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
Have you implemented distinct principles in your business that have importance and value in your life, but also make an impact on how you serve your customers?
In episode 386 of the Bokeh Podcast, Aaron Nace joins us to discuss his most important principle when it comes to customer service at Phlearn, and how valuable your approach can be to the success of your business.
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Wedding and Portrait 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.
Customer Experience: Consistency (2:42)
Brand Position: Accessible photographic education; learning made fun. (7:24)
Technique for Time: Adjust your work schedule based on the time of year. (15:07)
Delegation: Build a team you can trust to run your business. (21:37)
Inspiration: Everywhere except the photography industry. (28:24)
Book Recommendation: Rework by Jason & David - bit.ly/bp-rework (36:54)
Learning the Business (41:29)
Biggest Business Mistake: Failing to plan things out. (50:00)
#1 Principal for Business: Treat everyone to be treated the same, from employees to clients (55:24)
Nathan’s 8 Core Values: (1:03:59)
Healthy
Growth
Simplicity
Kindness
Connectedness
Proactive
Consistency
Thankfulness
Links
Phlearn.com - 20% off annual subscription with BOKEH20
facebook.com/groups/PhlearnPhamily
The Paradox of Choice - bit.ly/bp-poc
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Are offering an environment that creates comfort for your clients in front of the camera during their session?
In episode 385 of the Bokeh Podcast, Ashley Baumgartner joins us to discuss how creating comfortable sessions allows clients to photograph with more ease. Listen in as she shares 4 ways you can help your clients feel comfortable with you as their photographer!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Wedding and Portrait 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.
Customer Experience: Uplifting communication (00:51)
Brand Position: Joyful, timeless images with an attention to detail. (5:02)
Technique for Time: Small changes with batch working, turning off notification on your phone, getting ready everyday, and setting aside on day a week for you. (11:16)
Delegating/Outsourcing: Outsource editing, taxes, adding automation, and podcast editing. (14:37)
Inspiration: Wedding fashion, calligraphy, mastermind, and content consumption. (19:21)
Book Recommendation: 168 Hours (22:19)
Making Your Client’s Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera (26:26)
1. Be encouraging, uplifting in communications from the beginning.
2. Personal branding to make your clients feel comfortable with you.
3. Constant communication during your session.
4. Confident control
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Does the day-to-day task of managing your bookkeeping feel overwhelming as a photography business owner?
In episode 384 of the Bokeh Podcast, Tanya Hirschy of Tidy Books Boutique offers three steps to organize and simplify your bookkeeping. If you're ready to maintain your books, learn the responsibilities of a bookkeeper and an accountant, and prepare your finances for the rest of the year, listen in to this episode!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Wedding and Portrait 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.
Customer Experience: Show empathy with your clients. (2:46)
Brand Position: Bookkeeping for the profitable photographer, because you have better things to do. (5:32)
Technique for Time: When I’m working, I’m working. When I’m not, I’m not. Plan out all of the work you’ll be doing. (9:43)
Technique for Time Book: Deep Work by Cal Newport
Book Recommendations: (13:07)
Margin by Richard Swenson - bit.ly/bp-margin
The Business Boutique by Christy Wright - bit.ly/bp-businessboutique
Outsourcing/Delegation: Has a team of bookkeepers and a virtual assistant. (14:40)
Bookkeeping vs Accounting (23:42)
Three Steps to Simplify Bookkeeping: (34:06)
1. Know the goals of bookkeeping (tax ready, strategy, and growth) (34:13)
2. Research & get organized (35:41)
3. Develop a workflow and stick to it. (42:31)
The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman - personalmba.com
How Tidybooks Helps Businesses
Links
instagram.com/tidybooksboutique
Quickbooks - quickbooks.intuit.com
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Have you refined your brand position? We recently introduced a special series called Brand Position Consultations, where we explore developing unique brand positions with professional photographers.
In episode 383 of the Bokeh Podcast, Katurah Turner joins us to define a brand position that will set her apart in her market based on her love of documenting families and weddings. Listen in as we also discuss the difference between brand position, tagline, and mission statement.
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Wedding and Portrait 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: 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
Brand Position vs. Tagline (4:15)
Katurah’s Reason for Brand Name & Tagline (5:23)
Unique Value Proposition (10:22)
Why Katurah Started Photography (13:08)
1. Capturing her daughter who wouldn’t smile for others.
2. Fell in love with capturing the love in weddings.
Katurah’s Competition (18:00)
Potential Brand Position: Your Family Documentarian
Links
Want to learn more about the importance of a brand position?
https://www.photographersedit.com/blog/brand-position-worksheet/
Download our FREE Brand Position Worksheet!
https://www.photographersedit.com/blog/brand-position
Do you have your brand position figured out? We talk a lot on the podcast about defining your clear and distinct brand position, so we created this resource to help you get started. Check out our special brand position consultation episodes, along with a free downloadable to help you define your brand position!
