Diaries Of A Mum-tographer - with Mel Cieslik

Mel Cieslik
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Diaries of a Mum-tographer, where photography and tech fuels success! I'm Mel, your go-to mum who's obsessed with snapping the perfect shot, staying ahead of the trends, and using technology to make it all happen in less time. Whether you're here to elevate your photography game, get the latest on industry trends, or just share in the journey of juggling mum life and running a thriving biz, you're in the right place. Let’s turn your passion into success, one click at a time!

  1. FEB 6

    Slow Productivity: Why Technology Is Making Photographers Busier (Not Better)

    If you feel busy all day but still behind… this episode is for you. Technology was meant to make running a photography business easier — but for so many photographers, it’s doing the opposite. More apps, more notifications, more tabs open… and somehow less clarity, less focus, and way more burnout. In this episode, I’m diving into slow productivity, inspired by Slow Productivity by Cal Newport. We’re talking about why hustle culture doesn’t work for photographers, how technology can quietly increase your mental load, and why doing less — but better — is the key to building a sustainable business on part-time hours. This is real talk for photographers who feel overwhelmed, stretched thin, and exhausted by “busy work” that doesn’t actually move the needle. Check out the planner that changed my life over a decade ago right here >>> https://melcieslik.com/ultimate-photographers-digital-planner

    11 min

  2. 07/22/2025

    What to Do When No One’s Booking (Yet): A Family Photographer’s Slow Season Strategy

    If you're a family photographer staring at an empty inbox right now, wondering where all the inquiries went — you're not alone. This season can feel brutally quiet. Whether it's the dead of winter and everyone’s hibernating, or the middle of summer when clients are checked out on vacation, it’s easy to fall into the “no one’s booking, what’s wrong with me?” spiral. But here’s the truth: slow seasons aren’t a problem — they’re an opportunity. In this episode, I’m flipping the script on the off-season and showing you exactly how to use this quiet time to spark momentum, book ahead, and set yourself up for a calendar that fills faster than you expect. Because the photographers who grow during slow seasons? They don’t wait. They plan. They promote. They get visible and stay valuable — even when no one's actively buying. Let’s dive into how you can do the same. Interested in Joining The Newborn Photography Business Blueprint? Find Out More Here Follow me on Instagram

    23 min

  3. 07/07/2025

    What They Don't Teach You In Photography School

    They taught you aperture and ISO, but forgot to mention taxes, pricing, and what profit actually means. If you’ve ever felt blindsided by the business side of photography—you are not alone. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the most common financial mistakes photographers make (and what to do instead). You’ll learn how to stop guessing your pricing, start treating your biz like the real deal, and finally step into the confidence of being a well-paid creative entrepreneur. In This Episode: The $150 mistake I made early in my biz Why most photographers are undercharging and overwhelmed The simple mindset shift that helped me finally price for profit 5 truths about the business side no one’s teaching you How to start owning your worth (and your numbers!) Grab the Photographers Pricing Calculator — the exact tool I use to reverse-engineer profitable pricing based on your time, income goals, and lifestyle. Enrolment for the Newborn Photography Business Blueprint is officially OPEN!Inside NPBB, we break down every system you need—from pricing and packages to client experience and marketing that feels good. This is your invitation to step into CEO energy with clarity, support, and strategy.

    8 min

  4. 06/30/2025

    Stop Spinning Your Wheels: EOFY Clarity & Confidence for Motherhood Photographers

    Feeling overwhelmed as the financial year wraps up? If you're juggling motherhood and your photography business—and it feels like you're running on fumes—this episode is your reset button. I'm breaking down how to reflect on the last quarter, assess your profit and loss without the panic, and plan a 12-week sprint that actually works. Just real talk, numbers, and clarity. Whether you're in feast-or-famine months or still pricing based on "vibes," let’s sort it out together. Want to go deeper and finally get the coaching, tools, and systems your business needs? Join the waitlist for the Newborn Photography Business Blueprint Membership—launching July 7! This 12-month membership gives you: Pre-recorded photography business training modules Printable workbooks A private Facebook group where I answer your questions daily Monthly mastermind group calls with me to troubleshoot your toughest business blocks All for $2 a day. That’s less than your coffee. 👉 Jump on the waitlist here — you don’t want to miss this.

