Ted Sandeen Photography: Through the Lens, Capturing the Climb

In this episode of Share Your Rise, Katie and Bree sit down with photographer Ted "Teddy" Sandeen, owner of a thriving high school senior and sports photography business, to talk about risk, reinvention, and resilience. Teddy opens up about growing up on an Iowa farm during the farming crisis, the moment his dad told him to find an easier path in life, and how a chance encounter with a badly designed sports poster ("Be the Pig") sparked the idea that grew into his photography business. He shares the story of quitting his job to go all-in on entrepreneurship, the mountain of demand that followed his first big break, and the mentors — from an English teacher to his own father — who shaped his path. The conversation goes deep into loss and perspective, including the family's experience with tragedy surrounding the birth of his son, Maverick, and how it led to his guiding mantra: "Make room for your gift so your gift can make room for you." Teddy, Katie, and Bree unpack what that mantra really means, how to identify your own gift, and why success doesn't have to mean scaling to millions — it can mean building a business and life that fits. Topics covered: • Growing up in a farming family during the 1980s–90s farm crisis • Turning a photography side hustle into a full-time business • The "Be the Pig" story behind his sports photography niche • Losing a child and finding strength through work and purpose • The mantra: "Make room for your gift so it can make room for you" • Balancing business growth with family life and personal values • Advice for his son Thor and the next generation Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode! This podcast is produced by Elevada Worldwide. For more great content, visit elevadaworldwide.com