Stay ConnectedWelcome to The Bokeh Podcast, where we help photographers build sustainable businesses!
Host Nathan Holritz and his guests will help you build your brand, focus your marketing efforts, refine your workflows, and dial in your photographic technique – all with efficiency in mind.
In the end, we not only want you to succeed as a photography business owner, but to still have a life through it all.
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Copyright: © Copyright Photographer's Edit
Why is the conversation about money and pricing so complicated? Did you play the guessing game when it came to determining your pricing strategy when starting your business?
Dr. Tomayia Colvin is changing that conversation. Check out episode 547 of The Bokeh Podcast to hear how simple pricing for photography can truly be! Just 3 simple steps to determine your baseline price? Yep, that's all it takes.
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer. You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Brand Position (3:15)
Creating a great customer experience (20:45)
Technique for time management (25:45)
Outsourcing/Delegation (29:56)
Book recommendation (33:25)
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
How did Tomayia learn the strategy of pricing for her photography business? (38:35)
Why is the conversation about pricing complicated? (42:24)
What can be done to change the perception of money/pricing in the industry? (44:55)
How can photographers adjust to serve the larger population? (52:40)
What questions should photographers ask before setting their pricing? (54:57)
1. Determine your monthly expenses to set your baseline needs
2. Determine how many sessions you have time to shoot each month
3. Set pricing by taking the total amount that you need to make and divide it by the # of sessions you can shoot = per session price is established!
Links:
https://www.charitywater.org
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tomayiacolvineducation/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/masteryourmint/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/masteryourmint/
https://www.tomayiacolvineducation.com
https://tomayiacolvineducation.com/pricing-calculator
https://instagram.com/tomayiacolvin
https://instagram.com/thephotocookout
https://www.fundydesigner.com/
Text "showmethemoney" to (833) 562-0499
Are you looking for an additional stream of income in your photography business? And even better, one that doesn't require a lot of extra time?
Aubrey Westlund joins us for episode 546 of The Bokeh Photography Podcast to share how stock photography not only supplements her photography business with a consistent revenue stream, but also provided the main source of income during the pandemic! Listen in as she explains the significance of the genre in our current market, and the steps to take to add this specialty to your bag of tricks!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer and Miilu: The Simplest Way to Create and Manage Timelines and Shot Lists for the Events You’re Photographing. You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Brand Position (4:35)
Creating a great customer experience (6:07)
Technique for time management (10:45)
Outsourcing/Delegation (14:32)
Book Recommendation (15:48)
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz
https://www.bokehbookshelf.com
Favorite Piece of Gear (18:50)
Pentax 645
What brought Aubrey to stock photography? (21:25)
How do contracts have to change when selling stock photography? (24:14)
Is stock photography a viable business? (26:19)
Should photographers start with royalty-free stock photo sites? (29:17)
What questions should photographers ask when considering entering the stock photography arena? (30:51)
1. Is the stock agency you're looking to work with a good fit for you and your goals?
2. What is going to motivate you to create enough images for your portfolio?
Steps photographers should take to enter the stock photography genre (35:00)
1. Choose the right agency
2. Upload anything that you can (high volume)
3. Understand the guidelines of the agency
4. Pay attention to what is selling and use that data to bulk up your portfolio
5. Stay consistent in shooting and uploading
Links:
https://www.charitywater.org
https://instagram.com/aubreywestlund
https://www.aubreywestlund.com
https://www.offset.com
https://www.photocase.com
Aubrey's little black book of stock photo agencies:
https://www.aubreywestlund.com/lbb
Are you overwhelmed with all the moving pieces of your photography business? Do you feel like you're ALWAYS in front of the computer to finish one more thing - and missing out on the freedom that you thought was part of owning your own business?
Make sure to listen in to episode 545 for principles, tips, and tricks to help you dial in your workflow and get more time back in your life! Ethan Righter and host, Nathan Holritz dive into conversation to understand the root of the overwhelm in Ethan's workflow, and explore steps to improve efficiency, productivity, and profit!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer and Miilu: The Simplest Way to Create and Manage Timelines and Shot Lists for the Events You’re Photographing. You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Details of Ethan's Photography business (5:05)
What does Ethan's typical workday look like? (7:38)
Primary goal of Ethan's desire to streamline workflow (10:15)
To have more time for growing his business - shoot more and edit less!
