Podcast
Play It Brave Podcast
Hosted by D'Arcy Benincosa · EN
The podcast for brave creatives who live in a world that wants you to play it safe.
It's time to face facts: You are an indestructible woman fused with super powers that defy convention. Am I right? If so, then this podcast is for you!
In Play It Brave, D'Arcy Benincosa dives in deep to her wit and wisdom to teach you about creative a life full of mindset, money, and marketing miracles! Let's get started!
22episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From Burnout to Resonance – Building an Elevated Brand from the Inside Out: Live Coaching Call with Kristen Marie
3w ago00:55:22Tap to summarizeWhat does it actually look like to evolve from a successful photographer into a fully embodied luxury brand? In this deeply personal episode of the Play It Brave podcast, I'm taking you behind the scenes with my client and dear friend, Kristen Marie, as she walks through a massive identity shift, creative rebirth, and business rebrand. Kristen has been photographing weddings and adventure elopements for over eight years, and after years of success in the elopement world, her body finally told her something had to change. Together, we talk openly about burnout, redefining success, and the emotional process of growing out of an old identity that no longer fits. We also share what happened during Kristen's immersive coaching retreat at my cabin, where we explored her values, archetypes, subconscious beliefs, and the deeper emotional patterns underneath her business. Then, in a rare behind-the-scenes look, we bring you directly into one of Kristen's real coaching calls along with her brand designer, Kass. You'll hear us brainstorm everything from visual identity and positioning to luxury storytelling, artistic authority, nature-inspired branding, and what it truly means to create a brand that resonates instead of imitates. In this episode, we talk about: The hidden burnout that can happen even inside a successful photography business Why Kristen realized she could no longer continue as an overextended adventure elopement photographer How identity work and nervous system healing play a huge role in luxury rebranding The values and archetypes that shaped Kristen's new direction Moving from "cute girl with a camera" into grounded artistic authority The difference between copying luxury branding and creating true resonance Building a brand inspired by nature, stillness, cinematic storytelling, and emotional depth Why luxury positioning is often more about embodiment than skill level The visual and emotional references influencing Kristen's rebrand, from Ralph Lauren campaigns to Terrence Malick films How photographers can evolve their businesses without abandoning themselves in the process One of the biggest things I hope you take away from this episode is that rebranding is never just about aesthetics. It's not just new fonts, prettier colors, or a more elevated website. A true rebrand asks you to become honest about who you are now, who you've been, and who you're ready to become. Watching Kristen move through this process with so much courage, self-awareness, and openness has been incredibly beautiful. She's not simply trying to book higher-paying weddings. She's learning how to trust herself, honor her energy, deepen her artistry, and create a business that actually supports the life she wants to live. That's the kind of transformation that changes everything. I cannot wait for you to hear this behind-the-scenes conversation and witness what it really looks like to build a brand from the inside out. Click here for more ways to listen to this episode.
