Luxe & Legacy Podcast

Your Questions, Our Honest Answers

Q&A: Real-Time Answers to Your Biggest Photography Business Questions
In this episode, we’re switching things up and diving into a Q&A! Amber and I asked you on Instagram what your most pressing questions are in your photography business right now, and you delivered. Today, we’re answering as many as we can with honest, real-time insight into what’s actually working in our businesses right now.
If you’ve been wondering how to get more inquiries, refine your marketing, or confidently raise your prices… this episode is for you.
✨ What We Cover
How to get more eyes on your work (and turn that into real inquiries)
The three marketing channels we’d focus on if we were starting today
Instagram strategies that are actually working right now (and why carousels still convert)
How to use SEO on Instagram and your blog to attract ideal clients
Pinterest: is it worth it, and do you need to start over?
How to handle comparison in the photography industry
Booking more newborn sessions and positioning yourself as the expert
Building a client wardrobe (and actually getting clients to use it)
Setting boundaries with weekday sessions and making them desirable
Navigating friends and discounts without it getting awkward
What to do when you raise your prices and bookings slow down
The biggest factor in converting inquiries into booked clients
📈 A Few Key Takeaways
Visibility comes from intentional SEO + consistent, quality content
Instagram is less about hacks and more about connection and value
Your marketing should speak directly to your ideal client, not everyone
Raising your prices means stepping into a new level of clientele
Consultation calls can dramatically increase your booking rate and client trust
📄 Contract Resource
If you’ve been putting off creating a solid contract (or questioning if yours is actually protecting you), this is your sign.
Amber had her contract professionally created by a lawyer and made it available for photographers to use—so you don’t have to DIY something this important.
👉 https://lightlivinphotography.com/portrait-contractUse code PODCAST50 for 50% off
🔗 Connect with Us
Marie:🌐 https://marie-elizabethphotography.com📷 Instagram: @marie.elizabeth.photo
Amber:🌐 https://lightlivinphotography.com📷 Instagram: @light_livin_photography
💬 Loved This Episode?
If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean so much if you left a review or shared it with a photographer friend. It helps more photographers discover the show and build businesses that feel aligned, elevated, and sustainable.

The Secrets to Facebook Ads for Photographers with Brooklyn Grotte

The Secrets of Facebook Ads with Brooklyn Grotte
If Facebook and Instagram ads have ever felt overwhelming, confusing, or just… not worth it, this episode is going to completely shift how you see them.
Today, we’re joined by Brooklyn Grotte, a business strategist and ads expert who helps entrepreneurs scale their revenue through strategic, data-driven advertising. What makes Brooklyn’s perspective especially powerful is that she started as a photographer herself. She understands exactly where you are and what it takes to grow a photography business in a way that actually leads to consistent, aligned clients.
In this conversation, we break down what’s actually working with ads right now, how photographers can start using them in a way that feels simple and sustainable, and the biggest mistakes that are keeping people stuck.
Whether you’re brand new to ads or you’ve tried them before without results, this episode will give you a clear path forward.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The biggest misconception photographers have about Facebook and Instagram ads
When it actually makes sense to start running ads in your business
The difference between boosting posts and running strategic ad campaigns
How to use ads to generate real revenue, not just likes or followers
Why a strong, specific sales page can dramatically increase conversions
The best beginner-friendly ad strategy for photographers
How to grow your email list using low-cost ads
What’s working right now with targeting (and how it’s changed)
The types of ad creative that are performing best today
How to use messaging and hooks to stop the scroll and drive bookings
Simple strategies for local targeting as a photographer
What to focus on first if you want to book your next clients using ads
Key Takeaways
You do not need a big budget to start.One of the biggest myths around ads is that you need thousands of dollars to see results. In reality, you can begin with as little as $5/day and build from there.
Ads work best when your foundation is already in place.Before running ads, you should have a clear audience, a strong portfolio, and a proven offer. Brooklyn recommends starting once you’ve reached around $50K in revenue and have consistent client demand.
Not all ads are created equal.If your goal is bookings, you need to run the right type of campaign. Engagement and awareness ads may grow your audience, but sales and lead ads are what drive revenue.
Specificity converts.Sending someone to a general investment page is far less effective than sending them to a page tailored to exactly what they saw in the ad. The more aligned and specific the experience, the higher the conversion.
Email list growth is one of the best entry points.Running a simple freebie ad is one of the easiest and most effective ways to start. It builds your audience, creates a custom audience for future ads, and helps you gain confidence with the platform.
Creative and messaging matter more than targeting.With recent Meta updates, broad targeting is now the norm. Your ad’s success depends far more on your visuals, messaging, and especially your hook than on detailed audience settings.
The first 3 seconds are everything.Up to 80% of conversions come from the hook. Clear, emotionally resonant messaging that speaks directly to your client’s thoughts will outperform even the most beautiful imagery.
Organic-style content is winning right now.Ads that feel natural, behind-the-scenes, and less “polished” are often outperforming traditional ad creatives. Think iPhone clips, BTS moments, and simple on-screen text.
A Simple Starting Point
If you’re brand new to ads, here’s where to begin:
Create a simple freebie (like a session prep guide)
Run a lead ad with an instant form
Keep the form simple (name + email only)
Deliver the freebie via email (not instantly on the screen)
Let it run at a low daily budget to start building your list
From there, you can begin layering in more advanced strategies like sales pages, retargeting, and higher-converting lead campaigns.
Connect with Brooklyn
You can find Brooklyn here:
Instagram: @biz.with.brooklyn
Website: bizwithbrooklyn.com
Resources Mentioned
Brooklyn also shared a beginner-friendly resource for getting started with ads, which we’ve linked for you below.
Email List Accelerator: 
https://bizwithbrooklyn.com/email-list-accelerator-enrollment
 
