Luxe & Legacy Podcast

The Psychology of the Sale: How to Sell Artwork Confidently Without Feeling Pushy With Laura Esmond

In this episode, we're joined by Laura Esmond, a portrait photographer based in Denver, Colorado with 26 years of experience who also teaches photographers how to sell and display their work through her mastermind, Get Rooted. Laura has a fascinating perspective on the psychology behind sales, and this conversation is packed with insight that's going to shift the way you think about IPS, pricing, and the entire client experience.
We dig into what it actually means to be a confident salesperson (hint: it has nothing to do with being pushy), how your own money mindset shows up in your ordering meetings, and the simple but powerful ways you can start getting clients bought in on artwork long before the session even happens.
In this episode, we cover:
Why being "pushy" probably isn't something you need to worry about... and what actually crosses that line
How your money mindset follows you into every ordering meeting, and what to do about it
The "breadcrumbing" approach to introducing artwork early in the client journey
Why clients who seem excited sometimes hesitate at the ordering meeting, and how to prevent it
The fake invoice practice that helps you get comfortable saying bigger numbers out loud
What luxury actually feels like to a client (and why you should probably stop using that word)
Why fewer clients at a higher experience level gives you more creative space to do your best work
Resources mentioned:
Laura's course, The Art of Selling — use code LUXE for $100 off
Get Rooted mastermind — reopening November 2026
Find Laura at: https://www.lauraesmond.com/; IG: @lauraesmondeducation 
Connect with us:
Marie: marie-elizabethphotography.com | @marie.elizabeth.photo
Amber: lightlivinphotography.com | @light_livin_photography
If you loved this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left a review... it helps other photographers find the show and join this community. See you next week!

Milestones to Hit Before Going Full-Time as a Portrait Photographer

Thinking about making the leap to full-time photography? This episode is for you. Marie and Amber get real about what it actually takes, and spoiler: the hardest milestones aren't the practical ones.
They break down the key milestones you need to hit before going full-time, including the mindset shifts that don't get talked about enough.
In this episode:
Why committing before you feel ready is the very first (and hardest) step
The identity shift that comes with leaving another career behind... and how to grieve it
How to set profitable pricing and actually know your minimum
Why coaching and masterminds move the needle in ways online courses can't
Getting your business structure legit: LLCs, S corps, accountants, and health insurance
Booking consistently for 3-4 months before making the leap
How memberships and repeat clients create stability and predictability
Why saving 4-6 months of income keeps you out of scarcity mode
Links mentioned:
Amber's coaching: https://lightlivinphotography.com/
Marie's coaching: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/
Follow us:
Amber: @light_livin_photography
Marie: @marie.elizabeth.photo

Building a Business Around Motherhood

Motherhood, boundaries, and building a business that actually supports your life... this one hits close to home.
Marie and Amber are recording just days before Mother's Day 2026, and they're getting real about hustle culture, the pressure to be constantly available, and how they've intentionally structured their businesses around their families, not the other way around.
If you've ever felt the Sunday-night dread before a Monday session, said yes to a weekend booking you really didn't want, or found yourself halfway present at your kid's soccer game because your brain was still on work mode... this episode is for you.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why hustle culture is so easy to fall into (especially as a people pleaser who gets her self-worth from productivity... hi, Marie)
The "bitterness test": how Marie uses that feeling as a signal to reevaluate her workload
How both Marie and Amber structure their weeks to protect family time
Why luxury clients actually respect you MORE when you have clear boundaries
Weekend surcharges, blocked calendar dates, and other practical tools that give you your life back
Money mindset and abundance energy... yes, the woo woo stuff, and why it actually works
Working smarter: raising prices, offering albums and artwork, automations, workflows, and more
How Marie is booking fewer sessions this year but making the same (or more) money through full-service artwork sales
Resources & links mentioned:
Amber's education page (she's running a Mother's Day sale!): lightlivinphotography.com/education-salepage
Marie's mentoring & education: marie-elizabethphotography.com/photography-mentoring
Connect with us:
Amber | Light Livin Photography 🌐 lightlivinphotography.com 📸 @light_livin_photography
Marie | Marie Elizabeth Photography 🌐 marie-elizabethphotography.com 📸 @marie.elizabeth.photo

