Unpopular Opinions with Sandra Coan | A Photography & Business Podcast

How to Photograph the Holidays, Even When the Light is Terrible!

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The holidays are coming up and that means holiday photos! But how do you capture that fabulous holiday ambience when the light is terrible!Lighting on...

Why "Charge Your Worth" is Terrible Advice

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Unpopular opinion: I think "charge your worth" is terrible advice. Do you think you have a pricing problem? Let's talk about it!Here is ...

Why Natural Light Isn't Always Better

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

My goal with this podcast is to challenge industry myths, question the so-called ‘rules,’ and talk about what really works when it comes to buildi...

We All Start as Beginners

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's important to remember that we all start as beginners!This week we're talking about the comparison trap, how to grow your business, and what I wis...

How to Attract and Book More Photography Clients

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hi friends! This week on the the podcast, we're going to talk about how to attract clients who are happy to pay what you're worth.I call it th...

Why Are So Many Female Photographers Bullied on the Internet?

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hey friends, it’s Sandra, and today I want to talk about something that’s been showing up a lot in my world lately — and maybe in yours too. It’...

29: Complete Guide to Family Photography

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I've spent the last year writing my new book, The Complete Guide to Family Photography, and on today's episode I'm sharing a little about the writing ...

28: Off-Camera Flash: Which is the Best Class for Me?

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

So you want to learn about off-camera flash but you're not sure which is the best class for you? This week on the podcast I'll break down exactly whic...

27: How To Balance Flash and Christmas Tree Lights

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Now that Thanksgiving is over, we are ready for the holiday season. For photographers this can be a really busy time of year. One of the requests I ge...

26: Can Group Coaching Help Your Photography Business?

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we are focusing on the power of group coaching! A big component of what we do in Sandra Coan Certification is group coaching....

25: How to Find More Photography Clients

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hi friends, welcome back to the podcast! Today we are talking about booking clients as a photographer. If you are not finding clients OR you aren't ge...

24. How To Market and Sell Your Mini Sessions

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking mini sessions. Mini sessions are a hot topic - people either love them or hate them! I personally love mini session and I want to...

23. Are Photography Retreats Worth It?

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hi friends! On this episode, I brought members of Certification together to chat about our photography retreat this past July. We discuss key takeaway...

22. Welcome Back and Whats to Come!

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I'm back from my summer sabbatical and have some great episodes planned for you this fall! On this episode I'm sharing about the exciting things that...

21: The Myth of Work/Life Balance

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I started my photography business in 1999, and I had my twins in 2006.  So I had been in business for a while before becoming a mom and I remember fe...

20: What Every Photographer Needs to Know about SEO

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, I chatted with photographer and SEO expert, Liz Putnam. Liz is a Sandra Coan Certified photographer and is teaching a worksh...

19: Is Sandra Coan Certification Worth It?

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week I hosted an “Open House” Zoom call for people who had questions about Sandra Coan Certification, and several of our current members join...

18: Do You Need a Certification to Be a Successful Photographer?

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re opening applications for Sandra Coan Certification is just two weeks!  And so on today’s episode, I’d love to talk discuss the elephant i...

17: Sandra Coan Certification Review

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One of the benefits about being in the Sandra Coan Certification program is the opportunity to have one-on-one meetings with me as you work through th...

16: How To Run a Successful Photography Business WITHOUT Marketing

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I’m going to let you in on a little secret.  I work with over 150 clients a year, and I don’t do any active marketing for my studio.  So, on tod...

15: AI and Your Photography Business

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One of the big changes to hit the photography industry recently is AI. Recently, I shared a post in one of my FB groups about how I’ve been using it...

14: The Secret to Success in Your Photography Business

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The secret to your success is NOT your technical skill.  It is NOT your marketing know-how either. It’s your confidence.Confidence is the key to m...

13: Composition for Newborn and Family Photographers with Rebecca Hunnicutt

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Unpopular Opinions! I'm Sandra Coan, an award-winning photographer, and in this episode, I talk with my friend, Rebecca Hunnicutt. Re...

12: How to Run an Ethical Photography Business

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There is so much I love about the photography industry.  I love art.  I love what this career has given me.  I love the life I’ve been able to...

11: What Does It Mean to Take "Authentic" Portraits?

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean to create “authentic” photos as a newborn and family photographer? I can not tell you how many photography groups and forums I ...

10: How I Overcame Imposter Syndrome

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hi friends! On this episode of the podcast, we are talking about imposter syndrome. As a self-taught photographer, I struggled for years with imposter...

