Episode Title: The Human Algorithm: Networking as a Photographer with Tiffany Crenshaw

Guest: Tiffany Crenshaw, Animal House Photography, North Alabama

We Discuss:

• Why Tiffany calls networking “the human algorithm” and why it still beats chasing social media trends

• How her background as a second grade teacher shaped her relationship building skills (and her business success)

• Moving to Alabama on March 1, 2020 and building momentum anyway through virtual coffee dates

• The “client adjacent” strategy: building relationships with doulas, small business owners, and other connector people

• How one small market turned into years of high value repeat clients (including a $6,000 family purchase)

• Why people skills matter as much as photo skills, and how client experience starts before the session even happens

• What actually works at booths and vendor events: samples, albums, wall art, and making your setup stop traffic

• Using QR codes and email list tags to track where leads come from and follow up intentionally

• Getting creative with in person visibility: iPhone photo classes, beginner camera workshops, pop ups, and client events

• How Tiffany thinks about quarterly goals for in person networking and how she audits events before committing

• Real talk about confidence dips after price increases and why timing matters (January vs fall)

• Tiffany’s membership model and how repeat clients create predictable income and less work

TLDR:
Tiffany Crenshaw breaks down why in person networking is one of the most underrated marketing strategies for photographers. From coffee dates with “client adjacent” professionals to vendor events, workshops, and client appreciation experiences, Tiffany shares practical ways to become top of mind in your community without relying on algorithms. If you want more aligned clients, better referrals, and a marketing strategy that actually feels sustainable, this one will hit.

Resources:

• Follow Tiffany’s business education on Instagram: @TiffanyCrenshawEdu

• See Tiffany’s photography work: Animal House Photography

• Tiffany’s group coaching program: Booked and Balanced (starts January 8)

Episode Title: How I Built This with Rachel Larsen Weaver

Guest: Rachel Larsen Weaver, Family Photographer (Long-Form Sessions), Washington, DC area

We Discuss:

• Rachel’s early career in restaurants and teaching and how those skills translated into photography

• Starting photography through blogging and realizing “documenting” is different than being hired to lead and create images

• Building a business without a template and why that actually helped her develop a distinct voice

• The 2019 educational turning point that clarified her creative direction

• Why mini sessions flopped for her and how that failure pointed her toward long-form sessions instead

• How long-form sessions took off and became a defining offer in her business

• Navigating mentorship, including a harmful experience that shaped her commitment to inclusive, affirming work

• Choosing educators and coaches wisely and why “great photographer” doesn’t always equal “great teacher”

• The role pricing plays in attracting aligned clients and protecting the experience

• Why she shoots almost exclusively on film now, and how that supports her workflow and profitability

• Hiring an assistant and how that changed her capacity, consistency, and creative energy

• The “loving gaze” concept and how she trains her eye and heart to see people with depth and dignity

• Lightning round topics: systems, film preferences, business decisions, time freedom vs financial freedom

TLDR:

• Rachel built her business by getting her reps in, honing her voice, and making offers that match how she actually likes to work.

• A mini-session flop became a turning point that pushed her toward long-form sessions, which booked fast and fit her clients better.

• Pricing, clarity in marketing, and a values-forward approach helped her attract clients who are invested in the experience.

• Shooting film and outsourcing scanning simplifies her workflow so she can spend more time photographing and marketing.

• The way she sees people is not accidental. It’s practiced, intentional, and foundational to the work.

Resources:

• Learn more about Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/rachel.larsen.weaver/

• Book mentioned: Beauty: The Invisible Embrace by John O’Donohue

Episode Title: How I Built This with Alan Shapiro

Guest: Alan Shapiro, Food, Portrait & Macro Photographer, New York

We Discuss:

• Alan’s origin story from lifelong storyteller to advertising executive to full-time photographer

• How burnout in a high-pressure creative career led him back to joy through daily photography

• The role of storytelling, transparency, and consistency in building visibility and trust

• Why his most impactful opportunities didn’t come from SEO or email lists, but from showing up in real communities

• The power of documenting what you care about before anyone is paying you

• Working with agencies vs direct clients and how discovery actually happens in 2025

• Pricing with flexibility and integrity instead of rigid formulas

• Why underpricing is almost universal and how Alan navigates it in practice

• The long-term value of relationships over short-term ROI

• Bartering, community support, and “Main Street” marketing as legitimate business strategies

• Imposter syndrome, perfection paralysis, and embracing “perfectly imperfect” work

• Choosing variety over specialization and the tradeoffs that come with that decision

• Why photographers need to stop waiting until they feel “ready” to put work into the world

• Teaching, mentoring, and staying curious as a way to keep growing creatively and professionally

TLDR:

• Alan didn’t build his career by chasing clients. He built it by telling stories consistently and caring deeply about the people and subjects in front of him.

• Visibility came from community, not algorithms.

• Pricing is contextual, relationship-driven, and tied to opportunity, not hours alone.

• Imposter syndrome never fully goes away, but humility and enthusiasm can be strengths.

• Helping others, bartering, and showing up locally still work and often work best.

Resources:

• Website: https://www.alanshapiropho