BLOG - Megan Gioeli

Yes, Bring the Dog! Tips for Including Your Dog in Your Family Photo Session

OCT

06

2026

Yes, Bring the Dog! Tips for Including ...

I’m sitting here writing this while watching my oldest dog, Lily.We brought Lily home when Maxden, my youngest, was just six months old. ...

SEP

29

2026

5 Things That Have Made the Biggest ...

I've been in business long enough to know there isn't one secret to being successful.There isn't one marketing strategy, one social media platform or ...

SEP

22

2026

Why Fall Family Photos Are Worth Making ...

Why Fall Family Photos Are Worth Making Time ForHere I am, sitting here looking at my calendar, and it's pretty full.Between work, school, sports, ...

SEP

15

2026

Senior Photos: More Than Just a ...

Senior photos are about so much more than getting a good picture for the yearbook.They’re about remembering who your senior is right now.Their ...

SEP

10

2026

When Life Gets Out of Rhythm

This summer taught me something about routine.I used to think of routines as the boring things we do because we're supposed to — getting up ...

SEP

08

2026

What to Wear for Fall Family Photos in ...

Fall family photo season is almost here! 🍂And every year, one of the first questions I get after someone books their fall family session ...

SEP

01

2026

Fall Family Photos: Why Now Is the Time ...

I know, I know… it’s barely September and I’m already talking about fall family photos. 🍂But if you’ve been ...

AUG

29

2026

Showing Up for Your Business Matters ...

One of the questions I ask business owners all the time is:"How are you showing up in your business?"What I really mean is this:How are people ...

AUG

25

2026

Showing Up for Your Husband (or ...

When I say husband, I want to be clear that this could be your spouse, your partner, or your relationship—whatever that looks like for you.I ...

JUN

26

2026

Senior Photos with a Vintage VW Beetle ...

One of my favorite things about senior sessions is helping each senior create something that feels uniquely them.Recently, I had the opportunity ...

JUN

25

2026

Business Headshots vs Branding ...

One of the questions I get asked most often by business owners is:"Do I need headshots or branding photos?"The short answer?It depends on how you ...

JUN

19

2026

A Sweet One-Year Milestone Session in ...

They say the days are long, but the years are short.And somehow, in what feels like the blink of an eye, this sweet little guy turned one.For his ...

JUN

18

2026

Senior Year Photography Timeline: When ...

One of the most common questions I get from parents is:"When should we schedule senior photos?"The short answer? There is no perfect timeline.The ...

JUN

16

2026

Showing Up for Your Kids Doesn't Mean ...

As parents, it's easy to think that showing up for our kids means being at every game, every school event, every performance, and every milestone.But ...

JUN

12

2026

Behind the Brand: A Quarterly Branding ...

One of my favorite things about working with business owners is getting to tell their story over time.Recently, I met with Rhonda for one of her ...

JUN

11

2026

I'm Not Photogenic - What Actually ...

If I had a dollar for every time someone told me, "I'm not photogenic," I'd probably have enough money to buy a really nice camera ...

JUN

09

2026

Showing Up for Yourself Starts Small

I use the phrase show up a lot.Show up for your kids. Show up for your family. Show up for your business.But before you can truly show up ...

JUN

05

2026

Finding Your Dream Dress at Anne Marie ...

There’s something special about walking into a bridal boutique where the experience feels personal from the moment you arrive.Recently, I had ...

JUN

04

2026

What to Wear for Your Summer Family ...

Simple Outfit Tips for a Beautiful Family Session A few thoughtful choices can help your family feel relaxed and look beautifully ...

JUN

01

2026

Why Perfectionism Is Actually Holding ...

Why Perfectionism Is Actually Holding You Back Perfectionism has a funny way of disguising itself as something positive.We tell ourselves we're ...

MAY

29

2026

A Sweet First Birthday Session in ...

There is something really special about getting to photograph families more than once.I first met this family back in the summer when I photographed ...

MAY

28

2026

What People Worry I'm Judging During a ...

One thing I’ve learned after photographing hundreds of families, seniors, babies, and business owners is that almost everyone shows up to their ...

MAY

26

2026

Why You Don’t Actually Hate Photos of ...

“I hate photos of myself.”I hear it all the time.Sometimes it’s said jokingly.Sometimes it’s quiet.Sometimes it feels like a ...

MAY

22

2026

Winston Salem NC Realtor Branding ...

One of my favorite things about working with small business owners is helping them create photos that actually support their business throughout the ...

MAY

21

2026

How to Market Your Business for Free ...

When people think about marketing, they often assume you need a big budget.Ads.Paid promotions.Fancy tools.But the truth is…There are so many ...

MAY

19

2026

Stop Being Vague: Why You Need to Be ...

Recently I had a realization that was a little uncomfortable.I started noticing just how vague I had been — not just with my goals, but also ...

MAY

15

2026

Branding Photography Session with Rylee ...

When small business owners invest in professional photos, they are really investing in how people connect with their brand. That’s exactly what ...

MAY

14

2026

What to Expect From Your Photography ...

Booking a photo session shouldn’t feel overwhelming.And honestly? It doesn’t have to be.Whether you’re booking family photos, ...

MAY

12

2026

Is Your Plan Actually Sustainable?

I want to ask you a really simple question today.Not a motivating question.Not an exciting one.Not the kind of question that sounds great on ...

MAY

08

2026

Downtown Mocksville Branding Session

Professional Brand Photos for Agency Ops AdvantageThere is something really special about photographing small business owners in the communities ...

MAY

07

2026

I Spent a Lot of Money on a Photo ...

This might surprise you coming from a photographer, but it’s true.Years ago, I spent a lot of money on a professional photo session for my ...

MAY

05

2026

I'm Not Too Busy: A Mindset Shift for ...

One phrase I hear all the time — and maybe you say it too — is this:"I'm just so busy."Or sometimes it sounds like:"I didn't reach out ...

MAY

01

2026

Twin Milestone Session at the Mini ...

Watching babies grow during their first year is one of the greatest gifts of being a photographer. Getting to photograph these sweet twin boys again ...

APR

30

2026

Stop Trying to Look Professional — ...

For a long time, I thought “looking professional” was the goal.Clean.Perfect.Polished.The kind of presence that made people ...

APR

28

2026

What People See When They Look You Up ...

Over the weekend, I hosted a small business retreat.And there was a moment during that retreat that really stuck with me.Not because it was ...

APR

24

2026

Travel Agent Branding Session at Bailey ...

There’s something really special about photographing someone whose business is built around experiences, adventure, and helping others explore ...

APR

23

2026

The Real Reason Dads Don’t Want Family ...

Let’s just say it out loud.Most of the time…Dad is not the one asking for family photos.In fact, if you’ve ever tried to book a ...

APR

21

2026

What One Missed Message Taught Me About ...

The other day, I had a moment that stuck with me.Not because it went well…But because it didn’t.And honestly? Those are usually the ...

APR

17

2026

Mini Greenhouse Sessions in Mocksville ...

There is just something about little ones and tiny spaces that feels extra magical.These miniature greenhouse sessions in Mocksville, NC were created ...

APR

16

2026

How to Market Your Business Without ...

When people think about marketing, they often think about ads.Facebook ads.Google ads.Paid promotions.And while those can be helpful…You ...

APR

14

2026

Why Contracts Matter More Than You ...

When you think about booking a photographer, a contract might not be the most exciting part of the process.It can feel like just another form to ...

APR

10

2026

6 Month Baby Milestone Session with a ...

There is something really special about the six-month milestone.Babies are usually sitting up, smiling easily, curious about everything, and starting ...

APR

09

2026

What If My Kids Don’t Cooperate During ...

Let’s just go ahead and say the thing most parents are thinking before a session:“What if my kids don’t ...

APR

07

2026

Teaching Kids Self Love Through ...

As parents, there are so many things we want to teach our kids.How to drive.How to cook.How to treat others with kindness and respect.We spend years ...

APR

03

2026

Bombshell Beauty on Main - Mocksville ...

Some sessions are about beautiful photos……and some sessions are about a milestone.This one was both.These three women have been working ...

APR

02

2026

Nervous in Front of the Camera? You’re ...

If the thought of stepping in front of a camera makes your stomach flip a little… you are absolutely not alone.In fact, I would say most of ...

MAR

31

2026

Community Over Competition Only Works ...

When I started The Photographer’s Couch, it wasn’t because I had a perfect business strategy or a content plan.It was because I kept ...

MAR

27

2026

Indigo Events Branding Photos at ...

There are some people you meet and instantly feel at ease around.Tammy is one of those people.I had the opportunity to photograph Tammy Reid, owner ...

MAR

26

2026

Mini vs Regular vs Full Session

Which One Should You Book?One of the most common questions I get is:“Which session do we need?”There isn’t a better option — ...

MAR

24

2026

The Part Everyone Wants to Skip Is the ...

