This podcast is brought to you by my lovely Patreons! You can see all the photos, links, and previous posts for $3 on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/55692056 Lately: Sam and I went to Paris and I got to see some incredible Henri Cartier Bresson photographs. 

Nessa K Podcast

Pro-efficiency BUT anti-hustle! Productivity SO you have time to rest

Sam Hurd got interviewed on what motivates him on a daily basis. Everything from removing friction to making sure you like what you're doing to experimenting. We've talked about this before, but I am an under-functioner! When I get stressed out or overwhelmed, I shut down. In that exact same situation, Sam's brain goes into overdrive. Since it's SO EASY to jump on the comparison game (especially living in the same house) I thought a conversation about it would be interesting. I need structure, but Sam thrives with a bit of chaos! So I talk with him about what that's like. Sometimes our brains are just different and that's OK! 

What motivates YOU? (with Sam Hurd)

Lately: This podcast is coming to you from Maine! I haven't shared anything publicly, but it's been a nice trip. We've been going to museums and small shops, mostly. pictures & links are available for $3/month on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/posts/53538654 But if I haven't mentioned it before, I LOVE GROCERY STORES. They are my "calm/happy place" and this small town we're in has a good one: pictures & links are available for $3/month on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/posts/53538654 Things I mentioned: FOCUSMATE.COM My email catch up video (catching up on email when I’m overwhelmed!) More on body doubling Video on remote control culling A video on *creative* burnout (which is a little different than just feeling burned out at work, but I'm feeling this, too, so I'm sharing!) pictures & links are available for $3/month on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/posts/53538654 Things I’ve been loving: - "Hate Myself" Dodie -- this music video is beautiful and the song is *so* catchy. - "Doodle Therapy" - a series where two artists real-time draw and talk together for about an hour! - Portland, Maine buildings AND this big pigeon, just being a totally normal pigeon and blending in. pictures & links are available for $3/month on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/posts/53538654

how do you find motivation when you're overwhelmed?

Honestly so tired lately today we'll talk about why I’m considering increasing my fees for sessions because my body cannooottt get up at 4:30 a.m. for these things anymore! Lately: I've been shooting a lot. After this wedding, I got gelato: https://www.patreon.com/posts/52261243 - view images and links on Patreon for $3 per month! I haven't had much personal time at all, but when I don't have anything to do, I can be found lounging/working in my very cozy cottage core dresses (with my pets) https://www.patreon.com/posts/52261243 - view images and links on Patreon for $3 per month! AND! I'm starting to try to go to cafes to work a little bit at a time now. This is me in an actual coffee shop having an actual hard time because I never know if I'm expected to put my mask back on between sips of coffee: https://www.patreon.com/posts/52261243 - view images and links on Patreon for $3 per month! Things I mentioned: Here’s a very math-based article on how to make sure you are CHARGING enough: https://www.patreon.com/posts/are-you-booking-20203030 Citylit classes (some are temporarily online, but they’re mostly in person classes in London!): https://www.citylit.ac.uk Aftershoot for culling: http://aftershoot.co Hotels tonight: https://www.hoteltonight.com Things I’ve been loving: - Do you mind if these are all YouTube links? Because they're gonna be. I did this driving meditation (listening only, not for viewing) on my way to DC after an especially difficult afternoon. - I love Claire Saffitz and her Gourmet Made series. She did one on making homemade gourmet Reese's peanut butter cups that I've watched a few times. I cannot tell you why I have watched it several times, since I will not be making these, but I do love it. https://www.patreon.com/posts/52261243 - view images and links on Patreon for $3 per month! - Lemoncello La Croix. When this came out, I started looking for it and now it's everywhere and I'm still obsessed.

