Welcome to Summer School, the podcast where we explore the world of creativity, entrepreneurship, and beyond. While I may be a wedding photographer by trade, my goal for this podcast is to break free from creative constraints and invite a wide range of guests to join us in thought-provoking conversations. Expect to hear from professionals in various fields – from educators to accountants, musicians to artists, and business owners of all kinds. My aim is to dive deep into the experiences, inspirations, and the nitty gritty of being an entrepreneur. Tune in today, hit subscribe and leave a review if you love what you hear. Summer Grace Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summergrace.photo/ Summer School Show Notes: https://www.the-summerschool.com/summer-school-show-notes
Hey everyone! In this episode, Peyton shares practical advice on growing a photography business through networking, word-of-mouth marketing, and collaboration. We also talk about balancing creativity with business, hosting retreats, working with other photographers, and simple ways to create more authentic images by letting go of perfection. Meet Peyton: Peyton Hayez is a photographer who refuses to be boxed into a single niche. She believes creativity exists in everything, from weddings to education, branding, and storytelling. While she’s known for her candids and ability to capture real emotion, her greatest passion is helping other photographers build confidence in both their craft and their businesses through immersive retreats, education, and community-driven experiences. She has a deep love for entrepreneurship, meaningful connection, and bringing ambitious ideas to life. This season is an exciting one for Peyton. In August, she’s hosting Camp Cinematic, a multi-day photography retreat that brings together photographers for hands-on education, styled shoots, creative collaboration, and community. Peyton has also released Post with Purpose, a course designed to help photographers attract their dream clients with intentional messaging, authentic storytelling, and sustainable business strategies. Connect with Me: Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral Connect with Peyton: Website: www.peytonhayezphotography.com Instagram: @peytonhayez @camp_cinematic
Hi everyone! I'm so excited for this episode because I'm sitting down with Nirit and Amir, the founders of Pic-Time, to hear the story behind one of photography's favorite platforms.We talk about how Pic-Time got started, some of my favorite features, what goes into building software creatives actually love, and the lessons they've learned growing a company that's stayed true to photographers from day one. Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above!
In this episode, I'm sharing six practical ways to elevate your wedding photography, including how I use flash, pose editorial group photos, find better light, anticipate candid moments, and create more artistic images throughout the wedding day. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
Film photography has completely changed the way I shoot weddings, and in this episode I'm sharing everything you guys always ask me about it. We talk about how I got started shooting film, the cameras I use, how I work it into a wedding day, how I price it for clients, and why I think film has shaped my style more than anything else. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
In this episode, I sat down with Kara Mercer, whose career has taken her from photographing weddings to working with tourism boards, hotels, designers, and brands all over the world. We talk about what it looked like to make the jump into commercial photography, how she built a career beyond weddings, and the realities of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and reinventing yourself as a creative along the way. Meet Kara: Kara Mercer is a commercial photographer and creative director specializing in interior, architectural, lifestyle, and travel photography. With over 17 years of experience behind the camera, she’s known for her refined editorial style, artful use of light, and ability to tell a story in a single frame. She graduated with a Speech Pathology degree, but wedding photography led her around the world ultimately working for tourism boards worldwide and fashion campaigns before expanding her focus to commercial work. This experience informs her editorial eye and the emotional resonance that runs through her photography. Kara is based in Seattle and regularly works in Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and beyond. Her work has been published worldwide in magazines such as House Beautiful, Arch Digest, Traditional Home, Dwell, and more. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral Connect with Kara: Website: www.karamercer.com Instagram: @_karamercer Instagram: @kararmercer
In this episode, I'm sharing a new creative project I've been obsessed with lately: cyanotypes. We talk about what cyanotypes are, how to make them, and why diving into something completely outside of my photography business has been such a refreshing creative reset. I also share the story behind Solar Studios, a new venture combining vintage clothing, cyanotype printing, and making things just for the sake of making them. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
This week on the pod, I sat down with wedding photographer and creative powerhouse Landon Hawkins. We talk about using creativity and props to create more intentional imagery, standing out in a saturated industry, and the importance of queer advocacy and representation within the wedding world. Meet Landon: Landon is a queer wedding photographer known for creating cinematic, story driven imagery that blends emotion, movement, and playful creativity. His work often incorporates handmade props, oversized objects, and conceptual set pieces that turn real moments into artful, nostalgic scenes. Inspired by individuality and human connection, he approaches weddings with a mix of documentary storytelling. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral Connect with Landon: Website: www.landonhawkins.com Instagram: @landonhawkinsphotos TikTok: @landonhawkinsphotos
