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Luxe & Legacy Podcast

Luxe & Legacy Podcast

By: Marie Elizabeth and Amber Courtney
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About this listen

The podcast for photographers ready to rise into the luxury market—without the gatekeeping. Hosted by Amber Courtney, a leading photography educator, and Marie Elizabeth, a celebrated motherhood photographer, you’ll learn how to price with confidence, overcome self-doubt, and stay ahead of creative trends in AI, gear, and branding.

Work with Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com/
Work with Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/

Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Economics
Episodes
  • The Secrets to Facebook Ads for Photographers with Brooklyn Grotte

    The Secrets to Facebook Ads for Photographers with Brooklyn Grotte
    Mar 25 2026
    The Secrets of Facebook Ads with Brooklyn Grotte If Facebook and Instagram ads have ever felt overwhelming, confusing, or just… not worth it, this episode is going to completely shift how you see them. Today, we’re joined by Brooklyn Grotte, a business strategist and ads expert who helps entrepreneurs scale their revenue through strategic, data-driven advertising. What makes Brooklyn’s perspective especially powerful is that she started as a photographer herself. She understands exactly where you are and what it takes to grow a photography business in a way that actually leads to consistent, aligned clients. In this conversation, we break down what’s actually working with ads right now, how photographers can start using them in a way that feels simple and sustainable, and the biggest mistakes that are keeping people stuck. Whether you’re brand new to ads or you’ve tried them before without results, this episode will give you a clear path forward. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The biggest misconception photographers have about Facebook and Instagram adsWhen it actually makes sense to start running ads in your businessThe difference between boosting posts and running strategic ad campaignsHow to use ads to generate real revenue, not just likes or followersWhy a strong, specific sales page can dramatically increase conversionsThe best beginner-friendly ad strategy for photographersHow to grow your email list using low-cost adsWhat’s working right now with targeting (and how it’s changed)The types of ad creative that are performing best todayHow to use messaging and hooks to stop the scroll and drive bookingsSimple strategies for local targeting as a photographerWhat to focus on first if you want to book your next clients using ads Key Takeaways You do not need a big budget to start. One of the biggest myths around ads is that you need thousands of dollars to see results. In reality, you can begin with as little as $5/day and build from there. Ads work best when your foundation is already in place. Before running ads, you should have a clear audience, a strong portfolio, and a proven offer. Brooklyn recommends starting once you’ve reached around $50K in revenue and have consistent client demand. Not all ads are created equal. If your goal is bookings, you need to run the right type of campaign. Engagement and awareness ads may grow your audience, but sales and lead ads are what drive revenue. Specificity converts. Sending someone to a general investment page is far less effective than sending them to a page tailored to exactly what they saw in the ad. The more aligned and specific the experience, the higher the conversion. Email list growth is one of the best entry points. Running a simple freebie ad is one of the easiest and most effective ways to start. It builds your audience, creates a custom audience for future ads, and helps you gain confidence with the platform. Creative and messaging matter more than targeting. With recent Meta updates, broad targeting is now the norm. Your ad’s success depends far more on your visuals, messaging, and especially your hook than on detailed audience settings. The first 3 seconds are everything. Up to 80% of conversions come from the hook. Clear, emotionally resonant messaging that speaks directly to your client’s thoughts will outperform even the most beautiful imagery. Organic-style content is winning right now. Ads that feel natural, behind-the-scenes, and less “polished” are often outperforming traditional ad creatives. Think iPhone clips, BTS moments, and simple on-screen text. A Simple Starting Point If you’re brand new to ads, here’s where to begin: Create a simple freebie (like a session prep guide)Run a lead ad with an instant formKeep the form simple (name + email only)Deliver the freebie via email (not instantly on the screen)Let it run at a low daily budget to start building your list From there, you can begin layering in more advanced strategies like sales pages, retargeting, and higher-converting lead campaigns. Connect with Brooklyn You can find Brooklyn here: Instagram: @biz.with.brooklynWebsite: bizwithbrooklyn.com Resources Mentioned Brooklyn also shared a beginner-friendly resource for getting started with ads, which we’ve linked for you below. Email List Accelerator: https://bizwithbrooklyn.com/email-list-accelerator-enrollment Here’s a custom code for listeners to take an addition $10 off (making it only $17 for them): PODCAST10 Loved This Episode? If this episode helped you think differently about ads and how they can support your business, we would be so grateful if you left a review. It helps more photographers discover the show and grow alongside this community. Connect with us here: Marie: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com | @marie.elizabeth.photo Amber: https://lightlivinphotography.com | @light_livin_photography We’ll see you next week ✨
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    39 mins
  • Creating Community and Capturing Connection with Adrianne Shelton

    Creating Community and Capturing Connection with Adrianne Shelton
    Mar 17 2026

    Episode Title: Building Community and Posing Families Naturally with Adrianne Shelton of Beatific Visions Photography

    Show Notes: In this episode of the Luxe & Legacy Podcast, we are joined by Adrianne Shelton of Beatific Visions Photography for a conversation about community, connection, and the art of creating natural family images.

