THE JOURNAL

Most dads aren’t counting down the days until photo time. And that’s okay. You’ve probably seen it happen. Moms are all in, glowing and styled to perfection, while dads show up slightly unsure where to stand, what to do with their hands, or how to look natural while holding a baby in one arm and […]

You show up. You pour your heart into your work. You post your best images, share your knowledge, and try to build momentum. And then… crickets. No likes.No comments.No inquiries. It’s one of the hardest things about being a photographer—showing up when it feels like no one is watching. But here’s the truth: Every successful […]

If you’ve been working on your photography business for a few months (or even years) and you’re still not booking clients as quickly as you’d like… I get it. It’s easy to feel like you’re doing all the right things—posting on social media, tweaking your website, offering mini-sessions—but nothing is happening fast enough. And that’s […]

There’s nothing worse than capturing what should have been the perfect portrait—only to realize later that the eyes are soft, the focus is off, and the whole shot is unusable. If you’ve been struggling with inconsistent focus, you’re not alone. Blurry photos happen to every photographer at some point, but the good news? There’s a […]

Ever look at your photos and feel like something is missing? Your subject is there. The focus is sharp. The colors are fine. But the image just feels… flat. If your photos lack depth, dimension, or that pro-level pop, don’t worry—you’re not alone. This happens to a lot of beginner photographers. But the good news? […]

You know that buttery, blurred-out background that makes portraits look professional? The one that instantly makes your subject pop while everything behind them melts away? That’s called bokeh, and it’s one of the easiest ways to take your photos from beginner to high-end professional. The best part? You don’t need an expensive camera to get […]

If you’ve ever struggled to get that perfect, dreamy portrait—the kind with soft backgrounds and gorgeous subject separation—it might not be your camera settings… It might be your lens. The lens you use plays a huge role in: How much background blur (aka bokeh) you getHow flattering your subject looksHow much distortion or compression is […]

If you’re a new photographer trying to build a portfolio, you’ve probably wondered: “Should I offer free shoots to get experience?” Some say yes—it helps you practice, build a portfolio, and get your name out there.Others say no way—it sets a bad precedent and makes people expect free work forever. So what’s the right answer? […]

If you’re booking clients without a contract, we need to talk. I know, I know—contracts sound so official and maybe even a little intimidating. But here’s the truth: Having a contract is not optional—it’s essential. Without one, you’re leaving yourself wide open to miscommunication, last-minute cancellations, and potential legal nightmares. Let’s break down why you […]

Every photographer—no matter how skilled, experienced, or successful—has faced it. Negative feedback and self-doubt are part of the journey, but they don’t have to define your journey. So, let’s talk about how to handle criticism without letting it crush your confidence—and how to push through self-doubt so it doesn’t hold you back. Step 1: Separate […]