Download here: https://www.photographersedit.com/blog/brand-position
Check out our other brand position consultations: https://www.photographersedit.com/blog/brand-position-episodes/
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Does your brand reflect you and your values in a way that connects with your potential clients?
In episode 382 of the Bokeh Podcast, Sophie Day shares how she approached shifting her original brand, called My Lens of Love, to her self-named personal brand, Sophie Day Photography. Listen in as she discusses the significant principles to changing your brand and the different components of your business that a brand change will impact.
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Wedding and Portrait 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.
Based in: Central Coast of Australia (00:15)
Client Experience: Make the time to connect and talk with your clients. (2:29)
Brand Position: Cultivating connection between you and your loved ones and capturing the calm moments for you to keep. (6:01)
Technique for Time: Set rules around when you’re working. (10:09)
Outsourcing/Delegation: Website & graphic design (13:31)
Inspiration: Walks in nature. (15:49)
Book Recommendations: (18:40)
Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
Brooke Schultz Podcast - Desperation episode
Significant Changes to the Brand: (27:05)
Website
Brand Messaging
Social Media Marketing
Principles to Changing Your Brand: (35:31)
1. Ask yourself why you’re rebranding.
2. Ask for testimonials from your clients to understand what they love about your service.
3. Make sure you’re social media represents your brand change.
4. Do research within your area on other brands.
Feedback that Impacted the Brand Position (43:23)
Links:
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Are you ready to incorporate off-camera flash (OCF) into your portraits, but struggle to understand how to operate your gear in a seamless and effective manner?
In episode 381 of the Bokeh Podcast, Amanda Stevens of Fire the Canon discusses three important principles to using OCF without hesitation. Listen in as she shares the products she loves and a few tips for your OCF gear!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Wedding and Portrait 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.
Based in: New York City (00:48)
Customer Experience: Making everything a team effort for when you’re not sure of the answer—don’t make anything up. (2:39)
Brand Position (5:26)
Technique for Time: Taking the dog out for a walk and going to the gym to break up the day. (7:48)
Outsourcing/Delegation: Album Design (11:01)
Service Offerings: Celebrity/Athlete Photographer for the Empire State Building, Photographer for the New York Jets Branding and Flight Crew (12:23)
Inspiration in Facebook Groups (14:19)
MagMod - facebook.com/groups/magnetmod/
What is Off Camera Lighting? (17:30)
Amanda’s Experience (17:55)
The Gear Bag: (19:58)
Maha Rechargeable Batteries Power X - mahaenergy.com
OCF Modes: (26:12)
Electronic Through The Lens (ETTL) - Let the camera choose the settings for you.
Manual - When you’re manually adjusting the settings in your camera and flashes.
Getting Started with OCF: (28:15)
1. Start by knowing your equipment.
2. Know where and "position” your secondary light source.
3. Position your OCF (angled and down)
Magmod Products:
Magmod Sphere - magnetmod.com/products/magsphere
Magbox - magnetmod.com/collections/magbox-system
Magmod Speed Ring - magnetmod.com/products/magbox-speedring
Pro Tip: Use (tool) to run 2 flashes at half power for faster recycle time and longer battery time.
Using Gels for Corrective Color in Camera (43:08)
Do the opposite of what you think: blue for warmer images and orange for cooler images.
Links:
Have you struggled to find the perfect second shooter to add to your team?
In episode 380 of the Bokeh Podcast, Misha Wynn discusses the important role a second shooter can play on wedding days, along with what to look for in potential team members. Listen in as she shares how she approaches hiring and training second shooters for her photography business.
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Wedding and Portrait 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.
Customer Experience: Be authentic and honest, communicate effectively, and show gratitude. (00:54)
Brand Position: Candid and comfortable moments with a photojournalistic approach. (8:54)
Technique for Time: Schedule intentional breaks from work to do nothing (week at a time). (14:20)
Delegation/Outsourcing: Admin assistant and outsource editing. Start with one task at a time. (17:25)
Inspiration: Art and Relationships (18:42)
Book Recommendations: Reposition Yourself by T. D. Jakes - bit.ly/bp-repositionyourself (20:47)
Why Hire a Second Shooter: Capture images at different angles, more detail, and be an extension of you as the photographer. (24:02)
Bad Experiences with Second Shooters (25:48)
The Perfect Second Shooter (28:41)
1. Find someone eager to learn.
2. Set clear expectations for their responsibility and images.
3. Bring an experienced second shooter to weddings with a new second shooter/assistant.
Reviewing Wedding Style and Composition (31:27)
Shadowing on Wedding Days (34:09)
Reviewing & Comparing Work (35:34)
Links:
instagram.com/lavishlyluxstudio
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Have you refined your brand position? We recently introduced a special series called Brand Position Consultations, where we explore developing unique brand positions with professional photographers.
In episode 379 of the Bokeh Podcast, Andrejka Hirschegger joins us in this freeform style brand position consultation to discuss how to define her brand position for the multiple markets that she services. Listen in as they chat about how Andrejka is also using her brand position to drive her SEO strategy.
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Wedding and Portrait 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.
Check out Andrejka's Guest Feature, along with her other episodes >>
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
About Andrejka’s Brand (1:08)
Andrejka’s Competition (5:27)
Andrejka’s Homepage:
Portfolio Images Referenced:
Breaking Out Two Markets:
Florida Page:
Links
Andrejkaphotography.com
instagram.com/andrejkaphotography
Karen’s SEO Episode
Jason Brewer Article
Building a Storybrand
Green Chair Episode
Alt Summit
Check out Andrejka's Guest Feature, along with her other episodes >>
Want to learn more about the importance of a brand position?
Have you considered the impact you could have on the photography industry when it comes to diversity and inclusion?
In episode 378 of the Bokeh Podcast, George Mitchell joins us to discuss how the photography industry as a whole can take steps towards providing more inclusion for all people, and how you can take those practices and apply them to your own business. If you're ready to help our industry become more inclusive, this episode is for you!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Wedding and Portrait 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: Food, Beverage, and People (5:52)
Standing Out: Developing a unique style for your niche. (7:09)
Customer Experience: Flexibility, Timely Communication, (10:58)
Technique for Time: Take personal time and vacations to decompress. (16:32)
Delegation/Outsourcing: Handing off color correction, composite, and retouching that takes up time. (20:19)
Inspiration: Liquor stores, grocery stores, Pier One, Crate & Barrel, online shops, etc. (24:14)
Cinnamon Twists: https://www.instagram.com/p/BWP3VsJFcLV/
Book and Content Recommendations: (28:24)
Planet Money by NPR - npr.org/sections/money
Business Wars - bit.ly/bp-businesswars
Road to Certification - bit.ly/bp-roadtocertification
Diversity in the Current State of the Photography Industry (33:21)
Inclusion in the Photography Industry (44:58)
Three Ways to Improve Inclusion:
1. Pull in more representation in demographics for your brand or conference.
2. Connect with people outside of your inner circle.
3. Reach outside of the "normal" talent pool.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Kesha Lambert - keshalambert.com
Kimberly Lee - kimberlyleephotography.com
Links
Are you looking to diversify your finances through investing?
In episode 377 of the Bokeh Podcast, Teshorn Jackson and James Willis join us to explain the benefits of investing in the stock market, even in times where it can feel risky. Listen in as they share introductory steps to investing and their top resources for ongoing education!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Wedding and Portrait 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.
Check out episode 208 with Teshorn >>
James’ Market: DFW, TX (2:51)
Brand Position: Photography that will remind you how you felt, not just what it looked like. (3:10)
Years in Business: 8 Years (6:20)
James’ Customer Experience: Establish a connection with your clients so they can build trust with you. (6:49)
Teshorn’s Customer Experience: Authenticity matters for being relatable. (11:24)
James’ Technique for Time: Find activities that you enjoy that will pull you away from work. (13:08)
Delegation/Outsourcing: Working through the process. (17:34)
Education Recommendation: Workshops (22:07)
Two Man Workshop - twomann.com/wedding-photography-workshop
Joshua Dwain’s Workshop - joshuadwain.com
James’ Experience with Investing (28:23)
Teshorn’s Experience with Investing (31:36)
Fear in Finance as a Photographer (36:59)
CARE Act: You can withdraw from your investing accounts (401K/Roth IRA) penalty free, but you have to pay it back within three years. (45:54)
Investing in a Volatile Market (47:20)
Trading Stocks (49:12)
5 Steps to Start Investing (55:55)
1. Open a brokerage account (Charles Schwabb, Robinhood, TDAmeritrade).
2. Determine your goal: long term vs. short term.
3. Research the company, industry, and stock that you’re interested in pursuing.
4. Transfer money into your brokerage account to buy market order (the price at that time) or limit order (the price that you want it for); same goes for selling.
5. Buy slow and in increments; don’t put all of your money in at one time.
“Don’t invest money that you can’t afford to lose.”
Book Recommendations: Profit First
Resources for Getting Started:
The Motley Fool - fool.com
Investing While in Corona - facebook.com/groups/513016642709862/
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