Welcome back to another episode of Oh Shoot! This week’s photographer advice column submission episode dives deep into the things no one warns you about as a photographer: wild client stories, red flags, ghosting, imposter syndrome, the whole chaotic mix. You guys submitted your real struggles, and I’m giving my honest, unfiltered advice. Let’s get into it!
Listen to the full podcast on Spotify or watch the episode on YouTube!
Okay before we jump into this June advice column submission, I just got back from a girls trip in Nashville and I feel like I need to debrief. We stayed in Franklin, which honestly is way more my vibe than downtown and did the most fun stuff like horseback riding (yes, I did get a tick, don’t ask). Also… update for the visual girlies: the iPad has officially made its way front and center in my life. I’ve been using it nonstop, for notes, painting, work, I’m an iPad girly now, and I won’t be going back!
OH, and quick pop culture moment, Demi Lovato’s wedding photos? Divine! They were shot by José Villa and it’s giving timeless celeb editorial. Skin tones warm, whites still bright, a little less airy, a little more real, obsessed. Speaking of edits, I’m calling it now: cinematic green overlays are gonna be the 2026 trend. I’m seeing warm tones, green hues, that extra color grade layered over natural edits. You heard it here first. Okay, now let’s get into the advice!
Photographer Advice Column Submission Part #1
Submission: I need help with consultation calls. I think my initial process is off. Can’t figure out how to be fun and approachable while staying professional. I think I’m being too pushy and it’s turning clients away.
My Advice: You need to offer video calls, that’s the best way to show your personality and body language. Make sure you look presentable with good lighting. Start your calls by asking questions about them, people want to talk about themselves, and it helps you capture them authentically. Know your pitch and tailor it based on what they tell you matters most (like candid photos, for example). Don’t push to convince them, shift your mindset to “Are we a good fit?” And when you follow up, add value (like a session location idea) to increase responses!
Submission: I posted a Reel of a past couple session that I love, but people messaged me to take it down because the couple had a messy breakup. I didn’t know. Was I wrong to post it?
My Advice: You didn’t do anything wrong. From a human side, it hit a nerve, four people reached out. Taking it down was respectful and smart for your brand. Ethically, yes, they’re your photos and you can post them. But practically? I’d still use them, just in subtle ways, like on your website. A social media post isn’t worth damaging your name.
Submission: A friend booked me for her cousin’s courthouse wedding. I never spoke to the couple directly. The time was changed, but I missed it. I showed up late and feel awful.
My Advice: You didn’t have direct client contact, red flag. You booked without a consult, red flag. The groom sent a flyer but didn’t clarify the time, also not great! This was a communication breakdown on all sides. For next time, confirm arrival time in writing. And don’t let a friend be the middleman again, ever!
Photographer Advice Column Submission Part #2
Submission: I’ve done giveaways and model calls but no one will book me, not even for free. I feel like I’m failing.
My Advice: You’re not failing, you’re building, and that’s quiet and slow. But if even free sessions aren’t working, you probably need to work on your photos: composition, lighting, and editing. You also need local visibility. Geotag posts, comment locally, partner with small businesses. And create the content yourself if no one volunteers, you’re the model. Offer value and style the shoot like a mini experience, not just a free session. And focus on 20 local people seeing your work, not going viral!
Submission: I shot a nightmare wedding. She wanted a totally different edit style and is now asking for re-edits. How many should I give before charging?”
My Advice: This belongs in the photographer trauma museum. You need a boundary-setting email: remind her of your editing style and that re-edits beyond a few will be extra. My contract says $500/hour for retouching. I’d offer 10–20 re-edits for free (that’s the human side), but anything past that gets invoiced. And FYI, budget shoppers won’t usually pay for extras, so don’t be afraid to stand firm.
Submission: I graduated from a photography program but I’m still working as a server. My confidence is low, and I feel judged by my old teachers.”
My Advice: You didn’t miss your moment, you’re still making it. Until they pay your rent, it’s none of their business. This sounds like a them problem, not a you problem. Your job is teaching you, people skills, empathy, discipline, all things photographers need. Don’t discount your non-photography job. Keep showing up, even part-time. Your dream isn’t dead, it’s incubating. It’s in the crockpot. And it’ll be ready when you are!
Thanks so much for listening to this June advice column submission episode. Keep an eye on my stories to submit your own for next time, and maybe next week’s will be the unhinged one! Love y’all.
Show Notes:
Get 50% off Honeybook here: http://share.honeybook.com/cassidylynne
Want more free education? Check out my website for photography freebies, presets, & courses!
Are you a part of our photography Facebook community group? Go to http://facebook.com/groups/cassidylynne/ and join the discussions of thousands of other photographers.
Follow Cassidy!
Instagram: @cassidylynne
