The Business Focused Photographer Podcast

The conversation delves into the experiences and challenges of running a photography business, including the competitive nature of the industry, pricing strategies, and the transition from a previous career to photography. It also explores the complexities of managing a business, the impact of personal circumstances on business decisions, and the training and preparation required for a career in photography. The conversation covers Kate's career growth, transition to health insurance, work-life balance, motherhood, transition to full-time photography, client acquisition, photography sales model, client relationships, pricing, client expectations, communication, and photography style and approach. The conversation covers the speaker's photography journey, mentorship, community collaboration, workday structure, productivity, mini sessions, and business strategy. The conversation covers various aspects of photography, including sessions, backdrops, gear, education, and career insights. It concludes with a lightning round of fun questions and a warm farewell. Takeaways Navigating the competitive nature of the photography industry Challenges of pricing and business sustainability Career growth and transitions are essential for personal and professional development. Effective client communication and setting expectations are crucial for client satisfaction. Mentorship and community collaboration are valuable for professional growth. Effective time management and productivity are essential for balancing work and family life. Mini sessions can be a lucrative business strategy, but trends and competition should be carefully considered. Photography sessions and backdrops require careful planning and consideration. Investing in high-quality photography gear is essential for professional photographers. Continuous education and career development are crucial for success in the photography industry. Chapters 00:00 Photography Business Realizations 06:01 Challenges of Running a Photography Business 14:02 Transitioning to Photography Career 21:57 Career Transition and Training 27:28 Work-Life Balance and Motherhood 34:24 Photography Sales Model 44:15 Client Relationships and Pricing 49:13 Photography Journey and Mentorship 01:04:58 Mini Sessions and Business Strategy 01:13:22 Photography Gear and Equipment 01:21:18 Photography Education and Career

Scott Wydan Kivowitz shares his journey of discovering and transitioning to surprise proposal photography, managing client demand, pricing and market dynamics, planning and execution of surprise proposals, and client onboarding and lead management. The conversation covers topics such as the planning and efficiency of proposal photography, the conversion rate and booking success, inclusivity in the portfolio, diversity and representation, gear and equipment, business strategies and referrals, and a lighthearted lightning round. The conversation covers the art of proposal photography, experiences with live performances, extravagant proposal stories, challenges and lessons learned, photography gear and tools, and favorite places and memories. Takeaways Transitioning to a niche can lead to unexpected success Balancing client demand and capacity is crucial for sustainable growth Efficient planning is crucial for proposal photography success. Inclusivity and diversity in the portfolio are important for representing a wide range of clients. The importance of planning and creativity in proposal photography The value of historical and meaningful locations for photography Chapters 00:00 Discovering the Niche 06:03 Managing Client Demand 11:59 Planning and Execution 24:50 Client Onboarding and Lead Management 30:07 Planning and Efficiency 40:13 Gear and Equipment 52:01 Business Strategies and Referrals 59:58 The Art of Proposal Photography 01:10:33 Photography Gear and Tools 01:17:05 Favorite Places and Memories

Lucy Dumas, an award-winning photographer, discusses the evolution of the photography business and the importance of printed artwork in photography sales. She also shares insights on seasonality in the photography business and her approach to offering digitals and client-centered sales. The conversation covers the personalized approach to photography sales, emphasizing in-person sales, building emotional connections, personalized art and design process, pricing strategy, handling objections, consultation advantages, priming for purchase, guiding client's perception, refining product list, transitioning to in-person sales, product offerings, canvas and framed wall art preference, and alternative career interests in teaching, coaching, and flower arranging. Takeaways Client-centered sales Evolution of photography industry Personalized approach In-person sales Chapters 00:00 Offering Digitals and Sales Approach 28:58 Building Emotional Connection and Trust 34:34 Consultation Location and Advantages 41:28 Transitioning to In-Person Sales from Online Galleries 47:36 Canvas and Framed Wall Art Preference

Leah O'Connell shares her journey from a mall studio photographer to a successful family photographer and business coach. She emphasizes the importance of simplicity and sustainability in business, highlighting the need to avoid overcomplicating the client experience. The conversation covers the importance of client experience and marketing, simplifying client offers and business processes, the role of systems and automation in business, and the significance of consistency and simplicity in business operations. Takeaways Photography journey and early career experiences shape the foundation of a successful photography business. Simplicity and sustainability are key to a successful photography business, avoiding overcomplication and unnecessary additions. Client experience should be thoughtful and purposeful, avoiding unnecessary trinkets and gifts that do not align with the brand or client needs. Client experience is a key asset in marketing Simplifying business processes leads to more efficient operations Chapters 00:00 Photography Journey and Early Career 10:03 Simplification and Sustainability in Business 24:54 Client Experience and Overcomplication 30:00 Client Experience and Marketing 41:42 Systems and Automation for Business 54:12 Consistency and Simplicity in Business