I was watching my kids recently — sports practices, band rehearsals, all of it.They want the game.They want the scoreboard.They want the moment ...

MAR

20

2026

The Flower Story Florist Branding ...

There’s this idea we all carry around—especially as business owners—that things need to feel finished before we show them.The ...

MAR

19

2026

What Time of Day Is Best for Photos?

(And why the answer isn’t just one time)One of the most common questions I get when someone books a session is:“What time should we ...

MAR

17

2026

The Retreat I Didn’t Take (And Why It ...

Every year — almost without fail — I plan a retreat in the first quarter.Usually January.Sometimes February if life shifts a ...

MAR

13

2026

Professional Headshots for the ...

Farmington Community Center | Mocksville, NCSome photo sessions are about milestones.Some are about memories.And some are about connection.This ...

MAR

12

2026

How to Prepare for Your Senior Pictures ...

A step-by-step guide for seniors and parents before photo daySenior pictures are exciting… but they can also feel a little stressful.Almost ...

MAR

10

2026

Motivation Is Not the Problem

Why your life (and business) feels inconsistent — and what actually fixes itI used to believe successful people were just… ...

MAR

06

2026

When Short Sessions Work Best

Farmington Community Center Family Session | Mocksville NC PhotographerSome of the happiest galleries I deliver don’t come from long ...

MAR

05

2026

Photography Locations in the Triad That ...

One of the most common questions I get when helping clients plan their session is:“Do any locations cost money?”And the answer is — ...

MAR

03

2026

Stop Waiting for Permission

(Why validation feels like confidence — but actually holds you back)The more I work with small business owners — and honestly, just ...

FEB

27

2026

A Family I’ve Photographed for Years - ...

Some families come once.Some families come back.And then there are the families you grow alongside.This sweet family is one I’ve had the honor ...

FEB

26

2026

Best Free Photo Locations in the ...

(Family, Senior & Branding Photography Location Guide)One of the most common questions I get before a session is:“Where should we take ...

FEB

24

2026

The “Red Flag” Mindset Shift That’s ...

The other day I went for a walk here in North Carolina.Sunny, breezy — one of those days that feels like a reset.And while I was walking, I ...

FEB

20

2026

A December Family Session at Tanglewood ...

There’s something really special about photographing the same family year after year.You start out just capturing smiles…and before you ...

FEB

19

2026

My Three Favorite Spring Photo ...

Every year around late February, my messages start rolling in:“Where should we take spring family photos?”“Where will flowers ...

FEB

17

2026

Finding Joy in the Everyday Moments

There are moments — especially as a parent — when I find myself wondering, Am I the only one who feels this way?When I’m in it, it ...

FEB

13

2026

Sibling Photos at Tanglewood Park in ...

There’s something especially meaningful about sibling photo sessions — and this one at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, NC was no ...

FEB

12

2026

What to Wear for Spring Family Photos ...

Every year around February and March my inbox fills with the same question:“We booked spring photos… but what do we wear?”Choosing ...

FEB

10

2026

Overthinking vs. Research: When ...

Overthinking is sneaky.It often disguises itself as being “responsible,” “prepared,” or “just wanting to make the right ...

FEB

06

2026

A Timeless Dog Portrait Session in ...

For a Christmas present, I had the joy of photographing Sam — and let me tell you, this pup was full of personality.Sam was fun, expressive, ...

FEB

05

2026

Why In-Home Photo Sessions Are So ...

When most people think about booking a photo session, they picture a park, a field at sunset, or a perfectly styled outdoor location. But some of the ...

FEB

03

2026

How I Think About Lighting for Every ...

Lighting is one of the most important parts of photography — and also one of the most misunderstood.This episode idea actually came to me while ...

JAN

30

2026

A Quick Christmas Card Mini Session at ...

Right before Christmas, I met this sweet family at Tanglewood Park for a very quick photo session — just five minutes from start to ...

JAN

29

2026

Why Tanglewood Park Is One of the Best ...

When clients ask me where I recommend taking their photos, Tanglewood Park is almost always part of the conversation.Located in Clemmons, North ...

JAN

27

2026

Pinterest, Photography, and ...

Pinterest is one of those platforms people tend to love… and also feel frustrated by.We pin outfits, locations, poses, and ideas. We create ...

JAN

23

2026

The VW Red Bug Christmas Mini Sessions: ...

Every year, Christmas mini sessions take on a life of their own.Last year’s VW Red Bug Christmas minis?They came with a little extra character ...

