It's Samantha here with you today, and we just celebrated my youngest's fourth birthday. This one hit me harder than I expected—four feels so big. It feels like those baby years are officially behind us.

As I was scrolling through old photos (as one does), it really struck me how much parenthood has shaped not only who I am but also the kind of business I've built. So that's what I want to dive into today: how motherhood influences the art we create and the businesses we grow.

When I first started my photography business, my world revolved around weddings. I loved documenting that beautiful beginning. But as time went on, those same couples started coming back to me when they were beginning their families. That's when my focus shifted. My lens turned toward the quieter, everyday moments—the ones that hold just as much meaning as the big milestones.

Becoming a mom changed everything about how I see time, memory, and storytelling. I'm no longer just clicking a shutter; I'm capturing moments through the eyes of a mother who knows how fleeting they are. Motherhood has taught me patience, empathy, and flexibility—and those lessons show up in my work. They help me connect with the families I photograph in a more personal, heartfelt way.

Every part of my business—from how I communicate with clients to how I show up creatively—is infused with what I've learned as a mom. And I think that's what makes this journey so special.

So if you're listening, I'd love for you to reflect on this: how has motherhood shaped the way you create and the way you serve? Your personal experiences aren't separate from your business—they are what make your business uniquely yours.

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

As creative business moms, we spend so much of our time being "on" - showing up behind the camera with clients, juggling family life, and striving to give our best in every area. But all that energy output can leave us drained if we don't have an outlet to just be ourselves.

In this episode of the Creative Moms Focus Podcast, we're diving into the power of authentic friendship for creative moms. The ladies share the types of women they seek out when building new, unfiltered relationships — the kind of friends who get it, who offer support without judgment, and who remind you that you don't have to be "on" with them.

You'll also hear about the simple tools they use to stay connected — like their favorite voice note and video chat apps — that make it easy to maintain meaningful friendships without the pressure of replying instantly. These genuine connections help prevent burnout, encourage balance, and remind us that we're not alone in this creative motherhood journey.

Mentioned in this episode:

Join Marco Polo: https://www.marcopolo.me/download/

Join Voxer: https://www.voxer.com/

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

As a photographer, quarter four can feel like a blur - balancing client sessions and product deliveries while trying to create Christmas magic at home. Today Jessica is sharing practical ways to protect your sanity this holiday season through boundaries, planning, and prioritizing what matters most.

From setting clear client deadlines and establishing boundaries on your Q4 bookings to batching content and automating emails, these strategies will help you stay organized and stress-free. Jessica also reminds photographers that your presence at home is the greatest gift you can give your family — so block off family time, simplify holiday traditions, and make space in your schedule for creating new memories.

By taking these simple shifts to heart, you can have a profitable Q4 and enjoy your family through this holiday season!

Creative Moms Focus Episode 33: The True Cost of Undervaluing Your Work

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Ever wonder how to make your client experience smoother and create more meaningful work? Samantha and Tara are pulling back the curtain on one of their secret weapons as photographers: client questionnaires.

It might sound simple, but these forms are pure magic when it comes to building trust, personalizing sessions, and truly connecting with clients. From wardrobe planning and location scouting to uncovering stories that help you capture authentic moments, questionnaires are the foundation for collaboration and creativity.

Whether you're a photographer or any type of creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you design a client experience that feels less transactional and more personal.

Start small. Stay curious. Watch how your work (and client trust) transforms.

Client Questionnaire Sample: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1u3lB2SwSrttr3xHzX2HyGiEZKscowg5xKXD1FL7z1TM/edit?tab=t.0

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Every photographer has been there—the toddler meltdown, the sibling squabble, the endless wiggles that seem to derail the perfect family photo session. But the truth is, those chaotic moments don't have to ruin a shoot. We're sharing five tried-and-true prompts that help turn unpredictable energy into authentic, joy-filled images.

