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Hello Storyteller Podcast

Hello Storyteller Podcast

By Megan Boggs & Melissa Ortendahl

Hello! Welcome to the Hello Storyteller Podcast!

Introducing Melissa Ortendahl + Megan Boggs, two bi-coastal Boss-Babes who met online 6 years ago in a photography group.

This podcast is a verbal representation of our online educational community, Hello Storyteller. We are here to (hopefully) inspire and motivate you to create ART! We share our own highs + lows as Creatives and Moms, interview fellow creatives that inspire us, and offer tips and advice on running your own creative business. We chat, we laugh, we share tidbits of our knowledge, but most of all we have FUN!
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102. Tips On How To Be A Successful Second Photographer in the Wedding Industry

Hello Storyteller PodcastAug 23, 2022

00:00
48:23
102. Tips On How To Be A Successful Second Photographer in the Wedding Industry

102. Tips On How To Be A Successful Second Photographer in the Wedding Industry

Hey Friends

Well, summer's over.  Time to get back into the regular work schedule.  Which means more episodes coming!

But we also want to talk about the dos and don't of being OR having a second shooter at a wedding.  Are you the primary and want a secondary?  Or are you looking to get into more weddings and being the secondary.  Well here's what you need to do, not do, and keep an eye out for with plenty of experiential examples.

Thanks Friends!

Aug 23, 202248:23
101. Pro Talk Tuesdays
Aug 10, 202244:40
100. The 100th Episode

100. The 100th Episode

Hey Friends!

Whoa!  This is it!  The 100th episode of Hello Storyteller.  Wow.  Who would have thought we could make it this far?!? Amazing. We've alluded to it before, but this week we're going to give you the origin story for Hello Storyteller.  The whole thing.  From the Academy to the podcast to the people that make it all happen.  

Thank you to our admins, our editors, our pros and creatives, and everyone else that makes this happen.  And especially our audience.  Thank you!

Jul 12, 202243:48
99. Wedding Etiquette 101 - How Not To Be THAT Guest

99. Wedding Etiquette 101 - How Not To Be THAT Guest

Hey Friends

Passionate subject today.  As some of you may be aware, there are things that happen at weddings that really light your fuse.  But for the rest, here is a brief list on the things that can really ruin a wedding whether it's from a guest or a vendor.  So take this episode, this list, and this opportunity to talk with the wedding party, planner, or couple, and make sure that they know what you nbeed, what you're doing, and maybe nip a few problems in the bud.

Bye Friends!

Jul 05, 202223:39
98. Getting Reel Organized
Jun 28, 202241:38
97. Let Summer Begin
Jun 21, 202241:28
96. Hello Storyteller Membership

96. Hello Storyteller Membership

Hey Hey Friends

Today we want to talk about Hello Storyteller Memberships and why you might want to consider getting one.  What is a membership?  What does it include?  Well... definitely listen to the episode and get the FULL details.  But here's a quick run down:

  • 25% off all workshops and full elective courses
  • 24 hour early access
  • Direct Perks from Mentors, Pros, and Artists
  • Big Tog / Little Tog Partner Program (WHAT?!?!)
  • AND SO MUCH MORE!!!

This deal is way too good so get in quickly!

Bye Friends

Jun 13, 202219:07
95. Passion to Profit Part 3
Jun 07, 202244:47
94. What's Up Summer
May 31, 202222:09
93. Hello Pro! Creatives Program
May 25, 202243:16
92. Passion to Profit Part 2
May 05, 202252:17
91. Catching up with the Kids (w/special guest Skipper)

91. Catching up with the Kids (w/special guest Skipper)

Hey Friends

Spring break is winding up and summer is just around the corner.  So we want to just take a moment and catching up with the kids.  How we make money off their bad habits... just kidding... kinda.  How we get past the travel grumpies. Some ideas for photographing them this time of year.  And general parent stuff.  We're putting the mom hats on.

Also, listen in for a quick word from our very special guest Skipper!

Thanks Friends!

Apr 20, 202244:05
90. Passion to Profit Part 1

90. Passion to Profit Part 1

Hey Friends

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that this will be the final set of episodes for Hello Storyteller.  We wanted to get the last big message out there so we're doing a series called Passion to Profit that walks through the biggest steps, key points, and takeaways of turning your photography passion into a profitable business, just like we have.  

JUST KIDDING!

Well, sort of.  We're a little late to the April Fool's Party with some schedule juggling, but rest assured that the podcast is fine.  We're fine.  Everything is fine... here... now... thank you... how are you?

