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
Do you ever feel stuck in your business without any sense of control over the direction you're going?
In episode 277 of the Bokeh Podcast, Madi and Micah May share the story of their struggle with stress, exhaustion, and complacency when things didn't go as planned. Listen in as they share how they managed to move forward, along with a few steps you can take to get unstuck in 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.
Technique for Time: Workout every morning to be more alert and efficient. (3:16)
Book Recommendations: (6:36)
168 Hours - bit.ly/bp-168hours
Crash the Chatterbox - bit.ly/bp-chatterbox
Untethered Soul - bit.ly/bp-untethered
Advice for Photographers: Don’t be afraid to learn who you are, your strengths, and your weaknesses. (15:47)
Brand Position: Bringing personality to professional headshots. (19:33)
Madi & Micah’s Backstory (26:27)
Steps to Getting Unstuck: (32:44)
1. Realize when you need to ask for help and find a mentor(s).
2. Learn how to use your time well by setting good habits.
3. Hire experts for the things you don’t do well or don’t enjoy.
Books They’re Learning From: (40:48)
Never Split the Difference - bit.ly/bp-neversplit
Creativity Inc - bit.ly/bp-creativityinc
Building a Storybrand - bit.ly/bp-storybrand
Links:
Option B - bit.ly/bp-optionb
Tomas Flint's Episode - bit.ly/bp-63
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Does entrepreneurship leave you feeling disconnected from a community in your local market?
In episode 276 of the Bokeh Podcast, Gene Yoon shares how he collaborated with a few friends to create a co-working space that was influenced by the concept of community. Listen in as Gene shares some of the biggest lessons he's learned from running a co-working space, along with how you can get started creating one 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 creative, yet natural imagery with a photojournalistic style. (1:18)
Advice for Photographers: Having a community based mentality will take you very far. (4:10)
Technique for Time: Be intentional about the time you’re carving out in your schedule. (5:26)
Content Recommendations: Youtube & Other Photographers (10:43)
The Gear Bag: Small Bluetooth Speaker (14:32)
Creating a Community Through Co-Working (18:16)
Time Commitment to Running a co-Working Space: For the first year, Gene was working out of the space, while still furnishing it. (20:03)
Business Model: A co-working space that hosts event, workshops, co-working opportunities through memberships and punch passes. (21:40)
The Lesson: (28:15)
Make an attempt to connect with others.
Join other networking groups out there.
Links:
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Have you found a way to generate recurring work within your business model?
In episode 275 of the Bokeh Podcast, Gustavo Fernandez explains why making the transition from wedding photography to corporate event photography was the key to consistent work. Listen in as he discusses networking for events, the principals for a successful corporate brand, and pricing your services.
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: San Francisco
Focused on: Headshot & Corporate Photography
Brand Position: A seasoned professional, trusted by Fortune 500 companies to capture their employees and events. (7:13)
The Lesson: Take care of your clients. Customer service is so important, so step it up. (14:31)
Technique for Time: Place everything in your calendar and stick to it. (17:57)
Book Recommendations: (22:20)
How to Win Friends and Influence People - bit.ly/bp-winfriends
Never Eat Alone - bit.ly/bp-nevereatalone
The Gear Bag: Monopod (25:44)
Gustavo’s Impetus for Transitioning to Corporate Events: The referral sources for corporate events provided more opportunities. (28:56)
Benefits of Corporate Events: (28:56)
- They can occur on weekdays.
- The relationships can be shorter with events since they are more transactional.
Networking in Corporate Events: (35:50)
Gustavo spends about 1/5 of the amount of time networking on corporate events than on weddings.
Principals for a Successful Corporate Brand: (42:58)
1. How can you solve a problem for the clients?
2. Over-Communication is key.
The Process to Pricing: (50:46)
1. Look at the market and how you want to set yourself.
2. Determine what you want to make and how much you want to work.
FREE DOWNLOAD:Top 10 Ways to Take Your Business to Six Figures in Corporate Event Photography
Mentioned in this Episode:
Bambi Cantrell - cantrellportrait.com
The Art of Wedding Photography - bit.ly/bp-artwedding
Links:
instagram.com/gustavofernandez
Bloom Messaging Platform
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Are you ready to profit more in your photography business through products sales, but have a fear of being too pushy while selling to your clients?
In episode 274 of the Bokeh Podcast, Tonya Damron exposes the reason that people are afraid of offering print products, and how you can overcome that fear. Listen in as she shares the opportunities you have to up-sell your packages and successfully profit from products in 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.
