The Motherclickers Podcast

The Motherclickers Collective
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Welcome to The Motherclickers Podcast, where we’re talking photography, motherhood, and the sh*t nobody warned you about. Hosted by photographer moms Ashley Rozycki and Melissa Shearer, this podcast is your go-to space for honest conversations about building a photography business while raising tiny humans, surviving burnout, navigating entrepreneurship, and trying to keep at least one load of laundry folded. Each week, we’re sharing practical business tips, behind-the-scenes lessons from the photography industry, relatable motherhood moments, spicy hot takes, unfiltered opinions, and conversations that’ll make you laugh, feel seen, and remind you that you’re definitely not alone in this journey. Whether you’re editing galleries during nap time, juggling client emails from the school pickup line, or dreaming of growing your business without losing yourself in the process, you belong here. Sometimes educational, sometimes chaotic, always honest. New episodes weekly. Follow along on Instagram @motherclickers.

  1. 5d ago

    13: The Boundaries That Save You During Busy Season

    Summer is supposed to be slower, right? Not if you're a photographer. In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa sit down for an honest summer debrief and unpack what happens when family life, client work, education, events, editing, emails, podcasts, retreats, and real life all collide at once. After one of the busiest summers they've both experienced, they're talking about the boundaries that worked, the ones that completely fell apart, and the lessons they're taking into busy season. From late-night editing sessions and juggling childcare to managing client communication, unexpected schedule changes, and the pressure to say yes to everything, this conversation is a reminder that burnout doesn't happen overnight - it happens one small boundary violation at a time. Ashley and Melissa also share the systems, automations, and mindset shifts that help them protect their time, navigate overwhelm, and create businesses that support their lives instead of consuming them. In this episode, we discuss: What one of our busiest summers looked like behind the scenesBalancing motherhood, family time, and multiple businessesWhy saying "yes" to everything isn't sustainableManaging client communication without being available 24/7The difference between urgency and emergencySetting boundaries around emails, texts, DMs, and response timesHandling busy season without burning outUsing systems, CRMs, automation, and delegation to protect your timeWhy people-pleasing often makes boundaries harder to maintainLearning to say no to opportunities that don't fit your capacityThe changes we're making heading into next summerThroughout the episode, Ashley and Melissa challenge photographers to stop treating every client message like an emergency and start building businesses that leave room for real life. Because the goal isn't to work less. The goal is to make sure your business doesn't have access to every hour of your day. As busy season ramps up, consider this your reminder that boundaries aren't selfish - they're what allow you to show up as a better photographer, business owner, partner, parent, and human. And if you're listening while answering emails at 11 p.m., this episode is probably for you. 📸 Follow Motherclickers on Instagram: @Motherclickers Tell us: what's one boundary you're committing to this busy season?

  2. Sep 28

    12: The Client Red Flags We Should Have Never Ignored

    Have you ever looked back at a client inquiry and thought, the warning signs were there from the very beginning? In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa open the vault on some of their most memorable client horror stories - the ones that still make them cringe, laugh, and wonder how they didn't see the outcome coming from a mile away. From unpaid retainers and one-star reviews to influencer demands, endless emails, unrealistic expectations, and clothing tags intentionally left on for post-session returns (yes, really), they're sharing the client experiences that taught them some of their biggest lessons in business. But beneath the chaos, frustration, and questionable decision-making is a conversation every service-based business owner needs to hear: red flags rarely disappear once someone becomes your client. Ashley and Melissa break down the warning signs they ignored early in their careers, how experience changed the way they handle difficult situations, and why strong boundaries aren't about being difficult -they're about protecting yourself, your business, and the clients who genuinely value what you do. In this episode, we discuss: The client red flags we wish we'd listened to soonerWhy retainers, contracts, and boundaries matterThe dangers of ignoring your gut instinctUnreasonable expectations and scope creep"Exposure" requests and influencer negotiationsDifficult client communication before a session even beginsOne-star reviews, online reputation, and professionalismWhy not every inquiry should become a bookingLessons learned from some of our earliest business mistakesHow confidence helps you spot problems before they become disastersWhether you're a photographer, creative entrepreneur, or service provider, this episode is equal parts cautionary tale and business therapy session. Because sometimes the most expensive clients aren't the ones who pay the least. They're the ones who cost you your time, energy, confidence, and sanity. Follow along on Instagram: @Motherclickers And if you've got a client horror story of your own, trust us - we want to hear it.

