From “Who Even Am I?” to British Vogue (Here’s the Part You Didn’t See)

#5: What does it actually take to get published as a wedding photographer?

In this episode, we sit down with Kate Hensley Phillips, an Atlanta-based wedding photographer whose work has been featured everywhere from Green Wedding Shoes to British Vogue.

British Vogue was the highlight. The grind was the story.

Kate breaks down the raw, behind-the-scenes journey. The rejection emails. The unpaid work. The years of submitting. The moment she changed her mind about paid features. And the systems, strategy, and business decisions that ultimately led to high-end clients and almost five-figure starting packages.

What We Cover:

• Why getting published is a system, not luck
• The truth about paid vs unpaid features (and why transparency matters)
• How cultural relevance (Little Women, Barbie, trend timing) impacts editorial decisions
• What editors actually look for in submissions
• How rejection played a role in long-term growth
• The uncomfortable 4–6K pricing phase nobody talks about
• How Kate transitioned from volume bookings to high-end, intentional work
• Why preferred vendor lists still matter
• What photographers should focus on early vs later in their careers

Guest Spotlight Kate Hensley Phillips

Kate is an Atlanta-based wedding photographer known for her film-inspired, documentary-forward approach. Her work emphasizes authentic moments, timeless imagery, and intentional storytelling. After eight years in the industry, Kate has built a business rooted in clarity, strategy, and sustainability.

Connect with Kate:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katehensphillips
• Website: https://katehensleyphillips.com

Hosted By North + South Agency

North + South Agency is a marketing agency specializing in AI visibility for wedding professionals. They help creatives move beyond Instagram-only marketing and build sustainable, search-driven visibility that attracts aligned, high-value clients.

Connect with North + South Agency:

• Website: https://northandsouthagency.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northandsouthagency
• AI Visibility Report: https://northandsouthagency.com/ai-visibility-report

If you’ve ever thought, “Who even am I to be published?” this episode is your reminder that success in this industry is built, not handed out.

The work matters. The strategy matters. And none of it happens overnight.