If you’re a modern photographer trying to grow your business, you know the digital landscape never sits still. Social media trends evolve overnight, AI tools are popping up by the second, and figuring out how to stand out can feel like shouting into the void. Recently, I (April Pinto of April Pinto Photography) had an incredible conversation with Kendra Swalls—a powerhouse in the photography world and founder of Girl Means Business—about how photographers can navigate this fast-changing world without burning out using AI. Spoiler: it’s all about working smarter, not harder.
Who is Kendra Swalls?
If you haven’t met Kendra yet, let me introduce you to your next business BFF. Kendra Swalls is a former Dallas-based family and wedding photographer turned photo business and marketing coach. She’s the brilliant mind behind Girl Means Business, where she helps photographers grow from hobbyists to fully booked professionals. Kendra is also the host of the Girl Means Business Podcast—a goldmine for actionable strategies and real talk about growing a creative business in the digital age.
Her podcast episodes cover everything from growing your photo business and marketing without social media to mastering email marketing and turning a hobby into a six-figure photography brand. Trust me—if you’re a photographer, you want her in your earbuds.
Social Media: Dead or More Alive Than Ever?
One of the first things Kendra and I dove into was the age-old question: Is social media still worth it for photographers? The short answer: yes, but not how you might think.
Kendra’s take is that photographers shouldn’t put all their eggs in the Instagram basket anymore. "It’s about using social media as a tool—not the whole toolbox," she said. In 2025, trends show that platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts are where organic reach is exploding. Static posts are fine, but short-form video is king.
Pro Tip: Batch Your Reels
If you’re drowning trying to keep up with reels and TikToks, Kendra suggests batch-creating content once a month. "Pick one day to film 5-10 short videos. Edit them in one sitting. Then you’re done!" This trick keeps you visible without stealing hours every week.
The Power of AI for Photographers
Next up: AI. Let’s be honest—AI tools can feel intimidating or even threatening. But Kendra flipped my perspective. "AI won’t replace photographers—it’ll replace photographers who refuse to adapt," she said. Ouch, but true.
We talked about practical ways AI can work for you, not against you:
- Use AI writing tools to draft captions, blogs, or emails.
- Automate your client workflows with smart CRMs.
- Try AI editing tools to speed up culling and light adjustments.
Pro Tip: Keep Your Voice
Kendra’s advice is to use AI to start, but not to finish. "Clients hire you for your voice. AI should never sound like a robot wrote it." So, run your draft through AI, but always add your personal touch before hitting publish.
Email: The Secret Superpower
Here’s where Kendra really got my wheels turning. "If social media disappeared tomorrow, would you still have a way to reach your people?" she asked me. It’s a gut check every photographer needs.
Building an email list is like having a direct line to your dream clients—no algorithms standing in the way. Kendra teaches photographers how to create freebie guides or mini courses to get people to sign up. Then, nurture those leads with valuable content.
Want to start?
Pro Tip: One Email a Month
"Start simple. Send just one email a month with tips, sneak peeks, or behind-the-scenes," Kendra said. "People love seeing what you’re up to." Your email list doesn’t need to be huge to make an impact.
Marketing Without Social Media: Yes, It’s Possible
One of my favorite parts of our conversation was busting the myth that you must live online to stay booked. "If Instagram shut down tomorrow, you’d still have a business if you know how to market beyond social media," Kendra said.
So, what does that look like?
- Networking locally: Wedding fairs, vendor partnerships, and styled shoots.
- SEO on your website: Blog your sessions and answer questions your clients Google.
- Referrals: Treat your clients like gold and they’ll talk you up for years.
Want to see what works? I loved Kendra’s episode on Marketing Without Social Media on her podcast. It’s a reality check every busy creative needs.
Relevant List: Kendra’s Top 5 Tips for Photographers in 2025
- Diversify Your Marketing: Don’t put all your eggs in social media. Invest in email, SEO, and local connections.
- Embrace Short-Form Video: Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts are here to stay.
- Use AI Wisely: Let it speed up the boring parts—never the personal parts.
- Batch Your Content: Pick a day a month to knock out your posts and videos.
- Build an Email List: It’s your direct line when algorithms fail you.
Growing from Hobby to Fully Booked
Another gem Kendra shared was her journey from shooting families on the weekends to running a six-figure photography business—and now mentoring thousands of photographers to do the same.
Her advice? "Treat your side hustle like a business before it’s one." That means:
- Have clear pricing.
- Invest in client experience.
- Be consistent with your brand online.
Check out her full guide on Growing from Hobby to Fully Booked here.
My Takeaway: Community Over Competition
Talking with Kendra reminded me that you don’t have to do it alone. Too many photographers get caught up in what everyone else is doing online and forget they have unique magic. AI and trends are tools—but your personal connection with your clients is your superpower.
Pro Tip: Find a Mentor
Kendra says, "The fastest way to grow is to learn from someone who’s done it." Whether it’s listening to her podcast, reading her blog, or taking one of her courses, surround yourself with people who have been where you are.
Your Next Step
If you’re reading this and feeling inspired, let’s keep that momentum going! Here’s how you can take action:
- Listen to the Girl Means Business Podcast while you’re editing photos or driving to sessions.
- Subscribe to my blog for behind-the-scenes photography stories and tips for clients.
- Reach out to me for your next photography session—I love creating timeless, artfully organic images that tell your story and stand the test of time.
My Heart for Teaching & Training
April Pinto isn’t just about creating stunning, timeless images—she’s also deeply passionate about mentoring new and upcoming photographers. Over her 13 years behind the camera, April has guided dozens of creatives through the ups and downs of running a photography business. From pricing and contracts to social media strategies and branding, she believes that sharing knowledge lifts the entire photography community.
When she’s not capturing love stories or family moments, April hosts one-on-one mentorship sessions and workshops for local photographers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She teaches new photographers how to find their style, price their work for profit, build a client experience that generates referrals, and master marketing beyond social media.
April loves seeing her mentees go from overwhelmed hobbyists to confident, booked-out pros. "I’ve been where they are—I know what it feels like to hustle and wonder if it’ll work out. I want to be the mentor I wish I had when I started," she says.
If you’re a photographer ready to grow, keep your eyes open for April’s upcoming workshops and free educational content. She believes there’s plenty of room for everyone at the table—and that community over competition is the best way to succeed.
Want to learn more about mentorship with April Pinto? Contact her here and get ready to level up your photography business with real-world marketing and business strategies that work.
Why Your Photography Tribe Matters More Than Ever
Building a thriving photography business isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you surround yourself with. That’s why fostering and joining a strong community of local photographers is essential. Here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we’re lucky to have an amazing, supportive network of creatives who lift each other up, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects. Whether it’s through meetups, styled shoots, or online groups, connecting with fellow photographers keeps your inspiration alive and your business growing.
Let’s Work Together
I’m April Pinto of April Pinto Photography based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I specialize in weddings, maternity, families, and love stories of every kind. With over 13 years of experience, I’m obsessed with capturing your real moments, your laughter, your tears, and every detail in between.
If you’re ready to create magic together—without worrying about social media trends or algorithms—let’s connect. You’ll get stunning, soulful images and an experience you’ll never forget.
Ready to book? Contact me here and let’s start planning your session today.
Final Words
Social media and AI aren’t the enemy—they’re tools to help you spend less time glued to your phone and more time doing what you love: photographing real people and real stories. Huge thanks to Kendra Swalls for sharing her genius and reminding us all to stay focused on what truly matters.
Now go batch those reels, send that email, and keep creating beautiful work the world needs to see.
