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
There's no minimizing hard work, but there's a BIG difference between being busy and being effective. In today's episode with Tracy Kirkland, learn how to structure your business to make more money with less busywork - and free up a bit of time in your life!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer. You can subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Show Notes:
Tracy's Introduction (3:35)
Tracy's backstory into how she developed a shorter workweek (7:55)
Is Tracy's model applicable for all types of photographers - not just portrait photographers? (12:30)
What is the balance between creating freedom and flexibility in your work schedule and putting in the necessary work to grow your business? (16:43)
Where should photographers start when determining how to set up their work schedule? (23:49)
What are the most important principles photographers should implement in order to shorten their workweek? (27:07)
1. Determine your baseline numbers (revenue needed, # of days you want to work, cost per client)
2. Create a strategic workflow for each client
3. Give up time-wasting tasks
4. Plan a marketing strategy
What does "time wasting" mean to Tracy? (34:15)
Where did Tracy start when creating a website that is "high-performing"? (39:25)
What is the best way for photographers to start planning their marketing for the entire year? (45:10)
Links:
Look, it's easy for us to get comfortable just going about things the way we normally do. But no one's life ever changed - and certainly no industry grew - by being ok with status quo. And so that brings us to an important conversation with photographer Scott Josuweit in today's episode. Scott has been in the industry for a bit, and he has some thoughts about how the photography industry can be better (online courses, anyone? 🤭). Join us for this thought-provoking conversation, and lend your own insights as well!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer. You can subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Show Notes:
Scott's Introduction (3:03)
What was the impetus for Scott's Facebook post that caught Nathan's attention? (6:45)
What does Scott think has influenced the tendency for photographers to back out or cancel at the last minute post-Covid? (10:03)
What is the solution for photographers who overbook or take on too much work? (14:50)
What is Scott's Plan B for when an emergency pops up? (18:40)
Have we gotten a little "soft" when it comes to self-care? (22:25)
Scott's perspective on photographers "bashing" each other publicly about pricing (25:38)
What are Scott's thoughts about the volume of photographers who are joining the education space? (38:35)
How can we change the dynamic so that "promotors" of photography products aren't simply doing it for kickbacks, but because they truly use and value the product they are promoting? (1:00:45)
Why does Scott feel that photographers are putting too much emphasis on networking with other photographers? (1:10:20)
Links:
https://smjphotography.net
https://instagram.com/smjphoto
https://purposeandprocess.co
https://instagram.com/purposeandprocess
https://www.facebook.com/groups/purposeandprocess
We’ve heard a lot about how to host a styled shoot, but not enough about what to do with the content afterward! Make sure to join us for a fascinating conversation with Shamira Preston to learn a strategy for your images after your next styled shoot!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer. You can subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Show Notes:
Shamira's Introduction (1:35)
From a coordinator's standpoint, why is networking important between photographers and coordinators? (5:45)
How can photographers be more personal when engaging with coordinators and other industry professionals at networking events? (9:00)
Why is there not more conversation about how to use content after a styled shoot? (13:50)
What are the 3 key components of planning how to share your content from a styled shoot? (18:20)
1. Develop your voice
2. Know WHO your audience is on a deeper level
3. Utilize the marketing triangle
How do you get to know your clients on a deeper level in order to speak their language? (21:00)
What exactly is the marketing triangle? (29:30)
How can photographers plan ahead to share the content they create in a styled shoot? (35:47)
Links:
https://instagram.com/magnoliaroseco
https://elevatethestyledshootacademy.com
https://instagram.com/elevatedesignworkshop
https://score.org
The conversation around pricing has become unnecessarily complicated in the photography industry, and photographer Walid Azami is here to fix that! Listen in to this episode with Walid to learn how to simply establish pricing that not only makes sense to your clients, but also sets your business up for profitability.
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer. You can subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Show Notes:
Walid Azami's Introduction (1:24)
What is behind Walid's passion for pricing? (5:48)
At what point did Walid shift his thinking on pricing in photography? (9:36)
What is Walid's opinion on package pricing vs. a la carte pricing? (12:08)
How are packages more profitable than a la carte photography? (22:20)
How should photographers build their package prices? (30:07)
1. Tier packages intentionally to push clients to the higher package
2. Put yourself in the client's shoes in order to customize for each client
3. Look for a "double thank you"
How do you build trust with clients to that a customized package doesn't come across as the client getting "ripped off"? (37:30)
Why should photographers break down pricing to clients? (42:20)
What is the balance between charging a premium based on experience vs. providing less expensive photographic services because of the ease of technology? (49:21)
What steps should photographers take to explain pricing (52:48)
1. Never defend your value, present your value
2. Take a bottle of water when presenting your pricing - share the price, then take a sip of water and let the silence do the heavy lifting
3. Adapt pricing to the economy
4. Maintain confidence in your own ability
Links:
https://walidazami.com
https://instagram.com/walid.azami
https://photographybusinesscourse.com
You may be missing out on an opportunity to license your work for additional income! Make sure to listen in to photographer Taylor Brumfield's thoughts on how to go about this process safely and profitably!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer. You can subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Show Notes:
Taylor's Introduction (3:12)
Taylor's experience in licensing (6:10)
Is licensing for all types of photography or just commercial photography? (11:18)
What are the biggest mistakes that photographers are making with licensing? (13:23)
1. Confusing pricing
2. Not managing licenses efficiently
