Are you tired of making the same decisions over and over, or feeling like you’re always reacting instead of leading?

I’ve been there, and I know it’s not about being unmotivated - it’s about wanting more from your business.

In this episode, I talk about the shift from winging it to building a business with structure and clarity.

I’ll share how branding (yes, your own!) can help you attract better clients, have easier conversations, and stop reinventing the wheel every season.

If you’re ready to move from hustle to harmony, and from being hired for a job to being chosen for your brand, tune in!

Main topics covered:

- Why “winging it” stops working

- The difference between jobs and brand relationships

- How structure supports creativity

- Steps to get clarity and momentum

LINKS :

Learn more about learning inside of Academy HERE

Wanna get a one-on-one FREE strategy call with moi? Book HERE

Ever find yourself waiting for the “right” moment to put your work out there?

Maybe you’re tweaking your website for the hundredth time, or perfecting your offer until it’s just so.

I get it—I've been there too!

But here’s the honest truth: there’s no magic moment when you’ll suddenly feel ready.

In this episode, I share stories from my portrait studio days and the countless women who wished they’d stepped in front of the camera sooner.

Are you holding back, waiting for confidence or clarity to arrive?

What if the version of you right now is already enough?

Let’s talk about why marketing isn’t about perfection, but about presence and connection.

I’ll gently challenge you to stop hiding your beautiful work and start letting your audience in—even if it feels a bit scary.

Remember, you’re allowed to evolve publicly and make mistakes along the way. The world needs to see what you do, just as it is.

Main topics covered:

- The myth of “readiness” in business

- Why waiting for perfection keeps you invisible

- The difference between urgent and non-urgent photography

- How to build confidence by showing up

- Embracing imperfection and evolving in public

LINKS :

If you're ready to turn this reflection into a clear, practical plan, join my live - Your 2026 Photography Business Plan Workshop.

Save your seat HERE

Learn more about learning inside of Academy HERE

Wanna get a one-on-one FREE strategy call with moi? Book HERE

2026. Less Chaos. More Direction.

The end of the year can leave us wired, reactive, and carrying more ideas than clarity.

And then the holidays happen.

Space.

Breathing room.

A chance to step back and remember what actually matters.

In this episode, I invite you into a quieter way of starting the year - one that’s less about pushing forward and more about choosing your direction with intention.

This isn’t a conversation about doing more.

It’s about deciding who you want to serve, what kind of energy you want flowing through your work, and how focus can create freedom rather than limitation.

If you’ve ever felt pulled between genres, overwhelmed by marketing noise, or tired of feeling like you’re always reacting instead of leading - this episode will feel familiar.

I also am sharing the same planning framework I use with her students - designed to help photographers simplify, refocus, and create a year that feels sustainable on paper and in real life.

If you’re craving a calmer start to 2026, this episode is for you.

Are you struggling to pinpoint your unique magic, or maybe you’re not sure how to communicate it to your clients?

In this episode, I dive into the idea that your personal brand is a lot like your love language—deeply personal, authentic, and the real reason clients come back for more. I share my own journey of discovering my “special sauce” and how I weave it into every client experience, from the way I connect on shoots to the little thoughtful touches that make people feel seen and cared for.

If you’re tired of trying to look like everyone else and ready to embrace what makes you, YOU, this episode is for you.

I’ve been there, and in this episode, we dig deep into the real struggles photographers face, especially when you are also juggling the needs of family. My guest, Johl Dunn shares how shifting mindset—not just business tactics—transformed his life, and how setting boundaries (and sticking to them!) can actually make clients respect you more. We talk about the courage it takes to raise your prices, the power of community, and why you need to stop waiting for confidence and just take that first step.

If you’re feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or unsure about your worth, this episode is for you.

