The Studio Takeover Podcast

Cat Ford-Coates
  • 5.0 (3)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Studio Takeover podcast is about and for Portrait Photographers from all walks. Join host Cat Ford-Coates as she shares her journey and interviews other Portrait Photographers to learn how they navigate personal and professional challenges, their businesses, and their lives.

  1. Creative Authority Embodied with Rachna Ratti Randev

    FEB 16

    Creative Authority Embodied with Rachna Ratti Randev

    Send a text In this powerful and present conversation, Cat Ford-Coates sits down with Rachna Rattindev to explore the intersection of artistry, authority, and the quiet courage it takes to lead your brand from embodied truth. They unpack the creative evolution that happens when you stop performing for the algorithm and start building a category of one, from within.  This episode is a deep dive into aligned marketing, energetic leadership, and the nuances of showing up with clarity, calm, and conviction in a noisy world. If you’ve been craving real talk about creativity, visibility, and building an artful, profitable business on your terms - this one’s for you. Follow Rachna on Instaram! @photographybyrachna Support the show

    37 min

  2. JAN 29 · BONUS

    Why You’re Still Optional (And Undercharging) - Even with Premium Work

    Send us a text You’re not undercharging because you don’t know your value. You’re undercharging because your message and sales process haven’t caught up with your evolution. If you're creating content every day, testing price points, running ads, and still attracting hesitant buyers who need convincing, you're not dealing with a sales issue. You're facing a positioning leak. In this episode, I reveal why so many talented, visionary photographers stay stuck in $3K to $5K months, even while producing premium work. It's not your audience. It's not the algorithm. It's the way you're showing up to sell. You're still selling like a service provider, when you're meant to be leading like an artist. You’ll learn: Why your current messaging is attracting attention but not alignmentHow your sales process may be signaling "I'm available" instead of "I'm the one"The internal shift required to stop negotiating your pricingWhat it really takes to build a business that holds your full valueAnalogy: You're pouring water into a leaky bucket and calling it marketing. If you're ready to recalibrate how you're seen, how you're priced, and how people buy from you... DM me ‘STUDIO’ on Instagram @catfordcoates. Let’s build a business that communicates your value before you speak. Support the show

    12 min

  3. JAN 29 · BONUS

    The Invisible Ceiling That’s Capping Your Revenue

    Send us a text You’re not underpaid because you’re under-skilled. You’re underpaid because your messaging still reflects a version of your work that you’ve outgrown. In this episode, I reveal the real reason premium photographers feel stuck at $3K–$6K months, despite having evolved, elevated work. If you're still trying to break through your next income level using recycled content prompts, pricing calculators, or marketing tactics designed for beginners… this is your wake-up call. You don’t need more visibility hacks. You need your messaging to mirror the depth of your work, heart, and genius. Because when you start speaking at the level you create at, that’s when your pricing, your presence, and your positioning rise to meet you. 🔁 Analogy: “You’re trying to break through a glass ceiling with someone else’s ladder.” DM me ‘STUDIO’ on Instagram @catfordcoates if you’re ready to stop selling like a photographer, and start earning like an artist. Support the show

    16 min
  4. The Power of Connecting Your Photography to Your Heart with Stef Graston

    2025-08-25

    The Power of Connecting Your Photography to Your Heart with Stef Graston

    Send us a text Some transformations are born in quiet moments. Others are forged in fire. In this conversation with Stef Graston, we go far beyond the highlight reel of running a photography business. Stef shares her journey from building success in a small Colorado town, to starting over in Charlotte, NC — and facing setbacks that would make most people walk away. From losing her studio to navigating the raw grief of miscarriage, Stef’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and turning pain into profound purpose. You’ll hear: Why moving markets doesn’t guarantee success — and how to rebuild when your safety nets are goneThe hidden cost of “survival mode” and how it impacts creativity and growthThe power of connecting your work to your deepest values and lived experiencesHow The Nova Project is helping women process and honor miscarriage and child loss through art, storytelling, and communityWhy campaigns that are rooted in heart — not just revenue — can create both deep impact and sustainable businessThis episode is about more than photography or business strategy. It’s about reclaiming your story, creating meaning from what was meant to break you, and allowing your work to be an extension of your own healing. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a season of loss into a legacy — or if you’ve felt the pull to create something bigger than yourself — Stef’s journey will remind you that your next chapter can start right here, right now. Support the show

    59 min
  5. Exploring the Art of building Business and Life on Your Terms with Sissela Johansson

    2025-08-18

    Exploring the Art of building Business and Life on Your Terms with Sissela Johansson

