Best Photographers Keeping It Real Podcasts (2025)

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The Real Reason Photographers Avoid Their Books (It's Not Math) 28:05

23d ago28:05

28:05

Y'all, can we talk about the elephant in the room? That pile of receipts sitting on your desk, the QuickBooks notifications you've been ignoring for months, and that sinking feeling every time tax season rolls around? Yeah, we're going there today. This week, we're bringing you Melissa's actual bookkeeper, Jenny Vazquez from Foxtrot Bookkeeping, to…

1
Summer Replay : Time Blocking, Calm the Calendar Chaos 28:03

2d ago28:03

28:03

Feeling like a ping pong ball bouncing between tasks all day? Constantly switching from editing to emails to client calls and ending up mentally exhausted with nothing meaningful accomplished? We've been there. That scattered, overwhelmed feeling where you're busy all day but can't point to what you actually got done. The research backs it up too -…

1
MAKE PHOTOGRAPHY PROFITABLE AGAIN 1:00:40

2d ago1:00:40

1:00:40

FEATURING: Bill&Jordon, Charlize Theron, Aaron Rodgers and much more. In this #papisode we take a deep dive into the state of the photography business and how to make it profitable again. Jedi heads back to his favorite place to picture his favorite people. Mark is back on The Rookie set and chickens out on speaking to one of his heros and we discu…

1
Summer Replay : 80/20 Rule Small Efforts, Big Results for Photographers 28:01

9d ago28:01

28:01

Ever feel like you're doing ALL the things in your business but somehow still not seeing the results you want? Girl, we've been there. That's exactly why we're diving deep into the 80/20 rule (also known as the Pareto Principle) and how it can completely transform the way you run your photography business. The 80/20 rule isn't some made-up business…

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Summer Bonus : Real Talk About Marketing with Colie James 57:05

16d ago57:05

57:05

Re-Airing: Our Chat with Colie James About Marketing That Actually Works We had such an amazing conversation with Colie James on her Business First Creatives podcast that we just had to share it with you all! Colie invited us on to talk about marketing strategies, and honestly, we got so real about what's actually working (and what we've totally ab…

1
Headshot 58:29

24d ago58:29

58:29

Featuring: Justin Bieber, Ali Larter, Freddie Prinze, Hillary Clinton, Alexander Soros and more. In this #Papisode Jedi works the Soros wedding and the cast of Escape at Dannemora. Mark shoots a Doordash and a Nepo. We discuss the Toby headshot during the LA riot/protest, we review Ballerina and a lot mower. For the content in this papisode please …

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63: IT Girl to SEO Queen - How Melissa Turned Tech Skills into Photography Gold 24:07

1M ago24:07

24:07

Alison is interviewing Melissa, who literally went from fixing computers in corporate suits to building photography empires with killer SEO strategies. If you've ever wanted to throw your laptop out the window because of alt text and header tags (while simultaneously trying to feed your kids lunch), this episode will save your sanity. What You'll L…

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62: Frustrated to Fearless: How Alison Turned 7 Business Moves Into A Superpower 25:45

1M ago25:45

25:45

Melissa is putting Alison in the hot seat because honestly, she's been way too humble about moving her photography business SEVEN times. Time to spill the tea on how she turned military-spouse chaos into her coaching superpower. 3 Key Takeaways: • "Too Early" Doesn't Exist - Start prepping your business move yesterday. SEO takes 12-18 months to wor…

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49/50 1:04:53

1M ago1:04:53

1:04:53

Featuring: Sydney Sweeney, Bill Belichick, Julia Garner and more. In this #Papisode Jedi completely destroys New York City with a hat trick. Mark makes magic and creates something out of nothing. We discuss the business, hot girls bathwater and much more. For the content in this papisode please visit our socials @paparazzipodcast on Tik Tok, YouTub…

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061: Mrs. Vondy The Email Queen On Making Money with Email 41:03

1M ago41:03

41:03

On this episode, we sat down with Shannon Vondy (aka Mrs. Vondy, aka The Email Queen) to talk about a topic many photographers struggle with - email marketing. As someone who's been a member of Shannon's email club for over a year and a half, Melissa was excited to bring her expertise to our listeners who are relocating or restructuring their photo…

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60: Mini Mentoring with Caroline Eidson in Tulsa, Oklahoma 32:13

2M ago32:13

32:13

In this week's episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Caroline Eidson for our mini mentoring series where we help photography entrepreneurs navigate business transitions. Caroline's journey from wedding photographer to mom of four to relaunching her photography business specifically for families and newborns offers valuable insights for photographers at …

1
59: Batching Working Smarter, Not Harder 18:58

2M ago18:58

18:58

In this episode, we dive into a business strategy that has saved our sanity as photographer entrepreneurs: batching! We explore how focusing on similar tasks for extended timeframes can help you feel more accomplished and less scattered, especially during business relocations or restructuring. Key Takeaways: Start small - Begin with just one repeti…

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58: Quarter 2 2025 Update 36:24

2M ago36:24

36:24

In this quarterly update, we reflect on our business goals from Q1 2025 and share our plans for Q2. We discuss strategies for balancing work with personal life, revenue insights, and upcoming initiatives to grow our photography businesses. Our quarterly goal-setting process has been transformative for maintaining focus and measuring progress. By re…

1
The Mother Ship 49:17

2M ago49:17

49:17

Featuring: Happy Gilmore, Eva Longoria, Frank Wolfe, Cheech & Chong and more. In this #papisode Jedi is hurting from so many flights and stories. Mark sees Happy Gilmore on his golf round. We talk Helen Mirren in #whachawatchin. Plus much more. For the content in this papisode please visit our socials @paparazzipodcast. Thank you for listening and …

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057: Systems Superstar Colie James on CRMs & Client Communication 43:33

2M ago43:33

43:33

Colie James is an systems superstar! (I hope visions of Molly Shannon are fluttering in your subconscious!) Family documentary photographer and systems guru, Colie James is giving us the simple on ramp to a 5 minute booking process. In this episode we get: Colie’s preferred CRMs and why What emails to send every inquiry What to put in EVERY. SINGLE…

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056: Stop Ghosting Your Own Leads 18:07

3M ago18:07

18:07

You’re probably doing this and don’t even know it! Do you have a system for inquiries and leads? Are you anticipating their questions? Are you making it EASY for new inquiries? This week’s episode is all about that crucial first step during inquiries into clients with a system! Links: Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download 39 FREE Ways to G…

1
The Sandwich 56:54

3M ago56:54

56:54

Featuring: Sydney Sweeney, Taylor Swift, Sue's Turkey Melt and more. In this #Papisode the planets align for both Jedi and Mark as they nail a couple good stories. We discuss Blue Origin, Coachella and the NEW Bodygaurd cast. Plus much more. For the content in this papisode please visit the socials @paparazzipodcast. Thank you for listening and sha…

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055: Show Your Face! Using Video to Connect with Clients 22:58

3M ago22:58

22:58

Are you using video in your business? And not just for social media? Showing your face will connect with your clients from the get go. We’re talking about how we use video on the back end of our businesses for inquiries, clients, and email communication. Links: Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download 39 FREE Ways to Get More Clients Get Meli…

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054: Client Automation - Work Smarter Not Harder! 26:24

3M ago26:24

26:24

This episode is all about streamlining. What are those repetitive tasks that we can eliminate and save time? There are several tools and tasks that we use to automate! It can be scary at first when you forget what you’ve emails or tasks you’ve automated, or when they don’t fire correctly. For the love, slow roll into this! Don’t try to do it all at…

1
053: Mini Mentoring with Kayla Victor moving from Michigan to Dallas, TX 26:53

3M ago26:53

26:53

Mini Mentoring is a series where Alison & Melissa get the low down on a real life business owner in need of some support! If you're interested in being on the show, DM us on Instagram! Kayla is moving again for the 5th time in 3 years! And no, she’s not military affiliated! She is a family, maternity and motherhood photographer moving from Michigan…

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052: Financial Fridays 19:14

4M ago19:14

19:14

Face it. You have to look and talk about your finances. Similar to Marketing Monday, pick a day every month or every week to dig into your money. We're listing out some of our regularly batched financial tasks like taxes, owner's compensation, and bookkeeping. If you're putting off logging expenses for you annual taxes.. listen to this episode! Lin…

1
051: Marketing Mondays 19:13

4M ago19:13

19:13

How do you make sure you’re consistently marketing your business? How do you avoid the feast/famine cycle? We’re talking all about your minimum required effort that needs to happen regularly! That can be weekly, monthly, or even a mix. You don’t need to do everything, but you do need to be consistent. Links: Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Mo…

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050: Demystifying Branding with Kristin Korn 26:53

4M ago26:53

26:53

If you’ve ever given a side eye to the importance of copy writing or brand messaging, this episode is for you! Kristin Korn is a brand and marketing master. She’s the owner of multiple businesses including CORE Brand Marketing. On this episode Kristin demystifies branding - it’s so much more than colors and a logo! We’re getting into unique value p…

