E:8 The Secret Weapon Photographers Didn’t Know They Needed: ChatGPT

In episode 8 of the Raw Edit Podcast we are talking about the secret tool every photographers needs to be using, ChatGPT (or as we lovingly call it, Buddy). Whether you’re already using it or avoiding it like a red flag inquiry, this tool can save you literal hours and help you grow a business that feels less chaotic and more in control.

We get it. AI sounds intimidating. You might be thinking, “I don’t have time to learn another thing.” But hear us out—once you see what it can do, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

We’re breaking it all down in this episode:

• Why AI is your new best friend (it’s not taking your job, promise)
• How it fits into your current workflow
• How to write prompts that actually get results

Whether you’re stuck writing blog posts, need help with email replies, or want social captions that don’t sound like a robot wrote them—Buddy’s got you.

First Things First: ChatGPT Is Not Coming for Your Job

There are 97 million AI-related jobs expected to be created soon, and 82% of photographers are already using AI for things like editing and culling. The reality? AI isn’t here to replace photographers. It’s here to help us be more creative and efficient. Tools like AfterShoot and Imagen can cull and edit photos 10,000 times faster than we can. That’s not just helpful—it’s revolutionary.

Why We Call It Buddy

ChatGPT is a mouthful. Buddy? Easy. And honestly, that’s how it feels—like a reliable assistant who just gets you. The paid version remembers your voice, your goals, your offers… even your favorite way to say no to a client. Trust us, it’s worth the $20/month investment.

Real Ways We Use ChatGPT Every Single Day

Here’s how we’re making AI work for us:

• Writing blog posts on the drive home (literally, talk-to-text style!)
• Drafting nurture sequences for photographers
• Writing social media captions and email replies
• Creating Facebook ads and website copy
• Building vision boards, marketing plans, and identifying client avatars
• Organizing ChatGPT projects into folders for senior sessions, brand content, and more

Need a Pinterest pin? Done. A reel hook? No problem. An under-eye concealer rec? You bet.

How to Write a Good Prompt

A bad prompt: “Write a social media caption for a senior session.” A great prompt: “Write a 1500-character caption in a bold, emotional tone about a senior session in the badlands. Include a CTA to book for next year, and mention the warm golden light.”

See the difference? More detail = better results. You can even ask ChatGPT to write in your tone of voice, follow SEO guidelines, or get a little unhinged if that’s your vibe.

Bonus Tip: Ask ChatGPT to Learn You

When you first start using it, ask: “What do you need to know about my business to help me write blogs/social content/emails?” It’ll ask you questions, and once you answer, it remembers everything. It becomes your business BFF.

One More Thing…

We’re not gatekeeping around here. Sarah sends out a free weekly ChatGPT prompt for photographers every Tuesday morning, join the list. It’s packed with ideas for how to use AI in your biz—from organizing your prompts to writing carousel posts. You can sign up here to get on the list.

Listen to the Full Episode

Ready to hear all the details? Tune in to Episode 8 of RAW Edit Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and learn how investing in education and community can transform your photography business.What’s your favorite photography community or educational resource? Let us know in the comments!

Learn more about the Raw Edit Podcast