Main topics covered:

- Mindset shifts for photographers

- Managing guilt and work-life balance

- Setting boundaries with clients

- Pricing and self-worth

- The importance of community and mentorship

Join us for a FREE live workshop with Johl Dunn and Paula Brennan to learn simple mindset shifts and marketing strategies that help photographers cut through the chaos and get more bookings with less burnout.

Wednesday 8th October, 6:00 AM AEST, on Zoom.

Limited Time Replay available.

Find out more and sign up at: https://www.paulabrennaneducation.com/free

I see you, and you're definitely not alone. So many photographers are feeling the pinch right now, especially in the luxury family and boudoir markets. In this episode, I get real about what's happening in our industry and why it's not your fault.

 The world has changed, and so have our clients' priorities.

 I'll share some honest, actionable ideas to help you shift with the market—without losing your passion or your sanity. We'll talk about offering digital-only packages, blending family and business sessions, and how a little diversification can open up new streams of income.

Plus, I'll remind you that it's okay to ask for help and that your business isn't stuck forever—it's just evolving.

Main topics covered:

- Current challenges in portrait photography

- Emotional impact of market changes

- Creative sales strategies for tough times

- Combining personal and business branding

- Embracing change and seeking support

In this episode, I chat with the wonderful Sarah Morgan, a portrait and brand photographer from San Diego who’s seen it all—from shooting weddings on film in the 80s to navigating the digital revolution and now thriving in the world of personal branding. We dig into the real challenges of shifting genres, pricing your work with confidence, and how to create an experience that clients rave about (even when things go sideways on shoot day). Sarah shares her honest journey, including the moments she was sweating bricks and the lessons she’s learned about rolling with the punches and building trust with clients.

If you’ve ever wondered how to weather industry storms, find your niche, or just want to hear how another photographer has made personal branding work for her lifestyle (hello, no more schlepping gear to the beach at sunset!), this episode is for you. We also talk about the power of automation, why ongoing learning matters, and how to create a collaborative, creative process that lights you up.

Main topics covered:

- Navigating industry changes and economic downturns

- Transitioning from weddings/families to personal brand photography

- Building client trust and handling shoot-day curveballs

- Pricing strategies and confidence

- The impact of automation and ongoing education

Like you’ve been working hard behind the scenes… but not showing up as much as you “should”?

Same. And you’re not alone.

This episode is a soft, honest reminder that your value isn’t measured by how visible you are.

If you’ve been building quietly, holding everything together, or just doing your best with what you’ve got — this one’s for you.

Learn More in PBE Academy - CLICK HERE

 While this may seem like the right move, it can actually be detrimental to your business. Too often, photographers undercharge due to fear or self-doubt, but this can damage your professional reputation.

In this episode, I dive into:

• Why charging too little can make your business seem unprofessional
• How underpricing impacts your brand image
• The common pitfalls of low pricing and how to avoid them
• How to confidently price your work to reflect its true value

Pricing is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a photographer, yet it's also the most challenging.  So if you've ever felt like you're not charging enough for your photography, or if you're worried about pricing yourself out of the market, this episode is for you. 

LINKS : 

Learn more about learning inside of Academy HERE 

Wanna get a one-on-one FREE strategy call with moi? Book HERE

It’s a shame when I hear this from others in my industry but it can be the downside of cookie-cutter coaching programs—those well-meaning, step-by-step systems that ignore your personality, learning style, or life context—and how that can leave you feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

This episode is for any photographer who's ever bought the course, downloaded the templates, and followed the steps… only to feel like something just didn’t click. I’ll show you why that’s not your fault.

🎯 You’ll learn:

• Why business coaching should never be “one size fits all”
• How the right guide can nurture your growth, even when you resist at first
• Why it’s okay to skip the parts of a system that don’t suit you

This week I chatted with my VIP client and friend, Katie Lawrence, a salon owner who has booked multiple shoots with me over the years—and who’s proof that branding photos aren’t just a luxury—they’re a necessity for any business that wants to grow and evolve.