  3. Aug 10

    11: The Things Nobody Tells You About Maternity Leave, EI & Daycare with guest Toronto Baby Guide

    You find out you're pregnant… and suddenly you're expected to understand EI, maternity leave, job protection, daycare waitlists, health insurance, child benefits, and approximately 47 government websites that somehow make everything more confusing. In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa sit down with Nicole Kingston, founder of Toronto Baby Guide, to talk about the information every new and expecting parent wishes they had before the baby arrived. Nicole created Toronto Baby Guide after finding herself in endless late-night Google rabbit holes trying to figure out what came next for her growing family. What started as a 150-page guide quickly became a massive online community, helping thousands of parents navigate everything from EI and maternity leave to daycare, healthcare, local resources, and family activities across the GTA. And this conversation gets REAL. We talk about the difference between EI benefits and job-protected leave, what self-employed parents need to know before taking maternity leave, the realities of employer top-ups, why daycare waitlists need to be tackled practically from day one, and some potentially very expensive mistakes parents can make simply because nobody told them what they needed to know. But this episode isn't just about paperwork and government benefits. Nicole also shares how motherhood became her superpower - giving her more focus, more appreciation for her time, and the motivation to build a business around helping other parents. In this episode, we discuss: EI, maternity leave and job protection in OntarioWhat self-employed parents need to know before having a babyEmployer maternity leave top-ups - and the strings that can come with themWhy EI isn't necessarily the amount of money you think you're gettingDaycare waitlists and why you should get your name on them ASAPImportant newborn paperwork and deadlines parents often don't know aboutCanadian Child Benefit and other resources new parents may be missingHow motherhood changed Nicole's approach to entrepreneurshipUsing social media as a tool for public educationBuilding a business from one frustrating Google searchWhy moms don't need to have their entire lives figured out before having childrenWhether you're expecting your first baby, already navigating parenthood, self-employed, or simply wish someone had handed you a manual when you became a mom, this episode is packed with the kind of information that can save you time, money, stress - and a whole lot of late-night Googling. Because becoming a parent doesn't come with a manual. But maybe it should. Find Nicole & Toronto Baby Guide: Toronto Baby Guide On Instagram: @TorontoBabyGuide And if you're expecting or know someone who is, Nicole's Ultimate Guide to Having a Baby in Toronto is packed with resources to help take some of the guesswork out of the whole damn thing. 📸 Follow Motherclickers: @Motherclickers 🏡 Learn more about the Muskoka Cottage Retreat: Muskoka Cottage Retreat

  4. Aug 3

    10: The Workshop We Thought Was About Photography

    We thought we were teaching photographers how to create stronger sessions, better client experiences, and more profitable businesses. What we didn't expect was that almost nobody would leave talking about photography first. In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa reflect on their first-ever Motherhood Atelier Workshop & Content Day in Whitby and unpack the biggest lesson they learned from attendee feedback: beautiful images are great, but confidence, connection, and community are what truly transform a business. From photographers who were only a few months into their journey to others with more than a decade of experience, the recurring theme was impossible to ignore. The biggest takeaways weren't camera settings, posing techniques, or portfolio images. They were mindset shifts, meaningful conversations, and the realization that building a business doesn't have to be a lonely experience. Ashley and Melissa share behind-the-scenes stories from the event, the unexpected moments that became the most valuable teaching opportunities, and why this experience has shaped the future of what they're creating through Motherclickers. They also pull back the curtain on their upcoming Muskoka Cottage Retreat, sharing why they've designed it to be more than a workshop, more than a content day, and more than just another photography event. In this episode, we discuss: The biggest surprises from the Motherhood Atelier Workshop & Content DayWhy confidence often matters more than technical skillsThe role community plays in growing a photography businessHow connection creates transformation for both photographers and clientsWhy education should go beyond portfolio-buildingThe value of practical business systems and client communicationWhat attendees taught Ashley and Melissa about the impact of in-person learningBehind-the-scenes moments from the workshop (including rain dates, real-life family chaos, and unforgettable golden hour magic)What photographers can expect from the upcoming Muskoka Cottage RetreatThis episode is a reminder that the things that change your business most aren't always the things you expect. Sometimes the biggest breakthrough isn't learning a new technique. Sometimes it's realizing you're capable of more than you thought - and finding a room full of people who believe it too. 📸 Follow Motherclickers on Instagram: @Motherclickers 🏡 Learn more about the Muskoka Cottage Retreat: Muskoka Cottage Retreat This one positions the episode around the emotional takeaway rather than the event recap, which is likely to resonate with a broader audience—even listeners who weren't at the workshop.

  5. Jul 27

    9: Why Raising Your Prices Feels So Personal

    Why does increasing your prices feel less like a business decision and more like an identity crisis? In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa dive into one of the most emotional topics photographers face: pricing. Not the spreadsheets, not the math, but the fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome that show up every time you consider charging what you're actually worth. From comparing yourself to other photographers and worrying what clients will think, to feeling guilty about making money doing something you love, this conversation gets to the heart of why pricing is so much more than numbers on a website. Ashley and Melissa share their own experiences raising prices, navigating pushback, and learning that confidence doesn't come before action, it comes because of it. They also unpack why photographers need to stop apologizing for running profitable businesses and start building experiences that clients are excited to invest in. If you've ever hesitated to raise your rates, discounted your services out of fear, or questioned whether anyone would actually pay your prices, this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss: Why pricing is often tied to self-worthImposter syndrome and the fear of charging moreComparing yourself to other photographersBuilding value beyond "show up and take photos"Why client experience matters more than competing on priceHow to respond when someone says you're too expensiveThe danger of discounting out of fearCreating a sustainable and profitable businessThe simple $50 pricing strategy that can build confidence over timeAshley and Melissa also challenge listeners to take immediate action: stop waiting until you feel ready and start treating your business like the business it is. Because confidence doesn't magically appear one day. It grows every time you make a decision that honours your value. And sometimes, the difference between staying stuck and growing your business is just fifty dollars. Want to delve deeper and make even bigger strides in your business, join Ashley and Melissa at their Muskoka Cottage Retreat this September. Follow along on Instagram @MotherClickers and let us know: what's the biggest thing holding you back from charging what you're worth?

  6. Jul 20

    8: The Content Day Debate Nobody Wants to Have

    We're saying the quiet part out loud. In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa tackle one of the most controversial topics in the photography education world: should photographers who pay to attend content days be responsible for delivering galleries to the models? It's a spicy conversation that challenges an industry norm many photographers have accepted without question. From unexpected obligations and unclear expectations to model compensation and attendee experience, they're unpacking why this practice has become so common, and why they believe it's time for the industry to rethink it. Ashley and Melissa share personal experiences from content days they've attended, including situations where image delivery requirements weren't disclosed until after registration, or even months after the event had ended. They discuss the impact these expectations have on creativity, learning, and the overall value of the experience attendees thought they were purchasing. Whether you're a photographer who attends content days, a host who runs them, or a model who's participated in them, this episode is guaranteed to make you think. In this episode, we discuss: The difference between attending a content day and being hired as a photographerWhy unexpected gallery delivery requirements can change the attendee experienceCreative freedom versus client obligationsThe responsibility of compensating models at photography eventsTransparency, contracts, and setting expectationsThe hidden costs of running workshops and content daysFairness for attendees, hosts, and modelsWhy industry norms deserve to be questionedThis episode isn't about criticizing photographers, models, or educators. It's about having an honest conversation about where responsibility belongs and whether some industry practices have simply become accepted without being challenged. One thing's for sure: Ashley and Melissa aren't holding back on this one. Agree? Disagree? Somewhere in the middle? We'd love to hear your thoughts. Looking for more honest opinions, advice, and no need to deliver model galleries? Join them at their Muskoka Cottage Retreat this September. Follow along on Instagram @MotherClickers and join the conversation.

