Lensbaby SOL45 Tutorial: How to Create Dreamy Creative Photos!
In this episode of The Live Snap Love Show, we’re getting a little creative with one of the most playful and accessible lenses out there: the Lensbaby SOL45. If you’ve ever scrolled past those dreamy, swirly, tilt-y shots and thought, “How on earth did they do that?” — this episode is for you! We’re breaking down exactly what the SOL45 is, who it’s for (hint: anyone craving a little creative magic), and what makes it so different from your everyday lenses. Plus, you’ll get a step-by-step tutorial so you can actually use it without wanting to chuck it across the yard, and some example photos too. By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to create those beautifully selective focus shots that make people stop scrolling and go, “Wait… did you take that?! HERE’S THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: 1️⃣ What the Lensbaby SOL45 is (and why it’s basically the artsy kid in your lens lineup) 2️⃣ The types of shots you can create — from sweet, swirly backgrounds to intentionally offbeat, tilt-y portraits= 3️⃣ The features you need to know to get the most out of it 4️⃣ A step-by-step how-to for using it — so you can avoid that classic “why is everything blurry??” meltdown 5️⃣ Audrey’s personal tips and recommended types of shots to try first (yes, I’m basically handing you a creative cheat sheet) RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 🛍️Check out all my courses and workshops: livesnaplove.com/shop 🌈Want it all? The All Access Pass gives you lifetime access to every course, training, and resource I’ve ever made: Check it out here MORE FROM ME Follow me on Instagram: @livesnaplove For more behind-the-scenes content, practical photography tips, and thoughtful inspiration I only share by email, make sure you’re subscribed to Photography Love Notes—my weekly newsletter for curious, creative photographers. 💌 Click here to subscribe! SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Thanks for tuning into The Live Snap Love show! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to get notified when new episodes drop on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts! Your support helps us reach more photographers and keep the show going!🎙
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35mm vs 50mm for Child, Family & Lifestyle Photography
In this episode of The Live Snap Love Show, we’re diving into one of the most common “what lens should I get?” debates: the 35mm vs 50mm. It’s the photography version of coffee vs tea—both fabulous, both serve a purpose, but which one fits you best? If you’ve ever found yourself Googling focal lengths at midnight (been there), or toggling between the two lenses in your online cart like it’s a game of ping pong, this is the episode for you. We’re covering everything you need to confidently decide which lens is your lens soulmate — including pros, cons, photo examples, and one very nerdy-but-helpful rule of thumb you’ll actually want to use. By the end of this episode, you’ll be lens-decision ready—with zero regrets and maybe even a little giddy with excitement :-) HERE’S THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: 1️⃣ What “35mm” and “50mm” actually mean — and how they act differently on crop vs full frame cameras 2️⃣ The major pros (and the “meh” moments) of both lenses 3️⃣ When you’d reach for the 35mm… and when you’d regret it 4️⃣ Why the 50mm might be your all-rounder MVP — or just a little too middle-of-the-road 5️⃣ Audrey’s personal take (and go-to lens combo for lifestyle family sessions) 6️⃣ A genius hack using your kit lens to test which focal length fits your style best RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 📝 FREE Which Lens Kickstarter Guide: livesnaplove.com/lenses 🎥 Related Video “What Do the Numbers on a Camera Lens Mean?” 🛍️Check out all my courses and workshops: livesnaplove.com/shop 🌈Want it all? The All Access Pass gives you lifetime access to every course, training, and resource I’ve ever made: Check it out here MORE FROM ME Follow me on Instagram: @livesnaplove For more behind-the-scenes content, practical photography tips, and thoughtful inspiration I only share by email, make sure you’re subscribed to Photography Love Notes—my weekly newsletter for curious, creative photographers. 💌 Click here to subscribe! SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Thanks for tuning into The Live Snap Love show! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to get notified when new episodes drop on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts! Your support helps us reach more photographers and keep the show going!🎙
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3 Must Use Lightroom Classic Tools for "People" Photographers
In this episode I’m sharing with you three Lightroom tools that don’t get nearly enough love (or at least not the way we normally use them!). Whether you are new to Lightroom Classic, or like me, you’ve been using it for over a decade (!) I think there are always new ways to use the tools to perfect and polish your photos. Inside, I’m sharing the sneaky-smart ways I use a few underrated tools to make people's portraits pop — without spending hours on them. So if you’re ready to edit with more purpose (and way less confusion), tune in! HERE’S THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: 1️⃣ How to use the White Balance Dropper tool for three different pro-level tweaks (yep, it’s not just for finding a gray card!) 2️⃣ My no-guesswork method for setting the perfect exposure (and avoiding that “did I overdo it?” spiral) 3️⃣ Why the RGB numbers are your new best friends when it comes to skin tones 4️⃣ The tool I use to add pop, depth, and intentional color toning 5️⃣ My go-to tool for creating the perfect vignette and darkening backgrounds like a boss RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Edit Like A Pro in LRC Course: livesnaplove.com/pro-edit Check out all my courses and workshops: livesnaplove.com/shop MORE FROM ME Follow me on Instagram: @livesnaplove For more behind-the-scenes content, practical photography tips, and thoughtful inspiration I only share by email, make sure you’re subscribed to Photography Love Notes—my weekly newsletter for curious, creative photographers. 💌 Click here to subscribe! SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Thanks for tuning into The Live Snap Love show! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to get notified when new episodes drop on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts! Your support helps us reach more photographers and keep the show going!🎙
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Where Your First Clients Actually Come From (Hint: It's not Instagram!)