So Strap In Friends!  This could be the most important series to listen to about photography.

BYE!

Apr 13, 202228:44
89. This or That

89. This or That

Hey Friends!

We're on a roll!!!

This week we wanted to have a little fun with a This or That style game but rather than just SAYING this or that we're going to try and get the other's this.  Along the way we'll be offering some tips lighting, composition, and all that fun stuff.  So listen in!

Thanks Friends!

Apr 05, 202249:24
88. Spring In Yo Face
Mar 29, 202220:23
87. Creative Getaways
Mar 22, 202240:12
86. Your Branding and You
Mar 02, 202239:49
85. Pivoting and Growing
Feb 22, 202245:13
84. Landscape Photography with Gina Yeo
Feb 15, 202241:38
83. Criticism Vs Feedback and How to Approach Each One

83. Criticism Vs Feedback and How to Approach Each One

Hello Friends.

We've all been there, right?  Someone has said something about our art or product or person... and maybe it's not all unicorn rainbows... so now what?  Well that's what we wanted to talk about today.  What we do with and about feedback is very important.  Individually, we're all different and will process it how we do, but we wanted to offer a healthy look at where that criticism might be coming from and a few different things that can be done with it.

It's not always easy.  But it's something we're going to experience a lot.  Especially as creatives.

In other news: We may be in your town or near to it.  So reach out if you want to do a shoot or get creative and we can see if we can make it happen.

Bye Friends

Feb 09, 202244:32
82. Winter Academy Update
Jan 25, 202221:02
Episode 81: Palm Springs or the Importance of Creative Get-Togethers

Episode 81: Palm Springs or the Importance of Creative Get-Togethers

Hey Friends!

This is a weird one.  Why?  Because we recorded this one FACE TO FACE...IN PERSON... TOGETHER...

It was so much fun.  Which brings us to the topic at hand: how important it is to have in-person creative get togethers.  When we get together with our fellow creatives, it fosters an energy we can harness to build and influence each other's art.  Talking the same language, offering new tips or tricks, or the ability to jump up and run with an idea, some things just have to be done in person.  So we did.  In Palm Springs.

But first, a harrowing story of trying to get out of and then back into some of the admin team's travel destinations.

Thanks for listening!

Jan 18, 202230:58
80. Year of the New

80. Year of the New

Hey Friends!

Happy New Year!

Can you believe it's 2022? We can.  Boy can we ever.  A lot of great announcements coming in the new year.  Things with the academy.  Things with our own businesses.  Things in person (fingers crossed).  So listen in to hear what's coming new and what to look forward to for 2022.

Plus, we really get serious with ways to look at all that luggage that you're carrying with you into the new year.  A new way to look at it.  And maybe a new way to start fresh.

Thanks for sticking with us for another year!

Jan 04, 202237:20
79. Goal Setting
Dec 21, 202144:58
78. End of Year Gear
Dec 14, 202140:03
77. A Few of Life's Lessons

77. A Few of Life's Lessons

Hey Friends!

In this episode, we get down to talking about a few of life's great teachings.  Or maybe the lesser teachings.  What's we've learned since owning a dog.  Giving agency to our children.  And how an a meal cost THAT much?!?!?! Oh... that's why.

And more! So tune in for some laughs (that definitely don't annoy our producer) on this week's Hello Storyteller.

Bye Friends!

Dec 07, 202149:20
76. Gettin All Holiday-y Up In Here
Nov 23, 202143:42
75. The unthinkable has happened

75. The unthinkable has happened

Hey Friends

So... after years of never saying it was going to happen, it did.  We got a dog.  Crazy right?

In this episode we talk about how we got there, our history with animals, our current animals, and the kids with animals.  We're taking a break from work and just... enjoying what it's like to be dog parents and cat room mates.  Sit back, relax, and get ready because we couldn't stop laughing.


Nov 16, 202141:39
74. Academically Minded
Nov 09, 202121:13
73. Kids and Technology: Where are your limits?

73. Kids and Technology: Where are your limits?

Hey Friends!

Kid today, AMIRITE? The technology they're growing up with is outstanding.  But where do we draw the line?  And at what age? We want to go over a few different technology options that we use to help limit our children's exposure while also making sure they are safe and getting what they need for school.  Oh Yeah.  School.  SO MUCH SCREEN TIME! What do we do?  We talk about that too.

So settle in, parents. 

Thanks!

Nov 02, 202138:45
72. Kid Session Pro Tips for Parents and Photographers

72. Kid Session Pro Tips for Parents and Photographers

Hey Hey Hey

Hello Friends.