 
Here’s a custom code for listeners to take an addition $10 off (making it only $17 for them): PODCAST10
 
Loved This Episode?
If this episode helped you think differently about ads and how they can support your business, we would be so grateful if you left a review. It helps more photographers discover the show and grow alongside this community.
 
Connect with us here:
Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com | @marie.elizabeth.photoAmber: https://lightlivinphotography.com | @light_livin_photography
We’ll see you next week ✨

Creating Community and Capturing Connection with Adrianne Shelton

Episode Title:Building Community and Posing Families Naturally with Adrianne Shelton of Beatific Visions Photography
Show Notes:In this episode of the Luxe & Legacy Podcast, we are joined by Adrianne Shelton of Beatific Visions Photography for a conversation about community, connection, and the art of creating natural family images.
Adrianne shares the heart behind founding The Kindred Path, an online family photography publication created to inspire photographers at every stage of their journey and foster meaningful connection in an industry that can sometimes feel isolating. We talk about how powerful it can be to reach out, build relationships with other photographers, and create a sense of community in your local market and beyond.
We also dive into Adrianne’s approach to family posing and how she leads sessions in a way that feels organic, playful, and true to each family. From preparing clients before the session to using simple prompts and movement-based direction, Adrianne offers so much wisdom for photographers who want to create images that feel both beautiful and natural.
If you have ever felt alone in your business, struggled to create authentic connection in your sessions, or wanted a fresh perspective on family posing, this episode is full of encouragement and practical takeaways.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why community matters so much in the photography industry
How Adrianne started The Kindred Path in 2020
Practical ways to build relationships with photographers in your local area
Why leading with generosity creates stronger connection
Adrianne’s philosophy for natural, connection-filled family sessions
Simple rules and prompts that help families feel at ease
How to work with kids in a playful, low-pressure way
Tips for creating flattering images while keeping sessions organic
The importance of helping clients feel prepared before the session begins
Upcoming opportunities to learn from Adrianne through workshops and events
Connect with Adrianne:Website: https://beatificvisionsphotography.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beatificvisionsphotography/
The Kindred Path:Website: https://thekindredpath.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindredpath/
Connect with us:Marie Elizabeth Photography:Website: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marie.elizabeth.photo/
Light Livin Photography:Website: https://lightlivinphotography.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/light_livin_photography/
Listen and subscribe:If you enjoyed this episode, we would be so grateful if you left a review. It helps more photographers discover the show and become part of this community.

