EPIC – The Destination and Adventure Elopement Photographer Podcast

Sheryl Anne - Elopement Photographer

The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass) is where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to feel inspired, get connected, and keep learning. Hosted by elopement photographer Sheryl Anne, this show brings you real stories, practical tips, and behind-the-scenes insight into building a thriving elopement photography business. It’s your compass for inspiration, connection, and growth—helping you stay true to your path. If you’re ready to grow, create with purpose, and connect with other adventurous photographers, this is your space. Stay EPIC!

  1. Jul 14

    How to Balance Motherhood and an Elopement Photography Business with Eva-Johanna Lepik

    Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the podcast for destination and adventure elopement photographers who want to build meaningful businesses while creating unforgettable experiences for their couples. In this episode, I'm joined by Eva-Johanna Lepik, founder of Elopements with Eva, a destination elopement photographer, planner, and coordinator based in Estonia who helps couples create unforgettable experiences across Italy, Portugal, and Europe. Together, we dive into what it really looks like to balance motherhood with building a thriving destination photography business. We talk about outsourcing, batching destination elopements, creating intentional systems, attracting premium clients, and why success doesn't require a massive social media following. Whether you're a parent, dreaming of becoming one, or simply trying to build a sustainable photography business, this conversation is full of practical advice and encouraging reminders that you don't have to choose between your family and your dreams. In this episode, you'll hear: How Eva balances motherhood while running a destination photography businessWhy batching destination elopements creates more time with familyThe importance of outsourcing and building efficient business systemsHow to overcome mom guilt while pursuing your careerWhy taking care of yourself helps you become a better parent and business ownerHow Eva broke into destination elopement photography without an established portfolioWhy Google Ads have been more effective than social media for booking luxury clientsHow to attract premium destination elopement clients without thousands of followersThe value of investing in education and business coachingHow offering a luxury client experience helps photographers stand outWhy creating your own business model is better than copying everyone elseAdvice for photographers trying to balance family, travel, and entrepreneurship This episode is an honest conversation about building a photography business that supports both your personal life and your biggest dreams, proving that you don't have to choose one over the other. Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC. Links & Resources Follow Eva Instagram: @elopementswitheva Website: https://elopementswitheva.com/ Explore EPIC: The Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass Find resources created for elopement photographers, including community, courses, creativity tools, and client experience resources to help you build intentional, experience-focused elopements. Access planning guide templates, TikTok education, drone photography courses, and more. Use code EPIC15 for $15 off. https://sherylannephoto.com/epic Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @sherylannephoto@epicphotopodcast Explore my work:https://sherylannephoto.com

  2. Jul 7

    Why Keeping Your Full-Time Job Can Help You Build a Successful Photography Business

    Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to connect, grow, and build intentional businesses. In this solo episode, I'm sharing a perspective that isn't talked about enough in the photography industry: why keeping your full-time job might actually be one of the biggest advantages when you're building your photography business. So much advice online tells photographers to quit their jobs, go all in, and figure it out along the way. While that approach works for some people, my experience was completely different. During my final years in the Navy, I built my photography business on the side before making the leap into full-time entrepreneurship. Looking back, having a steady income gave me the freedom to make smarter business decisions, invest in my growth, and build a strong foundation before relying on photography as my primary source of income. In this episode, you'll hear: Why financial stability can accelerate your business growthHow a full-time job gives you the confidence to take bigger business risksWhy having an "exit strategy" motivated me to build my photography businessThe investments that helped me grow faster, from education to advertisingHow I built my destination elopement portfolio before going full-timeWhy investing in Google and Meta Ads changed my businessThe importance of thinking long-term instead of focusing on immediate incomeWhy there is no single "right" path to becoming a full-time photographerThe advice my husband gave me that completely changed my careerHow to use your current job as an advantage instead of seeing it as a setback Whether you're balancing photography with a full-time job or wondering when the right time is to take the leap into entrepreneurship, this episode will help you see your current season as an opportunity rather than a limitation. Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC. Links & Resources Explore EPIC: The Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass Find resources created for elopement photographers, including community, courses, creativity tools, and client experience resources to help you build intentional, experience-focused elopements. Access planning guide templates, TikTok education, drone photography courses, and more. Use code EPIC15 for $15 off. https://sherylannephoto.com/epic Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @sherylannephoto @epicphotopodcast Explore my work:https://sherylannephoto.com

  3. Jun 30

    How I'd Start a Photography Business in 2026 (What I'd Do Differently)

    Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the podcast for destination and adventure elopement photographers who want to build a thriving business while creating unforgettable experiences for their couples. In this solo episode, I'm sharing exactly what I would do if I had to start my photography business from scratch in 2026. After years of building a destination elopement business, traveling the world, and mentoring photographers, I've noticed that many new photographers are asking the same questions. So instead of giving scattered advice, I wanted to lay out the roadmap I would personally follow if I were starting over today. From choosing a niche and building a portfolio to marketing, education, SEO, and creating an incredible client experience, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you avoid common mistakes and grow your business with intention. In this episode, you'll hear: How to choose a photography niche without feeling boxed inWhy waiting until you feel "ready" is holding you backThe importance of building your personal brand on social mediaHow to create your own opportunities through styled shoots and model callsWhy investing in education can save you years of trial and errorThe marketing strategies I'd prioritize in 2026, including SEO and paid adsWhen to start running Google and Meta AdsWhy systems, workflows, and client experience matter from day oneThe biggest mindset shifts that helped me grow my photography businessWhether you're launching your photography business or looking to transition into destination elopements, this episode will help you focus on the actions that truly move the needle and build a business designed for long-term success. Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC. Links & Resources Explore EPIC: The Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass Find resources created for elopement photographers, including community, courses, creativity tools, and client experience resources to help you build intentional, experience-focused elopements. Access planning guide templates, TikTok education, drone photography courses, and more. Use code EPIC15 for $15 off. https://sherylannephoto.com/epic Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @sherylannephoto @epicphotopodcast Explore my work:https://sherylannephoto.com

  4. Jun 2

    How Elopement Photography Retreats Can Transform Your Business

    Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to connect, grow, and build intentional businesses. I’m your host, Sheryl Anne, destination elopement photographer, Navy veteran, and proud mama. In this episode, I’m joined by Kasey Jo, founder of Elope Academy and one of the leading educators in the elopement photography industry. Kasey shares her journey from photographing 40 traditional weddings a year while working a full-time job to building a business focused on adventure elopements, education, retreats, and community. After attending a photography retreat in Iceland that completely changed the direction of her career, Kasey discovered the power of intentional experiences and went on to create Elope Academy, helping hundreds of photographers grow their businesses through education, connection, and destination elopement experiences. In this episode, we dive into the value of photography retreats beyond just creating a beautiful portfolio. Kasey shares what photographers should look for before investing in a retreat, how destination experience can improve your client experience, and why building genuine community is one of the most powerful parts of growing as an elopement photographer. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Kasey went from traditional weddings to full-time elopement photographyWhy attending a retreat completely changed the direction of her businessHow Elope Academy was created and what makes an intentional retreat experienceWhy retreats are more than just styled shoots and portfolio buildingHow to choose the right photography retreat for your goalsHow destination experience helps you better serve elopement couplesThe reality of planning destination elopements behind the scenesWhy community matters in the elopement photography industryHow photographers can turn retreat content into real business growthAdvice for building a sustainable and meaningful photography business This episode is for elopement photographers who want to grow intentionally, build connections, create better client experiences, and step into destination photography with more confidence. Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC. Links & Resources Explore EPIC: The Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass Find resources created for elopement photographers, including community, courses, creativity tools, and client experience resources to help you build intentional, experience-focused elopements. Access planning guide templates, TikTok education, drone photography courses, and more. Use code EPIC15 for $15 off. https://sherylannephoto.com/epic Follow Kasey Jo and Elope Academy:Website: https://elopeacademy.comInstagram: @elopeacademy Use Code: SHERYLANNEPHOTO at checkout or your application for content days, retreats, and educational courses! Follow Kasey’s Photography:Website: https://elopewithkaseyjo.comInstagram: @elopewithkaseyjo Follow me on Instagram and TikTok:@sherylannephoto@epicphotopodcast Explore my work:https://sherylannephoto.com

  5. May 5

    How to Book Destination Elopements & Build a Travel Photography Business with The Chaffins

    Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to connect, grow, and build intentional businesses. I’m your host, Sheryl Anne, destination elopement photographer, Navy veteran, and proud mama. In this episode, I’m joined by Sammie and Micah Chaffin, a husband and wife elopement photography team known for their cinematic storytelling, destination work, and intentional client experience. They share how they built a full-time elopement photography business together, how they broke into destination elopements without a portfolio, and what it really takes to succeed in this space beyond just taking beautiful photos. This episode is packed with real strategies, honest insights, and behind-the-scenes processes that can help you grow your elopement photography business with intention. In this episode, you’ll hear: How to transition from weddings to elopements and niche down with confidence How to book destination elopements without prior international experience Why travel experience matters more than a destination portfolio Practical ways to build a destination portfolio on a budget How to guide clients into dream locations and create unforgettable experiences The reality of destination photography and what no one talks about Their full location scouting process for new and unfamiliar places How they structure their husband and wife photography business The difference between being a good photographer vs a good business owner How mindset, mental health, and consistency impact long-term success Links & Resources Follow The Chaffins: Instagram: @thechaffins Website: https://thechaffins.co Links & Resources Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @sherylannephoto and @epicphotopodcastExplore my work: https://sherylannephoto.com Booked Not ViralA calm TikTok content system for elopement photographers.Use code EPIC15 for $15 off.https://sherylannephoto.com/booked-not-viral-elopement-photographers/

