Luxe & Legacy Podcast

SEO for Luxury Photographers with Melissa Arlena

Episode Overview
Amber and Marie sit down with SEO expert Melissa Arlena to break down SEO in a simple, practical way. If you want to get found on Google, attract aligned luxury clients, and stop relying only on Instagram, this episode will give you clear next steps you can implement during slow season and beyond.
In This Episode
Why SEO matters for luxury brands and long term lead generation• Where to start if SEO feels overwhelming• Blogging ideas that actually bring in inquiries• Common keyword mistakes photographers make• How to target locations and affluent areas strategically• Simple image optimization and alt text tips• Using AI as a support tool without losing your voice
Work with Melissa
Learn more at
https://www.instagram.com/pictureperfectrankings/
https://www.instagram.com/melissaarlena/
https://pictureperfectrankings.com/the-blogging-club/
Use code LUXELEGACY for 50% off your first month in the Blogging Club.
Connect
Follow us on Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/light_livin_photography/
https://www.instagram.com/marie.elizabeth.photo/
 
Website:
Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com/ 
Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/
 

Does Your Portfolio Pass The Vogue Test?

In this episode, Amber and Marie break down why some images feel instantly high-end while others unintentionally read budget. They explore the visual cues that define luxury photography and share the intentional choices that elevate a portfolio. From lighting and color to posing, wardrobe, and curation, you will learn how to audit your work through the lens of The Vogue Test and shape a portfolio that attracts premium clients.
What We Cover
The core elements that create luxury imagery
Why intentional lighting is the strongest indicator of a high end brand
How consistency in edit, color, and mood builds trust with premium clients
The importance of natural skin tones, movement, and connection
How confident direction elevates posing and client experience
Why wardrobe choices dramatically affect perceived value
Common visual mistakes that quietly read budget
Different luxury aesthetics and what makes each of them elevated
How to use The Vogue Test to refine your portfolio
A simple process to curate a more cohesive, luxury aligned body of work
Key Takeaways
Luxury is built on intention and clarity
Beautiful light, clean color, and refined posing elevate even simple locations
Strong curation is one of the fastest ways to transform your portfolio
Removing budget cues immediately raises perceived value
A luxury portfolio is tight, cohesive, and aligned with your artistic vision
If you are ready to refine your portfolio and create a more elevated brand presence, stay tuned for upcoming resources.Share this episode with a photographer who is ready to move into a luxury lane
Follow us on Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/light_livin_photography/
https://www.instagram.com/marie.elizabeth.photo/
 
Website:
Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com/ 
Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/
The Vogue Test Worksheet

Our Favorite AI Tools for Photographers

What We Cover in This Episode
✨ How to Use ChatGPT Without Losing Your Voice
Why ChatGPT only works well after you’ve built a clear brand foundation(ideal client, tone, values, purpose, mission)
The danger of generic AI output — and how to avoid “copy-paste photographer internet voice”
How Amber created a custom ChatGPT trained on her messaging
Using AI to repurpose one strong message into:
IG captions + hooks
Email newsletters
Pinterest descriptions
Blog outlines
Sales page copy
How ChatGPT can deepen connection while maintaining authenticity
Why AI should amplify your voice — not replace it
✨ AI for Editing: Our Experience With Imagine AI
Marie’s workflow:
How Imagine edits her galleries in 15–20 minutes
Why she barely has to tweak anything anymore
Creating separate profiles (studio, outdoor, film stock)
The “secret sauce”: continuously feeding Imagine your refined edits so it learns your style
Amber’s experience:
Why Imagine didn’t work for her in the past — and what changed
The learning curve and how it handles tone curves + background masks
Where it excels and where she still fine-tunes things
Why it’s saving her after a huge tech issue this month
Key takeaway:Imagine can drastically speed up your editing workflow and improve consistency — especially once your profile has been fully trained.
✨ Voto: AI Retouching That Saves HOURS
Marie’s go-to tools for newborn & family sessions:
Infant acne removal
Skin evening
Double-chin reduction
Hair frizz + flyaway removal
Eye catchlights
Amber’s approach:
Why she customizes a new “preset” for each client
Her favorite features: under-eye circle reduction, wrinkle softening, clothing de-wrinkle
What she uses sparingly to keep edits natural
How Voto saved a wind-blown lavender farm session
Why it’s the most user-friendly AI tool she’s tried
The biggest perk:Magazine-quality refinements in minutes — without outsourcing a single image.
✨ The Future of AI for Photographers
AI tools are evolving monthly — and the industry is moving fast.Marie & Amber share why learning these tools now gives you more freedom, more creative energy, and more time to deliver meaningful, elevated work.
Links & Resources
✨ Courses & Black Friday Sales
Marie’s Courses — $200 off each:
The Posing Course
The Artwork Course
The Client Experience Course
Amber’s Black Friday Exclusive Bundle:Includes:
Light Livin Transformation Course
Playful Posing Course
Style Guide
Contract Templates
✨ Resources
Imagen AI
Evoto
 
