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
Do you struggle with determining the appropriate pricing strategy for your services? Does the thought of creating a tiered pricing structure make your palms break out in a cold sweat?
Never fear, Catherine is here! In episode 537 of The Bokeh Podcast, Catherine Guidry shares her process for determining a pricing structure for a photography business that will not only allow you to make money, but also encourage your clients to "bump up" to the next pricing level! Listen in to hear the steps for how to determine the best pricing structure for your 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 (6:07)
Creating a great customer experience (11:51)
Technique for time management (18:30)
Outsourcing/Delegation (21:00)
Book recommendation (24:16)
Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
Favorite piece of gear (27:02)
Nikkor-Z 1.2 lens
What was Catherine's early experience with pricing? (29:48)
Catherine's journey to educating other photographers about pricing (34:36)
How pricing impacts different areas of a photography business (37:00)
What big ideas should photographers pay attention to when developing a pricing strategy (47:00)
1. Determine a solid base pricing guide based on your own needs
2. Decide what arrangement you will offer to clients
3. Develop a tiered pricing structure that will provide options for clients
4. Offer discounts on a la carte items
Links:
https://www.charitywater.org
https://www.catherineguidry.com
https://www.instagram.com/catherineguidry
Catherine's Education Offerings:
https://catherineguidry.com/for-photographers/
"Brand photography is understanding the mindset of your client's client, not just shooting for the gratification of the business owner or to earn likes on social media."
In episode 536 of the Bokeh Podcast, Abby Grace explains how photographers must approach brand photography in a different way than other forms of photography in order to meet the wants of needs of their clients. Listen in to hear not only what to avoid when transitioning to brand photography, but also key principles to follow when starting a new brand photography business in order to be successful.
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 (3:36)
Creating a great customer experience for brand photography (8:00)
Technique for time management (11:54)
Book Recommendations:
Deep Work by Cal Newport
Traction by Gino Wickman
What was the motivation that led Abby to transition from weddings to brand photography (23:08)
How did Abby transition into brand photography without getting lost in the mix (31:55)
Things to avoid when making the move into brand photography (39:10)
1. Avoid approaching brand photography as you approach wedding or family photography
2. Don't emulate what everyone else is doing - set your client apart from their competition
Big ideas for building a new brand photography business (41:20)
1. Hand pick clients who need new brand photos (beta clients)
2. Prep a website for the new brand photography business (don't mix 2 audiences on 1 website!)
3. Launch! Make the launch a big event!
4. Sell socially - solve a client's' problem and highlight that rather than pushing direct CTA's
Links:
https://www.charitywater.org
https://www.instagram.com/abbygracephoto
https://www.abbygracephotography.com
https://www.education.abbygracephotography.com/nine-shots
https://www.facebook.com/groups/brandphotographers
https://www.tonicsiteshop.com
"Hey, Siri. How much will it cost to have family pictures made?" "Alexa, what wedding venues have the prettiest views in Chicago?" These conversational style searches happen every day. Will potential clients find you with this new approach?
Feuza "Fuse" Reis joins us for episode 535 of the Bokeh Podcast to share how business owners are behind the times when it comes to SEO. The old principle of using formal, specific keywords is not working as well in today's world of conversational voice searches. Listen in to hear a fresh perspective on what you should and should NOT do when setting up your website to maximize SEO.
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 (3:35)
Creating a great customer experience (6:25)
Technique for time management (7:50)
Book Recommendation (12:00)
Dr. Joe Dispenza podcast/books
We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
You're a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
Feuza's photography/SEO business background (16:08)
Recent changes in SEO strategy (20:56)
1. The role of "Voice Search" - think Alexa, Siri, etc.
2. The User Experience
3. The power of "local"
4. Changes in blogging
How to update your SEO for conversational/voice text and searches (23:15)
Building your site for the best UX (User Experience) (38:53)
Resources Photographers should be using for local search optimization (47:18)
Tips for blogging in the current environment (54:03)
Links:
https://www.charitywater.org
https://www.getfoundwithfuse.com
https://www.instagram.com/fusecreativeinc
Keyword Kit for Branding Photographers:
https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60889304460b0021ba095a0d
Feuza's Mini Keyword Course:
https://www.fuseclasses.com/keyword-strategy-mini-course-join-now
Time flies. Before you know it, you are several years into your photography business and realize that you haven't quite nailed down exactly what your business focuses on or how to clearly convey to your client base what you offer them. It's never too late to refine your brand position or even create something completely new!
In episode 534 of the Bokeh Podcast, Chris Jones chats with Nathan about how to dial in the messaging for his brand in order to reach the ideal client for his headshot and commercial photography business. Listen in to hear the recommendations and ideas that will help him stand out from his competition!
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.
Definition of a Brand Position Statement: (4:30)
A unique value proposition (UVP) that sets your business apart from the competition in your market.
Benefits of a Clear and Distinct Brand Positioning:
A. Enables Potential Clients to Immediately Know Your UVP
B. Filters Irrelevant Potential Clients
C. Simplifies/Focuses Marketing Efforts
D. Encourages Better Time Management
Focus of Chris's photography business (9:50)
What makes Chris's photography unique? (17:05)
Pain points of client base (25:25)
Background of Chris's journey to photography (27:35)
Analysis of competition (43:00)
Potential Brand Position Statements (54:00)
The Easiest Headshot Experience in Detroit
Effortless Headshots in Detroit
Effortless Portraits for Detroit Professionals
Links:
charitywater.com
https://www.chrisjonesheadshots.com
https://www.instagram.com/pichuredude
Ready to begin working on Brand Positioning for your business? Check out our free downloadable worksheet today, and learn more about how to position yourself in your market!
We've all heard the quote, "Time is more valuable than money," but how often do we hold on to tasks and processes that take a lot of our time, only to "save" a little bit of money? Are we actually saving money in the end?
Danielle Blewitt found that through outsourcing her editing, she not only saved countless hours of time, but was more profitable because of it! Listen in to episode 533 of The Bokeh Podcast to hear what she learned through outsourcing that ultimately helped her grow her business. Don't miss the tips she shares for how to have the best experience, and how to overcome initial apprehensions most photographers have.
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 (4:21)
Creating a great customer experience (18:39)
Technique for time management (25:30)
Book Recommendation (33:03)
Donald Miller's Business Books
Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt
When did Danielle begin outsourcing? (39:07)
Initial apprehensions of photographers when considering outsourcing (40:15)
1. Cost
2. Losing "control" of their style
How much time did Danielle spend editing her own images? (47:05)
How did outsourcing editing shift other areas of business for Danielle? (51:00)
What was Danielle's revenue increase after outsourcing editing? (51:54)
Why is communication so important when working with an editor? (59:47)
Links:
https://www.charitywater.org
https://www.photographersedit.com
https://www.danielleblewittphotography.com
https://www.danielleblewitt.com
https://www.instagram.com/photogsedit
Take 50% off your 1st order of $50 or more with Photographer's Edit using this link:
https://oes.photographersedit.com/DBPhotos
Slowing down and truly being present with clients can lead to beautiful, real-life images being captured. Implementing long-form sessions into your business can help you do just that.
In episode 532 of The Bokeh Podcast, Rachel Larsen Weaver takes us on the journey of her long-form sessions, and explains why this format works for her business. Listen in as she shares how she uses film and everyday messy life to document the true art that is the life of her 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.
Brand Position (3:08)
Inspiration for Rachel's photographic style (13:08)
Immediate Family by Sally Mann
Creating a great customer experience (16:13)
Technique for time management (24:02)
Outsourcing/Delegation (27:13)
Book Recommendation (34:42)
Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Background of Rachel's transition to long-form sessions (39:08)
"Worry less about creating the perfect image and instead strive for the honest one" (45:44)
What a long-form session looks like with Rachel (50:15)
How many rolls of film are shot in a session? (54:47)
Rachel's Go-To Equipment (55:40)
Links:
https://www.rachellarsenweaver.com
https://www.instagram.com/rachel.larsen.weaver
https://www.instagram.com/nownowschool
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
How many memberships or subscriptions do you have as an individual? Have you considered offering a membership to your clients so that they feel like they are part of a "team" or exclusive group?
Consider the benefits: consistent income, minimal education needed after the first session, easy add-ons, and more! In episode 531 of the Bokeh Podcast, Annemie Tonken walks us through her process of portrait memberships for clients. Listen to hear steps and must-do's for starting the membership, as well as tips for how to effectively maintain and grow the membership.
