Talkin' S#!t with the Cincottas

Salvatore Cincotta
  • 5.0 (7)
  • VISUAL ARTS

From industry rants to real-world advice, Talkin’ Sh!t with the Cincottas is the unfiltered, no-BS conversation every creative needs to hear.  Sal and Alissa Cincotta share the wins, the failures, and the hard truths behind running a creative business today.  It’s honest, sometimes messy, and always from the perspective of two people who’ve been in the trenches together through it all.  If you’re tired of the highlight reel and want the real story, you’re in the right place.

Episodes

  1. JAN 8

    Ep.9 | Travel Disaster in London

    Belmond Britannic Explorer ***SCREWED UP OUR TRAVEL PLANS*** When disaster strikes your business it should be defined by the way you handle it.. It's all about customer service. As business owners we have all dealt with customer services issues. We have all made mistakes. I think a business can really define themselves, not by the mistake itself, but by the way they deal with it.  In this video, Alissa and Sal discuss a recent luxury train trip that got cancelled the night before they were supposed to board the train.... in London!  Imagine, traveling halfway around the globe and having a trip cancelled on you. You have no hotel reservations, no way to travel back home without incurring additional penalties or fees.  We talk about Belmond Britannic Explorer - https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/britannic-explorer/ I CAN NOT RECOMMEND THEM ENOUGH!!  Subscribe for more straight-talk photography business tips and behind-the-scenes stories from the Cincottas.

    28 min

  2. 08/26/2025

    Ep.8 | Making Money with Destination Photoshoots

    On this episode of Talking S#!t with the Cincottas, we’re breaking down how we turned destination photoshoots into one of the most profitable (and fun) parts of our business. From our very first senior session in New York to weddings around the world, we’ve learned the hard lessons: What to charge, how to pitch it, what clients really want, and the logistics nobody talks about. This isn’t just about taking pretty pictures in a cool city. It’s about creating an experience, building a portfolio that sells, and making sure you don’t end up broke in the process. We share the wins, the screw-ups, and everything in between. If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling with your camera—or just want the raw truth about what it really takes—this one’s for you.

    33 min

  3. 08/07/2025

    Ep.7 | Starting Over From Scratch

    What would we do if we had to start our photography business from zero today? No brand. No leads. No clients. Just day one with everything we know now. In this episode of Talkin’ S#!t with the Cincottas, we break it all down—exactly how we’d rebuild if we had to do it all over again. From setting up marketing systems first, to choosing what we’d shoot (spoiler: we’re not doing weddings), we talk about the strategy and mindset that would drive every decision—plus what we’d avoid at all costs. This is the honest blueprint for photographers and creatives who are burnt out, overwhelmed, or just wishing they could reboot with clarity. In this episode: What we’d shoot—and what we wouldn’tHow to build marketing that drives results from day oneWhy we’d set up backend systems before booking clientsWhat we’d prioritize on social (and what we’d ignore)Can you actually build real work/life balance from the start?If you’ve ever wanted a do-over—or need a smarter path forward—this one’s for you.

    42 min

  4. 07/31/2025

    Ep.6 | How to Work with Your Spouse Without Killing Each Other

    In this episode of Talkin’ S#!t with the Cincottas, Sal and Alissa discuss what it’s really like to run multiple businesses together while staying married.  From navigating conflict and defining roles to owning your strengths and learning to communicate like adults, this episode is a brutally honest look at what it takes to build both a successful relationship and a successful company with your partner. In this episode: Why marriage and business partnerships are not the sameHow to separate business disagreements from personal onesThe rules they follow to avoid blowouts at the office and at homeWhat it really means to “stay in your lane”How to grow together instead of apartIf you’ve ever thought, “I could never work with my spouse,” or if you’re currently doing it and feeling the strain—this episode is for you.