Today we're going to talk about the best ways to work with children and the tips and tricks that work if you're a parent, if you're the photographer, or if you're both! We're talking food.  We're talking bribes.  We're talking psychological manipulation.  Only in the best way of course.

So strap in and get those lenses ready.  We've got a lot to say about this topic.

Don't forget to swing by and leave us a review. Thanks!

Oct 27, 202143:19
71. Get thee to Yosemite

71. Get thee to Yosemite

Hello Friends!

This week we're talking wonders of Yosemite.  Seriously.  It's amazing.  If you haven't gone, you absolutely need to.  However, there are a couple things you might want to check first.  Like the park website.  It's going to let you know what areas/roads are closed.  And that will be important.  So listen in.

We talk about a very serendipitous moment in the part that was super awesome.  And then the recovery in San Francisco and what it means to fly from the West Coast to the East.  Spoilers: it's rough.

Be sure to check out the blog post for tips and tricks for shooting in the park.  Thanks!

Oct 19, 202131:44
70. Make Time for You

70. Make Time for You

Hey Friends

We're going to take a bit of a relaxing day today and talk about work / life balance.  Whether you're corporate or self employed, it's important that you're doing what you need to do for you.  Say no to weekend work.  Take a bath.  Put vegetables on your face.  Blame your partner.  Whatever it is, it's important enough to mention so that you don't burn out.

Take a break, friends.  Take a looooooong break.

Bye!

Oct 05, 202124:20
69. Traveling for Photography

69. Traveling for Photography

Hey friends!

This week, we want to talk about traveling and photography.  Whether you're traveling for work or leisure, solo or with the family, we have some tips, tricks, and gear that can make or break your photo travel experience.

Gear mentioned in this episode:

We want to make sure we're giving you the episode and information you want.  So send a message, leave a comment, write a review, yell at us from across a room, whatever you need to do to make sure we're creating the content you're looking for.

Thanks!

Sep 28, 202136:53
68. Keeping your Business in Focus
Sep 21, 202155:32
67. Everything Fall
Sep 14, 202134:30
66. If it feels awkward, you're doing it right! with Jessica Byrum
Sep 07, 202139:28
65. Get the Most from the Academy
Aug 24, 202132:42
64. The REEL Challenge with Back to School Photos
Aug 17, 202127:06
63. Instagram Reels for Realz
Aug 03, 202125:36
62. Mastering the Family Vacation

62. Mastering the Family Vacation

Hello Friends!

Summer break is almost over but the best vacations are yet to come.  So we've put together some tips and stories for ways that you can grab those last little bits of summer with your family and really squeeze the most out of them in the most efficient control taking way possible.

Long drive? Covered.  Loud hotels? Covered.  Rough sleepers? Put 'em on the couch and more!

Drop us a line in the comments section on Instagram or Anchor.fm if we didn't get your question covered and make sure to leave us a review wherever podcasts are!

Thanks.

Jul 27, 202129:57
61. Would You Rather.....?

61. Would You Rather.....?

Hi Friends

Megs and Mel spend this episode playing a rousing game of "Would You Rather" covering topics family to photography.  Perfect spots?  Shooting with only an iPhone?  Vacation with or (gasp) without your family... find the answers to these and more PLUS a rapid fire bonus round at the end.  Get to know your hosts on this weeks episode of Hello Storyteller.

And don't forget to swing by and leave us a review wherever you get podcasts.

Thanks!

Jul 13, 202125:53
60. Welcome to the Show!

60. Welcome to the Show!

Hi Friends!

We're a week in to summer and boy do we feel it!

We're going to run down what summer has been like and what's coming up.  Yes days.  Traveling.  Maybe a little new camera and session talk.  How about Benson and Stabler?  They're Here Too!  We get in to it all so stick around!  Then leave us a comment wherever you get your podcasts or swing by Anchor.fm/hellostoryteller and support the podcast!

Thanks Friends.  Enjoy the summer.

Jun 29, 202138:32
59. Engaging with the Summer

59. Engaging with the Summer

Hey Hey Hey!

School's out and you want to get those fun summer vacation photos.  But you're not sure what to do.  So we got a few words for you.  The F word, the B word, and the... O word.  Focus, Balance, and Organize.  In this episode, we talk about how to get the most out of your summer fun pics and the courses that can help.

First, let's get the kids engaged with the 4 Week Photography Camp and/or the Ultimate Outdoor Summer Challenge.

