Episode 14: Confidence, Chaos, and Client Connection with Elisabeth Zantopulos
Confidence on Camera for Photographers: Elisabeth Zantopulos Brings the Fire
Photographers, listen up—if you’ve ever faked confidence behind the lens or told a client “just act natural” while you silently panicked inside… this one’s for you.
On Episode 14 of The Raw Edit, we sat down with the one and only Elisabeth Zantopulos—Northeast Ohio senior photographer, educator, and literal queen of confidence on camera for photographers. Liz is the vibrant, over-the-top hype woman we all need in our lives, and she brought pure gold to the mic.
Whether you’re in a creative funk, juggling motherhood chaos, or deep in comparison scrolls, Liz has a way of hitting you straight in the feels—and then helping you laugh about it.
🎙️ Why Confidence on Camera for Photographers Starts With YOU
Liz doesn’t just talk about confidence—she lives it. Her sessions are packed with genuine laughter, unscripted connection, and a vibe that makes clients feel seen and celebrated.
But here’s the real magic: she teaches photographers how to build that same energy in their own work. And no, it doesn’t come from some fancy pose guide or Pinterest-perfect shot list.
It starts with getting real—real with yourself, your story, your energy, and your mess. Liz reminds us that you don’t have to change a damn thing about yourself to be worthy of stunning photos OR a thriving business. That confidence you’re trying to give your clients? You gotta own it first.
“It’s not about being loud or perfect—it’s about showing up unapologetically, and letting your clients feel safe to do the same.” — Liz
💥 The Chaos of Mom Life, Storytelling, and Owning Your Mess
One of the most refreshing parts of this episode? Liz doesn’t sugarcoat the chaos. Between homeschooling, business goals, and snack crumbs in every purse, she gets mom life. She knows what it’s like to show up exhausted, unsure, and still have to create magic.
That’s why she’s passionate about storytelling with intention—capturing the real, the raw, and the radiant. Not just for her clients, but for herself too.
Confidence on camera for photographers doesn’t mean always having it together. It means knowing your presence, your story, and even your chaos… is worthy.
🔥 Client Connection Is a Superpower (and You Already Have It)
Let’s be real—your camera doesn’t connect with clients. You do.
Liz dives into how meaningful connection makes better photos, better experiences, and yep—better business. Her secret? Vulnerability, intention, and not being afraid to look ridiculous during a session if it helps a client feel like a rockstar.
Whether you’re photographing high school seniors, families, or branding sessions, her advice is clear:
Connection builds confidence. Confidence creates magic.
🎧 Listen In + Take Notes (Seriously)
This episode of The Raw Edit is a pep talk, therapy session, and hype squad all rolled into one. If you’re craving:
- More confidence in your work (and yourself)
- Practical ways to connect with clients authentically
- Permission to stop pretending and just show up as YOU…
Then hit play. Your heart (and your business) will thank you.
➡️ Want More Tools to Build Confidence on Camera for Photographers?
Check out this post on [photography mentorship that actually gets you results] ➡️ (Insert link to: Blog on Photography Mentorship once published)
And if you’re planning a senior session that tells a bold, unforgettable story, head to my homepage—because real confidence starts with feeling seen.
External Resources That Inspired This Episode:
- How to Build Confidence as a Photographer (PetaPixel)
- Psychology of Client Trust in Portrait Photography (Fstoppers)
- Storytelling in Photography by Annie Leibovitz (MasterClass)
Real Talk. No Fluff. Just Photography, Unfiltered.
If you’ve ever found yourself in the middle of an edit at 2 AM, questioning all your life choices—or had a client request just one more tiny edit that turned into a never-ending saga—you’re in the right place.
Hosted by photography besties Kellie Rochelle & Sarah Monson, RAW Edit is where we strip away the sugarcoating and dive into the real behind-the-scenes of running a photography business. From nightmare shoots to lighting disasters and those why-is-this-happening tech moments, we’ve seen it all—and we’re talking about it.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or still figuring out how to pose your first couple, this podcast is your go-to for raw, relatable stories and real-world advice. So grab your camera, your caffeine of choice, and let’s get into it.
🎧 Hit play and let’s get RAW.
Subscribe & download the episode to your device: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music
About Raw Edit
Hosted by Kellie Rochelle and Sarah Monson, two photographers who have been through all the highs and lows, this podcast is your safe space for honest conversations about what it actually takes to thrive in this industry.
Each week, we’re bringing you behind-the-scenes stories, industry insights, and hard-earned lessons—so you can skip the mistakes and fast-track your success!
🌐 Connect with Us:
Kellie Rochelle Photography
- Website: https://kellierochelle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellierochellephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellierochellephotography/
Sarah Monson Photography
- Website: https://smonsonphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmonsonphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahMonsonPhotography
🎧 Subscribe and Listen: If you loved this episode, subscribe to RAW Edit and never miss an unfiltered conversation!
