Off the Memory Card: A Photographer’s Podcast

offthememorycard
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

🎙️ Off the Memory Card Where photographers talk about everything but taking photos. Hosted by Cathleen Burns of Use That Camera, Off the Memory Card dives into the 90% of photography no one teaches you; running a business, handling clients and keeping your creativity alive. Each episode tackles real-life struggles like imposter syndrome, burnout, overwhelm, and work/life balance, along with practical tips for booking more clients, planning better sessions, and wowing everyone who steps in front of your lens. If you’re a photographer or entrepreneur who wants to build a business that enhances your life -- not one that drains it -- this show is for you.

  1. 4d ago

    A Week in the Life of a Photography Couple: Shoots, Christmas Sets & Back-to-School Chaos

    What does a normal week look like when you’re a husband-and-wife photography team? Well… there really is no such thing as a normal week! In this episode of Off The Memory Card, Jeremy and I take you along for a very real, and pretty random, week in our lives. We had just gotten back from vacation, and before we could really settle back in, we were right back into work mode with photoshoots, editing, Christmas set prep, promotional photos, and a special event all packed into one week. One of the highlights was an event we photographed for Exceptional Possibilities, a nonprofit doing incredible work for children with special needs. Their annual fashion show is a fundraiser featuring kiddos with exceptionalities as the models, and we’ve had the privilege of photographing it every year. It’s one of our favorite events because so many of the kids who participate are also regular photography clients of ours. Getting to watch them grow and then cheer them on from behind the camera is pretty special. And because photography doesn't exist in a vacuum, our week also included getting our son ready to head back to school; shopping for clothes, finding a backpack and lunchbox, tracking down a water bottle, and dealing with all of the other little details that come with the end of summer. From vacation mode to work mode, from photographing an amazing fundraiser to building Christmas sets in the middle of summer, this episode is a pretty honest look at the beautifully chaotic reality of running a photography business while raising a family. Sometimes the most interesting part of running a photography business isn't the actual photography. It's the editing at night, the Christmas sets in July, the unexpected events, the family schedule, the school shopping, the emails, the promotional photos, the constant switching between photographer/business owner/parent and everything else life requires. This episode is just a little glimpse behind the curtain at what our life actually looks like. Because this is what life looks like… Off The Memory Card.

  2. Aug 10

    Misconceptions People have about Photographers

    Next month marks 11 years since I left my news reporting career to do photography full time...and almost immediately, I was met with skepticism. In this episode I'm getting honest about the misconceptions people have about photographers: that all we do is take photos, that it isn't a "real" full-time job, and the one that still gets under a lot of our skin...being called "a mom with a camera." I'm sharing the actual comments I've gotten over the years, how things shifted from photography being seen as a career to being written off as a hobby, and a little encouragement for anyone still fighting to be taken seriously. Push past it, prove yourself, and keep making that money. Learn with me Our membership is in the early stages...more on that to come. Want to be first to know? Join the waitlist: https://usethatcamera.com/community-waitlist Let's connect Website: https://www.usethatcamera.com Podcast: https://www.offthememorycard.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/burnsexposures If this episode resonated, I'd be so grateful for a quick review...it really does help the show grow. Be kind, work hard and stay humble.

  3. Aug 3

    The Photography Tools I Actually Pay for and Why

    We all got into photography thinking we just needed a camera and a couple of lenses...and then the monthly subscriptions started rolling in. In this episode I'm pulling back the curtain on the tools I actually pay for on a recurring basis, why each one earns its keep (or doesn't), and how to tell the difference between a tool that's worth every penny and one that's just shiny. Some are true must-haves, some just make my life easier, and one I genuinely dread opening...but wouldn't run my business without. Tools mentioned in this episode - Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan** (Lightroom + Photoshop, cheaper than Photoshop alone): https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/compare-plans.html - Evoto** (AI-powered editing, cut my editing time in half): https://www.evoto.ai/payment?_uuid=qxzpsrsn&sId=zdhshrnm&utm_campaign=Referral+Program-1+&utm_medium=Operation&utm_source=referral&referral_code=RPFYKGIK48 (referral code **RPFYKGIK48**) - UseSession** (booking software): https://usesession.com/?via=usethatcamera - QuickBooks** (payments, invoices, mileage, taxes): https://quickbooks.intuit.com - Canva** (start free, upgrade to Pro later): https://www.canva.com - Kelly Brown / KellyBrownOnline (newborn photography education): https://www.kellybrownonline.com Learn with me - The membership is in the early stages...more on that to come. Want to be first to know? Join the waitlist: https://usethatcamera.com/community-waitlist Let's connect - Website: https://www.usethatcamera.com - Podcast: https://www.offthememorycard.com - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/burnsexposures If this episode helped, I'd be so grateful for a quick review...it really does help the show grow. Be kind, work hard and stay humble.