Cassie Torres, a former wedding photographer turned copywriter, shares her journey from photography to copywriting, her battle with breast cancer, and her insights on AI-generated copy. She emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling and client-centered copywriting. The conversation covers the importance of storytelling in photography, the impact of AI-generated content, the significance of authentic and human communication, and the value of transparency and simplicity in marketing. It also explores the use of emojis, punctuation, and website flow to connect with clients on a human level. Takeaways Authentic storytelling is key to connecting with clients. AI-generated copy lacks authenticity and individuality. Client interviews and feedback are valuable sources for creating authentic and compelling copy. Storytelling is a powerful tool for photographers to connect with clients and create a unique brand. Authentic and human communication is essential for building trust and connecting with clients on a personal level. Transparency, simplicity, and guiding clients through the process are key to establishing trust and providing exceptional service. Chapters 00:00 From Photographer to Copywriter 06:19 The Impact of Breast Cancer 36:14 The Power of Storytelling in Photography 45:37 The Importance of Authentic and Human Communication Instagram : https://instagram.com/cassietorresct Cringefest to Clear Choice : https://stan.store/CassieTorres/p/cringefest-to-clear-choice Not Just Another Photographer : https://stan.store/CassieTorres/p/not-just-another-photographer

The conversation covers the transition to photography from other careers, the impact of family background on career choices, the concept of documentary family photography, and the transition to in-person sales for photography services. The conversation covers the transition to in-person sales, client communication and education, the evolution of business and pricing, and mentorship and education in photography. It explores the challenges and benefits of these aspects, providing valuable insights for photographers looking to make similar transitions and improvements in their businesses. Takeaways Transition to photography from other careers Impact of family background on career choices Transition to in-person sales Client communication and education Evolution of business and pricing Mentorship and education in photography Chapters 00:00 Transition to Photography 11:46 Documentary Family Photography 23:26 Transition to In-Person Sales 37:23 Client Communication and Education 44:02 Evolution of Business and Pricing 59:46 Mentorship and Education in Photography

The conversation delves into the world of family photography, focusing on managing chaos and utilizing early childhood education skills in photography. It explores the transition from education to photography, the proactive approach to family photography, preparation and communication with clients, setting the stage for chaos, and the session day and dealing with chaos. The conversation delves into the importance of meeting kids where they're at, recognizing cues, and pivoting during photography sessions. It also provides valuable tips for managing chaos and discusses an upcoming course that aims to transform family photography businesses. The lightning round offers insights and fun facts about the guest. Takeaways Managing chaos in family photography Utilizing early childhood education skills in photography Flexibility is key Understanding children's needs Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Family Photography 05:25 Proactive Approach to Family Photography 13:11 Setting the Stage for Chaos 18:28 Session Day and Dealing with Chaos 28:52 Meeting Kids Where They're At 35:13 Recognizing Cues and Pivoting 41:10 Lightning Round: Insights and Fun Facts

The conversation covers Luca Bartman's journey from neurobiology to destination photography, the challenges of destination photography, client acquisition and marketing, and pricing and travel logistics. It provides insights into the strategic planning and preparation required for destination photography and the importance of building a destination portfolio for booking clients. The conversation covers topics such as open-mindedness towards different cities, learning from early mistakes in photography, the lifestyle of a destination photographer, and photography gear and travel tips. It provides insights into the challenges and rewards of being a destination photographer, as well as the importance of mentorship and learning from experience. Takeaways Destination photography requires strategic planning and preparation Building a destination portfolio is essential for booking destination clients Open-mindedness towards different cities Learning from early mistakes in photography Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Photography 05:27 Client Acquisition and Marketing 24:03 Pricing and Travel Logistics 31:42 Learning from Mistakes 43:14 Photography Gear and Travel Tips

