Take Your Shot Podcast

Hosted by Halle Heather

Business Entrepreneurship Education

Website RSS feed

Episodes

107

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

Take Your Shot Podcast is a business and entrepreneurship podcast for photographers and creative entrepreneurs looking for encouragement on how to scale their photography business. Have you ever wondering how can you go full time as a wedding photographer? Or how to grow a six figure business as a creative entrepreneur? Are you looking for business advice for small business owner? You, my friend, are in the right place. The take your shot podcast covers all topics related to marketing, booking more clients, branding and website strategy, as well as all the important tools you need to scale your business. We also cover mindset and overcoming limiting beliefs. If you're feeling stuck in your business and tired of trying to figure it all out on your own, looking for advice on how to go full-time with your photography business or want all the necessary tips and encouragement on how to scale your photography business, you are in the right place. join us every week and subscribe so you don't miss an episode! My name is Halle Heather and I’m a full-time wedding photographer with an MBA and so being able to combine my knowledge and skills as a photographer along with my passion for business is truly a dream come true. I want to see people succeed in their goals and dreams and I believe there is a place for everyone here. You may also like other similar podcasts such as: The Six Figure Photography Podcast, Passion with Purpose, The Heart and Hustle Podcast, The Business of Photography Podcast, The Beginners Photography Podcast, PhotoBizX, Book More Clients Photography Podcast, Bokeh The Photography Podcast, The Photography Mentor, Best Photography Podcast, The Photography Coach, Photography Business Advice, Photography Business Secrets, How to Film Weddings, and The B&H Photography Podcast.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 4, 202627 min

106 - Balancing your time and optimizing your editing workload

Wedding season is here, and in this episode of the “Take Your Shot” podcast, Halle shares an honest behind-the-scenes look at how she manages a sustainable wedding photography business without sacrificing her mental health, personal life, or client experience.From calendar management and batching engagement sessions to outsourcing culling and using AI editing tools like Aftershoot, this episode dives into the systems and workflow changes that have helped her stay ahead during one of her busiest seasons yet.If you’re a wedding photographer feeling overwhelmed by editing queues, double-header weekends, or trying to balance work and life during peak season, this episode will help you rethink how you structure your business for long-term sustainability.In This Episode:How to plan your wedding season with a bird’s-eye viewWhy protecting your calendar matters more than booking every inquiryUsing scheduling tools and automations to simplify your workflowWhy editing becomes the biggest bottleneck for most photographersOutsourcing wedding photo editing vs. doing everything yourselfEditing time-saving strategies using Aftershoot, Imagen, and WildernessWhy outsourcing helped me regain creative energyHow sustainable systems create a better client experienceWhether you’re a wedding photographer, creative entrepreneur, or service provider heading into a busy season, this episode will encourage you to take a step back, evaluate your workload, and build systems that actually support the life you want.Outsourcing Partners:Wanderlust videos - if you're looking to outsource video editing to a team of highly skilled editors who learn your style and essentially function as an extension of your team, check out wanderlust videos. They are a high-end, dedicated post-production team and you can use the code TAKEYOURSHOT100 for $100 off your first edit https://dp.wanderlust-videos.com/sign_up?invitation_link=1637&tkn=LukeWildernis Lab - an affordable photo editing team that offers custom editing, AI editing, culling, and more! - https://www.wildernis.co/ (use the code HalleR to get a discount)Mentioned in This Episode:Get 30% off your first year of Dubsado with the code TAKEYOURSHOT - dubsado.com/?c=takeyourshot Get 1000 free edits with Aftershoot - https://account.aftershoot.com/referral-signup?referrer=2SOC7GASK&utm_source=referral-page-app&utm_medium=copy-ctaTry Wilderniss Editing - https://www.wildernis.co/ (use the code HalleR)Get $100 off your first video editing project with wanderlust videos using the code TAKEYOURSHOT100 - https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/Connect with Halle + Take Your Shot CollectiveTake Your Shot Collective CommunityFree Resources + DiscountsCoaching with HalleMentioned in this episode:Wanderlust Videos - Get your time back and start working with a high-end, dedicated post-production team! use the code: TAKEYOURSHOT100 for $100 off your first edit - https://dp.wanderlust-videos.com/sign_up?invitation_link=1637&tkn=Luke

