The One Behind the Lens with Kate DeCoste

Kate DeCoste
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Visual Arts
  • Updated Weekly

The One Behind the Lens is the podcast for photographers in their first 5 years of business. Host Kate DeCoste shares real-talk strategies, behind-the-scenes stories, and bold advice to help you grow a business that fits your life. From branding to pricing and mindset to marketing - it’s all here. Grab your camera and your confidence - it’s time to Shutter Up and Shine. 🎧 New episodes every week starting August 4, 2025. Follow now so you don’t miss a thing!

  1. 6d ago

    S3 Ep 10: The One Where AI Can't Steal Your Joy with Jon Cheney

    The One Where AI Can't Steal Your Joy with Jon Cheney In this episode, I sit down with Jon Cheney, founder and CEO of the General AI Proficiency Institute, to talk about what AI actually means for photographers and creatives — beyond the hype and the fear. Jon breaks down how AI is already working behind the scenes in your iPhone photos, how to use it to fix blown shots, remove distractions, and clean up editing work that used to eat up hours. We also get into the tools he actually uses day to day, why different AI platforms can give you completely different answers to the same question, and the story behind how he built an entire business — one that would've cost $3.2 million and 18 months the traditional way — in a single weekend for $400. My favorite part of this conversation: Jon's take on why the joy of creating, and the stewardship that comes after, is something AI can never take from us. In this episode we cover: Why you're probably already using AI without realizing it Using AI to fix framing issues, remove distractions, and clean up shots How to give your AI tools your own "voice" for writing and content What Jon actually uses ChatGPT, Claude, and Replit for in his own business Why AI platforms can give wildly different answers depending on how they're trained How Jon built a business in a weekend for $400 Why creativity and stewardship are uniquely human, no matter how good AI gets 0:00 Intro 2:14 Who is Jon Cheney? From tech-lover to AI founder 4:42 You're already using AI (yes, even on your iPhone) 5:10 Jon's Alaska story: fixing a blown photo with AI 7:34 Removing distractions — cars, trees, tan lines, blemishes 9:34 Why AI just makes creatives faster, not less creative 10:54 What AI can take off a photographer's plate (admin, emails, scheduling) 13:00 Vibe coding explained: how Jon uses Replit 16:17 Giving AI "your voice" for writing and content 19:00 Will photographers get left behind if they ignore AI? 22:25 Jon's business and course offer (with your discount code) 24:54 ChatGPT vs. Claude vs. Replit vs. Midjourney — what Jon uses for what 30:54 Why different AI platforms give different answers 36:13 Spotting AI content and being transparent about your process 40:00 The future of photography and why AI can't fake real creativity 42:48 Creation vs. stewardship — the part AI can never replace 44:49 How Jon built a $3.2M business in one weekend for $400 48:23 Jon's advice: the first AI tool to try if you're starting from zero 53:00 Rapid fire questions 57:47 Shoutout to Jon's mom, Carolyn Cheney (1.1M followers!) 59:03 Where to find Jon and wrap-up Evoto — my go-to AI editing tool for things like skin retouching, tan lines, and blemish removal. Get free credits to try it for yourself here: katedecostephotography.com/form/the-one-where-you-get-evoto Connect with Jon Cheney: LinkedIn: Jon Cheney Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, YouTube: @CheneyPiano Course: "How to Build a Business in a Weekend" at GenAIPI.org — use code KATE for $350 off https://genaipi.org/live-courses/1 Follow his mom, Carolyn Cheney, a nature photographer with 1.1 million followers

  2. Aug 7

    S3 Ep 9: The One About Building Trust (Not Just Followers) on Social Media with Katie Love

    She's the Founder and CEO of a multi seven-figure, women-led social media agency and a former NBC News reporter, and in this episode Katie Love breaks down what really builds trust on social and it's not follower count. Hey Shutter Squad! This episode is packed for photographers and creatives. Katie Love, founder of Love Social Media, joins me to talk about why credibility matters more than followers, the story behind her very first $800 brand photos (and her now-iconic pink brand), why chasing everyone means you're building trust with no one, and the biggest content mistake she sees photographers make over and over. We also talk about the three "hooks" that stop someone from scrolling, why Pinterest and YouTube are so underrated for booking clients, and how her team actually uses AI without losing their voice. Katie is an Entreprenista 100 winner, and Love Social Media was named to Inc's Best Places to Work 2025. Plus — her team currently has five reels nominated for the Reelies Awards, and she shares a rapid-fire round at the end you don't want to miss. Connect with Katie LoveInstagram: @katielovesocialWebsite: loveyoursocialmedia.com Get VSCO ONE: https://refer.vsco.co/katedecoste If this episode helped you, I'd love if you left a review or shared it with a friend. See you next time, right here behind the lens.

