Focus and Flourish | Photography Business Coaching

Katie Monroe | Photography Business Coach

As a professional photographer, you’re not just an artist - you’re also running a business. But how do you balance creativity with managing clients, marketing, pricing, and scaling your business without burning out? Focus and Flourish is a photography business podcast designed to help photographers like you build a thriving, profitable business while maintaining your love for the actual art. Hosted by Katie Monroe, a nationally renowned wedding and brand photographer who scaled her business to a quarter million just two years after starting her family, this podcast delivers actionable strategies to help you grow confidently and clearly. Each episode dives into proven business systems that will support you in streamlining operations, boosting efficiency, and maximizing profitability. You'll learn how to attract dream clients, automate workflows, specialize in your niche, and implement photography pricing strategies that reflect your true value. Focus and Flourish also prioritizes self-care for photographers, offering insights on time management, overcoming mindset blocks, and building resilience to prevent burnout. Whether you’re refining your brand storytelling, cultivating a marketing strategy, optimizing SEO for your photography website, or learning how to delegate effectively, Focus and Flourish will equip you with the tools to scale your business sustainably. Join Katie Monroe and a community of forward-thinking photographers ready to evolve beyond technical skills and create careers that flourish both creatively and financially.

  1. Ep. 19: Your Website Is a Home, Not a Storefront, with CJ Price of Ivingo Creative

    JAN 28

    Ep. 19: Your Website Is a Home, Not a Storefront, with CJ Price of Ivingo Creative

    In today’s fast-changing economy, unpredictable market, and rapidly advancing tech landscape, your website can no longer be treated like a digital storefront or a design project you revisit every few years. It needs to be a foundation. In this episode, I’m joined by CJ Price, founder of Ivingo Creative and an SEO architect who helps business owners build websites they can actually live in. CJ combines SEO strategy, clear messaging, and conversion-focused design to turn websites into long-term growth assets that support your business even as algorithms, platforms, and trends continue to shift. We dive into why SEO is not the finishing touch but the starting point, how to turn a “pretty” website into one that actually gets found, and the most common SEO mistakes small business owners are making, many of which can be fixed without a full redesign. If your website looks good but isn’t bringing in traffic, leads, or clarity, this episode will help you rethink your site from the ground up and build something that grows with you instead of holding you back. What You’ll Learn:  → Why SEO is the foundation of a strong website, not an add-on or afterthought  → How treating your website like a home changes the way you approach structure, content, and growth  → The most common SEO mistakes small business owners make, and which ones are easier to fix than you think  → Where to start if you have a “pretty” website that isn’t getting traffic  → How to build site structure and content that both humans and search engines understand  → SEO strategies that work even if you don’t have a full marketing team  → How to create a website that evolves with your business instead of requiring constant redesigns Links & Resources: GET YOUR $7 SYSTEMS, STRATEGY & MINDSET BUNDLE HERE! Resources Mentioned: Momentum Method Membership: Breakthrough Photography Business RoadmapThe Tools I use EVERY WEEK in my business, all discounted!Kreate Collective Shop: It’s Time To SCALEWe are founders with Aftershoot & partners with Imagen AI Connect With CJ of Ivingo Creative!  → Learn more at ivingocreative.com → Join her Site Notes Weekly Newsletter HERE and download her FREE keyword tracking tool HERE! → Follow along on Instagram: @ivingocreative and @courtneyjeanne This episode is a must-listen if you want a website that works harder, smarter, and longer for your business, no matter what the market does next. SPECIAL AI EDITING OFFERS FOR OUR LISTENERS!  Now introducing the new + improved Elevated Edit Profile! IMAGEN: 01 The Elevated Edit: Soulful, Luxury + True to Life by Katie Monroe Elevated Edit is a luxury, true-to-life Imagen editing profile inspired by Fuji film, delivering clean, luminous color, warm skin tones, and balanced hues across all lighting environments. Best for wedding, family, and lifestyle photographers seeking refined, consistent, editorial results. Try free today & take back your timeImagen AI | Get 25% Off + 1,500 Free Edits with code KREATE25 →TRY IT!Learn More: The Elevated Edit: Soulful, Luxury + True to Life by Katie Monroe 02 Elevated Edit: Refined, Strategic + Brand Focused Elevated Edit Brand Focused editing profile is for brand, portrait, and commercial photographers who want consistent color, natural skin tones, and clean, editorial results across studio, natural light, and on-location environments.  Try before you buy!Learn More: Elevated Edit: Refined, Strategic + Brand Focused Imagen AI | Get 25% Off + 1,500 Free Edits with code KREATE25 →TRY IT! AFTERSHOOT: Elevated Edit: Soulful, Luxury + True-to-Life Elevated Edit Aftershoot AI Editing Profile & DiscountsNot on Aftershoot Yet or haven’t found the right profile? Snag 500 FREE edits and get 15% off and try my profile FREE with code: KREATEPHOTOGRAPHYLearn More: Elevated Edit on AftershootAftershoot Max Users: Enjoy 30% off when you grab my Creator Style. Plus, everyone gets their first 500 edits free when they download my Creator Style! ​Explore My Websites: Mentorship + Coaching: The Kreate CollectiveWedding + Lifestyle: Kreate PhotographyBranding + Commercial: KM Photography Let's Connect! Contact KatieInstagramFacebookLinkedInPinterestYoutube ​Would you be interested in being a guest? Fill out this form!