Connect With Us
Instagram:
Amber: @light_livin_photographyMarie: @marie.elizabeth.photo 
Website:
Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com/ 
Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/
 
Thanks for Listening!
Here’s to using AI with intention, elevating your creative workflow, and building a photography business you love.
See you next week, friends!

Navigating Burnout

In this episode, Amber and Marie talk openly about burnout and how to rebuild margin, creativity, and joy in your photography business.
You will learn:
Why burnout shows up even in successful seasons
How raising your prices creates space for rest and creativity
Amber’s story about stepping away from an overpacked calendar
Why weekday sessions can transform your schedule
The power of planning one creative shot per session
Why styled shoots reignite your artistry
Simple habits that protect your energy
Amber and Marie also begin exploring how AI can support photographers with marketing materials, content planning, and workflow systems.
Stay tuned for next week’s episode where they walk through the AI editing tools they have tested and what actually helps reduce burnout in the post processing phase.
Grab the freebies:
Download one of Amber’s free guides in the show notes to join her list and get exclusive Black Friday pricing on Light Livin Transformation, Playful Posing, and her templates.
Download one of Marie’s freebies to join her list for updates on her photography education and her own Black Friday offers.
Connect with Us
Instagram:
Amber: @light_livin_photographyMarie: @marie.elizabeth.photo 
Website:
Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com/ 
Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/
 

Breaking Through the Blocks: How to Shift Your Mindset for Abundance

This week, Amber and Marie are joined by Stacy Musgrave, a mindset and relationship coach who helps women align with abundance, purpose, and ease in both life and business.
In this heart-opening conversation, the trio explores what manifestation and abundance energy really mean — in practical, grounded ways that photographers and creatives can use every day. If you’ve ever felt resistance around pricing, comparison, or self-worth, this episode will help you understand how your thoughts shape your results — and how to shift from scarcity into flow and confidence.
Whether you’re new to mindset work or you’ve been curious about manifestation, this conversation is full of simple, actionable ways to reframe your thoughts and attract more of what you truly want.
In this episode, we talk about:
What manifestation and abundance energy actually are (without the “woo”)
Stacy’s journey from teaching and photography to mindset coaching
How your thoughts directly shape your energy and actions
The signs you’re operating from scarcity vs. abundance
The science behind manifestation — and how your brain helps create results
Practical steps to manifest goals (no fluff, just focus and belief)
How to rewrite limiting money stories and reframe pricing guilt
Using affirmations to rewire your mindset
The connection between mindset, energy, and sustainable business growth
Why abundance begins with clarity, awareness, and daily mindset practices
Journaling & Reflection Prompts
“I want ________, but…” — Write out every reason your brain gives you that you can’t have it. Then reframe each as an and statement that opens new possibility.
“What’s my money story?” — Explore how your family, culture, or past experiences shaped your beliefs about money and worth.
“What would it look and feel like if I already had what I desire?” — Write it in the present tense, as if it’s already yours.
Resources Mentioned
📚 You Are a Badass & You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero🌿 Learn more about Stacy’s work at stacymusgrave.com and on Instagram at @stacymusgrave
Connect with Us
Instagram:
Amber: @light_livin_photographyMarie: @marie.elizabeth.photo 
Website:
Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com/ 
Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/
 
If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend or fellow creative who could use a mindset reset — and don’t forget to leave a review to help others find the show.