9: Unpopular Opinions with Kenna Klosterman

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Unpopular Opinions! I'm Sandra Coan, an award-winning photographer, and in this episode, I talk with my friend, photographer and mindfu...

8: Five Tips For Marketing Your Photography Business

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Whenever I ask photographers what their number one struggle is, the answer is always the same!  Marketing. And I get it!  No one is born knowing how...

7: Is the Photography Industry Dying?

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve seen a lot of talk lately on social media and in Facebook groups about the state of the photography industry and whether or not it’s dying. ...

6: How to Balance Motherhood and Your Photography Business

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Okay all of you business moms out there, this episode is for you. I started my business in 1999, six years before I had my twins. But I remember being...

5: Unpopular Opinions with Rachel Larsen Weaver

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Unpopular Opinions! I'm Sandra Coan, an award-winning photographer, and in this episode, I chat with the talented Rachel Larsen Weaver....

4: How to Find Photography Clients

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hey, fellow photographers! Struggling to land clients? We've got your back on the podcast today. It's all about nailing that communication gam...

3: How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Grow Your Photography Business

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hi friends! A couple of weeks ago I hosted a webinar called From Doubt to Dollars: How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Grow your Photography Busines...

2: You Don't Know What You Don't Know (and It's Probably Hurting Your Photography Business)

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Listen friends,  there is a major problem with the way the photography education system is set up and I believe it's hurting you, the photographe...

1: New Year, New Podcast!

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello friends!  Welcome to a brand new year, a brand new podcast and a brand new direction for me, my business and my community! I made a lot of cha...

122: The SCARIEST Thing About This Time of Year (for Photographers)

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us on this Halloween-themed episode as we explore the scariest scenario for photographers: low light. Learn how to create your own natural-lookin...

121: How I Grew My Photography Business to Where It Is Today

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I started my photography business in 1999, sort of by accident. Photography had always been something I loved, but I never thought it could be a job—...

120: The Problem with Photography Education

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us on the Beyond Natural Life Photography Podcast as we delve into the challenges within the photography education industry. This week I will dis...

119: How To Get Over Imposter Syndrome

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we're talking imposter syndrome! I'm sharing a conversation that I had on a Six-Figure Studio coaching call this wee...

118: How to Handle Pregnancy Loss as a Maternity and Newborn Photographer

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Trigger Warning: Pregnancy Loss Hello friends, this week on the Beyond Natural Light Photography Podcast, I want to have a difficult conversation abou...

117: Creativity, Motivation, and the ADHD Brain

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join me on this episode of 'Beyond Natural Light' where I share my personal journey as a creative with ADHD and dyslexia, facing challenges li...

116: How You Know When You’re Ready to Quit Your Full-Time Job

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join me in the Beyond Natural Light Podcast as I share my journey from being a full-time teacher to becoming a successful full-time photographer. This...

115: What Every Photographer Needs to Know About Posing

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello and welcome to the podcast!  I’m your host, Sandra Coan, and I’m so thrilled you are here today because I want to talk to you about somethi...

114: What If You're NOT Good at the Thing You're Trying to Learn?

12 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week's podcast episode explores the challenges of learning new skills. We delve into the frustrations of being a beginner and emphasize the i...

113: What It's like Being in the Amplified Photography Mastermind

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a part of a photography mastermind? This episode pulls back the curtain and includes interviews wit...

112: Authenticity, Marketing and Important Announcement Regarding The Six-Figure Studio

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The rumors are true: we are closing the doors to The Six-Figure Studio July 1st. This was a very difficult decision to make, but it's my hope that...

111: 5 Tips for Photographing Newborns with Strobes and Flash

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wanted to get started photographing newborns with strobes and flash? Using artificial light in your photography business doesn't hav...

110: My Secrets to Building a Long-term Career in the Photography Industry

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I started my photography business in 1999, sort of by accident. Photography had always been something I loved, but I never thought it could be a job—...

109: You Don't Have to Run Your Photography Business in Isolation!

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

During a coaching call with my level two mentoring program, Amplified, we had a conversation about some of the harder parts of running a business that...

108: Fear and the Creative Process for Photographers

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Why does fear often come up during the creative process? This is something I notice the photographers in my group coaching program experience, and I m...

107: Certification Clarification: All about the Sandra Coan Certification Program

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’m sharing more about the Sandra Coan Certification Program that my team and I are working hard to launch in May. Applications wil...

106: The Elevator Pitch Formula for Photographers

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt like elevator pitches are difficult? Crafting an elevator pitch for your photography business doesn't have to be hard. In this ...

