentum, this episode is for you. We’re talking: Why the actual photoshoot is only about 20% of the job Pricing for outcomes instead of hours or gear Teaching clients the value of brand photography Turning gallery delivery into marketing momentum Building a portfolio that attracts the work you actually want Why profitable photographers rely on systems—not talent Links & Resources: 📸 Join Behind The Shot : learn to price, plan, shoot, and deliver brand sessions that build your portfolio and grow your business. During this launch, you'll also get 50% off, access to the new Portfolio Payday mini-training, and live Summer Sprint coaching calls! Learn more at maddiepeschong.com/behindtheshot 💬 Questions or episode ideas? DM me on Instagram ! 📝 Blog: More tips and tools to grow your personal brand photography business Let's Connect: Website: maddiepeschong.com Instagram: @maddiepeschong If you loved this episode, leave a review! It helps other photographers find the show and keeps us creating content you actually want to hear.🎙️✨

June 18, 202616 min

Your Beautiful Photos Aren't Booking Clients

What if I told you your brand photos can be genuinely beautiful, stunning photos that you're proud of... and still completely fail your client? I know. That's a rough open. 😅 But it's also one of the biggest mistakes I see photographers make. Because pretty photos aren't actually what clients are buying. They're buying outcomes and transformation. And when a gallery is full of beautiful images that don't help move a business forward, everyone loses. The client doesn't get the ROI they hoped for, and you miss out on referrals, repeat bookings, and the kind of reputation that keeps your calendar full. In this episode, we're talking about the difference between photos that are simply pretty and photos that are profitable. I'll share the mindset shift that completely changed the way I approach brand sessions, why strategy matters more than ever in 2026, and how to create images that actually get used long after the gallery is delivered. We're talking: Why pretty photos are the bare minimum in brand photography The real reason clients invest in a brand session Signs your galleries aren't creating ROI How to make sure every image has a job to do The conversation that completely changed my business Why strategy is the new premium differentiator Links & Resources 💻 Join my free Sessions That Sell masterclass on June 25th at noon Central: maddiepeschong.com/masterclass 💻 Get coached inside Rebrand , my program for photographers who want to build a more strategic, profitable brand photography business 💬 Questions or episode ideas? DM me on Instagram! 📝 Blog: More tips and tools to grow your personal brand photography business Let's Connect: Website: maddiepeschong.com Instagram: @maddiepeschong If you loved this episode, leave a review! It helps other photographers find the show and keeps us creating content you actually want to hear.🎙️✨