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 (3:07)
Book Recommendation (15:10)
Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
Scary Close by Donald Miller
Creating a great customer experience (17:50)
Technique for time management (21:32)
Michael Hyatt's Full Focus Planner
Outsourcing/Delegation (around 22:52)
What exactly is a portrait membership? (25:30)
What is the pricing structure of the portrait membership? (27:43)
Potential drawbacks to running a portrait membership (32:56)
How to get started with a portrait membership (36:43)
1. Plan, plan, plan!
2. Implement legally appropriate contracts
3. Set up key technical functionality (self-scheduling, automatic billing)
Key ideas for managing the portrait membership (55:04)
1. Clear and consistent communication is key!
2. Take care of your members! (locked-in pricing, easily accessible galleries, surprises!)
Links:
https://www.thiscantbethathard.com
https://www.megapixie.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thiscantbethat
https://www.bokehbookshelf.com
Business Brainstorming with Colie James:
https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/129
The Simple Sales System:
https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/321bpmcsp
We are in the midst of what has been called "The Great Resignation" in 2021. People are leaving their jobs, and many are starting their own businesses. But is it really that easy?
It can be if you follow the advice that Christora Osters gives in episode 530 of The Bokeh Podcast! Listen in to hear about some of the challenges and unexpected setbacks that most new business owners face, and also the proactive strategies for dealing with them. Heed the advice and you'll be on your way to building and growing a successful company!
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 (3:06)
Creating a great customer experience (12:52)
Technique for time management (26:36)
Outsourcing/Delegation (38:41)
Book Recommendation (48:17)
3 things to expect when starting a business (51:15)
1. The cost of starting a business and the cost of running a business are 2 different things!
2. People will not just come to you when they see your photos - marketing is key!
3. Expect to have moments of failure - figure out why there are failures and make changes!
Marketing challenges and strategies for starting a new business (57:07)
1. Reactive vs. Proactive marketing strategies
2. Understand SEO
3. Conduct market research to learn about your competition
How to create a balance between the "grind" and having a life when starting a business (1:06:39)
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/greenapplephotoky
https://greenappleweddings.co/
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
When you have sports or senior clients who want to be photographed in a unique location, it sometimes creates a difficult situation for the photographer when it comes to lighting. How can that situation be resolved so that the client receives the images they want, and the photographer is able to capture well-lit images?
Clark Sanders says, "Take the studio outside!" In episode 529 of the Bokeh Podcast, hear strategies that Clark uses to create both natural and cinematic style lighting scenarios for his sports and senior portraits - with little extra equipment! Check out the simple steps he takes to ensure his images are correct in the camera with little to no extra work needed in post-production.
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 (4:10)
Creating a great customer experience (7:30)
Technique for time management (16:58)
Outsourcing/Delegation (20:44)
Book Recommendation (23:52)
Worth Every Penny by Erin Verbeck and Sarah Petty
What does "dramatic lighting" actually mean? (29:02)
Concepts that Drive Clark's Approach to Lighting (37:23)
1. Use of Ambient Light - expose for the ambient light first and adjust as needed!
2. Placement of studio light - keep it as close to the subject but out of the frame
3. Camera settings - manually adjust settings based on the mood/lighting situation
4. Favorite lighting gear - Godox AD200
Links:
https://www.sportsextractions.com
https://www.clarksandersphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/clarksanders
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
As entrepreneurs, we tend to put everything BUT ourselves as a priority. How can we successfully build a business while still taking care of ourselves and those that we care about?
Courtney L. Porter, LCSW shares with us the strategies that she teaches her clients for practicing healthy self-care in order to better serve others. Listen in to episode 528 of the Bokeh Podcast to hear how to balance self-care with work and life responsibilities in order to improve your life both personally and professionally.
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 (2:30)
Creating a great customer experience (6:53)
Technique for time management (11:37)
Outsourcing/Delegation (16:35)
Book Recommendation (19:00)
The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joesph Murphy
How can we keep our feelings from taking over our behaviors and mindset? (23:55)
Courtney's definition of self-care (27:52)
Where is the balance between self-care and narcissism (32:23)
Do we need as much self-care as we are seeing in our culture? (34:54)
What is the distinction between a want and a need? (38:43)
How photographers can better take care of themselves which will lead to serving others well (42:13)
RIB Method:
1. Rest - take a break! Don't overextend yourself
2. Identity - avoid the imposter syndrome
3. Boundaries - know your limitations in order to capitalize on your strengths
Links:
https://www.courtneylporter.com
https://www.instagram.com/courtneylporterlcsw
https://www.instagram.com/marcusdporterweddings
https://www.instagram.com/marcusdporterstudios
YouTube video by Matt D'Avella
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