Podcast
Summer School - A Photography + Creative Podcast
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
- Episodes
- 152
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 34 min
- On air since
- 2023
- Latest episode
- 5 days ago
Episodes
152 episodes, newest first
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26 min
Photography Horror Stories: A Spooky Special
Show notes
Happy Halloween! This week, we're diving into some wild photography horror stories from around the internet. From ordering expensive film and receiving rocks instead, to photographers faking film photos, disappearing gear, and weddings that weren't actually weddings. Some are hilarious, some are genuinely terrifying, and all of them are enough to give any photographer nightmares.
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
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46 min
Should Wedding Photographers Put Their Prices on Their Website?
Show notes
Should wedding photographers put their prices on their website? In this episode, I'm breaking down the pros and cons of pricing transparency, why I personally choose to list a starting price, and where I think photographers get it wrong. Plus, a few life updates, my recent dive into the commercial photography world, and why I'm always looking for new ways to grow creatively and in business.
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
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19 min
Does Photography Gear Actually Matter?
Show notes
Does photography gear actually matter? I think it does, just not in the way most people think. In this episode, I'm sharing why the cameras and lenses you use can impact your creative style, how certain gear has actually helped me book clients, and why more expensive doesn't always mean better.
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
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30 min
Photography Opinions I've Changed My Mind About
Show notes
Hey everyone! I'm sharing some photography opinions I've completely changed my mind about over the years. From Instagram marketing and destination weddings to camera gear, editing styles, and what success actually looks like as a photographer, we're talking about the things I used to believe and why I see them differently now. Plus, a little life update from another busy week of traveling and shooting weddings!
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
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29 min
Why I Still Believe in Photography Conferences
Show notes
After speaking at an analog photography conference in England, I’ve been thinking a lot about what actually makes photography conferences worth attending. In this episode, I’m sharing my experience at Elevate, what conferences look like from a speaker’s perspective, why I think their value goes way beyond education, and what I’d want to see from photography events in the future.
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
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1 hr 10 min
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement with James Broadbent
Show notes
AI has become one of the most debated topics in photography, so I’m sitting down with Narrative founder James Broadbent to ask some of the questions photographers are actually thinking about. We talk about the environmental impact of AI, image privacy and security, whether AI is taking away from creativity, and the difference between using AI to replace your decisions versus using it as a tool to make your workflow faster. We also get into how Narrative approaches AI differently, why your creative decisions still matter, and some of the newest features coming to Narrative.
About James Broadbent:
James Broadbent is the founder of Narrative, a company that began in Auckland, New Zealand, and has grown to be recognized as one of the nation's leading startups. An internationally renowned photographer, James is celebrated for his work with the photography duo Chasewild. His travels and photographic assignments have taken him to exotic locations like Morocco, the Faroe Islands, India, and Italy, capturing compelling narratives through his lens. James has shared his expertise at numerous photography conferences across Europe, America, and Australasia. Today, Narrative, with a dedicated team of 22, is at the forefront of developing innovative tools for professional photographers, helping them enhance their craft and tell stories more powerfully.
Website: https://narrative.so/
Instagram: @narrativeapp
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
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29 min
How I Book Weddings Without Paying for Ads
Show notes
I’ve never paid for ads to book a wedding. In this episode, I’m breaking down how I’ve built a thriving wedding photography business through Instagram, referrals, networking, vendor relationships, and simply making sure people know what I do. If ads aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to get your work in front of the right people.
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 Richards FilmLab at a discount: richardphotolab.com
Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
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1 hr 30 min
Why We’re Still Obsessed With Film with Jonathan Goldie
Show notes
This week I’m sitting down with Jonathan to get VERY nerdy about photography. We’re talking film, weddings, scanning, creative burnout, and going way too far down creative rabbit holes.
Jonathan shares how wanting a better way to scan film turned into building his own automated film scanner, plus we talk about photographing weddings (including mine!), cameras failing at the worst time, and finding your way back to actually having fun with photography.
