Your go-to photography business podcast

The Raw Files

A photography business podcast about the decisions behind the photos: what you charge, what you sell, how you work with clients, and what happens when a full calendar still isn't paying enough.

Hear from experienced photographers, industry guests, and people I've worked with. We get into the parts of running a photography business that rarely fit in an Instagram caption.

Listen on:

★★★★★

I've been listening to Vanessa for years. She is beyond amazing. I have learned so much from her. She is such a down to earth teacher!

— Apple Podcasts review

★★★★★

One will always learn something useful listening to whether for technique, business or just in general. Truly a JOY.

— Apple Podcasts review

Start with our top episodes

Why established photographers are losing momentum

Can you really cut it as a real photographer?

You're not a photographer, you're a salesperson

Explore what's possible

Hear directly from photographers I've worked. Discover what it's like when your photography business runs like a well-oiled machine.

From a full calendar to a more sustainable business

Maya Yerman, El Paso, TX

Raised his wedding prices and grew his product sales

Stephen Mayo, Merrick, NY

From burnout to running her business with confidence

Corie Savary, Los Angeles, CA

Meet your host

Hi, I’m Vanessa Joy. I'm a wedding and commercial photographer, photography business coach, Canon Explorer of Light, and four-time published author.

After more than 25 years in the industry, I’ve learned what it takes to build a photography business, including a few lessons from some very expensive mistakes.

On The Raw Files, I bring photographers and industry experts into honest conversations about pricing, sales, clients, money, growth, and what really happens behind the polished photos.

If you’d like help figuring out what your own photography business needs next, I’ve made it easy to find the right place to begin:

Start here