This video is about New gear never makes you a better photographer. 

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Elizabeth and I did a staycation this weekend for her birthday.  I highly suggest you do one in your own city.

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

I share what 32 years as a photographer have actually taught me. We talk about pattern recognition that can’t be learned from courses or AI, the scar tissue from jobs gone wrong, and how stress-testing myself over three decades means I bring real judgment and problem-solving to every client project. I explain why losing sleep over my work is actually a sign I’m still invested, and how my business is a living system built on constant real-world feedback. When you hire me, you’re not just getting a photographer—you’re getting 32 years of experience staying calm under pressure and delivering results, even when things don’t go perfectly. 

 #Photography #PhotographyBusiness #Experience #ProfessionalPhotographer 

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

A surprise engagement is one of life’s most exciting moments, but poor planning can quickly turn a dream proposal into a missed opportunity. As photographers, we’ve seen everything from wrong locations and missed signals to partners arriving late or spotting the photographer before the big moment.

The good news? Most surprise engagement mishaps are completely avoidable with a little organization and clear communication.

1. Share Your Proposal Plan in Detail

Your photographer should know the exact location, timing, and flow of the proposal. Send screenshots, maps, and photos of the area whenever possible. The more information your photographer has, the better prepared they can be to capture the moment discreetly.

2. Establish a Clear Communication Plan

Create a simple way to communicate on proposal day. Text updates, location sharing, and a backup contact person can help keep everything on track. Avoid last-minute changes unless absolutely necessary.

3. Visit the Location Beforehand

If possible, scout the location with your photographer. This helps identify the best lighting, camera positions, crowd patterns, and any potential obstacles that could interfere with the proposal.

4. Have a Backup Plan

Weather, traffic, and unexpected crowds happen. Discuss alternative locations or timing options ahead of time so you can adapt quickly if conditions change.

5. Trust Your Photographer

Once the plan is in place, relax and focus on your partner. An experienced engagement photographer knows how to stay hidden, anticipate reactions, and capture genuine emotions as the proposal unfolds.

The Secret to a Successful Surprise Proposal

The best surprise engagement photos happen when planning meets flexibility. By staying organized and communicating clearly with your photographer, you’ll increase the chances of preserving one of the most important moments of your life exactly as you imagined it.

Whether you’re proposing in New Orleans, City Park, the French Quarter, or along the Mississippi River, preparation is the key to turning a potential engagement fail into a memorable success story.

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Why Payments Take 2–7 Days

• Banks don’t transfer money instantly
• Processing happens in cycles (not continuous)
• Weekends + holidays slow everything down
• Payment platforms add their own internal delay
• Key idea:
• 
  
  • “Even when a client pays instantly, your bank doesn’t receive it instantly.”

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

In this episode, we break down how photographers should price their work without second-guessing their value. If you’ve ever wondered what to charge—or worried you’re charging too little—this episode is for you.

We cover how to build pricing based on your time, experience, gear, editing, and market demand. You’ll also learn why hourly rates can limit your growth, how to structure profitable packages, and how to confidently explain your pricing to clients.

Whether you’re a beginner photographer or running a growing business, this episode will help you stop guessing and start pricing with clarity.

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

I know you are here for photography goodness, but... I HAD TO GET THIS OFF OF MY CHEST!  The government shutdown should NOT be affecting TSA workers who are working a job to provide for their families. THERE MUST BE A BETTER WAY!!!

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

This is a big episode in a small amount of time.  If you don't know what NET 30 is or NDA verbiage, this one is for you!

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

In my many decades of business, I can easily say that your 1% of clients are who matter the most! If you aren't marketing to your 1%, your business will struggle. Join me as I explain this business marketing method.

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Are you getting corporate events asking you to change the verbiage in your contract under image copyrights? This podcast will highlight a few concerns and whether you should or shouldn't be compensated for the NDA.

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Brittany Adams and GK dive into the world of the event industry, exploring her journey as a seasoned wedding and event planner. Brittany also helps run The Capital on Baronne, a historic former bank building in downtown New Orleans that offers an exquisite ambiance for unforgettable events. With over 25 years of shared experiences between GK’s photography and Brittany’s planning expertise, this conversation highlights the behind-the-scenes collaboration, challenges, and magic that bring exceptional events to life.

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

I got back from Podfest, and man, was it amazing!  The amount of education there was insane! Thank You Buzzsprout, for awarding me with a Creator Pass and the cool pins I got when visiting the booth.  This year has started off with tons of business and happy clients for GK photography.  This is going to be a great year!

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Season 2 is here! I wanted to reintroduce myself, so you know who you are listening to.  :) Photography has shaped me over the years, from the many types of cultural events I have captured. People of all cultures share love, family, and friendship, which make us all the same. The privilege of being the guy in the room with a camera has never been taken for granted. This job has given me more insights to humanity than any other job.

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Happy New Year's Eve, everyone.  This short podcast is some inspiration I wanted to share with you. Prosperity looks different to each person, but self-worth is something we can all invest in. New Year podcast coming tomorrow! Have a wonderfully safe New Year's celebration. 