Meet Jonathan:
Jonathan Goldie is a wedding and editorial photographer with an unhealthy obsession with film and pretty much every process surrounding it. Before photography became his full time career, he worked as a medical laboratory scientist and somehow went from never second shooting a wedding to building his own wedding photography business from scratch.
Outside of weddings, Jonathan shoots editorial work and landscapes from his travels, develops and prints film at home when he actually has time, and built a trichromatic film scanner he plans to bring to market because apparently buying a normal scanner wasn’t complicated enough.
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 Jonathan:
Website: https://jgoldiephotography.com/
Instagram: @jgoldiephotography | @goldetron | @goldenwandrlust
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39 min
You Asked I Answered
Show notes
Hey everyone! In this episode, I’m answering your questions about film photography, marketing, networking, growing a photography business, motherhood, getting into education, and building a career that you love. We’re getting into a little bit of everything and talking about what I’ve learned along the way.
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 Richards FilmLab at a discount: richardphotolab.com
Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
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28 min
Is Film Photography a Scam?
Show notes
Is film photography actually a scam? In this episode, I’m breaking down the real costs of shooting film, why clients still want it, and how to add film to your photography packages without losing money. I also share how I personally price film, why it’s baked into my packages, and whether I think film is still worth offering in 2026.
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
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1 hr 10 min
Film Photography, Creativity, and Finding Your Own Voice with Jonathan Canlas
Show notes
I’m so excited to sit down with Jonathan Canlas, founder of the Find Lab, and someone who has been shooting, teaching, and advocating for film photography for decades. We talk about his journey with film, the cameras and film stocks he loves, shooting for yourself, experimenting creatively, and why photographers need to stop looking at everyone else’s work if they want to find their own voice. We also get into building real community, personal projects, and what keeps him excited about photography after all these years.
Meet Jonathan:
Creator of Film Is Not Dead, Film School Road Trip and the Find Lab. Jonathan has been shooting film exclusively since his first wedding in 1999. He resides in Lehi UT with his 6 kids.
Click the links below to see the Iceland photos we mention in the pod:
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 Jonathan:
Website: jonathan.instaproofs.com
Instagram: @jonathancanlas
@thefindlab (Use code SUMMERSCHOOL for a 20% discount off processing)
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35 min
Everything That Goes Into Photographing a Multi-Day Wedding
Show notes
Hey everyone! I'm taking you behind the scenes of photographing a multi day wedding and everything that goes into it. From travel, packing, and testing gear to working with a second shooter, building relationships with your clients, and why 12 hours sometimes still isn't enough, I'm sharing what these weekends really look like and why they're some of my favorite weddings to photograph.
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
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34 min
The Biggest Marketing Mistakes I See Photographers Make
Show notes
In this episode, I'm talking about the biggest marketing mistakes I see photographers make and how to fix them. We cover why social media shouldn't be your only marketing strategy, how to become more memorable, why networking matters, and simple ways to book more of the right clients.
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
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1 hr 28 min
The Mindset and Business Strategies Behind a Successful Photography Career with Peyton Hayez
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
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1 hr 8 min
The Software Every Photographer Needs to Know About
Show notes
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!
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23 min
6 Ways to Level Up Your Wedding Photography
Show notes
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
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32 min
How and Why I Shoot Film at Weddings
Show notes
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
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55 min
Breaking Into Commercial Photography with Kara Mercer
Show notes
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: https://www.karamercer.com/
Instagram: @_karamercer
Instagram: @kararmercer
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19 min
Mini Episode: How to Make a Cyanotype
Show notes
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
-
1 hr 3 min
The Art of Props & Queer Advocacy with Landon Hawkins
Show notes
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: https://www.landonhawkins.com/
Instagram: @landonhawkinsphotos
TikTok: @landonhawkinsphotos
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