    42 min
  2. Ep. 18: Mindset, Momentum and the Shift That Changes Everything

    JAN 13

    Ep. 18: Mindset, Momentum and the Shift That Changes Everything

    In this episode Katie shares the mindset shifts that changed her business and why confidence, clarity and grounded belief matter just as much as workflow and strategy. You will learn why mindset is a core pillar inside the $7 Bundle and how it supports long-term success. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN → Why mindset drives your long term success → The beliefs that keep photographers stuck → The mindset shifts that create momentum → How the $7 Bundle supports clarity and confidence → How to align your business with the life you want → LINKS & RESOURCES! GET YOUR $7 SYSTEMS, STRATEGY & MINDSET BUNDLE HERE! Ask yourself this: Is my homepage converting visitors into leads? DOWNLOAD OUR FREE 12-part framework for building a high-converting homepage START WITH OUR FREE PHOTOSHOOT PREPARATION CHECKLIST GUIDE → RESOURCES MENTIONED: Momentum Method Membership: Breakthrough Photography Business RoadmapThe Tools I use EVERY WEEK in my business, all discounted!Kreate Collective Shop: It’s Time To SCALEWe are founders with Aftershoot & partners with Imagen AI → SPECIAL AI EDITING OFFERS FOR OUR LISTENERS! Now introducing the new + improved Elevated Edit Profile! → IMAGEN: 01 The Elevated Edit: Soulful, Luxury + True to Life by Katie Monroe Elevated Edit is a luxury, true-to-life Imagen editing profile inspired by Fuji film, delivering clean, luminous color, warm skin tones, and balanced hues across all lighting environments. Best for wedding, family, and lifestyle photographers seeking refined, consistent, editorial results. Try free today & take back your timeImagen AI | Get 25% Off + 1,500 Free Edits with code KREATE25 →TRY IT!Learn More: The Elevated Edit: Soulful, Luxury + True to Life by Katie Monroe 02 Elevated Edit: Refined, Strategic + Brand Focused  Elevated Edit Brand Focused editing profile is for brand, portrait, and commercial photographers who want consistent color, natural skin tones, and clean, editorial results across studio, natural light, and on-location environments.  Try before you buy!Learn More: Elevated Edit: Refined, Strategic + Brand Focused Imagen AI | Get 25% Off + 1,500 Free Edits with code KREATE25 →TRY IT! → AFTERSHOOT: Elevated Edit: Soulful, Luxury + True-to-Life Elevated Edit Aftershoot AI Editing Profile & DiscountsNot on Aftershoot Yet or haven’t found the right profile? Snag 500 FREE edits and get 15% off and try my profile FREE with code: KREATEPHOTOGRAPHYLearn More: Elevated Edit on AftershootAftershoot Max Users: Enjoy 30% off when you grab my Creator Style. Plus, everyone gets their first 500 edits free when they download my Creator Style! → ​Explore My Websites: Mentorship + Coaching:The Kreate CollectiveWedding + Lifestyle: Kreate PhotographyBranding + Commercial: KM Photography → Let's Connect! Contact KatieInstagramFacebookLinkedInPinterestYoutube → ​Would you be interested in being a guest? Fill out this form!

