Resources & Real Talk
Have a scroll. Find what hits. Apply liberally.
This is where we share the stuff we wish we had when we were starting out (and, honestly, still need sometimes).
You’ll find business advice, mindset shifts, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and the kind of creative pep talks that don’t make you roll your eyes. From pricing to workflows, marketing to burnout, if it matters to women photographers, we’re talking about it.
business
systems
marketing
What to Do When Your Bookings Feels Slow
The Client Workflow We Wish We Had From Day One
Marketing Without that Awful Ick Feeling
→ What to automate, what to personalise, and how to make it feel effortless.
→ A crash course in showing up online without feeling like a cringe content machine.
→ Feeling Quiet? Here’s What to Do When Bookings Slow Down
marketing
editing
Systems
10 Social Media Post Ideas That Actually Build Connection
A Photographer’s Guide to Managing Colour Expectations
Hiring an In-House Editor or Assistant? Read This First.
→ How to avoid the dreaded “We didn’t love the colours” feedback and keep your editing style (and clients) happy.
→ Here’s what Ruth considered before bringing on her first in-house editor and why it’s about way more than just good edits.
→ No weird engagement tricks. Just 10 post ideas that make people feel something.
business
beginners
shooting
Build a Business That Survives the Instagram Apocalypse
How to Start Shooting Weddings (Without Faking Till You Make It)
The beginner’s guide to in-home newborn photography
→ New to weddings? Here’s your no-fluff guide to building experience, growing confidence, and booking your first few clients, minus the imposter syndrome.
→ Shooting newborns at home? This guide breaks down exactly how to prep, shoot and keep it calm, even with toddlers in the mix.
→ Social is great, until it isn’t. Here’s how to build a sustainable strategy that doesn’t rely on the algorithm.
business & marketing
inspiration
business
To Discount or Not to Discount? How Sales Impact Your Brand
Three Ways Becoming a Mum Made Me a Better Business Owner
Why Nailing Your Pricing Changes Everything
→ How motherhood turned Ruth’s business from “I’ll do it all myself” into a streamlined, sustainable brand she actually enjoys running.
→ Pricing touches everything in your business, here’s why getting it right can change your time, confidence, marketing, and opportunities.
→ Thinking about running a sale? Here’s how to decide if discounting will help your business, or hurt your brand.
IT's a hard business.
the podcast
Running a photography business isn’t all golden hour and presets. It’s pricing struggles, creative burnout, client boundaries, self-doubt, and somehow still forgetting to back up your files.
It’s A Hard Business is the real-talk podcast for women photographers who want more - more clarity, more confidence, and a business that actually works for them.
We're not here to sugarcoat the industry. We’re here to unpack the hard stuff, share what’s worked (and what hasn’t), and help you build a creative business that feels sustainable, profitable, and actually fun again.
Hosted by Haley Adele & Ruth Gilmour
New episodes monthly.
Based in NZ, relevant worldwide.
This is the stuff they don’t post on Instagram.
new around here?
Here's the top episodes to get you started.
Service, Tips & Choosing The Right Celebrant
It's Ok To Not Have It All Figured Out
Neurodiverse Clients With Nicole Paton
We chat with motherhood photographer and business owner Catherine Smith about building a sustainable career while raising kids, navigating outsourcing, pricing confidence, and letting go of the pressure to have everything “sorted.” A must-listen if you’re juggling life and business.
Nicole Paton (photographer, podcaster, and neurodivergent creative) shares how she built a values-led business around her passions, relocated internationally twice, and now helps others better understand and support neurodiverse clients in their own businesses.
Celebrant and business powerhouse Chloe Wiles shares her journey from starting out to building the iconic Marry Me Chloe brand. We talk about elevating client experience, navigating mindset blocks, and her best advice for photographers, vendors, and couples alike.