Choosing the Right Education for Your Stage of Business

Choosing the Right Education for the Stage of Business You're In
Education is one of the most powerful ways photographers grow their artistry and businesses, but with so many courses, workshops, retreats, masterminds, and coaching programs available today, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start.
In this episode, Marie and Amber share how they’ve both invested in education throughout their careers and why continued learning has played such a big role in the growth of their businesses. They break down how the right education depends entirely on the stage of business you’re in, and how choosing wisely can help you move forward with more clarity and intention.
From beginner photographers building their technical foundation, to mid-career photographers refining their work, to photographers ready to step into the luxury market, this conversation walks through the types of education that tend to be the most impactful at each stage.
They also discuss how to evaluate educational opportunities, how to identify experienced educators, and why it’s important to budget both money and time for learning if you want to build a refined and profitable photography business.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you should invest in a course, mentorship, retreat, or mastermind, this episode will help you approach those decisions with far more confidence.
In This Episode
Why education should look different depending on your stage of business
The best educational investments for beginner photographers building their foundation
How mid-career photographers can refine their artistry, client experience, and brand
When masterminds and coaching programs become the most valuable investment
The key business shifts photographers make when moving into the luxury market
Why brand alignment and marketing strategy matter for higher-end businesses
How to recognize high-quality education and experienced educators
What to look for in testimonials, reviews, and real-world results
Why budgeting both money and time for education is essential for growth
Key Takeaway
The goal is not to collect courses that sit unfinished in your inbox.
The goal is to invest in the right education at the right stage so that it truly moves your business forward.
When photographers choose educational opportunities intentionally, those investments can shape their artistic voice, refine their client experience, and ultimately transform their business.
Connect with Marie & Amber
Marie Elizabeth PhotographyWebsite: https://marie-elizabethphotography.comInstagram: @marie.elizabeth.photo
Light Livin PhotographyWebsite: https://lightlivinphotography.comInstagram: @light_livin_photography
Both Marie and Amber offer educational opportunities for photographers who want to build elevated, intentional businesses. You can explore their courses, mentorships, and upcoming offerings through their websites.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Luxe & Legacy Podcast and share it with a photographer who is growing their business with intention.

Finding Locations That Shape Your Signature Look

How to Find Incredible Photo Locations (Without Feeling “Lucky”)
If you’ve ever looked at another photographer’s work and thought, How are they finding these locations?! this episode is for you.
Today, Marie and Amber break down what actually makes a location work for your style (not just what looks “pretty”), plus the practical ways they discover new spots year after year. From light and negative space to texture, layers, and avoiding distractions, this conversation will help you build a curated location list that supports a luxury, consistent brand and makes your sessions feel more intentional from the start.
You’ll also hear a real behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into “magical” locations, including scouting, permits, building relationships with property owners, and why it’s totally okay to keep certain spots private.
In this episode, we cover:
Why “pretty” isn’t enough and how to choose locations that support your specific brand look
What Marie and Amber look for first (and why light is still the dealbreaker)
Negative space, depth, and avoiding “nature walls” that flatten your background
How to use texture and layers to add refinement and dimension (foreground, mid-ground, background)
How to think through environmental color and tone, especially on cloudy days
Handling distractions like cars, trash cans, and crowds without ruining the image
The best practical ways to find new locations:
Trusted photographer relationships (and how to ask respectfully)
Pinterest and reverse image search
Trail apps like AllTrails and local hiking or wildflower Facebook groups
Old-school Googling and learning from wedding photographer blogs
Why scouting is non-negotiable, even if you found a location online
Private property etiquette, permits, and how to avoid awkward session interruptions
How knowing your criteria helps you start seeing location possibilities everywhere
A reminder we love:
Your locations aren’t just backgrounds. They’re part of your signature, and choosing them intentionally is one of the simplest ways to create recognizable work.
Connect with us
Marie Elizabeth PhotographyWebsite: https://marie-elizabethphotography.comInstagram: @marie.elizabeth.photo
Light Livin PhotographyWebsite: https://lightlivinphotography.com Instagram: @light_livin_photography
 
