Wine Down and Focus: Photography Tips & Stories Over a Glass of Wine

Annette Sundberg & Christina Ahlheim
  • 5.0 (12)
  • VISUAL ARTS

Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina! Join photographer besties Annette and Christina—two seasoned photographers with nearly 20 years of experience—as they bring you Wine Down and Focus, a laid-back photography podcast filled with real talk and real laughs. Broadcasting from Wentzville and serving the St. Louis, Missouri area, they dive into all things photography: tips, gear, client stories, business advice, marketing, editing, and more. From interviews with industry pros to behind-the-scenes moments and wine-fueled wisdom, each episode is packed with inspiration, humor, and practical takeaways for photographers of every kind—whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro. So grab a glass, hit play, and let’s wine down and focus.

  1. JAN 29

    Episode 19: Business & Market Shifts in Photography (2026)

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina 🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina! 📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients" Welcome back to Wine Down & Focus! In Episode 19, we’re talking Business and Market Shifts in Photography for 2026—plus a few style trends we think you’ll be seeing more of this year. Before we dive in, we’re sipping a California Syrah from Sonoma County (2022 North Coast Syrah by Jolie-Laide), and we break down the most delicious pairing: bacon-wrapped mushrooms + bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese. (Yes… it was as good as it sounds.) We also share our favorite “wine deal” honey hole: LastBottle.com—and how we snagged this $38 bottle for $17. Then we get into the real topic: Why clarity is everything in 2026 (clients want simple, not 47 options)Consistency as the new luxury (style, communication, experience)The “specialist vs. multi-genre” debate (and what actually matters)Streamlined systems that create a better client experienceTrends to watch: motion/cinematic feel, real light, real tone, and less “filtered” editingWhy success might look quieter this year (and what to focus on instead)Our 2026 vibe: Clarity, Consistency, Confidence. Also—WE’RE LOOKING FOR GUESTS! If you have something to share with photographers, head to our website and fill out the guest form. Cheers! 🥂 🔗 Show Website  Follow Us on Socials: 📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest  Support the Show ⭐️Don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! It helps so much! Apple Spotify 🎙️ Join the Podcast  Get Involved 👩‍💼 Be on the Show 💡 Request a Show Topic 🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show 🤝 Become a Sponsor  About Your Hosts 📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography 📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

    51 min

  2. JAN 13

    Episode 18: Your 2026 Photography Reset: The Year-Ahead Checklist You’ll Thank Yourself For

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina 🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina! 📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients" Episode 18: Your 2026 Photography Reset:  The Year-Ahead Checklist You’ll Thank Yourself For The start of a new year can bring motivation and excitement, but it can also create decision overwhelm. In this episode of Wine Down & Focus, we walk photographers through a practical 2026 photography business reset designed to help you feel clear, organized, and prepared for the year ahead. We talk through what to review, revise, and remove in your photography business, including pricing and packages, marketing efforts, workflow systems, and booking processes. This episode is not about doing everything at once, but about creating a plan that supports your time, energy, and income. We dive into photography pricing strategy, looking at what consistently made money, what drained time with little return, and how to adjust your offers for today’s economy. We also cover photography marketing and SEO, including refreshing your website, client emails, guides, FAQs, and messaging so you are attracting the right clients. You will hear tips on photography workflow systems, file organization, gear maintenance, and planning ahead for busy season, along with strategies for building repeat clients, asking for reviews at the right time, and creating more stability in your photography business. As always, we are sipping wine while we chat. This episode features Mumm Napa Brut Rosé, an easy-to-find California sparkling wine that feels perfect for ringing in the new year. A free 2026 photography checklist is linked in the show notes to help you work through these resets at your own pace. New Year Checklist So pour a glass, press play, and let’s Wine Down and Focus. 🔗 Show Website  Follow Us on Socials: 📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest  Support the Show ⭐️Don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! It helps so much! Apple Spotify 🎙️ Join the Podcast  Get Involved 👩‍💼 Be on the Show 💡 Request a Show Topic 🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show 🤝 Become a Sponsor  About Your Hosts 📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography 📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

