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 losing potential clients because they're getting lost in all of the copy you have on your website?
In episode 287 of the Bokeh Podcast, Rachel Greiman of Green Chair Stories explains how sometimes less is more when it comes to the text on your website. Listen in as she shares how to create well-balanced website content and cull your copy for killer conversion.
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: (7:00)
For Photography - Capture the unbelievably ordinary moments that parents miss every day.
For Copywriting - I show people what makes themselves special even when they can’t see it.
Advice for Photographers: Everyone else made it up so you can to. (13:29)
Technique for Time: Start your day without meeting anyone else’s needs besides your own. For example, wake up before your baby to have time for yourself. (17:20)
Book Recommendation: Essentialism by Greg McCowen (20:39)
The Gear Bag: Snacks - Larabar & Peanut Butter Packets (22:40)
Balancing Your Website Copy (28:43)
Cull Your Copy for Killer Conversion:
1. Use prominent Calls to Action.
2. Don’t expect your photos to do the talking. Let your words sell you.
3. Let your past clients sell you by adding testimonials.
4. Don’t write a single word that is not true.
Links:
instagram.com/greenchairstories
Episode 267 w/ Layers Photo - bit.ly/bp-267
Episode 243 w/ Karen Julia - bit.ly/bp-243
Episode 270 w/ Shares Davenport - bit.ly/bp-270
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Have you scrolled the Instagram accounts of your favorite bloggers or social media influencers and wondered how you could collaborate with them on their images?
In episode 286 of the Bokeh Podcast, Audrie Dollins shares her approach to creating beautiful imagery and content as a blogger photographer. Listen in as she shares the characteristics, the marketing strategies, and the processes that you'll need to become a photographer for bloggers and influencers.
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 who curates imagery for clients to accelerate their products, brands, & businesses.
Advice for Photographers: Focus on what you want to do and have to offer. Educate yourself, but don’t compare yourself. (16:59)
Technique for Time: Create a schedule for consistency. (19:22)
The Gear Bag: Flash Bender and stun gun. (23:26)
Book Recommendation: (27:43)
Light is the New Black - bit.ly/bp-lightnewblack
Girl Wash Your Face - bit.ly/bp-washface
Characteristics of a Good Blogger Photographer: (35:59)
1. Work Ethic
2. Lighting
3. Listen and Collaborate
Marketing to Bloggers & Influencers: (44:18)
1. Online Presence: Website & Social Media
2. Networking in Your Hustle
The Process:
1. Connect with the client to understand the story they’re telling.
2. The client preps everything prior to arrival (ie. Food, products, etc)
3. Photograph 1-2 hours per session.
Revenue Streams in Blogger Photography: (51:36)
1. Session Fees
2. Third Party Licensing Fees
Benefits to Being a Blogger Photographer: (55:58)
1. Getting your weekends back.
2. Meeting and connecting with other entrepreneurs, then helping their business grow.
Links:
Positioning - bit.ly/bp-positioning
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Photographing kids can be challenging, especially if you haven't found the right techniques to manage them during a portrait session!
In episode 285 of the Bokeh Podcast, Katie Pearson shares 10 tips and tricks to handling rambunctious kids during a shoot! Listen in as she shares some of her funniest stories with photographing children and the gear she uses for entertainment!
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: My purpose is to capture love, relationships, and milestones in a fun and colorful way. “Let’s go outside and play!” (2:13)
Advice for Photographers: Customer service is a priority. Make sure your clients are happy from beginning to end. (7:18)
Technique for Time: Outsource your editing (9:41)
Book Recommendation:
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachael Hollis - bit.ly/bp-washface
The Gear Bag: A small handbag full of travel items that act as an emergency kit. (17:19)
How Katie Started Photographing Children (19:01)
Crazy Scenarios from Sessions: (22:35)
A Kid & a Rosebush (22:35)
Runaway Child (23:22)
The Gear Bag for Kids: (25:27)
Bubbles
Stickers
Managing Kids During a Portrait Session: (25:27)
1. Carry interactive items in your gear bag like bubbles and stickers. (Ages 2-4)
2. Get shutter huggers for your camera. (Ages 6 months to 1 year)
3. Feather duster for tickling toes.
4. Act silly.
5. Download a fart app.
6. Utilize Youtube for entertainment. (Baby Shark and Cocoa Melon)
7. Have the child use the camera or be the assistant so they feel important.
8. When you initially meet the family, get on the child’s level, introduce yourself, and ask them to play.
9. Have patience and avoid showing frustration.
10. Direct them to jump, twirl, and walk around to make it more playful.
Links
instagram.com/devinereithphotography
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Have you ever faced big life changes that require a shift in your business model?
