The One Behind the Lens with Kate DeCoste

The One Behind the Lens is the podcast for photographers in their first 5 years of business. Host Kate DeCoste shares real-talk strategies, behind-the-scenes stories, and bold advice to help you grow a business that fits your life. From branding to pricing and mindset to marketing - it’s all here. Grab your camera and your confidence - it’s time to Shutter Up and Shine.🎧 New episodes every week starting August 4, 2025. Follow now so you don’t miss a thing!

The One Behind the Lens with Kate DeCoste is a arts podcast hosted by Kate DeCoste, with 43 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Kate DeCoste hosts The One Behind the Lens with Kate DeCoste, a arts show with 43 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #10

  S3 Ep 10: The One Where AI Can't Steal Your Joy with Jon Cheney

  Aug 14, 20261h 2mS3

  The One Where AI Can't Steal Your Joy with Jon Cheney In this episode, I sit down with Jon Cheney, founder and CEO of the General AI Proficiency Institute, to talk about what AI actually means for photographers and creatives — beyond the hype and the fear. Jon breaks down how AI is already working behind the scenes in your iPhone photos, how to use it to fix blown shots, remove distractions, and clean up editing work that used to eat up hours. We also get into the tools he actually uses day to day, why different AI platforms can give you completely different answers to the same question, and the story behind how he built an entire business — one that would've cost $3.2 million and 18 months the traditional way — in a single weekend for $400. My favorite part of this conversation: Jon's take on why the joy of creating, and the stewardship that comes after, is something AI can never take from us. In this episode we cover: Why you're probably already using AI without realizing it Using AI to fix framing issues, remove distractions, and clean up shots How to give your AI tools your own "voice" for writing and content What Jon actually uses ChatGPT, Claude, and Replit for in his own business Why AI platforms can give wildly different answers depending on how they're trained How Jon built a business in a weekend for $400 Why creativity and stewardship are uniquely human, no matter how good AI gets 0:00 Intro 2:14 Who is Jon Cheney? From tech-lover to AI founder 4:42 You're already using AI (yes, even on your iPhone) 5:10 Jon's Alaska story: fixing a blown photo with AI 7:34 Removing distractions — cars, trees, tan lines, blemishes 9:34 Why AI just makes creatives faster, not less creative 10:54 What AI can take off a photographer's plate (admin, emails, scheduling) 13:00 Vibe coding explained: how Jon uses Replit 16:17 Giving AI "your voice" for writing and content 19:00 Will photographers get left behind if they ignore AI? 22:25 Jon's business and course offer (with your discount code) 24:54 ChatGPT vs. Claude vs. Replit vs. Midjourney — what Jon uses for what 30:54 Why different AI platforms give different answers 36:13 Spotting AI content and being transparent about your process 40:00 The future of photography and why AI can't fake real creativity 42:48 Creation vs. stewardship — the part AI can never replace 44:49 How Jon built a $3.2M business in one weekend for $400 48:23 Jon's advice: the first AI tool to try if you're starting from zero 53:00 Rapid fire questions 57:47 Shoutout to Jon's mom, Carolyn Cheney (1.1M followers!) 59:03 Where to find Jon and wrap-up Evoto — my go-to AI editing tool for things like skin retouching, tan lines, and blemish removal. Get free credits to try it for yourself here: katedecostephotography.com/form/the-one-where-you-get-evoto Connect with Jon Cheney: LinkedIn: Jon Cheney Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, YouTube: @CheneyPiano Course: "How to Build a Business in a Weekend" at GenAIPI.org — use code KATE for $350 off https://genaipi.org/live-courses/1 Follow his mom, Carolyn Cheney, a nature photographer with 1.1 million followers

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  Episode #9

  S3 Ep 9: The One About Building Trust (Not Just Followers) on Social Media with Katie Love

  Aug 7, 202656 minS3

  She's the Founder and CEO of a multi seven-figure, women-led social media agency and a former NBC News reporter, and in this episode Katie Love breaks down what really builds trust on social and it's not follower count. Hey Shutter Squad! This episode is packed for photographers and creatives. Katie Love, founder of Love Social Media, joins me to talk about why credibility matters more than followers, the story behind her very first $800 brand photos (and her now-iconic pink brand), why chasing everyone means you're building trust with no one, and the biggest content mistake she sees photographers make over and over. We also talk about the three "hooks" that stop someone from scrolling, why Pinterest and YouTube are so underrated for booking clients, and how her team actually uses AI without losing their voice. Katie is an Entreprenista 100 winner, and Love Social Media was named to Inc's Best Places to Work 2025. Plus — her team currently has five reels nominated for the Reelies Awards, and she shares a rapid-fire round at the end you don't want to miss. Connect with Katie Love Instagram: @katielovesocial Website: loveyoursocialmedia.com Get VSCO ONE: https://refer.vsco.co/katedecoste If this episode helped you, I'd love if you left a review or shared it with a friend. See you next time, right here behind the lens.

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  Episode #8

  S3 Ep 8: The One About What to Wear for Senior Pictures

  Jul 31, 202616 minS3

  One of the biggest myths about senior pictures is that you need to buy an entirely new wardrobe. The truth? Some of the best outfits are already hanging in your closet. In this episode, you'll learn: In this episode of The One Behind the Lens , Kate shares how to choose outfits that feel authentic, photograph beautifully, and help you feel confident in front of the camera. Whether you're a senior, a parent, or a photographer guiding clients through the planning process, you'll walk away with practical tips that take the stress out of deciding what to wear. Because at the end of the day, your clothes shouldn't steal the spotlight—they should help tell your story. Why confidence always photographs better than expensive clothes. How to build outfit variety without buying an entirely new wardrobe. Why your clothing should complement your location—not compete with it. The importance of choosing outfits you can comfortably sit, walk, and move in. Creative ways to incorporate your hobbies, interests, and personality into your wardrobe. How one "dressier" outfit can elevate your gallery while still feeling like you. Why trying on outfits before your session can save stress on picture day. Kate's favorite planning tip: sending outfit photos to your photographer before your session. Mentioned in this episode Free Resource: What to Wear for Senior Pictures: A Nebraska Senior Style Guide Not sure where to start? This free guide walks you through choosing outfits that fit your personality, complement your location, and photograph beautifully. Even if you don't live in Nebraska, the advice applies to every senior session. Read the guide: https://www.katedecostephotography.com/blog/what-to-wear-for-your-nebraska-senior-pictures https://www.katedecostephotography.com/blog/what-to-wear-for-your-nebraska-senior-pictures ✨ Shop your closet first. ✨ Dress for your location. ✨ Comfort creates confidence. ✨ Your senior pictures should look like you —not someone else's Pinterest board. Almost every senior worries about one thing before picture day: "What if I'm awkward in front of the camera?" In the next Senior Session Playbook episode, Kate shares how she helps seniors feel comfortable, confident, and natural—even if they've never had professional photos taken before. Let's Connect Website: https://www.katedecostephotography.com Instagram: @katedecoste Facebook: Kate DeCoste Photography Pinterest: Kate DeCoste Photography If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a senior or parent who's getting ready to plan senior pictures. Your support helps more families discover the podcast and feel confident before they ever step in front of the camera.

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  Episode #7

  S3 Ep7: The One About Choosing the Perfect Senior Picture Location

  Jul 24, 202619 minS3

  When most people start planning senior pictures, they ask the same question: **"Where should we take them?"** But what if that's actually the wrong place to start?In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate pulls back the curtain on her senior session planning process and shares why the best senior sessions don't begin with a location—they begin with getting to know the person in front of the camera.From asking the right questions during consultations to uncovering meaningful places, hobbies, and experiences, Kate explains how every senior session can become a personalized reflection of who someone is instead of just another Pinterest-inspired photoshoot.Whether you're a high school senior, a parent, or a photographer looking to create a more intentional client experience, this episode will help you think differently about planning a session that's authentic, memorable, and uniquely personal. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why choosing a location should never be the first step.* The consultation questions that reveal the best session ideas.* How to move beyond sports and school activities to tell a more complete story.* Why Pinterest should inspire your session—not define it.* How outfits and locations should work together.* Practical planning tips that can save time and reduce stress on session day.* What to do when a senior says, "I have absolutely no ideas."* Why some of Kate's favorite galleries started with clients who felt completely stuck. Mentioned in this episode: Free Resource: How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Nebraska Senior PicturesIf you're planning your senior session and need help deciding where to take your photos, this free guide walks you through the same process Kate uses during every consultation. From flower farms and soccer fields to hometown favorites and meaningful locations, you'll learn how to create a senior session that truly reflects your personality. Read the guide: https://www.katedecostephotography.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-perfect-location-for-your-nebraska-senior-pictures Want to checkout VSCO One? https://www.katedecostephotography.com/form/the-one-where-you-get-vsco-one Coming Up Next The One About What to Wear for Senior Pictures Wondering what to wear for your senior session? In the next episode, Kate shares how to choose outfits that complement your location, photograph beautifully, and help you feel confident in front of the camera—without buying an entirely new wardrobe.--- Lets Connect Website: https://www.katedecostephotography.com Instagram: @katedecosteFacebook: Kate DeCoste PhotographyPinterest: Kate DeCoste PhotoIf this episode was helpful, consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with a senior or parent who is starting to plan senior pictures. Every review helps more families discover the podcast and feel a little more confident before stepping in front of the camera. New episodes every week. Learn more + get freebies at katedecostephotography.com/podcast Follow Kate on Instagram: @katedecoste✨ It’s time to Shutter Up & Shine.

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  Episode #6

  S3 Ep6: The One About the Future of Photography with Eric Wittman, CEO of VSCO

  Jul 17, 202654 minS3

  What does the future of photography actually look like? If you've been feeling overwhelmed by constant changes in social media, AI, marketing, and the business side of photography, you're not alone. This week, I'm joined by Eric Wittman , CEO of VSCO, for a conversation about where our industry is headed and why photographers should be paying just as much attention to their business as they do their camera. We talk about why photographers aren't struggling because they need to take better photos. Instead, they're trying to navigate marketing, visibility, pricing, client management, and running a profitable business in a rapidly changing world. Eric also shares his perspective on AI, why he believes photographers aren't being replaced, and how technology should support creativity not replace it. Of course, we also dive into VSCO One , VSCO's all-in-one platform built to simplify the business side of photography by bringing together editing, galleries, portfolio websites, client management, contracts, education, and workflow into one place. Whether you're just starting your photography business or you've been photographing clients for years, this episode is packed with practical insights that will help you think differently about where our industry is headed. In this episode • The biggest challenges photographers face in 2026 • Why the business side of photography is often harder than photography itself • How AI is changing the creative industry • The importance of community and mentorship • Why photographers need to adapt their marketing strategies • Building a business that lasts • An inside look at VSCO One Resources Mentioned 📸 Learn more about VSCO One:https://refer.vsco.co/katedecoste ☕ Free Photography Resources: https://www.katedecostephotography.com If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to leave a review and share it with another photographer. Your support helps more creatives discover the show, and it truly means the world to me.

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