Transcribe →How I Prep to Shoot a 4-Day Wedding (and Tell the Actual Story)
Apr 3000:55:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on how I approach photographing a high-level, multi-day destination wedding—from the mindset I bring, to the creative direction, to the very real pressure behind the glamour. After more than two decades in this industry, I don't just show up and "document" a wedding. I direct it. I shape it. I craft it into a visual story that feels cinematic, intentional, and deeply personal to the couple. If you've ever wondered how to elevate your work from delivering a gallery to creating a story that stops people in their tracks, this episode is for you. I'm walking you through exactly how I prepare, how I think about storytelling, and how I balance structure with magic so I can consistently create images that feel both timeless and alive. Key Takeaways You're not just a photographer—you're a creative director. The industry is shifting away from simple documentation and toward storytelling. Your role is to guide, shape, and intentionally create moments, not just capture what happens. A gallery is not the same as a story. A true wedding story has a narrative arc: a beginning, rising action, climax, and resolution. When your images build on each other emotionally and visually, the viewer experiences the wedding rather than just seeing it. Multi-day weddings create deeper storytelling opportunities. Each event becomes its own "chapter" with a distinct visual world—color palette, mood, and energy—allowing for a richer, more dimensional final body of work. The couple's language is your creative blueprint. How your clients describe their relationship reveals the emotional tone you should be capturing. Words like "ease," "safety," or "joy" directly inform your direction and approach. Plan your "future portfolio" intentionally. Identify 10–15 images you don't yet have but wish you did. These become your creative targets so you're always evolving instead of repeating yourself. Hero shots are non-negotiable. Think in terms of impactful, scroll-stopping images: Venue/establishing shot Fashion/editorial moment Emotional peak Elevated detail Scale/negative space Movement These are the images that define your work and get published. Preparation creates space for magic. Wardrobe mapping, location scouting, timeline awareness, and shot planning don't limit creativity—they free you to be fully present when the unexpected, magical moments happen. Details should feel specific, not generic. Ask yourself: Does this image tell me something unique about this couple? If it could belong to anyone's wedding, it's not strong enough yet. Your energy matters just as much as your skill. Weddings are high-pressure environments. Your ability to regulate your energy, stay grounded, and lead confidently impacts the entire creative outcome. Trends come and go, but story endures. You can incorporate trends, but your foundation should always be timeless storytelling that evokes emotion decades later. At the end of the day, this work is about so much more than pretty images. It's about crafting something that holds meaning, emotion, and memory in a way that lasts. Yes, there's beauty in the spontaneity of a wedding day. But the real magic happens when preparation meets intuition — when you've done the work to understand your couple, mapped out your vision, and then allow yourself to co-create something alive in the moment. That's where your artistry lives. And if you can step into that role fully — not just as someone who captures, but as someone who creates — you don't just deliver galleries. You build stories, elevate your brand, and open the door to a completely different level of work. Click here for more ways to listen to this episode.
Transcribe →The Truth About Manifestation and Reclaiming Your Intuition
Apr 1600:35:47Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Play It Brave podcast, I'm taking a conversation I started on Instagram and going deeper into something I care deeply about: manifestation, intuition, and personal power. Because here's the truth, I don't believe you when you say you don't know who you are or what you want. I say that with love. What I've found, both in my own life and in working with so many of you, is that "not knowing" is often a protection mechanism. It's a way we stay safe from the courage, change, and disruption that comes with actually claiming what we want. So today, I'm breaking down what manifestation really is and what it is not, why your intuition isn't missing, and how subconscious patterns may be quietly running your life and your business. Key Takeaways Manifestation isn't broken. You're just stuck on the first floor Writing lists, vision boards, and affirmations aren't wrong. They are just the beginning. True co-creation requires stepping into your power as a sovereign adult, not staying in a childlike wish and hope dynamic. Most of what you think you want isn't actually yours Your dream life may be shaped by culture, family, religion, or social media. Real manifestation begins when you ask: is this truly my desire, or something I've been taught to want? You don't lack intuition. You're afraid to follow it Intuition often asks you to make hard choices, face uncertainty, or let go of what feels safe. Most people don't want clearer intuition. They want a version that guarantees comfort and certainty. "I don't know what I want" is often a protective pattern When following your truth feels too costly, whether emotionally, financially, or socially, you learn to shut it down. Not knowing becomes a way to avoid the consequences of knowing. Your power leaks in three key places Will I still belong if I change? Will I be safe financially, physically, or emotionally? Will I be judged, envied, or rejected if I grow? Subconscious patterns shape what you believe you're allowed to have Whether it's tying love to achievement, suppressing your needs, or making yourself smaller to be accepted, these patterns directly impact what you try to manifest. You can't out-strategize a subconscious block No marketing plan, sales funnel, or branding strategy can override beliefs like "I'm not allowed to be seen" or "I have to earn love." This is identity work, not just business strategy. Receiving is often harder than giving Many of us are conditioned to overgive because it feels safe. Receiving love, support, money, and rest can feel uncomfortable or even threatening to the nervous system. Transformation happens in the body, not just the mind Real change comes from identifying and rewriting subconscious agreements you made long ago. It is not just about thinking differently, but embodying something new. You likely already know your path. You've just been choosing not to know The real question isn't what you want. It's whether you're willing to stop avoiding it and become the person who can hold it. If there's one thing I want you to take with you, it's this: You are not lost. You are not confused. You are not lacking clarity. You already know. Maybe not every detail, but the direction, the desire, the truth of who you are has been there for a long time. The real work is having the courage to release the patterns that have been keeping you small. Manifestation is not about asking for more. It is about becoming the version of you who can receive it. Book your Receiving Map session here Click here for more ways to listen to this episode.