Katie runs a successful salon and has booked multiple branding shoots over the years as her business expanded. She shares how each session has reflected a new stage in her journey, from launching her business to building a team and refining her high-end brand identity. 

We also talk about how showing up consistently in polished, professional images has made her business feel cohesive—and how that’s translated into more bookings and brand trust.

And Katie opens up about a major social media setback that would have crushed most businesses—but thanks to a strong brand presence (and a killer image bank), she was able to bounce back stronger than ever.

If you want to learn how to educate clients on the long-term value of branding photography, this episode is packed with insights that will help you shift their (and shift your) mindset!

In this episode, we cover:

• Why brand aesthetics are more than just "pretty pictures"
• How Katie used photography to elevate her business and attract premium clients
• The different types of shoots she’s done and how they’ve evolved with her brand
• The hidden power of professional imagery in social media and marketing
• How to help your clients understand the value of personal branding photography

I brought Brooke Cerny on to share how she transitioned her photography skills into a niche that provides freedom, creative input, and fulfilling client relationships... You guessed it... Branding!

(And this is one of those conversations that just brings me pure joy to bring to you)

You'll hear how she tackled the uncertainty of letting go of steady wedding bookings and built a consistent brand photography business—something many dream of but hey it can be scary, so many just don't try to do.

If you've been searching for a more chill approach to photography that still keeps the lights on (and then some), Brooke's journey might just be what you need to hear today.

In this episode Brooke Shared : 

* Confronting "safe" wedding work vs. new opportunities

* Building genuine client connections in branding

* The opportunities, conversations and rooms your camera can get you into

* Letting go of fear to pursue a calmer photography life

LEARN MORE ABOUT ACADEMY HERE

Check out Brooke at Magnolia Studios HERE

What if one decision could completely change the course of your photography journey? 

They say big changes usually start as small ideas, but this one caught me by surprise and grew faster than I ever expected. 

In this episode, I reveal the unexpected turn I never saw coming and why it’s had such a massive impact on me—breathing new life into my photography work. 

If you’ve been feeling like you’re on the edge of something new, this might be the spark you’ve been waiting for. 

No spoilers here—you’ll have to listen to find out exactly what happened and why I’m so excited for what’s next.

BOOK STRATEGY CALL WITH PAULA

It’s easy to live large on your credit card in December & land in January with a big bill to pay (we’ve all done it)

That’s why I thought to kickstart the new year I'd share three practical strategies to help you tap into areas of your business today, where you might be able to uncover some quick wins.

I share my personal strategies for discovering hidden revenue opportunities lurking in your archives and inbox. 

And shedding light on these untapped areas of your photography business that can bring in immediate revenue.

My aim is to help you rediscover the gems already in your business, and show you how a few small tweaks can have a surprisingly big impact on your bottom line. 

AND… you don’t need flashy tactics—just a willingness to revisit old contacts and a fresh approach to creating irresistible offers.

In this Episode, I share

• Where to look for hidden revenue
• How to re engage old leads
• Sparking momentum in an otherwise slow season
• Genuine connection vs fancy marketing

LEARN WITH PAULA INSIDE OF ACADEMY

Are you unsure how to find clients who value your work or how to focus your services in a way that feels both profitable and sustainable? It’s easy to feel like you have to say yes to everything just to make ends meet, but that’s not the only way forward.

In this episode, I sit down with Lizzy Jacobs, a photographer who’s found her sweet spot in personal branding. Lizzy shares her journey of starting her business with a “say yes to everything” mindset and how she eventually transitioned into a focused, consistent, and highly successful branding photography business. We also dig into her biggest game-changer: networking.

Lizzy explains how she made networking work for her—without it feeling salesy or overwhelming—and how those connections have fueled her growth. If you’re ready to take control of your photography business, this conversation will leave you inspired and motivated.

Topics Covered:

• Why networking is one of the most powerful tools for photographers.
• The practical steps Lizzie took to build a steady stream of clients.
• How to simplify your business for more focus and better results.

