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
Posting multiple times a day. Liking and commenting on as many posts as possible each day. Responding to DM's within an hour...welcome to social media burnout.
Consistency and frequency are not synonyms when it comes to presence on social media! Take the advice given by Maranda Joiner in episode 486 of the Bokeh Podcast, and start paying attention to the data that your audience is giving you! Listen in as she shares strategies for being intentional and consistent when planning and showing up on Social Media.
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.
How can we have more clarity when talking with potential clients? (5:10)
Maranda's Brand Position (12:04)
Maranda's book:
A Lot Alike: What Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Branding and Purpose
Should we be spending a lot of time on Social Media if we aren't getting engagement? (17:20)
Questions to ask yourself:
1. Are you using the language of the platform to speak to that audience?
2. Is your messaging what your audience really wants to hear?
3. Is there intention in everything you do on Social Media?
How often should we post to Social Media in order to be "consistent"? (27:16)
Intentionality when posting to Social Media (32:34)
Strategies for engaging and responding on Social Media (35:50)
How can we avoid burnout with Social Media? (48:14)
1. Planning
2. Include variety
2. Outsource if needed
Links:
Maranda's previous Bokeh Podcast episode
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Can planning and preparation for brand sessions actually unlock creativity during the shoot?
As photographers, we tend to focus on our own brand and style when going into a shoot. For brand photography, however, Erica and Jon Hayes would like to offer the idea of switching that mindset! Listen in to episode 485 as they share how to get into the mind of not only your client, but your client's client when planning and preparing for brand shoots.
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 Erica and Jon learned about brand photography by shooting for the Chicago White Sox (6:00)
5 things a photographer needs to learn about a client before a branding shoot: (11:36) "Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail!"
1. What is the client's imagery style (what defines their brand)?
2. What is the client's brand message?
3. Who is their ideal client?
4. Understanding the scope and scale of their project
5. Knowing the platforms and plans for the images
Planning the logistics of the shoot: (22:30)
1. Find location(s) for the shoot that match the needs of the brand
2. Lock in the timeline of the shoot
3. Create the shot list
4. Make composition notes for the shoot
5. Pull photo inspiration (share with client as an example)
Planning for the day of the shoot: (40:00)
1. Including props
2. hair and makeup
3. schedule a break into the session
Erica and Jon's Branding Photography Course (45:00)
Erica and Jon's brand position (48:20)
Creating a great customer experience (51:22)
Technique for Time (53:36)
Book Recommendation (58:25)
Links:
Erica and Jon's previous Bokeh Podcast episode
ericaandjon.com/bokehpodcast - 30% off the course for Bokeh listeners!
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Bored and uncooperative kids. Frustrated parents. Stiff images. Do these descriptions remind you of your family portrait sessions?
Don't bring the low energy, old-school studio vibe to your in-home family sessions! Set the tone with fun and creative posing and interactions! Listen in to episode 484 of The Bokeh Podcast as Brooke Schultz shares the best tips and tricks for bringing life to your family sessions.
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.
Where did the phrase "Unboring family photography posing" come from? (10:30)
What's the difference between a passive approach vs coming to the shoot with the energy you want from the families? (21:15)
What 3 things are photographers doing that lead to boring, stale photographs? (25:35)
1. Lining families up on the couch (static posing)
2. Making kids pose in a still position
3. Taking the temperature of the clients rather than setting the temperature for the clients
Links:
Brooke's previous Bokeh Podcast episode: Love-Soaked Family Portraits
brookeschultzphotography.com/get-lovesoaked
brookeshultzphotography.com/goodies
Brooke's article for Rangefinder magazine on the topic: https://www.rangefinderonline.com/news-features/tips-techniques/4-family-posing-tips-for-in-home-portraits/
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Can mini sessions actually be the foundation of a successful photography business? Isn't their focus to fill in the gaps between seasons, or a way to offer more holiday photo opportunities for clients?
