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Published by Summer Grace
Welcome to Summer School, the podcast where we explore the world of creativity, entrepreneurship, and beyond. While I may be a wedding photographer by trade, my goal for this podcast is to break free from creative constraints and invite a wide range of guests to join us in thought-provoking conversations. Expect to hear from professionals in various fields – from educators to accountants, musicians to artists, and business owners of all kinds. My aim is to dive deep into the experiences, inspirations, and the nitty gritty of being an entrepreneur. Tune in today, hit subscribe and leave a review if you love what you hear. Summer Grace Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summergrace.photo/ Summer School Show Notes: https://www.the-summerschool.com/summer-school-show-notes
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I’ve never paid for ads to book a wedding. In this episode, I’m breaking down how I’ve built a thriving wedding photography business through Instagram, referrals, networking, vendor relationships, and simply making sure people know what I do. If ads aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to get your work in front of the right people. Connect with Me: Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Richards FilmLab at a discount: richardphotolab.com Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
This week I’m sitting down with Jonathan to get VERY nerdy about photography. We’re talking film, weddings, scanning, creative burnout, and going way too far down creative rabbit holes. Jonathan shares how wanting a better way to scan film turned into building his own automated film scanner, plus we talk about photographing weddings (including mine!), cameras failing at the worst time, and finding your way back to actually having fun with photography. Meet Jonathan: Jonathan Goldie is a wedding and editorial photographer with an unhealthy obsession with film and pretty much every process surrounding it. Before photography became his full time career, he worked as a medical laboratory scientist and somehow went from never second shooting a wedding to building his own wedding photography business from scratch. Outside of weddings, Jonathan shoots editorial work and landscapes from his travels, develops and prints film at home when he actually has time, and built a trichromatic film scanner he plans to bring to market because apparently buying a normal scanner wasn’t complicated enough. Connect with Me: Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral Connect with Jonathan: Website: jgoldiephotography.com Instagram: @jgoldiephotography | @goldetron | @goldenwandrlust
Hey everyone! In this episode, I’m answering your questions about film photography, marketing, networking, growing a photography business, motherhood, getting into education, and building a career that you love. We’re getting into a little bit of everything and talking about what I’ve learned along the way. Connect with Me: Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Richards FilmLab at a discount: richardphotolab.com Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
Is film photography actually a scam? In this episode, I’m breaking down the real costs of shooting film, why clients still want it, and how to add film to your photography packages without losing money. I also share how I personally price film, why it’s baked into my packages, and whether I think film is still worth offering in 2026. Connect with Me: Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
I’m so excited to sit down with Jonathan Canlas, founder of the Find Lab, and someone who has been shooting, teaching, and advocating for film photography for decades. We talk about his journey with film, the cameras and film stocks he loves, shooting for yourself, experimenting creatively, and why photographers need to stop looking at everyone else’s work if they want to find their own voice. We also get into building real community, personal projects, and what keeps him excited about photography after all these years. Meet Jonathan: Creator of Film Is Not Dead, Film School Road Trip and the Find Lab. Jonathan has been shooting film exclusively since his first wedding in 1999. He resides in Lehi UT with his 6 kids. Click the links below to see the Iceland photos we mention in the pod: Lomography Purple 1 Lomography Purple 2 Lomography Purple 3 Connect with Me: Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral Connect with Jonathan: Website: jonathan.instaproofs.com Instagram: @jonathancanlas @thefindlab ( Use code SUMMERSCHOOL for a 20% discount off processing)
Hey everyone! I'm taking you behind the scenes of photographing a multi day wedding and everything that goes into it. From travel, packing, and testing gear to working with a second shooter, building relationships with your clients, and why 12 hours sometimes still isn't enough, I'm sharing what these weekends really look like and why they're some of my favorite weddings to photograph. Connect with Me: Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
In this episode, I'm talking about the biggest marketing mistakes I see photographers make and how to fix them. We cover why social media shouldn't be your only marketing strategy, how to become more memorable, why networking matters, and simple ways to book more of the right clients. Connect with Me: Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
Hey everyone! In this episode, Peyton shares practical advice on growing a photography business through networking, word-of-mouth marketing, and collaboration. We also talk about balancing creativity with business, hosting retreats, working with other photographers, and simple ways to create more authentic images by letting go of perfection. Meet Peyton: Peyton Hayez is a photographer who refuses to be boxed into a single niche. She believes creativity exists in everything, from weddings to education, branding, and storytelling. While she’s known for her candids and ability to capture real emotion, her greatest passion is helping other photographers build confidence in both their craft and their businesses through immersive retreats, education, and community-driven experiences. She has a deep love for entrepreneurship, meaningful connection, and bringing ambitious ideas to life. This season is an exciting one for Peyton. In August, she’s hosting Camp Cinematic, a multi-day photography retreat that brings together photographers for hands-on education, styled shoots, creative collaboration, and community. Peyton has also released Post with Purpose, a course designed to help photographers attract their dream clients with intentional messaging, authentic storytelling, and sustainable business strategies. Connect with Me: Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral Connect with Peyton: Website: www.peytonhayezphotography.com Instagram: @peytonhayez @camp_cinematic
Hi everyone! I'm so excited for this episode because I'm sitting down with Nirit and Amir, the founders of Pic-Time, to hear the story behind one of photography's favorite platforms.We talk about how Pic-Time got started, some of my favorite features, what goes into building software creatives actually love, and the lessons they've learned growing a company that's stayed true to photographers from day one. Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above!
In this episode, I'm sharing six practical ways to elevate your wedding photography, including how I use flash, pose editorial group photos, find better light, anticipate candid moments, and create more artistic images throughout the wedding day. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
Film photography has completely changed the way I shoot weddings, and in this episode I'm sharing everything you guys always ask me about it. We talk about how I got started shooting film, the cameras I use, how I work it into a wedding day, how I price it for clients, and why I think film has shaped my style more than anything else. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
In this episode, I sat down with Kara Mercer, whose career has taken her from photographing weddings to working with tourism boards, hotels, designers, and brands all over the world. We talk about what it looked like to make the jump into commercial photography, how she built a career beyond weddings, and the realities of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and reinventing yourself as a creative along the way. Meet Kara: Kara Mercer is a commercial photographer and creative director specializing in interior, architectural, lifestyle, and travel photography. With over 17 years of experience behind the camera, she’s known for her refined editorial style, artful use of light, and ability to tell a story in a single frame. She graduated with a Speech Pathology degree, but wedding photography led her around the world ultimately working for tourism boards worldwide and fashion campaigns before expanding her focus to commercial work. This experience informs her editorial eye and the emotional resonance that runs through her photography. Kara is based in Seattle and regularly works in Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and beyond. Her work has been published worldwide in magazines such as House Beautiful, Arch Digest, Traditional Home, Dwell, and more. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral Connect with Kara: Website: www.karamercer.com Instagram: @_karamercer Instagram: @kararmercer
In this episode, I'm sharing a new creative project I've been obsessed with lately: cyanotypes. We talk about what cyanotypes are, how to make them, and why diving into something completely outside of my photography business has been such a refreshing creative reset. I also share the story behind Solar Studios, a new venture combining vintage clothing, cyanotype printing, and making things just for the sake of making them. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
This week on the pod, I sat down with wedding photographer and creative powerhouse Landon Hawkins. We talk about using creativity and props to create more intentional imagery, standing out in a saturated industry, and the importance of queer advocacy and representation within the wedding world. Meet Landon: Landon is a queer wedding photographer known for creating cinematic, story driven imagery that blends emotion, movement, and playful creativity. His work often incorporates handmade props, oversized objects, and conceptual set pieces that turn real moments into artful, nostalgic scenes. Inspired by individuality and human connection, he approaches weddings with a mix of documentary storytelling. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral Connect with Landon: Website: www.landonhawkins.com Instagram: @landonhawkinsphotos TikTok: @landonhawkinsphotos
This week on the pod, I’m recapping Summer Camp and talking about how much this experience grew and evolved from the first camp I ever hosted. From the styled shoots and film lab, to the food, counselors, field day, surprise art gallery, and overall experience - this year felt incredibly intentional and immersive in the best way. I’m also sharing behind-the-scenes lessons on hosting a photography retreat, budgeting, building community, and what actually goes into creating an unforgettable creative experience. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
This week on the pod, I’m sharing my thoughts on scaling as a photographer and the different paths that can come with it. We talk about luxury weddings, associate teams, education, legacy clients, hybrid business models, and figuring out what kind of growth actually fits the life you want. I also share a few personal updates while getting ready for Summer Camp and settling into a new season of life. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide Summer Camp (2026) *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
In this episode, I’m sharing a shift in how I think about branding - from “personal branding” to world building . I talk through how your brand is shaped through every interaction, from social media to your client experience, and what it looks like to stay consistent across all of it. If you’ve been feeling like you’re blending in, this will help you start thinking about how to build something people actually want to be part of. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide Summer Camp (2026) *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
This week on the pod, I’m so excited to be chatting with Jada and David about going from wedding photography to building full conceptual sets and creative worlds. We get into burnout, personal projects, and what it actually looks like to pivot and start creating the work you actually want to be known for. Meet Jada + David: Jada and David are a married couple and creative duo. Together, they combine set design, photography, lighting, and motion to create bold, visually striking imagery for musicians, designers, brands, and more. They collaborate closely on every project, handling everything from concept and set builds to lighting, photography, and video. They are currently working on a new personal project called The Attic Series, where they are building 25 sets and producing 25 shoots inside their attic over the course of 100 days, exploring what’s possible within a small, constrained space. Before stepping into this work, they spent nearly a decade as wedding and portrait photographers. In 2020, they shifted their focus and began building custom sets for their shoots. That decision led to their 100 Set Project in 2021, where they built 100 sets and produced 100 shoots in a single year, changing the direction of their careers. Today, Jada and David create custom sets for both personal and client work. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide Summer Camp (2026) *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Connect with Jada + David: Education and Content: jadaanddavid.gumroad.com Instagram: @Jadaanddavid Check out their "Attic Series" on Youtube: youtube.com/jadaanddavid Patreon: patreon.com/c/jadaanddavid
This week I’m talking with Chris Denner about staying true to yourself as a photographer and not getting pulled into industry trends. Chris shares why “weddings shouldn’t be content machines,” how trends are leading to everyone creating the same images, and why leaning into what makes you different is what actually sets you apart. Meet Chris: Nice to meet you, I’m Chris Denner. I’m a crime-fighting vigilante and I know more Kung Fu than Bruce Lee. Okay….that’s not strictly true. But let’s be honest, it sounds way more exciting than saying that I`m a wedding photographer based in the UK. Basically I photograph for the loud & real couples who want big moments, creative images, and zero cringe, ok? Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide Summer Camp (2026) *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Connect with Chris: Instagram: @chrisdennerphotography Website: chrisdenner.co.uk Sign up for his upcoming workshop here: ignite.photographerbusinessacademy.co.uk
Hi everyone! This week on the pod, I’m chatting with Joshua Woodland, a UK-based wedding photographer whose work blends fashion, film, and storytelling. We talk about finding inspiration outside of the wedding industry, how your taste develops over time, and what it actually takes to get your work seen. It’s a real conversation about growing creatively while building a sustainable photography business. Meet Joshua: Joshua is a UK based wedding photographer - documenting stories across the UK and Europe. Joshua’s photography blends editorial composition with emotional storytelling, using light and environment to shape each frame. Creating imagery that feels transportive. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide Summer Camp (2026) *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Connect with Joshua: Instagram: @joshuawoodlandphoto Website: joshuawoodland.com
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