How We Build Client Trust Through Zoom Calls

In this episode of the Luxe & Legacy Podcast, we’re breaking down exactly how we guide clients through the luxury photography experience using Zoom consultation calls, planning appointments, and ordering appointments… without ever feeling pushy or salesy.
We’re sharing the step-by-step process we use to build trust with clients from the very first inquiry all the way through artwork sales and final ordering. If you’ve ever felt awkward about sales calls, unsure how to talk about artwork, or overwhelmed by IPS, this episode will completely change the way you think about client communication.
We discuss:
Why consultation calls should feel simple and conversational
How Zoom calls help clients trust you faster
The importance of helping clients envision their session and artwork
How we guide wardrobe, locations, and styling during planning calls
The key to talking about albums and wall art naturally
Why artwork sales actually happen before the ordering appointment
How we keep ordering appointments collaborative instead of sales-focused
Why offering a full digital gallery can still lead to strong artwork sales
The mindset shifts that make luxury sales feel easy and aligned
At the heart of it all, luxury service is about making clients feel cared for, guided, and fully supported every step of the way.
Listen now and learn how to create a client experience that builds trust, increases sales, and feels effortless for both you and your clients.
Marie Elizabeth Photography: https://marie-elizabethphotography.comLight Livin Photography: https://lightlivinphotography.com
 
 
 
 

Is the Market Slowing Down? Here’s What I’m Doing About It

Is the Market Slowing Down? Here’s What I’m Doing About It
In this solo episode, Marie shares an honest look at what’s happening in today’s photography market and why things might feel slower, even if you’re still booking.
Between decision fatigue, rising costs, and everything going on in the world, clients are taking longer to book and being more selective. The good news? You’re not doing anything wrong. The market is just shifting.
 
What I’m Focusing On Right Now
Instead of overhauling everything, Marie is making small, intentional changes:
Building local relationships through networking, collaborations, and community involvement
Reaching out to past clients with personalized emails to get sessions on the calendar
Using memberships to create repeat bookings and more consistent income
Increasing revenue per client by offering artwork and upgrades
Simplifying inquiries by testing quicker, easier ways to respond
The Bottom Line
This is a season of adjustment, not failure.
Marketing is evolving, and the photographers who stay visible, connected, and adaptable are the ones who will come out stronger.
Keep going. You’re closer than you think.
Connect With Us
Websites:marie-elizabethphotography.comlightlivinphotography.com
Instagram:@marie.elizabeth.photo@light_livin_photography
If you enjoyed this episode, leaving a review helps more photographers find the show and grow alongside you.
 
 
 

