Shoot Bigger: a photography podcast by The Pinckards

Dan + Laura - The Pinckards
  • 4.7 (6)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Shoot Bigger (formerly "Fully Exposed") is a podcast for professional photographers, hosted by Dan and Laura Pinckard (@thepinckards), where we talk about the realities and strategies for running a successful, sustainable, and fulfilling photography business. From marketing, to business management, to improving as an artist... If you refuse to be complacent, want to grow your photography business, and want to "shoot bigger" in 2026 and beyond, this show is for you.

  1. Jun 14

    How to Get Wedding Planner Referrals (What Planners Wish You Knew)

    Want to get booked on repeat by premium wedding planners? Successful luxury wedding planner Danielle Rothweiler pulls back the curtain on why she deletes 95% of photographer cold emails and reveals exactly what it takes to get onto a planner's trusted shortlist. Follow Danielle: Instagram ⁠@rothweilereventdesign⁠ Key Takeaways: The #1 Communication Red Flag: Why your inbox response habits are directly blocking your business growth. The Danger of Going "Rogue": How disappearing with a couple for a sunset shot completely destroys planner trust and venue schedules. The Relationship Long Game: Practical strategies to build authentic, long-term industry connections without spamming cold DMs. Styled Shoot Pitfalls: The truth about why model-focused styled shoots don't equal real-world wedding experience. Enjoyed this episode? Join our community “Shoot Bigger” at shootbigger.com to connect with growth-minded photographers, access exclusive business resources, and elevate your brand!

    54 min

  2. Jun 3

    How to Get Into Destination Wedding Photography: Luxury Lessons with Chris J. Evans

    Are you wondering how to get into destination wedding photography and break into the luxury market? In this episode of Shoot Bigger, Dan and Laura Pinckard sit down with master destination photographer Chris J. Evans to pull back the curtain on a 15-year career that started in fashion and exploded into a global luxury brand. Chris reveals why the "look" of your work is only 5% of your business success and why your energy, networking, and ability to provide a high-touch experience make up the other 95%. We dive deep into the mindset shift from "chasing leads" to "attracting clients," the reality of shooting 100 weddings a year on Maui, and how to build a global network of planners and hoteliers that keep your calendar full. Connect with Chris J. Evans: Website: chrisjevans.com Instagram: @chrisjevansphoto Education: chrisjevanseducation.com Join our community: shootbigger.com

    45 min

  3. May 14

    How to Run a Photography Business With Your Spouse (And Not Kill Each Other) | with guests Gary and Kim Evans

    Are you trying to figure out how to run a successful photography business alongside your spouse without letting it consume your relationship? Working with your significant other can be the ultimate dream, giving you a flexible schedule and the ability to craft your ideal life together. However, without the right boundaries, communication tactics, and division of labor, it can easily turn into a source of constant friction. In this episode of Shoot Bigger, hosts Dan and Laura Pinckard sit down with special guests Gary and Kim Evans. Gary and Kim are a highly successful husband-and-wife photography duo who run The Evans Collective and a pop-up wedding business called Lovely Weddings and Events. Together, the two couples dive deep into the realities of balancing a thriving photography career with a healthy marriage, sharing actionable advice for any creative couple looking to do the same. Gary & Kim's UK retreat: https://garyandkimevans.com/the-retreat-uk-2026 Follow Gary and Kim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garyandkim.ca/ Join the Shoot Bigger Community: https://www.shootbigger.com The Secret to Working Together: Staying in Your Lane The most common question both couples receive is: "How do you work with your spouse and not murder them?" The answer lies in clear delegation and trust. Gary and Kim explain their strategy of dividing the business into specific "lanes" based on individual strengths. Kim acts as the administrative and business powerhouse, handling emails, client communication, and planning, while Gary focuses on the creative execution and photography. Dan and Laura operate using the exact same model. By allowing one partner to captain their respective lane without micromanagement from the other, you create a harmonious workflow. Setting Boundaries and "Switching Off" When your co-worker is also your life partner, the temptation to discuss business 24/7 is a real threat to your personal life. As an entrepreneur, you are sold the dream of a flexible schedule, but many forget to actually utilize that flexibility to live their lives. Gary and Kim share their strict cut-off time: once 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM rolls around, the laptops close, and business talk ceases. Pop-Up Weddings Beyond marriage advice, Gary and Kim share their incredible business model for "Lovely Weddings and Events." They design pop-up weddings—beautifully curated, styled ceremonies where up to seven couples can get married back-to-back on the same day. Think of it as Pinterest taking over City Hall. This model provides an affordable yet stunning option for couples who want an intimate ceremony without the massive price tag. Photography Education and Retreats Finally, the conversation shifts to photography education. Gary and Kim host incredible, ego-free photography retreats designed to actually propel attendees' businesses forward. Frustrated by the gatekeeping and hierarchy prevalent in many industry workshops, they created an environment where the attendees are the true stars. They handle everything—from the luxurious accommodations (like a Bridgerton-esque manor in England) to the private chefs—so photographers can simply show up, be creative, and learn. Key Takeaways/Topics Divide and Conquer: How to identify your individual strengths and divide your business tasks into specific "lanes" to avoid arguments. The Power of Trust: Why you cannot micromanage your spouse if you want your photography business to survive. Clocking Out: The importance of setting strict hours so your business doesn't consume your personal life and family time. Pop-Up Weddings: An inside look at how hosting back-to-back micro-weddings can triple your daily revenue. Ego-Free Education: What to look for in a photography retreat and why Gary and Kim's approach is changing the industry standard. Client Experience: Why making your clients feel comfortable and hyped up is infinitely more important than the camera gear you use.