May 21, 202626 min

105 - Turn Your Email List Into Revenue with Kieryn Wang

Turn Your Email List Into Revenue with Kieryn WangIf email marketing has felt overwhelming or easy to put off, this episode will simplify it for you. Halle sits down with email marketing expert Kieryn Wang, founder of ALLMOST, to break down how to turn your email list into a consistent and reliable source of revenue. Instead of relying on social media algorithms, email gives you direct access to people who have chosen to hear from you, making it one of the most powerful tools for building trust and converting leads into clients.In this conversation, Kieryn shares a more approachable way to think about email marketing. It does not need to be complex, perfectly designed, or time consuming to be effective. From growing your list with intentional lead magnets to building a welcome sequence that actually nurtures your audience, this episode focuses on what works and how to start without overthinking it. If you have been waiting for the right time to begin, this is it.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy email marketing gives you more control than social mediaCommon misconceptions about email marketing and why they hold people backHow to start or grow your email list by consistently talking about itHow to build trust by focusing your emails on the reader, not just your businessHow often to send emails and how to choose a schedule you can stay consistent withSimple ways to encourage engagement and build community through your emailsConnect with Kieryn and view her resources:To connect with Kieryn Wang and learn more about her work, visit https://www.itsallmost.com or follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/itsallmost.Kieryn has also created a resource specifically for Take Your Shot listeners. Her Inbox to Revenue Toolkit includes an email analytics tracker and a content calendar to help you stay consistent and strategic. You can access it here https://www.itsallmost.com/takeyourshotpodcast and use the code TYSP.If you are ready to build a business that is not dependent on social media and want to create a stronger connection with your audience, email marketing is one of the most effective places to start.More Business resources From Take Your Shot Collective:For more support and resources, you can join the Take Your Shot community at https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community, explore tools at https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources, or learn more about coaching at https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coaching.Mentioned in this episode:Wanderlust Videos - Get your time back and start working with a high-end, dedicated post-production team! use the code: TAKEYOURSHOT100 for $100 off your first edit - https://dp.wanderlust-videos.com/sign_up?invitation_link=1637&tkn=Luke

May 7, 202643 min

104 - The Real Reason Your Brand Isn’t Connecting with Clients With Jennifer Dalton

If you’re a wedding photographer or creative business owner trying to stand out in a crowded market, your brand matters more than ever but not in the way you might think.In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I’m joined by branding expert Jen Dalton, founder of Brand Mirror, to break down what branding actually looks like in today’s market and how to create messaging that connects with your ideal clients and leads to more bookings.We dive into why so many photographers struggle with their messaging, how to clearly communicate your value, and how to build a brand that reflects who you are while still resonating with the people you want to work with.Whether you’re refining your website, updating your portfolio, or preparing your business for the next year, this episode will help you create a stronger, more aligned brand that converts.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe three levels of messaging that help you stand out and attract better clientsHow to identify your ideal client and create messaging that resonatesThe biggest branding mistakes photographers make and how to avoid themHow to use client testimonials and reviews to strengthen your brand credibilityWhy deep work and intentional thinking are essential for long-term business growthHow to create a business that aligns with your lifestyle and long-term goalsAbout Jen DaltonJen Dalton is a branding strategist and the founder of Brand Mirror, where she helps entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business owners clarify their message and build brands that reflect who they are and help them stand out.With over 13 years of experience, Jen specializes in personal branding, messaging strategy, and helping clients create a clear and compelling value proposition.Connect with JenWebsite: https://brandmirror.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jendalton/Jen offers one-on-one strategy sessions, brand consulting, and long-term support to help you build a brand that aligns with your purpose and attracts the right opportunities.Take Your Shot ResourcesWanderlust Videos - Get your time back and start working with a high-end, dedicated post-production team! use the code: TAKEYOURSHOT100 for $100 off your first edit https://dp.wanderlust-videos.com/sign_up?invitation_link=1637&tkn=LukeFree community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/communityBusiness resources: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resourcesCoaching: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coachingInstagram: https://instagram.com/takeyourshotcollectiveIf you’re looking to improve your branding, attract better clients, and create a business that feels aligned and sustainable, this episode is a must-listen.Mentioned in this episode:Wanderlust Videos - Get your time back and start working with a high-end, dedicated post-production team! use the code: TAKEYOURSHOT100 for $100 off your first edit - https://dp.wanderlust-videos.com/sign_up?invitation_link=1637&tkn=Luke