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Kristen Schenck is a New Orleans artist who paints at live events.  Her journey is unique and inspirational for anyone thinking of making a living through your art. You can hire her here: NolaLivePainting.com

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Most photographers fail not because they can't shoot, but because they try to build their business like everyone else instead of leveraging what makes them unique.

The Camera Focus Method isn't another generic business course. It's the only system designed explicitly for how photographers think, work, and succeed.

https://scottproposki.com/

Work with me: www.gkphotography.com or text me 504-957-8412

Also, if you would like to be a guest on the podcast, text me.

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Alex has been live-painting at weddings since as far back as 2005. Over the years, his career has truly flourished, and he’s become a New Orleans favorite. His work speaks for itself, and many influential clients have proudly commissioned his art.

This podcast is a friendly conversation about his history, beginnings, humor, goals, and business life. 

Excuse our language as we let it all out and just BE IN THE MOMENT! :) 

IG: alex_harvie
FB: alexharvie
Tictok: alex_harvie
Pinterest: harvie_paintings
Website: harviepaintings.com

Need pro-level photography? www.gkphotography.com 504-957-8412

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Happy Thanksgiving. Don't be the drunk weirdo today, be the inspiration to others!!! More talented guests are on the way. 

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

"Zach is a family man growing his business in today's photography industry."  We discuss the struggles, possibilities, and his goals for the future.

social: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@aperturephotog?_r=1&_t=ZP-91eALLig4b9

https://www.instagram.com/zach_aperturephotog?igsh=MXhqc2loaXJvb2U2cg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Calling all photographers around the world, if you speak English, we can talk! :)

I would love to talk to you if you have been in business for 5 years or longer. I would like to get you in front of people and share your socials, industry experiences, marketing, and most importantly, YOUR JOURNEY. 

Text me at 504-957-8412 or message me here.

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Dr. Brice Miller is an entertainer and New Orleans historian who holds a PhD, and his history with our great city continues to flourish. I have worked on many events with him, and we always have a great time together.  We are both Gen X dudes with beautiful families and artistic entrepreneurs. Join me as we discuss New Orleans, its musical history, the amazing events we host, and more.

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

I am always being asked how did you become 31 years in photography? What's the secret.  The secret is actually very personal. I never thought being a photographer would give me a career that would support a wife and three kids in private schools. I believe life is what you make of it. If you get back what you show the world, what are you telling people about yourself?  Let's talk about it.

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

“How to work professionally and respectfully when sharing the same scene.”

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Chuck and I catch up over the phone and talk about the glory of New Orleans and all its ups and downs.  The theme of the year seems to be the word "different," and we discuss what has changed over the past couple of years.  If you need live entertainment, you can contact Chuck at williamcredoagency@gmail.com

If you would like to be a guest on my podcast, message me your name, career, and the city you reside in.  Let's share your story of success with the world. 

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Author Kirk Voclain talks about his novel "Double Exposure" which you can purchase on Amazon. He is also a fantastic photographer and a friend of mine for decades. Join us for a conversation filled with humor and great stories.

Click here for the book

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Walter Lyle is a photographer, YouTuber, and commercial filmmaker based in the Southeastern United States.  I was intrigued by his YouTube videos that popped up on my feed because he is super relatable, likable, and filled with everyday common knowledge we all need about the photography world today.  Neither of us cares about certain name brands because every tool has a purpose.  This podcast introduction to Walter is educational, inspiring, and funny! He will definitely be a guest again in the near future. :)

Check out Walter's YouTube Channel:

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Look, I know we are in some weird times right now with everything happening in the world.  Social media has been the #1 cause for anxiety, and it isn't going anywhere. Take care of YOU and stay positive!

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Whether you are the business owner or the client, customer service is EVERYTHING!!! Let's talk about it.

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Well, the summer has ended, school is back in session, and it's time for all photographers to market the Fall season! If you are on my mailing list, then you just received my 2 Fall Specials for family portraits. This is your best way to stay ahead of the holiday season, get your growing family portraits done for your holiday cards, and finally display your new wall decor for your home.

I'm a full-service studio, so producing beautiful canvas art for your home is what I do! 

HONEYBOOK 30% off 

FLODESK 50% off

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

We lost two legends this week, and I had to reflect on how they impacted my creative life. Rock and roll was an attitude I acquired when I was younger, and Ozzy had a lot to do with that. I grew up watching Malcolm on the Cosby Show and many other shows as the years have passed.  Malcolm was only 54 years old when he passed, and I'm 53.  This hits a little close to home. Mortality is something we all share, and what we do with it is what makes us creative humans. Rock this life you have and take the chances needed to give yourself experiences you can tell your grandkids! :) 

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Episode #2 is about scammers and photographers.  The world of scamming is a trillion + dollar problem.  I'll share with you some recent scams I've received and help you prevent it happening to you! 

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Welcome to episode #1, where I discuss the struggles and successes of starting my business. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and WANT you to be successful. It's tougher than you think, so make good decisions in your journey. I'm glad you are here.  Episode #2 is on the way.

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

The Visual Historian podcast is an ongoing narrative of my 30+ years of professional photography in New Orleans. The business side of this industry has changed and keeps moving forward. So many aspects of life lessons, business mistakes and successes and how to stay humble while thriving, will be our daily topics. I'm glad you are here! -GK

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Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK