Welcome to the Kick Your Boots Off podcast, the show that takes you on a relaxed and insightful journey through the wedding photography & creative entrepreneurial realm. In each episode, your host Kari Tello invites talented photographers, videographers, and other creatives to kick back, unwind, and share their stories.
In this episode of Kick Your Boots Off, I sit down with my friend and fellow creative Gabriel Ramirez — a Southern Oregon-based photographer with a big heart for community, storytelling, and the kind of creativity that doesn't come from being booked out 24/7. We chat about Gabe’s journey from shooting his first wedding (paid for with the 50mm lens he shot it on), to finding purpose in styled shoots, rest, and making his creative shoot ideas actually happen (like his now-featured Leon Bridges concert session — yes, really). Check it out here (https://www.instagram.com/p/DK0Sndeh2aP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==)!
We also dig into:
What “success” actually looks like for different creatives
The real power of social media (when used intentionally)
Building community in small towns
Prioritizing diversity and representation in your portfolio
Why being not fully booked can be the biggest creative blessing
This one goes out to the homies feeling stuck, craving inspiration, or just needing a reminder that you don’t have to hustle yourself into burnout to be successful!
Follow along with him on instagram : @gabrielramirez.photo (https://www.instagram.com/gabrielramirez.photo?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
& Visit his website : https://www.gabrielramirezphotos.com (https://www.gabrielramirezphotos.com)
1 Jul 2025
015. niche me not
Photographer Meagan Forbes discusses building a sustainable photography business with host Kari Roberts, addressing burnout, pricing, and resisting the pressure to specialize, in this interview.
10 Jun 2025
014. so when do we leave the ‘friend with a camera’ era?
Kari Tello interviews Carley Hilberger about transitioning from amateur to professional photographer, exploring client boundaries and the importance of professionalism in the photography industry.
28 May 2024
013. two tall margaritas
In this unfiltered episode of KYBO Kari & special guest lil sis Emmi share some drinks & play some question games! Pre-Wedding photographer life is exposed & their MOM Cami may have been filled in on a little HS secret. A classic sister to sister tea spillin’ shit shootin’ good time.
7 May 2024
012. mentorships & real photo community
In today’s episode of KYBO Kari debriefs a recent instagram debacle about paying for mentorships vs. building real community! She gives some practical tips on why or why not you should pay for mentorship & how to put together some foundational building blocks of surrounding yourself with REAL lasting supportive community! You can follow her on instagram @karishootsfilm & don’t forget to rate & review! Thanks for listening friends!
30 Apr 2024
011. MY ELITE EMPLOYEE (q&a w eric)
In this episode of KYBO Kari chats with her husband Eric to get his Japan debrief, work updates, & answers some fun questions from instagram pals! Thanks for tuning in!
23 Apr 2024
010. just a little MIA
On this episode of KYBO Kari does a quick rewind & debriefs the last 5 months! There were some learning lessons along the way & already lots of beautiful weddings to recap! Thanks for listening!
16 Apr 2024
009. IM BACK with Titus
WE’RE BACK!!!! In this episode of KYBO Kari is joined by good pal & film extraordinaire Titus Joel (@titusjoel & titusjoel.com)! They get into Titus’ photo origin story, pros & cons of shooting analog, & LOTS of fun film tips in between! Don’t forget Kari’s inbox is always open for questions & feedback kickyourbootsoff.podcast@gmail.com & be sure to follow along with Kari’s photo work & BTS @karishootsfilm on instagram!
21 Nov 2023
008. besties in the buis with klaui varadi - part two
In today’s episode of KYBO Kari & Klaui finally get down to business! They talk through the subject of “ideal clients”, some lessons learned with building their contracts, & how they got started with pricing! Thanks for tuning in & don’t forget Kari can’t wait to receive all your questions & stories via email - kickyourbootsoff.podcast@gmail.com ! You can find Klaui on insta @klauivaradi & at www.klauivaradi.com!
14 Nov 2023
007. besties in the buis with klaui varadi - part one
*apologies for the sub-par audio, we had some technical difficulties* IN THIS EPISODE OF KYBO Kari hangs out & catches up on life with miss Klaui Varadi! (@klauivaradi on insta) These buis besties had some silly stories & work updates to catch up in this episode & are so excited to get into the beef of their anti-gatekeeping wedding photo opinions in part 2… coming next week!
7 Nov 2023
006. supporting your spouse in buis
In this episode of KYBO Kari is joined by her husband ERIC TELLO! He's back again for an episode all about the opposing dynamic of work in a typical "9-5" vs. the creative self-employed life! They talk about the beginning stages, filling the gaps in marriage for each other, & the balance of it all! There is no such thing as a perfect marriage but showing each other grace, communicating your needs, & being intentional about encouraging your partner makes it all so much easier!
31 Oct 2023
005. horror stories with eric tello
In this episode of KYBO Kari sits down with her husband Eric! They debrief their personal wedding horror story & read through anonymous wedding horror story inquiries! Join in, grab a drank, & enjoy the giggles & learning curve that comes along with the SPOOKINESS of weddings! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
24 Oct 2023
004. intentionality & shootin’ film with valerie metz
In this episode of KYBO Kari chats with her OG mentor, Valerie Metz (@mammafolk / @momsonfilm) about film, motherhood, intentionality in networking & community, & how Val navigated her growing career! Val shares some incredible insights & fun stories from her time as a wedding photographer! So kick your boots off, grab yo fave bevy, & join them for a 10/10 chat!
17 Oct 2023
003. travels + wedding hot takes
In this episode Kari debriefs her favorite travels & adventures in 2023. It’s been a wild ride so far and it’s only getting crazier to close out the year! After an exciting life update she dives into spilling her top wedding related opinions! Her biggest goal is to encourage brides & grooms to do what they want for their day & make no compromises… just stop with eucalyptus as the sole decor.
10 Oct 2023
002. humble beginnings & lasting client relationships with cambria shelley
In this episode of KYBO Kari shares some wine & giggles with her current wedding photography mentor & friend Cambria Shelley! From humble BEE-ginnings in the Central Valley, a move to the midwest & back, to becoming a true genius of capturing love stories with a growing team, Cambria shares her beautiful journey & the magic of forging genuine connections with clients & other photographers. Turns out you don’t have to take yourself too seriously to build strong client relationships, navigate the ups and downs of the industry, and grow an uber successful business.
3 Oct 2023
001. meet yo host - kari tello
Welcome to the Kick Your Boots Off Podcast, where we'll dive into the world of wedding photography & creative entrepreneurship with your host Kari Tello! In this inaugural episode, join us on a journey through Kari's lens as she unveils the story of how her love affair with capturing love stories began. We'll uncover the network of talented creatives who have played a pivotal role in her professional and personal growth & hear about all the collaborations that have shaped her artistic vision and fueled her passion!
SOCIALS//
IG: https://www.instagram.com/karishootsfilm/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/zLdcs-pK3KU
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
10 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 23 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
18
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
71
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Guest appearances
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