    47 min

  3. 12/11/2025

    Episode 17: Rita Ann Jana Interview - How to Run a Thriving Senior Photography Business Without a Model Team

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina 🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina! 📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients" In this episode of Wine Down & Focus, Annette and Christina sip a 2019 Dierberg Pinot Noir and share a little love for Hermann, Missouri, before diving into how to build a thriving senior photography business without a model or rep team. They chat with internationally published portrait photographer Rita Ann Janna about how her business evolved from families to seniors across multiple states, why she chose not to run a model team (and how that decision protects teen confidence, includes guys, and fits her busy-client lifestyle), and how families naturally feed into a strong senior client base. Rita also shares her popular “Senior Session Plus” add-on for a pre-college family session, her intentional cap on the number of seniors she takes each year, and three core strategies for growth without a team: volunteering at school events, continuing to photograph families, and subtly repping your brand in everyday life. The episode wraps with a couple of hilarious wildlife-on-session stories (hello, bear and fox!) and a reminder that great senior photography is really about helping teens feel seen, confident, and truly themselves. Rita Ann Jana: Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RitaJanaPhotography Website: https://www.ritajanaphotography.com 🔗 Show Website Follow Us on Socials: 📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest Support the Show ⭐️ Leave a Review in 5 Seconds! – It helps so much! 🎙️ Join the Podcast Get Involved 👩‍💼 Be on the Show 💡 Request a Show Topic 🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show 🤝 Become a Sponsor About Your Hosts 📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography 📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

    51 min

  4. 10/31/2025

    Episode 16: Finding the Perfect Photography Locations

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina 🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina! 📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients" Episode 16: Finding the Perfect Photography Locations Grab your glass and join Annette and Christina for episode 16 of Wine Down & Focus! This week, they’re diving into one of the most important parts of every session — choosing the perfect photography location. From city vibes and moody garages to soft golden fields and unexpected gems like car washes or coffee shops, they share their favorite ways to find, scout, and use each setting to tell a story. They also review “Locations CA1 Red Blend” by Dave Finney — a California wine inspired by the art of blending across regions. (Spoiler: it pairs better on its own than with dinner!) Whether you’re a photographer looking for fresh inspiration or just love hearing creative minds talk shop over wine, this episode will help you see every corner of your world as a potential backdrop. Listen in and discover how to make ordinary spots look extraordinary. 🔗 Show Website  Follow Us on Socials: 📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest  Support the Show ⭐️Don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! It helps so much! Apple Spotify 🎙️ Join the Podcast  Get Involved 👩‍💼 Be on the Show 💡 Request a Show Topic 🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show 🤝 Become a Sponsor  About Your Hosts 📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography 📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

    31 min

  5. 10/02/2025

    Episode 15: The Habits That Make or Break Photographers

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina 🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina! 📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients" Episode 15: The Habits That Make or Break Photographers From shooting for yourself to backing up files and setting real boundaries, Annette & Christina share the small habits that define a thriving photography business. Tune in for inspiration, laughter, and a $20 Sonoma Zin taste test! So pour a glass, press play, and let’s Wine Down and Focus. 🔗 Show Website  Follow Us on Socials: 📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest  Support the Show ⭐️Don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! It helps so much! Apple Spotify 🎙️ Join the Podcast  Get Involved 👩‍💼 Be on the Show 💡 Request a Show Topic 🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show 🤝 Become a Sponsor  About Your Hosts 📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography 📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

    46 min

  6. 08/21/2025

    Episode 14: SEO Sip, Click, Rank: Easy SEO Tips for Photographers

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina 🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina! 📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients" Pour yourself a glass and join Annette and Christina for another fun and insightful episode of Wine Down and Focus. This week, we’re sipping on a San Simeon Pinot Noir from Costco while diving into a topic that can feel intimidating but is crucial for every photographer’s business—SEO. Annette breaks down the essentials of search engine optimization in a way that’s approachable and easy to understand, sharing real strategies she’s used to get her photography website ranking on Google’s first page. From on-page vs. off-page SEO, to the power of blogging, to making the most of Google Business and client reviews, this episode is packed with practical tips you can start using today. Of course, it wouldn’t be Wine Down and Focus without a little fun. We test some questionable wine pairings (Doritos, anyone?), laugh through the fails, and share our honest thoughts on what actually works. Whether you’re just starting your photography journey or looking to level up your business visibility, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to tackle SEO—without the overwhelm. So grab your wine, take some notes, and let’s focus on making your photography business shine online. SEO for Photographers: https://www.sundbergphotography.com/photographers 🔗 Show Website  Follow Us on Socials: 📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest  Support the Show ⭐️Don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! It helps so much! Apple Spotify 🎙️ Join the Podcast  Get Involved 👩‍💼 Be on the Show 💡 Request a Show Topic 🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show 🤝 Become a Sponsor  About Your Hosts 📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography 📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

    44 min

  7. 07/17/2025

    Episode 13- The Art of the Edit- From Raw to Wow

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina 🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina! 📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients"  Episode 13: From RAW to WOW – The Art of Editing  Grab your glass of wine and join Annette and Christina as they dive into the real talk behind photo editing — from early overexposed disasters to today's polished, magazine-worthy looks. They’re talking Lightroom vs. Photoshop, editing workflows, Evoto confessions, staying true to your style, and how to avoid plastic skin syndrome. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just diving into post-processing, this episode is full of laughs, practical tips, and “OMG, me too” moments. 🍷 Wine of the Episode: Trader Joe’s Trading Post Cabernet Sauvignon (2022) From Napa Valley – bold, fruity, and paired with dark chocolate and salty chips for the win. So pour a glass, press play, and let’s Wine Down and Focus. 🔗 Show Website Follow Us on Socials: 📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest  Support the Show ⭐️Don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! It helps so much! Apple Spotify 🎙️ Join the Podcast  Get Involved 👩‍💼 Be on the Show 💡 Request a Show Topic 🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show 🤝 Become a Sponsor About Your Hosts 📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography 📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

    43 min

  8. 07/11/2025

    Episode 12: Let's Get Real - Photography Struggles

    🎙️ Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina 🍷 Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina! 📩 Subscribe & Get Your FREE Guide: "5 Ways to Get More Photography Clients" Episode 12: The Real Struggles Photographers Face (and How We Bounce Back) In this episode of Wine Down and Focus, Annette and Christina pour a glass of Pinot Noir and get real about the behind-the-scenes struggles photographers rarely talk about—burnout, pricing anxiety, style confusion, difficult clients, and tech fails. From navigating slow seasons and studio setbacks to finding your photography style and responding to “you’re too expensive,” they share their own raw experiences, honest advice, and plenty of laughs along the way. They also discuss: The truth about burnout and people-pleasingWhy contracts and boundaries are non-negotiableBackup plans for equipment failures (because they happen!)Rebounding from negative reviews and business setbacksHow to stay inspired and create a sustainable, joy-filled photography businessWhether you're new to the game or a seasoned pro, this episode will remind you you're not alone—and that the messy parts are just part of the journey. So pour a glass, press play, and let’s Wine Down and Focus. 🔗 Show Website  Follow Us on Socials: 📍 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest  Support the Show ⭐️Don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! It helps so much! Apple Spotify 🎙️ Join the Podcast  Get Involved 👩‍💼 Be on the Show 💡 Request a Show Topic 🍷 Recommend a Wine for the Show 🤝 Become a Sponsor  About Your Hosts 📷 Annette – Sundberg Photography 📷 Christina – Charisma Photography

    47 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina Where photography meets fun—sip, laugh, and learn with Annette and Christina! Join photographer besties Annette and Christina—two seasoned photographers with nearly 20 years of experience—as they bring you Wine Down and Focus, a laid-back photography podcast filled with real talk and real laughs. Broadcasting from Wentzville and serving the St. Louis, Missouri area, they dive into all things photography: tips, gear, client stories, business advice, marketing, editing, and more. From interviews with industry pros to behind-the-scenes moments and wine-fueled wisdom, each episode is packed with inspiration, humor, and practical takeaways for photographers of every kind—whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro. So grab a glass, hit play, and let’s wine down and focus.

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