Maria Ortiz, a luxury senior photographer and business coach, shares insights into the world of luxury photography and the reasons behind building a luxury senior photography business. The conversation delves into the essence of luxury, the impact of premium pricing, and the importance of control and boundaries in the photography business. The conversation delves into the world of niche photography, particularly focusing on the experience of photographing teenagers. It explores the use of a detailed questionnaire to create a safe and supportive space for teens, the transition from weddings and families to seniors, and the luxury photography experience provided to clients. The discussion also highlights the photographer's journey in finding her niche and the impact of her high school experiences on her approach to teen photography. Takeaways Luxury is a feeling Creating an exclusive and personalized experience Effective communication and understanding the client's story Teen photography questionnaire Niche photography Creating a safe space for teens Luxury photography experience Chapters 00:00 Control and Boundaries 28:25 Teen Photography Questionnaire and Experience 35:00 Luxury Photography Experience 45:31 Creating a Safe Space for Teens

The conversation with Casey Thornton delves into the concept of alignment in business and photography, exploring the importance of authenticity, setting boundaries, and finding joy in the work. Casey shares insights on niching down, the significance of early motherhood photography, and the value of connecting with clients on a deeper level. She also discusses the challenges and rewards of aligning work with personal values and priorities. Casey Thornton shares her journey from dental hygienist to successful photographer and educator, emphasizing the importance of alignment, profitability, and community in her work. She provides valuable insights on finding a market, setting boundaries, and the cyclical nature of business. Takeaways Authenticity and joy are key components of aligned work Setting boundaries and holding to them is essential for alignment Connecting with clients on a deeper level enhances the alignment of the work Niching down can lead to a more aligned and fulfilling business Early motherhood photography holds significant meaning and value for both the photographer and the clients Alignment and profitability go hand in hand Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining alignment The cyclical nature of business requires patience and trust Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Alignment 36:42 Defining Aligned Work 43:13 From Dental Hygienist to Photographer 49:22 The Intersection of Alignment and Profitability 56:00 The Importance of Community and Connection 01:12:08 The Comfort and Healing of Photography

Leah Carter shares her journey of starting a studio rental business, from finding the right space to managing operations and building a positive community culture. She discusses the legal and insurance considerations, security measures, revenue generation, and the impact on her overall photography business. Leah's approach to creating a welcoming and supportive community space has contributed to the success of her studio rental business. Leah Carter discusses her studio's tech stack and equipment, including the use of a lock, scheduling, lighting, and props. She also shares insights on security measures, rental responsibilities, and her personal photography preferences. Additionally, she provides information on mentorship and education opportunities for photographers. Takeaways Studio rental business requires careful consideration of legal, insurance, and security aspects. Building a positive community culture and mindset can contribute to the success of a studio rental business. Revenue from studio rentals can significantly impact the overall profitability of a photography business. Understanding the importance of studio security and rental regulations Insights into studio amenities and photography preferences https://www.leahslens.photography/suitegstudio/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Studio Rentals 05:23 Building Confidence in Studio Rental Business 10:32 Security and Access Control 16:01 Managing Studio Rental Operations 21:25 Privacy and Location of Studio 27:05 Community Mindset and Business Growth 38:32 Lock and Security 45:16 Studio Amenities

Jamie Bugby King, a PNW family photographer, shares her successful strategy of targeting other destinations for photography and marketing to those areas. She discusses her SEO prowess, the challenges of balancing work and family, and the process of creating different homepages for various locations. She also emphasizes the importance of high-touch experiences and the use of automations to enhance customer service and communication. The conversation covers topics such as website building, SEO, blogging, and the use of specific tools for website optimization. It also delves into the challenges of unexpected success, the impact on homepage design, and the importance of user experience in SEO. Takeaways SEO Prowess Balancing Work and Family SEO Strategy User Experience Website Optimization Chapters 00:00 Targeting Other Destinations 07:30 Creating Different Homepages 28:31 Website Building and SEO Tools 40:03 SEO and User Experience Relationship www.jaimebugbee.com www.jaimebugbeephotography.com

