More Than Photos

Photographer Daniel Kim joins More Than Photos for a thoughtful conversation on creativity, burnout, and the long road of building a sustainable career. Daniel reflects on early ambition, seasons of overwork, and the disciplines like rest, journaling, budgeting, and saying no, that have helped him create without losing himself. This episode is an honest look at what it takes to make meaningful work without running your life at full throttle.

Key Takeaways
Burnout often comes from living in a constant state of urgency, not just working hard
Creativity thrives with margin, not pressure
Rest is not a reward, it’s a discipline
Journaling helps clarify identity beyond output and productivity
Financial rhythms (budgeting, simplicity) directly affect creative freedom
A sustainable career is built slowly, with intention and self-awareness
Success doesn’t require red-lining your life

Links
Daniel Kim Photography https://danielkimphoto.com/
Daniel Kim on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/danielkimphoto/
Rick Rubin’s book https://amzn.to/49gBIMc

Learn More about Brad & Jen:
Brad and Jen Website: learn.bradandjen.com
Purpose and Profit Course: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

Chapters
(00:00) Introduction & meeting Daniel Kim
(03:45) Early ambition and learning the photography grind
(09:30) When creativity starts to feel like pressure
(15:10) Burnout, exhaustion, and the cost of constant output
(22:40) Why rest is essential for creative longevity
(29:15) Journaling, self-awareness, and identity beyond work
(36:50) Budgeting, simplicity, and creative freedom
(44:20) Redefining success and building a sustainable career
(51:30) Encouragement for creatives feeling tired or stuck

Keywords
creativity, burnout, photography podcast, creative burnout, sustainable creativity, rest and work, creative discipline, journaling for creatives, photography career, artistic identity, More Than Photos, Daniel Kim

Samm Blake joins More Than Photos for a grounded, honest conversation about longevity, discipline, and what it really takes to build a career that lasts. With over two decades in the industry, Samm reflects on resisting “luxury,” learning when to push and when to rest, and how quiet disciplines like editing, boundaries, and gut instinct have shaped her work at the highest level.

This episode isn’t about chasing more, but tending what matters. Samm shares how artistic integrity, health, and intention have guided her through different seasons of growth, burnout, and recalibration. If you’re mid-career and trying to figure out how to grow without losing your love for the work, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Key Takeaways
Longevity is built through quiet, consistent disciplines—not constant expansion
Resisting “luxury” can be a values decision, not a limitation
Growth often requires subtraction, not addition
Burnout can be a teacher when it leads to honest recalibration
Editing and curation are grounding artistic practices, not just workflow steps
Gut instinct becomes trustworthy through years of reps and reflection
Excellence includes protecting health, energy, and relationships
Decisions made today often show up 12–18 months later
A sustainable career is shaped slowly, with intention and self-awareness
You don’t need to reinvent yourself to grow—you need to stay rooted in your why

Links
Samm Blake Weddings
https://www.sammblakeweddings.com/
Samm's Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/sammblake/
Aperture Photography Workshop Series
https://aperture.org/books/photography-workshop-series/
Retouching Software
https://www.evoto.ai
Learn More About Brad & Jen
Brad & Jen Website
https://learn.bradandjen.com
Purpose & Profit Course
https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

Chapters
(00:00) Introduction & why this conversation matters
(03:30) Resisting “luxury” and staying connected to your why
(09:45) Career phases, rebuilding, and learning when to push or rest
(17:30) Burnout, capacity, and the cost of constant momentum
(24:00) Excellence under pressure and working at the highest level
(31:30) Editing, curation, and grounding your artistic voice
(38:45) Gut instinct, confidence, and earned trust
(45:30) Health, boundaries, and redefining success
(52:00) The long game: decisions that show up 18 months later
(57:00) Encouragement for mid-career photographers feeling stretched
Keywords
photography podcast, Samm Blake, wedding photography, creative longevity, sustainable photography career, creative discipline, editing and curation, resisting luxury, burnout and recovery, artistic growth, mid-career photographers, business and creativity, More Than Photos, Brad & Jen

In this episode, we sit down with Christian Sudrath of Noble Photo Co. to talk about a hard truth many photographers avoid: you can build a following that will never hire you!!!

We unpack what it looks like to stop posting for other photographers, separate making art from selling it, and build a business that actually moves you forward. If you’re feeling stuck, chasing engagement, or questioning who you’re really creating for, this conversation offers clarity and a better way forward.

Connect with Christian: https://instagram.com/noblephotoco
Explore Purpose & Profit: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

In this episode, we sit down with Texas-based wedding photographer Grant Daniels, a fourteen-season veteran, father of four, and someone who has built a thriving photography business by choosing small things done with care over the pressure to scale fast. Grant opens up about burnout, rebuilding his business with intention, and learning how to pace his life so he can show up fully - both for his couples and for his family.

We talk about work–life balance for wedding photographers, creating a business that supports your life (not the other way around), the role of rest in your creative process, and how slowing down can actually deepen your artistry. Grant shares practical rhythms, thoughtful philosophies, and honest stories that will resonate with any photographer longing for a healthier pace, deeper presence, and more sustainable success.

If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your wedding photography business and your life at the same time—or how to build a career rooted in joy, meaning, and discernment—this conversation is a breath of fresh air.

View Grants Work: https://grantdanielsphotography.com/
Connect with Grant: https://www.instagram.com/grantdaniels

Interested in having more conversations like this? Learn more about the Mastermind here: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching

In this episode, we sit down with New York–based photographer Tracy Jade, whose work and words have reshaped the conversation around documentary wedding photography. Tracy shares how creative boredom pushed her to get radically clear on what she’s about, who she’s for, and the kind of couples she’s meant to work with.

We explore how speaking boldly—about her philosophy, her limits, and her values—became the key to attracting couples who want the same thing she does: presence over performance, honesty over perfection, and space to simply be themselves.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your people actually exist… or feared that naming what you’re truly about might cost you clients, this conversation will feel like exhale. Tracy’s story proves the opposite: clarity creates connection, boldness creates momentum, and your people can find you—when you show them where you stand.

Explore Tracy's Work: https://www.tracyjadephotography.com/
Connect with Tracy: https://www.instagram.com/tracyjadephoto/

Explore Purpose & Profit: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course