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 TakeawaysLongevity is built through quiet, consistent disciplines—not constant expansionResisting “luxury” can be a values decision, not a limitationGrowth often requires subtraction, not additionBurnout can be a teacher when it leads to honest recalibrationEditing and curation are grounding artistic practices, not just workflow stepsGut instinct becomes trustworthy through years of reps and reflectionExcellence includes protecting health, energy, and relationshipsDecisions made today often show up 12–18 months laterA sustainable career is shaped slowly, with intention and self-awarenessYou don’t need to reinvent yourself to grow—you need to stay rooted in your why LinksSamm Blake Weddingshttps://www.sammblakeweddings.com/ Samm's Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sammblake/ Aperture Photography Workshop Serieshttps://aperture.org/books/photography-workshop-series/ Retouching Softwarehttps://www.evoto.ai Learn More About Brad & JenBrad & Jen Websitehttps://learn.bradandjen.com Purpose & Profit Coursehttps://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 stretchedKeywordsphotography 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