  3. Jul 31

    S3 Ep 8: The One About What to Wear for Senior Pictures

    One of the biggest myths about senior pictures is that you need to buy an entirely new wardrobe. The truth? Some of the best outfits are already hanging in your closet. In this episode, you'll learn: In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate shares how to choose outfits that feel authentic, photograph beautifully, and help you feel confident in front of the camera. Whether you're a senior, a parent, or a photographer guiding clients through the planning process, you'll walk away with practical tips that take the stress out of deciding what to wear. Because at the end of the day, your clothes shouldn't steal the spotlight—they should help tell your story. Why confidence always photographs better than expensive clothes. How to build outfit variety without buying an entirely new wardrobe. Why your clothing should complement your location—not compete with it. The importance of choosing outfits you can comfortably sit, walk, and move in. Creative ways to incorporate your hobbies, interests, and personality into your wardrobe. How one "dressier" outfit can elevate your gallery while still feeling like you. Why trying on outfits before your session can save stress on picture day. Kate's favorite planning tip: sending outfit photos to your photographer before your session. Mentioned in this episode 📖 Free Resource: What to Wear for Senior Pictures: A Nebraska Senior Style Guide Not sure where to start? This free guide walks you through choosing outfits that fit your personality, complement your location, and photograph beautifully. Even if you don't live in Nebraska, the advice applies to every senior session. 👉 Read the guide:https://www.katedecostephotography.com/blog/what-to-wear-for-your-nebraska-senior-pictureshttps://www.katedecostephotography.com/blog/what-to-wear-for-your-nebraska-senior-pictures ✨ Shop your closet first. ✨ Dress for your location. ✨ Comfort creates confidence. ✨ Your senior pictures should look like you—not someone else's Pinterest board. Almost every senior worries about one thing before picture day: "What if I'm awkward in front of the camera?" In the next Senior Session Playbook episode, Kate shares how she helps seniors feel comfortable, confident, and natural—even if they've never had professional photos taken before. Let's Connect Website: https://www.katedecostephotography.com Instagram: @katedecoste Facebook: Kate DeCoste Photography Pinterest: Kate DeCoste Photography If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a senior or parent who's getting ready to plan senior pictures. Your support helps more families discover the podcast and feel confident before they ever step in front of the camera.

  4. Jul 24

    S3 Ep7: The One About Choosing the Perfect Senior Picture Location

    When most people start planning senior pictures, they ask the same question:**"Where should we take them?"**But what if that's actually the wrong place to start?In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate pulls back the curtain on her senior session planning process and shares why the best senior sessions don't begin with a location—they begin with getting to know the person in front of the camera.From asking the right questions during consultations to uncovering meaningful places, hobbies, and experiences, Kate explains how every senior session can become a personalized reflection of who someone is instead of just another Pinterest-inspired photoshoot.Whether you're a high school senior, a parent, or a photographer looking to create a more intentional client experience, this episode will help you think differently about planning a session that's authentic, memorable, and uniquely personal.In this episode, you'll learn:* Why choosing a location should never be the first step.* The consultation questions that reveal the best session ideas.* How to move beyond sports and school activities to tell a more complete story.* Why Pinterest should inspire your session—not define it.* How outfits and locations should work together.* Practical planning tips that can save time and reduce stress on session day.* What to do when a senior says, "I have absolutely no ideas."* Why some of Kate's favorite galleries started with clients who felt completely stuck.Mentioned in this episode:📖 Free Resource: How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Nebraska Senior PicturesIf you're planning your senior session and need help deciding where to take your photos, this free guide walks you through the same process Kate uses during every consultation. From flower farms and soccer fields to hometown favorites and meaningful locations, you'll learn how to create a senior session that truly reflects your personality.👉 Read the guide:https://www.katedecostephotography.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-perfect-location-for-your-nebraska-senior-picturesWant to checkout VSCO One?👉https://www.katedecostephotography.com/form/the-one-where-you-get-vsco-oneComing Up NextThe One About What to Wear for Senior PicturesWondering what to wear for your senior session? In the next episode, Kate shares how to choose outfits that complement your location, photograph beautifully, and help you feel confident in front of the camera—without buying an entirely new wardrobe.---Lets ConnectWebsite: https://www.katedecostephotography.comInstagram: @katedecosteFacebook: Kate DeCoste PhotographyPinterest: Kate DeCoste PhotoIf this episode was helpful, consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with a senior or parent who is starting to plan senior pictures. Every review helps more families discover the podcast and feel a little more confident before stepping in front of the camera.💥 New episodes every week.💻 Learn more + get freebies at katedecostephotography.com/podcast📸 Follow Kate on Instagram: @katedecoste✨ It’s time to Shutter Up & Shine.