Leave a review
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What We Would Do if We Started Our Business Today

What We Would Do If We Started Our Business Today
If we were starting our photography businesses in 2026, we wouldn’t chase more sessions or try to grow as quickly as possible. We would focus on building a strong artistic foundation, a clear brand identity, and profitable pricing from the very beginning. In this episode, we share the exact order we would follow to build a luxury photography business with more clarity, confidence, and intention.
In This Episode, We Cover
Building your portfolio intentionally through styled sessionsWe share why we would plan a full year of curated styled shoots to create a portfolio that reflects exactly what we want to be hired for. Styled sessions give you full creative control and serve as powerful marketing that shapes your brand identity.
Investing in education to elevate your work fasterYour art is the foundation of your brand. We talk about why investing in high quality education early helps you refine your eye, build confidence, and create work that supports profitable pricing sooner.
Finding community while developing your own artistic voiceConnecting with aligned photographers can provide support, inspiration, and shared learning. But it’s equally important to create independently so your work remains distinct and true to your vision.
Setting profitable pricing from the startInstead of slowly raising prices over years, we explain why it’s more effective to build a strong portfolio first, then set pricing based on your cost of doing business and long-term goals.
Reinvesting into your business to build momentumDuring the early stages, reinvesting income into marketing, education, and visibility helps create long-term consistency and growth.
Using SEO and social media together for visibilitySocial media builds connection and showcases your artistry, while SEO helps clients who are already searching find you. Both are essential for creating steady, aligned inquiries.
Curating a brand presence that reflects your ideal clientYour website and Instagram should function like a gallery. Being selective about what you share helps position your brand as elevated and cohesive.
Niching down by following what energizes youPaying attention to which sessions inspire you most helps you refine your focus, attract aligned clients, and build a more fulfilling and profitable business.
The Key Takeaway
The fastest way to build a luxury photography business is not by doing everything. It’s by building your portfolio, brand, and pricing with intention from the beginning.
Resources Mentioned
Use code LEGACY200 for $200 off Amber’s photography courses. Links and a ChatGPT brand identity cheat sheet are available in the show notes.
Follow & Connect
Follow us on Instagram:Amber: @light_livin_photographyMarie: @marie.elizabeth.photo
 
Website:
Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com/ 
Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/
 
If you enjoyed this episode, leaving a review helps other photographers discover the show.

9 Tips for Starting to Sell Artwork

Episode Summary
9 Tips for Selling Artwork
 
In this episode of the Luxe & Legacy Podcast, Amber and Marie talk through how to start selling artwork in a way that feels natural, confident, and client led.
They share practical tips on introducing artwork early, using consultation calls and questionnaires to guide the conversation, leading with emotion instead of specs, simplifying pricing, and avoiding overwhelm with too many options.
This episode is for photographers who want a clearer, more aligned approach to selling albums and wall art.
 
Connect With Us:
Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com/education-page 
Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/photography-mentoring
Portraits That Sell Mini Course: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/portraits-that-sell-mini-course 

Brand Alignment Isn’t Just Visual - It’s Moral.