In episode 284 of the Bokeh Podcast, Torrey Fox joins us to discuss the major changes in her personal life over the last year, and how that effected the amount of time she could put into her business. Listen in as she provides techniques for working more efficiently with less time available!
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: Telling the story of clients through timeless images. (6:08)
Advise for Photographers: Show the work that you want to be shooting. (9:16)
Book Recommendation: Rich Dad, Poor Dad (12:54)
The Gear Bag: Fanny Pack (Hershle) and Holsters (15:08)
Technique for Time After Big Life Changes: (18:30)
Scheduling uninterrupted time to work.
Stop watching Instagram stories.
Be pickier about the jobs she accepts.
Raise prices to work less.
Shooting film to attract a higher end client and spend less time editing.
Raising Prices for Less Work: (38:46)
Determine how much you want to work and how much you want to make.
Links:
torreyfoxphotography.com
instagram.com/torreyfox
facebook.com/torreyfoxphotography
Episode 60 - http://bit.ly/bp-60
http://rebeccayalephotography.com
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As an entrepreneur, do you struggle with the idea that taking a long period of time off work will cause your business to crumble?
In episode 283 of the Bokeh Podcast, Rich & Heather Smith share what their business looks like after a 14 day sabbatical to Alaska, and how they managed their business without cell phone or internet. Listen in as they share practical tips for preparing your business for a long trip so that you can still enjoy traveling as a business owner.
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:
Preparing for a Trip/Sabbatical:
1. Plan ahead for communication, money, and sessions.
2. Don't overcommitted around your travel dates.
3. Set up a great autoresponder.
4. Build and rely on your relationships.
Practical Tip: Minimize your overwhelm by not over-doing it.
Links:
iPhone XS
Petapixel Article Mentioned
Photographersedit.com
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As an entrepreneur, you're forced to face uncomfortable situations and be vulnerable in multiple areas of your business.
In episode 282 of the Bokeh Podcast, Thu Tran shares how she has confronted vulnerability with comparison on social media, criticism in her work, and letting go of control to outsource in her business. Listen in as she defines what it means to be vulnerable, how you can push through those feelings, and grow as a photographer and person.
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.
The Lesson: Learn to create a system for yourself and advertise early on. (9:01)
Technique for Time: Schedule everything in a block schedule.
Book Recommendations: (26:28)
Anything by Brene Brown - brenebrown.com
Essentialism by Greg McKeown - bit.ly/bp-essentialism
Scrum by Jeff Sutherland - bit.ly/bp-scrum
The Obstacle is the Way - bit.ly/bp-obstacle
Trillion Dollar Coach - bit.ly/bp-trilliondollar
The Gear Bag: (30:26)
Food & Dr. Pepper Chapstick
Thu on Defining Vulnerability: Taking a risk, putting yourself out there and not know the outcome.(38:07)
Nathan on Defining Vulnerability: Putting something out there for which you’re afraid to be judged for. (38:39)
How Codependency Relates to Vulnerability (43:19)
Facing the Comparison on Instagram (47:40)
Thu’s Areas of Vulnerability:
Social Media
Criticism
Outsourcing
Links:
Reawaken the Giant Within - bit.ly/bp-reawaken
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Traveling the world to photograph weddings may sound like a dream, but have you considered the logistics of how to build a business to support it?
In episode 281 of the Bokeh Podcast, Ann Koch shares her experiences with international weddings, and how knowing your motivation for travel can effect your business model! Listen in as she shares the marketing components that you need to focus on in your business if you're ready to become an international wedding 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.