Transcribe →Stepping Into a New Era
Apr 900:37:23Tap to summarizeThis episode feels different, and that's because I am different. This is the first episode I'm recording on the other side of a deep personal and professional transformation. I've let go of old identities, old offers, old stories, and I'm stepping into a new era of my life and business. If you're at a crossroads right now, if you feel like you've outgrown something but are scared to let it go, this conversation is for you. We're talking about identity shifts, entrepreneurship in the age of AI, and what it really looks like to honor your evolution instead of clinging to what used to work. Because the truth is, your business isn't meant to stay the same. You're not meant to stay the same. And the real question I want you to sit with is this: What is the gift you bring to the world? Key Takeaways We get to live multiple lifetimes in one life. The old model of choosing one path and staying there forever is gone. Growth requires change, and you're allowed to evolve. Outgrowing your business is not failure. It's alignment. If something no longer fits, it doesn't mean you did it wrong. It means you're ready for your next level. Most "business problems" are actually identity problems. People-pleasing, fear of visibility, scarcity mindset. These don't just live in your mind. They show up in your offers, your pricing, and your results. Letting go is part of becoming. Releasing old versions of yourself, outdated offers, and misaligned paths creates space for something far more powerful to emerge. AI is changing everything, but it can't replace your essence. Information is now free and instant. What matters now is your taste, your discernment, your lived experience, and your ability to see what others can't. Your gifts stay the same, even when your expression changes. For me, it's teaching, vision, and helping people see their own brilliance. The format may evolve, but the core gift remains. Energy leaks keep you stuck in the past. When you release old pain, stories, and identities, you reclaim energy. That energy fuels clarity, creativity, and momentum. You don't need permission to change, but I'll go first anyway. If you've been waiting for someone to show you what's on the other side of reinvention, this is me raising my hand. Over the next few episodes, I'm going to take you behind the scenes of everything I'm building, what I'm creating, how I'm rebranding, and what this next era looks like. I'm sharing it all because I know so many of you are standing right where I was, knowing something needs to change but feeling afraid to take the leap. So let me remind you. There is nothing wrong with you for outgrowing your life. That's the point. If this episode resonated, I want to hear from you. DM me on Instagram and answer this question: What is your gift to the world? And if you haven't yet, it would mean the world if you left a five-star review. It helps this message reach more people who need it. I'm so grateful you're here. Truly. We're just getting started. Links & Resources Join my newsletter hereDM me on Instagram Click here for more ways to listen to this episode.
