More Than Photos

Samm Blake joins More Than Photos for a grounded, honest conversation about longevity, discipline, and what it really takes to build a career that lasts. With over two decades in the industry, Samm reflects on resisting “luxury,” learning when to push and when to rest, and how quiet disciplines like editing, boundaries, and gut instinct have shaped her work at the highest level.

This episode isn’t about chasing more, but tending what matters. Samm shares how artistic integrity, health, and intention have guided her through different seasons of growth, burnout, and recalibration. If you’re mid-career and trying to figure out how to grow without losing your love for the work, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Key Takeaways
Longevity is built through quiet, consistent disciplines—not constant expansion
Resisting “luxury” can be a values decision, not a limitation
Growth often requires subtraction, not addition
Burnout can be a teacher when it leads to honest recalibration
Editing and curation are grounding artistic practices, not just workflow steps
Gut instinct becomes trustworthy through years of reps and reflection
Excellence includes protecting health, energy, and relationships
Decisions made today often show up 12–18 months later
A sustainable career is shaped slowly, with intention and self-awareness
You don’t need to reinvent yourself to grow—you need to stay rooted in your why

Links
Samm Blake Weddings
https://www.sammblakeweddings.com/
Samm's Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/sammblake/
Aperture Photography Workshop Series
https://aperture.org/books/photography-workshop-series/
Retouching Software
https://www.evoto.ai
Learn More About Brad & Jen
Brad & Jen Website
https://learn.bradandjen.com
Purpose & Profit Course
https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

Chapters
(00:00) Introduction & why this conversation matters
(03:30) Resisting “luxury” and staying connected to your why
(09:45) Career phases, rebuilding, and learning when to push or rest
(17:30) Burnout, capacity, and the cost of constant momentum
(24:00) Excellence under pressure and working at the highest level
(31:30) Editing, curation, and grounding your artistic voice
(38:45) Gut instinct, confidence, and earned trust
(45:30) Health, boundaries, and redefining success
(52:00) The long game: decisions that show up 18 months later
(57:00) Encouragement for mid-career photographers feeling stretched
Keywords
photography podcast, Samm Blake, wedding photography, creative longevity, sustainable photography career, creative discipline, editing and curation, resisting luxury, burnout and recovery, artistic growth, mid-career photographers, business and creativity, More Than Photos, Brad & Jen

In this episode, we sit down with Christian Sudrath of Noble Photo Co. to talk about a hard truth many photographers avoid: you can build a following that will never hire you!!!

We unpack what it looks like to stop posting for other photographers, separate making art from selling it, and build a business that actually moves you forward. If you’re feeling stuck, chasing engagement, or questioning who you’re really creating for, this conversation offers clarity and a better way forward.

Connect with Christian: https://instagram.com/noblephotoco
Explore Purpose & Profit: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

In this episode, we sit down with Texas-based wedding photographer Grant Daniels, a fourteen-season veteran, father of four, and someone who has built a thriving photography business by choosing small things done with care over the pressure to scale fast. Grant opens up about burnout, rebuilding his business with intention, and learning how to pace his life so he can show up fully - both for his couples and for his family.

We talk about work–life balance for wedding photographers, creating a business that supports your life (not the other way around), the role of rest in your creative process, and how slowing down can actually deepen your artistry. Grant shares practical rhythms, thoughtful philosophies, and honest stories that will resonate with any photographer longing for a healthier pace, deeper presence, and more sustainable success.

If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your wedding photography business and your life at the same time—or how to build a career rooted in joy, meaning, and discernment—this conversation is a breath of fresh air.

View Grants Work: https://grantdanielsphotography.com/
Connect with Grant: https://www.instagram.com/grantdaniels

Interested in having more conversations like this? Learn more about the Mastermind here: https://learn.bradandjen.com/mastermind-coaching

In this episode, we sit down with New York–based photographer Tracy Jade, whose work and words have reshaped the conversation around documentary wedding photography. Tracy shares how creative boredom pushed her to get radically clear on what she’s about, who she’s for, and the kind of couples she’s meant to work with.

We explore how speaking boldly—about her philosophy, her limits, and her values—became the key to attracting couples who want the same thing she does: presence over performance, honesty over perfection, and space to simply be themselves.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your people actually exist… or feared that naming what you’re truly about might cost you clients, this conversation will feel like exhale. Tracy’s story proves the opposite: clarity creates connection, boldness creates momentum, and your people can find you—when you show them where you stand.

Explore Tracy's Work: https://www.tracyjadephotography.com/
Connect with Tracy: https://www.instagram.com/tracyjadephoto/

Explore Purpose & Profit: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course

Every year around this time, photographers get the itch to refresh their brand or build a brand new website. And it makes sense! You’ve grown, your work has evolved, you’re inspired again… and you finally have time.

But before you jump into a redesign, there’s something really important to understand:

A website can only amplify what already exists underneath.

In this episode, we unpack the 6 foundations that need to be clear before a rebrand will actually work — things like your market, your message, your direction, and your relationships. These are the pieces that create traction long before a pretty homepage ever could.

If you’re craving clarity, direction, and a deeper sense of “where to go next,” this episode will give you the perspective you didn’t know you needed.

If this episode brings up some “Oh wow… I don’t actually know these answers” moments — that’s a good thing!

It means you’re ready for clarity, not another redesign.

Purpose & Profit exists to help you uncover your market, your message, and your direction so every decision you make actually works for you.

Learn more: https://learn.bradandjen.com/purpose-and-profit-course