The Empowered Photographer Podcast with Elena S Blair

Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt interview, Elena chats with Rebecca Bloomfield, a documentary family photographer in Connecticut, about her transformation from part-time passion to full-time business owner. Rebecca shares how enrolling in the Elena S. Blair Mastermind shifted her mindset, gave her clarity in her niche, and helped her build sustainable income with intention. From photographing schools to refining her documentary style, Rebecca’s story is a beautiful reminder that building the business you want starts with believing that it’s possible.
Whether you're feeling unsure about investing in your business, struggling with pricing or packages, or afraid to niche down, this episode will remind you that growth is available, when you decide to go all in.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Rebecca went from four part-time jobs to full-time photographer
Why niching down into documentary family photography was both scary and empowering
The power of setting income goals and working toward them with intention
Ways to balance artistic fulfillment with client expectations
Why time-based pricing might be holding your business back
Links & Resources:
Rebecca’s Website
Follow Rebecca on Instagram
Learn More About the Elena S. Blair Mastermind
Connect With Me:
Follow me on Instagram
Join my Facebook Community
Visit my Website for More!
Subscribe & Review:
If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps the podcast reach more photographers like you. 💛

Episode Summary:
In this inspiring episode, Elena welcomes her first guest to the Empowered Coaching Sessions, Jaime Bugbee King, a Portland-area family photographer and educator. Jaime shares her powerful story of transitioning from a burnt-out dental hygienist to a thriving full-time photographer and business coach. Together, they explore how investing in education, embracing a luxury client experience, and building a reliable lead-generation system helped Jaime replace her salary and step confidently into her role as a creative entrepreneur.
Whether you're just starting out or feeling stuck in your growth, this conversation is a must-listen. You’ll walk away with encouragement, tangible marketing tips, and a reminder that you're capable of building something beautiful and profitable on your own terms.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why mindset and identity work are foundational to building a successful photography business
How Jaime replaced her dental hygiene salary through intentional marketing and SEO
Tips for transitioning from side-hustle to full-time photographer, and later into educator
Links & Resources:
Jaime Bugbee Photography on IG: @jaimebugbeephotography
Jaime Bugbee Photo Coach on IG: @jaimebugbeephotocoach
Jaime’s Education Website: https://www.jaimebugbee.com
Apply to the Elena S Blair Mastermind
Connect With Me:
Follow me on Instagram
Join my Facebook Community
Visit my Website for More!
Subscribe & Review:
If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps the podcast reach more photographers like you. 💛

In this heartfelt episode, Elena shares the story behind the creation and transformation of her signature Mastermind Retreats. From a modest gathering of 20 photographers in post-COVID Seattle to an industry-recognized annual event with over 80 attendees, these retreats have become a sanctuary for connection, creativity, and business growth. Elena walks us through the values, structure, and special moments that make the retreat unlike any other experience in the photography world—and invites you to envision your seat at the table.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The origin story of the Mastermind Retreat and how it has evolved since 2022
What makes this retreat different from other industry events
The intentional design behind the retreat experience: from styled shoots to print competitions
Why community and aligned business strategy go hand in hand
How to apply or join the waitlist for the next retreat
Links & Resources:
Apply for the next Mastermind
Learn more about the Mastermind Program
Connect With Me:
Follow me on Instagram
Join my Facebook Community
Visit my Website for More!
Subscribe & Review:
If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps the podcast reach more photographers like you. 💛

In this energizing episode, Elena walks you through a step-by-step strategy to prepare for a thriving photography business in 2026. Whether you're just getting started or want to scale from part-time to full-time, this episode is packed with guidance on goal setting, marketing, mindset, and pricing. Elena shares what it really takes to plan for a profitable year ahead—and why now is the perfect time to begin laying the groundwork for the success you’re craving.
This is your invitation to take yourself seriously, set real goals, and make a plan to grow with intention.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The first thing every photographer must do before 2026 begins
Why you need an income goal (even if you're part-time)
How to calculate your shoot volume based on your pricing
The two marketing strategies that are more powerful than social media
What role mindset plays in your profitability
How to use the end of the year to build momentum for the new one
Links & Resources:
Apply for the Elena S Blair 5-Month Mastermind
Email Marketing Starter Guide
Photography Pricing Guide for Profitability
Connect With Me:
Follow me on Instagram
Join my Facebook Community
Visit my Website for More!
Subscribe & Review:
If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps the podcast reach more photographers like you. 💛

In this episode, Elena shares how to make fine art mini sessions a successful and sustainable part of your photography business. She walks you through her approach to creating minis that feel elevated, artistic, and aligned with your brand values—while also serving as a reliable income stream. Whether you’re in a slow season or just craving a creative shift, this episode gives you the clarity and encouragement to run minis your own way.
You’ll walk away with practical tips for pricing, setup, branding, and marketing so that your mini sessions don’t feel like a rushed afterthought, but instead a powerful tool to connect with ideal clients and keep your calendar full.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How to structure mini sessions that align with a fine art brand
The importance of visual branding and intentionality in minis
How to price minis to make them worth your time and energy
Why mini sessions can be a great entry point for long-term clients
Mindset shifts around offering minis without diluting your brand
Links & Resources:
Free Fine Art Mini Session Class
ElenasBlair.com for more free education.
Connect With Me:
Follow me on Instagram
Join my Facebook Community

Subscribe & Review:
If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps the podcast reach more photographers like you. 💛