    Adrianne shares the heart behind founding The Kindred Path, an online family photography publication created to inspire photographers at every stage of their journey and foster meaningful connection in an industry that can sometimes feel isolating. We talk about how powerful it can be to reach out, build relationships with other photographers, and create a sense of community in your local market and beyond.

    We also dive into Adrianne’s approach to family posing and how she leads sessions in a way that feels organic, playful, and true to each family. From preparing clients before the session to using simple prompts and movement-based direction, Adrianne offers so much wisdom for photographers who want to create images that feel both beautiful and natural.

    If you have ever felt alone in your business, struggled to create authentic connection in your sessions, or wanted a fresh perspective on family posing, this episode is full of encouragement and practical takeaways.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • Why community matters so much in the photography industry

    • How Adrianne started The Kindred Path in 2020

    • Practical ways to build relationships with photographers in your local area

    • Why leading with generosity creates stronger connection

    • Adrianne’s philosophy for natural, connection-filled family sessions

    • Simple rules and prompts that help families feel at ease

    • How to work with kids in a playful, low-pressure way

    • Tips for creating flattering images while keeping sessions organic

    • The importance of helping clients feel prepared before the session begins

    • Upcoming opportunities to learn from Adrianne through workshops and events

    Connect with Adrianne: Website: https://beatificvisionsphotography.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindredpath/

    Connect with us: Marie Elizabeth Photography: Website: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/ Instagram: https://lightlivinphotography.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/light_livin_photography/

    Listen and subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, we would be so grateful if you left a review. It helps more photographers discover the show and become part of this community.
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    27 mins
  • Choosing the Right Education for Your Stage of Business

    Choosing the Right Education for Your Stage of Business
    Mar 11 2026

    Choosing the Right Education for the Stage of Business You're In

    Education is one of the most powerful ways photographers grow their artistry and businesses, but with so many courses, workshops, retreats, masterminds, and coaching programs available today, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start.

    In this episode, Marie and Amber share how they’ve both invested in education throughout their careers and why continued learning has played such a big role in the growth of their businesses. They break down how the right education depends entirely on the stage of business you’re in, and how choosing wisely can help you move forward with more clarity and intention.

    From beginner photographers building their technical foundation, to mid-career photographers refining their work, to photographers ready to step into the luxury market, this conversation walks through the types of education that tend to be the most impactful at each stage.

    They also discuss how to evaluate educational opportunities, how to identify experienced educators, and why it’s important to budget both money and time for learning if you want to build a refined and profitable photography business.

    If you’ve ever wondered whether you should invest in a course, mentorship, retreat, or mastermind, this episode will help you approach those decisions with far more confidence.

    In This Episode

    • Why education should look different depending on your stage of business

    • The best educational investments for beginner photographers building their foundation

    • How mid-career photographers can refine their artistry, client experience, and brand

    • When masterminds and coaching programs become the most valuable investment

    • The key business shifts photographers make when moving into the luxury market

    • Why brand alignment and marketing strategy matter for higher-end businesses

    • How to recognize high-quality education and experienced educators

    • What to look for in testimonials, reviews, and real-world results

    • Why budgeting both money and time for education is essential for growth

    Key Takeaway

    The goal is not to collect courses that sit unfinished in your inbox.

    The goal is to invest in the right education at the right stage so that it truly moves your business forward.

    When photographers choose educational opportunities intentionally, those investments can shape their artistic voice, refine their client experience, and ultimately transform their business.

    Connect with Marie & Amber

    Marie Elizabeth Photography Website: https://marie-elizabethphotography.com Instagram: @marie.elizabeth.photo

    Light Livin Photography Website: https://lightlivinphotography.com Instagram: @light_livin_photography

    Both Marie and Amber offer educational opportunities for photographers who want to build elevated, intentional businesses. You can explore their courses, mentorships, and upcoming offerings through their websites.

    If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Luxe & Legacy Podcast and share it with a photographer who is growing their business with intention.
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    23 mins
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