Don't let the word "mini" fool you! In episode 483 of The Bokeh Podcast, Phillip and Eileen Blume share how they transitioned their photography business from wedding-centric to mini-session-focused, and grew their business as a result!
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: (11:00)
Celebrating lives at their most important moments
Providing a Great Customer Experience: (26:00)
Focus on the client, putting them at the forefront
Time Management: (34:28)
Intentional scheduling of time
Outsourcing/delegation (39:08)
Book Recommendations: (45:00)
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
Marketing Made Simple by Donald Miller
How The Blume's Entered the Mini Session Market (51:40)
Advantages to Mini Sessions: (58:52)
1. Connecting with more clients
2. Time - for both the photographer and client
3. Perfect amount of time for children/family
Steps to developing a mini session business: (1:02:52)
1. Create urgency and scarcity (prior to the session)
2. Shoot real life scenarios vs. a list of poses
3. Create partnerships with local businesses as a marketing strategy
Links:
https://bit.ly/5TipsForMaxMinis
Shawn Lee's Bokeh Podcast episode
We've all heard the phrase, "Work smarter not harder," but it is easier said than done, right? Maybe not...
Rachael Crowe found that her creativity and motivation was waning due to being "busy" and not having the opportunity to focus on those aspects of business that motivate her. Listen in to episode 482 as she shares how she uses systems to grow not only one, but two photography businesses, while still having time to prioritize rest and free time to do things that she enjoys.
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 (3:21):
OK Crowe Wedding Photography - Clients work specifically with Rachael as an internationally published wedding photographer.
Willow Wedding Co - Providing professional photography services while matching the client's needs - Quality at a lower price point.
Client Experience - Communication is key! (11:54)
Time Management (18:40)
Working Intentionally vs. Being Lazy (29:55)
How Rachael can be an artist while thinking from an entrepreneurial mindset (34:57)
The "5 Why's" Exercise (39:31)
What are Systems? (46:00)
Rachael created her systems by identifying which tasks could be:
1. Combined
2. Delegated
3. Automated
Key Systems that have made the biggest impact on Rachael's businesses (55:28)
1. Honeybook
2. Calendly
3. ClickUp
Links:
www.instagram.com/okcroweweddings
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How far do you think you could you take your business if you had a team to help you? Being a business owner doesn't mean that you have to do all the things!
Enter Stacey Owen from Meet Pepper! In episode 481, Stacey debunks the myths surrounding delegation, and provides advice and strategies for how to take control of your business by actually letting some of it go.
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.
Customer Experience: Genuinely care about your clients and their success (5:16 )
Insight Behind Stacey's Photography Business: (16:38)
Book Recommendations: (25:07)
Marketing Made Simple by Donald Miller
About Meet Pepper:
Brand Position: Helping Creative Entrepreneurs strategize the marketing and content for their business (32:35)
Delegation/Outsourcing (32:23)
Why Entrepreneurs Don't Outsource or Delegate: (40:07)
1. Cost of Outsourcing
2. No one will be as good as me
3. Client care won't be the same
4. Don't know how to delegate
5. It will take too much time
Links:
Stacey's Previous Bokeh Podcast Interview: Episode 242
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What are you doing to stand out amongst the throngs of photographers in your market? A strong, distinct brand position is a great place to start. In these special Brand Position Consultations, we explore developing unique brand positions with professional photographers.
In episode 480 of the Bokeh Podcast, Whitney Smith of Dandelion Photography joins us to refine her brand position as a senior and teen photographer who brings fun and happiness to her clients through their experience with her. Listen in to hear the recommendations and ideas that will help her stand out from her competition even 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: The unique value prop that our businesses offer to our market.
