327 - Taking a Human-First Approach to AI with Kinsey Soderberg
When AI first came on the scene, I was skeptical, and my early interactions confirmed my suspicions: when it came to content, AI's attempts were generic and easy to spot.But AI has evolved, and so have my opinions. I’ve come to believe that when used well, AI doesn’t take over your voice... it helps you amplify it. It doesn’t steal your creativity... it gives you time to actually use it.In this episode, I’m talking with Kinsey Soderberg of Authentic AI about how creatives (even skeptical ones!) can use AI in a way that feels aligned, ethical, and actually helpful. We’re breaking down:Why creatives and women especially need to be shaping how AI evolvesWhat it means to take a human-first approach to AIAnd how we co-created a brand new AI-powered blogging tool for Consistency Club that helps photographers write better blog posts faster... without losing their voice or uniqueness in the processIf you’ve been curious about AI but don’t want to sound like a bro-y robot, this episode is a refreshing, no-pressure look at what’s possible when strategy and soul work together.LINKS:Follow Kinsey on Instagram Visit Kinsey’s website Register for the Summit (and get your workbook!) Join Consistency Club Join us for the Future of Marketing Summit on August 6th. Click HERE to get your free ticket!Resources: New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review!
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326 - Breaking Into Brand Photography with Karen Williams
What happens when someone who's spent 15 years hiring photographers for brands like Netflix, Masterclass, and AARP writes a book about how the photo industry really works?You get The Photo Hustle, a straight-talking, wildly helpful roadmap to booking clients, getting paid, and actually making a viable career out of commercial photography. In this episode, I’m chatting with author, photo editor, and creative director Karen Williams about what she’s learned on the inside of the brand and editorial world, along with what photographers at every level can take away from it.We talk about pricing, licensing, reputation, portfolio building, imposter syndrome, and the truth behind that elusive “six-figure” dream. Karen doesn’t hold back… and her insights will stick with you long after the episode ends.LINKS:Grab Karen’s book The Photo Hustle Follow Karen on Instagram Resources: New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review!
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325 - Pricing is More than a Number: It's a Strategy
Pricing might just be the hardest piece of the business puzzle, and not because most of us don't love math. Sure, you need to know your numbers, but there's so much psychology involved in pricing, too: it's one of the most powerful ways you communicate your value, your brand, and your confidence.In this episode, I’m walking you through the five key building blocks of a strategic pricing system - the pieces that take your rates from guesswork to a rock-solid reflection of what you really offer. We’ll talk about how to reverse-engineer your pricing based on your financial goals and ideal client, why undercharging can actually lead to burnout, and how to make sure your price tells the right story about your work.If you’ve ever second-guessed your rates (or felt that dreaded pricing wobble in your gut), this one’s for you.LINKS:Watch the free Simple Sales Masterclass Learn the Simple Sales Blueprint Follow us on Instagram Resources: New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review!
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324 - How to Offer Destination Photography Sessions with Kellie Llewellyn
What if your next senior session didn’t just capture once-in-a-lifetime memories… but created them as well?In this episode, I’m joined by Kellie Llewellyn, a North Dakota-based photographer who has carved out a unique (and wildly appealing) niche in her business: destination senior sessions. Kellie has traveled with seniors, their best friends, and even their families to locations like Joshua Tree, the Oregon coast, and beyond, turning traditional photo sessions into unforgettable experiences.We talk about the creative spark that comes with new locations, the logistical and financial realities behind these trips, and how she’s grown this part of her business from passion project to profitable offering. From pricing and contracts to behind-the-scenes strategy, Kellie is a total open book. If you’ve ever dreamed about mixing business with a little adventure, this will inspire you to get started!LINKS: Follow Kellie on Instagram Visit Kellie’s Website Join us for the Future of Marketing Summit on August 6th. Click HERE to get your free ticket!Resources: New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review!
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323 - Three Signs You’re Doing Better Than You Think
When you're deep in the thick of running a business, it’s easy to feel like you should be further along. But just because you haven’t “made it” yet (whatever that means) doesn’t mean you’re not making real, meaningful progress.In this episode, I’m sharing three often-overlooked signs that you’re doing better than it may feel like you're doing. We’ll talk about how to recognize sustainable growth, why rest isn’t a setback, and how efficiency quietly signals your evolution as a business owner.This is your reminder to pause, look back, and take in the view. Because chances are... you’ve come farther than you think!Join us for the Future of Marketing Summit on August 6th. Click HERE to get your free ticket!Resources: New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review!
You love photography, but running a business? That's a different story. If you've ever thrown up your hands trying to figure it out yourself and said "This CAN'T be that hard!!!" you've come to the right place. Host Annemie Tonken's secret superpower is cutting through the confusion to give you actionable, step-by-step strategies and systems that will help you build a business that reflects your values, serves your needs, and thrills your clients. Tune in to find out why thousands of photographers around the world love Annemie's simple, you-can-do-this approach to everything from pricing to marketing to customer service... and so much more! Whether you're still just dreaming of starting a photography business or have years of experience under your belt, you'll find ideas and inspiration every week to help you run a profitable, sustainable business you love.
Ireland