Check out Lizzy's website here

Have you ever wondered if the market for personal brand photography is already saturated? Are you struggling to find clients who truly appreciate the value you bring to their businesses?

There is no shortage of awesome people doing really cool things who need YOUR help right now. In this snapshot I share just 10 pretty awesome clients from really diverse spaces so you can get inspired to think outside the box when it comes to discovering your future clients.

Listen to the full episode here…

Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-lens-celebrating-50-cool-personal-branding/id1619889445?i=1000621450874

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6RLZ0t9iumaN6TpDUUFE2e

Watch the full episode on YouTube

https://www.paulabrennaneducation.com/podcasts/50

Or maybe you've heard clients say they feel unsure about what kind of images they need for their brand, and you’re left trying to fill in the blanks. 

In this episode, I dive into how we can elevate our client experiences, creating photoshoots that not only meet but exceed their branding needs and expectations.

Join me as I chat with Kate, a returning client, who’s experienced the transformation personal brand photography has brought to her business & personal self too. We discuss everything from planning and preparing for a session right through to the finished product and how she has used her images and video throughout her site to great success.

And for those of you who’ve thought group sessions might dilute the experience, think again—I’ll be sharing why this setup might just be the magic touch your client needs!

If you’re ready to learn how to offer a session that leaves your clients excited, confident, and ready to refer you, tune in. 

In this episode, we cover:

• The real value of personal brand photography from a client’s perspective
• How to plan with the client’s future brand vision in mind
• Fostering a welcoming environment for clients, even in group settings
• Creating a structured yet relaxed experience for clients

Check out Kate's Website here

Learn more about PBE Academy here

Check out full course suite here

My friend this is the best time of year for us photographers to book sessions, and if you do not have some sort of marketing in place you might be missing out. I wanted to inspire you about what is possible in this snapshot of an older episode - all about planning for the holiday season :)

Listen to the full episode here…

Apple 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-planning-for-the-holiday-season/id1619889445?i=1000588236195

Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/episode/588e8xSvQr9CT82l2ST3vj

Learn more about Done For You Campaigns 👉 https://www.paulabrennaneducation.com/dfy

Sometimes this can happen, even though the parties may not be intentionally doing it to you

But it is easy to end up feeling undervalued or even a little used.

If you are struggling to balance gaining exposure with protecting your photography work 

Or perhaps finding it challenging to negotiate fair deals 

This podcast episode is for you.

In it I share a story from my early days as a personal brand photographer and a specific incident that led to a big lesson.

One that I think you can profit from (which is why I am sharing it right!)

In this Episode, I Share : 

• How to set and maintain professional boundaries
• Essentials for building a sustainable & profitable business
• Negotiation & Communication for compensation (that’s a lot of “tions”!)

Want more help with shooting, marketing & selling personal brand photography

and/or generally getting paid for your photography?

Great! Start here for these and other trainings:

I had a great chat with designer Delyse Wright about the kind of images that help designers to build websites and she gave me lots of inspiration how to shake up your shooting with some really simple and easily actionable ideas.

Listen to the full episode here…

Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/images-that-grow-your-clients-personal-brand-with/id1619889445?i=1000590100235

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3lYqKKwmnCOUREUjsmBAop

Watch the full episode on YouTube

https://youtu.be/2PSqxxHqkoA?si=59cGrZ4ujvgoBTYS

I certainly tried on all of these roles when I first dipped my toe into this space.

But I also quickly got overwhelmed by all the hats I was trying to wear too!

In this episode, I'm taking you back to basics and breaking down exactly what your role could be as a personal brand photographer.

I dive deep into why it's important to stay in your lane and focus on what you do best.

And how to ask the right questions to truly understand your clients' needs are without feeling the pressure to solve every aspect of their branding.

If you are currently feeling overwhelmed trying to do ALL the things, then this is for you.