    Send us a text What if your next level wasn’t about doing more — but about creating space to be more? In this conversation with Sissela, we explore the art of building a business and life that reflect not only your skill, but your values, vision, and pace. From refining your offer to structuring your days, she shares how intentional choices can lead to more freedom, more impact, and more fulfillment. Inside, we talk about: Designing your business around your life, not the other way aroundFinding the balance between ambition and alignmentThe mindset shifts that turn “busy” into “purposeful”How clarity in your vision makes decision-making effortlessWhy your next level is less about adding and more about refiningThis episode isn’t about chasing someone else’s version of success — it’s about crafting yours. If you’ve been craving a way to expand without burning out, to grow while staying grounded, and to step into a business that truly reflects you, this conversation is your sign to move forward with intention. Press play. Your next level is already waiting. Support the show

    1h 5m
  6. Designing A Business in Alignment with Cate Scaglione

    2025-08-11

    Designing A Business in Alignment with Cate Scaglione

    Send us a text What if “success” as you’ve been chasing it isn’t the version that will actually fulfill you? In this conversation with photographer and former corporate leader Cate Scaglione, we move past the surface of business strategy and into the heart of alignment - building a life and business that supports your values instead of eroding them. Kate shares her journey from high-powered, high-stress corporate roles to crafting a photography business rooted in creativity, peace, and purpose. We talk about: Redefining success so it’s measured by more than revenueBuilding a business that supports your life instead of consuming itInfusing luxury and intentional detail into every client touchpointPricing confidently without apology — and without losing yourself in the chaseUsing your values as the ultimate filter for decisions, growth, and scaleThis episode isn’t about doing more — it’s about becoming more of who you already are, and letting that be the driver of your business, your artistry, and your impact. If you’re ready to step off the treadmill of “more, faster, bigger” and instead step into your most aligned, next-level self, this conversation is your sign. Press play. Your evolution starts here. Support the show

    51 min
  7. Navigating AI as an Artist of Photography with Pratik Naik

    2025-07-28

    Navigating AI as an Artist of Photography with Pratik Naik

    Send us a text Cat Ford-Coates and Pratik Naik explore the evolving landscape of AI in the creative industry, particularly in photography. They discuss the duality of AI's impact, from fear and uncertainty to excitement and opportunity. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of adaptability, intentionality, and the human experience in a tech-driven world. They also touch on environmental considerations, the role of curiosity, and the potential for AI to enhance creativity while urging listeners to remain open-minded and proactive in shaping the future. Takeaways AI is constantly evolving, and opinions about it are shifting.The creative process can be enhanced by AI tools.It's essential to question the impact of AI on society and personal value.AI can help clarify creative visions and improve communication.Environmental impacts of AI usage should be considered.Creativity can drive positive change in society.Staying curious and open-minded is crucial in a rapidly changing landscape.Intentionality in using AI tools can lead to better outcomes.The butterfly effect of our choices can have significant impacts.The future of creativity lies in collaboration between humans and AI. Find Pratik Here: Website: www.solsticeretouch.comInstagram: @solsticeretouch Support the show

    54 min
  8. You're Already Worthy...Be Valuable with Lisa Zahiya

    2025-04-21

    You're Already Worthy...Be Valuable with Lisa Zahiya

    Send us a text The intricate relationship between self-worth and business success is a path every business owner travels. Cat and Lisa explore how confidence in one's value impacts pricing strategies, the importance of building a business that can operate independently of personal emotions, and the necessity of continuous learning and feedback.  The discussion also touches on the evolving role of AI in creative industries, the significance of client education, and the need for accountability in overcoming challenges. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of authenticity and connection in business, advocating for a mindset that prioritizes growth and resilience over ego. Lisa Zahiya is a nationally known business strategist and life coach who helps: Business owners cultivate lives on their own terms; Mission-driven entrepreneurs make more and give more; Small business owners scale quickly through effective digital marketing and products. After receiving a BS and a MBA from the University of Maryland, Lisa served as a director of marketing at Sylvan Learning Centers.  "I had always dreamed of being a professional dancer and left my corporate career to pursue my dreams of dance. I opened the award-winning Studio Zahiya and traveled as a professional belly dance teacher and performer. I found that I enjoyed the community of body positivity, confidence, and success that Studio Zahiya created for my clients. I then furthered my goal of empowering others by training to be a life coach and opened a very successful coaching business. I I have now personally grown several seven-figure businesses reaching revenues of over 5 million dollars. I leverage this experience to help others pursue their dreams and have had six clients grow their businesses to over 1 million dollars in revenue." Lisa is based in New York, NY and El Gouna, Egypt, where she owns Lisa Zahiya Coaching. Support the show

    41 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Studio Takeover podcast is about and for Portrait Photographers from all walks. Join host Cat Ford-Coates as she shares her journey and interviews other Portrait Photographers to learn how they navigate personal and professional challenges, their businesses, and their lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Cat Ford-Coates
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Studio Takeover Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Studio Takeover Podcast

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