105: What I Now Know about Pricing That I Wish I Knew at the Beginning of My Photography Career

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Recently, I found a box of photos I had printed from the beginning of my career. As I was looking at the pictures, I was surprised by how beautiful th...

104: Why I Don't Pose Babies in My Photography Business

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Recently, I posted a reel about why I don't pose babies in my photography business. It was a touchy subject, as some photographers didn't like...

103: I Want to Send My Photography Clients to You!

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Over the past month, I've had several people ask if I'd be willing to travel for a newborn and/or family session. Each year, I get photography...

102: The Time I Was Accused of Copying Another Photographer

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The one piece of advice would I give to photographers just starting out is don’t be afraid to ask for help. I started my photography business as a s...

101: Student Success Stories with Cayton Heath

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cayton Heath of Cayton Heath Photography has been a photographer for over 10 years and specializes in newborn, maternity and family photography. She h...

100: 100th Episode Celebration - The Best of the Beyond Natural Light Photography Podcast

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I can’t even believe it, but this is the 100th episode of the Beyond Natural Light Photography Podcast! I started this podcast in June 2020 as a way...

099: Student Success Stories with Ariel Cannon

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I sat down with Ariel Cannon of Ariel Cannon Photo, a maternity, newborn, and family photographer based in Los Angeles, CA. She is be...

098: How to Grow Your Confidence as a Self-taught Photographer

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Let's talk about confidence—why it’s important, how to get it and how to harness its power. I’ve been in business for over 20 years, and one thi...

097: Student Success Stories with Brian Hohmann

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I interviewed Brian Hohmann of Swipe Right Foto! Brian has taken all of my courses, and I was so excited to highlight his photography...

096: How to Overcome Self Doubt and Imposter Syndrome as a Self-Taught Photographer with Katharina Esteves

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I sat down with Katharina Esteves to talk about mindset blocks and the obstacles many of us photographers face as we grow our busines...

095: Student Success Stories with Sonja Damjanoski

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I sat down with The Missing Link and Six-Figure Studio graduate, Sonja Damjanoski of Sonja Damjan Photography to highlight another st...

094: How to Build a Business as a Niche Photographer with David Pidgeon

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a niche photographer that wonders if you're "too niched down" to find clients? This episode is for you! I sat down with Dave Pidgeon, owner of...

093: Inside The Six-Figure Studio: The Power of Putting on Blinders

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you one of the many business owners that compares yourself to others on loop? Well you are not alone, friend! In this episode, I share a portion o...

092: The Importance of Self Expression and Finding What Lights You up with Alexis Cuarezma

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I interviewed commercial and advertising photographer and industry educator, Alexis Cuarezma. Alexis focuses on photographing athlete...

091: Student Success Stories with Samantha Hardcastle

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'm so excited to highlight a student success story! I invited Samantha Hardcastle, graduate of my signature lighting program The Mis...

090: Living Well and Becoming Self Aware as a Photographer with Chris Orwig

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I sat down at the mic with Chris Orwig. Chris is a Sony Artisan Imagery (an ambassador for the brand), photographer, best-selling aut...

089: Gabby de Janasz Interviews Sandra Coan: Odd Jobs, Standing out and Staying Consistent in Your Photography Career

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the mic is turned on me! When I relaunched the podcast, my good friend and old studio manager, Gabby de Janasz, asked if she could co...

088: Inside the Six-Figure Studio: Finding Clarity in Your Work

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever struggled with brand clarity and finding your signature style as a photographer? In this episode, I share a snippet from one of the Six-...

087: What Am I Even Doing with the Camera?

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here's my morning routine. I wake up, drink some coffee, journal and then walk two to three miles. Sometimes I listen to books or music, but lately I’...

086: Inside the Six-Figure Studio: What Do You Do When Things Get Slow?

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Photographers, do you experience slow seasons in your business? When slow seasons hit, do you panic and stress? If you've ever wondered what you SHOUL...

085: Which Wolf Are You Feeding?

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

During one of my Six-Figure Studio coaching calls, we had an in-depth conversation about all the things that make being in business for yourself so ha...

084: How Stand out in the Competitive Photography Market Without Having to Pay for Ads, Hustle, or Do Work You Hate!

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The next question in our New Year's series is "How?". This is the final piece of the goal-setting puzzle that comes after you know the what, why, who ...

083: What Every Photographer Needs to Know about Creating a Successful Business in 2023

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The next question in our New Year's series is "When?". Now that we know what it is you want, why you want it, and who you need to be and how you need ...

