She almost quit. Then she doubled her income. (Student Story with Olivia Tarkowski)
"I’m giving myself one more year… and if by the start of 2026 this is still literally going nowhere… maybe this isn’t what I’m supposed to be doing."That's what Olivia Tarkowski (today's guest) said to her husband in January of 2025.Good grief did her story take a turn!Today, I'm joined by Business Blueprint student named Olivia, a wedding photographer who went from struggling to book consistently (she floated the idea of quitting at one point!) — to closing her books, doubling her income, and hitting 70–80% booking rates in just a few months. ...oh and then she hit $100k in 2025. We talk candidly about leaving corporate, walking through uncertainty, rebuilding her brand, and what changed when she finally surrendered control of her business to God.Her story is a real life story of faith, persistence, and breakthrough.If you’re in a slow season, questioning your calling, or wondering if this business can actually work — this episode is for you.⭐️Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program:THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT⭐️Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email info@nathanchanski.co to chat with Nathan directly.📄Get my FREE Inquiry Email Response Template HERE.📄✍️CLICK HERE TO RATE & REVIEW THE PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS!✍️ (Click the link, scroll down to where it says “Ratings & Reviews” and click the small link that says “Write a Review”)Follow Nathan on Instagram: @nathanchanskiFollow Olivia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviatarkowskiphoto/Her website: https://oliviatarkowskiphoto.com/
How this Photo/Video duo went from burnout to $200K. (Business Blueprint Student Interview)
Today I’m sitting down with Josh and Lily of McKinley Made Photo & Film(Wedding Photographer and Videographer team), Business Blueprint students who went from being overworked, underpriced, and stretched thin — to breaking $200K in a year as a photo + video duo.We talk honestly about what actually changed: raising prices, refining their client experience, rebuilding confidence, investing before it felt comfortable, and trusting God through the uncertainty of entrepreneurship.No theory. No hype. Just a behind-the-scenes look at what growth really looked like for them.If you want proof that change is possible — this episode delivers.What We Cover:Why booking more weddings wasn’t the answer — and what wasHow they raised prices (and didn’t lose momentum)Booking their highest package ever right after relaunchingThe mindset shift that unlocked better clientsGoing from survival mode to structure + clarityBuilding a photo + video duo business without burning outInvesting in your business when it feels riskyHow faith played a role in navigating uncertaintyWhat they’d tell their past selves before making the leap⭐️Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program:THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT⭐️Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email info@nathanchanski.co to chat with Nathan directly.📄Get my FREE Inquiry Email Response Template HERE.📄✍️CLICK HERE TO RATE & REVIEW THE PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS!✍️ (Click the link, scroll down to where it says “Ratings & Reviews” and click the small link that says “Write a Review”)Follow Nathan on Instagram: @nathanchanskiFollow McKinley Made on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themckinleymade/Their website: https://www.themckinleymade.com/
Friends & family discounts, haters, parenthood, sharing your faith online, & more. (Q&A episode)
You asked, and I answered on this Q&A episode.In this rapid-fire Q&A, I’m tackling the real questions photographers are thinking but rarely say out loud: family discounts, industry haters, how to get in with planners, personal branding beyond Instagram, and how to create boundaries when you’re booking months out. We also go into some juicy stuff: politics + pressure, sharing faith in business, and a nuanced take on tithing vs. generosity as a Christian entrepreneur.If you want an industry real talk (without the fluff), this one’s for you.⭐️Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program:THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT⭐️Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email info@nathanchanski.co to chat with Nathan directly.📄Get my FREE Inquiry Email Response Template HERE.📄✍️CLICK HERE TO RATE & REVIEW THE PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS!✍️ (Click the link, scroll down to where it says “Ratings & Reviews” and click the small link that says “Write a Review”)Follow Nathan on Instagram: @nathanchanski
Want "Higher End Clients?" Here's how...
The phrases "I want higher end clients" or "how do I get better clients?" or "more luxury clients" are all common phrases these days in the photography industry. Let's unpack those phrases, what they do (or do not do) for your business, and how you can actually achieve the ideal clients in your inbox.⭐️Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program:THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT⭐️Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email info@nathanchanski.co to chat with Nathan directly.📄Get my FREE Inquiry Email Response Template HERE.📄✍️CLICK HERE TO RATE & REVIEW THE PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS!✍️ (Click the link, scroll down to where it says “Ratings & Reviews” and click the small link that says “Write a Review”)Follow Nathan on Instagram: @nathanchanski
When you think you aren’t enough… you aren’t! God is.
10 Minute Monday, short and sweet episode about how to process thoughts of inadequacy and incapability in our walk with Jesus Christ as our ultimate strength. ⭐️Nathan’s Signature Coaching Program:THE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT⭐️Questions about the Business Blueprint? Email info@nathanchanski.co to chat with Nathan directly.📄Get my FREE Inquiry Email Response Template HERE.📄✍️CLICK HERE TO RATE & REVIEW THE PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS!✍️ (Click the link, scroll down to where it says “Ratings & Reviews” and click the small link that says “Write a Review”)Follow Nathan on Instagram: @nathanchanski