Benefits of a Clear and Distinct Brand Position:
A. Enables Potential Clients to Immediately Know Your UVP
B. Filters Irrelevant Potential Clients
C. Simplifies/Focuses Marketing Efforts
D. Encourages Better Time Management
Based in: Midland, Texas
Focus: Fun and creative sessions for teens and seniors
Biggest pain points for clients: (13:14)
People can't relate to them due to the age difference
Motivation for starting a photography business in this market (15:54)
Analysis of the competition (22:47)
4 Ways to Establish a Clear and Distinct Brand Position: (31:20)
1. Be the first to offer a service in your marketplace
2. Be the first to own a position for a service that already exists
3. Offer a variation on a service
4. Name a target market
Diving into Whitney's current position statement (33:40)
Suggestions:
1. Add more color to website to highlight target market
2. Include images that show extreme happiness
3. Update copy on website to communicate what clients will experience with Whitney vs the other area photographers
4. Include a Call to Action
Links:
facebook.com/dandelionphotography
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Do you overcomplicate things when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle? Or maybe you're worried that you won't have the time or resources for truly dialing in your health and fitness?
Never fear, Todd is here! In episode 479 of The Bokeh Podcast, former personal trainer turned photographer, Todd M. Caldwell, shares 5 steps for making changes that are simple, smart, and sustainable when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle. Listen in to get a jump start on your new health journey!
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: (1:42)
Creating a consistent experience for clients, where they feel like the director!
Time Management: Outsourcing Editing (7:08)
Book Recommendation: (16:05)
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey
Thinking from a Big Picture View: (18:08)
Episode 309: Building a Business on Your Strengths
Episode 342: The 4 Pillars of Branding
Todd's Background as a Personal Trainer (23:12)
How Photographers are Hurting Their Health: (28:05)
1. Not understanding the power of water
2. Focusing on duration rather than intensity of a workout
3. Choosing bad food over quality food
4. Making the process too fancy - not keeping it simple
5. Not having a team
The significance of the types of food we eat (44:03)
How motivation drives long-term benefits (1:03:30)
Links:
instagram.com/moseawell_photography
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Everybody scream, "Monkey"! Do you find ways to create memorable experiences for your clients, or are you still stuck in the "say cheese" rut that everyone else is a part of?
In episode 478 of The Bokeh Podcast, Lisa Gilbert brings the energy and ideas that we all want to experience when interacting with a photographer! Listen in to hear her tips and tricks for forging memorable client relationships.
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: (5:28)
Wedding and Portrait photographer in coastal Massachusetts focused on bright, fun, colorful photography capturing the moments that tell a story.
Customer Experience: (12:12)
Time Management (17:18)
Delegation/Outsourcing: (22:52)
1. Accounting
2. Editing
3. CRM
Book Recommendations: (32:35)
Decisive Moment by Henri Cartier-Bresson
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Picture Perfect Practice by Roberto Valenzuela
What is energy? (39:50)
How to Bring Positive Energy to Client Relationships: (52:50)
1. Keep interactions conversational
2. Keep up with trends and memes to stay relevant
3. Get to know the client as a person
4. Bring humor to the experience
5. Be confident in your technical skills so that you are free to be in the moment with clients
Links:
Tequila, transparency, and top-notch service: the perfect recipe for a high-end wedding photography business?
In episode 477 of The Bokeh Podcast, John Lyons pours us a sample of his favorite ingredients for maintaining a successful business in the high-end wedding market. Listen in as he shares his secret sauce for making all of his clients feel like a million bucks.
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: (1:56)
Photography for fun and stylish couples
Creating a great customer experience: (5:41)
Make your customer/client feel like they are your only client!
Technique for Time: (17:35)
1. Outsource non-creative tasks
2. Time chunk
Book Recommendation (28:04)
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
Definition of a High-End Wedding (33:17)
How John entered the margarita world (41:15)
Important people skills for working with high end clients: (45:38)
1. Grace Under Fire
2. Be Prepared for Anything
3. Always Be on Your Game
Maintaining your style over time (55:01)
How to enter the high-end market: (58:26)
1. Serve the PEOPLE who have high end events
2. The Law of Attraction - you don't find them, they find you
3. Remember that you're on stage at every event
John's Favorite Tequilas: (1:08:11)
1800 Silver
Casamigos
Don Julio
Cabo Wabo
Links:
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
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