Mindset might be one of the most overlooked elements of building a successful business—but according to today’s guest, it runs 85% of the show. I sat down with Claire Hunt, an incredible destination wedding photographer, mentor, and podcaster, to talk about how mindset has shaped her journey from pediatric trauma nurse to full-time photographer and educator—plus mom and wife, too!
In this episode of The Sundae Best podcast, Claire shares how she kind of accidentally stumbled into photography, what it took to leave her nursing career, and the mindset shifts that helped her navigate burnout, build a business around her life, and embrace her new role as a mom. She also shares an incredible analogy that her husband shared with her. Here it is: Often, what we see of someone else’s success is just the 10% of the iceberg that’s above water—we don’t see the 90% submerged under the water.
So whether you’re feeling stuck in the “90%” of the iceberg under the water, struggling to make time for self-care, or learning how to balance life’s many hats, Claire’s practical and heartfelt advice will help you see that your mindset isn’t just a nice-to-have thing—it’s the foundation for everything else.
WHAT IS MINDSET, AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Claire defines mindset as the little voice in your head—how you talk to yourself, what you believe, and how you process challenges. Strategies are important, but without the right mindset, even the best plan can fall flat. In her words:
“You can have all the strategies, but if you don’t have a solid mindset, if you don’t prioritize growing in that daily, you’re going to set yourself back.”
She’s not talking about manifestation or “woo-woo” trends, but about creating a daily practice of self-support so you can show up as the best version of yourself.
FROM NURSING TO FULL-TIME PHOTOGRAPHY
Claire never planned to be a full-time wedding photographer. Photography began as a creative outlet from the heaviness of her nursing career, but once she started second shooting, she realized the financial and lifestyle potential it offered.
She walked us through her leap from nursing into photography:
- Facing the fear of investing in camera gear and education.
- Reverse-engineering her income and time to see what was possible.
- Believing she could always return to nursing if needed—removing the fear of “failure.”
Her motivation wasn’t just money—it was freedom, better work-life balance, and the chance to build something she loved.
FINDING (AND PROTECTING) WORK-LIFE BALANCE
After booking 33 weddings in one year, Claire burned out—losing not only her love for photography but also herself. She shares how she now approaches balance:
- Balance is created, not given. You have to decide how you’ll protect it.
- Make time for yourself. Even one hour away from your desk won’t burn your business to the ground.
- Prioritize needle-moving work. Avoid busywork that makes you feel productive but doesn’t actually drive results.
- Rediscover your hobbies. If you can’t remember what they are, write them down and make space for them again.
HOW MOTHERHOOD CHANGED HER MINDSET
Becoming a mom completely shifted Claire’s perspective on work, time, and success. She:
- Traded perfectly time-blocked days for flexible schedules that fit her son’s needs.
- Learned that “work-life balance” doesn’t have to mean strict 9–5 hours—it’s about alignment in your current season.
- Faced (and reframed) mom guilt, realizing that taking time away to work can make her a more present mom the rest of the time.
Her advice to other moms? Let go of rigid rules and allow your business to support your life, not the other way around.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES FROM CLAIRE
Books & Audiobooks
- Deeper Than Money by Chloe Elise — for shifting money mindset and aligning finances with life enjoyment.
- The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins — for overcoming people pleasing, imposter syndrome, and control struggles.
Podcasts
- All Angles Photography Podcast — Claire’s own show with 70+ episodes on business, photography, and mindset.
People
- Mindset Coach: Stacey Musgrave — approachable, non-woo guidance for reframing thoughts and building confidence.
MEET OUR GUEST: CLAIRE HUNT
Claire Hunt is a destination wedding photographer, mentor, and podcaster of All Angles Photography Podcast. She has 5 years of experience in the wedding industry and has taught hundreds of photographers how to get booked out and scale their businesses with in-depth, personalized strategy so they can work less and make more. Claire values having a heart of service and is on a mission to make sure people feel seen, known, and loved.
Alongside her dream businesses, Claire loves health and wellness, the mundane and exciting parts of life with her husband, reading all the romance and thriller novels possible, and traveling the world with her baby boy—knowing that life doesn’t stop when you have kids… it’s truly just beginning.
Connect with Claire:
- Website: clairehunt.co
- Education: education.clairehunt.co
- Instagram: @itsclairehunt
MEET YOUR HOST OF THE SUNDAE BEST
Logan Ferree – Colorado Wedding Photographer and Mentor
Hey there! I’m Logan Ferree, a Colorado-based wedding photographer, mentor, and host of The Sundae Best podcast. I’m passionate about helping fellow photographers grow successful businesses that attract dream clients and provide the freedom and flexibility we all crave.
After years of trial and error in my own business, I now share what works (and what doesn’t) to help you skip the struggle and fast-track your success. When I’m not photographing colorful, joy-filled weddings, you can find me mentoring photographers, recording podcast episodes, trying a new recipe, or exploring Colorado with my husband.
For more photography business insights and resources:
- Learn about 1:1 mentorships with me and explore business resources
- Follow me on Instagram: @the.sundae.best
- Visit our show website: thesundaebest.com
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