? Sunrise sessions mean I’ve been paying out of pocket for hotel stays lately

A WARNING ABOUT THIS EPISODE: I'm asking some questions about photographers at workshops being encouraged to share intimate stories and cry. I want us all to question if it's appropriate or helpful (especially if it's done in a way where it's formulaic). This is not to judge those of us that have shared and cried in a group where we wanted to relate about our shared struggles. There might be a grey area between trauma bonding and forming connections over shared experiences. I would say most of my friendships with other trauma survivors might be trauma bonds?? I don't go into the gray area because it's just a 10 minute podcast! I can't help but feel like it's manipulative if it happens at every single one of their workshops and the goal is for *them and their community* to be the reason you feel good again before you leave. I have a lot of feelings about STAN communities that get people to tear themselves down in front of a crowd just to be built back up by the community. I have a lot of feelings I haven't even shared about "girl boss" culture and coaching, BUT you should watch the latest few episodes in season 2 of "Shrill" because it PERFECTLY MIRRORS my ideas on that (It's sort of "I don't know, this feels wrong, is this bad? it's Pro woman... but is it?" conflicted feelings because the community is good but maybe the leadership and messaging is problematic?) Plus, it's a great show. Also, I just finished a book about emotionally immature parents/adults and it has me seeing red flags *everywhere* Lately: I've been taking myself on a lot of picnics. I sit and read and drink tea and don't share my food with anyone and it's nice. Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525 I have also attempted to take Popcorn on a picnic and he did not like all the "not walking" and "not eating" involved, so he probably won't come with me again. Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525 I've also been on the hunt for the PERFECT puff sleeve dress. This was a contender (until I got on the waitlist and I don't think they'll ever restock it!) Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525 Things I mentioned: My website branding: Second Street Creative Frannerd: Illustrator's Youtube Keiko Lynn: Blogger Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525 Things I’ve been loving: - This Brene Brown talk on why your CRITICS aren't the ones that count. Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525 - The book "The Midnight Library." It's SUCH a unique storyline. I had a really hard time stopping reading it once I started. I loved it so much that I immediately started his book "How to Stop Time" which is also really unique and wonderful. Sam and I are halfway through the audiobook on a road trip now. - I wore earrings I bought a few years ago (for a couple of hours) and felt very refined. Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525 - Eating outside. It's such a small window of time where I feel like I get to do this without bugs bothering me or my legs sticking to chairs. I am very happy outdoors.

Community? Cult?? Asking questions about branding and authenticity

Guys, It's been SO MUCH! I've honestly been afraid to talk about the eye surgery at length because I didn't want to scare any clients that I still needed to photograph before my surgery. But now that I'm past all of my shoots, I wanted to have a conversation with you about it all! Lately: It's shed-weather again: Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192 I've been really enjoying all the spring flowers: Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192 Most of my creative-focus lately is on plant life and wildlife: Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192 AND! Since I'm having it corrected tomorrow, I wanted to share this. THIS is what my vision looks like through my right eye when I look at my monitor (with my vision corrected with lenses) because of my cataract (I took a lot of time putting this together as a reference for myself - it includes the ghosting!). The images get more "separated" when they're further away. It's called monocular triplopia when you have triple vision in one eye and it is ANNOYING. If you wear glasses - it's kind of like operating as if one of your lenses has fallen out. Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192 Things I mentioned: Headspace app - Meditation and Sleep Made Simple - Headspace The finance conversation I had with Sam Hurd - VIDEO (feat: Sam Hurd) How we Start to Save Money as Entrepreneurs (short term vs long term savings) | Nessa Kessinger on Patreon The flatbreads I’m in love with from Daily Harvest - Daily Harvest | One-Step-Prep, Chef-crafted Food Built on Organic Ingredients. Delivered to You. Food that Takes Care of You. Video on how I handle editing outsourcing - Outsourcing My Editing: how I gave up (some) control to get back some time | Nessa Kessinger on Patreon Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192 Things I’ve been loving: The scones I made! They’re AMAZING! I used frozen wild blueberries and I'm so happy with how they came out. Gluten Free Strawberry Scones | Let Them Eat Gluten Free Cake Supergirl (it's on Netflix). It's a real rollercoaster for me. It's feminist, but also they do skin smoothing on the older women. Then, in season 5, they change her outfit so she's not wearing a mini skirt anymore (she got PANTS!) but then they gave her bangs?? So many feelings. Planning an unplugged get-away/writers retreat by going through the “unique experiences” filter on Air BnB - Vacation Homes & Condo Rentals - Airbnb - one of the filters is literally “cave.” You could stay in a CAVE! Annndddd being back at full-day weddings: Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192