    37 min

  5. 07/25/2025

    Ep.5 | Why Your Photography Business Is Failing Part 2

    Title: Why Your Photography Business Is Failing Pt 2 In Episode 5 of Talkin’ S#!t with the Cincottas, Sal and Alissa tackle what separates real businesses from hobbyists—systems, sales, and how you handle your calendar. This one’s a raw look at the habits, excuses, and lack of structure that are keeping photographers broke, overwhelmed, or both. Sal breaks down why being “creative” is not a free pass to operate without a business foundation. They talk about the root issue behind burnout, why most people say yes to everything out of fear, and the importance of protecting your time like a professional. In this episode: Why a lack of systems is costing you moneyHow to set boundaries and own your calendarThe difference between being self-employed and running a real businessWhy clients value structure (even if you don’t)What to say “no” to so you can say “yes” to the right thingsIf you’re tired of running in circles and feeling like you’re “always working,” this is the episode that’ll hit home.

    40 min

  6. 07/17/2025

    Ep.4 | Is There Money To Be Made In Photography

    In this episode of Talkin’ Shit with the Cincottas, Sal and Alissa go all in on a harsh reality: there IS money to be made, but most photographers aren’t making money—not because the market is bad, but because their business model is broken. They dissect the real reasons photographers struggle financially: bad pricing, chasing social media validation, shooting for free in the name of “exposure,” and wasting time building audiences instead of building businesses. Sal challenges creatives to stop blaming the economy and start facing the truth—your pricing, your habits, and your strategy are likely the problem. In this episode: Why most photographers are treating their business like a hobbyThe toxic culture of free shoots and styled sessionsSocial media followings vs. actual paying clientsWhat a sustainable photography business really looks likeThe difference between being busy and being profitableThis one’s a wake-up call. If you’ve been wondering why you’re booked solid but still broke, this episode is for you.

    32 min

  7. 07/08/2025

    Ep.3 | Politics In Business

    Should Politics Stay Out of Your Business? In this episode of Talkin’ Shit with the Cincottas, Sal and Alissa Cincotta dive into the polarizing intersection of politics and business—and whether the two should ever mix. With brutal honesty, they break down why expressing political opinions publicly could cost you clients, bookings, and relationships in the photography world and beyond. From cancel culture to social media echo chambers, they explore the risks business owners take when they tie their personal beliefs to their brand. You’ll hear candid stories, some sharp opinions, and a call for common sense: if you’re not in the business of politics, maybe don’t make it part of your business. Key topics include: Why neutrality might be your safest business moveThe illusion of influence onlineSocial media’s role in political performativityHow assumptions (not facts) are costing photographers workWhy the media profits from divisionWhether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or just someone trying to stay sane in today’s hyper-politicized climate, this episode will make you think twice before posting that next hot take.

    33 min

  8. 07/01/2025

    Ep.2 | Why Your Photography Business Is Failing

    Episode 2 – Why Your Photography Business Is Failing Let’s call it what it is: Most photographers aren’t running real businesses. They’ve got expensive cameras, pretty Instagram feeds, and zero clue how to market, sell, or grow. In this episode, Sal and Alissa break down exactly why so many photographers are struggling—and it’s not the economy, it’s not the competition, and it’s sure as hell not the algorithm. From bad websites and lazy marketing to the complete refusal to engage in sales, we’re shining a light on the real issues killing your business. We talk about the viral moment one photographer wasted, why creatives avoid the sales room, and why “just posting online” is not a marketing plan. If you’re tired of making excuses and ready to build a business that actually works, this one’s for you.

    41 min
  9. Ep.1 | Why Photographers Suck

    06/24/2025

    Ep.1 | Why Photographers Suck

    Ready to get down and dirty in the world of photography? In this episode Sal and Alissa discuss why photographers suck. You know, things like personal skills, chasing business vs chasing social media likes from people who don't matter, or not understanding their own businesses and what they are selling. And that's just the beginning.

    30 min
  • 9 Episodes

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

From industry rants to real-world advice, Talkin’ Sh!t with the Cincottas is the unfiltered, no-BS conversation every creative needs to hear.  Sal and Alissa Cincotta share the wins, the failures, and the hard truths behind running a creative business today.  It’s honest, sometimes messy, and always from the perspective of two people who’ve been in the trenches together through it all.  If you’re tired of the highlight reel and want the real story, you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Salvatore Cincotta
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Talkin' S#!t with the Cincottas
  • Show Website
    Talkin' S#!t with the Cincottas

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