Posing Families with Confidence — Connection, Movement, and Flow

In this week’s episode, Amber and Marie dive deep into one of their favorite topics — posing families with confidence. Whether you’re photographing toddlers with endless energy, shy little ones, or expectant mothers, today’s episode will help you find your flow and create connection-driven imagery that feels effortless and alive.
You’ll hear how both photographers approach posing — from reading children’s energy and setting expectations with parents, to layering prompts, building posing “chains,” and knowing when to step back and let magic unfold naturally.
This conversation is packed with actionable tips and mindset shifts to help you guide families confidently, capture authentic emotion, and elevate your sessions with artistry and heart.
In this episode, we talk about:
Understanding posing flow with families (and why linear posing doesn’t work with toddlers!)
How to adapt your energy and approach to match each child’s personality
The importance of setting expectations and taking pressure off parents
Building posing “chains” that keep energy moving and connection natural
Using direction, light, and composition to create variety within a single pose
Communication, reassurance, and energy: what to say (and not say) during sessions
How music can shift the tone and emotion of a session
Favorite family, newborn, and maternity poses that inspire authentic connection
What to do when a session isn’t going as planned
Posing mindset: guiding through connection instead of chasing perfection
Listener Q&A Highlights
Handling sessions with multiple young kids and high energy
What to do when your usual tricks don’t work
How to reset when things feel chaotic or unplanned
Featured Courses
Amber’s Course: Playful Posing — Learn to photograph families and maternity sessions in a fun, candid, and elevated way with prompts and posing flows that create authentic connection.
Marie’s Course: The Art of Motherhood — Go behind the scenes in real newborn, maternity, and family sessions to master natural, flattering, connection-filled posing.
These courses beautifully complement each other and are the perfect next step if you loved this episode.
Connect with Us
Follow along for more behind-the-scenes, education, and creative inspiration:✨ Amber: @light_livin_photography✨ Marie: @marieelizabethphotography

Breaking Free from Comparison

In this episode, Amber of Light Livin Photography and Marie of Marie Elizabeth Photography get honest about comparison, imposter syndrome, and fear-based pricing. If you’ve ever scrolled and felt smaller, second-guessed your rates, or wondered if there’s room for you—this conversation will help you step back into alignment, abundance, and creative confidence.
We’ll cover:
How to shift from comparison to creation (and why styled shoots help)
Curating your social feed with intention—muting, posting without scrolling, and seeking true inspiration
The expander mindset: turning others’ success into evidence for your own
Moving from scarcity to abundance in energy, pricing, and marketing
Community over competition: befriending local photographers and building support
Practical resets for imposter syndrome: proof folders, reframes, and small courageous actions
Journal Prompts from the Episode
What does the most abundant version of me believe about her art, her worth, and her clients?
Where am I still playing small because of comparison or fear?
How would my energy, my marketing, and my pricing shift if I embodied that abundant version of myself today?
Resources & Links Mentioned
Amber’s Education – Light Livin Transformation Course (natural light shooting + editing): https://lightlivinphotography.com/education-page
Marie’s Education – The Luxury Client Journey: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/the-luxury-client-journey
Aligned Marketing Method Waitlist: https://proud-bamboo-728.myflodesk.com/ruq5vletnb
Style Guide Template: https://lightlivinphotography.com/style-guide
HoneyBook CRM: http://share.honeybook.com/marie85246
Connect with Us
Amber – Light Livin PhotographyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/light_livin_photography/Website & Education: https://lightlivinphotography.com/education-page
Marie – Marie Elizabeth PhotographyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marie.elizabeth.photo/Mentoring: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/photography-mentoring
Affiliate Disclosure:Some links may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only share tools and resources we genuinely use and love.

