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 passionate about apparel, fashion, and photography? Did you know you could merge them into a career?
In episode 297 of the Bokeh Podcast, Vince Sirico shares how his dream of becoming a shoe designer led him to falling in love with shoe photography. Listen in as he explains what photographing shoes for brands entails, along with how you can get started in apparel photography.
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: A photographer passionate about footwear and apparel. (3:18)
Advice for Photographers: Be incredibly patient. (9:50)
Technique for Time: Treat your job like a typical corporate workday and find a hobby that allows you to forget about your work day. (14:05)
Book/Content Recommendation: (16:51)
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight - bit.ly/bp-shoedog
This Is Not a T-Shirt by Bobby Hundreds - bit.ly/bp-notatshirt
How I Built This (AirBnB, WeWork, Starbucks, Southwest, & Toms Shoes) - bit.ly/bp-howibuiltthis
The Gear Bag: Fishing Wire (21:31)
Inspiration for Environmental Color Matching: trashhand.com & Tyler Mansor - instagram.com/arab_lincoln (24:02)
Location Scouting Processes (26:37)
How to Get Started in Apparel Photography (36:44)
1. Don’t stray from your dreams and stay in your lane.
2. Build confidence from putting in the work and continue learning.
3. Pay it forward.
Links:
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Does the idea of producing video to market your photography business intimidate you?
In episode 296 of the Bokeh Podcast, Rich & Heather Smith flip the roles in this interview to ask Haylee and Nathan about simplifying video marketing in business in part 1 of this 2 part series. Listen in as they chat about the gear they use, and how to overcome the fears of getting in front of the camera.
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. Tune in on September 25th for part 2 of this video marketing series.
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:
Fstoppers Article - bit.ly/bp-iphonewedding
Go Pro Hero 7 - bit.ly/bp-goprohero7
Rode Mic for Go Pro - bit.ly/bp-rodemic4gopro
Gorilla Pod - bit.ly/bp-gorillapod
Go Pro Housing - bit.ly/bp-goprohousing
Go Pro Adapter - bit.ly/bp-goproadapter
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Are you creating valuable wedding photography timelines for your clients that prepare you for any situation?
In episode 295 of the Bokeh Podcast, Ashlyn Cathey discusses the importance of creating purposeful timelines for your weddings to leave them stress and chaos free. Listen in as she explains how to prepare your clients' expectations of their day and deliver an amazing wedding experience for your 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: (3:42)
Being personal, providing all day coverage, and having experience in the industry.
Driven by 3 values: to love couples, to serve above and beyond, to preserve special moments.
Advice for Photographers: (13:44)
1. For Newbies: Time and consistency are your friend.
2. For Experience: Don’t forget to take the time to feel inspired and learn new things.
Technique for Time: Time Blocking (17:27)
Content Recommendation: Behind the Scenes Podcast with Jeremy & Audrey Roloff - bit.ly/bp-behindthescenes (22:35)
The Gear Bag: Spiderbelt Dual Camera Holster - bit.ly/bp-spiderbeltdual (24:37)
Importance of Wedding Day Timelines: Living in the moment, means leaving time for those moments to happen. (31:47)
Key Notes for Timelines: (32:21)
1. The day will fly by.
2. Most days don’t go as planned.
3. Make the day fun with extra time for fun things.
Reasons Timelines Don’t Work: (32:57)
1. Miscommunicated Desires
2. Coordination
3. Not having a Plan B
Links:
instagram.com/ashlyncathey.photo
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Do your reception photos fall short because you're not familiar with making the most of your light sources?
In episode 294 of the Bokeh Podcast, Kenny Clapp shares the important principals for creating powerful reception lighting. Listen in this special episode where we scroll through Kenny's Instagram to review the characteristics of light to look for while you're shooting.
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: Baltimore and the DMV area (2:30)
Brand Position: Honest, Meaningful, and Attentive (3:01)
Advice for Photographers: Learn the technical side of photography first. (10:56)
Content Recommendation: (12:38)
Mentors
Technique for Time: Treat your business like a business and give yourself a timeframe for getting things done.(16:52)
Book Recommendation: Mindset by Carol Dweck - bit.ly/bp-mindset (21:27)
The Gear Bag: Stamping Block - bit.ly/bp-stampingblock (24:10)
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByQBZXcllw2/
What Drew Kenny to Dramatic Lighting: His Experience at Failing with It. (27:20)
Drawing Inspiration:
Magmod How I Shot It Youtube - bit.ly/bp-howishotit
Photography Contests
Four Characteristics of Lighting: (36:24)
1. Quantity of Light
2. Quality of Light
3. Color of Light
4. Direction of Light
Quantity & Quality of Light Discussion:
Color of Light:
Direction of Light:
Practical Tips for Reception Lighting: (50:00)
1. Scout your location ahead of time.
2. Don’t overcomplicate things or equipment.
3. Use grid to control your light.
4. Experiment in a controlled manner.
Lighting:
Godox Flashpoint - bit.ly/bp-godoxflashpoint
AD200 - bit.ly/bp-godox-ad200 (55:01)
Mentioned in this Episode:
Eric & Amber Langwa
Eric McAllister - mccallisterphoto.com
Roy Cox - 4-optic.com
Are you ready to grow your team, but fear the idea of letting someone else manage work for your brand?