In this episode, I share

* Defining your role in personal brand photography

* Having a clearer sense of your purpose

* Developing the confidence to say no to tasks that aren't your responsibility

* How to nail what YOU do best!

Want more help with shooting, marketing & selling personal brand photography

and/or generally getting paid for your photography?

Great! Start here for these and other trainings:

​

📷 Future Proof Your Photography Business (Free Guide)

📷 Capture Personal Brand Photography That Sells (Free Mini Course) (Watch here)​

📷 Watch BTS on Full Mini Brand Session (Watch for Free)​

​📷 Ultimate Posing Guide for Personal Brand Photography (Grab it here)

📷 Launch into Personal Brand Photography with Behind the Business (Join Here)​

📷 A Year of Learning inside PBE Academy (Check for availability)​

📷 The Complete Set up Personal Brand Mini Sessions (Check for availability)​​

If you've been struggling with burnout, uncertainty, or a lack of direction, this episode is exactly what you need.

In this episode, I sit down with Annemie Tonken who has not only mastered the art of photography but also figured out how to align her business with her personal life and goals. 

We dive deep into how you can create a photography business that works for you, not the other way around. 

By the end of this conversation, you'll have actionable steps to align your business with your true vision, so you can get back to doing what you love—without the overwhelm.

Whether you're just starting out or have been in the game for years, the insights Annemie shares will help you build a business that feels authentic to what you need and sustainable as well. 

We explore the importance of aligning your business model with your values and lifestyle, so you can confidently charge what you're worth and attract clients who truly appreciate your work.

Main topics covered:

• The 5 P’s framework for business alignment
• Balancing passion with profitability
• Overcoming comparisonitis in your photography career
• How to build trust with your clients through alignment

Take Annemie's Quiz HERE

Want more help with shooting, marketing & selling personal brand photography

and/or generally getting paid for your photography?

Great! Start here for these and other trainings:

​

📷 Future Proof Your Photography Business (Free Guide)

📷 Capture Personal Brand Photography That Sells (Free Mini Course) (Watch here)​

📷 Watch BTS on Full Mini Brand Session (Watch for Free)​

​📷 Ultimate Posing Guide for Personal Brand Photography (Grab it here)

📷 Launch into Personal Brand Photography with Behind the Business (Join Here)​

📷 A Year of Learning inside PBE Academy (Check for availability)​

📷 The Complete Set up Personal Brand Mini Sessions (Check for availability)​​

Are you juggling multiple platforms just to manage your clients, schedule shoots, and keep up with marketing?

If you have been looking for that all-elusive one tool that could be the solution to everything, admin, communication, invoices, social media scheduling, automations and marketing...

THIS IS THE EPISODE YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO... TODAY!

Boudoir Photographer and winner of Shutterfest, Margo Franklyn shares her story and we explore how one powerful all-in-one tool designed especially for photographers, can replace multiple tools, automate your workflows, and help you focus more on your creative work.

This is a must-listen for any photographer looking to take control of their business.

In this Episode, Margo Shares :

* The struggle of balancing creativity with business management

* Managing & Nailing Social Media

* Simplifying client communication

* The impact of automation on her business success

Try Lead Savage & Use code PBE30 to save $30 each month

• How AI can save you when times are low or life gets in the way
• Listening to community can guide a business direction
• Saving days (not just hours) in your business
• What is new coming to Imagen

• Key roles that can support a small photography business
• Outsourcing tasks big and small
• Achieving work-life balance through collaboration

• Strategies to adapt to economic changes
• Finding the markets that you CAN serve
• Staying positive and proactive
  
  

• How to discover the joy in creating content that reflects your passion for photography
• Finding your optimal creative space
• Setting realistic goals for content creation
• Overcoming common content creation challenges
• Integrating creativity into your marketing routine

• The Pros of Including Families
• Cons of Including Families
• Guidelines for including families if you decide to offer this to your clients