What’s in Our Bag: The Gear That Brings Our Vision to Life

In this episode, Amber of Light Livin Photography and Marie of Marie Elizabeth Photography open their camera bags and share the tools that shape their fine art, luminous imagery—plus the small details that make sessions feel effortless and elevated.
This isn’t about chasing every new release. It’s about intention: choosing gear that serves your vision and simplifies your workflow.
We’ll cover:
The camera bodies and lenses we trust for that soft, painterly, light-filled aesthetic (Amber uses the Sony a7 IV; favorite lenses include the 85mm 1.4 GM, 50mm 1.2 GM, and 35mm 1.4 GM)
How Marie blends digital and film for a seamless hybrid workflow
Why one excellent lens can transform your portfolio more than constant upgrades
Lighting choices that keep skin tones luminous and colors true
Session-day extras that elevate the experience—think styling pieces, step stools, diffusers, and toddler-friendly treats
Simple storage you can trust on shoot day (Amber’s go-to: SanDisk 128GB cards)
By the end, you’ll see that the best gear isn’t about quantity—it’s about alignment. The right tools help you create with confidence and ease.
Resources & Links Mentioned
Camera Body: Sony a7 IV
Lenses:
Sony 85mm 1.4 GM
Sony 50mm 1.2 GM
Sony 35mm 1.4 GM
Memory Cards: SanDisk 128GB
Courses:
Amber’s Light Livin Transformation Course (shooting + editing in natural light): https://lightlivinphotography.com/lltcourse
Marie’s Luxury Client Journey: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/the-luxury-client-journey
Style Guide Template: https://lightlivinphotography.com/style-guide
HoneyBook CRM: http://share.honeybook.com/marie85246
Connect with Us
Amber – Light Livin PhotographyInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/light_livin_photography/Education | https://lightlivinphotography.com/education-page
Marie – Marie Elizabeth PhotographyInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/marie.elizabeth.photo/Mentoring | https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/photography-mentoring
 
Affiliate Disclosure:This episode includes affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Amber earns from qualifying purchases. We only share tools we genuinely use and love.

What to Do When You Raise Your Pricing and Have a Slow Season

In this episode, Amber of Light Livin Photography and Marie of Marie Elizabeth Photography open up about what really happens after you raise your prices—and inquiries suddenly slow down.
If you’ve ever taken that bold leap toward sustainability and alignment, only to feel fear creep in when your inbox goes quiet, this conversation will remind you: you’re not alone, and this season has purpose.
You’ll hear both of our stories—what we learned through our own “quiet seasons,” how we prepared for growth, and the practical shifts that helped us build more aligned, long-term success.
We’ll cover:
What to expect emotionally and financially after a price increase
The mindset work that helps you embrace a slower season with confidence
How to refine your portfolio and website to attract your new ideal clients
Blogging and SEO strategies that move the needle during slow months
Using styled sessions to elevate your brand and stay creatively inspired
Strengthening client relationships and nurturing your existing audience
Investing in education and streamlining systems for your next level of growth
By the end, you’ll see how this in-between season isn’t a setback—it’s a sacred space for refining your brand, strengthening your foundations, and calling in the clients who truly value your work.
Get the free Instagram Growth Guide here!
Connect with Us
Amber – Light Livin Photography: Instagram | Website
Marie – Marie Elizabeth Photography: Instagram | Website

The Luxury Client Journey from First Impression to Heirloom Delivery

In this episode, Marie of Marie Elizabeth Photography and Amber of Light Livin Photography walk you through every step of the luxury client journey—from that very first impression to the moment your clients hold their heirloom artwork in their hands.
This isn’t about volume photography. It’s about crafting an intentional, elevated experience that makes clients feel seen, valued, and deeply cared for at every stage.
We’ll cover:
How your website and social media set the tone for a luxury experience
Inquiry forms that attract and qualify aligned clients
Automating touchpoints without losing warmth or personalization
The value of consultation calls and clear communication
Client styling, wardrobe guidance, and preparation that elevates the session
Session-day presence and how small details make a lasting impact
Turning digital files into tangible heirlooms that preserve legacy
By the end, you’ll see how every detail—large and small—can transform your client experience into something unforgettable.
Resources & Links Mentioned
The Luxury Client Journey Course (launching Sept 29): https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/the-luxury-client-journey 
Aligned Marketing Method Waitlist (launching Oct 1): Join the Waitlist
Style Guide Template: lightlivinphotography.com/style-guide
HoneyBook CRM: share.honeybook.com/marie85246
Connect with Amber – Light Livin Photography
Instagram
Website
Connect with Marie – Marie Elizabeth Photography
Instagram
Website
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links above may be affiliate links. This means we may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. We only share tools and resources we genuinely use and love, and your support helps us continue creating valuable content.