Getting Published: Is it Worth It and Our Tips on Getting Your Work Featured

Getting Published: Is it Worth It and Our Tips on Getting Your Work Featured
In today’s episode, Marie is diving into a question that comes up all the time in the photography world: is getting published actually worth it anymore? And if it is… how do you actually get your work accepted?
This conversation is honest, practical, and grounded in real experience. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should be spending time submitting your work to blogs and publications, this episode will give you clarity and direction.
✨ What We Cover
What “getting published” really means today
The difference between Instagram feature accounts vs. full blog/publication features
Why not all “features” carry the same value
Is getting published still worth it?
Why it doesn’t hold the same weight it once did
When it can still benefit your business
The role of backlinks and how they support your SEO
How publications contribute to social proof for potential clients
The biggest mistake photographers make when submitting
Why “good work” alone doesn’t guarantee acceptance
The importance of aligning your work with a publication’s style
📸 Marie’s Best Tips for Getting Published
1. Study the publication before submittingEvery publication has a unique style and preference. Submitting without understanding this is one of the fastest ways to get rejected.
2. Make sure your work is strong and consistent
Cohesive editing and true-to-life skin tones
Variety in composition, posing, and storytelling
Intentional use of light
3. Curate your submission carefullyChoose your best images and include a mix of:
Detail shots
Wide, scene-setting images
Emotional, connection-driven moments
4. Follow submission guidelines exactlyEditors receive a high volume of submissions. If you miss something small (file size, format, required info), your work may be skipped entirely.
5. Don’t overlook the details
Some publications require session descriptions or background stories
Many do not accept workshop or styled session work
Always check what is allowed before submitting
6. Follow up (the right way)A short, respectful follow-up email can help ensure your submission was received—just don’t overdo it.
💭 Final Thoughts
Getting published isn’t a magic bullet for business growth—but it can be a helpful piece of the puzzle when approached intentionally.
The key takeaway?Focus your energy where it matters most, and treat publication as a supporting strategy, not the main driver of your business.
And if you do decide to submit your work… go all in and do it well. Your work deserves to be seen.
🔗 Connect with Us
Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.comInstagram: @marie.elizabeth.photo
Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.comInstagram: @light_livin_photography
If you loved this episode, it would mean so much if you left a review. It helps more photographers find the show and build a business that feels aligned, elevated, and sustainable 🤍

How to Create a Luxury Look in ANY Condition

Episode Title: How to Create a Luxury Look in ANY Condition
✨ Episode Overview
What really makes an image feel luxurious?
It’s not the perfect light.It’s not the dream location.And it’s definitely not just having beautiful clients.
In this episode, we’re breaking down what actually creates a luxury experience and elevated imagery—from intentional client prep to how you pivot when things don’t go as planned (because they won’t always).
If you’ve ever felt like a session was “off” or not ideal, this episode will completely reframe how you approach your work and give you practical tools to still create magic.
 
🧠 What You’ll Learn
1. Luxury is created, not found
It starts long before the session
Styling, communication, and intention set the tone
You’re designing the outcome before you ever pick up your camera
2. How to prep clients for success
Styling consults and guiding wardrobe choices
Creating cohesive color palettes
Removing overwhelm with clear direction
Why this step alone dramatically elevates your work
3. What to do when things go wrongReal-life scenarios we cover:
Clients showing up in off-brand outfits
Kids melting down
Stressful or chaotic session starts
Cloudy or less-than-ideal conditions
And most importantly: how to still create a luxury gallery anyway
🛠️ Your “Luxury Toolkit” (When Conditions Aren’t Ideal)
When things aren’t perfect, you don’t panic—you pivot.
Here’s what to lean into:
Tight, intentional cropping to eliminate distractions
Light as your strongest tool (backlighting, haze, glow)
Foreground elements for depth and storytelling
Creative angles (overhead, low angles, drone perspective)
Motion blur & artistic techniques for emotional impact
Negative space for softness and balance
Movement + variety without constantly repositioning clients
👶 Handling Toddlers + Real-Life Chaos
Slow things down instead of forcing smiles
Focus on connection over perfection
Reassure parents constantly
Capture in-between moments (that’s where the magic is)
Adjust your approach instead of resisting the moment
🎯 After the Session: Where Luxury is Refined
Curate ruthlessly — not every image needs to be shared
Prioritize skin tones for a high-end finish
Enhance, don’t over-edit
Only deliver and showcase your strongest work
💡 The Mindset Shift
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode:
Luxury isn’t about perfect conditions.It’s about taking full responsibility for creating something beautiful no matter what you’re given.
Marie shares how her background in music education shaped this mindset—focusing on doing whatever is in front of you exceptionally well.
Amber adds the reminder we all need:Let go of perfection. Stay present. That’s where your best work lives.
🤍 Final Thoughts
Prepare with intention.Lead with confidence.Then let go and trust yourself.
That’s the balance that creates both a luxury experience and a sustainable, joyful business.
🔗 Connect With Us
Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.comAmber: https://lightlivinphotography.com
Instagram:@marie.elizabeth.photo@light_livin_photography
If you loved this episode, it would mean so much if you left a review—it helps more photographers like you find the show 🤍

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.