The conversation explores the integration of political beliefs into branding, the evolution of personal political ideology, and the impact of political awareness on marketing. It delves into the importance of content with a backbone, standing behind one's values, and the significance of human-to-human conversation in fostering empathy and understanding. The conversation delves into the complexities of political expression, addressing the tribalism of politics, the impact on business, the integrity of expression, the power of political expression, the challenge of political facts, the influence of political marketing, the importance of conviction in expression, focused political expression, and the impact of political alignment. The conversation covered a range of topics including celebrity love, political preferences, favorite Taylor Swift album, concept albums, pet stories, photography gear and preferences, favorite non-photography software, snowy state preferences, beach vs. pool, New York vs. LA, and podcast host vs. guest. Takeaways Integrating political beliefs into branding Evolution of personal political ideology Political expression has a significant impact on branding and audience connection. The importance of integrity and conviction in political expression cannot be overstated. Insights into personal preferences and experiences Exploration of photography gear and software preferences Chapters 00:00 Integrating Political Beliefs into Branding 06:05 Evolution of Political Identity 11:11 Impact of Political Awareness 18:48 Content with a Backbone 26:19 Human-to-Human Conversation 31:41 The Tribalism of Politics 39:17 The Integrity of Political Expression 46:00 The Influence of Political Marketing 55:27 Focused Political Expression 01:00:53 Celebrity Love and Political Preferences 01:07:14 Photography Gear and Preferences 01:15:13 Snowy State Preferences and Beach vs. Pool

The conversation explores the strategic approach to building a business from scratch in 2026, focusing on intentional planning, portfolio building, online presence, pricing strategy, and marketing. It provides insights into the challenges and strategies for new artists and small business owners, emphasizing the importance of client experience, networking, and brand alignment with personal values. Takeaways Building a business from scratch in 2026 Strategic and intentional business planning Chapters 00:00 Starting a Business in 2012 10:12 Establishing Online Presence 16:29 Marketing and Networking

The conversation explores the establishment of a referral partnership between Lydia and Nicole, addressing the challenges in the photography industry, formalizing the partnership, pricing, mentorship, logistics, trust, the difference between referral partnership and associate photographer, conversion rate, and client interaction. The key takeaways emphasize the success and importance of referral partnerships, as well as the significance of effective communication and trust in such collaborations. Takeaways Referral partnerships can be a successful and mutually beneficial collaboration Effective communication and trust are essential in referral partnerships Referral partnerships can be a form of customer service and trust is essential in such collaborations. Adobe Camera Raw is a preferred editing tool for some photographers, offering a streamlined workflow without the need for catalogs. Chapters 00:00 Establishing the Partnership 05:50 Challenges in the Photography Industry 12:07 Pricing and Mentorship 16:51 Logistics and Trust 21:52 Referral Partnership vs. Associate Photographer 30:30 Vetting and Sussing Out Leads 37:46 Client Acquisition Cost and Referral Fees 47:24 Photography Gear and Shooting Preferences

The conversation delves into the challenges of running a luxury photography business in a rural area, addressing the conundrum of defining luxury in a non-luxury environment. It explores marketing strategies, high-touch customer experiences, business models, pricing challenges, and the gradual pivot to a luxury business. The discussion also touches on the realities of client loss and the gradual transition to higher pricing. The conversation delves into the value of the photography experience and the challenges of marketing to a luxury target in a rural area. It also explores the perception of higher price service providers in the local industry and the transition to a higher price point. Takeaways Rural luxury business challenges Pricing and positioning in a rural area Value of the photography experience Navigating client preferences Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rural Luxury Business 06:06 Marketing and SEO Strategies 17:04 Challenges and Realities of Pricing 26:08 Pivoting to a Luxury Business 32:20 The Value of the Photography Experience 48:04 Perception of Higher Price Service Providers in Local Industry 55:18 Transitioning to a Higher Price Point

Guest: Aislinn McKenna, former luxury wedding photographer turned multiple six figure coach (Colorado based) We Discuss: Why “more money in the hands of good people” matters The difference between money mindset and financial literacy (and why you need both) Weekly money dates and “normalizing” the number in your bank account Redefining what “zero” means so you move differently Why photographers get stuck in industry narratives (feast or famine, “booking is weird,” etc.) The unsexy basics that create confidence: cost of doing business, cost per client, projections, CAC Practicing your numbers out loud so you can say them without flinching How to raise prices with repeat clients without creating resentment How to make more money without simply raising prices (offer suite shifts, tiers, client exclusive days) TLDR: If you don’t know your numbers, it’s hard to stand behind your prices. If you do know your numbers, confidence becomes a skill you can practice. You don’t have to burn down your business to make it more profitable. You can restructure your offer suite so it’s a win for you and a win for your clients. Links + Resources: Find Aislinn: Instagram @aislinneileencoaching Website: aislinneileen.com