    14 min

  5. 06/23/2025

    Mummy Guilt Vs Money Goals.. Can You Really Have Both?

    Let’s be real — building a photography business while raising babies can feel like a constant tug-of-war. One minute you're dreaming big, the next you're deep in mum guilt because you're working during nap time (again). In this episode, I’m unpacking the emotional juggle between being present as a mum and showing up for your goals. We’re talking boundaries, permission slips, and practical ways to ditch the guilt and do it all — in a way that actually feels doable. You’ll learn: 🧡 Why mummy guilt shows up (and how to reframe it) 💻 My go-to systems that help me work smarter, not harder 🎯 What it really takes to balance motherhood and a profitable business 🧠 The mindset shifts that changed everything for me You don’t have to choose between being a present mum and a successful business owner. With the right systems, support, and mindset, you can absolutely have both. 🌟 Ready to build a photography biz that gives you freedom, not burnout? Join my 12-month mentorship: the Newborn Photography Business Blueprint — where we combine strategy, systems and soul to create a business that works around your life. 📷 Enrol here

    8 min

  6. 06/16/2025

    The Truth About Instagram: What’s Actually Getting Clients in the Door

    Feeling like you're dancing for the algorithm but still not getting bookings? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what Instagram can do for your business—and what it absolutely can't. If you're tired of chasing likes and ready to focus on what really drives bookings, this one’s for you. 📌 Want to stop guessing and start growing? Check out my course Capture the Market — it’s your roadmap to marketing that works beyond social media. Don't be shy.. Come and say Hi on Instagram @mel_cieslik_photography

    7 min

  7. 06/09/2025

    From Enquiry To Booking: 5 Ways To Seal The Deal Without Selling Your Soul!

    You know that giddy feeling when a new enquiry hits your inbox — and then… nothing? They vanish. Ghosted. Poof. Gone. If you're a photographer who's tired of chasing cold leads and wondering what went wrong, this episode is your reality check (and game plan ). Inside this juicy episode of Diaries of a Mum-Tographer, we’re diving into: The 5 real reasons your enquiries aren't converting into bookings What your enquiry reply might be missing (hint: it’s not just your pricing) The subtle mistakes that turn excited leads into silent inboxes And five super actionable strategies to increase your conversion rate — without lowering your prices or compromising your value Whether you're brand new to biz or have been doing this for years, this is a must-listen if you're ready to work smarter, not harder. 👉 Learn how to convert leads with Capture the Market — my signature course to help you attract and book dream clients (without relying on algorithm trends) 🎧 Hit play, hit follow, and let’s stop hustling for scraps and start booking with confidence. Follow me on IG: @mel_cieslik_photography

    9 min

  8. 05/23/2025

    Photographers, Listen Up: The Hidden Cost of Saying Yes to Every Job

    Photographers, let’s get real—are you saying "yes" to every inquiry, even when your gut says "run"? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the bookings that cost more than they’re worth. We’re talking red flags, energy drains, and how setting boundaries can actually elevate your brand (and your sanity). If you’ve ever felt guilty turning down a shoot, this is your permission slip to protect your peace and grow with intention. 📌 Need a smarter booking strategy? Check out the Newborn Photography Business Blueprint for the systems that let you thrive on your terms. 🚀

    9 min
See All (27)

About

Welcome to Diaries of a Mum-tographer, where photography and tech fuels success! I'm Mel, your go-to mum who's obsessed with snapping the perfect shot, staying ahead of the trends, and using technology to make it all happen in less time. Whether you're here to elevate your photography game, get the latest on industry trends, or just share in the journey of juggling mum life and running a thriving biz, you're in the right place. Let’s turn your passion into success, one click at a time!

Information