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
As a photographer, are you intimidated by the idea of adding video services to your brand?
In episode 337 of the Bokeh Podcast, Benjamin Davis of Yamean Studios joins us to discuss the benefits of adding video as not only a service, but as a marketing tool. Listen in as he shares a few fun and simple ways you can get started with creating video content at your next session!
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: Make engaging branded content and thoughtful films centered around experience, energy and perspective. Emotional connection through storytelling; by touching the heart, you can move the mind.
Advice for Photographers: Don’t rush the process.
Technique for Time: Dedicate the first 3 hours of the day to you and your family.
Content Recommendations: The Studio Sherpas? Podcast
Videographer vs. Cinematographer
The Gear Bag: Cheezits, Christmas lights, and prisms.
Detriment if You Don’t Incorporate Video Into Your Brand:
1. Google loves video for the purposes of SEO
2. Video appeals to mobile users.
3. Encourages social shares.
4. Video is psychological with story telling.
Multitasking on Wedding Days
Adding Video to Your Photography Business:
1. Use a mic to get the audio from your session.
2. Put your photos into a slideshow with audio in Final Cut Pro
3. Do some behind the scenes videos during sessions. (Film in horizontal and adjust for other platforms in post).
4. Do testimonials after a session is over.
"By 2021, 87% of the internet will be video."
Programs & Equipment Mentioned:
Final Cut Pro X - apple.com/final-cut-pro
Filmic Pro - filmicpro.com
GoPro Hero 8 - bit.ly/bp-goprohero8
Lab Mic: Tascam DR 10-L - amzn.to/2PX1ifm
Links:
Workshop: yameanstudiosfilms.com/education
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Have you taken the time to think through where you are in your life and business, and where you want to go over the next 12 months?
In episode 336 of the Bokeh Podcast, Nathan, Haylee, Heather, and Rich discuss their goals for the new year, and the motivation behind them. Listen in as they discuss what it can look like to find purpose and passion, even when your motives sometimes feel selfish.
The audio from Workflow Wednesday episodes is from our weekly Facebook Live videos. Tune in live on Wednesdays at 2:00PM EST, at facebook.com/photogsedit.
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.
Connect:
Links:
Henry Chen's Episode - bit.ly/bp-331
Ryn's Blog Post: bit.ly/bp-visionweekends
Tony Robbin's Book: http://bit.ly/bp-reawaken
Newlywed Game: bit.ly/bp-newlywedgame
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Have you developed a plan for marketing and building brand awareness for your business? Are you lost on where to begin?
In episode 335 of the Bokeh Podcast, Kat Schmoyer discussed the most important principals to consider when developing your brand awareness. Listen in as she shares how these 3 principals have allowed her to successfully build brand awareness for the Creative at Heart Conference, Dear Sweetheart Events, and her personal brand, Kat Schmoyer .
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.
About Kat’s Businesses (1:51)
creativeatheartconference.com - Creative at Heart Conference & Membership Community
dearsweetheartevents.com - Wedding Planning Company
katschmoyer.com - Coaching & Blogging
Principal for Customer Experience: Figure out what is your 'overdeliver.” Serve your clients well within capacity of the package they book. (4:48)
Brand Position: We work with Type A brides, who understand their plan and need a best friend to execute it. (9:25)
Technique for Time: Plan out themed days for batching content. (12:38)
Monday- Catchall and Planning Day
Tuesday- Marketing and Content Creation Day
Wednesday - Project Management Day
Thursday - Appointment Days
Friday- Client Project Days
Finding Inspiration: When you take a step back from your business. (20:56)
Kat’s Approach to Quarterly Planning (21:50)
Book Recommendations: (23:20)
Deep Work by Cal Newport - bit.ly/bp-deepwork
Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport - bit.ly/bp-digitalminimalism
Check out bokehbookshelf.com >>
Tools Mentioned for Your Business:
Important Principals to Develop Brand Awareness of Your Company: (33:37)
1. Know your people and repel the rest.
2. Don’t be afraid of hearing no while you’re building your brand.
3. Knowing that you will need to put your CEO hat on with delegation and outsourcing.
Bonus: Bring on an admin assistant, because that will be the easiest to start delegating.
Virtual Assistant Companies:
Wouldn’t it be ideal to only attract ideal clients that align with your core values?