082: The #1 Mindset Shift That Every Photographer Needs as They Build Their Business This Year

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The next question in our New Year's series is "Who?". We discuss the mindset shift that is necessary for every single photographer who wants to build ...

081: The One Thing Every Newborn and Family Photographer Needs to Know in Order to Smash Their Goals in the New Year

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The New Year is the perfect time to sit down, get clear on what you want and then start strategizing on how you are going to turn your dreams into rea...

080: How to Create Success for Your Photography Business in the New Year

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the spirit of the new year, we're focusing on business growth strategies all month long to help you get started on the right foot. In order to crea...

079: Welcome Back to the Podcast

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome BACK to the Beyond Natural Light Photography podcast—I've missed you! It has been a minute since I’ve shared an episode with you, so ...

078: Is It Fear or Intuition? How to Tell the Difference.

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When I listen to my gut, I never regret it. Intuition is a powerful thing and should be respected. But sometimes, when facing a big decision, it's har...

077: What Is the Difference Between Group Coaching and a Mastermind?

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between group coaching programs and masterminds? I've been in the entrepreneurial world for a while, and...

076: Five Tips for Photographing Newborns with Strobes and Flash

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We are always receiving questions about newborn safety and whether or not it's safe to use strobes and flash when photographing them. In this episode,...

075: Day 4 Lighting Series: What You Need to Know

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the final episode of the lighting series! On the first day, we talked about what relying exclusively on natural light is actually costing y...

074: Day 3 Lighting Series: You Already Know the Hardest Part

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to day 3 of the lighting series! On day 1, we talked about what the actual cost of working exclusively with natural light is. Then on day 2, w...

073: Day 2 Lighting Series: Fears and Misconceptions

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Day 2 of the Lighting Series! We started the conversation off by talking about what dealing with low light or bad light is actually costing...

072: Day 1 Lighting Series: What Is the Actual Cost of Natural Light?

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to be a great photographer and make money, you must know and understand how to use light. As part of the lighting series on the podcast, I...

071: Is Flash Photography Safe for Newborns?

17 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A common question I get asked all the time is, "Is flash photography safe for newborns?". Although I am not a doctor, this is something I have done a ...

070: The Secret to Standing out in the Saturated Photography Market

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Standing out in today’s saturated photography market is possible, and it’s easier to do than you pro...

069: What You Should Know About Marketing Your Photography Business

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to running a successful photography business, it's your marketing skills, NOT your photography skills, that will determine your success....

068: The Truth About Work/Life Balance When You Have Kids and You Run a Photography Business

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I frequently hear from talented photographers who love their craft and really want to turn it into a business but are worried about balancing a busine...

067: How to Boost Your Confidence!

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Many photographers in the Beyond Natural Light Facebook group mentioned that they were struggling with confidence, so in this episode, I share some ti...

066: How to Build a Photography Business

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On today's episode, I share three things you need to know to build a successful photography business! Let's make 2022 your best year yet! SHOWNOT...

065: An Honest Conversation with Three Photographers about Business, Marketing and Success

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I sat down with three photographers who have been through my Six-Figure Studio group coaching program and had an honest conversati...

064: Day Five: 2022 Marketing Makeover

21 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to DAY 5 of the Marketing Makeover New Year Party!  All week long I'm sharing the audio from the Marketing Makeover I'm hosting inside th...

063: Day Four: 2022 Marketing Makeover

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to DAY 4 of the Marketing Makeover New Year Party! All week long I'm sharing the audio from the Marketing Makeover I'm hosting inside the Beyo...

062: Day Three: 2022 Marketing Makeover

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to DAY 3 of the Marketing Makeover New Year Party! All week long I'm sharing the audio from the Marketing Makeover I'm hosting inside the Beyo...

061: Day Two: 2022 Marketing Makeover

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to DAY 2 of the Marketing Makeover New Year Party! Now that we know what your goals are for the year, let's start building the support that yo...

060: Day One: 2022 Marketing Makeover

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome today one of the 2022 Marketing Makeover! All week long I'll be sharing the audio from the Marketing Makeover I'm hosting in my Beyond Natural...

059: My Conversation with Richard Photo Lab!

11 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As a professional photographer, and especially as a film or hybrid photographer, your photo lab is your creative partner.  In today's episode, I'...

058: Does Your Business Need a Marketing Makeover?

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What are your goals for the New Year?  If they include getting more clients, ranking higher on search engines like Google and standing out from the c...