How I’m preparing for taking time off for eye surgery

Lately: Pictures and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/48380994 I've been getting our home gym together which meant cleaning out a very embarrassingly full guest bedroom that has been designated a storage room for too long! Pictures and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/48380994 I haven't been illustrating much, but I have done a few pictures that I love: Pictures and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/48380994 Things I mentioned: - My haircut. Only because there is almost nothing new in my life, this is like, front page news for me. Pictures and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/48380994 - What getting back to longer wedding days might mean - Last week's Patreon article on outsourcing - https://www.patreon.com/posts/article-lets-and-48149149 Things I’ve been loving: - "Why limit yourself to just one thing?" an article on having two skill-set careers going on simultaneously that really spoke to me. - One of my favorite illustrators, Anoosha Syed, has started a Youtube channel about writing picture books for illustrators and she talks about everything from how she illustrates books to what it's like working with an agent. - I'm on team "all my friends are just Podcasts" now which means I finally bought some Daily Harvest (knowing I don't *love* smoothies). But I'm actually kind of loving it?? I felt full for almost 5 hours after having a smoothing for breakfast which is unheard of. Also they have veggie bowls and freaking tasty flatbreads. Anyway! I'm loving it and I wanted to talk about it because drinking smoothies and feeling full is also "front page news" for me. Pictures and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/48380994

shooting a 9 hour wedding in 2021 - some "nudge theory" administrative work - mini sessions??

Lately: It snowed so I did a Patreon video on how I did this bokeh panorama photos and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/47589476 I've been trying to draw in little bursts. Each of these took me 3 or 4 sessions when I used to sit down and draw for hours at a time: photos and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/47589476 I've been doing a few more commissions than usual lately, too. photos and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/47589476 Things I mentioned: Feed yourself the way you'd feed someone you love Headspace APPfor meditations BUT! I also recommend listening to a free meditation on mindful eating here - https://youtu.be/p0fiS_2Mzl0 Some additional self soothing information for stress and anxiety (it's a workbook sheet!) Things I’ve been loving: - Having a paper planner again - Sam and I have started to go get coffee almost every morning from a local coffee shop. I've seen 1 friend for 1 walk in a full year and zero family members so I appreciate getting some new people in my life, even if I'm just saying "hey! how are you?" and then waiting for a drink. Thank you, local baristas. - "The Great" and "What We Do in the Shadows" - both on Hulu! - Sam bought a hot tub. I did not think I would be a hot tub person. I guess I am! photos and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/47589476

hitting a wall? put on your oxygen mask before putting it on your business

Lately: I turned 35! I don't do "birthdays" so it was low-key as heck. I had angel food cake, tea, and pizza for dinner and it was good. Sam even got me a cute balloon and flowers! 

Money troubles, PPP application woes, "Clubhouse" disclaimers, and a Happiness Course

Lately: I did that Shrinky Dink tutorial because I've been laying with UV resin so much. photos and links over on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/45731030 I also spent the entire day sewing yesterday because I craft when I feel lost. This is my hand-sewn tea cozy and machine-sewn t shirt that's now a grocery bag! photos and links over on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/45731030 I finished Christmas illustrations and immediately started with some cute/romantic Valentine's drawings: photos and links over on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/45731030 Things I mentioned: How I pose family portraits photos and links over on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/45731030 Everything I know about starting a family portrait business The reason we didn't do more during the pandemic? Our needs weren't being met! If you don't feel safe, you can't self actualize. So you're doing your best, bb 

the SCIENTIFIC reason you didn't do more during the pandemic.

Lately: I made a buttload of tiny pumpkin pies so it has been Thanksgiving all month for me (those little squashy things are tiny homemade pumpkin pies) photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/45029260 My 100 day illustration project ends on December 28th, which means I am still mostly drawing christmas stuff. Look at these ladies inspired by this cool 1960s photo I found on instagram: photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/45029260 Things I mentioned: - “Stickler Syndrome” is the thing I have, in case you’re interested (it’s totally real haha) - The "Values" exercise I did! I found the list of values you can print out and sort into three columns, if you'd like to do it - https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.naswnc.org/resource/resmgr/continuing_education/2018_fall_conference_handouts/s8_-_values_worksheet.pdf Things I’ve been loving: photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/45029260 - Decaf coffee. I drink coffee almost every day now! But it's still decaf. And still 50% milk. - You DO NOT have to like meditation to enjoy the Sleepcasts on the "headspace" app. - This article made me re-think how much effort I put into keeping my sleep regular. - The ReMarkable2! Sam gave it to me for Christmas early and it’s my new journal tablet and sketch book and I love it. It's an e-ink writing tablet and it's really imperfect, which makes it really perfect for "play" sketching because it won't ever be a finished illustration. I love it.