Transcribe →When to Stay and When to Leave: Processing My Breakup with Relationship Coach Karen McMahon
Apr 200:49:44Tap to summarizeThis episode is a deeply personal one. I sat down with my dear friend Karen McMahon, and while she's known as a high-conflict divorce strategist, this conversation goes far beyond divorce. It's about personal power. It's about self-abandonment. It's about the moment you realize you've been editing yourself to keep the peace, and what it takes to finally come home to yourself. Karen supported me through a major breakup, and what she helped me see changed everything: sometimes what we think is "chemistry" is actually a dysregulated nervous system. Sometimes what we call love is actually a trauma loop. In this episode, we unpack the difference between healthy conflict and high-conflict dynamics, how we lose ourselves in relationships, and what it really looks like to reclaim your voice, your truth, and your life. Key Takeaways Not all conflict is unhealthy, but high conflict has clear signs. Lack of empathy, inability to take responsibility, "my way or the highway" dynamics, and revisionist history are major red flags. If you're constantly questioning your reality, pay attention. What feels like chemistry can actually be trauma. That intense push-pull dynamic? The fighting followed by closeness? It's often a nervous system loop, not deep compatibility. Self-abandonment is usually rooted in childhood survival. If you learned to manage a parent's emotions growing up, you may now overgive, people-please, or edit yourself in relationships without even realizing it. A powerful lens: fear vs. desire. Every decision is either fear-based or desire-based. Fear leads to self-abandonment. Desire leads to alignment. You are not responsible for managing someone else's emotions. You can have compassion for someone's wounds without taking them on as your job to fix. Feelings are valid. Behavior is where boundaries matter. Anger is okay. Hurt is okay. But how someone behaves because of those emotions is what determines what you will or won't tolerate. "Observe, don't absorb." You can witness someone else's emotional experience without taking it into your own body or identity. Boundaries are about your behavior, not controlling theirs. It's not "make them change." It's "this is what I will or won't stay for." The fable of the rope: stop doing someone else's work. When you're holding the rope for someone who refuses to pull themselves up, you're abandoning yourself… and keeping them stuck. You are not responsible for other people's stories about you. Let them misunderstand you. Let them share their version. The people who truly know you won't be swayed. Relationships aren't meant to make you happy. They're meant to grow you. The right relationship will challenge you, expand you, and invite you into deeper emotional maturity. Green flags matter just as much as red ones. Look for communication, trust, respect, and the ability to be honest without fear. If there's one thing I hope you take from this conversation, it's this: You are allowed to choose yourself. Not in a way that disconnects you from love, but in a way that deepens it. Real love doesn't require you to shrink, edit, or abandon who you are. It invites you to become more fully yourself. And that takes courage. It takes the kind of courage Karen talked about: Looking in the mirror, taking responsibility for your own healing, and choosing growth over comfort. Because at the end of the day, the bravest thing you can do is come home to yourself. Meet Karen Karen McMahon is a High Conflict Divorce Strategist, Certified Divorce Coach and Founder of Journey Beyond Divorce. She began divorce coaching in 2010 after recognizing that the pain of her divorce led her on a transformational journey into a powerful and unexpected new life. Karen leads a national team of divorce coaches in supporting men and women around the world to become calm, clear and confident as they navigate divorce. Karen is also the host of the acclaimed Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, and co-author of 'Stepping out of Chaos: Turning Pain to Possibility". Connect with Karen Journey Beyond Divorce WebsiteFree Rapid Relief CallBoundary BootcampJBD PodcastKaren's Instagram Click here for more ways to listen to this episode.
Transcribe →Curating Like Hermès: Creating a Brand People Want to Buy From with Raphaëlle Granger
Mar 1900:45:36Tap to summarizeThere comes a point in so many creative careers where what once felt exciting starts to feel heavy. The work may look successful from the outside, but internally, something feels off. In this episode of Play It Brave, I'm joined by photographer Raphaëlle Granger for an honest conversation about what it really looks like to outgrow a brand, walk away from work that no longer fits, and rebuild from a deeper place of artistic truth. Raphaëlle shares her journey from building a successful adventure elopement brand to realizing that the work she had carefully created no longer aligned with who she was. What followed wasn't just a rebrand, but a full creative reinvention rooted in intuition, artistry, emotion, and a desire to tell richer, more human stories. We talk about the difference between building a brand that performs well and building one that actually feels like home. We get into curation, luxury branding, portfolio editing, client alignment, and the courage it takes to stop shooting what you think you should shoot in order to make space for the work your soul is actually drawn to create. In this episode, we discuss: Raphaëlle's transition from adventure elopements to multi-day luxury weddings How burnout can be a sign that your brand no longer fits Why rebranding is often more about alignment than aesthetics How to know when it's time to let go of an old brand What luxury clients are really looking for in a photographer and brand experience How to curate your portfolio more ruthlessly and stop diluting your work Why "less is more" is such an important principle in luxury branding How Raphaëlle communicates her artistic process to clients before they book Why studying luxury hospitality, design, and psychology can elevate your brand The importance of trusting your artistic voice instead of following trends What I loved about this conversation is how deeply Raphaëlle trusts her own eye now. She's not chasing what wedding photography is supposed to look like. She's building a brand that is specific, soulful, elevated, and unmistakably hers. If you've been feeling the tension between what's working and what's actually right, I hope this episode gives you permission to pause, reassess, and listen more honestly to what your work is asking of you. Meet Raphaëlle Raphaëlle Granger is an award-winning wedding photographer known for her refined documentary approach and her ability to capture the in-between moments that hold the most meaning. Named one of Rangefinder's 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography, her work spans Canada, Europe, and beyond, serving couples who value presence, artistry, and legacy. In addition to her photography, Raphaëlle is the co-founder of Les Annexes, an educational platform created to redefine support for wedding creatives through curation, communication, and visibility. Her mission is to guide artists not only in refining their craft but in building enduring legacies that resonate across markets and generations. Connect with Raphaëlle & Resources Raphaëlle's WebsiteRaphaëlle's InstagramAcétate La Boite (Raphaëlle's brand designer)Unreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraThe Luxury Strategy by Jean-Noël Kapferer and Vincent Bastien Click here for more ways to listen to this episode.
