With Laura Esmond

Laura Esmond
  • 4.9 (10)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

With Laura Esmond is the unfiltered podcast for women growing creative businesses while raising families and raising themselves. I’m Laura, a mom of three, educator, coach, and photographer. After scaling a portrait studio to multi–six figures in under two years, I realized success without purpose feels empty. Now I help photographers and creative entrepreneurs build businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and aligned with real life. Each week you will hear real talk, mindset shifts, and stories from women entrepreneurs who know the messy middle of business and motherhood. No filters, no highlight reels, just honest conversations to help you grow with confidence.

  1. 1H AGO

    Part 1: Is It the Economy? What Portrait Photographers Can Do When It’s Slow

    In this first part of my conversation with Casia Fletcher, we go deep. You may have heard Casia’s story on The Motherhood Anthology podcast, where she shared about a $45,000 client win inside her motherhood membership: check out that episode here! But our conversation is a little different. It’s an honest conversation about the shifts we have seen the past two years and what you can do when bookings slow down. Casia and I talk honestly about navigating slower seasons without spiraling and why the photographers who thrive long-term are the ones who build depth with their clients. This episode turned into a two-part conversation because we couldn’t stop unpacking the real strategy behind sustainable success. In Part One, we dive into: Why diversification can stabilize your business (without diluting your brand)The long-game mindset that creates lifetime clientsWhat shifted in 2024–2025 for many portrait photographersThe power of in-person sales — consultations, ordering appointments, and real connectionWhy IPS isn’t just about revenue… it’s about leadershipCreating multiple touchpoints that increase trust and average saleWhy full-service photographers are positioned differently in slower marketsWe also break down what it actually looks like to guide a client from inquiry to artwork, and why that clarity changes everything. If this conversation resonated, Get Rooted is where we go all in on this work. Inside the program, you build: Clear, confident pricingA simple but powerful sales structureA hands-on client experience that leads to artworkMarketing that attracts right-fit, investing clientsThe identity of a photographer who leads — not reactsSpots are limited. Once they’re filled, enrollment closes for several months. We get started in April. If you want your business solid before we head into the busiest season of the year, what are you waiting for?? 👉 Apply here Connect with Casia: https://fletcherandco.photohttps://www.instagram.com/fletcherandco/Connect with Laura: Apply now for Get Rooted: lauraesmond.com/getrootedInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.com

    41 min

  2. FEB 24

    How to Diversify Your Income as a Portrait Photographer with Joy Michelle

    Feeling the slow season hit a little harder this year? Wondering if there's more you could be doing to create consistent income, even when bookings slow down? In this episode, I’m joined by the incredibly wise and wildly practical Joy Michelle, educator, business coach, and host of the Called to Both podcast. Joy walks us through how she’s built multiple income streams as a working photographer and a mom of three, and how affiliate marketing became a surprisingly powerful piece of the puzzle. We’re not just talking about side hustles. We're talking about sustainable income that fits your life and your brand. Whether you're just getting curious about affiliate links or want to understand how this works without needing a massive audience or becoming an “influencer,” Joy breaks it all down with so much clarity. Here’s what we cover: Why photographers should be thinking about income streams beyond client bookingsWhat affiliate marketing actually looks like for a photographer (hint: it's not just Amazon links)How Joy made $600 in affiliate income… while in laborThe mindset shift that changed how she approached content and monetizationThe first steps you can take to start earning affiliate income, even with a small audienceConnect with Joy: Affiliate Marketing Jumpstart -- free resource!Instagram: @joymichelleWebsite: joymichelle.coCoaching: joymichelle.co/coachingAffiliate Boss: joymichelle.co/affiliate-bossPitch Power: joymichelle.co/pitchpowerHobby-to-Pro Toolkit: joymichelle.co/hobby-to-pro-toolkitConnect with Laura: Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentorInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.com

