Today, we’re diving into the world of Dubsado with my special guest: fellow photographer, and workflow automations magician, Meg Cooper. So if you’ve been thinking about elevating your client experience and freeing up your time with a powerful CRM like Dubsado, then this episode’s for you!Tune in to discover…How Meg got into the world of workflow automations [3:16]How you can use automation to elevate your client experience and to reclaim your time [7:47]What is a CRM? Meg’s overview + how to use one in your photography biz [13:49]Meg’s advice if you have this common concern around automation, plus her top tips for making automation feel personal and heartfelt [17:28]The 3 foundational workflows Meg recommends setting up first in Dubsado [23:04]The secret to managing payments *effortlessly* with automations [26:06]How to balance personalization and efficiency to give your clients the white glove service they deserve [27:23]Meg’s tips for sprucing up your canned emails [30:04]The difference between actions and triggers in Dubsado, plus Meg’s favorite actions for managing your client interactions with ease [32:36]Meg’s 3 favorite triggers to simplify your workflow and eliminate repetitive tasks [43:23]How you can experience more of Meg’s workflow magic: entry-level resources + personalized support to save you tons of time [52:33]RESOURCES + LINKS:Connect with Meg at: Dubsadoworkflowswithmeg.com / IG: @megcooperworkflows I would love to hear what you thought of this episode and how it helped you! Send me a DM on social!Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

Today, I’m diving into the ins and outs of artificial light with Eden Strader, so you can confidently take on any lighting situation that comes your way, uplevel your skills, and charge premium prices for your work!Tune in to discover…My limiting beliefs around shooting with artificial light before speaking with Eden [0.45]Why every wedding photographer NEEDS an understanding of artificial light (even if you prefer natural light photography) [7.18]The link between your technical skill and your ability to charge $10k+ packages [8.01]The biggest misconceptions around flash photography [9.04]An unexpected “make or break” moment Eden had earlier in her career where not knowing flash photography could have had dire consequences (don’t let this happen to you!) [9.34]What Eden wishes every photographer knew about flash photography, plus the world of creative possibilities that opens up when you know how to create your own light [14.59], [19.44]How you can still follow a documentary storytelling approach while using artificial light (and it not be intrusive or distracting for your subjects) [16.33]Eden’s go-to lighting setups at weddings and some low-effort, creative ways to use flash photography you may not have considered (which will enhance your client delivery) [20.36]What to know if you’re worried about keeping a consistent look in your portfolio while experimenting with artificial light [28.02]Eden’s gear recommendations and why you do NOT have to pay top dollar to get started with artificial lights [30.10]Why you don’t necessarily have to be a gear-oriented photographer to get joy out of learning artificial light photography + how it can relieve SO much stress on wedding days [34.28]An exciting FREE way to continue learning from Eden about artificial light photography! [36.06]RESOURCES + LINKS:Join Eden’s Artificial Light Masterclass at: edenstrader.com/saramonika Eden's Gear: https://www.amazon.com/shop/edenstrader/list/LV8JQS47411N?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_dBasement wedding Eden referenced: https://edenstrader.com/2017-10-19-danielle-and-mark-fall-wedding-at-riverside-farms-pittsfield-vermont/All shot in a tiny dark room: https://edenstrader.com/ballet-bridals-bridal-inspiration-for-a-spring-wedding-with-the-lovely-ave/Flash details + group portraits inside after rainfall! https://edenstrader.com/bianca-and-rae-modern-wedding-at-lord-thompson-manor-connecticut/Natural light with flash: https://edenstrader.com/beehive-floral-co-eden-strader-workshop/Mixed natural and artificial: https://edenstrader.com/studio-noire-noir-engagements-salt-lake-city-katie-and-jack/Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

