From Lens to Launch: Turning Passion into Profit ft. Mark Burkhalter 📸

Holly Silva
Nov 11
2 min read

This week, we sat down with photographer and videographer Mark Burkhalter — aka the guy who survived our chaotic branding shoot and somehow made us look like we have our lives together. 😂

We talked all things creative business — from transforming passion into profit to staying sane when you’re booked and busy. Mark dropped pure gold on how to keep your spark alive while running a thriving business.

✨ “The experience is the product.”

Mark said this and we immediately wrote it down in all caps. It’s not just about pretty pictures — it’s about how your client feels before, during, and after the shoot.

Here’s what he swears by for a five-star experience:

Communicate early and clearly. Set expectations before the shoot even starts.
Match the vibe. Every client, every project — different energy. Tune in.
Create comfort. When people feel relaxed, the magic happens.
Deliver what you promised (and a little extra). The follow-up is where the real loyalty lives.

💡 From Hobby to Hustle

Mark’s journey is one every entrepreneur can relate to:

You start because you love it … then one day, you realize people are willing to pay for what you love. That’s when it gets real.

He shared how he built systems, pricing confidence, and a referral-based business that lets him focus on the work he actually enjoys.

🚫 Avoiding the Creative Burnout Spiral

We all know that burnout doesn’t ask permission — it just shows up. Mark’s advice hit hard: don’t wait until you’re fried to refill your cup.

Try these:

Schedule “just-for-fun” projects every month.
Batch edit and set real boundaries on delivery timelines.
Don’t overbook. Scarcity isn’t failure — it’s self-respect.
Revisit your “why” often — especially when you’re in grind mode.

🚀 Tools, Tech & The Drone Talk

Of course, we had to nerd out on gear. We got into:

The exposure triangle (don’t worry, Mark makes it make sense).
Why lighting > equipment every single time.
The FAA rules for drone photography (yep, there are actual laws).
And how to make your brand photos stretch — from websites to reels to promo graphics.

❤️ Our Takeaway

Whether you’re behind the lens or behind a laptop, this episode is your permission slip to:

Charge what you’re worth.
Prioritize client experience over perfection.
Keep the fun in your work.

🎧 Listen now: From Lens to Launch: Turning Passion into Profit ft. Mark Burkhalter on your fav platform!

➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4pxAdQZPdOyhokrWcjrgnG?si=DgN4-M_5RC6hUa-mSejUDg ➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/126-from-lens-to-launch-turning-passion-into-profit/id1619723852?i=1000736191759 ➡️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/gcrqMLmQ6as?si=h5V8YMAPaFcINOxZ ➡️ More platforms: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/hustledup/episodes/126--From-Lens-to-Launch-Turning-Passion-into-Profit-ft--Mark-Burkhalter-e3app6t