  5. Jul 17

    S3 Ep6: The One About the Future of Photography with Eric Wittman, CEO of VSCO

    What does the future of photography actually look like? If you've been feeling overwhelmed by constant changes in social media, AI, marketing, and the business side of photography, you're not alone. This week, I'm joined by Eric Wittman, CEO of VSCO, for a conversation about where our industry is headed and why photographers should be paying just as much attention to their business as they do their camera. We talk about why photographers aren't struggling because they need to take better photos. Instead, they're trying to navigate marketing, visibility, pricing, client management, and running a profitable business in a rapidly changing world. Eric also shares his perspective on AI, why he believes photographers aren't being replaced, and how technology should support creativity not replace it. Of course, we also dive into VSCO One, VSCO's all-in-one platform built to simplify the business side of photography by bringing together editing, galleries, portfolio websites, client management, contracts, education, and workflow into one place. Whether you're just starting your photography business or you've been photographing clients for years, this episode is packed with practical insights that will help you think differently about where our industry is headed. In this episode • The biggest challenges photographers face in 2026 • Why the business side of photography is often harder than photography itself • How AI is changing the creative industry • The importance of community and mentorship • Why photographers need to adapt their marketing strategies • Building a business that lasts • An inside look at VSCO One Resources Mentioned 📸 Learn more about VSCO One:https://refer.vsco.co/katedecoste ☕ Free Photography Resources:https://www.katedecostephotography.com If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to leave a review and share it with another photographer. Your support helps more creatives discover the show, and it truly means the world to me.

  6. Jul 10

    S3 Ep 5: The One About Building a Business Around Your Life with Tiffany Crenshaw

    What if the key to growing your photography business isn't working more... but working differently?In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, I'm joined by family photographer, educator, homeschooling mom of three, and founder of the Realign Retreat, Tiffany Crenshaw.Tiffany has intentionally built a photography business around her season of life instead of trying to force her life around her business. We dive into creating boundaries that actually stick, building a sustainable calendar, avoiding burnout, and why saying "no" can often be the best business decision you make.Whether you're juggling kids, another job, or simply trying to reclaim your evenings and weekends, this conversation is packed with practical ideas to help you build a business that supports the life you want—not the other way around.In This Episode We Talk About:Building a photography business around your current season of life.Creating a shooting schedule that protects your time and energy.Setting boundaries that actually improve your client experience.How CEO planning days and quarterly goal setting can transform your business.Avoiding burnout by saying "no" more often.Why comparing yourself to social media is holding you back.Transitioning into a new photography niche without starting over.Creating workflows that save time and reduce stress.Memorable Quotes"I'd rather be excellent for five clients than mediocre for thirty-five.""Sometimes we spend so much time protecting everyone else's mental and emotional space that we forget to protect our own.""We're not just photographers—we're CEOs."Connect with Tiffany📸 Instagram: @tiffanycrenshawedu📷 Photography: @animalhousephotographyLearn more about Tiffany's coaching, the Realign Retreat, and her educational resources through the links below.Free ResourceTiffany has generously shared her Quarterly Planning Guide to help you start thinking like the CEO of your business.➡️ Download the Quarterly Planning Guide: https://animalhousephotography.myflodesk.com/katiedResources MentionedSprout Studio CRMRealign RetreatQuarterly Planning GuideListener PerkLooking for a better way to organize your photography business?I've been using VSCO One to simplify my workflow, keep projects organized, and spend less time searching for files and more time creating.As a listener of The One Behind the Lens, you can save $75 on VSCO One using my referral link below.➡️ Get $75 Off VSCO One: https://refer.vsco.co/katedecosteLove the Podcast?If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to:⭐ Leave a review.📲 Share this episode with a photographer friend.🎙️ Subscribe so you never miss an episode of The One Behind the Lens.Connect with Kate🌐 Website: katedecostephotography.com📸 Instagram: @katedecoste🎥 YouTube: The One Behind the LensThanks so much for listening! Until next time, keep showing up, keep creating, and remember—you get to build a business that fits the life you want to live.💥 New episodes every week.💻 Learn more + get freebies at katedecostephotography.com/podcast📸 Follow Kate on Instagram: @katedecoste✨ It’s time to Shutter Up & Shine.