April 23, 202647 min

103 - Why Gen Z is ghosting you and how workflows can fix that - with Gail Frazier

If you’ve been feeling like inquiries are harder to convert, clients are slower to respond, or ghosting is more common, you’re not alone.The market is shifting, and a big part of that comes down to changing client expectations—especially with Gen Z.In today’s episode, I’m joined by Gail Fraser, systems expert and founder of Work Simple. She helps creative business owners build backend systems and automation that support their business in a way that still feels personal and aligned.This conversation breaks down what’s actually changing, what matters most right now, and how to simplify your business so you can focus on what truly moves the needle.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Gen Z expects faster communication and automationHow price transparency impacts your ability to book the right clientsThe difference between automation and AI (and why that matters)What to automate first to save time and mental energyThe biggest mistake people make when investing in tools like CRMsWhen to invest in systems versus hiring a virtual assistantHow to use client offboarding to generate more referrals and reviewsThe small tasks in your business are adding up more than you think. When you automate and systemize the repeatable parts of your workflow, you create more space to focus on the relationships and high-impact work that actually grows your business.Action Steps You Can Take Today:Write out your full client workflow in simple bullet pointsIdentify tasks you repeat for every clientTurn one of those into a reusable templateStart asking how you can make each step simpler or more efficientConnect with Gail from worksimple IOWebsite: https://worksimple.ioInstagram: https://instagram.com/worksimple.ioFree resource (ClickUp template + newsletter): https://worksimple.io/newsletterSpeaking: https://worksimple.io/speakingGail offers systems sprints, operations audits, and full custom builds to help you simplify and scale your business with better workflows.Take Your Shot ResourcesFree community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/communityFree resources: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resourcesCoaching: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coachingInstagram: https://instagram.com/takeyourshotcollectiveIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a business owner who you think could also benefit from this! BONUS - share it on your Instagram story and tag @takeyourshotcollective

April 9, 202632 min

102 -How to Generate More Leads for Your Photography Business with Rachel Traxler

Rachel Traxler is back on the podcast and this time we are diving deep into lead generation — what is actually working right now, what has shifted in the industry, and why waiting around for inquiries to come to you is no longer a strategy. Rachel shares why she still believes Google and SEO are her biggest lead generators, how in-person networking continues to open doors she never expected, and why getting in front of other people's audiences through collaborations and guest blogging is one of the most underutilized tools photographers have available to them.We also get into the nitty gritty of building social media funnels using ManyChat, why your call to action might not be converting the way you want, and how to think about guiding potential clients down the funnel rather than sending them backwards. Rachel breaks down how she has updated her own contact form and pricing guide process to better serve different types of buyers, and why being transparent and direct with your potential clients is not salesy — it is just good service.Links & ResourcesTake Your Shot:Business Resources: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resourcesCoaching: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coachingRachel Traxler:Website: racheltraxler.comInstagram: instagram.com/racheltraxlerShop (Digital Products + Done for You Funnels): https://racheltraxler.com/shop

March 26, 202633 min

101 - Mistakes to avoid when setting up your ad funnel with Melissa Litchfield

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Litchfield, founder of Litchfield Media Co. She is a seasoned ads strategist with nearly seven years of experience helping entrepreneurs and online coaches grow their businesses through paid advertising. Melissa breaks down one of the most misunderstood tools in the online business world — Meta ads — and why they're more important than ever in today's unpredictable social media landscape. From the rented land of Instagram to building an audience you actually own, Melissa walks us through what it really takes to run ads that work and how to know when you're truly ready.Melissa also talks about the full picture of a lead magnet funnel — from attracting cold traffic to nurturing new leads with an email sequence — and unpack the biggest mistakes business owners make along the way. Whether you've never touched Ads Manager or you've tried ads before and walked away frustrated, this conversation meets you where you are. Melissa shares how to lay the right technical foundation, how to avoid the most common setup errors, and why working with an expert (even just for an hour) can save you thousands of dollars and months of wasted effort.What you'll walk away with:Why ads are a tool that amplifies what's already working — not a magic fix — and how to know when your foundation is readyThe three most common lead magnet mistakes and how to calculate whether yours is actually convertingWhat a simple, effective landing page and email nurture sequence should include (and how many emails to start with)How to choose the right ad objective so Meta is actually sending you real leads — not just clicksPractical first steps for getting your Meta Business Portfolio set up correctly before you ever spend a dollar on adsLinks & ResourcesTake Your Shot:Business Resources: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resourcesCoaching: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coachingMelissa Litchfield – Litchfield Media:Website: www.litchfieldmedia.orgInstagram: www.instagram.com/litchfieldmediaFree Resource — Roadworthy in 48 Hours (Meta Business Portfolio Setup Guide): https://litchfieldmedia.org/roadworthySign Up for the Test Drive Ad Sprint (Live Challenge – $97): https://takeyourshot--litchfieldmedia.thrivecart.com/test-drive-ad-sprint-live/

March 12, 202619 min

100 - How we got here and lessons learned

In this 100th episode (ahh that still doesn't even feel real!) we reflect on the journey behind the Take Your Shot Podcast as it reaches 100 episodes. From leaving a corporate career to building a photography business and eventually launching this platform, she shares the story of how it all started, the lessons learned along the way, and the values that continue to shape the community today. This episode is an honest look behind the scenes of building a creative business and a reminder that success rarely looks as polished as it appears online.Thank you for being here! Be sure to check these out:Enter the giveaway!Get on the waitlist for the booking breakthrough:Follow on Instagram @takeyourshotcollective

February 26, 202625 min

099 - Stop Avoiding Your Numbers: The Financial Mindset Shift Every Creative Needs

If you’ve ever said, “I’m just not a numbers person,” this episode is for you.I’m joined by Danielle Hayden, founder of Kickstart Accounting, and we’re talking about the financial mindset shift every creative business owner needs to make. In this episode, you'll learn: – The biggest money mistakes creatives are making – Why revenue growth doesn’t always mean profit – The truth about “spending to save on taxes” – How AI and automations can quietly mess up your books – What healthy, sustainable profit actually looks likeDanielle breaks down how to review your numbers monthly, make smarter decisions, and build a business that lasts.More from Danielle Hayden:Website: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickstartaccounting/ More from Take Your Shot Collective:Try Dubsado (Use code: TAKEYOURSHOT for an additional 30% off): https://www.dubsado.com/?c=takeyourshotFree SEO Guide: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources1:1 Coaching with Halle: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coachingFree Online Community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community

February 12, 202613 min

098 - How my business ran without me for the last six weeks

What happens if you step away from your business for six weeks? In this episode, I share how I worked just 3–5 hours per week, stopped posting on Instagram, and still brought in over $10,000 in payments last month AND I booked a $13,000 wedding. Being able to do this was the result of years of investing in SEO and building strong backend systems that keep our photography business running, even when we’re not constantly visible.A huge part of that foundation is Dubsado, the CRM we’ve used since 2020. It manages our inquiries, contracts, payment plans, questionnaires, and automated workflows from start to finish. Because our systems were already in place, clients were nurtured, payments were processed, and nothing slipped through the cracks — even while I stepped back to focus on what mattered most in this season. And so when they flew us out to California this past week to connect, learn more, and help shape the future of their platform - it was an easy yes for us!This episode is your reminder that resilience is built before you need it. If you want a business that supports your life instead of consuming it, you don’t need more hustle — you need infrastructure. I’m sharing exactly what made that possible and how you can start building it too.Resources Mentioned:Try Dubsado (Limited time birthday sale + code TAKEYOURSHOT): https://www.dubsado.com/?c=takeyourshotFree SEO Guide: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/business-resources1:1 Coaching with Halle: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/coachingFree Online Community: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/community

January 29, 202626 min

097 - leveraging your business to support your community

In this episode, I express the reality of things here in Minnesota and how we are getting through one day at a time. I then express just as business owners how we can lead and what people in our community are doing to step up and meet the moment and community and the needs. If you want to help support here in Minnesota, here is an awesome resource:Stand with Minnesota More from Take your shot collective:Free Resources and favorite tools