JAN

22

2026

Best Photo Locations in Mocksville ...

One of the most common questions I get from clients is:“Where should we take our photos?”And honestly, it’s a great ...

JAN

20

2026

Stories We Make Up (And How They Shape ...

Have you ever realized that the hardest part of a situation wasn’t what actually happened — but the story you told yourself about ...

JAN

16

2026

Extended Family Session at Tanglewood ...

Some sessions stay with you long after the camera is put away — and this one was exactly that.This extended family session at Tanglewood ...

JAN

15

2026

The 5 Things That Make Photo Sessions ...

If you’ve ever booked a photo session and thought,“This shouldn’t feel this overwhelming…” — you’re not ...

JAN

13

2026

How to Book New Clients (Without ...

One of the questions I get asked most often — from photographers and business owners alike — is simple but loaded:How do you book new ...

JAN

09

2026

A Chilly, Beautiful Maternity Session ...

There’s something especially meaningful about maternity sessions — they tell the story of a family right before everything changes.This ...

JAN

08

2026

Start January Strong: How to Organize ...

January has a way of making us feel like we need to reset everything.The house.The schedule.The routines.The goals.And somewhere in the middle of all ...

JAN

05

2026

Introduction to The Photographer’s ...

If you’ve ever wished you could sit down on the couch with someone who truly gets it — life, business, motherhood, creativity, and all ...

DEC

31

2025

A Beautiful Fall Family Session at ...

There are some families that I get the privilege of photographing year after year — and this sweet group is definitely one of them. It’s ...

DEC

30

2025

Fall Family Mini Session at Tanglewood ...

There’s something about fall at Tanglewood Park that just feels like the perfect backdrop for family photos — warm golden leaves, cozy ...

DEC

29

2025

Fall Family Mini Session at Tanglewood ...

There are some sessions that feel exactly like fall — warm sunshine through golden leaves, cozy outfits, and families who truly enjoy just ...

DEC

28

2025

Pumpkin Patch Mini Session - Fall ...

Nothing says fall in North Carolina more than a pumpkin patch — and this mini session was the perfect mix of cozy colors, playful moments, and ...

DEC

27

2025

2026 Is Your Year to Show Up: Why ...

If you’re a business owner, you already know what it means to work hard.You pour your time, your energy, your creativity, your heart — ...

DEC

26

2025

Building a Life You Love — Together

I came across a post recently where a woman thanked her husband for working hard so she could stay home with their kids — and truly, I love ...

DEC

25

2025

Christmas Mini Session Preview — Red VW ...

There’s just something magical about Christmas photos — the twinkle of excitement, cozy outfits, and the joy of capturing families ...

DEC

24

2025

A Beautiful October Family Session in ...

This session was bittersweet in the best way.This sweet family took advantage of the 2025 Mini Session Package, and this happened to be not only ...

DEC

23

2025

Pumpkin Patch Mini Session in ...

Some photo sessions just melt your heart instantly — and this one did exactly that.I’ve been photographing this sweet boy for a few years ...

DEC

22

2025

Pumpkin Patch Mini Sessions — A Fall ...

There is just something about pumpkin patch mini sessions that makes my heart extra happy every year. The moment October arrives, the air gets a ...

DEC

21

2025

A Fall Family Session in Mocksville, NC ...

There are sessions that feel routine and then there are sessions that feel wonderfully full-circle. This family? Absolutely full-circle.I’ve ...

DEC

20

2025

A New Year, A New Season — and a New ...

There’s something about the end of the year that makes entrepreneurs pause for a second — not just to look back, but to look ahead.We ...

DEC

19

2025

Boy Moms: The Photos You Take Now ...

If you have boys, you already know — they grow fast, and they grow big fast. One minute you’re tying tiny shoes and wiping sticky hands, ...

DEC

18

2025

🍂 Fall Family Session in Mocksville, ...

One of my favorite things about being a photographer is how life has a way of bringing people back into your path. This session is the perfect ...

DEC

17

2025

Halloween Photography Sessions in ...

Some photo sessions are planned months in advance with outfits, themes, and must-have shots……and then there are the sessions that ...

DEC

16

2025

A First Birthday Session to Remember — ...

There is something so special about photographing a first birthday… especially when a baby girl turns ONE and brings along a whole crew of big ...

DEC

15

2025

Fall Family Mini Session in Mocksville, ...

Some photo sessions feel extra special — not because of the location or the light (though we had both!), but because of the history behind the ...