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
Are you offering resources that provide value to your potential clients? There are so many benefits to creating resources as lead magnets in your business.
In episode 456 of the Bokeh Podcast, Nina Larsen Reed shares how you can not only create valuable leads magnets, but also use those resources in your SEO and marketing strategy.
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.
Norway to Colorado (9:44)
Brand Position: Plan and photograph ethic elopements and micro weddings across Colorado for couples who are looking to do something different for their wedding day. (11:30)
Customer Experience: Clear Communication (15:23)
"People only get upset if they feel confused or lied to."
Technique for Time: Limit the workweek like in Norway. (20:40)
Delegation/Outsourcing: Editing, Accounting, and CRM (25:04)
Book Recommendation: Building a Storybrand (27:13)
Bokehbookshelf.com
Resources without Lead Forms (29:53)
Valuable Leads (39:24)
Resources as an SEO Strategy (40:34)
Booking Dream Clients (45:29)
How to Create Valuable Resources (49:19)
1. Set a goal for what you’re hoping to get out of the task.
2. Put yourself in your client’s shoes—what are they searching for?
3. Write as if you’re talking to real people rather than a search engine.
"Give away the why, but sell the how."
Links
Ben Hartley: https://sixfigurephotography.com/
https://www.fuelyourphotos.com/photography-blog-post-ideas/
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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 455 of the Bokeh Podcast, Cody McCracken joins us to explore potential brand positions that tie in his desire to build relationships with his clients and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera!
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: Small Town Virginia
Focused on: Weddings (4:41)
Target Customer’s Biggest Pain Points (9:48)
Ideal Client (12:32)
Nathan’s Future Brand Position (17:26)
Why Cody Became a Wedding Photographer (21:14)
1. Wanted a business of his own.
2. Wanted to build friendships with other couples.
3. His competitive personality empowers him in this business.
Cody’s Competition Analysis (31:57)
Potential Brand Position: I make you feel comfortable in front of the camera on your wedding day.
Links
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With so many automations and softwares, creating efficiency in your business is simpler than ever. What are you doing to go beyond that efficiency to create an amazing client experience?
In episode 454 of the Bokeh Podcast, Dauss Miller joins us for his second interview on the podcast to discuss creating personalize client experiences. Listen in as he shares about the importance of managing expectations, along with three principles to giving your clients an experience to remember.
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.
Favorite Addict (1:42)
Customer Experience: Connect on a personal level with your clients. (5:11)
Delegation/Outsourcing (6:05)
Book Recommendations (10:30)
Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck
Captivate by Vanessa Van Edwards
The Illusion of Money by Kyle Cease
UnFuck Yourself by Gary Bishop
Client Experience Beyond a CRM (22:14)
Marketing to Cold Leads with a Lead Magnet (23:34)
Educating Clients & Managing Expectations (30:00)
1. Questionnaires (31:33)
2. Emails (33:30)
3. Meetings
Personalized Cli
Did your experience during COVID cause you to take a second look at your contracts? Whether you were faced with rescheduled weddings or completely cancelled weddings, we know the impact COVID has had on our industry.
In episode 453 of the Bokeh Podcast, Samantha Clarke, photographer and lawyer, joins us to share four elements that you're likely missing from your contract and need to add to better protect 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.
Disclaimer: While Samantha is a lawyer, she’s not our lawyer or your lawyer. Please see your local lawyer for legal advice.
Brand Position: Modern photography for stylish people. (2:30)
Customer Experience: Understand what’s important to your clients and share what the process of working with you is like. (8:56)
Time Management: (15:23)
- Prioritize top 3 things on her to-do list.
- OOO Notifications
Delegation/Outsourcing: (21:46)
- Editing
- Album Design
- Taxes
Decide what your non-negotiable are.
Book Recommendations: Building a Storybrand by Don Miller (31:28)
Samantha’s Background (36:07)
Elements Missing From Your Contracts (38:25)
1. Force Majeure Clause - An act of superior strength (acts of god, nature, pandemics, war, civil unrest, etc). (38:25)
2. The Safe Working Environment Clause - Observing limits and laws of local government for the current pandemic. (44:10)
3. Postponement or Cancellation Clause - To explain how clients can do either with you, including policy, timeframes, etc. (48:42)
4. Rescheduling Addendum - Notes the new dates for which they should be paying you. (52:04)
Resources (57:57)
Links
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One thing that holds many photographers back from going full-time is the lack of consistency in income year round. Caroline Axvig has found the solution—monthly photo subscriptions.
In episode 452 of the Bokeh Podcast, Caroline joins us to share how her monthly photo subscriptions for bloggers and influencers allows her to expect consistent income on a monthly basis! Listen in as she highlights how she's structured these subscriptions and why they're successful in her 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: I create on-brand lifestyle imagery and provide brand coaching for small businesses, bloggers, and influencers. I believe that my combination of creativity and community will help you grow your audience and reach your goals. (01:57)
Customer Experience: Get to know each individual customer as a person. (11:09)
Technique for Time: Blocking Sundays off from work. (15:45)
Delegation: Recent experience with a workflow/office assistant. (21:02)
Book Recommendations (25:58)
Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
Monthly Photo Subscription (29:21)
3,6,12 month subscriptions.
Review the Subscriptions Here >>
Why Subscriptions (34:07)
1. Consistent income
2. Clients feel like co-workers rather than customers.
3. Spending time with like-minded entrepreneurs.
4. New creative challenges every week.
Drawbacks to Subscription Model (38:44)
1. It is a lot of work to turn around quickly.
2. It’s hard to raise/change prices with recurring clients.
Caroline’s Workflow for Quick Turnarounds (43:07)
Links
Are you ready to make 2021 a year of growth by becoming the next version of you?
In episode 451 of the Bokeh Podcast, Shaun Austin joins us for his sixth interview on the show to discuss the how he finds motivation to consistently try being a better version of himself. Listen in as he shares 3 principles to implement for growth, along with the impact that your relationships have on this 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.
Toughest Lesson During COVID-19 (3:11)
Not being in control of things that he wants to be in control of.
Learning He Doesn’t Have Control (6:32)
Celebrating Relationships & Life Story Online (18:01)
Continued Motivation to Be Better (22:52)
Consistent Improvement vs. Showcasing Improvement (28:24)
Why Shaun Started Staying Consistent (38:22)
3 Principles to Enable Change (42:46)
Vision
Plan
Consistency
Vision (43:05)
- Quarterly Vision Goal - Look to see where you want to go.
- Discover through curiosity & uncover with the team.
- Write it down and find what can move you towards or away from the goal.
Planning (47:42)
- Task
- Timeframe
- End Goal
Consistency (51:45)
- Road block: consistent things not working.
- Set expectations for consistency.
Role of Relationships in Becoming the Next Version of You (1:00:16)
Links
Armchair Expert - Dax Sheppard
Shaun's Other Episodes:
Episode 18 - In Pursuit of Simple
Building a unique brand isn't an easy task nowadays. We're inundated with consistent messaging to follow the latest tips and hacks to building a better business—encouraging us to do exactly what everyone else is doing.
What if you took a look at your life and your past and built a brand based on your passion? In episode 450 of the Bokeh Podcast, Maranda Joiner joins us to discuss how she encourages her clients as a brand strategist to open up about their lives, build a brand based on their passions, and find a target market that they can serve. Listen in as she walks us through the process of exploring and building a brand based on your passion!
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: Helping entrepreneurs figure out what to say on social media by helping connect their passion into purpose to make money. (1:57)
Customer Experience: Make people feel heard, seen, and understood. (7:07)
Technique for Time (13:57)
Book Recommendations: (21:03)
The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
The Secret of Teams by Mark Miller
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Building a Business on Passion
Tying Your Purpose from Your Past (30:36)
Passion vs. Viable Business (37:31)
Turning Your Passion into a Viable Business (41:30)
1. Start doing the work in the beginning before deciding on making it a business; test the market.
2. Think about your target market and ideal client to know who you're creating your business for.
3. Talk to your audience.
Finding Your Target Market (48:29)
1. Find similar businesses to yours' and study their audience.
2. Look up books similar to what you do and read the reviews.
3. Talk to your existing audience.
Chik Fil A (55:38)
Links:
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Do you seek your validation or security from the approval of others, including external praise for accomplishments?
As photographers, we often unknowingly look for that praise from clients we serve, which can be toxic for our mental wellbeing. In episode 449 of the Bokeh Podcast, Alisha Crossley joins us to discuss codependency, learned behaviors, and setting boundaries!
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: (6:28)
"Fine art wedding photographers capturing love stories while writing our very own.”
The picture should be just as beautiful as the experience.
Technique for Time: Change your mindset around time. (15:57)
Delegation (19:37)
Book Recommendations: (29:11)
This is Marketing by Seth Godin
Codependency (32:24)
Codependency in Relation to Our Clients (42:00)
Acknowledging Codependency & Learned Behaviors (45:28)
Three Ways You Can Serve Your Clients While Maintaining Boundaries (45:28)
1. Be honest with yourself and acknowledge behavior.
2. Communication with your clients on clarity.
3. Ask yourself: Is this what I want for my business?
Ways to Maintain Boundaries (58:48)
1. Look inwards at your own intentions in relationships.
2. Establish your time management boundaries.
3. Set boundaries with your employees.
Using Goals for Clarity (1:09:30)
Links
instagram.com/alishacrossleyphotography
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Branding photography has become a popular niche over the last few years, but have you explored ways to create recurring revenue with these clients?
It's important to educate your branding photography clients on how to use their images for marketing purposes and continue to keep them updated! In episode 448 of the Bokeh Podcast, Tanya Smith joins us to share how she's created recurring revenue from her branding photography clients and introduces the concept of selling a retainer option as a service in her 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: Elevate your brand image with storytelling photos that sell. (33:35)
Technique for Time: Plan & follow through and outsourcing (12:03)
Outsourcing/Delegating (17:19)
Book Recommendations: (23:26)
The Secrets of a Millionaire Mindset
You Are a Badass at Making Money
How & Why Tanya Got Started in Branding Photography ()
Flexibility in Schedule
Shooting Less Sessions for More Profit
Playing on Strengths
Planning for Branding Shoots (36:09)
1. Setting goals
2. Develop an itinerary
3. Manage logistics
Making Clients Comfortable Branding Shoots (39:39)
Branding Photography as a Recurring Revenue (45:46)
1. Having clients come to you year after year.
2. Social media clients need images on a regular basis and social media management.
3. Retainer as photographer for new employee hires and more.
Moving Towards Retainer: (49:10)
1. Have your first shoot with your client to show your value.
2. Have a conversation based on their needs.
3. Offer a custom package.
Tanya’s Course (52:35)
Links
instagram.com/workstoryeducation
Growth is so important, especially when running your own business. Whether you're improving your skillset, raising your prices, or finding other ways to move forward in your business, take time to reflect on how far you've come!
In episode 447 of the Bokeh Podcast, Tye Bournes joins us to share the two principles she's learned that are most important for her business. Listen in as she highlights who she's grown and the mentors she's had along the way—many are previous Bokeh Podcast guests!
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: Capturing clients at their best using photography and cinematography expertise to ensure their memories are treasured and shared for generations to come. (2:36)
Client Experience: Build a rapport with your clients. (5:45)
Technique for Time: Stick to your business hours. (8:18)
Delegation/Outsourcing: Splitting the Workload (14:59)
Two Important Principles for Business (18:55)
1. Know Your Worth
2. Improve Your Craft
3 Principles to Being Confident in your Worth (26:37)
1. Don’t be afraid to take charge.
2. Don’t be afraid to guide the clients.
3. Don’t be afraid to be personable with your clients.
Posing & Directing Your Clients (30:43)
Ways to Improve Your Craft (36:30)
1. Mentor - Chip Dizard
2. In- Person Courses - Taylor Brumfield
3. Youtube Videos
4. Conference - Hustle in Heels by Michelle Harris
5. Pricing & Website Consult w/ Michelle Harris
6. Accountability Partners - Raquita Henderson, Ashley Canay, Anesha Collins
7. Mastermind - Dr. Tomayia Colvin
8. Facebook Photography Groups - Black Female Photographer’s Group, MHarris Hustlers, and Tomayia Colvin Education
9. Styled Shoots - Attended and Hosted
Other Bokeh Guests
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