valuing EVERYTHING equally; mortal expectations and surgery during wedding season

YOU. GUYS. I made gift tags! (photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/44087438) My 100 day project has quickly turned into Christmas-ing-myself-to-death, but I absolutely want to do at least two more designs of these. In the meantime, I decided to take my own "done is better than perfect" advice and just list it for sale already. (photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/44087438) Do you remember the Patreon Lens story where I was setting up lights in my basement? It was for these product photos! I also made these aesthetic color palette planner sticker dots which... I'm a super nerd about. I love a good planner accessory. I also made gift wrap, which I'll be photographing later today but ohhh my goosshhhh I'm really enjoying making things in a big way. Things I mentioned: Pic-time.com (again!) I talked a lot about some things I listed on Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/NessaKPhotos Things I’ve been loving: I've been eating a lot of Mochi lately. You buy it in hard little rectangles and it feels like a bar of soap, but you can fry, microwave, or boil it and add chocolate or beans or all sorts of other things. I almost always just eat it with seaweed and soy sauce! https://youtu.be/88l2SE_TASE I pre-ordered the ReMarkable earlier this year in a moment of weakness and I should have it by the end of the year. I'm only excited. (photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/44087438) And I've been watching a lot of Furry Little Peach YouTube videos - https://youtu.be/MwD-j-C5--M - she's an illustrator with a cool Australian accent and all like all of those things, so yeah! I'm in. :)

dealing with imposter syndrome, holiday sales, and stickers!

Brainstorming Holiday Income Ideas for wedding photographers by Nessa Kessinger

Brainstorming Holiday Income Ideas for wedding photographers

Lately: I've been making a lot of seamless patterns: photos and links on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/43263167 Eating good food: photos and links on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/43263167 But honestly, mostly eating Magic Spoon cereal because I don't have any energy and cereal is my comfort food: photos and links on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/43263167 Things I mentioned: photos and links on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/43263167 The “Light Phone” - https://www.thelightphone.com Plus Minus Collective for outsourcing editing - http://plusminuscollective.com Things I’ve been loving: I just learned Frillback Pigeon are a real thing. They look like they have perms and they're amazing - https://twitter.com/Rabe9/status/1003934859792867328 This list of 30 books celebrating young Black joy - https://thebrownbookshelf.com/2020/08/31/30-books-for-young-readers-that-celebrate-black-joy/ photos and links on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/43263167 I've decided I wanted to start a paper planner again for redundancy sake and I found one that's my perfect fit - https://www.etsy.com/listing/553275668/2021-planner-planner-2020-2021-kraft?ref=yr_purchases

Family Sessions saving my business AND why I stopped offering videography.

Lately: links and photos available for $3 patrons - https://www.patreon.com/posts/41603128 I've been making stickers. links and photos available for $3 patrons - https://www.patreon.com/posts/41603128 I painted my wall with stencils. It was hard. Things I mentioned: “Atomic Habits” https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits Focusmate.com (if I got enough people on board, I could make a special group where it’s all photographers working together!) Task Manager Patreon Post - “Behind the Scenes: Managing All of My Client Workflows (from booking to shooting to sales)” - https://www.patreon.com/posts/article-behind-36352849 Streaks App - https://streaksapp.com Things I’ve been loving: links and photos available for $3 patrons - https://www.patreon.com/posts/41603128 - I finally caved and bought Magic Spoon cereal from all the ads on the podcast What a Day and omg it's amazing. However, it's expensive, so I've been mixing it with some rando-organic cereal to make it last longer. 10/10, would recommend. - The sounds of people working in the office (with adjustable levels for things like the fax machine, coffee maker, and office dog. Awh). I love an app called Coffitivity (that mimics coffee shops!) and this is way more customizable so I love it a little bit more. :) - This article on 6 ways to tackle perfectionism! Basically, just get started. Don't over-plan. :)

25. Creating Habits to Combat Depression and Anxiety at Work

Bite-sized podcast episodes about about wedding photography. I talk about running a business, personal goals, and I share a lot of personal photos over on my Patreon for each episode. I post 10 minute episodes about twice a month!

hubhopper

Nessa K Podcast

hubhopper