This week on the pod, I’m recapping Summer Camp and talking about how much this experience grew and evolved from the first camp I ever hosted. From the styled shoots and film lab, to the food, counselors, field day, surprise art gallery, and overall experience - this year felt incredibly intentional and immersive in the best way. I’m also sharing behind-the-scenes lessons on hosting a photography retreat, budgeting, building community, and what actually goes into creating an unforgettable creative experience. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
This week on the pod, I’m sharing my thoughts on scaling as a photographer and the different paths that can come with it. We talk about luxury weddings, associate teams, education, legacy clients, hybrid business models, and figuring out what kind of growth actually fits the life you want. I also share a few personal updates while getting ready for Summer Camp and settling into a new season of life. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide Summer Camp (2026) *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
In this episode, I’m sharing a shift in how I think about branding - from “personal branding” to world building . I talk through how your brand is shaped through every interaction, from social media to your client experience, and what it looks like to stay consistent across all of it. If you’ve been feeling like you’re blending in, this will help you start thinking about how to build something people actually want to be part of. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide Summer Camp (2026) *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
This week on the pod, I’m so excited to be chatting with Jada and David about going from wedding photography to building full conceptual sets and creative worlds. We get into burnout, personal projects, and what it actually looks like to pivot and start creating the work you actually want to be known for. Meet Jada + David: Jada and David are a married couple and creative duo. Together, they combine set design, photography, lighting, and motion to create bold, visually striking imagery for musicians, designers, brands, and more. They collaborate closely on every project, handling everything from concept and set builds to lighting, photography, and video. They are currently working on a new personal project called The Attic Series, where they are building 25 sets and producing 25 shoots inside their attic over the course of 100 days, exploring what’s possible within a small, constrained space. Before stepping into this work, they spent nearly a decade as wedding and portrait photographers. In 2020, they shifted their focus and began building custom sets for their shoots. That decision led to their 100 Set Project in 2021, where they built 100 sets and produced 100 shoots in a single year, changing the direction of their careers. Today, Jada and David create custom sets for both personal and client work. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide Summer Camp (2026) *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Connect with Jada + David: Education and Content: jadaanddavid.gumroad.com Instagram: @Jadaanddavid Check out their "Attic Series" on Youtube: youtube.com/jadaanddavid Patreon: patreon.com/c/jadaanddavid
This week I’m talking with Chris Denner about staying true to yourself as a photographer and not getting pulled into industry trends. Chris shares why “weddings shouldn’t be content machines,” how trends are leading to everyone creating the same images, and why leaning into what makes you different is what actually sets you apart. Meet Chris: Nice to meet you, I’m Chris Denner. I’m a crime-fighting vigilante and I know more Kung Fu than Bruce Lee. Okay….that’s not strictly true. But let’s be honest, it sounds way more exciting than saying that I`m a wedding photographer based in the UK. Basically I photograph for the loud & real couples who want big moments, creative images, and zero cringe, ok? Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide Summer Camp (2026) *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Connect with Chris: Instagram: @chrisdennerphotography Website: chrisdenner.co.uk Sign up for his upcoming workshop here: ignite.photographerbusinessacademy.co.uk
Hi everyone! This week on the pod, I’m chatting with Joshua Woodland, a UK-based wedding photographer whose work blends fashion, film, and storytelling. We talk about finding inspiration outside of the wedding industry, how your taste develops over time, and what it actually takes to get your work seen. It’s a real conversation about growing creatively while building a sustainable photography business. Meet Joshua: Joshua is a UK based wedding photographer - documenting stories across the UK and Europe. Joshua’s photography blends editorial composition with emotional storytelling, using light and environment to shape each frame. Creating imagery that feels transportive. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide Summer Camp (2026) *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Connect with Joshua: Instagram: @joshuawoodlandphoto Website: joshuawoodland.com
In this episode, I’m sharing my approach to posing as a photographer - and why posing isn’t actually the most important part of a photo. I break down how I start with light and environment, and how I guide couples in a way that feels natural, not forced. If your photos have been feeling stiff, this will help you rethink posing entirely. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide Summer Camp (2026) *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above!