In episode 334 of the Bokeh Podcast, Rachel Mandel discusses the motivation to change her brand messaging and marketing efforts to attract kind, happy clients. Listen in as she shares the updates she made in her brand, along with techniques for converting those potential ideal clients into loyal customers.
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: I help you to see your natural glow as fine art, incorporating cheerful attitudes to see your beautify internally and externally. (2:25)
Rachel’s Family History & Connection to Photography (11:20)
Advice for Photographers: Keep everything legal and documented. (13:52)
Technique for Time: Edit photos immediately after taking them. Flag the images, create a new smart collection, and edit from there. (19:29)
Content Consumption: Online education and using her Masters Degree to apply it. (22:49)
Book Recommendation: Handbook on the Psychology of Pricing - bit.ly/bp-psychologyofpricing (25:30)
The Gear Bag: LED Pen with strip of white lights for photographing rings. bit.ly/bp-ledpen (27:12)
Rachel’s Experience with Unhappy Clients (29:36)
Making the Shift to Attract Kind, Happy Clients (32:08)
Facebook Ads Interests: Promote Social Justice and Promote Gratitude (32:08)
The Motivating Factor (33:05)
Education to Help with the Shift: (34:21)
Pia Silva - badassyourbrand.com
Sales Trainings
Messaging: I thrive on making the most important moments of your life timeless, bright, and stress free. (36:06)
Previous Messaging: All about Rachel. (37:31)
Searching for Rachel’s Ideal Clients (40:36)
Facebook Ad Targeting:Promote Social Justice, Gratitude, and Values that Align with Yours
Facebook Ad Targeting by Wedding Interests:The Knot, Wedding Wire, Style Me Pretty, etc
Further Targeting:Engaged Couples
Important Trait of A Successful Sales Person: Shut Up & Listen - Understand what your client wants and thoughtfully respond while taking notes.
Questions for Your Potential Clients: (44:34)
Always end an email or phone call with a low-commitment question.
Checking in every couple of days.
Links:
Are you protecting yourself and your business with a privacy policy or terms and conditions on your website?
In episode 333 of the Bokeh Podcast, Paige Griffith explains what these documents can do in covering all the bases when it comes to your business, as well as collecting data from potential customers through your website. Listen in as she shares the important components that you, as a photographer, need to have within your privacy policy and terms and conditions!
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.
Catch up with Paige: (1:47)
The Legal Paige - thelegalpaige.com
Griffith Law
Brand Position: Virtual legal resource that helps educate online small business owners how to protect themselves. (6:31)
Book/Content Recommendations: (11:14)
Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo - bit.ly/bp-figureoutable
The Stacking Your Team Podcast by Biz Chix - bit.ly/bp-stackingyourteam
The Gear Bag: KUVRD Stretchy Lens Caps - kuvrdcamera.com (14:57)
Considering Your Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions (17:06)
Privacy Policy Regulations & Laws (17:06)
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
California Consumer Privacy Act
Child Online Protection Act
Federal Consumer Protection Act
Important Components of Terms & Conditions for Photographers: (24:49)
1. Intellectual Property Notice - Evidence that we put the public on notice of copyright.
2. Refund Policy (Specifically for e-commerce sites)
3. Age Requirements (COPA - 13 years or older)
Website Placement Recommendation from Paige: Secondary footer that includes the Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, and Disclaimer (26:40)
Components of the Privacy Policy (28:57)
1. Who you collect the information from.
2. Why you’re tracking the data.
3. How you’re going to use the information.
4. Explain things regarding minors in using their information.
5. The use of information and their rights to change their consent.
Links:
The Legal Paige Podcast - thelegalpaige.com/podcast
The Legal Paige Community on Facebook - bit.ly/bp-legalpaigecommunity
BP Episode 130 with Paige Griffith - bit.ly/bp-131
Evolve Conference - evolveworkshops.org
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and
Have you created a strategic marketing plan for this year? Maybe you're looking for advice on where to start!
In episode 332 of the Bokeh Podcast, Ashley Ebert of The Abundance Group and The Simply Elegant Group joins us to share the marketing formula she and her father developed for their clients to build a successful marketing plan. If you're ready to strategically think through every potential marketing channel, 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: The wedding planner for the everyday couple; saving their couples more than they cost them.
Advice for Photographers: Learn from others, test, and adjust; continue to repeat this process. (26:20)
Technique for Time: (29:48)
Mindset:Concept of Work/Life Integration
Tactical:30 Minute End-of-Day Wrap Up
Content Recommendations: (34:25)
Building a Storybrand Podcast - bit.ly/bp-storybrandpodcast
Mind Your Business - mindyourbusinesspodcast.com
Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield - bit.ly/bp-onlinemarketingmadeeasy
The Art of Online Business with Rick Mulready - bit.ly/bp-artonlinebusiness
Marketing Your Business with Stu Mclaren - bit.ly/bp-marketingyourbusiness
On Purpose with Jay - bit.ly/bp-onpurpose
Awesome Marketing Formula (37:08)
A - Advertising
W - Website
E - Education
S - Social Media
O - Other
M - Meeting New People
E - Email Marketing
Advertising on Facebook: There is a slight learning curb. (39:40)
Website Opportunity: Creating a clear message. (41:22)
Education: Position yourself as an authority of knowledge to your prospective clients. (46:50)
Social Media: Pick your platform and be all in. Ashley isn’t paying attention to TikTok for now, but focused on Pinterest in 2020. (53:46)
Other Opportunities: Take time to think through something unique to do in your marketing. (58:14)
Meeting New People: Change your mindset from sharing your business to learning about other businesses. (1:01:21)
Email Marketing: Look at your ideal client through psychographics and behaviors in order to create better content for them. (1:10:55)
Links:
Are you looking for technology to add to your marketing efforts, that will save you time, generate more qualified leads, and offer a unique experience for your clients?
In episode 331 of the Bokeh Podcast, Henry Chen introduces us to unique marketing tactics with chatbots! Listen in as Henry shares the philosophy behind incorporating chatbots into your business, along with the primary benefits and how to get started today!
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: Capturing multi-cultural, faith, and ethnic weddings specifically to have a stress-free wedding day while telling a personal and timeless story. (2:34)
Advice for Photographers: Treat your business like you’re a business owner. (6:21)
Tools for Business: (11:03)
Google Analytics - analytics.google.com
Google Sheets - google.com/sheets
Excel - products.office.com/en-us/excel
Evernote - evernote.com
Banktivity - iggsoftware.com
Technique for Time: Simplify things as much as possible. (16:19)
Content Recommendations: (19:59)
Pat Flynn - Smart Passive Income - smartpassiveincome.com/shows/spi
Cliff Ravenscraft - cliffravenscraft.com
Review of the AirPods Pro (22:31)
The Gear Bag: Wedding Day Photography Cheat Sheet (24:10)
Miilu Overview (26:18)
Why Chatbots Aren’t Being Used in the Photo Industry: Chatbots seem spammy and impersonal (28:55)
The Chatbot Workflow (33:17)
A chatbot message will pop up for the website visitor.
They click the get support button.
You’ll be notified of the request.
The visitor will be asked a series of personalized questions for their inquiry.
Henry’s First Experience with Chatbots (36:49)
Questions to Ask Yourself When Implementing New Tools in Business (40:49)
How will it benefit you as a business owner?
How will it benefit your potential clients?
The Philosophies that Drive Henry’s Use of Chatbots (40:49)
1. You don’t have to always be in your business or online.
2. You won’t worry about getting leads ever again.
3. You can truly customize your client’s experience based on where they are in the process.
Benefits of Chatbots in Marketing Efforts: (44:33)
1. Saving time from back and forth communication.
2. Create messenger ads on facebook and incorporate chatbots.
3. Omni-channel marketing (being everywhere with our business), without having to physically be there.
Chatbot Integrations: (51:43)
Facebook Messenger
Text/SMS Messaging
Ways to Use Chatbots i
Do you want to add Pinterest to your marketing strategy, but get confused on how to use the platform to grow your business?
In episode 330 of the Bokeh Podcast, Vanessa Kynes explains why she believes Pinterest is one of the most underutilized, yet important social media platforms for photographers! Listen is as she highlights the unique benefits of Pinterest and the steps you need to take in order to get started with your Pinterest 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.
Brand Position: Help creative small businesses craft traffic generating Pinterest marketing strategies so you can spend less time marketing your business and more time on your unique creative work. (4:50)
Advice for Photographers: Niche down as early as possible. (6:39)
Technique for Time: (11:36)
Set aside time where you’re not working.
Batch your work and organize it in a planner
Content Recommendations: (16:05)
Essentialism by Greg McKeown - bit.ly/bp-essentialism
Start With Why by Simon Sinek - bit.ly/bp-startwithwhy
Deep Work by Cal Newport - bit.ly/bp-deepwork
Why Pinterest is Left Behind: People are confused and afraid to use a more confusing platform. (21:33)
Powerful Pinterest Statistics: (23:54)
64% of brides used Pinterest for Inspiration
81% of sinners use Pinterest to plan their wedding before they’re even engaged.
80 million Weddings Pin on Pinterest (confirm stat)
Benefits of Pinterest: (27:17)
1. Traffic generation for the long-term play.
2. Brand awareness and discovery
Getting Started with Pinterest: (36:06)
1. Optimize your Pinterest profile. Switch to a Business Account, Add location to your name and bio if location-based.
2. Keyword Research to identify what you should be creating.
3. Create fresh content weekly and automate your Pinterest strategy with tailwind.
Links:
Pinterest Startup Guide: vanessakynes.com/pinterest-start-guide
Blog Post for Photographers: vanessakynes.com/how-to-use-pinterest-for-your-photography-business
Pin Progress Course: bit.ly/bp-pinprogress
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Are you hesitant to go full-time in your photography business, because you're struggling to book clients?
In episode 329 of the Bokeh Podcast, Anna Wright joins us to share how she was fully booked with clients in less than two years! Listen in as she shares five key ideas to succeeding in your photography business when you're just starting out!
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: Hybrid wedding and portrait photographer, specializing in capturing the beauty of now and preserving memories. (2:38)
Advice for Photographers: You cannot do this alone. (6:41)
Technique for Time: (11:33)
Learn to say no, rely on babysitters, and prioritize time with your kids by taking time off.
Bonus: Get it right in camera, utilize a CRM like Dubsado, and use your available time.
Book/Content Recommendations: (23:07)
The Magnolia Story by Chip & Joanna Gaines - bit.ly/bp-magnoliastory
168 Hours - bit.ly/bp-168hours
Goal Digger Podcast with Jenna Kutcher - podcast.jennakutcher.com
The Gear Bag: Fruit Snacks & Jolly Ranchers (30:31)
Anna's Photography Back Story (34:05)
Key Ideas to Getting Fully Booked: (40:31)
- Make the decision not to fail.
- Understand the importance of multitasking while shooting and know how to engage with people.
- Invest in education when you’re getting started.
- Outsource the things you don’t want to focus on.
- Have a support system.
Links:
instagram.com/annakay.photography
Amy & Jordan Classes - amyandjordan.com/store
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Are you trying to serve high-net-worth clients, but haven’t found a way to move your business into the high-end wedding market?
In episode 328 of the Bokeh Podcast, Courtney and Julie of Invision Events discuss how high-end wedding planners typically approach building relationships with other vendors. Join them as they define what high-end weddings mean to them, and how they best serve their couples.
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: Boutique wedding planner and designer who work together to serve a high-end, refined & tailored clientele.(2:53)
Advice for Photographers: (14:55)
Julie– Everything you do in business is a long game.
Courtney– You’re in a service-based industry where you have to be flexible
Technique for Time: (20:38)
Julie– Work is always going to be there, so you need to stop feeling guilty when you take time for yourself.
Courtney– Keep a todo list to organize your work.
Book Recommendations: (27:26)
Courtney:
Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell – bit.ly/bp-tipping-point
Tribes by Seth Godin – bit.ly/bp-tribes
The Wedding Biz Podcast by Andy Kushner – theweddingbiz.com
Julie:
The Wedding Biz Podcast by Andy Kushner – theweddingbiz.com
Becoming Michelle Obama – http://bit.ly/bp-becomingmichelle
Marie Antoinette – bit.ly/bp-marieantoinette
Enneagram
Defining High-End or High-Net-Worth Clients: Incorporating an extension of their lifestyle in their wedding to create an experience for their guests. (33:23)
How to Connect with High-End Wedding Planners: (42:59)
1. Have a shared experience with them. Ex: Industry events.
2. Reach out to join their team for a day to understand how they best serve their clients.
3. Create a lasting impression by learning how to see someone.
The Biggest Takeaway: (55:42)
Planners don’t always hold all of the keys to all of the clients.
Links:
courtney@invevents.com
julie@invevents.com
Vero by Kelly Berry – bit.ly/bp-vero
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