  7. Jul 3

    S3 Ep 4: The One About Being Multi-Passionate

    Have you ever felt like people wanted you to pick just one thing? Maybe you're a photographer who also teaches. A creative who's been dreaming about starting a podcast. A business owner with an idea you've been afraid to pursue because you're worried people will think you're "all over the place." In this solo episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate shares why being multi-passionate isn't something to apologize for—it's one of your greatest strengths. Through personal stories and practical encouragement, she explains how your passions can work together to build a stronger business, spark more creativity, and create a life that actually feels like you. Why society encourages us to stay inside one box The difference between having a clear niche and limiting yourself How your passions naturally strengthen one another Why thinking in seasons can reduce overwhelm How to stop apologizing for evolving A simple exercise to help you connect your passions Take five minutes and write down every passion, hobby, business idea, or creative outlet that lights you up. Then ask yourself: "How could one of these passions make another one stronger?" Instead of choosing between your passions, start looking for the ways they support one another. Creative work gets a whole lot easier when everything has a place. This episode is brought to you by VSCO Workspace I've been using VSCO Workspace to help organize projects, simplify my workflow, and spend less time searching for files and more time creating. ✨ Check it out using my referral link:👉 https://refer.vsco.co/katedecoste Connect with Kate 🌐 Website:https://www.katedecostephotography.com 📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/katedecoste 🎙️ Listen to more episodes of The One Behind the Lens 📩 Join Marketing Backstage for monthly marketing ideas, content prompts, and behind-the-scenes strategies:https://www.katedecostephotography.com/photographers If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to leave a review and share it with another creative who needs the reminder that they don't have to fit into someone else's box.

  8. Jun 26

    S3 Ep 3: The One About Pet Photography, Instagram Marketing & Redefining Success with Jen Hillenga

    What happens when you've built the business everyone thinks they should want... and discover you're miserable? In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate sits down with New York City pet photographer, educator, and entrepreneur Jen Hillenga to talk about the winding road that led her from portrait photography and million-dollar businesses to photographing dogs in one of the most competitive cities in the world. "I had spent my entire late twenties and thirties making a business, but I hadn't made a life." Jen shares her incredible journey—from working in portrait studios, building a successful education and template company, managing a large team, and eventually realizing that bigger wasn't necessarily better. As her businesses grew, so did the pressure. "I was praying for rain so I could cancel sessions." After selling her company and moving to New York, Jen found herself once again at a crossroads. During the pandemic, a creative project involving her own dogs sparked something she hadn't felt in years. "I think I'm done directing creative and I need to go back to being a creative." That realization eventually led her to launch what would become a thriving pet photography business built around freedom, creativity, and a completely different definition of success. In This Episode We Discuss: How Jen accidentally fell into photography and built her first portrait business The reality of managing employees, overhead, and multiple companies Why a million-dollar business wasn't bringing more fulfillment Leaving everything behind and moving to New York City Building a successful niche business around pet photography Creating a highly personalized client experience Using Instagram to build an engaged community Photographing dogs in one of the busiest cities in the world Why systems and boundaries can actually create more freedom Redefining success as your life and priorities change A Few Favorite Jen-isms "I'm happy to make people happy, but I'm not happy to inconvenience myself to convenience someone else." "Your clients will fall in line if these are your policies and they want what you have." "People just want joy these days." "I'm not talking about what I'm selling. I'm talking about the dog." "Dogs are kind of like toddlers... but they rarely have a bad day." Connect with Jen Website: The Ways of the Dog Instagram: @thewaysofthedog Pet Photographer Community: Pet Portrait Pros Spotlight: Sundays for Dogs — Get 50% OFF at Sundays for Dogs with the following link: https://share.sundaysfordogs.com/Kate43!18247fc234!a Final Takeaway This episode isn't really about dog photography. It's about permission. Permission to evolve. Permission to change your mind. Permission to redefine success. And permission to build a business that supports the life you want instead of the one you think you're supposed to want. "I swore to myself that if I did this again, I was going to do it differently." If you've ever found yourself questioning what success really looks like, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. Enjoyed the Episode? • Follow The One Behind the Lens• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform• Share this episode with a photographer or business owner friend Your support helps more creatives discover the show ✨ 💻 Learn more + get freebies at katedecostephotography.com/photographers 📸 Follow Kate on Instagram: @katedecoste ✨ It’s time to Shutter Up & Shine.

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The One Behind the Lens is the podcast for photographers in their first 5 years of business. Host Kate DeCoste shares real-talk strategies, behind-the-scenes stories, and bold advice to help you grow a business that fits your life. From branding to pricing and mindset to marketing - it’s all here. Grab your camera and your confidence - it’s time to Shutter Up and Shine. 🎧 New episodes every week starting August 4, 2025. Follow now so you don’t miss a thing!

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