Based in: Knoxville, TN (01:19)
Shooting: Weddings & Humanitarian Work (01:19)
Brand Position: Providing amazing customer service by being herself and owning it. (06:29)
Bonus:Sends weddings out within a week,
The Lesson: Get business insurance and find a mentor. (20:05)
Technique for Time: Save work for work hours. (26:19)
Book Recommendation: Everybody Always by Bob Goff (31:46)
The Gear Bag: Bear Whistle and her Think Tank International Camera Bag - bit.ly/bp-ttairportbag (34:10)
Root of Fear in Selling: People think that if they try to sell something, it will always be pushy, when that’s not the case. (38:25)
"When you build collections that include everything you’re capable of offering, you’re limiting the ability to up-sell to your clients."
Why to put your prices online. (50:22)
Touchpoint for Selling Add-On’s (52:10)
1. Consultation/Booking Session
2. Pre-Wedding Consultation
3. Post Wedding Preview Party (20% Off Special)
Links:
instagram.com/tonyadamronphotography
Positioning - bit.ly/bp-positioning
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Do your personal relationships suffer because you're investing all of your time into your business? The concept of balance is subjective, but it may be time to evaluate how you can have more of it in your life.
In episode 273 of the Bokeh Podcast, Deb Kalsbeek and Bethany Crambley of SnapJoy Studio share how they've found balance while juggling five businesses between the two of them. Listen in as they share about their experience in finding a way to balance their workload to fit their individual needs.
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: West Michigan (1:21)
The Businesses:
Joy Photo - Owned by Bethany
Snap Studio - Owned by Deb
Weddings In A Snap - Co-owned by Deb & Bethany
BE - Owned by Deb
SnapJoy Studio - Co-owned by Deb & Bethany
Brand Position: (11:43)
Joy Photo - Capturing joy and storytelling in a generic way that is specialized in a genuine way.
Snap Studio - Photographer serving wedding clients as one vendor to simplify the planning process so they can focus on the reason they’re getting married.
Wedding in a Snap - Weddings don’t have to be about the chaos, so plan your wedding over a two hour consultation.
BE - Education based on community over competition.
SnapJoy Studio - Provide a space that has all of the tools you could possibly need as a photographer.
The Lesson: (21:15)
Find a mentor.
Put yourself out there.
Content Recommendations: (24:38)
Jasmine Star - jasminestar.com
Seth Godin’s Podcast - seths.blog/podcasts
Gary Box FB Group - facebook.com/groups/1828961777318899/
The Gear Bag: (30:00)
Krystal
White Balance Tool
What is Balance? A effort to meet goals without sacrificing mental health. Physical health, or relationship health. (34:33)
Contrasts in Work Habits & Balance for Deb & Bethany: Not everyone’s idea of balance will look the same, listen in as they share how they differ yet still find balance. (42:11)
Links:
Joy Photo - joyful.photos
Snap Studio - SNAPSTUDIOGR.com | instagram.com/snapstudiogr | fb.com/snapstudiogr
BE - Be-TheChange.net | instagram.com/grbossbabes
SnapJoy Studio - snapjoystudio.com | instagram.com/snapjoystudio | fb.com/snapjoystudio
Rising Tide Society - rising
Are you looking for ways to grow your photography business without giving up even more of your time?
In episode 272 of the Bokeh Podcast, Kesha Lambert discusses the changes she had to make in her business and life that led her to grow a team of associate photographers. Listen in as she shares how building an associate team enabled her to create more time for herself, expand her reach in the market, and take on more clients in her 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.
The Lesson: Be consistent. (10:00)
Book Recommendation: (15:37)
How to Win Friends and Influence People - bit.ly/bp-winfriends
Five Essential People Skills - bit.ly/bp-5peopleskills
The Gear Bag: (20:40)
Cashews & an Ice-Breaker like Glitter or Confetti
Personal Shifts Made for Growth: (34:13)
Investing Time & Energy into Growing the Team
What Building a Team Enabled for Business: (40:50)
1. Growth - The number of clients that couldn’t book due to budgets, availability
2. Time - Photographing less because you have associates that can handle some of the weddings.
3. Reach - With lower price points for associates, you can reach an additional market that otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford your services.
Links
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Do you long to make a lasting impact on your community, but struggle with building a business model to reflect your overall concept?
In episode 271 of the Bokeh Podcast, Michelle Ellsworth opens up about the unimaginable loss that led her to make a mark on the world with her photography business. Listen in as she shares the heartfelt story behind her why, along with the steps you can take to make a lasting impact with your brand.
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: Salt Lake City, UT
Focused on: Families, children, and senior portraits.
