Shoot It Straight

What if the most valuable thing you could bring home from a photography retreat wasn't a gorgeous portfolio of images, but a business that actually felt lighter, clearer, and more aligned with the life you want to live? That's exactly the question behind the biggest changes I'm making to Root to Rise in 2027. In this special bonus episode, Colie James is taking over the mic to interview me about what's changing, what's staying, and why I'm more excited than ever about the future of this mastermind.After eight rounds of Root to Rise, I've learned a lot about what women photographers actually need to grow successful businesses. We're talking about the major changes I made to the online mastermind experience, why I'm officially removing family photo sessions from the retreat, and how our March 2027 gathering will be designed around getting meaningful work done.The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist.Review the Show Notes:02:20 - Root to Rise Overhaul04:31 - New Support Structure08:41 - Retreat Pause and Return10:21 - No More Photo Sessions19:36 - What Replaces Shoots22:30 - Teach Then Implement27:49 - Nashville Dates and Travel28:57 - Waitlist and Launch DetailsMentioned in this Episode:Root to Rise: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistLadybird Management: ladybirdmgmt.comBusiness Bestie Chat Q4 with Colie James: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/221-business-bestie-chat-q4-with-colie-james

I am not a coach that is going to sell you quick wins. Instead, in today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 stories of women who have been in my Root To Rise Mastermind and the lasting change that we created for their businesses. Plus, what to expect if you want to create real change in your own business.The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight.This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist.Review the Show Notes:Kayla (5:31)Brittany (8:24)Kelly (11:57)Goldie (14:40)Myra (16:48)Mentioned in this Episode:Root to Rise: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Are you too close to your business to figure out why you’re stuck? In my experience, the answer is probably yes. In today’s episode, I’m sharing a few stories about the impact that an outside pair of eyes can have on your business. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. Review the Show Notes:How this issue showed up in my mastermind (2:04)The coaching call that got me unstuck (4:05)Asking for help from a friend and fellow coach (5:29)You need somebody on the outside (6:56)You have an emotional attachment to each part of your business (7:41)You are justifying an overcomplicated process (10:19)Your ideas are contradicting one another (11:34)You are continually looking for a different answer (13:21)A coach can give you unique solutions (14:13)Get outside eyes by being in the room (16:04)Is there someone that deeply knows you and your business? (17:32)Mentioned in this Episode:Root to Rise: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

What do you do when your business bestie is building an entirely new business while you're just trying to keep your head above water? You hit record and talk about it, obviously. Colie James and I are back for another quarterly Biz Bestie Chat, and this time we're sharing two completely different Q3 experiences.While Colie spent her summer learning how to vibe code, building an app, and creating an entire CRM from scratch, I was navigating one of the most emotionally challenging transitions of motherhood: sending my daughter off to college. I knew it was going to be hard personally, but I wasn't prepared for how much it would impact my motivation and energy in my business.And you know what? I gave myself permission to slow down. In this episode, we're getting honest about what Q3 actually looked like behind the scenes, what we're celebrating, and what we're rethinking as we head into Q4. I'm sharing how the new format of Root to Rise is going, why I decided not to host a retreat this fall, and what I'm doing differently as I prepare for the 2027 launch.The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. Mentioned in this episode:The Experience Edit: coliejames.com/the-experience-editRoot to Rise: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistFirst Class Lounge: sabrinagebhardt.com/membershipSummer Camp: sabrina-gebhardt.myflodesk.com/summercampOur Quarterly Business Bestie Chats:Q2 2026: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/194-q2-2026-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-james Q1 2026: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/183-q1-2026-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-jamesQ4 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/165-q4-2025-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-jamesQ3 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q3-business-besties-chat-with-colie-jamesQ2 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q2-2025-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-jamesQ1 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/128-q1-2025-business-bestie-chatQ4 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q4-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-jamesQ3 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q3-business-besties-chat-with-colie-jamesQ2 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/88-q2-business-besties-chat-with-colie-jamesQ1 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/75-quarterly-business-chat-with-colie-jamesConnect with Colie:Podcast: coliejames.com/podcastInstagram: instagram.com/coliejamesWebsite: coliejames.comConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Busy season is here, but… you don’t feel busy. And it’s making you nervous. Is your business failing? In today’s episode, I’m here to remind you that nothing is wrong with your business. In fact, it might be that you’ve actually built a business that doesn’t overwhelm you during the busy season. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. Review the Show Notes:We have been trained to view success wrong (5:11)You’re purposely less busy (8:35)Throwing up discounted minis (10:05) Saying yes to work that you’ve already retired (12:27)Deciding you’re failing based on a feeling (13:04)Rewrite how you are tracking success (17:27)Look at the freedom with gratitude (18:54)You built this intentionally (19:44)Mentioned in this Episode:Root to Rise: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Do you know how many sessions you truly need? In today’s episode, we’re doing capacity math and figuring out the sweet spot as far as how many sessions you have. Plus, a reminder that you’re booking based on your capacity, not your availability. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. Review the Show Notes:Why we keep booking based on availability (2:49)My client who was working far beyond her capacity (5:24)The time behind every session (13:23)Where to start with your capacity (17:40)Mentioned in this Episode:Root to Rise: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Are you avoiding the root problem in your business? In this episode, I’m sharing how I often see business owners solving their loudest problems, when honestly… it’s the quieter issues that need your attention the most. Today, I’m diving into some of those deeper issues and how to diagnose what your business actually needs. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight.This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. Review the Show Notes:Vision (4:14)Offer (6:08) Profitability (7:35)Capacity (9:03)Operations (12:57)Marketing (14:32)Diagnosing your problem (16:06)Mentioned in this Episode:Root to Rise: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

The habits that built your business might now be the ones that are hurting it. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 ways your business may have outgrown the way you’re running it. Plus, my own experience running an outdated business and what needs to be changed for yours to finally feel easier. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist.Review the Show Notes:You’ve been making it work (1:42)My own experience running an outdated business (3:54)You’re saying yes to everything (7:01)You’re customizing everything (10:34)You’re personally touching every single task (12:24)You’re following every marketing tip (14:11)You’re treating your availability as the same as your capacity (16:08)Mentioned in this Episode:Root to Rise: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Is it really worth it to spend time on SEO? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with coach Brittany Herzberg about the impact of SEO on lead generation for your business. Plus, how spending just a few hours optimizing your SEO can help you get found without having to live on Instagram. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. Review the Show Notes:Meet Brittany (1:05)Brittany’s journey into SEO (2:14)Why entrepreneurs focus on social media instead of SEO (7:38)How it feels to have leads coming in without you having to show up (12:56)The three phases of visibility (18:23)One easy step to boost searchability (23:28)What you might be getting wrong about location (26:46)Why you need to be blogging (29:45)Showing up in AI search (31:19)Putting variety into your blog (34:16)When you can take a step back from focusing on SEO (37:47)What actually doesn’t matter for AI search (42:04)How much time it takes to see results (44:12)Connect with Brittany:Website: brittanyherzberg.comThe Basic B Podcast: brittanyherzberg.com/the-basic-b-podcastInstagram: instagram.com/brittany_herzbergThreads: threads.com/@brittany_herzbergConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt