STOKED - The Adventure Elopement Photographer Podcast - Build a Six Figure Elopement Photography Business

STOKED - The Adventure Elopement Photographer Podcast - Build a Six Figure Elopement Photography Business

Do you dream of having a successful elopement photography business but don’t know where to start? Welcome to STOKED, the go-to podcast for adventure elopement photographers at every stage—whether you're looking to book your first elopement or take your business to the next level. Imagine confidently raising your prices, filling your calendar with dream couples in breathtaking locations, and feeling truly stoked about your business, your life, and your bank account! I'm your host, Megan MacPhail. After photographing over 200+ elopements worldwide, I can tell you with certainty that your dream elopement photography business is 100% possible. Tune in every Thursday as my elopement videographer husband, Todd, and I share our experiences, strategies, and lessons learned. We also bring in successful elopement photographers and industry experts for fluff-free, actionable interviews that will help you book more elopements and grow a thriving business. We’re the only podcast specifically for elopement photographers, making STOKED your go-to resource in this niche. Not sure where to begin? Start with Episode 82: "The Secret to Booking and Planning All-Day Elopements " Get ready to be STOKED about your elopement photography business, life, and bank account! Cover photo by the amazing Henry Tieu → https://www.henry-tieu.com/ Check us out at → https://www.meganmacphail.com

Episodes

March 27, 2025 36 mins

Do you love photographing your elopement couples, but feel super uncomfortable when talking about pricing with your potential clients? Maybe you worry if couples will actually pay your rates, or if wanting more money makes you greedy. These mindset blocks are common among elopement photographers, but it’s time to shift them!

 

In this e...

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02Are you feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to post on social media just to book elopement clients? What if there was a better way? One that didn’t require being online 24/7?

 

My guest today, Sheryl Acuna, a California-based elopement photographer, opens up about how she used the skills she learned inside the Elopement Photographer...

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Are you feeling drained from doing big weddings and wondering if elopements could be a better fit for you? I sit down with Nicole Weeks, an elopement photographer based in upstate New York to talk about how she made the switch from traditional weddings to shooting elopements and hasn’t looked back.

 

Nicole shares what finally pushed he...

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Did you know that over 1,000 National Park employees have been laid off, including rangers, maintenance workers, educators, and even first responders? If this is something that is alarming to you, we can promise you you’re not alone in feeling this way. With fewer staff, we will be looking at longer wait times, closed facilities, safety concerns, and possibly even lands being sold off for commercial ...

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Struggling to attract high-quality leads while Instagram falls short? Pinterest might be the solution you’ve been missing! In this episode, I sit down with the queen of Pinterest Paula Ruzenceva, owner of Pin with Paula, to explore how elopement photographers can use Pinterest as a powerful marketing tool.

 

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What separates struggling elopement photographers from those hitting 6 figures with dream clients? It’s not luck, talent, or even experience—it’s strategy, mindset, and a few key habits. In this episode, we break down the 5 essential traits of highly successful elopement photographers so you can start implementing them right now and see massive results!

 

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Have you ever gotten an inquiry from a dream elopement couple, sent the perfect response, just to hear…well, crickets? If so, we promise you’re not alone! Ghosting happens to everyone, and we mean everyone - newbies, pros, and even photographers who charge $10k.

 

In this episode, we’re diving into why ghosting happens, and what you can...

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Do you ever find yourself doom-scrolling on social media wondering, “Why am I even bothering?” Seeing the work of other elopement photographers can easily make you second-guess your own work. But here’s the truth - comparison is a distraction that’s actually holding you back from being successful and building a business that feels authentic to you.

 

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Are you starting to get burnt out from shooting weddings every weekend? What if you could ditch the stress of long wedding days, get your weekends back, and have deeper connections with your couples?

 

In this episode, are diving into how to make the leap from weddings to elopements, and why it could ultimately be the best decision for ...

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It’s hard to believe we’ve reached 100 episodes of our podcast! For the past two years, every single Thursday, we’ve been sharing insights to help better your business and your life. We couldn’t have done it without you—our amazing listeners. Your support each week has made this journey possible, and we’re so grateful for you!

 

So, to ...

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Do you ever scroll through another elopement photographer’s work and think to yourself, “I could never be that good,” or doubt your skills despite how good you actually are? If so, I promise you aren’t alone! Imposter syndrome is a common struggle among elopement photographers, but the good news is, it can also have huge potential for growth.

 

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Have you found yourself wondering how to guide your couples through the legal side of their elopement? As photographers, we’re often asked to do more than just take pictures. We’re also asked to help our couples with the ins and outs of making a marriage official.

 

In this episode, we are breaking it all down for you. From understandin...

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Are you exhausted of working just to scrape by, drowning in a cycle of debt, and settling for bookings you don’t really want? Then it’s time to shift gears. In this episode, we dive into the importance of having a vision for your life, business, and finances and how it can help transform your mindset and get you to break free from survival mode for good.

 

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Looking back at 2024, what worked well in your elopement photography business? What challenges held you back? In this episode, we are reflecting on the highs and lows of the past year. We share some common themes around the wins photographers saw, like booking ideal clients, reaching six figures, raising prices, and prioritizing rest. Additionally, we look at some common struggles, including b burno...

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What transforms elopement photography into a true work of art? In this episode, I’m talking with Colorado-based elopement photographer, Carissa Marsh to explore the art of editing and portfolio building. During our conversation, Carissa shares tips on refining your editing skills and crafting a portfolio that sets you apart in a competitive market.

 

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Does booking your first $5K elopement feel impossible? Well, what if I told you it’s totally doable? In fact, the photographers I work with have been doing it even faster than I was able to do it on my own! Today, Todd and I are revealing the 5 steps - align, attract, convert, funnel, and plan - to successfully book your first $5K elopement.

 

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Is your website helping you book more couples, or is it turning them away without you even realizing it?

 

In this episode, we reveal the top seven mistakes we see on elopement photography websites that could be costing you clients. Whether it’s targeting too many people, not having clear messaging, or lack of social proof, these misste...

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Are you feeling overwhelmed and underpaid in your elopement photography business? This time of year, many photographers face a growing backlog of editing, packed schedules, and empty bank accounts, something I call the “busy but broke” season. In this episode, we’re diving into how to break free from this cycle, not just now, but year-round.

 

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Think your location has nothing to offer for adventurous elopements? Think again! I’m joined by Jessica Kent, a Florida-based elopement photographer who has proven that even unexpected places can be dream elopement destinations. During our conversation, Jessica shares the diverse elopement possibilities in Florida, and how she educates couples on thinking beyond the typical beach wedding.

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    What should you do if your couples postpone or cancel their elopement? This is a concern that many elopement photographers face. We share our personal experiences, as well as some common reasons for cancellations, such as family emergencies, financial issues, and breakups.

     

    We also emphasize the importance of having conversations upfro...

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