Brand Position: We believe every family has a story worth telling, each child has a childhood worth remembering and all relationships have a love worth showcasing. (3:30)
Book Recommendation: Building a Storybrand (5:17)
Storybrand Worksheet - mystorybrand.com
The Lesson: Adopt an “I don’t know how to do it, yet” mentality. (9:03)
Technique for Time: Always be present in whatever it is that you’re doing, create boundaries, and block off your time. (12:02)
The Gear Bag: JBL Portable Speaker (19:04)
Michelle’s Story: After a heartbreaking loss, Michelle realized what moments she would go back and relive; that’s what she provides to her clients. (30:41)
Steps to Implementing Your Mission Into Your Business:
1. Find your remark-ability factor; this eradicates all competition.
2. Get creative in all areas of your business.
3. Become humble and willing to learn.
4. Take action; when you become stagnant, you want to take action.
5. Get involved with community.
6. Have a mindset shift to more community and less competition. You do you.
Links:
instagram.com/permission_to_remember
Start with Why by Simon Sinek - bit.ly/bp-startwithwhy
Ted Talk with Simon Sinek - bit.ly/bp-simon-ted
The Seven Decisions by Andy Andrews - bit.ly/bp-7decisions
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Have you considered the potential marketing opportunities you could have on Pinterest's searchable platform?
In episode 270 of the Bokeh Podcast, Sharee Davenport guides us through the effective benefits of leveraging Pinterest as more than just a social media platform. Listen in as she shares the primary principles to effectively using Pinterest, along with quick tips ensure your pins are seen!
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: Colorado (1:30)
Photographing: Weddings & Elopements (1:30)
Brand Position: Building strong relationships with clients. (2:16)
Advice for Photographers: Stop trying to curate who you are to be who you think people want you to look like. (9:12)
Technique for Time: Working Monday-Friday while her son is in school. (12:55)
Book Recommendations: How to Win Friends and Influence People (17:08)
The Gear Bag: Boutonnière Pins (19:02)
Benefits of Pinterest:
1. Drive traffic to your site.
2. Get found based on keywords for inspiration, planning, venues you’ve shot at, etc.
Pinterest Keyword Tips: Add alt-text keywords to your photos (Blogstomp, Wordpress, Narrative, Lightroom, etc.) Bonus: Adding it in before Pinterest will help you with SEO and Pinterest. (30:09)
Principles to Effectively Using Pinterest: (31:17)
1. Use strong searchable keywords in your pins.
2. Stop following the 80/20 rule unless you’re a blogger or influencer.
3. Funnel users to a specific page on your website.
Quick Tips: (31:17)
1. Turn your Pinterest into a business account and move anything that doesn’t backlink to your website to a secret board.
2. Utilize the 500 characters for your alt text.
Links:
facebook.com/shareedaveportphotographer
pinterest.com/shareedavenport/pins
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Are you letting your work spill over into your personal life due to a lack of boundaries?
In episode 269 of the Bokeh Podcast, Jenna Joseph of Jenna Photo explains the importance of setting boundaries in your business to help provide a better work/life balance. Listen in as she shares how boundaries can not only benefit you, but your client experience as well!
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: Temecula Wine Country (1:44)
Type of Photography: Wedding & Engagement Photography (1:44)
Brand Position: Creating a comfortable and stress-free experience so authentically joyful imagery is a natural byproduct. (3:59)
Implementing the Brand Position: (5:35)
1. Relationship building
2. Timeline
The Lesson: Find a mentor, invest in community, and pour your time and finances into education. (10:02)
Technique for Time: Schedule everything and be aware of what you have going on. (12:21)
Book Recommendations: How to Win Friends and Influence People - bit.ly/bp-winfriends (18:19)
The Gear Bag: Boutonniere Pins (21:09)
Defining Boundaries: The expression and protection of our values and self-care. (24:33)
Jenna’s Values: Family Time (28:03)
How Jenna Sets Boundaries: (28:03)
- Creating set office hours and making your clients aware of them.
- Setting email as primary form of communication
- Scheduling family days & protecting them.
- Contracts and clear communication.
- No work while on date nights.
Links:
Google Voice - voice.google.com
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Have you nailed down the style of photography you want to offer for boudoir sessions?
In episode 268 of the Bokeh Podcast, Matt Mathews walks through his process to refining his boudoir style, and how he gets creative during shoots. If you're ready to take your boudoir style to the next level, then you'll want to listen in!
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: Teaching humans the art of self-worth.
The Lesson: Be authentic and who you are. (19:55)
Technique for Time: Hire an assistant (26:14)
Book Recommendations: Jewel’s Memoir (29:46)
The Gear Bag: Canon 5D Mark III & 50mm 1.2 (34:05)
Defining Your Boudoir Style:
1. Review different styles and look for what you’re drawn to for inspiration.
2. Dissect and understand how they created the image.
3. Incorporate it into your style with your own twist on it.
Getting Creative During the Shoot: Rather than capturing them in a dozen different poses on the bed, take time to photograph the details of their body in a single pose. (52:38)
Mentioned in this Episode:
Annie Leibovitz
Sue Bryce
Adobe Camera Raw
Links:
Matt Mathews Education for Photographers - bit.ly/bp-matteducationfb
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