This week I’m doing something a little different and inviting my amazing therapist, Jaime Armstrong, to the podcast! She’ll be sharing more about RRT (Rapid Resolution Therapy), EPI (Emotional Pain Intervention), and the neuroscience-based techniques that can help you reprogram your mind and stress-proof your brain. Prepare to be amazed!Tune in to discover…My personal experience with Jaime and how her unique approach to therapy has completely shifted my perspective [1:40]Making “Shift” Happen: Discover more about Jaime, her mission, and the modalities & techniques she uses in her practice [7:04]Jaime’s “bottom-up approach” for rewiring your brain + an eye-opening metaphor to help you understand your brain’s programming [8:32]Rethinking traditional therapy: why you no longer need to wait *years* to see results with your mental health [14:00]How to create immediate and lasting change in your life from a brain-first perspective [17:51]Jaime’s advice to help us overcome self-doubt and “comparisonitis” as photographers [18:52]The foundation behind RRT that will explain every experience you’ve ever had(!) + why the idea of the “left brain” & “right brain” is incomplete [27:17]Why a mental health diagnosis is NOT a lifelong sentence, or a reflection of who you are (+ what you should know instead) [32:22]The only 3 reasons your mind gets stuck + a low-effort, but powerful technique to help you combat stressful moments [41:22]What happens inside our brains when we meditate and why it matters [46:30]Listen in on a mini LIVE therapy session where Jaime helps me overcome a deep-rooted fear that has often held me back while shooting (do you struggle with this too?) [49:05]How to stay connected with Jaime and join her brain-changing live event! (think TED talk meets standup comedy!) [1:11:50]RESOURCES + LINKS:Join Jaime’s live event, “An Evening with My Therapist” on June 10, 2023! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-my-therapist-featuring-jaime-armstrong-rp-tickets-609786787697 Connect with her on Instagram @therapywithjaime Come say hi to me on social! I would love to hear what you thought of this episode and how it helped you!Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

Want to avoid burnout as a photographer? Tune into this visualization exercise to help you do so ❤️I know life can get so busy and sometimes all we need is to pause for a moment and ask ourselves “wait am I on track and aligned with my deepest desires and values? Or did I get off track somewhere?”It’ll help you get clarity on the type of lifestyle you want for your self in the near future! Be sure to watch/listen because this could be the key that unlocks a life full of time freedom, creative, freedom, and financial freedom that you desire.I channeled this message to help you do that 💛Also, doors to OME close soon on May 18th 11:59pm EST and will closed shut until the end of the year 🚪 Get your spot here now > https://courses.saramonika.com/outsourcing

Surprise! Outsourcing Made Easy is BACK! But only for a short time… Check out this week’s episode for an inside look into an OME coaching call with one of my past students, Ashley. Plus, listen to the end to hear inspiring success stories of past OME alumni! Tune in to discover…How to get your systems in place NOW to avoid burnout this busy season [0:05]How Outsourcing Made Easy is different from other courses and why it’s a perfect fit for parents or *ultra-busy* photographers [1:23]All the support waiting for you inside the OME community + key course information to help you make your decision [4:09]The *magic* that happens when OME students trust the process and take action (+ a loving pep talk for you if you’re on the fence!) [5:13]The perfect metaphor for those of us that seem to never feel “ready” to make a change in our lives and businesses [7:00]My coaching call with Ashley where we discuss her biggest (and oh-so-relatable) blocks around hiring her VA [13:09]A simple fix you can implement today to solve this common business dilemma [16:30]How to un-bottleneck your business, create happier clients, and bring in more $$$ [19:46]  How to break the endless cycle of “playing catch-up” in your business and avoid burnout [22:56]Final process tips for Ashley you can use to outsource your culling [25:31]Tia’s story: how she went from overwhelmed and burnt-out to *thriving* while doubling her revenue (in 1 year!) with OME [29:40]Jess’ story: How she used OME to create more time freedom in her life and to finally reclaim her precious weekends [32:06]Katie’s story: how her personal life completely transformed through creating more freedom in her biz with OME [33:15]Amy’s story: How she’s shooting more than ever, but working fewer hours overall thanks to OME [35:19]Final thoughts: how to tell if OME is right for you! [38:48]After listening, if you’re ready to take the freedom-loving path to more time, more creativity, and more abundance, while you create the photography biz of your dreams…then be sure to follow the link below to join Outsourcing Made Easy : )I can’t wait to welcome you to this incredible community of badass photographers!SaraRESOURCES + LINKS:Join Outsourcing Made Easy while doors are open: May 15th–18th, 2023! https://www.saramonika.com/freedomAnd if you have any questions about OME, just shoot me a DM on Instagram at @saramonikaphoto