In this episode, I sit down with Kara Marie Trombetta, a photographer who’s reshaping the way we think about boudoir. Her work is rooted in self-respect, real empowerment, and helping people feel truly seen—without all the old-school glamor filters. We talk about what it takes to evolve as an artist, especially when the world around you keeps shifting, and how Kara built a business that reflects her values, not just trends. It’s a raw, thoughtful conversation about identity, creativity, and staying grounded when everything feels up in the air. Plus, we get into the nitty-gritty of pivoting your business to stay afloat during those economic curveballs life throws at you. Join us as we explore Kara Marie's colorful perspective on identity, creativity, and what it truly means to find your voice!

Podcast Title: Generator

Episode Title: Kara Marie Trombetta: Shift Happens-The Art of the Pivot

Episode Number: 49

Publish Date: 16 May 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Kara Marie Trombetta and I dig into what boudoir photography really means beyond the surface-level stuff. Kara Marie shares how she’s redefined the experience—moving away from outdated ideas and turning it into something that celebrates honesty, confidence, and self-love. We talk about the emotional weight of self-portraiture, how it can crack you open in the best way, and why vulnerability is often the key to real growth. There’s also some straight talk about running a creative business in uncertain times and what it takes to keep evolving without losing your voice. It’s a real, honest conversation about showing up as yourself—and maybe helping others do the same.

Takeaways:

• Kara Marie Trombetta's photography is all about radical self-acceptance and reclaiming one's identity, redefining boudoir photography as a celebration of self.
• In a world where economic climates shift, pivoting your business is essential; adapt your offerings while staying true to your creative spirit.
• The emotional depth in photography emerges when artists connect with clients on a personal level, fostering genuine empowerment through the lens.
• Kara Marie emphasizes that authenticity in art comes from understanding and expressing your true self, beyond societal expectations or trends.
• Self-portraiture can be a journey of discovery, revealing parts of yourself you may not have fully embraced or understood before.
• It's crucial to break free from the pressures of conformity in the photography industry; every artist's voice deserves to be uniquely heard and celebrated.

Resources and Links

• WEBSITE: https://kara-marie.com/
• FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/karamariestudios
• INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/karamariestudios/

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Building a career around consistency is the name of the game, and nobody does it quite like Sandra Coan. With over 25 years in the photography world, she’s not just a family and newborn portrait photographer in Seattle, she’s an educator and author who’s all about using strobes for a natural light look. In this episode, we discuss how human connection fuels her work and why she believes that capturing the moment is more important than getting the technically perfect shot. We talk about her marketing methods and how any Creative can ditch the traditional marketing funnel for a better approach to finding clients. Sandra’s journey is a treasure trove of insights for both budding and seasoned photographers, filled with heartfelt stories and practical advice. So whether you're just starting out or have decades of experience, you’ll want to stick around for the wisdom that Sandra brings to the table.

Podcast Title: Generator

Episode Title: Flywheels Are Better Than Funnels

Episode Number: 48

Publish Date: 9 May 2025

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt episode of Generator, I sit down with the incredible Sandra Coan—an award-winning photographer, educator, and author with over 25 years in the industry. We dive deep into what it means to build a business rooted in consistency, authenticity, and trust. Sandra shares how she developed her signature flywheel marketing method, why “shoot and burn” needs to be retired, and how lighting and connection go hand-in-hand. We talk about overcoming burnout, ditching the funnel, trusting your creative instincts, and why newborn photographers deserve a louder voice in the industry. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned pro, this conversation is packed with insight, honesty, and a few unexpected laughs.

Takeaways:

• Sandra Coan emphasizes the importance of consistency in building a sustainable photography career, highlighting that true happiness follows when you find joy in your work.
• In the podcast, Sandra shares how she uses a client-centered marketing approach, focusing on building trust over chasing sales, which is crucial for photographers.
• The conversation reveals that capturing genuine moments is more about paying attention than achieving technical perfection, especially while working with families and newborns.
• Sandra discusses her journey from a kindergarten teacher to an award-winning photographer, illustrating how her teaching background influences her approach to both photography and client interaction.
• Throughout the episode, the idea of ‘slow photography’ is explored, with Sandra explaining how shooting film forces her to be more methodical and present during sessions.
• The podcast highlights the underrepresented niche of newborn and family photography, with Sandra advocating for the value and artistry within this area of the industry.

Resources and Links

• WEBSITE: www.sandracoaneducation.com
• INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sandracoan/

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Kristen Kidd is all about capturing the heart and soul of the human-pet bond, and she does it with style! This episode kicks off with her sharing her journey as a photographer, author, and magazine publisher, including the launch of her fabulous Dog Mom Magazine. We dive into the nitty-gritty of what it’s like to be a pet photographer—like, how do you get past the fear of failure or deal with difficult moments of grief? Kristen opens up about her background as a social worker and how that helps her connect with clients on a deeper level, making every session feel personal and meaningful. Plus, we explore the hilarious and sometimes chaotic world of working with dogs and how embracing imperfection can lead to some truly magical moments. So grab your pup, settle in, and get ready for some heartwarming insights and a few laughs along the way!

Podcast Title: Generator

Episode Title: Kristen Kidd: The Power of Pet Photography

Episode Number: 47

Publish Date: 2 May 2025

Episode Overview

Kristen Kidd, a Philadelphia-based photographer and author, opens up about her unique approach to capturing the essence of pet ownership in our latest episode. We dive headfirst into her journey, from being a social worker to launching Dog Mom Magazine, a publication that beautifully marries her love for photography and storytelling. It’s a deep dive into the world of dog lovers, with Kristen sharing her experiences of creating coffee table books dedicated to pet rescue, where every purchase supports a good cause.

Throughout our conversation, we touch on the nuances of fear in the creative process. Kristen discusses how she uses her background in social work to not only connect with her clients but also to help them embrace their vulnerabilities. We share laughs, stories, and perhaps a few too many dog puns as we explore how to navigate the chaos of life with our furry companions. This episode is a wonderful reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle, there’s always room for love, laughter, and the joy our pets bring into our lives. Tune in and discover how to find beauty in the imperfect and the power of storytelling through the lens of pet photography.

Takeaways:

• Kristen Kidd blends her social work experience with photography, capturing genuine pet-owner connections.
• Fear is a huge barrier for photographers, but embracing failure is key to growth and creativity.
• Dog Mom Magazine is a unique community platform celebrating the bond between dogs and their humans.
• Kristen's approach to photography emphasizes vulnerability and authenticity over perfection in her work.
• The conversations with clients often reveal deeper stories about their relationships with their pets, adding richness to the photography.
• Finding joy in the chaos of life, like dogs do, can lead to a more fulfilling and present existence.

Links referenced in this episode:

• dogmommagazine.com
• luxsummitstudio.com
• instagram.com/dog_mom_magazine
• instagram.com/lux_summit_studio
• instagram.com/kidd_loves_courageously

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