In this powerful episode, I’m breaking down one of the most emotionally charged and commonly misunderstood topics in the photography industry: pricing models. There’s a myth floating around that there’s only one right way to price your services—and it’s just not true. Whether you're all-inclusive, sales-based, or somewhere in between, profitability has less to do with how you price and more to do with what works for you, your time, and your ideal client. I'm walking you through the mindset shifts, real math, and client-focused strategies that help you stop guessing and start owning your pricing with confidence.

 Key Takeaways:

 * There’s no one-size-fits-all pricing model—profitability is about knowing your numbers.
 * Selling digital files is not “less than.” They’re a high-value product that clients want and need.
 * Time is your most valuable currency if your pricing model doesn't honor it, it's not sustainable.
 * Your pricing structure must align with the lifestyle, needs, and expectations of your ideal client.
 * Before copying someone else’s model, understand your actual cost per session and profit margin.

 Final Thoughts:

It’s time to ditch the pressure to price like someone else. Your pricing should reflect your strengths, your lifestyle, your client base, and your actual time investment. You don’t need a trendy model—you need a sustainable one. Remember: confident pricing leads to a thriving business.

 Links & Resources:

📄 Download the FREE Pricing Workshee [http://elenasblair.com/free-simple-pricing-guide]t to calculate your real profit per session

🎧 Listen to more episodes  [https://elenasblair.com/the-empowered-photographer-podcast]

💬 DM me on Instagram @elenasblair_photography [https://instagram.com/elenasblair_photography] to tell me what pricing model is working for you

Finding the Right Photography Pricing Model for You

It’s the season finale of The Empowered Photographer Podcast! In this episode, Elena wraps up Season 3 with a heartfelt message that just might change the way you approach your photography forever. If you’ve been chasing the “perfect” look the right light, the trendy edit, or the sharpest shot this episode is your reminder that the real magic lies in how your work feels, not just how it looks.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or disconnected from your work, Elena shares a mindset shift that will reignite your passion and set your business apart: focus on the emotion behind the image. She also leaves you with a powerful, game-changing challenge to take into your next session.

 Key Takeaways:

 * A beautiful photo isn’t just technically strong it makes people feel something.
 * Stop obsessing over your style and editing; start tuning into how it feels to create your images.
 * If you feel something when you shoot, chances are your viewer will too.
 * Consistency in your brand comes from emotional clarity, not just a uniform aesthetic.
 * Homework: Choose 3 emotions you want your work to evoke and bring those into your next session.
 * Emotionally resonant work leads to a more meaningful and sustainable business.

 Final Thoughts:

Photography is more than a visual art,  it’s a feeling. When you create with emotion at the center, you not only connect with your clients in a deeper way, but you also protect yourself from creative burnout. So next time you shoot, pause and ask yourself: How do I want this to feel?

🔗 Links & Resources:

Apply for The Mastermind (next cohort starts July 29, 2025)
👉 Click here to apply [https://elenasblaireducation.hbportal.co/public/651c3c23218e2d0025feefb7/1-Inquiry_form]

 Free Posing Guide for Photographers
👉 Grab your free guide [http://elenasblair.com/8-family-poses-that-always-work]

📣 Don’t Forget:

If you loved this season, please leave a 5-star review — it helps more photographers like you find the show and feel empowered in their journey.

Want More Impact? Stop Obsessing Over How It Looks

Starting from scratch? This one's for you. In this episode, I’m laying out the exact steps I would take if I were starting my family photography business all over again no fluff, just the real deal. Whether you’re brand new or need a reset, this episode will help you build a profitable business with confidence and clarity.

📌 What You'll Learn:

 * Why your mindset is the first thing that needs to change
 * How to niche down and stand out in a crowded market
 * The fastest way to build a high-quality portfolio (even without paying clients)
 * Why pricing for profit from day one is non-negotiable
 * The parts of your online presence that actually matter (hint: it’s not social media)
 * How to create an incredible client experience that keeps people coming back
 * Why you need a lead generation system ASAP (and what that can look like)
 * How to scale your offers smartly without burning out

💡 Final Thoughts:
You don’t need to wait to be “ready.” You need a plan, confidence, and the willingness to show up like the CEO of your business. This episode is your roadmap.