    1h 10m

  4. May 7

    Are you a natural light photographer? Mastering Off-Camera Flash with Chloe Ramirez

    Are you calling yourself a "natural light photographer" because you love the sun, or because you’re scared of your strobe? In this episode, Laura sits down with award-winning photographer and educator Chloe Ramirez to dismantle the "creative ceiling" that holds many photographers back from mastering light. Key Takeaways: The "Gateway Drug" to Flash: How candlelight can teach you everything you need to know about light placement. Recreating the Glow: Using modifiers and gels to mimic the "angel glow" of sunset, even on a dark day. The Middle School Effect: Why we stop being iconic and start being "palatable"—and how to reclaim your artistic voice. Flash as a Tool, Not a Rule: Why understanding light modifiers is more important than memorizing a cheat sheet. Join our community "Shoot Bigger" at shootbigger.com Follow Chloe: www.instagram.com/chloeramirezphoto/ Chloe's Flash Course: Afraid of the Dark: Intro to Off-Camera Flash

    53 min

  5. Apr 29

    Why Instagram is Failing Photographers in 2026 (And What Actually Works)

    Is your photography business one algorithm update away from disappearing? In this episode, we sit down with 16-year industry veteran Elena S. Blair to discuss the "vanity numbers" trap on Instagram and why viral reels aren't booking clients. Elena reveals the two engines that have powered her Seattle-based lifestyle and school photography empire: SEO and Email Marketing. Key Takeaways: The 5-Year Burnout: Why talented photographers quit and how to build a profitable "meaningful" business instead. Social Media vs. Ownership: Why Elena would give up every platform before she touched her email list. Funnels for Creatives: A simple breakdown of how to move people from "who are you?" to "take my money" . Join the FREE community: Head over to shootbigger.com to join the conversation and level up your business. Find Elena S Blair here: The Empowered Photographer PodcastHer courses and freebiesHer Instagram

    56 min

  6. Apr 22

    Scaling Your Photography Business: Time Management & Virtual Assistants with Rick Liston

    What is your biggest weakness as a photographer? Most photographers start their business to create art, but quickly find themselves drowning in a sea of unread emails, chaotic time management, and 70-hour work weeks where they feel like they haven't gotten anything done. In this episode of Shoot Bigger, Dan and Laura Pinckard sit down with Rick Liston, founder of Wedding Workflows, to discuss the "unfair advantage" of running a sustainable, organized business over being a "gifted" but disorganized artist. Want to hire a VA? Use code "thepinckards" or "danpinckard" when signing up for Wedding Workflows for your first week FREE. Key Takeaways from this Episode: The "Accounting" Mindset: How viewing your business through risk, return, and opportunity cost can lead to massive growth. The Math of Delegation: Why ignoring a lead costs you $8,000, while a trained VA costs only $10/hr. Eradicate, Automate, Delegate: Rick’s 3-step framework for reclaiming your life and mental clarity. Future-Proofing Your Brand: How to document SOPs so your business can run without you. The Grant Study: Why the quality of your relationships is the #1 indicator of success at age 80—and how your inbox is currently sabotaging it. Join our community:Ready to take your business to the next level? Join us at shootbigger.com About the hosts: Dan and Laura Pinckard are a husband-and-wife photography team known on social media as The Pinckards. Dan is a business & marketing expert and is passionate about helping photographers position themselves strategically in a crowded industry. Laura is known for her creativity, starting trends in photography, and social media strategy.

    55 min

  7. Apr 9

    Photographers NEED Community (with Miles Witt Boyer) | Why community is the cure for photographer burnout

    Is the photography industry leaving you feeling isolated, even with a "successful" business? In this episode, Dan and Laura sit down with phenomenal photographer and educator Miles Witt Boyer to discuss why the "death of ego" is the best thing happening to photography right now. We dive deep into the shift from "Social Media" to "Media Social," the emotional reality of balancing a high-end career with family, and how to find a community that actually makes you better—not just more famous. Imagen AI - the best AI editing platform out there: sign up for Imagen AI and get 1,500 free edits Key Takeaways: The difference between "Social Media" and "Media Social" and why it matters for your mental health. Why "putting the camera down" is sometimes the best way to improve your craft. Real stories of how community and AI tools are literally saving marriages in the industry. How to identify a trustworthy mentor and a community that fits your specific goals. Join Miles' community PHOTOCO: ⁠https://www.mileswittboyer.com/photo⁠ Follow Miles on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mileswittboyer/Join our community: Shoot Bigger

    1h 14m

  8. Apr 2

    Your Dream Client Doesn't Care About Your Photography

    Think your technical skill is the thing booking you photography clients? Think again. In this episode, Dan and Laura Pinckard dive into the "controversial" reality that most clients aren't comparing your the quality of your photos... they're comparing your brand positioning and how well you understand their needs. We discuss the "confidence gap," how having a child shifted our business clarity, and why AI is about to make "good enough" photography a commodity. Key Takeaways: Why being the "clearest" option beats being the "best" option. The role of confidence in raising your prices. How AI is leveling the playing field for average photographers. Why clients often mislabel your style (and why that's okay). Resources for photographers: https://thepinckards.com/for-photographers

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Shoot Bigger (formerly "Fully Exposed") is a podcast for professional photographers, hosted by Dan and Laura Pinckard (@thepinckards), where we talk about the realities and strategies for running a successful, sustainable, and fulfilling photography business. From marketing, to business management, to improving as an artist... If you refuse to be complacent, want to grow your photography business, and want to "shoot bigger" in 2026 and beyond, this show is for you.

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