  6. Mar 24

    How TikTok Can Grow Your Elopement Photography Business

    Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to connect, grow, and build intentional businesses. I’m your host, Sheryl Anne, destination elopement photographer, Navy veteran, and proud mama. In this episode, we’re talking all about TikTok and why elopement photographers should not be sleeping on this platform. If you’ve ever felt unsure about TikTok, overwhelmed by content creation, or questioned whether it actually brings in bookings, this episode breaks down how TikTok works and how you can use it in a way that feels simple, intentional, and aligned with your business. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why TikTok is different from Instagram and why that matters How TikTok builds trust with potential clients before they even inquire Why TikTok is now a search engine for elopement planning The biggest mistakes photographers are making on TikTok How your content positioning affects the type of inquiries you attract Why you do not need to post every day to see results How TikTok can lead to high-ticket destination elopement bookings The pros and cons of TikTok inquiries This episode is a real and honest look at how TikTok can support your marketing, help you connect with your dream clients, and create new opportunities for your elopement photography business. Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC. Links & Resources Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @sherylannephoto and @epicphotopodcast Explore my work and education:⁠ https://sherylannephoto.com⁠ For educational courses & templates: ⁠⁠⁠https://sherylannephoto.com/epic-photographers/⁠⁠⁠ Booked Not Viral Use code EPIC15 for $15 off. A self-paced TikTok course for elopement photographers who want consistent, aligned inquiries without trends or high-energy content. ⁠⁠https://sherylannephoto.com/booked-not-viral-elopement-photographers/⁠

  7. Mar 3

    How Hybrid Photo and Video Can Grow Your Elopement Photography Business with Shayna

    Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to connect, grow, and build sustainable businesses. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Shayna from Hybrid Hangout. She is an elopement photographer, videographer, and educator who teaches photographers how to confidently offer both photo and video on elopement days without overwhelm. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by video, unsure about gear, worried about burnout, or confused about pricing, this conversation breaks it all down in a practical and approachable way. Shayna shares how she started in video before photography, how SEO helped grow her business, and why hybrid shooting works especially well for elopements. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Shayna built her photo and video business through YouTube and SEO Why hybrid shooting works so well for elopement photographers Common fears about adding video and how to overcome them A simple five-shot system for capturing strong hybrid coverage How to shoot video without complicated gear How to price and position hybrid photo and video When to upsell versus include video in packages How hybrid shooting can increase income Why messy action matters more than perfection This episode is packed with practical advice for elopement photographers who want to expand their services, serve clients more intentionally, and grow their revenue in a way that feels aligned and sustainable. Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC. Links & Resources Follow Shayna and Hybrid Hangout:Instagram: @hybridhangoutWebsite: https://hybridhangout.com/ Explore Hybrid Hub, Shayna’s education program for photographers who want to offer both photo and video on elopement days. Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @sherylannephoto and @epicphotopodcast Explore my work and education: https://sherylannephoto.com For educational courses & templates: ⁠⁠https://sherylannephoto.com/epic-photographers/⁠⁠ Booked Not Viral Use code EPIC15 for $15 off. A self-paced TikTok course for elopement photographers who want consistent, aligned inquiries without trends or high-energy content. ⁠https://sherylannephoto.com/booked-not-viral-elopement-photographers/⁠

  8. Feb 10

    Tips for Balancing Motherhood and Destination Elopement Photography

    Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass) — the space for destination and adventure elopement photographers who want honest conversations about business and life. In this episode, I’m sharing a deeply personal look at pregnancy, postpartum, and what it’s really like navigating motherhood while running an elopement photography business. From booking clients while trying to conceive, to maternity leave, boundaries, pricing shifts, mom guilt, outsourcing, pumping on elopement days, and traveling with a baby,  this episode is rooted in honesty, flexibility, and sustainability. This isn’t about hustle or “bouncing back.” It’s about building a business that supports your life in different seasons and releasing the pressure to do it all perfectly. In this episode, you’ll hear: How I approached booking during pregnancy and postpartum Why transparency with clients strengthened trust What maternity leave and returning to work really looked like How motherhood reshaped my boundaries, pricing, and priorities The reality of mom guilt and releasing unrealistic expectations Outsourcing, systems, and protecting your energy Pumping, breastfeeding, and travel logistics as an elopement photographer If you’re an elopement photographer navigating pregnancy, postpartum, or motherhood — this episode is for you. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC. 🤍 Links & Resources Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @sherylannephoto and @epicphotopodcast For educational courses & templates: ⁠⁠https://sherylannephoto.com/epic-photographers/⁠⁠ Explore my work: https://sherylannephoto.com Booked Not Viral Use code EPIC15 for $15 off. A self-paced TikTok course for elopement photographers who want consistent, aligned inquiries without trends or high-energy content. https://sherylannephoto.com/booked-not-viral-elopement-photographers/

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass) is where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to feel inspired, get connected, and keep learning. Hosted by elopement photographer Sheryl Anne, this show brings you real stories, practical tips, and behind-the-scenes insight into building a thriving elopement photography business. It’s your compass for inspiration, connection, and growth—helping you stay true to your path. If you’re ready to grow, create with purpose, and connect with other adventurous photographers, this is your space. Stay EPIC!