Transcribe →Why Photographers Aren't Booking Like They Used To — and What To Do About It with Alicia Daw
Mar 500:42:13Tap to summarizeOn today's episode of the Play It Brave podcast, I'm talking about something many people in the wedding industry are quietly feeling but not always naming out loud. Photographers who used to book 15–20 weddings a year are sitting at just a handful. Retreats are being canceled. Educators who used to sell out instantly are extending deadlines. And behind the scenes, my DMs are filled with the same question: "Is it just me?" So today we're talking about it honestly. I invited my friend Alicia Daw — an experienced luxury wedding photographer who has spent decades in this industry — to join me for a grounded conversation about what's actually happening and how we can respond to it thoughtfully instead of panicking. I don't believe this is just a slow year. I think the industry is going through a correction — post-COVID demand leveling out, economic uncertainty, new buyer behavior, and major technological shifts like AI. The industry isn't ending, but it is changing. And the more clearly we see those changes, the better we can adapt. Key Takeaways This is likely a market correction, not just a slow season. Post-COVID demand, economic uncertainty, and industry saturation are all contributing to the shift. Buyer behavior has changed. Couples compare far more options, hesitate longer, and often communicate less clearly than past clients. Trust matters more than ever. Showing full galleries, simplifying pricing, and clearly communicating your process helps reduce buyer uncertainty. Generic brands struggle in a comparison-heavy market. Clear positioning and personality help you stand out among hundreds of similar photographers. The middle market feels the most pressure. Budget vendors will book, luxury vendors will continue booking, but the mid-range is often the most saturated. Pricing can be both aspirational and strategic. Holding premium dates for high-end bookings while remaining flexible with short-notice opportunities can create stability. Relationships still convert best. Planner relationships, venue partnerships, and referrals often outperform social media algorithms. Multiple revenue streams reduce stress. Diversifying income can provide stability when inquiries fluctuate. After more than 20 years in this industry, Alicia and I have both learned that the wedding world moves in cycles. The key isn't ignoring change, it's responding to it. That means strengthening your positioning, building trust with your clients, nurturing real relationships in the industry, and being willing to adjust your strategy as the market evolves. Challenges like this don't mean the industry is over. They simply mean we're being invited to grow, refine, and approach our businesses with more intention than ever. If you want deeper support in navigating this shift, Alicia shares about her Strategy Retreat in this episode, where she helps wedding professionals align their business strategy with the life they actually want to build. And as always, thank you for being here and for continuing to play it brave in your work and your business. Meet Alicia Alicia Daw is an international, luxury wedding photographer who has spent nearly three decades of her life globetrotting to 45 countries - and counting - while developing an effortless style for capturing exquisite and emotionally charged weddings and events. Featured in prestigious publications like Grace Ormonde, Style Me Pretty, Wezoree, Carats & Cake, and Wedding Chicks, Alicia knows how to attract chic, jet-setting couples and deliver a luxury experience again and again. Within 13 months of starting her photography business, Alicia went from making $10,000 a year as a missionary to over $100,000, consistently booking 5 figure weddings. Less weddings = more money = more life. She is an expert at helping other wedding and portrait industry professionals grow their businesses into something they're proud of by making sense of all the nitty-gritty details so they can pursue life outside of business. She is passionate about finding joy and adventure in the everyday, ordinary moments in her life with the people she loves most. Connect with Alicia Alicia's WebsiteAlicia's InstagramThe Strategy Retreat Click here for more ways to listen to this episode.