  7. Jul 13

    7: Motherhood, Creativity & Writing Your Next Chapter with guest S.A. Thorne

    What if motherhood wasn't the end of your story, but the beginning of a whole new chapter? In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa sit down with author S.A. Thorne (Shelly Thorne) to talk about creativity, ambition, motherhood, and the courage it takes to pursue a dream when life already feels completely full. From raising two toddlers and working a full-time corporate job to writing and self-publishing multiple novels, Shelly shares what it really looks like to build something meaningful in the margins of motherhood. Together, they dive into the concept of "coming of self" - the idea that many women spend their thirties rediscovering who they are, what they want, and what fulfillment looks like beyond the roles they play for everyone else. The conversation explores perfectionism, time management, creative identity, supportive partnerships, and why making space for yourself isn't selfish - it's necessary. Whether you've dreamed of writing a book, starting a business, picking up an old hobby, or simply reconnecting with the version of yourself that existed before motherhood, this episode is the reminder you didn't know you needed. In this episode, we discuss: Why motherhood doesn't mean putting your dreams on holdThe concept of "coming of self" and rediscovering your identityWriting and publishing books while raising young childrenLetting go of perfectionism and embracing progress over perfectionThe importance of supportive partners and honest communicationReading as self-care and creative restorationBalancing motherhood, ambition, and personal fulfillmentWhat it really takes to build something from scratchRaising children who see their parents pursuing meaningful goalsShelly's story is proof that you don't need endless free time, perfect conditions, or a clear path forward to chase something that matters to you. Sometimes all it takes is a couple of hours after bedtime, a lot of determination, and the willingness to start before you're ready. Because motherhood doesn't erase who you are - it helps you discover who you're becoming. Follow along with S.A. Thorne on Instagram and on her website and be sure to check out her novels Cruising and In Too Deep for the perfect blend of romance, self-discovery, and heartfelt storytelling. For more details on the Motherclickers Muskoka Cottage Retreat, click here.

  8. Jul 6

    6: Photographer Pet Peeves (And Why We're All Annoyed by the Same Things)

    What do Instagram glitches, clients who don't read their emails, Pinterest shot lists, bubble g*ns, and dads who stare directly at the camera all have in common? They're all on the list. In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa dive into the photography industry's most relatable frustrations, sharing their own pet peeves alongside hilarious submissions from the photography community. From technology failures and awkward client interactions to session-day mishaps and industry hot takes, nothing is off-limits. The conversation is equal parts therapy session and comedy hour as they unpack the little things that drive photographers absolutely insane - and discover that most of us are dealing with the exact same challenges. Whether you're a photographer who's ever screamed at a spinning beach ball, chased a client for information that was already in the email, or begged a dad to stop looking directly into the lens, this episode will make you feel seen. In this episode, we discuss: Technology frustrations and photography workflow headachesInstagram glitches and disappearing postsClients who don't read emails, contracts, or session guidesSession-day challenges and managing expectationsPinterest inspiration versus Pinterest recreationProps, bubble g*ns, and avoiding mid-session meltdownsTrusting your photographer's creative processIndustry pet peeves that every photographer can relate toA rapid-fire lightning round of controversial photography opinionsYou'll laugh, cringe, and probably find yourself saying, "Oh my gosh, that happened to me too." Because sometimes the best thing for your business isn't another course or strategy - it's realizing you're not the only photographer silently losing your mind over the same things. Follow along on Instagram @MotherClickers and keep sending in your pet peeves - because trust us, this conversation is far from over. For details on our Muskoka Cottage Retreat, where these kinds of conversations happen in person, CLICK HERE.

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About

Welcome to The Motherclickers Podcast, where we’re talking photography, motherhood, and the sh*t nobody warned you about. Hosted by photographer moms Ashley Rozycki and Melissa Shearer, this podcast is your go-to space for honest conversations about building a photography business while raising tiny humans, surviving burnout, navigating entrepreneurship, and trying to keep at least one load of laundry folded. Each week, we’re sharing practical business tips, behind-the-scenes lessons from the photography industry, relatable motherhood moments, spicy hot takes, unfiltered opinions, and conversations that’ll make you laugh, feel seen, and remind you that you’re definitely not alone in this journey. Whether you’re editing galleries during nap time, juggling client emails from the school pickup line, or dreaming of growing your business without losing yourself in the process, you belong here. Sometimes educational, sometimes chaotic, always honest. New episodes weekly. Follow along on Instagram @motherclickers.

Information

  • Creator
    The Motherclickers Collective
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Motherclickers Collective
  • Show Website
    The Motherclickers Podcast