Episode Summary
Brand alignment goes far deeper than visuals, presets, or polished feeds. In this deeply vulnerable episode, Marie and Amber explore what it truly means to run a values-aligned luxury business, one rooted in integrity, emotional resonance, and moral clarity.
This conversation invites photographers to reflect on the reality that clients are not only choosing your work, they are choosing you. Your voice, your values, your nervous system, and your humanity all play a role in how people experience your brand. Especially in an industry built on trust and intimacy, alignment is felt long before it is explained.
Recorded during a heavy moment in our country, this episode gently but honestly addresses the responsibility creatives carry when silence itself can signal misalignment. Marie shares her personal experience of speaking up, the peace that came from releasing people who were no longer aligned, and why luxury clients are not just buying beauty but trust, safety, and shared values.
This is not a conversation about being perfect or performative. It is about being clear, compassionate, and courageous. It is about allowing your brand to reflect your conscience and understanding that clarity attracts and repels in the healthiest way possible.
What We Cover in This Episode
Why brand alignment is emotional, ethical, and energetic, not just visual
How clients subconsciously choose photographers based on values and trust
The difference between neutrality and integrity in your brand
Why luxury clients are deeply values-driven, not just aesthetics-driven
How sharing your values builds deeper, safer client relationships
Letting go of fear around “losing followers” and choosing alignment instead
Practical guidance for sharing thoughtfully on your business platform
How motherhood, humanity, and compassion intersect with brand identity
Key Takeaway
Your brand is already communicating who you are, whether you use your voice intentionally or not. When you allow your business to reflect your values with respect and care, you create deeper trust, more meaningful connections, and a brand that feels honest instead of performative. Alignment is not divisive, it is clarifying.
Resources & Ways to Take Action
If you are feeling heavy and wanting to take meaningful action, here are a few resources mentioned in today’s episode:
Five Calls App – to easily contact your local representatives
ACLU Action Center – aclu.org/action
National Immigration Law Center – nilc.org
United We Dream – unitedwedream.org
Immigrant Legal Resource Center – for know-your-rights information
Please stay informed, act safely, and vote in every election, not just presidential ones.
Final Thoughts
You are allowed to care deeply. You are allowed to stand for dignity, compassion, and humanity. And you are allowed to build a luxury brand that reflects those truths without apology. When your values lead, the right people will always find you.
Thank you for being here and for holding space for this conversation with us.
Connect With Us
Follow along on Instagram:Marie: @marie.elizabeth.photoAmber: @light_livin_photography
Visit our websites:Marie Elizabeth Photography: https://marie-elizabethphotography.comLight Livin Photography: https://lightlivinphotography.com

Building a Luxury Photography Business with Confidence and Legacy with Shannon Griffin

Building a Luxury Photography Business with Confidence and Legacy with Shannon Griffin
Some episodes teach. This one expands.
Marie shares why this conversation is deeply personal, because Shannon Griffin has helped widen her lens for years. Not just in artistry, but in belief. In this episode, Shannon opens up about leaving weddings, building a low-volume, high-touch business model, and creating an experience where artwork is not an upsell. It is the point.
You will hear the mindset shifts that took Shannon from “I could never charge that” to confidently saying the numbers out loud, and why that confidence is one of the most luxurious signals you can give a client.
In This Episode, We Cover
Why family photography can be more valuable than weddings, and why so many photographers undervalue it
Shannon’s transition out of weddings, and the real reason she knew she had to change everything
What a luxury, once-in-a-lifetime experience looks like, especially for boudoir and women-focused work
The pricing model that removes the digital-only ceiling
How Shannon builds trust-first sales without feeling pushy or performative
The ordering appointment strategy that gets clients excited about artwork before they even see the gallery
What elevates perceived value instantly: curation, restraint, and emotion
Money beliefs, guilt, and the “who am I to want more?” narrative, especially for women
Why the rise of AI is a reason to raise your prices, not lower them
The power of “enough” in different seasons, because high profit does not have to mean high hustle
Memorable Takeaways
1) Luxury is not louder. It is more curated.Shannon talks about how elevation often comes from what you do not show. The restraint, the edit, the emotional story over the “look at everything I can do” approach.
2) Artwork-first changes everything.Clients do not purchase digitals. They invest in an experience and tangible legacy: frames, albums, and matted prints, with matching digitals included only with what they purchase.
3) Confidence is a sales strategy.Shannon does not over-explain her pricing because explanation can unintentionally signal doubt. She gives a range, holds the silence, and trusts the value.
4) Your business model should protect your life.Shannon shares why she caps her sessions, often around two per month, so she can be present for motherhood and life without burnout.
A Few Highlights from Shannon’s Process
Average client investment: around $10,000
Session fee mentioned: $1,450
Album pricing mentioned: starting around $6,500
Past client example: a $40,000 order featuring multiple framed pieces, metal prints, gallery walls, and matted print boxes
Sales approach: trust and guidance, not pressure. She will recommend what she genuinely thinks is best, even if it is the lower option
If This Episode Hit You, Ask Yourself
Where am I treating my work like a commodity instead of art?
Where am I still acting like family photography is “less than”?
Where am I explaining my prices because I am trying to earn permission?
What would change if I believed there was truly no cap?
Not every episode is meant to give you a checklist. Some are meant to shift your internal ceiling. If you felt something stir while listening, pay attention to that.
Guest Spotlight: Shannon Griffin
Shannon Griffin is known for creating museum-worthy imagery rooted in depth, emotion, and legacy, with a luxury client experience designed for high-end artwork sales. Her work centers women and family in a way that feels intimate, timeless, and profoundly intentional.
Find Shannon:
Website: shannongriffin.com
Instagram: @shannongriffin
Connect
Follow us on Instagram
Amber: @light_livin_photography
Marie: @marie.elizabeth.photo
Website:
Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com/
Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/
Loved This Episode?
If you enjoyed today’s conversation, we would be so grateful if you left a review. It helps other photographers find the show and join this community of artists building businesses with clarity, intention, and elevated artistry.
See you next week.