🔗 Links & Resources:

👉 Apply for the Elena S. Blair Mastermind [https://elenasblaireducation.hbportal.co/public/651c3c23218e2d0025feefb7]

👉 Download the Free Photography Business Roadmap [http://elenasblair.com/family-photography-business-roadmap]

👉 Grab the Free Pricing Guide [http://elenasblair.com/free-simple-pricing-guide]

What I’d Do If I Was Starting My Photography Business From Scratch

In this refreshingly honest solo episode, I’m sharing one of the most powerful truths behind my success as a photographer and it’s probably not what you expect. You might even laugh when you hear it, but it works. We're talking about the mindset shift that helped me grow from a brand-new photographer making $2K a year to running a thriving, multi-six-figure photography business with a fully booked calendar and a rock-solid reputation.

Spoiler alert: it all started with acting like I’d already made it.

Inside this episode, I’ll give you three practical steps to stop waiting for permission and start embodying the successful photographer you’re meant to be. If you’re stuck in that “someday” mindset, this one’s for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

 * Success doesn’t happen by accident. If you're waiting for the “perfect time” or for someone to tell you you’re ready, you're holding yourself back.
 * Mindset is everything. Adopting the identity of a successful photographer before you feel like one will change how you show up and people will notice.
 * Take bold action before you're ready. Even if your income is tiny or your confidence is shaky, show up like a pro.
 * Consistency wins. The most successful photographers don’t wait for the right moment — they act, daily.
 * Your homework: Start acting, speaking, marketing, and shooting like you’ve already made it. Don’t wait. Decide. Do the work.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

You don’t need anyone’s permission to succeed. The only person who can decide you’re ready… is you.
So, what would you do today if you already were the most sought-after photographer in your area?

That’s your next move.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

🎓 Ready to fully embody the successful photographer within you?
The Elena S Blair Mastermind is now open for applications!
Next cohort starts July 29, 2025 — and there are only 5 spots left.
Apply here [https://elenasblaireducation.hbportal.co/public/651c3c23218e2d0025feefb7/1-Inquiry_form]
We’ll chat face-to-face on Zoom. No pressure, just connection.

Download my photography business roadmap [http://elenasblair.com/family-photography-business-roadmap]

🎧 Love this episode?

 * Hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next one.
 * Leave a 5-star review to help more photographers find Empowered.

Fake It Till You Make It — The Real Secret to Becoming a Successful Photographer

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, I’m sharing the true story of how saying yes to one photography conference back in 2012 completely changed the course of my life and business. From NICU nurse and exhausted mom of two, to full-time photographer, educator, and keynote speaker this is the journey that sparked it all. If you've ever wondered whether you belong in this industry or questioned what's possible for your photography career, this episode is your sign to go for it.

📌 What You'll Learn:

 * Why I didn’t believe photography could be a full-time career (and what changed that)
 * How attending WPPI opened my eyes to a new level of possibility
 * The power of surrounding yourself with industry peers and mentors
 * How in-person experiences can expand your mindset and build confidence
 * Why just one brave yes can change everything
 * What conferences I recommend for photographers (including a FREE one!)
 * A behind-the-scenes look at how I went from attendee to speaker

💬 My Favorite Quote From This Episode:
“You are always just one bold step away from growth.”

📝 Final Thoughts:
If you’ve been craving clarity, connection, and expansion—go to a conference. The right room will change your mindset, your business, and maybe even your entire life. Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready.’ Just say yes.

🔗 Links & Resources:

 * 🎤 BILD Conference [http://www.bildexpo.com/?ref-SPKELENAB]– June 18, 2025 in NYC (FREE to attend!)
 * 🎟️ Get on the waitlist for the Mastermind  [https://elenasblair.com/the-elena-s-blair-mastermind]
 * 📩 DM me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/elenasblair_photography] if you have questions 

 How Attending a Photography Conference Changed My Life

In this heartfelt episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on lifestyle newborn photography what it really means and why it’s such a powerful, safe, and natural way to photograph new babies. As a former NICU nurse turned professional photographer, I bring years of experience and deep passion to this genre. You'll learn what sets lifestyle newborn photography apart from traditional posed sessions, what baby-led posing actually looks like, and why your role as the photographer is to guide, not force. If you're craving a more meaningful and stress-free way to document the newborn season, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

1. Lifestyle Newborn Photography Is Natural, Not Forced

 * Focuses on baby-led posing—safe, comfortable, and organic positions.
 * No stiff props, awkward composites, or elaborate setups.
 * Real moments over staged perfection.

2. You’re Still the Expert—Just with a Softer Touch

 * You guide the session, pose the baby naturally, and direct light and emotion.
 * A gentle but confident workflow still matters.
 * You don’t need props to create impactful images.

3. The Home Is the Heart of the Story

 * Sessions are done in the family’s space no studio lights, no distractions.
 * Photos capture personal, emotional details: the nursery, the rocking chair, those 2 a.m. memories.
 * Natural light and real settings create timeless images.

4. Newborns Are Perfect Just As They Are

 * No need to alter or manipulate connection and simplicity are key.
 * Lifestyle images tell the truth of the moment in a meaningful and artistic way.

Resources & Links:

👉 Download the FREE Lifestyle Newborn Posing Guide [http://elenasblair.com/newborn-posing-guide] – Includes 5 of my favorite safe, baby-led poses.

👉 Follow along on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/elenasblair_photography] for more lifestyle newborn inspiration

👉 View my lifestyle newborn portfolio [https://www.elenasblairphotography.com/newborn-photography-seattle]

What Is Lifestyle Newborn Photography (And Why It Matters)

In this episode, I’m sharing the unexpected lesson I took from the recent TikTok ban scare and why it was the reminder we all needed. If you’re relying solely on social media to grow your photography business, this episode is your wake-up call. I’m breaking down what you actually own in your business, what you don’t, and how to create a long-term marketing strategy that keeps working no matter what happens online.

Key Takeaways:

1. Social Media Is Rented Real Estate

 * You don’t own your Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook accounts.
 * They can change, glitch, or disappear without warning—and there’s no customer service to help you recover it.
 * The algorithm isn’t responsible for your success—you are.

2. Focus on What You Can Control

 * Your website and your email list are platforms you own.
 * SEO (Search Engine Optimization) gets you in front of people actively searching for your services.
 * Email marketing gives you a direct line to your audience with far better visibility than social media.

3. Diversify Your Marketing Strategy

 * Social media is a tool, not the whole toolbox.
 * Your marketing should include SEO-optimized content and a consistent email strategy.
 * Real business growth happens off social media.

Final Thoughts:
If the TikTok ban showed us anything, it’s that putting all your eggs in the social media basket is a dangerous game. It's time to focus your energy on platforms that are within your control—your website and your email list. This is how you build a resilient, long-lasting photography business.

Resources & Links:

 * Download my free guide to get started with email marketing [http://elenasblair.com/3-step-guide-email-list]
 * Follow me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/elenasblair_photography]
 * Join my Facebook group for photographers [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1823216771316654/]

What the TikTok Ban Taught Me About Real Marketing

In this heartfelt episode, I’m taking you back to the exact moment that transformed everything about how I approached newborn photography. If you’ve ever felt misaligned or unsure about the posed newborn style, this episode is for you. I’m sharing my personal journey of going from traditional posed sessions to discovering what truly felt aligned—and how that shift exploded my business and redefined my purpose as a photographer. If you’re curious about lifestyle newborn photography or baby-led posing, this might be the sign you’ve been waiting for.

Key Takeaways:

1. Misalignment Is a Clue, Not a Failure

 * I was running a successful business in posed newborn photography but felt emotionally and creatively drained.
 * The work didn’t feel like me, and I constantly questioned whether I belonged in the newborn niche.

2. A Personal Moment Sparked My Clarity

 * When photographing my own baby, I realized just how unnatural posed setups felt to me.
 * That experience revealed that I was working against my instincts as a mother and creative.

3. Rebranding to Alignment Changed Everything

 * I made the bold decision to completely rebrand into lifestyle newborn photography.
 * I created a baby-led posing system rooted in safety, connection, and natural moments.
 * That’s when my business took off—and I’ve now taught this method all over the world.

Final Thoughts:
If posed newborn photography doesn’t feel aligned for you, you’re not alone—and it doesn’t mean you’re not meant to be a newborn photographer. There is another way. Lifestyle newborn photography allows you to lead with connection, authenticity, and trust in your instincts. It’s time to explore a version of this work that lights you up instead of draining you.

Resources & Links:

👉 Download my free Newborn Posing Guide [http://elenasblair.com/newborn-posing-guide] – Five safe and simple baby-led poses, step-by-step.

👉 Check out my Lifestyle Newborn Portfolio [https://www.elenasblairphotography.com/newborn-photography-seattle] – See what this style looks like in real sessions.

👉 Follow me on Instagram for more tips + inspiration [https://www.instagram.com/elenasblair_photography]

👉 Join my Facebook group for photographers [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1823216771316654/]

The Moment That Changed My Newborn Photography Forever

This week, I’m tackling one of the most hotly debated topics in the photography industry: Should you make your pricing public on your website? It’s a conversation that’s been going strong for over a decade—and I’m here to tell you exactly where I stand. Spoiler alert: I believe your pricing should absolutely be visible. In this short and powerful episode, I’ll share the hard truths, the mindset shifts, and the strategy behind public pricing—and why it can actually elevate your brand.

Key Takeaways:

1. Hiding Your Pricing Doesn’t Make You High-End

 * Your prices being a mystery doesn’t make your brand more premium.
 * If you’re not booking, it’s likely a value issue—not a money issue.

2. Public Pricing Respects Everyone’s Time

 * Clients want clarity, not confusion or a sales pitch.
 * If someone can’t or won’t pay your rates, they’ll self-select out—and that’s a good thing.
 * Transparency builds trust and filters in dream clients.

3. Strong Brands Don’t Rely on Price Secrecy

 * Focus on building a consistent, meaningful body of work and an incredible experience.
 * If your business feels luxury and professional, your pricing becomes a non-issue.
 * Simplicity is a mark of expertise. Don’t make it complicated.

Final Thoughts:
You don’t need to hide your prices to book more clients. If anything, it may be hurting your inquiries and wasting your time. Trust in your value, simplify your client process, and let your website do some of the work for you. Yes, your pricing should be public. Period.

Resources & Links:

👉 Download my FREE Pricing Guide [http://elenasblair.com/free-simple-pricing-guide]– Learn how to price for profit and stop second-guessing your rates.

👉 Follow me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/elenasblair_photography] for more mindset + business tips

👉 Join my Photography Education Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1823216771316654/]

Should You Make Your Pricing Public?

Summer is here and if you're a photographer and a parent, you already know the rhythm of life just got turned upside down. In this episode, Elena gets real about the myth of balance, especially during summer break, and what to focus on instead. You’ll walk away with five powerful mindset and workflow shifts that will help you stay grounded, keep your business moving forward, and fully enjoy your family time without burning out or feeling like you’re failing at everything.

This is your summer survival guide for running a business while juggling camps, curfews, and quality time with your kids. Because guess what? Balance isn’t the goal presence and harmony are.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

 * Balance is a myth let go of the pressure to do everything perfectly all at once.
 * Shorten your to-do list: Focus on one meaningful task per day.
 * Work in short, intentional bursts: Even 90 focused minutes can be powerful.
 * Protect your presence: Be all-in where you are—whether that’s with your business or your family.
 * Revisit your summer goals: Choose realistic, smaller goals that feel achievable.
 * Let it be both: You can love your kids and still want space to create and work. That duality deserves to be honored.

💬 Final Thoughts:

You’re not doing it wrong just because summer feels messy. Let go of chasing balance and give yourself permission to be present instead. When you honor where you are and what you need, both your family and your business will thrive.

🔗 Links & Resources:

 * Join my Photography Education Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1823216771316654/]
 * Join Elena’s 3 Day Marketing Challenge [http://elenasblair.com/3-day-marketing-challenge]
 * Listen to More Empowered Photographer Episodes [https://elenasblair.com/the-empowered-photographer-podcast]

Why Balance Is a Myth (Especially in Summer) and What to Do Instead

A podcast by Elena S Blair! For Empowered photographers looking for bite-sized, actionable tips to up level their art, business, and lives!

Elena Blair

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