Transcribe →Is AI Destroying Art or Saving It? with Noella Andres of Imagen
Feb 2600:35:03Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Play It Brave, we're diving into one of the biggest conversations happening in photography right now: AI. The excitement. The skepticism. The "Is this going to replace us?" energy. All of it. I brought on Noella Andres from Imagen AI to talk about what AI in editing actually is (and what it isn't). Noella has spent over 20 years supporting photographers in finding more freedom in their workflows, and her move into Imagen fits perfectly with that mission. Together, we unpack how AI can support your artistry instead of threaten it, how it integrates into Lightroom, how it learns your style, and how to use it consciously — without losing your creative voice. Key Takeaways The real question isn't "Will AI replace photographers?", it's "How can we use AI consciously?" Burnout in photography often comes from hours behind the screen, not from shooting itself. When repetitive tasks are automated, creative energy expands. AI can function like a virtual assistant, handling the grunt work while you stay in artistic control. The danger isn't AI — it's losing your unique voice by relying on formulas (in editing, branding, or marketing). As the world becomes more automated, genuine human connection and client experience become even more valuable. Originality requires intention. Photographers must resist copying trends and instead refine their own artistic identity. Social media fatigue is real. Intentional automations (like email marketing funnels) can create sustainability without constant online presence. Used wisely, AI can actually help you fall back in love with photography by giving you your time and inspiration back. AI isn't the enemy. Burnout is. Blending in is. Giving away your creative voice is. When you let AI handle the repeatable tasks — culling, base edits, workflow — you get your time back for what actually matters: your clients, your craft, and creating because you want to. If you're curious, you can try Imagen through my ambassador link (with 1500 free edits included). And if you have questions, DM me. I want you editing faster, loving your images more, and feeling inspired again. Meet Noella Noella Andres has been in the photography game for over 20 years — Chasing love stories, and eventually finding her real passion: helping other photographers grow wildly successful businesses of their own. These days, she's all about marketing, brand partnerships, and business coaching — guiding photographers as they step into their next big thing, whether that's launching a course, building passive income, or leveling up their visibility. She's part strategy nerd, part hype girl, and fully invested in helping creatives find freedom in their business (and have a little fun doing it). Connect with Noella + Imagen AI Get your 1500 free edits here Noella's WebsiteNoella's Instagram Click here for more ways to listen to this episode.
Transcribe →The Infinite Ways to Photograph a Woman with Elizabeth Messina
Feb 500:53:14Tap to summarizeThere are episodes that feel like a permission slip… and this one is exactly that. If you've ever thought, "I'm a wedding photographer," or "I'm a family photographer," or you've let a label quietly box you in—this conversation is for you. I'm bringing back my dear friend Elizabeth Messina to the podcast, and every time she's here, I'm reminded why her work has moved people for decades: she doesn't just take photos—she sees women. We talk about what it actually looks like to evolve across genres without losing your signature. How to stay curious even after years in the industry. And why the real "secret" behind her iconic imagery isn't a preset or a pose—it's connection, presence, and trust. Key Takeaways Trust your voice—your point of view matters, even when other styles inspire you. Stay curious forever; learning keeps your work (and you) alive. Sensitivity and empathy aren't "too much"—they're a creative advantage behind the camera. Your brand can be cohesive across genres when your eye is the through-line. Photograph women through seasons of life, not rigid categories like "weddings" or "maternity." Maternity work is powerful because it holds joy, vulnerability, and identity change at once. There are infinite ways to photograph pregnancy—go beyond the standard belly pose. Build trust through connection first; the image comes second. Offer possibility with "What if…?" instead of forcing a concept onto a client. Make the process the win—real connection matters even when you don't get the booking. Know your gear and workflow so the "technical math" doesn't interrupt your creativity. Stay engaged with your own work (even if you outsource) so you keep evolving as an artist. Trust is built in your