The most time-consuming elements of Ethan's business (13:08)
1. email
2. editing
Tips for streamlining email and client communication workflow (19:30)
Time-saving tips for editing (48:30)
Links:
https://www.righterportraits.com
instagram.com/schoolkidpix
instagram.com/righterportraits
Calendar and email resources:
https://calendly.com
https://unroll.me
https://textexpander.com
CRM Recommendations:
https://honeybook.com
https://shootproof.com
Have you ever wondered what happened with our former Brand Position Consultation guests following their episodes? Did they make changes to their brand position statement, website, or marketing efforts that resulted in growth for their business?
You're in luck! Our new series, "Where Are They Now?" welcomes back some of our former Brand Position Consultation guests so that we can check in to hear all of the details! In episode 544 of The Bokeh Podcast, Whitney Smith is back to share how the changes she made helped to triple her revenue for her part-time photography business!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer and Miilu: The Simplest Way to Create and Manage Timelines and Shot Lists for the Events You’re Photographing. You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
What is a brand position consultation episode? (3:00)
Description of Whitney's business at the time of the brand position consultation on the Bokeh Podcast (4:03)
New Brand Position Statement created following the Brand Position episode: (6:35)
The most fun you'll have in front of a camera! Lit photography for Midland teens and seniors!
What were your 2-3 biggest takeaways from the brand position consultation? (8:54)
1. Make sure to focus on who you're talking to in your brand position - speak directly to your client
2. Carry that message throughout all marketing strategies for consistency
How does Whitney bring the "fun" to her sessions in order to follow through on the messaging? (14:32)
How did the changes with your brand position create growth in your business? (16:54)
In one sentence, how would you sum up the significance of a strong brand position to those photography business owners listening in? (19:16)
"If you're not using the right language and speaking to specific people, they won't find you! It is so, so important to speak their language so that you stand out!"
Links:
https://charitywater.org
https://dandelionseniors.com
https://instagram.com/dandelionphotog
Whitney's Brand Position Consultation Episode:
https://www.photographersedit.com/bokeh-podcast/episodes/brand-position-whitney-smith/
Hearing opinions and critical feedback from others can sometimes be uncomfortable. But seeking and receiving actionable constructive criticism can truly help you improve your practice and grow your business!
In episode 543 of The Bokeh Podcast, Anna Wright shares strategies for not only how to seek constructive criticism for your business, but how to find the right person to provide that feedback to you! Listen in to hear her steps for connecting with a mentor and creating the expectations for the feedback process.
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer and Miilu: The Simplest Way to Create and Manage Timelines and Shot Lists for the Events You’re Photographing. You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Brand Position (3:20)
Creating a great customer experience (6:37)
Technique for time management (9:06)
1. Outsourcing
2. Virtual Assistant
How to best communicate when outsourcing/delegating (11:30)
Book Recommendation (14:40)
Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
Why constructive criticism is so important to Anna in her business (17:19)
Why should photography business owners care about this type of feedback? (20:11)
Anna's explanation of the difference between constructive criticism and opinions? (22:47)
How can photographers seek out the right people to give constructive criticism? (25:12)
1. Find someone who knows and is invested in your business
2. Ensure the person is trained in providing feedback/constructive criticism in the field
3. Ask for specific, actionable feedback/constructive criticism relative to your business
How should photographers approach the conversations asking for constructive feedback? (33:14)
How do photographers filter the feedback to determine what is valuable? (35:13)
Links:
https://www.charitywater.org
https://www.annakayphotography.net
https://www.instagram.com/annakay.photography
Anna's 1st Bokeh Podcast Episode 329:
https://www.photographersedit.com/bokeh-podcast/episodes/fully-booked-in-2-years/
Free checklist for qualifying feedback:
https://view.flodesk.com/pages/61dfa3496758a3ddd643efe5
Are you consistently searching for how to best market your photography business? Do you try all of the latest trends on social media and follow what everyone else is doing only to feel like you're spinning your wheels, and doing it alone?
