Not if you're a photographer.

In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa sit down for an honest summer debrief and unpack what happens when family life, client work, education, events, editing, emails, podcasts, retreats, and real life all collide at once.

After one of the busiest summers they've both experienced, they're talking about the boundaries that worked, the ones that completely fell apart, and the lessons they're taking into busy season.

From late-night editing sessions and juggling childcare to managing client communication, unexpected schedule changes, and the pressure to say yes to everything, this conversation is a reminder that burnout doesn't happen overnight - it happens one small boundary violation at a time.

Ashley and Melissa also share the systems, automations, and mindset shifts that help them protect their time, navigate overwhelm, and create businesses that support their lives instead of consuming them.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What one of our busiest summers looked like behind the scenes
• Balancing motherhood, family time, and multiple businesses
• Why saying "yes" to everything isn't sustainable
• Managing client communication without being available 24/7
• The difference between urgency and emergency
• Setting boundaries around emails, texts, DMs, and response times
• Handling busy season without burning out
• Using systems, CRMs, automation, and delegation to protect your time
• Why people-pleasing often makes boundaries harder to maintain
• Learning to say no to opportunities that don't fit your capacity
• The changes we're making heading into next summer

Throughout the episode, Ashley and Melissa challenge photographers to stop treating every client message like an emergency and start building businesses that leave room for real life.

Because the goal isn't to work less.

The goal is to make sure your business doesn't have access to every hour of your day.

As busy season ramps up, consider this your reminder that boundaries aren't selfish - they're what allow you to show up as a better photographer, business owner, partner, parent, and human.

And if you're listening while answering emails at 11 p.m., this episode is probably for you.

📸 Follow Motherclickers on Instagram:
@Motherclickers

Tell us: what's one boundary you're committing to this busy season?

In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa open the vault on some of their most memorable client horror stories - the ones that still make them cringe, laugh, and wonder how they didn't see the outcome coming from a mile away.

From unpaid retainers and one-star reviews to influencer demands, endless emails, unrealistic expectations, and clothing tags intentionally left on for post-session returns (yes, really), they're sharing the client experiences that taught them some of their biggest lessons in business.

But beneath the chaos, frustration, and questionable decision-making is a conversation every service-based business owner needs to hear: red flags rarely disappear once someone becomes your client.

Ashley and Melissa break down the warning signs they ignored early in their careers, how experience changed the way they handle difficult situations, and why strong boundaries aren't about being difficult -they're about protecting yourself, your business, and the clients who genuinely value what you do.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The client red flags we wish we'd listened to sooner
• Why retainers, contracts, and boundaries matter
• The dangers of ignoring your gut instinct
• Unreasonable expectations and scope creep
• "Exposure" requests and influencer negotiations
• Difficult client communication before a session even begins
• One-star reviews, online reputation, and professionalism
• Why not every inquiry should become a booking
• Lessons learned from some of our earliest business mistakes
• How confidence helps you spot problems before they become disasters

Whether you're a photographer, creative entrepreneur, or service provider, this episode is equal parts cautionary tale and business therapy session.

Because sometimes the most expensive clients aren't the ones who pay the least.

They're the ones who cost you your time, energy, confidence, and sanity.

Follow along on Instagram:
@Motherclickers

And if you've got a client horror story of your own, trust us - we want to hear it.

In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa sit down with Nicole Kingston, founder of Toronto Baby Guide, to talk about the information every new and expecting parent wishes they had before the baby arrived.

Nicole created Toronto Baby Guide after finding herself in endless late-night Google rabbit holes trying to figure out what came next for her growing family. What started as a 150-page guide quickly became a massive online community, helping thousands of parents navigate everything from EI and maternity leave to daycare, healthcare, local resources, and family activities across the GTA.

And this conversation gets REAL.

We talk about the difference between EI benefits and job-protected leave, what self-employed parents need to know before taking maternity leave, the realities of employer top-ups, why daycare waitlists need to be tackled practically from day one, and some potentially very expensive mistakes parents can make simply because nobody told them what they needed to know.

But this episode isn't just about paperwork and government benefits.

Nicole also shares how motherhood became her superpower - giving her more focus, more appreciation for her time, and the motivation to build a business around helping other parents.

In this episode, we discuss:

• EI, maternity leave and job protection in Ontario
• What self-employed parents need to know before having a baby
• Employer maternity leave top-ups - and the strings that can come with them
• Why EI isn't necessarily the amount of money you think you're getting
• Daycare waitlists and why you should get your name on them ASAP
• Important newborn paperwork and deadlines parents often don't know about
• Canadian Child Benefit and other resources new parents may be missing
• How motherhood changed Nicole's approach to entrepreneurship
• Using social media as a tool for public education
• Building a business from one frustrating Google search
• Why moms don't need to have their entire lives figured out before having children

Whether you're expecting your first baby, already navigating parenthood, self-employed, or simply wish someone had handed you a manual when you became a mom, this episode is packed with the kind of information that can save you time, money, stress - and a whole lot of late-night Googling.

Because becoming a parent doesn't come with a manual.

But maybe it should.

Find Nicole & Toronto Baby Guide:
Toronto Baby Guide

On Instagram:
@TorontoBabyGuide

And if you're expecting or know someone who is, Nicole's Ultimate Guide to Having a Baby in Toronto is packed with resources to help take some of the guesswork out of the whole damn thing.

📸 Follow Motherclickers:
@Motherclickers

🏡 Learn more about the Muskoka Cottage Retreat:
Muskoka Cottage Retreat

What we didn't expect was that almost nobody would leave talking about photography first.

In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa reflect on their first-ever Motherhood Atelier Workshop & Content Day in Whitby and unpack the biggest lesson they learned from attendee feedback: beautiful images are great, but confidence, connection, and community are what truly transform a business.

From photographers who were only a few months into their journey to others with more than a decade of experience, the recurring theme was impossible to ignore. The biggest takeaways weren't camera settings, posing techniques, or portfolio images. They were mindset shifts, meaningful conversations, and the realization that building a business doesn't have to be a lonely experience.

Ashley and Melissa share behind-the-scenes stories from the event, the unexpected moments that became the most valuable teaching opportunities, and why this experience has shaped the future of what they're creating through Motherclickers.

They also pull back the curtain on their upcoming Muskoka Cottage Retreat, sharing why they've designed it to be more than a workshop, more than a content day, and more than just another photography event.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The biggest surprises from the Motherhood Atelier Workshop & Content Day
• Why confidence often matters more than technical skills
• The role community plays in growing a photography business
• How connection creates transformation for both photographers and clients
• Why education should go beyond portfolio-building
• The value of practical business systems and client communication
• What attendees taught Ashley and Melissa about the impact of in-person learning
• Behind-the-scenes moments from the workshop (including rain dates, real-life family chaos, and unforgettable golden hour magic)
• What photographers can expect from the upcoming Muskoka Cottage Retreat

This episode is a reminder that the things that change your business most aren't always the things you expect.

Sometimes the biggest breakthrough isn't learning a new technique.

Sometimes it's realizing you're capable of more than you thought - and finding a room full of people who believe it too.

📸 Follow Motherclickers on Instagram:
@Motherclickers

🏡 Learn more about the Muskoka Cottage Retreat:
Muskoka Cottage Retreat

This one positions the episode around the emotional takeaway rather than the event recap, which is likely to resonate with a broader audience—even listeners who weren't at the workshop.

In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa dive into one of the most emotional topics photographers face: pricing. Not the spreadsheets, not the math, but the fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome that show up every time you consider charging what you're actually worth.

From comparing yourself to other photographers and worrying what clients will think, to feeling guilty about making money doing something you love, this conversation gets to the heart of why pricing is so much more than numbers on a website.

Ashley and Melissa share their own experiences raising prices, navigating pushback, and learning that confidence doesn't come before action, it comes because of it. They also unpack why photographers need to stop apologizing for running profitable businesses and start building experiences that clients are excited to invest in.

If you've ever hesitated to raise your rates, discounted your services out of fear, or questioned whether anyone would actually pay your prices, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why pricing is often tied to self-worth
• Imposter syndrome and the fear of charging more
• Comparing yourself to other photographers
• Building value beyond "show up and take photos"
• Why client experience matters more than competing on price
• How to respond when someone says you're too expensive
• The danger of discounting out of fear
• Creating a sustainable and profitable business
• The simple $50 pricing strategy that can build confidence over time

Ashley and Melissa also challenge listeners to take immediate action: stop waiting until you feel ready and start treating your business like the business it is.

Because confidence doesn't magically appear one day. It grows every time you make a decision that honours your value.

And sometimes, the difference between staying stuck and growing your business is just fifty dollars.

Want to delve deeper and make even bigger strides in your business, join Ashley and Melissa at their Muskoka Cottage Retreat this September.

Follow along on Instagram @MotherClickers and let us know: what's the biggest thing holding you back from charging what you're worth?

In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa tackle one of the most controversial topics in the photography education world: should photographers who pay to attend content days be responsible for delivering galleries to the models?

It's a spicy conversation that challenges an industry norm many photographers have accepted without question. From unexpected obligations and unclear expectations to model compensation and attendee experience, they're unpacking why this practice has become so common, and why they believe it's time for the industry to rethink it.

Ashley and Melissa share personal experiences from content days they've attended, including situations where image delivery requirements weren't disclosed until after registration, or even months after the event had ended. They discuss the impact these expectations have on creativity, learning, and the overall value of the experience attendees thought they were purchasing.

Whether you're a photographer who attends content days, a host who runs them, or a model who's participated in them, this episode is guaranteed to make you think.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The difference between attending a content day and being hired as a photographer
• Why unexpected gallery delivery requirements can change the attendee experience
• Creative freedom versus client obligations
• The responsibility of compensating models at photography events
• Transparency, contracts, and setting expectations
• The hidden costs of running workshops and content days
• Fairness for attendees, hosts, and models
• Why industry norms deserve to be questioned

This episode isn't about criticizing photographers, models, or educators. It's about having an honest conversation about where responsibility belongs and whether some industry practices have simply become accepted without being challenged.

One thing's for sure: Ashley and Melissa aren't holding back on this one.

Agree? Disagree? Somewhere in the middle? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Looking for more honest opinions, advice, and no need to deliver model galleries? Join them at their Muskoka Cottage Retreat this September.

Follow along on Instagram @MotherClickers and join the conversation.

In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa sit down with author S.A. Thorne (Shelly Thorne) to talk about creativity, ambition, motherhood, and the courage it takes to pursue a dream when life already feels completely full.

From raising two toddlers and working a full-time corporate job to writing and self-publishing multiple novels, Shelly shares what it really looks like to build something meaningful in the margins of motherhood. Together, they dive into the concept of "coming of self" - the idea that many women spend their thirties rediscovering who they are, what they want, and what fulfillment looks like beyond the roles they play for everyone else.

The conversation explores perfectionism, time management, creative identity, supportive partnerships, and why making space for yourself isn't selfish - it's necessary.

Whether you've dreamed of writing a book, starting a business, picking up an old hobby, or simply reconnecting with the version of yourself that existed before motherhood, this episode is the reminder you didn't know you needed.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why motherhood doesn't mean putting your dreams on hold
• The concept of "coming of self" and rediscovering your identity
• Writing and publishing books while raising young children
• Letting go of perfectionism and embracing progress over perfection
• The importance of supportive partners and honest communication
• Reading as self-care and creative restoration
• Balancing motherhood, ambition, and personal fulfillment
• What it really takes to build something from scratch
• Raising children who see their parents pursuing meaningful goals

Shelly's story is proof that you don't need endless free time, perfect conditions, or a clear path forward to chase something that matters to you. Sometimes all it takes is a couple of hours after bedtime, a lot of determination, and the willingness to start before you're ready.

Because motherhood doesn't erase who you are - it helps you discover who you're becoming.

Follow along with S.A. Thorne on Instagram and on her website and be sure to check out her novels Cruising and In Too Deep for the perfect blend of romance, self-discovery, and heartfelt storytelling.

For more details on the Motherclickers Muskoka Cottage Retreat, click here.

They're all on the list.

In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa dive into the photography industry's most relatable frustrations, sharing their own pet peeves alongside hilarious submissions from the photography community. From technology failures and awkward client interactions to session-day mishaps and industry hot takes, nothing is off-limits.

The conversation is equal parts therapy session and comedy hour as they unpack the little things that drive photographers absolutely insane - and discover that most of us are dealing with the exact same challenges.

Whether you're a photographer who's ever screamed at a spinning beach ball, chased a client for information that was already in the email, or begged a dad to stop looking directly into the lens, this episode will make you feel seen.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Technology frustrations and photography workflow headaches
• Instagram glitches and disappearing posts
• Clients who don't read emails, contracts, or session guides
• Session-day challenges and managing expectations
• Pinterest inspiration versus Pinterest recreation
• Props, bubble g*ns, and avoiding mid-session meltdowns
• Trusting your photographer's creative process
• Industry pet peeves that every photographer can relate to
• A rapid-fire lightning round of controversial photography opinions

You'll laugh, cringe, and probably find yourself saying, "Oh my gosh, that happened to me too."

Because sometimes the best thing for your business isn't another course or strategy - it's realizing you're not the only photographer silently losing your mind over the same things.

Follow along on Instagram @MotherClickers and keep sending in your pet peeves - because trust us, this conversation is far from over.

For details on our Muskoka Cottage Retreat, where these kinds of conversations happen in person, CLICK HERE.

In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa dive into one of the most common questions photographers ask themselves: Is this investment actually worth it? From content days and workshops to mentorships, retreats, and business coaching, they're sharing the educational experiences that shaped their careers - for better and sometimes for worse.

The conversation goes far beyond pretty portfolio images and explores what truly creates transformation in a business. They discuss the difference between investing in your photography versus investing in yourself, how mindset can be the biggest growth barrier of all, and why the right room, mentor, or community can completely change your trajectory.

Ashley and Melissa also share personal stories about the investments that surprised them, the lessons they didn't expect to learn, and the relationships that continue to impact their businesses years later.

Plus, for the first time, they're pulling back the curtain on something they've been quietly building behind the scenes: the Motherclickers Muskoka Cottage Retreat.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How to decide if an educational investment is worth it
• The difference between portfolio-building and business-building
• Content days, workshops, retreats, and mentorships
• Why confidence and mindset often matter more than strategy
• Finding mentors who align with your values and goals
• The power of community and getting in the right rooms
• Lessons learned from investments that didn't meet expectations
• Building a sustainable photography business beyond beautiful images
• The inspiration behind the Motherclickers Muskoka Cottage Retreat

Whether you're brand new to photography or looking to break through your next plateau, this episode is a reminder that growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone - and that the right investment often pays dividends in ways you never expected.

Because sometimes the biggest return isn't more bookings or bigger sales - it's becoming the kind of business owner who finally believes they're capable of more.

Follow along on Instagram @MotherClickers and join the conversation.

In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa sit down with chiropractor and postpartum rehabilitation specialist Dr. Lydia Brodie of GrowCo Rehab for a candid conversation about the realities of postpartum recovery, the misconceptions surrounding the six-week clearance, and why so many women are left navigating physical challenges without the support they need.

From pelvic floor dysfunction and core rehabilitation to returning to physically demanding careers, Dr. Lydia shares eye-opening insights that every mother should hear—whether you're six weeks postpartum, six years postpartum, or simply planning for the future.

Together, they discuss the pressure many women feel to "bounce back," the long-term consequences of ignoring postpartum symptoms, and practical ways to begin supporting your recovery, even when motherhood leaves little time for yourself.

This episode is packed with education, validation, and a healthy dose of humour—because sometimes the best way to talk about pelvic floors and prolapse is with smoothie analogies.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why the six-week postpartum clearance is often misunderstood
• The truth about postpartum recovery after both vaginal births and C-sections
• Pelvic floor health, prolapse, and symptoms women shouldn't ignore
• Returning to physically demanding jobs after having a baby
• The pressure to "bounce back" and how it can impact long-term health
• Common postpartum injuries and compensations that show up years later
• Simple breathing and core engagement techniques to support healing
• How moms can prioritize recovery when time feels impossible to find
• Postpartum rehabilitation programs and support options for mothers everywhere

Whether you're a photographer carrying gear, a healthcare professional on your feet all day, an entrepreneur juggling work and family, or simply a mom trying to understand what your body has been through, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and far less alone.

Because postpartum recovery doesn't end at six weeks—and mothers deserve better support than simply being told they're "cleared."

Dr. Lydia offers a discount code of 15% OFF her services using the code CLICKERS15

Follow along on Instagram @MotherClickers and join the conversation.