Brand Position: Create memories that truly represent who they are by adding a little bit of magic. (2:26)
Advice for Photographers: Integrity means everything for your clients. (6:10)
The Importance of Meditation (13:50)
Book Recommendations: Why Buddism is True - bit.ly/bp-buddismtrue (18:44)
Video Mentioned in this Episode: bit.ly/bp-youtubetherapist
The Gear Bag: Sharpie for film labelling. (22:35)
The Importance of Asking for What You Want (30:57)
Before You Decide to Focus on International Wedding Clients:
1. Understand Why You Want to Travel and the Motivation Behind It
2. Establish Trust with Your Potential Clients
Tips for Overcoming Introverted Tendencies: Ask questions so your clients are forced to talk about themselves. (44:11)
How to Get International Clients: (48:39)
1. Google and SEO
2. Referrals from Past Clients and Venues
Links:
Oura Ring - bit.ly/bp-ouraring
How to Win Friends and Influence People - bit.ly/bp-winfriends
Episode 243 with Karen Julia - bit.ly/bp-243
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Are you capturing more than beautiful portraits for your boudoir clients? What if you could create a storybook from each session that better portrayed the nuance of your client's personality?
In episode 280 of the Bokeh Podcast, Tasha Koetsch of Wanderlust Boudoir describes how she approaches her boudoir sessions with the intent of telling a story. Listen in as she describes her process for creating storybooks for her clients, and how she helps develop that storyline throughout the 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: Redefining beauty through storytelling with boudoir photography.
Advice for Photographers: Network and build your community. (6:55)
Technique for Time: Scheduling on your calendar. (10:15)
Content Recommendations: CreativeLive, Kelbyone?, Associateion of International Boudoir Photographers, DoMore, Bokeh Podcast, (13:33)
The Gear Bag: Copper pipes, tea candle holders, chandelier glass(16:02)
Ways to Define Their Story: (27:04)
1. What props the client brings in for the session.
2. What theme they want to portray in their session.
3. What the client wears in the session
Style Closet Tips: Encourage clients to bring a black and nude thong to wear under the pieces.
Links:
instagram.com/wanderlust_boudoir
Matt Mathews Episode: bit.ly/bp-268
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Are you developing relationships that establish loyalty, leading your clients back to you for photos year after year?⠀
In episode 279 of the Bokeh Podcast, Michelle of M Harris Studios shares how she's developed a "Client for Life" program that allows her to photograph her clients from engagement to the rest of life's special moments.
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: Creating relationships with clients to create clients for life.
Advice for Photographers: Posing is the most important part of a business once you have a client. (4:56)
Tip for Posing: Find out what your client’s insecurities are prior to posing.
Technique for Time: (7:57)
1. No Work Wednesdays
2. Creating multiple to-do lists based on the realistic expectations for the day.
Content Recommendations: You’re a Badass at Making Money (13:23)
The Gear Bag: Sigma Art 20mm 1.4 (15:37)
Client For Life Program: (21:37)
Free 30 minute session every year with wedding packages.
Prints can be purchased through the online gallery.
This creates a continuous referral program from dedicated clients.
Links:
Hustle in Heels - bit.ly/bp-hustleinheels
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Are you concerned that photographers who are pricing themselves low are undercutting the market?
In episode 278 of the Bokeh Podcast, we chat with Sarah Willey on why she believes every market deserves great photography services, not just the higher end. Listen in as she breaks down how photographers can be successful with budget weddings, and how they can begin servicing the budget-friendly markets.
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.
The Lesson: Happy clients equals a happy life. (2:01)
Content Recommendations: Jenna Kutcher’s Goal Digger Podcast & Dave Ramsey’s Podcast (4:50)
The Gear Bag: A clipboard with timeline and shot list readily available. (6:06)
"80% of US wedding are photographed for $2k or less.”
Getting Clients When You’re Getting Started: (21:30)
Referrals
Facebook Boosted Posts
Associate Photography Business: This brand allows for affordable quality under a brand not associated with Sarah’s business. (32:05)
Supply & Demand Business Model: As time goes by, she adjusts her pricing based on the demand for her business. (35:58)
Breakdown of Budget Wedding Expenses: (39:26)
$1500 x 6 = $9,000/month
$9,000/month x 10 months = $90,000
$90,000 - 20% = $72,000 (not including write-offs)
$72,000 - $150/wedding (for outsourcing editing) = $64,800
$64,800 - $12,500 (in business expenses) = $52,300
Bonus: Add in your print sales.
Ideas for Working with Budget Brides: (46:35)
1. Tune out what everyone says and be confident in your pricing.
2. If you focus on the budget pricing, you will stay busier.
3. Remember that your time is still valuable.
Links:
facebook.com/photographybysarahlynn
instagram.com/sarahlynnphotographypdx
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