The Invisible Signals of a Luxury Brand

Episode: The Invisible Signals of a Luxury Brand
Luxury isn’t just about a high price point. It’s the quiet details that communicate confidence, intention, and elevated value before a client ever meets you.
In today’s episode, Marie and Amber break down the invisible signals that make a brand feel luxury right away — from the words you choose, to the pace of your process, to the systems that create a calm, guided client experience.
If you’ve ever felt the urge to overexplain your pricing, bend to requests that don’t align, or “prove” your value, this episode is your reminder: luxury is built in clarity, structure, and steady confidence.
What We Cover
1) First impressions happen fast
Potential clients decide what you’re worth before they ever email you. We talk about how your language, presentation, and boundaries quietly signal “high-end” from the start.
2) Confidence shows up in your communication
Luxury brands don’t cave to client requests, and they don’t overexplain. We discuss:
Warm, clear responses (without justifying your process)
Why overexplaining reads as insecurity
Writing emails that are structured, concise, and easy to follow
3) The language shift that changes everything
Words matter more than you think. We share luxury-aligned alternatives to bargain language, including:
“Investment” vs. “price”
“Perk” or “bonus” vs. “discount”
“Collections begin at…” and “Most families invest…” vs. budget framing
4) Your website should pre-qualify the right clients
Your investment page should lead with experience and emotion before numbers. We also talk about:
Why you should show a minimum or range (to reduce budget inquiries)
Why urgency and discounts don’t belong on a luxury investment page
Making it obvious that you offer artwork (and showing it throughout your site)
5) Luxury feels intentional, slow, and guided
A luxury client experience is spacious, not rushed. We discuss:
Communicating timelines for film and fine art products (without making it about the wait)
Why clients should always know what happens next
How structure makes people feel safe and taken care of
6) Systems are a luxury signal
Using a CRM isn’t just “organized” — it creates consistency and ease. We cover:
Automated inquiry responses that still feel personal
Seamless booking, invoices, contracts, questionnaires, and reminders
Why “Venmo me” does not match a luxury brand experience
7) Boundaries build trust (and demand)
Boundaries aren’t just for burnout prevention — they’re a signal of authority. We talk about:
Office hours in your email signature and on your website
Not responding outside business hours (and why it reads as more luxury)
Calm, kind “no’s” that strengthen client trust
Rapid-Fire Luxury Details Mentioned
Email signature with office hours
Vacation auto-replies only
Clear scheduling flow (inquiry → consult → planning → session)
Beautiful, branded style and pricing guides (not just a Pinterest board)
Questionnaires that support a truly custom experience
Invoicing + contracts through a CRM for a polished, professional workflow
Key Takeaway
Luxury isn’t about being cold or exclusive. It’s about clarity, confidence, customization, and care — expressed through language, systems, boundaries, and a client experience that feels calm and intentional.
Follow & Connect
Instagram:
Amber: https://www.instagram.com/light_livin_photography/Marie: https://www.instagram.com/marie.elizabeth.photo/
 
Website:
Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com/Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/
 
If you enjoyed this episode, we’d be so grateful if you left a review — it helps more photographers find the show and grow alongside this community.
See you next week!