Let’s be real — turning your photography passion into a business sounds like a dream job… until you realize you have no idea how to land your first paying client! If you’ve been tiptoeing around the idea of going pro — or stuck in the “shoot-for-free-forever” loop — this episode is your new favorite pep talk meets game plan. I’m walking you through the exact steps to go from “maybe someday” to “holy crap, I just got paid for this!” — without needing a logo, a fancy workflow, or your entire business figured out. So let’s get your first client booked, shall we? HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL TAKEWAY FROM THIS EPISODE: 1️⃣ The mindset shift that will move you from “maybe later” to “I’m doing this now” 2️⃣ What you need to have in place to get your first paying clients (less than you think!) 3️⃣ The basic-but-crucial steps of a smooth client experience — from booking to delivery 4️⃣ How to get your inner circle to help spread the word (without sounding salesy or desperate) 5️⃣ Exactly what to say when asking for referrals and testimonials (so you don’t feel weird about it) 6️⃣ A checklist to help you get visible, start simple, and build a business that fits your life RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Photography Biz Start Up Kit: livesnaplove.com/business The Location Field Scouting Guide: TBA SmugMug: (should give you 20% discount) : SmugMug DropBox: dropbox.com Check out all my courses and workshops: livesnaplove.com/shop MORE FROM ME Follow me on Instagram: @livesnaplove For more behind-the-scenes content, practical photography tips, and thoughtful inspiration I only share by email, make sure you’re subscribed to Photography Love Notes—my weekly newsletter for curious, creative photographers. 💌 Click here to subscribe! SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Thanks for tuning into The Live Snap Love show! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to get notified when new episodes drop. Also please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts - your support helps us reach more photographers and grow our community! See you next time!
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If only I could tell my younger self... 6 pieces of photography advice
Let’s be honest — photography can feel like a lot sometimes. There’s SO much to learn, a hundred paths to follow, and alllll the noise about what you “should” be doing… it’s no wonder we end up overwhelmed and second-guessing everything from our editing to our lens choices! In today’s episode, I’m getting a little reflective and sharing the 6 lessons I wish I could go back and tell my younger photography self — before the rabbit holes, the gear splurges, and the late-night Googling spirals. 🙃 Whether you're feeling a bit stuck or just need a reminder that you're so not alone, this one’s for you. Tune in for the advice I wish I’d heard sooner — and that I hope helps you move forward with a little more clarity (and a lot more confidence). HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL TAKE AWAY FROM THIS EPISODE: 1️⃣ Why learning photography out of order might be secretly sabotaging your progress 2️⃣ The surprisingly big problem with staying “comfortable” behind the camera 3️⃣ How to draw inspiration from others without losing your own creative voice 4️⃣ The truth about free content vs. investing in a solid learning path 5️⃣ What to ask yourself before you hit “add to cart” on that new lens or gadget 6️⃣ How chasing tips and tricks can actually slow your growth (yup, really!) 7️⃣ A gentle reminder that your photos don’t need to be perfect to be powerful So if you’re ready for a little tough love (with lots of warmth and virtual high-fives), pop in your earbuds and let’s chat. 💛 RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Want to skip the overwhelm and finally follow a clear, step-by-step path to taking photos you love?: livesnaplove.com/pass Check out all my courses and workshops: livesnaplove.com/shop My recommended editing software: The Photography Plan From Adobe MORE FROM ME Follow me on Instagram: @livesnaplove For more behind-the-scenes content, practical photography tips, and thoughtful inspiration I only share by email, make sure you’re subscribed to Photography Love Notes—my weekly newsletter for curious, creative photographers. 💌 Click here to subscribe! SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Thanks for tuning into The Live Snap Love show! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to get notified when new episodes drop. Also please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts - your support helps us reach more photographers and grow our community! See you next time!
Welcome to The Live Snap Love Show, where every episode is a thoughtful mix of inspiration, insight, and practical tools for taking your family and lifestyle photos to the next level.
I’m Audrey Ann — photographer, educator, and founder of Live Snap Love — and in each episode, I’m pulling from 17+ years behind the camera (and over a decade of teaching thousands of students) to help you create photos you’re genuinely proud of.
From getting comfy with manual mode to finding your signature style, we’ll dig into the techniques, mindset shifts, and creative approaches that can help you feel more confident and artistic behind the lens.
So whether you're documenting everyday life, capturing those little in-between moments, or building a photography business, think of this podcast as your go-to toolkit for building your skills, staying inspired, and making the whole process feel a lot more fun (and a heck of lot less overwhelming!).
Ireland