Katelyn Workman is here for episode 542 of The Bokeh Podcast to bring us back to the basics with marketing - build a community and engage authentically! Listen in to hear principles driving this philosophy, as well as 3 simple steps that photographers can take to start building community today!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer and Miilu: The Simplest Way to Create and Manage Timelines and Shot Lists for the Events You’re Photographing. You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Brand Position (2:37)
Creating a great customer experience (5:23)
Technique for time management (9:35)
Outsourcing/Delegation (15:10)
Book Recommendation (22:38)
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
Favorite piece of gear (30:00)
Canon 85 1.4
How did Katelyn connect her love of connecting with people with marketing? (33:45)
What is the benefit of community for a photography business? (36:31)
Steps to building community (40:58)
1. Blogging on a regular basis
2. Instagram - use IG to connect with others in the industry AND use IG stories to share about you
3. Attend or host in-person events to connect with others in the industry
4. Be persistent
What principles should photographers keep in mind when marketing to a community (50:05)
1. Serve before selling
2. Be honest and practice "real" authentic communication
3. Be consistent
What are the next steps photographers can take to begin building community (54:45)
1. Show up on stories authentically
2. Make a list of vendors to connect with
3. Create a piece of content that provides value
Links:
https://www.charitywater.org
https://katelynworkmanphotography.com
https://instagram.com/katelynworkmanphotography
https://thriftbooks.com
How can a photographer set an intimate tone during a session in order to create emotionally evocative images? Robert Hill says, "To capture intimacy, you must create intimacy."
Robert joins us for episode 540 of The Bokeh Podcast to explain the necessary steps photographers must take to create a sense of vulnerability and intimacy with couples in order to capture an image that is not only beautiful, but emotionally driven. Listen in to hear his tips for how to create this environment of trust and openness with clients.
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer and Miilu: The Simplest Way to Create and Manage Timelines and Shot Lists for the Events You’re Photographing. You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Creating a great customer experience (6:50)
Technique for time management (17:12)
Outsourcing/Delegation (26:53)
Book Recommendations (33:30)
The Answer to How is Yes by Peter Block
Favorite piece of gear (35:55)
Mamiya C330
What is meant by Robert's statement "to capture intimacy, you must create intimacy"? (42:23)
What does the word "intimacy" mean to Robert? (46:46)
How does Robert create a sense of trust and safety for his clients? (55:30)
Where is the balance between vulnerability and over-sharing? (1:00:25)
What does it mean to encourage intimacy with couples during a shoot? (1:05:00)
Robert's tips for how to capture emotionally evocative images:
1. Build a Relationship
2. Cultivate trust
3. Create safety
4. Encourage them
5. Direct, don't pose
Links:
https://www.charitywater.org
https://robertjhill.com
https://instagram.com/robertjhill
Robert's First Bokeh Podcast Interview:
https://www.photographersedit.com/bokeh-podcast/episodes/reason-behind-what-we-do/
Robert's Book - Poser:
http://education.robertjhill.com/free-book
Robert's Work Less Make More FB Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/worklessmakemore
Bokeh Photo Conference:
https://www.photographersedit.com/bokeh-photo-conference/
Are you tired of trying to hit the reset button every year with big, unsustainable goals - only to fall off the wagon within weeks? Nathan Holritz, CEO at Photographer's Edit and host of The Bokeh Podcast, has a healthy, more sustainable solution for you - not only for 2022 but for years to come. Listen in to episode 540 and let Nathan encourage you to have a healthier, stronger start to your year!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer and Miilu: The Simplest Way to Create and Manage Timelines and Shot Lists for the Events You’re Photographing. You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
What New Year's resolutions usually are (3:42)
A New Year's resolutions alternative (5:16)
Nathan's introduction to the application of values to our lives: (Re)Awaken the Giant Within, by Tony Robbins (7:55)
Definition of values (11:58)
Values - Our most important states of being that bring us a deep sense of happiness and fulfillment
How to establish your values (16:34)
How to live your values (29:19)
Nathan's values:
Healthy - Any time I take care of my body in a way that helps me stay lean, feeling alert, and feeling energetic, food is fuel and sleep is king
Growing - Any time I've learned or tried something new, or pushed myself outside my comfort zone, always asking how/why
Simple - Any time I’ve been able to minimize the number of moving parts in a situation, and focus on what bring the biggest positive results, 80/20 principle
Kind - Any time I've been able to show someone kindness in word or deed, particularly through empathy
Connected - Any time I've been able to connect emotionally with an individual or small group, ideally helping them, teaching them, or giving to them in some way
Proactive - Any time I'm moving forward
Consistent - Any time I've been consistent in my values and/or emotional state
Time - Freedom and flexibility with my time
Thankful - Any time I’ve shown appreciation for that which is in my life
Charismatic - Any time I’ve engaged with people in a spirit of presence, power, and warmth
Fun - Any time I do something that makes me or someone else laugh or get excited
Links:
(Re)Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins:
http://core.tonyrobbins.com/atgw-ebook
bokehpodcast.com
bokehbookshelf.com
Have you considered venturing into the adventurous world of elopement photography? Do you enjoy capturing the beauty of landscapes and wish you could be outdoors for your work more than you are?