In this episode of Motherclickers, Melissa shares a deeply personal experience that left her shocked, angry, and questioning how creative entrepreneurs can protect themselves in the age of AI. What started as an innocent click on a former client's new photography website quickly turned into the discovery of copied website content, duplicated service offerings, and language that felt far too familiar.

Ashley and Melissa unpack the emotional impact of having your work plagiarized, the challenges of protecting intellectual property online, and the uncomfortable reality that AI has made copying easier - and harder to detect - than ever before.

This isn't a story about internet drama. It's a candid conversation about boundaries, business ethics, creative ownership, and the difficult decisions entrepreneurs face when deciding whether to fight back, walk away, or find a path somewhere in between.

Whether you're a photographer, creative entrepreneur, coach, educator, or anyone who shares content online, this episode serves as an important reminder that your voice, your ideas, and your brand have value.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Discovering copied website content and service offerings
• How AI is changing the landscape of plagiarism
• The difference between inspiration and intellectual property theft
• The emotional toll of having your work copied
• Seeking legal advice and understanding your options
• Website terms and conditions every business owner should have
• Protecting your content, brand, and creative identity online
• Why originality is still your greatest business asset

If you've ever poured your heart, time, and money into building a business, this conversation will hit close to home.

Because in a world where content can be copied in seconds, your creativity remains the one thing nobody can truly duplicate.

Follow along on Instagram @motherclickers and join the conversation.

https://motherclickers.com/ep003-protect-your-photography-website/

In this episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa dive into a topic that's stirring up strong opinions across the photography industry: artificial intelligence. From AI-powered editing tools and culling software to the way photographers talk about technology online, they're unpacking the good, the bad, and the downright judgmental.

What started as a social media post about being behind on galleries and refusing to use AI quickly turned into a much bigger conversation about business, efficiency, profitability, and why photographers need to stop policing how other people run their businesses.

Ashley and Melissa share how they use tools like Imagine and Claude in their own workflows, the realities of balancing photography with motherhood, and why working smarter doesn't make you less creative. They also get into a spicy discussion about professionalism, social media oversharing, client perception, and the importance of building systems that allow your business to survive when life inevitably happens.

Whether you're an AI enthusiast, an AI skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge you to think differently about technology, creativity, and the way we support (or don't support) each other in the photography community.

In this episode, we discuss:

• AI in photography: helpful tool or slippery slope?
• Editing software like Imagine, Aftershoot, and Evoto
• Using AI to save time without sacrificing creativity
• The difference between art, tools, and workflow
• Why being "busy" isn't a business strategy
• Social media, client trust, and professional communication
• Building a photography business that works with motherhood—not against it
• Why everyone needs to stay in their own lane

Expect strong opinions, practical business advice, and a few spicy hot takes along the way.

Because at the end of the day, whether you use AI or not, there's room for all of us - and nobody gets to decide how someone else creates.

Follow along on Instagram @motherclickers and join the conversation.

In the very first episode of Motherclickers, Ashley and Melissa pull up a chair and invite you into the story behind the community, podcast, and education space they've built for photographers, entrepreneurs, and moms navigating life in the thick of it.

They share how an Instagram friendship turned into a business partnership, the winding paths that led them both to photography, and why they felt called to create a space centered on honesty, education, and belonging. From balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship to leaving secure careers, redefining success, and building businesses that actually fit their lives, nothing is off-limits.

You'll also get a sneak peek at what's ahead: candid conversations, actionable business advice, industry hot takes, expert guests, events, workshops, and the real-life realities of raising kids while chasing big dreams.

Whether you're a photographer, a creative entrepreneur, a mom, or simply someone building something meaningful while juggling a million responsibilities, you're in the right place.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The story behind Motherclickers
• How Ashley and Melissa met and became business partners
• Their journeys into photography and entrepreneurship
• Motherhood, burnout, and building businesses on your own terms
• Why education, community, and transparency matter
• What listeners can expect from future episodes

Grab your coffee, settle in, and get to know the women behind Motherclickers.

Follow along on Instagram @motherclickers and join the conversation.

Always honest, unfiltered, and with tips and tricks along the way - you don't want to miss this.

Full episodes launch June 15