In episode 293 of the Bokeh Podcast, Katie Devaney of Be Light Photography shares how she found success in hiring team members and delegating work in her business! Listen in as she shares the key principles for bringing on the right people and delegating work to your team.
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: A team of multiple photographers, offering film, digital, and video. (3:53)
Advice for Photographers: Always chase after your dream and don’t hold back. (4:58)
Technique for Time: Take days off during the week, make time for the people in your life, hire an assistant (6:58)
Book Recommendations: The Maxwell Leadership Bible by John Maxwell (9:39)
The Gear Bag: Fans - bit.ly/bp-portablefans (12:18)
Katie’s Team: (15:32)
5 Lead Photographers
1 Videographer
1 Administrative Assistant
Challenges with Delegation: Trust that they’ll show up, represent the company, deliver high quality work. (25:16)
Important Principals for Delegation: (26:46)
1. Hire the right people for your team.
2. Train your team well & be available to help when needed.
3. Leave room for grace, no one is perfect.
Onboarding New Photographers: Everyone is different based on where they are in their experience. From 6 months to a year, it can vary. (35:46)
Links:
instagram.com/belightphotography
instagram.com/belightfineartphotography
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Have you set up the proper workflows for your business to efficiently operate, so that you can spend more time with the people you love?
In episode 292 of the Bokeh Podcast, Chip Gillespie shares the important principals behind creating workflows for every aspect of your photography business, allowing you to spend less time working in your business. Listen in as he shares his experience as a wedding photographer and how creating workflows led him to creating StompSoftware!
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: Connecting on a personal level with clients that continues to being them back and refer their friends. (2:54)
Advice for Photographers: Choose your clients wisely. (7:35)
Technique for Time: Build boundaries, create a dedicated work space, (12:35)
Book Recommendation: (22:32)
Rework by Jason Fried - bit.ly/bp-rework
Remote by Jason Fried - bit.ly/bp-remote
Start with Why by Simon Sinek - bit.ly/bp-startwithwhy
The Gear Bag: (25:36)
Sewing Kit - bit.ly/bp-sewingkit
Superglue - bit.ly/bp-superglue
Bartender Style Bottle Opener - bit.ly/bp-bottleopener
What is a Workflow? A set of tasks that get you from where you are to where you want to be. (28:34)
Photography Business Workflows: (31:33)
1. Marketing Workflow
2. Pre-shoot Workflow
3. Editing Workflow
The Importance of Efficiency: Removing all unnecessary steps. (38:27)
Streamlining Communication: Canned Emails & CRMs (40:00)
Mentioned: Jenny Corbit
Maintain Your Brand (43:00)
You’re not Superman & you can’t do everything. (50:15)
Links:
instagram.com/chipgillespieweddings
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Have you ever felt disconnected from or left out of the photography community based on your skill level or experience?
In episode 291 of the Bokeh Podcast, Co Hodges of Unraveled Academy shares her thoughts on building an inclusive community and overcoming hierarchy in the photography industry. Listen in as she discusses the significance of relationships and authenticity in community building.
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: All artists of all walks of life can come to learn, grow, and connect with others, where students and teachers are on the same level. (2:26)
Book Recommendations Pt. 1: Start With Why (4:14)
Advice for Photographers: There will always be another mountain to climb and conquer, but enjoy the one you’re facing now. (5:49)
Technique for Time: Create dedicated office hours. (10:33)
Book Recommendations Pt. 2: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (15:50)
Spectrum Inspired: To raise awareness and de-stigmatize autism spectrum disorders. (18:40)
The Gear Bag: Monopod (23:29)
Hierarchy in the Photography Industry: Stems from “fan-girling” over artists in the community, who then allow themselves to be put on a pedestal. (26:30)
Overcoming the Hierarchy: Adding Value (31:16)
Significance of Relationships (34:49)
Significance of Authenticity (36:36)
Sharing Vulnerable Parts of You: (39:50)
1. Write down 100 things that make you up as a person.
2. Cross out anything you wouldn’t be willing to share online.
3. Use the remaining things to open the doors to your vulnerability.
Links
instagram.com/unraveledacademy
Let’s Get Unraveled Podcast - bit.ly/bp-unraveledpod
Nathan’s Episode on Let’s Get Unraveled - bit.ly/bp-unraveled-nathan
theunraveledacademy@gmail.com
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Does your website copy clearly convey the unique value you bring to your ideal clients?
In episode 290 of the Bokeh Podcast, Jess Jordana explains how she works with creatives to write website copy that will captivate, convert, and clone your ideal client. Listen in as she shares how you should approach clear communication through an audit of your existing copy.
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: Helps business owners connect, convert and clone their dream people with their message, while focusing on connection. (2:02)
Advice for Photographers: Start before you’re ready. (3:38)
Technique for Time: Carve out free time & operate by Parkinson’s Law: work expands into he time that is available. (6:24)
Book Recommendations: (9:18)
Bread & Wine by Shauna Neiquist - bit.ly/bp-breadandwine
Deep Work by Cal Newport - bit.ly/bp-deepwork
The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz - pumpkinplan.com
Words that Your Potential Clients Won’t Relate to: (15:06)
Authentic
Joyful Couples (without specificity)
Communicating Clearly vs Clearly to Your Ideal Client: (19:27)
Your brain needs hooks and pegs to hang information on. You can communicate something clearly, but unless you provide the hooks and pegs for your clients to relate to, they aren’t going to comprehend what you’re trying to communicate.
How to Tweak Your Website Copy to Attract Your Ideal Clients: (24:53)
1. Go through every page of your site and do an action audit, then create page goals.
2. Review your homepage, making your goal to get them off of it.
3. View your website copy as a conversation.
Links:
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Are you making an effort to build real relationships with more than just the clients in your photography business?
In episode 289 of the Bokeh Podcast, Chris J Evans discusses the importance of creating lasting, meaningful connections with other vendors, and the importance of gratitude in networking. Listen in as he shares his top three strategic relationships, along with how he builds and nurtures each of them.
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: Where fashion, nature, and weddings collide. An editorial style wedding photographer. (7:21)
Content Recommendation: (22:49)
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek - bit.ly/bp-leaderseatlast
The Art of War by Sun Tzu - bit.ly/bp-artofwar
The Power of Broke by Daymond John - bit.ly/bp-powerofbroke
The Gear Bag: (26:58)
Kenneth Cole Bag - Vintage Lace bails, hand-dyed silk ribbons, prisms, dress hanger, and a deck of cards.
Networking with Vendors: (29:29)
Tag vendors on Instagram when you work with them.
Reach out to vendors you want to work with.
Continue email communication with the vendors you want to work with on a monthly basis.
Chris' Top 3 Relationships for Networking (35:12)
1. Pacific Coast Wedding Magazine Editor (Robin)
2. Venue Owner (Sylvia)
3. Blog & Magazine Editors
Developing & Maintaining Relationships - Word Association: (45:25)
1. Follow Up
2. Networking Events
3. Personal Interaction
4. Ongoing Communications
The Importance of Gratitude (56:54)
Links
instagram.com/chrisjevansphoto
Santabarbaraweddingcompany.com
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Have you considered what specializing in a particular type of photography could do for your business?
In episode 288 of the Bokeh Podcast, Vickie Black shares the benefits of specializing, along with her journey to becoming a senior portrait photographer. If you're ready to pick a lane and stay in it for the long-term, 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: For the Fashionable Teen (1:38)
Discussion on the Sexualization of Seniors (4:16)
Advice for Photographers: Price accordingly and value yourself. The clients you’re gathering now at a lower price point won’t be your clients when you raise your prices. (9:56)
Push Conference: A conference for senior portrait photographers that focuses on education. (11:55)
Technique for Time: Set a rigid schedule: Dedicated shoot and meeting days. (14:21)
Content Recommendations: The Kitchen Sink Workshop by Amanda Holloway - seniorphotographyworkshop.com (16:22)
The Gear Bag: Home Depot Light (21:08)
Vickie’s Journey to Specializing in Senior Portraits (24:02)
Specializing: If you only specialize in one thing, think about subsets that can be feeders back into your business. (26:41)
Finding Your Specialty Feels Like Falling in Love (28:54)
Specialize First, then Course Correct (30:03)
The Key to Specializing: Focus on what makes you happy. (32:05)
Steps to Narrow Down Your Specialty:
Review how is your business structured?
Photograph everything until you find what sets your soul on fire.
Evaluate your business every 6 months to make sure you’re making money.
Vicki’s Evaluation Process: (39:26)
1. Look at the numbers.
2. Look at what you’ve created.
3. Get feedback from your model groups and their moms.
4. Check your pride and ego at the door.
Links:
instagram.com/seniorstyleguide
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
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