This week I sat down with my wedding photographer, Jake Tovar, live at WPPI to talk all things film, creativity, and building a style that’s truly your own. We get into his approach to shooting weddings on film, the small decisions that shape your work, and how photography became something deeper for him along the way. About Jake: Jake is a film photographer who simply is in love with photography. Jake bounces around Cali but resides in San Luis Obispo & Bakersfield, CA. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide Summer Camp (2026) *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Find Jake: Instagram: @jaketovar.co Website: jacobetovar.com
Hey everyone! In this episode, I’m joined by UK-based photographer and educator Tom Wright, who often refers to himself as a therapist for photographers. Tom works with creatives to help them move through creative blocks, gain clarity in their work, and reconnect with why they picked up a camera in the first place. We talk about balancing art and business, understanding your brand, and finding the moments in photography that bring you the most joy. Meet Tom: Tom Wright is like a therapist for your photography business. He calls it therapy because he helps you work out obstacles, creative block, learning new skills, build systems, experiment with new mediums and provide support on an ongoing basis.He’s not a doctor, but you’ll feel better! Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Join me at WPPI and get 20% off your ticket using code SUMMER26 Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide Summer Camp (2026) *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Connect with Tom: Website: https://www.bytomw.com/ Instagram: http s://www.instagram.com/bytomw Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bytomw
Today on the pod, I sit down with Dave Hill to talk about what it really looks like to evolve over a 20+ year photography career. We dive into his transition from hyperreal composites to a more natural, wide-angle style, shooting major campaigns for big brands, and how social media changed the industry for all of us. Dave reflects on creative reinvention, not caring so much about outside opinions, balancing family life with ambition, and why staying curious matters more than staying trendy. Meet Dave: Dave is a director/photographer based in Los Angeles. He got his start shooting album covers for for artists like 50 Cent and Soulja Boy. This led to shooting national editorial and advertising campaigns. Dave has been collaborating with the top agencies and brands, directing TVC’s and shooting stills across the globe that combine his love of adventure, people, fashion, and cars. With a background in skating and snowboarding, he strives to tell stories that are fast-paced and energetic, always keeping the camera moving. Dave wrote/directed his first narrative feature film, FLYING CARS, which premiered at the 2019 Dances with Films Festival in Los Angeles. His second narrative feature, LET'S BOTH TRY, was just released worldwide in 2025. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Join me at WPPI and get 20% off your ticket using code SUMMER26 Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide Summer Camp (2026) *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Connect with Dave: Website: https://www.davehill.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davehill2021
In this episode, I’m joined by Jordan Voth to talk about building a destination wedding and elopement photography career. Jordan shares how being laid off from his finance job led him to pursue photography full time, how travel shaped his brand, and how he became known for shooting weddings and elopements in incredible natural landscapes. Meet Jordan: Jordan Voth is a Seattle-based photographer who has been shooting full-time since 2015, traveling worldwide to photograph weddings, portraits, and lifestyle stories. Known for a documentary approach and a love of meaningful, honest imagery, his work is shaped by years on the road and a deep focus on storytelling. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Join me at WPPI and get 20% off your ticket using code SUMMER26 Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide Summer Camp (2026) *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Connect with Jordan: Website: https://www.jordanvoth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanvoth
In this episode, I’m sharing 10 things I’d focus on as a photographer during the off season to set myself up for a strong busy season. From updating your website and portfolio to getting more intentional with marketing, systems, and relationships, this episode is all about using slower months with purpose. If your calendar feels quieter right now, this is a reminder that the off season can be a really valuable time when you lean into it. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Join me at WPPI and get 20% off your ticket using code SUMMER26 Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide Summer Camp (2026) *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above!
Hey everyone! This week on the podcast I’m joined by Joshua Mannila, a Portland-based photographer known for his cinematic, moody style. We talk about starting young, growing through social media, being known for a specific look, and giving yourself permission to evolve creatively. Joshua also shares practical advice on posting consistently, capturing BTS, and not letting engagement dictate your confidence as an artist. Meet Joshua: Joshua Mannila is a portrait and couples photographer based in Oregon. His work blends cinema-inspired themes with a modern, editorial style to create images that feel like movie stills. He’s known for using landscapes and light to build the mood and story within each frame. Beyond client work, Joshua also hosts styled shoots and retreats that bring photographers together to create. Connect with Me: Join us at Summer Camp ! Become a Member of Summer School Join me at WPPI and get 20% off your ticket using code SUMMER26 Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School! Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool Shop My Products: Summer Grace x G-Presets ( discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL) Pricing Guide Summer Camp (2026) *Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above! Connect with Joshua: Website: https://www.joshuamannila.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuamannila/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joshuamannila