1
"Ara" (WARNING Offensive Content) 10:21

4M ago10:21

10:21

Featuring: Ryan Reynolds, Margot Robbie, Charlie Sheen and more. In this one of a kind #papisode Mark hosts the first podcast interview with "Ara" the famale voice of Grok 3 in "unhinged" mode. We talk about the paparazzi industry, Hollywood and celebrity culture. To some this is a hilarious papisode.To others it will be the most offensive thing th…

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049: Our Favorite Keyword Research Tool 15:34

4M ago15:34

15:34

We talk about the importance of blogging a lot, and not duplicating your keywords. Well, how do you know which keywords to use? What’s being searched? We’re sharing the lynchpin to that whole process: our favorite keyword research tool. Listen in for a fast intro to how to use it, what its capable of and what the data means for you. Listen to Episo…

1
Minimum Security 51:46

4M ago51:46

51:46

Featuring: Ben Affleck, Elizabeth Holmes, The Oscars and more. In this #Papisode Jedi explores a minimum security prison and a tropical Island. Mark bumps into Ben on a dog walk. We discuss the Oscars and a girls trip to space, plus more. For the content in this papisode please visit us on TikTok, YouTube or Instagram @paparazzipodcast. Thanks for …

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048: Mini Mentoring With Angie Moore in Summerville, SC 26:09

5M ago26:09

26:09

Mini mentoring is an episode series where we get a quick run down on your business struggles and we give you our best advice for keeping it moving! Angie moved from New York City to Charleston, South Carolina. She's worked in maternity, newborn and family photography but has pivoted to heirloom studio photography. She's been relaunching in SC for a…

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047: Oversharing or Just Right? What to Post on Instagram Without Cringing 23:58

5M ago23:58

23:58

No matter what social media platform you use, what to post can cause confusion, paralysis and overwhelm! Let’s get back to the basics … YOU. What makes YOU unique? Not just your photography but your family, pets, where you live, your philosophy to photography… there’s much more than just your work to share about! And believe us, people want to know…

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046: Time Blocking Your Calendar 26:46

5M ago26:46

26:46

On this episode we’re avoid mental fatigue and greater efficiencies with time blocking. There’s two approaching to time blocking - Taking personal days off for work/life balance Batching work tasks & projects We’re giving you all the details on how we use time blocking in our businesses, and the tools we use to automate it. Tool Time - TidyCal Link…

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045: 2025 Quarter 1 Update: We're Pulling Back The Curtain On Our Own Busisnesses 26:12

5M ago26:12

26:12

A new year of our own personal business updates! We’re going to walk through what did or didn't work for Q4 - how we pivoted, adjusted and notes we’re taking for next year. And we’re sharing our plans for the current quarter and beyond. Get ready bc if you haven’t already planned your marketing for the spring and summer, ITS TIME! Tool Time: Kat Sc…

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EPISODE 34 - SET FOR SUCCESS SUMMIT AND CHEESE WITH MICAELA KARINA 50:36

5M ago50:36

50:36

EPISODE 34 - SET FOR SUCCESS SUMMIT AND CHEESE WITH MICAELA KARINA The summit is a free to attend online event for photographers over 3 days between the 10th and the 12th of February 2025 with 18 industry leading speakers, including the likes of Sam Hurd, Corey Potter, Melissa Love, Lisa Devlin, Faye Cornhill, Adam Lowndes, Anna Pumer and many many…

1
I Was There 46:43

5M ago46:43

46:43

Featuring: Special Guest Dogg, President Trump, Swelce and more. In this #Papisode we welcome Nate Dogg back on the podcast. Jedi was at all the latest world news locations. Mark story tops with a Speidi tale. Plus much more. For the content in this papisode please visit our TikTok, YouTube or IG @paparazzipodcast, Thank you for listeing and sharin…

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044: Let's Talk Money with Financial Coach Aqura 25:43

5M ago25:43

25:43

Are you financially ready for the slow season? How does that even happen? Special Guest, Aqura, is walking us through how to be ready for the slower seasons of business. Aqura Nicholson is a money coach helping small business owners create financial stability, even with fluctuating business revenue. Drawing on her MBA education and professional bac…

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043: Blog Better Than Bot 22:51

6M ago22:51

22:51

How can we blog better in 2025?! AI is not going anywhere, but how do we use it successfully? As with every robot-taking-over-the-world move goes… human connection wins in the end! On this episode Alison & Melissa talk about how you can utilize AI to blog better, rank better on Google, and serve your clients all at the same time. Topics we discuss:…

1
Queens Necklace 41:20

6M ago41:20

41:20

Featuring: The Palisades Fires, Speidi, Camron Diaz, Drew Barry and more. In this #Papisode, Mark talks more about covering the fires, Jedi gets sent home to cover LA fires and tells a good Diaz story. Plus much more. For the contant in this papisode, please visit the socials @paparazzipodcast on YouTube and Instagram. Thank you for listening and s…

