Raw Edit

Raw Edit

by Kellie Llwellyn & Sarah Monson
Entrepreneurship
Season 1

E4: BTS: Our Journey into Photography & How We Built Our Businesses

Every photographer has a story, and trust us—ours weren’t exactly a straight shot to success. In this episode of RAW Edit, we’re getting personal and sharing how we went from past jobs (some weird, some wonderful) to running full-time photography businesses. We’ve shot a lot—from early sessions where we had no clue what we were doing to the moments that made us realize, "This is it." Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the game for years, we hope our journeys remind you that no path is the same, and every twist and turn leads to growth. So grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment), and let’s dive into the highs, the lows, and the moments that changed everything. Action Step for This Episode Think about your journey—what led you to photography? What were the pivotal moments? DM us or tag us in a post and share your story—we’d love to hear it! 📄 Free Resource: Subscribe to Sarah's ChatGPT Weekly Prompt Grab Kellie’s free Scouting Guide - Download Here 🌐 Connect with Us: Kellie Rochelle Photography Website: https://kellierochelle.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellierochellephotography/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellierochellephotography/ Sarah Monson Photography Website: https://smonsonphotography.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmonsonphotography/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahMonsonPhotography 🎧 Subscribe and Listen: If you loved this episode, subscribe to RAW Edit and never miss an unfiltered conversation!
S1 · E4
Feb 24, 2025
43:03

E:3 Slay the Style Game: How to Help Seniors Choose the Perfect Outfit

Let’s talk about one of the biggest hurdles in senior photography: the outfits. Parents want timeless, seniors want trendy, and you’re caught in the middle trying to make everyone happy. How do you guide your seniors to pick outfits that look incredible on camera while boosting their confidence? In this episode of RAW Edit, we’re sharing everything you need to help your clients slay the style game—breaking down outfit formulas, color theory, and props to elevate their session. Whether you’ve dealt with neon stripes or last-minute wardrobe panics, this episode is packed with practical tips you can start using right away! Links & Resources 💡 Action Step: Create a style guide for your clients with outfit tips, color advice, and accessory suggestions. Let us know how it works by tagging us on Instagram or leaving a comment! 📄 Free Resource: Grab Sarah’s free Style Guide - Download Here Grab Kellie’s free Posing Guide - Download Here 🌐 Connect with Us: Kellie Rochelle Photography Website: https://kellierochelle.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellierochellephotography/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellierochellephotography/ Sarah Monson Photography Website: https://smonsonphotography.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmonsonphotography/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahMonsonPhotography 🎧 Subscribe and Listen: If you loved this episode, subscribe to RAW Edit and never miss an unfiltered conversation!
S1 · E3
Feb 9, 2025
28:05

E:2 - Posing Like a Pro: The Simple Steps to Bringing Out the Best in Seniors

Posing seniors can feel like a challenge—especially when your client looks at you and says, "What do I do with my hands?!" But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. In this episode of RAW Edit, we’re breaking down the art of posing and giving you actionable tips to help your seniors look and feel like total naturals in front of the camera. We’ll cover everything from breaking the ice with small talk to movement-based poses that bring out authentic smiles and energy. Plus, we’ll dive into solutions for the ultimate posing dilemma: hands. Get ready to learn: 🎉 Simple icebreakers to make your seniors feel comfortable from the start. 📸 The five go-to variations every photographer needs: stand, sit, lean, lay, and move. 💃 How movement creates natural, killer poses that scream authenticity. ✋ Creative ways to help your seniors handle the dreaded "hand dilemma." 👏 Why hyping your clients up can transform their confidence and your photos. As always, we’re keeping it real and giving you the tools to elevate your senior sessions. Links & Resources 💡 Action Step: Try using the stand, sit, lean, lay, and move variations at your next session and let us know how it goes. Tag us or leave a comment—we can’t wait to hear about your wins! 📄 Free Resource: Grab Kellie’s free posing guide to make posing simple, natural, and totally fun for everyone. Download Here Want to learn more about Sarah’s custom 1:1 mentorship - learn more. 🌐 Connect with Us: Kellie Rochelle Photography Website: https://kellierochelle.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellierochellephotography/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellierochellephotography/ Sarah Monson Photography Website: https://smonsonphotography.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmonsonphotography/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahMonsonPhotography 🎧 Subscribe and Listen: If you loved this episode, subscribe to RAW Edit and never miss an unfiltered conversation!
S1 · E2
Feb 8, 2025
17:33

E1: The Secret to Instantly Making Seniors Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera

In our very first episode of RAW Edit, we’re diving into one of the most critical skills for senior photographers: making your clients feel comfortable in front of the camera. Let’s be real—confident seniors = stunning portraits. But what do you do when your senior feels stiff, awkward, or totally out of their element? Today, we’re tackling that head-on with practical tips and strategies to break the ice, calm nerves, and build trust. From pre-session discovery calls to the ultimate icebreakers and hyping your clients up like their personal cheerleader, we’ve got everything you need to turn nervous energy into authentic, jaw-dropping photos. In this episode, we’ll cover:📸 Why seniors often feel awkward and how to cut through the pressure.🎵 Icebreakers that actually work, including music, movement, and small talk.👏 How to hype up your clients to boost their confidence and self-esteem.✨ Pro tips for wrapping up a session on a high note and marketing the experience for future clients. 📄 Free Resource: Grab Kellie’s free senior questionnaire to help prep your clients for their session: Download Here Grab Sarah's free post-production workflow guide to streamline your post processing. Download Here 🌐 Connect with Us: Kellie Rochelle Photography Website: ⁠https://kellierochelle.com/⁠ Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/kellierochellephotography/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/kellierochellephotography/⁠ Sarah Monson Photography Website:⁠ https://smonsonphotography.com/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sarahmonsonphotography/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/SarahMonsonPhotography⁠ 🎧 Subscribe and Listen: If you loved this episode, subscribe to RAW Edit and never miss an unfiltered conversation!
S1 · E1
Feb 8, 2025
26:34

BONUS: The Reviews That Get You Booked: How to Make Google Work for You (Google Reviews w/ Christine Dammann)

Bonus
In this episode, we’re sitting down with our good friend Christine Dammann, a wildly talented family photographer from sunny San Diego, to talk about something that can literally help you book more clients—Google Reviews. Christine shares her journey into photography and how she built a thriving business through client experience, strategic marketing, and leveraging online reviews. She breaks down why reviews matter, how to encourage clients to leave them, and how to use them to boost your SEO and visibility. Plus, she shares her approach to handling both positive and negative feedback, making your client experience unforgettable, and maintaining work-life balance as a photographer. If you’ve ever wondered how to make Google work for you, this episode is packed with actionable strategies that will help you grow your business and get more bookings. 📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why Google Reviews are essential for photography businesses ✔️ How to encourage clients to leave reviews (without feeling awkward) ✔️ The best way to respond to both positive & negative feedback ✔️ How reviews impact your SEO and online visibility ✔️ Ways to turn client feedback into marketing gold ✔️ The role of client experience in getting great reviews ✔️ Christine’s approach to balancing business & personal life Connect with Christine Dammann: 🌎 Website: christinedammann.com 📷 Instagram: @christinedammannphoto Link to Christine’s Freebie “Get Glowing Reviews” LINK 🌐 Connect with Us: Kellie Rochelle Photography Website: https://kellierochelle.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellierochellephotography/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellierochellephotography/ Sarah Monson Photography Website: https://smonsonphotography.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmonsonphotography/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahMonsonPhotography 🔗 Love this episode? Don’t forget to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with a fellow photographer! 🚀
S1
Apr 1, 2025
27:49

Raw Edit: TRAILER

Trailer
Welcome to RAW Edit, the ultimate podcast for photographers who crave real talk, unfiltered advice, and a little bit of chaos. Hosted by two photographers who’ve been through it all—awkward shoots, late-night edits, client drama, and the occasional lighting meltdown—this podcast is your go-to guide for surviving and thriving in the photography world. Each week, we bring you behind-the-scenes stories, actionable tips, and honest conversations about what it takes to run a photography business that doesn’t just survive—it thrives. From nailing the perfect pose to navigating tricky lighting and managing the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, we’re here to help you level up your skills while having a few laughs along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, RAW Edit is your space to learn, grow, and get inspired—all while keeping it 100% real. So, grab your camera, your Dt. Coke, and let’s dive into the unfiltered world of photography. 🌐 Connect with Us: Kellie Rochelle Photography Website: ⁠https://kellierochelle.com/⁠ Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/kellierochellephotography/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/kellierochellephotography/⁠ Sarah Monson Photography Website:⁠ https://smonsonphotography.com/⁠ Instagram:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sarahmonsonphotography/ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/SarahMonsonPhotography⁠ 🎧 Subscribe and Listen: If you loved this episode, subscribe to RAW Edit and never miss an unfiltered conversation!
S1
Jan 30, 2025
1:27

E18 - The Secrets to Authentic Senior Sessions (Even in a Tiny Town) w/ Ashley Mosier

Ashley Mosier is living proof that small-town photographers can build big, bold, beautiful brands — without a model team, a massive market, or a million props. In this episode of RAW Edit, Ashley walks us through how she creates authentic senior sessions from the first consult to final delivery. With over 50 seniors a year, she’s built a thriving biz on prep, personality, and pure style. Here’s what we cover: 👉 Why pre-session FaceTime consults are her client experience secret weapon 👉 How to shoot in the same town over and over — and still make it feel fresh 👉 Editing tips (like her sneaky trick with the dehaze slider 👀) 👉 Why styling matters more than location — and how she guides her seniors through it 👉 Her full workflow from Imagine AI to Photoshop to Evoto 👉 The #1 thing seniors really want from their session 👉 What she would never give up in her business (spoiler: Botox makes an appearance) If you’re a senior photographer who wants to elevate your client experience, build real connection, and shoot confidently in any light, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen to Episode 18: The Secrets to Authentic Senior Sessions
Aug 26, 2025
1:02:10
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