Sean Oblizalo found that he could combine his love of landscape photography with elopement photography by simply adding his clients into the already gorgeous scenery he was photographing! Listen in to episode 539 of The Bokeh Podcast to hear how he transitioned into elopement photography, and the 3 main elements that are needed to run a strong elopement photography business.
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer and Miilu: The Simplest Way to Create and Manage Timelines and Shot Lists for the Events You’re Photographing. You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Brand Position (3:00)
Creating a great customer experience (8:43)
Technique for time management (13:35)
Outsourcing/Delegation (17:14)
Book Recommendation (21:34)
How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera
What led to Sean's transition from landscape to elopement photography? (27:30)
The 3 factors that set Sean apart from other Colorado elopement photographers (34:53)
1. Personalized Experience
2. Excellent Communication
3. All-Inclusive Experience
How does Sean personalize the experience with his elopement clients? (36:30)
1. Listen to hear the client's needs
2. Fill their needs
3. Don't think about couples as content creation
How did Sean make the decision to go into the "all-inclusive" elopement offering? (47:17)
Links:
https://www.charitywater.org
https://instagram.com/vows_and_peaks
https://www.vowsandpeaks.com
Bokeh Podcast Episode 287 with Rachel Greiman:
https://www.photographersedit.com/bokeh-podcast/episodes/less-website-copy/
https://www.greenchairstories.com/
How would you like to book fewer sessions yet make more money? Sound too good to be true? Less truly can be more!
In episode 538 of The Bokeh Podcast, Brenna Heater shares how you too can work less and make more by focusing on the luxury portrait market in your area! Hear her six steps for breaking into the luxury market, which include creating a closet, sending client gifts, and more!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer and Miilu: The Simplest Way to Create and Manage Timelines and Shot Lists for the Events You’re Photographing. You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Brand Position (4:20)
Creating a great customer experience (6:20)
Technique for time management (7:39)
Outsourcing/Delegation (11:27)
Book Recommendations (16:52)
Never Lose a Customer Again by Joey Coleman
Business Made Simple by Donald Miller
Bokeh Bookshelf
How Brenna defines luxury as it relates to portrait photography (19:29)
Brenna's motivation for getting into the luxury market (26:52)
Drawbacks or challenges to focusing on the luxury market (28:29)
Steps for breaking into the luxury market (34:00)
1. Build a luxury client experience by determining each touchpoint that you have with clients
2. Incorporate client gifts into your client experience
3. Start a client closet
4. Offer albums
5. Offer prints and products to your clients
6. Help clients design a gallery wall
Links:
https://www.charitywater.org
https://www.instagram.com/brennaheater
https://www.brennaheater.com
Box Fox gift boxes:
https://RWRD.IO/AGSU35U
https://balticborn.com
https://freepeople.com
Brenna's Client Closet blog post:
https://brennaheater.com/2020/06/for-photographers-how-to-start-your-client-closet/
https://kiss.us
https://whcc.com
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