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042: Mini Mentoring with Meredith Maag, Family & Motherhood Photog in Columbus, OH 30:02

6M ago30:02

30:02

Mini mentoring is a series where we chat with a real life business owners about the challenges they’re facing. We get into the nitty gritty of what’s profitable, what’s working and what’s not. In the end we share 3 (or more!) actionable steps to keep their business moving! On this episode we have Meredith Maag chats about she’s making it work with …

1
It's All Gone 47:58

6M ago47:58

47:58

A solo #marksremarks first hand experience of his first 3 days covering the devestation of the LA fires. Thank you to all fireheros and first responders for saving all they could in this disaster! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/paparazzi-podcast--4122011/support.…

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041: Top 5 Most Common Website Mistakes 24:28

6M ago24:28

24:28

Are you making these mistakes right now?! There are so many seemingly insignificant details that could be hurting your SEO performance right this minute. From missing alt text to huge user experience flaws…or just not using your website appropriately! We’ve surveyed dozens and dozens of websites between the two of us and we’re sharing the top 5 mos…

1
Melibu 54:41

6M ago54:41

54:41

Featuring: Mel Gibson, Kristen Cavallari, Old People and more! Happy New Year! In this #Papisode Jedi flexes his Flighty Fit. Mark doubles down on some unrecognizables. We discuss the Blake Lively scandle, some whachawatchin and much much more. For the content in this papisode please visit our IG or YouTube @paparazzipodcast. Thank you for listenin…

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REPLAY: What's Not Working In Your Business? 29:23

6M ago29:23

29:23

The first step before any major business change is to evaluate what is working and what is not. This is a longer episode where Alison & Melissa deep dive all the aspects of your business and personal life that need to be evaluated before you launch anything new - new locations, new niche, new offers, anything. Your personal life matters greatly her…

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Episode 33 - House Plants, Starting in Weddings and Larger Wedding Previews with Ben Lee 44:54

6M ago44:54

44:54

Episode 33 - House Plants, Starting in Weddings and Larger Wedding Previews with Ben Lee In this episode I welcome the very talented wedding photographer, Ben Lee to the podcast. Ben has actually only been photographing weddings for a couple of years but has grown to become a huge talent and it was a pleasure to chat to him. We discuss; House plant…

1
REPLAY: Moving A Business Is Scary - Let's Own It 28:52

7M ago28:52

28:52

Its that time of year again for the military community - orders are starting to roll out! Even if you don't know WHERE you're moving to, the idea of ripping out everything you've built is terrifying. You've worked so hard. You've spent so much time on it. We've done this 9 times between the two of us - Melissa twice, Alison 7 times. She knows first…

1
REPLAY: Keywords for Better SEO Performance 14:54

7M ago14:54

14:54

This is an early episode that deserves proper attention. Keywords are the crux of all good, well-performing SEO. Whether you’re writing webpages or blog posts, you need to know: WHAT keywords to use WHERE to use each keyword WHY keywords matter. HOW to figure it all out for your business and location. Alison & Melissa both rely on SEO & keywords to…

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Episode 32 - Is less more with client galleries featuring Marc Gartland 51:17

7M ago51:17

51:17

Episode 32 - Is less more with client galleries featuring Marc Gartland In this episode I welcome the wonderful Liverpool based wedding photographer, Marc Gartland to the podcast. Marc has won multiple awards from PKIR, TIR and judged a round of our awards in 2024. We discuss; Editing backlog What we do in the off season Struggles of running a wedd…

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040: Best Biz Books to Listen to on Audible While Traveling 28:16

7M ago28:16

28:16

The week before Christmas, most people are traveling! Weather by car, plane or train, you could probably use some recommendations for what to play in your earbuds. On this episode, we're share our favorite business books that have made a difference for us and why we like them so much. Alison & Melissa's Top Biz Books Picks: Profit First: Transform …

1
Jackals 48:08

7M ago48:08

48:08

Featuring: The Bidens, Barry Keoghan and more. In this #Papisode Jedi spends Thanksgiving with the Bidens, Mark shoots Barry and complains about skinny pants in Beverly Hills, we review The Day of the Jackel and Landman. Plus a lot more. For the content in this papisode please visit our Youtube or IG @paparazzipodcast. Thank you for listening and s…

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039: Profit First In Your Business 19:03

7M ago19:03

19:03

Another episode on money, Profit First is a financial framework both Alison & Melissa use in their businesses. Weather you're new in business, struggling to make a profit or a seasoned pro, Profit First is bound to have some insight on organizing, saving, and creating profit in your business. And, if you're making any of the money mistakes from las…

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