Next, find out how to shoot best in that summer sun.  We talk about your equipment + heat = bad, those great beach/water shots, green grass and skin tones, and working in full sun.  Phew.  We get through a lot.  Don't forget to drop on by and leave a review, support the podcast, or send us a voice message.  If you think there's a course that works that we forgot to mention, leave us a comment!

Thanks Friends!

Courses Mentioned:

https://hellostoryteller.com/product/hs-kids-4-week-photography-workshop/

https://hellostoryteller.com/product/the-ultimate-outdoor-summer-challenge-2021-rwmc-collab/

https://hellostoryteller.com/product/the-art-of-underwater-photography-with-erica-williams/

https://hellostoryteller.com/product/mastering-greens-with-laura-froese/

https://hellostoryteller.com/product/mastering-skin-tones-with-laura-froese/

Jun 22, 202146:35
58. Get Your Copy Right with Rachel Greiman
Jun 15, 202139:03
57. Summertime with Meg and Mel

57. Summertime with Meg and Mel

Hello Friends.

We wanted to take this episode and just chat about what's coming and going.

We got a chance to do some new shots in a wonderful studio in the Boston area called The Newburyport Studio (https://thenbptstudio.com/).  Seriously, not a bad photo can be taken there.  We HIGHLY recommend it.

We take a break from our summer plans to talk about... our summer plans.  How about those insta...matic cameras?  They can be a lot of fun.  GoPros might be the way to go.  And all those great family shots that can sometimes be candid.  It's your summer.  Make the most of it.  Enjoy the time.  Because school is starting soon...er or later.  And it will be back to the grind. So moms, dads, kids, and the whole family should be getting out and getting those photos in the sun. Just in time for our Summer Outdoor Challenge! (https://hellostoryteller.com/product/the-ultimate-outdoor-summer-challenge-2021-rwmc-collab/) That's right... IT'S BACK!!!

See you outside!

Jun 08, 202140:25
56. Hello Kids!
Jun 01, 202122:37
HS Vaults: Magdalena Bartkowska

HS Vaults: Magdalena Bartkowska

Hello Friends! This is it!  The last of the unreleased episodes.  Phew.  Feels so good to get them out there. On this episode we talked to Magdalena Bartkowska about her new memoir and what it's like to work with editors, to get it published, and just the entire process that goes along with creating her book.  The creative process can be just as hectic and involved as it is with music or film or photography.  However it may be, a lot of the process and the pitfalls are transferable.  Settle in!  This is going to be great. We're thinking of doing more episodes on the creative process in other arts.  Is that something you want?  Head over to our page at Anchor (http://anchor.fm/hellostoryteller) and leave us a voice message, pop into the Facebook group, or leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.  Thanks!

May 25, 202138:05
HS Vaults: Eileen Lamb and the Autism Cafe

HS Vaults: Eileen Lamb and the Autism Cafe

Hello Friends

This is part 3 of 4 for our 2020 quarantine series.  In this episode from the vaults we interview author and photographer, Eileen Lamb.

Eileen is the force behind The Autism Cafe (https://theautismcafe.com/en/) a blog where she talks about what it is like to raise an autistic child while also being on the autism spectrum herself.  The interview is very insightful and provides a lot of great tips and tools on how thrive in the industry and as a mother.  We hope you like the episode.

Thanks!

May 18, 202138:56
Episode 55 - Softballs and Self Portraits

Episode 55 - Softballs and Self Portraits

Hey Friends!
Want to know what the lighting is going to be like in a location later? Well, have we got a tool for you. Sun Surveyor (https://www.sunsurveyor.com/) will help you figure out what the outdoor lighting is going to be like ANYWHERE. That can especially help if you want to get those outdoor self portraits going. We'll give you a few more tips about that too. We also want to mention some great items you can get for your photos at Shop Kari Winters (https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopKariWinters) and Elysian Market (http://www.elysianmarket.com/). Though we're mostly talking about surfaces for wedding flats, you can use these designer surfaces for almost anything.
But what we'd really like to leave you with this week, is to take 15 minutes for you. A 15 minute self connection challenge to do what it is you need to do. Walk, run, play an instrument, laugh like everyone is looking, or get those early morning pictures of the frozen spider webs (it's so cold here). Whatever it is you need to do for you. And then share it with us. Comment on our instagram and let us know how you spent that 15 minutes.
And don't forget to swing by our place on Anchor (https://anchor.fm/hellostoryteller) and leave us a voice message for us to play on the air. You can also leave us a review there or wherever you get your podcasts. And if you want to help keep the podcast juices flowing, then there's a place for that too!
Thanks Friends and Happy Belated Mother's Day to all you hardworking moms out there.
May 11, 202134:51