    9 min
  3. Ep. 17: The Strategy Behind Six-Figure Growth

    12/30/2025

    Ep. 17: The Strategy Behind Six-Figure Growth

    This episode breaks down why strategy matters more than motivation in your business. Katie shares the story behind creating the strategy framework inside the $7 Bundle, explains why she stayed stuck early in her career, and outlines how strategic thinking creates sustainable growth. You'll learn why strategy brings clarity, confidence and consistency and why most photographers never build the foundation they actually need. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN → Why strategy creates consistency → The mistakes that keep photographers overwhelmed → What a true client journey is and why you need one → How the $7 Bundle simplifies strategic thinking → Why clarity always leads to growth → LINKS & RESOURCES! GET YOUR $7 SYSTEMS, STRATEGY & MINDSET BUNDLE HERE! Ask yourself this: Is my homepage converting visitors into leads? DOWNLOAD OUR FREE 12-part framework for building a high-converting homepage START WITH OUR FREE PHOTOSHOOT PREPARATION CHECKLIST GUIDE → RESOURCES MENTIONED: Momentum Method Membership: Breakthrough Photography Business RoadmapThe Tools I use EVERY WEEK in my business, all discounted!Kreate Collective Shop: It’s Time To SCALEWe are founders with Aftershoot & partners with Imagen AI → SPECIAL AI EDITING OFFERS FOR OUR LISTENERS! Now introducing the new + improved Elevated Edit Profile! → IMAGEN: 01 The Elevated Edit: Soulful, Luxury + True to Life by Katie Monroe Elevated Edit is a luxury, true-to-life Imagen editing profile inspired by Fuji film, delivering clean, luminous color, warm skin tones, and balanced hues across all lighting environments. Best for wedding, family, and lifestyle photographers seeking refined, consistent, editorial results. Try free today & take back your timeImagen AI | Get 25% Off + 1,500 Free Edits with code KREATE25 →TRY IT!Learn More: The Elevated Edit: Soulful, Luxury + True to Life by Katie Monroe 02 Elevated Edit: Refined, Strategic + Brand Focused  Elevated Edit Brand Focused editing profile is for brand, portrait, and commercial photographers who want consistent color, natural skin tones, and clean, editorial results across studio, natural light, and on-location environments.  Try before you buy!Learn More: Elevated Edit: Refined, Strategic + Brand Focused Imagen AI | Get 25% Off + 1,500 Free Edits with code KREATE25 →TRY IT! → AFTERSHOOT: Elevated Edit: Soulful, Luxury + True-to-Life Elevated Edit Aftershoot AI Editing Profile & DiscountsNot on Aftershoot Yet or haven’t found the right profile? Snag 500 FREE edits and get 15% off and try my profile FREE with code: KREATEPHOTOGRAPHYLearn More: Elevated Edit on AftershootAftershoot Max Users: Enjoy 30% off when you grab my Creator Style. Plus, everyone gets their first 500 edits free when they download my Creator Style! → ​Explore My Websites: Mentorship + Coaching:The Kreate CollectiveWedding + Lifestyle: Kreate PhotographyBranding + Commercial: KM Photography → Let's Connect! Contact KatieInstagramFacebookLinkedInPinterestYoutube → ​Would you be interested in being a guest? Fill out this form!

    12 min
  4. Ep. 16: The Systems That Saved My Business

    12/16/2025

    Ep. 16: The Systems That Saved My Business

    In this episode 16 explores why systems are the backbone of every profitable photography business, especially heading into 2025 and 2026. Katie shares real stories from nearly twenty years in business, including how strong systems protected her through the pandemic while pregnant and how automation allowed her to scale again during a second maternity season. Inside this episode, you will learn why structure is the one thing photographers avoid and the one thing that actually sets them free. If you want to build stability, confidence and momentum, this episode is your roadmap. Listen in, then grab the $7 Bundle and start building a foundation that works for you, not against you. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN → Why systems kept my business alive through the pandemic while pregnant → How multiple revenue streams and an email list protect photographers → Why clients paid their balances early because they trusted my workflows → How I built a new course while pregnant with a toddler → How I scaled and rebranded with a newborn → The real reason most photographers stay overwhelmed → Why the $7 Bundle is the strongest starting point for building stability Links & Resources: GET YOUR $7 SYSTEMS, STRATEGY & MINDSET BUNDLE HERE! Resources Mentioned: Momentum Method Membership: Breakthrough Photography Business RoadmapThe Tools I use EVERY WEEK in my business, all discounted!Kreate Collective Shop: It’s Time To SCALEThe Elevated Edit IMAGEN Kreate Collective ProfileAftershoot AI Editing Profile & Discounts Special AI Editing Offers! We are founders with Aftershoot & partners with Imagen AI Not on Aftershoot Yet? Snag 500 FREE edits and get 15% off and try my profile FREE with code: KREATEPHOTOGRAPHYCHECK OUT My Refined Aftershoot Profile: Elevated Edit and get 15% off plus FREE EDITS TO START! use code KREATEPHOTOGRAPHYAftershoot Max Users: Enjoy 30% off when you grab my Creator Style. Plus, everyone gets their first 500 edits free when they download my Creator Style!Imagen samples on my site  ​Explore My Websites: Mentorship + Coaching: The Kreate CollectiveWedding + Lifestyle: Kreate PhotographyBranding + Commercial: KM Photography Let's Connect! Contact KatieInstagramFacebookLinkedInPinterestYoutube ​Would you be interested in being a guest? Fill out this form!

    10 min
  5. Ep. 15: How to start an email list & create your first freebie with 23&9 Creative

    12/02/2025

    Ep. 15: How to start an email list & create your first freebie with 23&9 Creative

    Most photographers are sitting on a goldmine without realizing it. Your email list is one of the most powerful tools in your entire business, yet it is often the last thing people build.  In episode 15 of Focus and Flourish, we are diving into Phase 2 of Module 3 of the Momentum Method, where I show you how to turn your email list into a strategic, relationship building, lead nurturing system that supports your business for years to come. Your email list is more than a place to collect addresses. It is your built-in audience, your connection channel and your most reliable marketing asset. Social platforms change overnight, but your list is yours. When you use it well, it becomes the bridge between casual followers and paying clients. I’m walking you through → Why photographers need an email list now more than ever → How your list strengthens your SEO and website performance → What makes a freebie convert and how to build one without overwhelm → The tech setup inside Squarespace and how to automate everything → How often to email your list and what to actually send → Simple action steps to start or improve your list this week By the end of this episode, you’ll understand exactly how to build a list that grows with you and supports your long-term success. You’ll walk away with a clear plan to create your freebie, set up your automations and start emailing your audience with confidence. Your list becomes the foundation that stabilizes your marketing, warms up future clients and keeps your business moving forward even on your days off. Links & Resources: → Here is the 60 page template I created to help you get started  ​Explore My Websites: Mentorship + Coaching: The Kreate CollectiveWedding + Lifestyle: Kreate PhotographyBranding + Commercial: KM Photography Special Ai Editing Offers! We are founders with Aftershoot & partners with Imagen AI Not on Aftershoot Yet? 500 FREE edits and Get 15% off and try my profile FREE with code: KREATEPHOTOGRAPHYAftershoot Max Users: Enjoy 30% off when you grab my Creator Style. Plus, everyone gets their first 500 edits free when they download my Creator Style!Imagen AI — Get 25% Off + 1,500 Free Edits with code TRYNOW25KP →TRY IT!Imagen samples on my site FREE Resources Mentioned: FREE Training: 6-Figure Strategy Let's Connect! Contact KatieInstagramFacebookLinkedInPinterestYoutube​ Would you be interested in being a guest? Fill out this form!

    1h 8m
  6. Ep. 14: How AI Can Help You Scale to 6 Figures with Aftershoot’s CEO, Justin Benson

    11/18/2025

    Ep. 14: How AI Can Help You Scale to 6 Figures with Aftershoot’s CEO, Justin Benson

    In this episode of Focus and Flourish, I sit down with Justin Benson, co-founder of the globally recognized AI editing platform Aftershoot. We dive into how AI is reshaping the photography industry and how you can use it to reclaim your time, elevate your brand, and scale to six figures. From practical workflow tips to big-picture business strategy, this episode is packed with insights you can implement right away. What You’ll Learn:  → How AI editing and culling can give you back 20+ hours per week  → The systems photographers need in place to scale sustainably  → Why branding is more than visuals—it’s about communication and connection  → The best way to organize Lightroom catalogs and folders for efficiency  → Why portfolio diversity and inclusivity are crucial for attracting dream clients  → How to use your website as a digital storefront that converts  → The mindset shift from photographer to CEO Links & Resources: Feature on Aftershoots Blog! -> The Art of Storytelling: Katie Monroe’s Photography Journey 🎉Special Aftershoot Offer: Not on Aftershoot Yet? Start your free trial today, and get my profile for free!Aftershoot Select, Essential, and Pro Users: Thinking about leveling up? Upgrade your plan, and my Creator Style is yours - no extra cost!Aftershoot Max Users: Enjoy 30% off when you grab my Creator Style. Plus, everyone gets their first 500 edits free when they download my Creator Style! READ: My Photography Journey & adapting to modern tech and AI Kreate Ai Editing Profile Discounts:  Aftershoot Free Trial + Editing Profile → TRY IT FREE (Includes 500 free edits)Aftershoot samples on my site  ​Explore My Websites: Mentorship + Coaching: The Kreate CollectiveWedding + Lifestyle: Kreate PhotographyBranding + Commercial: KM Photography FREE Resources Mentioned: FREE Training: 6-Figure Strategy Additional Kreate Ai Editing Profile Discounts:  Imagen AI — Get 25% Off + 1,500 Free Edits with code KREATE25 → TRY IT!Imagen samples on my site Let's Connect! Contact KatieInstagramFacebookLinkedInPinterestYoutube ​Would you be interested in being a guest? Fill out this form!

    1h 20m
  7. Ep. 13: Creative Success With No Burnout with with Weronika Sobolak [ex-Meta]

    11/04/2025

    Ep. 13: Creative Success With No Burnout with with Weronika Sobolak [ex-Meta]

    In this episode of Focus and Flourish, I’m joined by Weronika Sobolak, a life and leadership coach and former Meta creative, to talk about one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face: burnout. Weronika shares her own journey of hitting that wall, how she rebuilt her approach to work, and the practical shifts she now teaches creatives to thrive without sacrificing themselves in the process. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to keep pushing, even when your body and mind are telling you to slow down, this conversation will give you permission to pause, reset, and redefine what success looks like on your terms. What You’ll Learn:  → How to recognize the early signs of burnout before it takes over  → Why slowing down is often the key to moving forward  → Strategies to turn stress into fuel for growth  → How to reconnect with your core values and build a business that feels aligned  → Simple practices to protect your well-being while chasing big creative goals Links & Resources: About Weronika Sobolak [ex-Meta]: https://www.weronikasobolak.com/about Grab our FREE 20 Affirmations for Focus, Clarity, and Confidence Guide ​Explore My Websites: Mentorship + Coaching: The Kreate CollectiveWedding + Lifestyle:  Kreate PhotographyBranding + Commercial: KM Photography Special Ai Editing Offers! We are founders with Aftershoot & partners with Imagen AI Not on Aftershoot Yet? 500 FREE edits and Get 15% off and try my profile FREE with code: KREATEPHOTOGRAPHYAftershoot Founders: Click here for UNLIMITED culling & editing $499 a year, only 356 spots left globally!Aftershoot Max Users: Enjoy 30% off when you grab my Creator Style. Plus, everyone gets their first 500 edits free when they download my Creator Style!Imagen AI — Get 25% Off + 1,500 Free Edits with code TRYNOW25KP → TRY IT!Imagen samples on my site FREE Resources Mentioned: FREE Training: 6-Figure Strategy Let's Connect! Contact KatieInstagramFacebookLinkedInPinterestYoutube ​Would you be interested in being a guest? Fill out this form!

    22 min
  8. Ep. 12: Soulful Branding and Balancing Parenthood with Madison Standkey

    10/21/2025

    Ep. 12: Soulful Branding and Balancing Parenthood with Madison Standkey

    In this episode of the Focus and Flourish podcast, host Katie Monroe sits down with Madison Standkey, brand strategist and founder of Soulful Solution. They dive into the importance of building an authentic brand that resonates with your values and attracts the right clients. Madison shares her journey of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, offering honest insights into creating a business that’s both successful and sustainable. At Soulful Solution, her process is simple, intuitive, and collaborative. From discovery to launch, she makes each step not only clear but enjoyable—helping founders feel supported every step of the way. The goal isn’t just a polished brand or a beautiful website, but the confidence to sell your services, show up for your vision, and step fully into the most aligned version of your entrepreneurial self. Tune in to learn how to craft a brand that truly reflects who you are, while navigating the real challenges of building a business as a parent. What You’ll Learn ➝ How to craft a brand that feels authentic and values-driven ➝ Why a simple, collaborative process can make branding enjoyable instead of overwhelming ➝ The mindset shifts that give entrepreneurs the confidence to sell and show up consistently ➝ Practical ways to balance parenthood with entrepreneurship without burning out ➝ How to stay aligned with your truest version of yourself while growing your business Links & Resources: Madison Standke: https://www.soulfulsolution.co/ ​Explore My Websites: Mentorship + Coaching: The Kreate CollectiveWedding + Lifestyle: Kreate PhotographyBranding + Commercial: KM Photography FREE Resources Mentioned: FREE Training: 6-Figure StrategyLearn more about Momentum Method + Book a Free Call with Katie!Modern Photographer's Brand Identity Handbook (50-Page Guide!) Kreate Ai Editing Profile Discounts:  Aftershoot Free Trial + Editing Profile → TRY IT FREE (Includes 500 free edits)Imagen AI — Get 25% Off + 1,500 Free Edits with code KREATE25 → TRY IT!Imagen samples on my siteAftershoot samples on my site Let's Connect! Contact KatieInstagramFacebookLinkedInPinterest ​Would you be interested in being a guest? Fill out this form!

    29 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

As a professional photographer, you’re not just an artist - you’re also running a business. But how do you balance creativity with managing clients, marketing, pricing, and scaling your business without burning out? Focus and Flourish is a photography business podcast designed to help photographers like you build a thriving, profitable business while maintaining your love for the actual art. Hosted by Katie Monroe, a nationally renowned wedding and brand photographer who scaled her business to a quarter million just two years after starting her family, this podcast delivers actionable strategies to help you grow confidently and clearly. Each episode dives into proven business systems that will support you in streamlining operations, boosting efficiency, and maximizing profitability. You'll learn how to attract dream clients, automate workflows, specialize in your niche, and implement photography pricing strategies that reflect your true value. Focus and Flourish also prioritizes self-care for photographers, offering insights on time management, overcoming mindset blocks, and building resilience to prevent burnout. Whether you’re refining your brand storytelling, cultivating a marketing strategy, optimizing SEO for your photography website, or learning how to delegate effectively, Focus and Flourish will equip you with the tools to scale your business sustainably. Join Katie Monroe and a community of forward-thinking photographers ready to evolve beyond technical skills and create careers that flourish both creatively and financially.

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