• Three recurring themes that resonated deeply with me
• What I intend to do to help you in the future
• Key areas of focus for both 2024 and 2025

• Where to focus to avoid distraction
• How to start making more in your business
• Online dating and how it is like business
• Making AI your friend

• 3 simple strategies to take the ick out of showing up more
• One key question to ask yourself when curating your own personal brand
• Connecting with your clients who feel just like you

• The Camera bodies and lenses I can not do without

• The lighting gear for natural light looking images

• Extra gear that comes on every session regardless of the subject

• The 3 things that might hold you back from acting on your itch
• How to make transition without throwing out the baby with the bath water
• How following your intuition can lead to greater successes

• How to save your business (and brain power at the same time)
• Where you can find the energy to do things you have been putting off
• How to carve out more time for creativity

• How to switch up to create marketable content for your clients
• What your clients need to tell their story
• Expand your range to create a better service & final product

• The benefit of opening up a little (or alot) 
• My life guru and how she affected my business
• Where to find YOUR tribe
• The wins when you invest your time & cash in the right places

• What made her move into Personal Branding
• How she captures in styled homes with incredible sales
• The framework that she followed to help her increase her business & confidence
• The one thing she attributes to her success
• How she discovered branding is a necessity, not a luxury

• How to become recognizable in a sea of same
• The rinse and repeat method
• How to make yourself the number one choice for “busy” business people
• Making sure good word about working with you is going around

WATCH NEW MASTERCLASS : CAPTURE DREAM CLIENTS IN BEAUTIFUL SPACES

Are you a little bored with you are currently shooting?

Or perhaps you are stuck working in locations that you just don’t love.

That was me too.

Let’s face it, it can be really tough when you turn up to a shoot all excited only to find you are stuck in a room with no light, dark walls and full or furniture you need to navigate.

And I think all photographers have faced some awkward spaces to navigate in their time. 

I still do from time to time, but I also have built a business where more than not I now get to choose where I capture.

I think that is one of the best parts of Personal Branding, is getting back a little more control of where you want to capture your clients, cause often times you are more in the drivers seat.

That's why I wanted to share my favourite locations for shooting in, because I now love what I can create in different spaces for my brand clients, and I wanted to share with you why.

In this episode, I share : 

• My favourite place to create connection with my clients
• How I love to create with spontaneity
• My newest obsession
• The best opportunity for brand photogs to have successful business

• How I avoid compromising my focus
• My exact schedule I try to keep in 2023
• My love of closing open loops!

• What teaching my daughter to drive illuminated for me
• How I moved from comparisonitis
• How to grow your confidence incrementally
• Reframing your “lack” of confidence

• The story of a beautiful artist - just like you
• The Signs You need a Price Adjustment
• The most common at home red flag that it’s time
• How you can review your pricing with my help

1. The five key areas where I would channel my energy
2. Strategies to accelerate your learning process
3. Unconventional choices I would make, prioritizing them over seemingly obvious alternatives
   
   

• Rounded came about from a big hole in the market
• How your confidence can dramatically affect with your bank balance
• Freelanders, Imposter Syndrome and tools to overcome it
• How to avoid awkward money conversations with clients

Welcome to the very first episode of The Business of Personal Branding Photography! To kick start, Paula takes us on a trip down memory lane, filling us in on her incredible journey. From growing up surrounded by photography, thinking she’d never follow the same path, to discovering her love of photography, buying the family business, and diving into the world of weddings and eventually portrait photography. After years of amazing experiences and connections, Paula has jumped into the world of personal branding. 

In this episode, Paula shares why she moved from a lucrative wedding studio in Sydney to open a portrait studio in a smaller beachside community to then closing it at it’s height to focus 100% on personal branding,  and offers her pros and cons of transitioning from wedding and portrait photography into the world of personal branding photography. 

See full show notes and explore other episodes here!

To get to know Paula and get insight into her work, click here & Follow her on instagram here.

Remember to SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW!