Are you stuck doing mini sessions that barely pay the bills? Dreaming of booking higher-paying dream clients but feeling stuck in the same patterns? In today’s special episode, I sit down with my former student Kianna to discuss her incredible transformation – from struggling with mini sessions to booking destination weddings and doubling her income in just three months. We cover everything from overcoming investment fears to finding your “why” as a photographer, plus how she manages a thriving photography business while being a full-time psychology student. Listen to the episode below, or keep reading for a summary of what’s covered.
spotify | apple podcast | stitcher
MEET KIANNA: FROM MARINE CORPS TO DREAM PHOTOGRAPHY CAREER
I’m excited to introduce you to Kianna, a wedding, elopement and couples photographer based in Northern California near Lake Tahoe. After leaving the Marine Corps in 2020, she started her photography business during COVID and spent time exploring different niches before finding her true passion in weddings and couples photography in 2023. Beyond photography, Kianna is a full-time psychology student and passionate dog mom to four pups, even fostering dogs waiting for their forever homes. Her diverse interests and big heart shine through in everything she does.
THE STRUGGLES BEFORE BOOK IT
Before joining my Book It program, Kianna found herself stuck in a cycle of mini sessions that weren’t aligned with her bigger goals. While she had loyal repeat clients, she struggled to attract new ones and didn’t have a clear marketing strategy. Most importantly, she lacked confidence in her pricing and wasn’t sure about her business’s true value beyond taking great photos. She didn’t even have a clear “why” driving her business decisions – something she now realizes was holding her back significantly.
MAKING THE INVESTMENT DECISION
Being naturally stubborn and self-taught, Kianna initially hesitated to invest in education. “I could have potentially figured it out myself, but would it have taken 10+ years?” she reflected. She compared the decision to upgrading her camera equipment – she could keep struggling with basic gear, or invest in professional equipment to deliver higher quality work. Despite not being in an ideal financial position, she did her research and decided that investing in herself through Book It was worth the leap of faith.
UNEXPECTED TRANSFORMATIONS
The transformations Kianna experienced went far beyond her initial goals. While in the program, she discovered goals she didn’t even know she had. Though life threw her some curveballs during the three-month program, she still managed to make back twice her investment. More importantly, she developed a clear why, streamlined her booking process, and created a more valuable client experience. One of her biggest wins was booking a destination wedding in West Virginia – something she credits not just to having pretty pictures, but to her newfound ability to present value and deliver an exceptional client experience.
WHERE SHE IS NOW: ONE YEAR LATER
A year after completing Book It, Kianna’s business has undergone a complete transformation. She’s more confident than ever, with imposter syndrome becoming less frequent as she truly believes in her value. She’s booked more weddings than ever before, significantly increased her profits, and built a structured business she actually looks forward to working in each day. Mini sessions are no longer her main income source, and she’s consistently working with dream clients. Most importantly, she’s still implementing new learnings from the program, proving its lasting value beyond the initial three months.
Key Takeaways:
- Sometimes your biggest business breakthroughs come from focusing on foundational elements like your “why” rather than just tactical changes
- Investment in education can fast-track your growth significantly compared to trying to figure everything out alone
- Success often comes from getting out of your own way and trusting your intuition when it comes to making big decisions
- The right education continues providing value long after the initial program ends
What’s Covered:
- Kianna’s journey from Marine Corps to successful wedding photographer
- The struggles that led her to seek education
- How she overcame investment fears
- Her transformation during and after Book It
- Current success and future goals
Mentioned in Episode:
- Book It Program Application Link
- $100 off discount code (mention this episode when applying)
- Kianna’s Instagram: @kiannamartinezphoto
Follow Claire:
Offerings:
Free Offerings:
The Secret to Scaling Your Photography Business Freebie
Attract and Book Dream Couples Free Workshop