    45 min

  3. FEB 17

    Lessons from Scaling a Portrait Photography Studio

    I’m sharing three honest lessons I learned from scaling my portrait photography business, and then intentionally scaling it back. If you're a family photographer, brand photographer, or creative entrepreneur who’s ever been tempted to "go big" with a studio, team, and all the trappings of growth, this is a must-listen. We’re getting real about what happens when your business looks successful on the outside but starts to feel misaligned on the inside. I’ll walk you through what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d do differently now. Whether you're in your first five years of photography business or considering opening a studio, this episode will help you build a photography business that’s profitable, sustainable, and truly aligned with your life. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why scaling your photography business doesn’t automatically lead to time freedomWhat it really looks like to run a brick-and-mortar photography studio with a teamHow overhead, burnout, and decision fatigue can creep in quietlyThe difference between ego-driven growth and value-driven decisionsHow to protect your creativity and peace as a portrait photographerConnect with Laura: Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentorInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.com

    19 min

  4. FEB 10

    My Effortless Full Service Portrait Photography Experience

    In today’s episode, I’m inviting you behind the scenes of the full client experience I’ve refined over the last two decades as a portrait photographer. From that very first inquiry to the moment artwork is installed in their home, every touchpoint is intentionally crafted to make clients feel safe, seen, and deeply cared for. Whether you’re new to business or ready to elevate your systems with more ease and clarity, this episode will walk you through the thoughtful steps I take to nurture trust, communicate with intention, and create an experience that feels effortless for both you and your client. In This Episode, I Share: How to set a tone of warmth and professionalism from the first inquiryMy approach to automated systems that still feel personal and humanWhy planning calls are essential for connection and clarityHow I guide families with care during the session (even in the chaos of toddlerhood)Why the ordering appointment is never the beginning of the saleThe subtle ways we build loyalty, trust, and referrals through genuine serviceConnect with Laura: Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentorInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.com

    21 min

  5. FEB 3

    How to Partner with Local Businesses (Bring the muffins)

    Creative Local Business Partnerships: A Real Approach to Growth In this episode, host Laura Esmond shares her personal journey and unique approach to growing her business by forming meaningful partnerships with local businesses, rather than relying on social media or elaborate marketing strategies. She emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships by offering support and generosity, like walking into local businesses with small gifts, such as a basket of muffins and a handwritten note. Laura details actionable steps to identify potential business partners who share your target audience, such as florists, interior designers, real estate agents, and boutique owners. By partnering with these businesses, you can foster mutual growth and community connection. Esmond also provides three practical ways to collaborate with local businesses: supporting existing events, cross-promotion, and creating service-based bundles. The episode concludes with an open invitation to think creatively about local partnerships and a call to action for listeners to reach out to local businesses they admire.  00:00 Introduction and Personal Growth Journey 00:26 The Power of Local Partnerships 01:43 Identifying Potential Business Partners 02:44 Effective Strategies for Collaboration 04:46 Leading with Service and Follow-Up 06:43 Creative Event Ideas and Cross-Promotion 10:27 Successful Partnership Case Studies 13:04 Building Trust and Long-Term Relationships 15:24 Your Invitation to Take Action 16:44 Conclusion and Mentorship Opportunity Connect with Laura: Private Mentoring: lauraesmond.com/mentorInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.comKeywords: motherhood photographer, family photography, newborn photographer, maternity sessions, photography pricing tips, portrait photography business, money mindset for creatives, IPS for photographers, work-life balance, photographers who are moms, client experience photography, raising photography prices

    18 min

  6. JAN 27

    Is Your Inquiry Response For Portraits Standing Out?

    In this episode of 'with Laura Esmond,' Laura dives into the essentials of crafting effective inquiry responses for portrait photographers. She discusses how to tailor your response to align with your business and offerings, emphasizing the importance of understanding your core product and unique differentiator. Laura also announces a potential name change for the podcast and provides insights on making personal connections with clients via phone calls and videos. Key concepts include portrait photography pricing, creating a personalized inquiry response, and balancing business with motherhood. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update 01:26 Understanding Your Unique Selling Proposition 05:29 Crafting an Effective Inquiry Response 10:26 Personalizing Your Client Interaction 13:13 Using Video to Enhance Inquiry Responses 17:31 Summarizing Key Points for Inquiry Responses 19:53 Conclusion and Final Tips Connect with Laura: Get Rooted Waitlist: lauraesmond.com/getrootedInstagram: @reeseandcoportraitsWebsite: lauraesmond.com

    20 min

  7. JAN 20

    Is There a Gap Between Your Price and Your Value as a Portrait Photographer?

    In this episode of the podcast, Laura Esmond shares reflections from a month-long break during the holiday season, including time spent with her family, prepping for the Peace and Profit Bootcamp, and welcoming new students into her Get Rooted program. She opens up about the common guilt many motherhood portrait photographers feel when stepping back from business tasks like social media, blogging sessions, or sending marketing emails. Laura encourages photographers—especially those balancing motherhood and running a photography business—to honor the natural ebb and flow of life and business. She also shares powerful insights from the Peace and Profit Bootcamp, including mindset shifts around money, how to raise your prices with confidence, and how to ensure your portrait photography packages reflect the full value of the experience you provide. Whether you're a newborn photographer, maternity photographer, or specializing in family sessions, this episode will help you reframe how you approach pricing, marketing, and the emotional load of growing a photography business while raising a family. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 00:46 The Importance of Taking Breaks 02:55 Holiday Reflections and Family Time 04:13 Peace and Profit Bootcamp Insights 08:14 Money Mindset and Pricing Strategies 16:51 The True Value of Money 25:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Keywords: motherhood photographer, family photography, newborn photographer, maternity sessions, photography pricing tips, portrait photography business, money mindset for creatives, IPS for photographers, work-life balance, photographers who are moms, client experience photography, raising photography prices

    26 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    When It Finally Clicks: Tawni’s Journey from $300 to $1500+ Portrait Sessions

    In this inspiring episode of the podcast, Laura Esmond sits down with portrait photographer Tawni Adams to unpack the real and raw journey of transforming a photography business—from charging $300-$600 per session and burning out, to confidently booking consistent $1500+ sessions and even landing a nearly $12,000 sale. Tawni opens up about the mindset hurdles she faced, the emotional rollercoaster of raising her prices, and how she almost gave up before things finally clicked. If you’re a photographer feeling stuck at lower price points or wondering if sustainable, high-profit portrait sessions are possible, this conversation is your permission slip to believe in what's possible. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Tawni originally thought no one would pay more than $500 for a sessionThe exact mindset shift that helped her move from “overwhelmed and underpaid” to building a thriving, profitable portrait businessHow Get Rooted helped her break down her pricing, boundaries, and valueThe emotional weight of changing your business model while raising a familyWhy your first $1500+ client might be closer than you thinkHow Tawni learned to trust the process and “let it simmer”What actually happens between $300 sessions and a $12,000 artwork sale Resources Mentioned: LEARN MORE ABOUT GET ROOTED –  https://www.lauraesmond.com/getrooted Follow Tawni Adams on Instagram: @tawniadamsphoto Tawni’s website: https://www.tawniadams.com/ SEO Keywords:photography pricing strategy, raise photography session rates, profitable portrait business, $1500 photography session, photography business coaching, Get Rooted program, luxury portrait pricing, family photographer success story, photography business mindset, how to increase photo session prices, photographer burnout recovery

    1h 5m
See All (25)

4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

With Laura Esmond is the unfiltered podcast for women growing creative businesses while raising families and raising themselves. I’m Laura, a mom of three, educator, coach, and photographer. After scaling a portrait studio to multi–six figures in under two years, I realized success without purpose feels empty. Now I help photographers and creative entrepreneurs build businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and aligned with real life. Each week you will hear real talk, mindset shifts, and stories from women entrepreneurs who know the messy middle of business and motherhood. No filters, no highlight reels, just honest conversations to help you grow with confidence.

Information

  • Creator
    Laura Esmond
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©Laura Esmond
  • Show Website
    With Laura Esmond

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