  4. Jul 27

    Stop Chasing the Algorithm. Start Building Relationships.

    As a photographer or small business owner, marketing can often feel overwhelming. With changing strategies and shifting audiences, how do you ensure your business stands out? In this episode, we dive into insights from marketing expert BG Hamrick, who brings decades of experience in helping businesses grow. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and storytelling in marketing, offering actionable strategies for those just starting out. BG highlights how consumers are increasingly drawn to real stories and genuine connections over flashy marketing tactics.  Consumers today are savvy and can see through traditional marketing tactics that lack sincerity. They seek businesses that reflect true commitment and values. Establishing long-term relationships with customers is crucial. When customers can confidently recommend your services, you know you’ve succeeded in your marketing efforts. If you’re starting a photography business from scratch, BG recommends understanding what differentiates you from competitors. Here are his key suggestions: 1. Define Your Unique Story: What makes your journey special? Share your experiences and why you’re passionate about photography. 2. Marketing as a System: Instead of treating marketing like a one-time campaign, make it a consistent part of your business operations. 3. Emotional Connection: Create authentic connections with potential clients by sharing your story rather than just your qualifications. Social media should be viewed as a stage for engagement rather than a store for sales. BG emphasizes that your goal should be to cultivate relationships and gather email addresses for deeper connections. Here’s how: - Document Your Journey: Share behind-the-scenes moments, editing processes, and personal stories to engage your audience authentically. - Engage with Your Community: Start by reaching out to your immediate network. Personal recommendations can be powerful in building your client base. - Content Creation: Focus on creating relatable content that reflects your personality and style. Use visuals that showcase your work, and don’t shy away from sharing personal anecdotes. While social media is vital, BG stresses the importance of email marketing as a long-term strategy. Here’s why: - Ownership of Your Audience: Unlike social media platforms, your email list is yours to build and nurture. This means you have direct access to your audience without algorithm interference. - Relationship Building: Emails allow for deeper, more personal communication. Craft engaging subject lines and valuable content to keep your audience interested. - Promoting Offers: When launching special sessions or promotions, email ensures that your announcements reach all your subscribers directly. In conclusion, successful marketing in the photography business hinges on authenticity, storytelling, and building genuine relationships. By understanding your unique story, leveraging social media effectively, and prioritizing email marketing, you can create a thriving business that resonates with your audience.

  5. Jul 20

    Photographer Q&A: Travel Fees, Location Conflicts & Difficult Clients

    Some of the best podcast episodes come from real questions photographers are asking every day; and this week is exactly that. After answering multiple emails from photographers looking for advice, I realized many of you are probably facing the same challenges. So instead of focusing on one big topic, we're doing a grab bag Q&A episode covering three completely different situations that every photographer is likely to encounter at some point. We discuss how to price destination sessions, what to do when another photographer is already using your location, and how to recognize when a potential client may not be the right fit for your business. Whether you're just getting started or you've been photographing for years, these are practical situations that don't always have one perfect answer, but I'll share how we handle them in our own business and the lessons we've learned along the way. In This Episode How to determine travel fees for destination sessions When it's appropriate to charge (or not charge) for travel Tips for booking multiple clients to offset travel expenses What to do if another photographer is already at your shooting location Handling private locations vs. public spaces professionally Why kindness and communication go a long way when sharing locations Recognizing early warning signs of a difficult client Setting healthy boundaries before a session is even booked Charging appropriately for extra requests and extensive editing Why it's okay to say, "We're not the right fit." Protecting your time, your schedule, and your peace of mind Key Takeaway Every business decision doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're pricing travel, navigating a busy location, or setting boundaries with a demanding client; it all comes back to knowing your worth, protecting your time, and communicating with confidence. Mentioned in This Episode Episode 3: Dealing with Difficult Clients (for a deeper dive into handling challenging client situations) Let's Connect Have a photography business question you'd like answered on a future episode? Send it my way. You might hear it featured in an upcoming Q&A episode! If you enjoyed today's episode, I'd be so grateful if you'd leave a review and share the podcast with another photographer. Your support helps Off the Memory Card reach more photographers who need encouragement and practical business advice. Until next time... Be kind, work hard, and stay humble.