From playful prompts that spark laughter to techniques that foster sweet, intimate moments, these strategies are designed to help kids feel comfortable, engaged, and even important during a session. You'll hear how one idea encourages physical closeness, another channels movement into fun, and one even takes inspiration from the beloved show Bluey. We also share simple ways to keep kids fueled and happy during shoots—because sometimes a favorite snack is the magic ingredient that keeps everything on track.

As a bonus, we're including a prompt we learned firsthand during our own family photos, proving that even as photographers, we never stop learning. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode will give you tools you can rely on when chaos strikes so you can capture genuine, memorable moments every time.

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Behind every beautiful photo is a story—and for photographers, some of the most meaningful stories come from clients who return year after year. Today, Tara and Samantha dive into the heart of what makes photography so meaningful: the lasting relationships with returning clients.

From engagements to weddings, maternity sessions to newborn portraits, and everything beyond, photography allows you to walk alongside families through their biggest milestones. Tara and Samantha share why one of the greatest privileges of being a photographer is getting to witness these stories unfold over time.

They discuss:

• The magic of longevity with clients and how trust builds over the years
  
  

• Why return clients create a deeper connection in front of the camera
  
  

• How photographing milestone moments turns into documenting family legacies
  
  

• The role of authenticity, comfort, and consistency in bringing clients back
  
  

• Why relationships—not just posed shots—make the work truly unforgettable
  
  

Whether you're a photographer, creative, or simply someone who values relationships in business, this episode will remind you that the real magic lies in connection.

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

AI is everywhere right now—from social media to photography software—and as creative business owners, we can't ignore it. But where's the line between using AI as a helpful tool and letting it take over? In this week's episode, Tara and Jessica are pulling back the curtain on how they actually use AI in their photography businesses—and where they choose not to.

Here's what you'll hear in today's conversation:

• The AI tools we currently use in our creative workflows (and the ones we're avoiding).
  
  

• How we use ChatGPT for brainstorming content ideas, writing Instagram captions, drafting blogs, and more—without letting it do all the work.
  
  

• Why Tara loves HoneyBook's AI notetaker feature for client meetings, plus the important warnings she gives clients before using it.
  
  

• How Jessica uses Photoshop's AI features, and why she's giving Lightroom a second chance (even though she's always been a Photoshop loyalist).
  
  

• Why we believe AI can help streamline and inspire our work—but will never replace the human touch that makes photography so meaningful.
  
  

AI isn't going away. As creatives, it's up to us to figure out how to use it intentionally, protect our originality, and let it enhance (not replace) the artistry we bring to our businesses.

We'd love to know: how are you using AI in your creative business? Send us a DM on Instagram @creativemomsfocus and join the conversation!

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Are you curious about what it really means to live a "clean lifestyle"? In this episode co-hosts Jessica and Tara open up about their personal journeys toward creating healthier homes for their families. What started as two very different experiences — a family-wide Celiac disease diagnosis for Tara, and a cancer diagnosis in Jessica's family — eventually led both women to explore the power of small, intentional swaps.

From food to cleaning supplies to personal care products, Jessica and Tara share how these changes impacted their households emotionally and physically. They also dive into the frustrating world of greenwashing, helping you understand how to spot misleading marketing so you can make better, more informed choices.

Their biggest reminder? You don't have to overhaul your life overnight. Start small. Swap what feels doable. Notice the difference. And build on it.

Whether you're just beginning to explore non-toxic living or you've been on this path for years, this conversation is packed with relatable stories, practical advice, and encouragement to keep moving forward.

Resources + Links Mentioned:

• Tara's Clean Living Product List
  
  

Let's Connect!

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomsfocuscommunity

Creative Moms Focus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/creativemomsfocus

Creative Moms Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemomsfocus

Check out Our Studio Favorites in our Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessgreenphotography/list/3KQVYWT1PWSZE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfjessgreenphotography_D8PP9MQNBX2SCSN463CZ (amazon affiliate link)

Find out more on our website: https://creativemomsfocus.com/

This podcast was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.