Guest: Hayley Fisk, Beauty and Product Photographer and Videographer, LA Founder of The Anxious Photog Represented by Rebel Brand Management We Discuss: Hayley’s path from art school to commercial photography How retouching shaped her shooting career and helped her become an all in one creative Why she pivoted away from fashion clients and built a home studio right before the pandemic How remote shooting became a scalable business model for product and beauty work Budget reality in commercial photography and why “a big budget” disappears fast Talent sourcing, production partners, and how inclusive casting actually works with brands The importance of being calm and grounded on set Life coaching vs therapy and how mindset impacts marketing and outreach Spec work and portfolio alignment as the fastest path to better clients AI fears, real world usage by brands, and how photographers can respond without denial What success looks like now, including retainers and long term partnerships TLDR: Hayley built her business by creating the work first, then pitching it like it was already real client work Remote product photography can work almost anywhere if you have systems and can earn trust A calm, confident presence is part of the product when brands are spending serious money Mindset affects everything, especially your ability to market and sell without desperation AI is already here, so the move is learning how to use it well and integrating it strategically Resources: Hayley’s photography site: www.hayleyfisk.com Hayley’s coaching site: theanxiousphotog.com Instagram: @hayleyfiskphoto

Episode Title: The Human Algorithm: Networking as a Photographer with Tiffany Crenshaw Guest: Tiffany Crenshaw, Animal House Photography, North Alabama We Discuss: Why Tiffany calls networking “the human algorithm” and why it still beats chasing social media trends How her background as a second grade teacher shaped her relationship building skills (and her business success) Moving to Alabama on March 1, 2020 and building momentum anyway through virtual coffee dates The “client adjacent” strategy: building relationships with doulas, small business owners, and other connector people How one small market turned into years of high value repeat clients (including a $6,000 family purchase) Why people skills matter as much as photo skills, and how client experience starts before the session even happens What actually works at booths and vendor events: samples, albums, wall art, and making your setup stop traffic Using QR codes and email list tags to track where leads come from and follow up intentionally Getting creative with in person visibility: iPhone photo classes, beginner camera workshops, pop ups, and client events How Tiffany thinks about quarterly goals for in person networking and how she audits events before committing Real talk about confidence dips after price increases and why timing matters (January vs fall) Tiffany’s membership model and how repeat clients create predictable income and less work TLDR: Tiffany Crenshaw breaks down why in person networking is one of the most underrated marketing strategies for photographers. From coffee dates with “client adjacent” professionals to vendor events, workshops, and client appreciation experiences, Tiffany shares practical ways to become top of mind in your community without relying on algorithms. If you want more aligned clients, better referrals, and a marketing strategy that actually feels sustainable, this one will hit. Resources: Follow Tiffany’s business education on Instagram: @TiffanyCrenshawEdu See Tiffany’s photography work: Animal House Photography Tiffany’s group coaching program: Booked and Balanced (starts January 8)

Episode Title: How I Built This with Rachel Larsen Weaver Guest: Rachel Larsen Weaver, Family Photographer (Long-Form Sessions), Washington, DC area We Discuss: Rachel’s early career in restaurants and teaching and how those skills translated into photography Starting photography through blogging and realizing “documenting” is different than being hired to lead and create images Building a business without a template and why that actually helped her develop a distinct voice The 2019 educational turning point that clarified her creative direction Why mini sessions flopped for her and how that failure pointed her toward long-form sessions instead How long-form sessions took off and became a defining offer in her business Navigating mentorship, including a harmful experience that shaped her commitment to inclusive, affirming work Choosing educators and coaches wisely and why “great photographer” doesn’t always equal “great teacher” The role pricing plays in attracting aligned clients and protecting the experience Why she shoots almost exclusively on film now, and how that supports her workflow and profitability Hiring an assistant and how that changed her capacity, consistency, and creative energy The “loving gaze” concept and how she trains her eye and heart to see people with depth and dignity Lightning round topics: systems, film preferences, business decisions, time freedom vs financial freedom TLDR: Rachel built her business by getting her reps in, honing her voice, and making offers that match how she actually likes to work. A mini-session flop became a turning point that pushed her toward long-form sessions, which booked fast and fit her clients better. Pricing, clarity in marketing, and a values-forward approach helped her attract clients who are invested in the experience. Shooting film and outsourcing scanning simplifies her workflow so she can spend more time photographing and marketing. The way she sees people is not accidental. It’s practiced, intentional, and foundational to the work. Resources: Learn more about Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/rachel.larsen.weaver/ Book mentioned: Beauty: The Invisible Embrace by John O’Donohue