  6. Jul 13

    Taking a Vacation Without Taking Your Business With You

    When was the last time you truly stepped away from your business? In this week's episode, I'm sharing some thoughts after returning from a week-long family vacation in Nashville. As photographers and entrepreneurs, it's easy to physically leave work while mentally carrying it everywhere we go. This trip reminded me how important it is to be fully present, not just with family, but with ourselves. We talk about why unplugging can feel uncomfortable, why re-entry into work is always a little messy, and why taking time away isn't something you earn after everything is finished. It's something your mental health actually needs. I also share why I made the unusual decision to leave my camera at home, how watching my son play with his cousins shifted my perspective, and why those moments are worth protecting. Whether you can take a full week away or just carve out a single afternoon, I hope this episode encourages you to give yourself permission to disconnect. In This Episode Why it's so difficult for entrepreneurs to completely unplug What a week away from work taught me about being present The importance of protecting family memories instead of always documenting them Why coming back to work feeling behind is sometimes a worthwhile trade-off How taking time away can improve your mental health and creativity A simple challenge to help you disconnect; even if you only have one day Key Takeaway Your business will always have another email to answer, another session to edit, or another promotion to launch. But the moments with the people you love don't wait. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do for your business is to step away from it. Connect with Me If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you! Leave a review, send me a message, or share this episode with another photographer or entrepreneur who could use the reminder to slow down. And if you're enjoying Off the Memory Card, be sure to subscribe so you never miss a new episode. www.usethatcamera.com https://www.facebook.com/burnsexposures Be kind, work hard, and stay humble.

  7. Jul 6

    More Than a Photoshoot: The Transformative Power of Boudoir

    Boudoir photography is about so much more than beautiful portraits. For many women, it's an opportunity to rediscover confidence, embrace their bodies, and see themselves through a completely different lens. In this episode of Off the Memory Card, I sit down with boudoir photographer Brooke Tyler, owner of Leather and Lace Luxury Boudoir, to talk about her inspiring journey from full-time nurse to empowering women through photography. Brooke shares how her own boudoir experience after leaving an abusive relationship changed her life and inspired her to create a safe, uplifting space where women can celebrate who they are. We also discuss what really happens during a boudoir session, why trust is such an important part of the experience, and how these sessions often become just as healing as they are photographic. Brooke also opens up about balancing a successful photography business while working full-time as a nurse and raising a family. In this episode, we discuss: Brooke's journey through nursing and becoming a luxury boudoir photographer. How her own boudoir experience inspired her career. Why boudoir photography is about confidence, healing, and self-worth...not just beautiful photos. What clients can expect before and during a boudoir session. Creating a safe, judgment-free environment where women feel comfortable being themselves. The emotional transformations Brooke witnesses during every session. Balancing photography, nursing, motherhood and entrepreneurship. Time management, self-care and building a business you're passionate about. Whether you're a photographer interested in offering boudoir or someone who's always wondered what the experience is really like, this conversation offers an honest look at the life-changing impact boudoir photography can have. Connect with Brooke Tyler Follow Brooke and see more of her incredible work at Leather and Lace Luxury Boudoir on Facebook: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090227284726

  8. Jun 29

    What Teaching a Room Full of Photographers Taught Me

    What happens when you spend nine hours teaching photographers? You end up exhausted...but completely full. In this episode of Off the Memory Card, I'm sharing a different kind of workshop recap. Yes, we spent the day diving deep into lighting techniques, but what stayed with me had very little to do with camera settings. I talk about the boudoir photographer who finally had that breakthrough moment after struggling with consistency, the incredible photographer rebuilding her business after moving from Brazil; learning through a translation app every step of the way, and the unexpected joy of watching photographers connect, collaborate, and remind each other that none of us were meant to build this business alone. Whether you're just starting your photography journey or you've been running your business for years, this episode is a reminder that the relationships we build often matter just as much as the skills we learn. In This Episode Why this workshop left me exhausted; in the best possible way The moment one photographer finally understood lighting What a photographer from Brazil taught me about courage and perseverance How a room full of experienced photographers created something bigger than the workshop itself Why running a photography business can feel lonely, and how to change that The unexpected gift that teaching gives back to the teacher A simple challenge to help you build your photography community this week Key Takeaway Photography isn't meant to be a solo journey. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs don't come from mastering your camera; they come from connecting with people who understand exactly what you're building. Listen & Subscribe If this episode encouraged you, please share it with another photographer who could use the reminder that they don't have to do this alone.

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🎙️ Off the Memory Card Where photographers talk about everything but taking photos. Hosted by Cathleen Burns of Use That Camera, Off the Memory Card dives into the 90% of photography no one teaches you; running a business, handling clients and keeping your creativity alive. Each episode tackles real-life struggles like imposter syndrome, burnout, overwhelm, and work/life balance, along with practical tips for booking more clients, planning better sessions, and wowing everyone who steps in front of your lens. If you’re a photographer or entrepreneur who wants to build a business that enhances your life -- not one that drains it -- this show is for you.

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