communication long before the shoot—read what they asked and respond like a human. A sustainable career often comes from evolving alongside your clients over time. This episode is a love letter to the idea that you don't have to be "one thing" to be taken seriously. You can evolve. You can explore. You can shoot weddings and maternity and dark moody work and sun-drenched dreamy work—and still be unmistakably you. Elizabeth's work is proof that your artistry gets stronger the more you stay connected: to your camera, to your subjects, and to your own creative truth. And if you're feeling that tug to expand what you shoot—take this as your sign: you're allowed to grow. Meet Elizabeth Elizabeth Messina is a world renowned, award winning, celebrity photographer. She is a New York Times best selling author & a passionate teacher.. Elizabeth was named "one of the most influential photographers of our decade" by PDN. Elizabeth has been capturing evocative photographs of women since she picked up a camera at the tender age of 12. Her images are a reflection of her heart. Elizabeth Messina is a visionary, her images tell stories of longing, solitude & the tangible beauty of the human experience. Although Elizabeth's photography takes her all over the world, her home is in Southern California, where she lives with her 3 children & 3 dogs. She continues to be a seeker of beautiful light, strong coffee & meaningful connections. Connect with Elizabeth Elizabeth's Photography WebsiteElizabeth's Arte of Maternity courseThe Arte DeptThe Art Society Click here for more ways to listen to this episode.
Transcribe →Building a Brand That Attracts the Right Opportunities with Gary & Kim Evans
Jan 2201:05:43Tap to summarizeOn today's episode of the Play It Brave podcast, I'm sitting down with one of my favorite creative power couples in the photography industry, Gary Evans and Kim Evans. We talk about what it really looks like to rebrand with intention, build a cohesive identity, and grow multiple businesses together without losing alignment—or your relationship—in the process. This conversation weaves together the emotional and practical sides of entrepreneurship: branding beyond logos, finding your voice in the education space, building an email list that actually converts, and creating offers like retreats that feel meaningful and expansive. We also dive into collaboration, working as a couple, and why asking for help can completely change the trajectory of your business. What we talk about in this episode: Why branding is foundational, not optional, when building a sustainable business How to create a cohesive identity that actually reflects who you are The role visual identity plays in client trust and perception Finding your unique voice in a crowded education space Using email lists and freebies as powerful (and aligned) growth tools Why retreats can be such a transformative offering for photographers The magic that happens when collaboration is rooted in alignment Working with your partner's strengths instead of against them Prioritizing family and relationships while growing a business Why reaching out for help can fast-track your growth in the best way This episode is a beautiful reminder that success doesn't have to be chaotic or lonely—and that when your brand truly reflects who you are, it can open doors you never even knew to knock on. Meet Gary & Kim Here's our story - we met, despite living in separate countries, by a complete twist of fate that led Gary to help a friend at the same wedding show where Kim had a booth. Gary scoped her out and said she's "right up my street" and 18 months later, after multiple flights, over 50,000 miles, Gary sold his photography company, house, and just about everything else and moved from the UK to Ontario, Canada. We had to completely rebuild his business in Canada, sold our decorating and floral design business, rejigged the photography, built Pop Up Weddings, a wedding subscription box, I Do Box.... When I say we're serious business builders, we're not lying. With every business move, we analyze + plan + move forward. We release what is not profitable and focus on the projects that are making bank. That's our story - we are serial creators. And you get two for the price of one. We're a dynamic team, each with individual strengths that we can use to supercharge your business. Gary is a technical whiz, anything photography we got you. Kim is a marketing, systems and logistics queen. She'll figure out how to make it work, attack any issues like a pitbull and cheer you on while you reach your biggest goals. Connect with Gary & Kim Gary & Kim's websiteGary & Kim's InstagramThe off-camera flash freebie courseThe Tulum retreat + mood boardsGary's photography websiteLovely Weddings Click here for more ways to listen to this episode.
Transcribe →