3. Giving up on licensing when renewals come around
What are the recommendations Taylor has for implementing licensing? (28:06)
1. Learn and use specific verbiage when talking with clients
2. Understand the market(s) you have access to
3. Clearly communicate the licensing stipulations with clients
Links:
https://taylorbphotographie.com
https://instagram.com/taylorrbee
https://cradocfotosoftware.com/
It's inevitable that we'll face challenges in the middle of launching or building our photography business. The question is: how do we keep going despite the adversity? Join us for this powerful conversation with Katrina Cross-Daniels to not only learn how to keep your business running in the middle of troubles, but even level up in the process!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer. You can subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Show Notes:
Katrina's Introduction (1:05)
What adversities has Katrina dealt with in her life/business (6:25)
How did Katrina build her support group that helped her through adversity? (12:45)
What is the balance between vulnerably sharing and "trauma dumping"? (19:44)
What is the significance of automation when dealing with adversity in business? (21:02)
What does it mean to say "yes" to yourself? (26:51)
Does taking small steps in moving forward help with accomplishing goals? (30:42)
How did Katrina step back and focus on things that made her smile? (33:50)
How did Katrina take what she learned in her personal adversity and translate that to her photography business? (37:31)
What recommendations does Katrina have relating to using professional help in dealing with adversity? (39:17)
Links:
https://katrinacrossphotography.com
https://instagram.com/katrinacrossphotography
https://instagram.com/katrinacrossboudoir
Bokeh episode with LaJoy Cox:
https://www.photographersedit.com/bokeh-podcast/episodes/cracking-the-code-to-making-more-money/
Bokeh episode with Tomayia Colvin:
https://www.photographersedit.com/bokeh-podcast/episodes/lets-simplify-pricing-for-photography/
Bokeh episode with Andrew Funderburg:
https://www.photographersedit.com/bokeh-podcast/episodes/introduction-to-ips/
“That’s a really good question. It’s storytelling. I see many photographers flood albums with just images, but I’m not selling the images. I’m selling the story. As a storyteller, I focus on their story during the consultations and then reveal it in their albums. Every page and spread has a purpose. Once my clients fall in with the flow of their story then oftentimes they just say yes with no changes. It’s me being very intentional throughout the entire process.” - MD
It's easy to simply throw a bunch of pictures into an album to increase the page count, but is that really the most effective way to sell a bigger album? Photographer Michael Davis doesn't think so, and he has an alternative approach to suggest on today's episode!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer. You can subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Show Notes:
Michael's Introduction (4:04)
Why do photographers focus on including many images in the album rather than focusing on telling a story? (9:37)
What are the primary drawbacks to focusing on image count vs storytelling? (12:30)
1. Picture vomit (too many images on a page)
2. No flow of moments from the day
3. Details are missed in the story of the day
What steps does Michael take to plan for albums? (17:25)
1. Learn and understand the couple's story
2. Shoot with intention
3. Be the authority on which images should be chosen for the gallery
4. Intentionality when building the album design
5. IPS session - the big reveal
How does Michael approach the conversation with couples in order to truly learn their story? (25:17)
The breakdown of Michael's IPS sessions (39:57)
Links:
https://mtdphotography.com
https://instagram.com/mtdphotography1914
It's so easy to get caught up in just booking clients in order to photograph their portrait sessions or events...and not even think about how to proactively sell prints for additional revenue! Listen in to this conversation with photographer Luci Dumas to learn how to increase your cash flow with large print sales!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer. You can subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Show Notes:
Discussion on the current state of print competitions within the industry (1:50)
Luci's introduction (16:20)
What is behind Luci's passion for selling prints? (19:25)
What behaviors or thought processes are limiting photographers from selling more wall prints? (30:21)
1. Fear of selling
2. Lack of sales skills
3. Fear of feedback
What steps can photographers take to effectively sell more prints? (38:38)
1. Establish yourself as a trusted advisor with clients
2. Plant seeds for future print sales
3. In-person consultation to reveal potential prints
4. Keep images in mind for specific recommendations
5. Project images onto the wall for a real-life view/experience
The first 10 people to reach out to Luci will receive a free strategy session! Email Luci at luci@lucidumas.com!
Links:
https://lucidumascoaching.com
https://lucidumas.com
https://instagram.com/theprofitablephotographer_pod
The first look at a wedding can be some of the most intimate, beautiful images you have the opportunity to capture! And yet all the pressure and variables can make capturing those few moments a bit overwhelming! Listen in to this episode with Sean Oblizalo to learn the 4 elements of successful, stunning first-look photos!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer. You can subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Show Notes:
Sean's Introduction (1:40)
4 Elements of planning for a great first look (9:23)
1. Choosing a location
2. Timing
3. Posing/Positioning
4. Preparing the reaction
What is the main idea behind choosing a location for a first look? (9:50)
1. Find a location that is different than where the ceremony/majority of images will be taken
What are the 2 big ideas behind timing when photographing a first look? (14:50)
1. Include a cushion of extra time in your timeline for a first look to avoid rushing
2. Vet the couples' timing needs
How to plan ahead with positioning (23:00)
1. Have your subjects offset instead of in line with where you're standing
2. Demonstrate the approach
How to prepare your clients for the reaction (28:10)
Links:
https://vowsandpeaks.com/colorado-elopement-package/
https://instagram.com/vows_and_peaks
Sean's 1st Bokeh episode:
https://www.photographersedit.com/bokeh-podcast/episodes/3-elements-of-strong-elopement-photography/
Bokeh episode with Fuel Your Photos (SEO):
https://www.photographersedit.com/bokeh-podcast/episodes/seo-for-photographers/
We have so many moving parts to keep up with in our photography businesses, and it can become extremely overwhelming! Listen in to this conversation with workflow specialist, Charlotte Isaac, as she shares how to utilize automation to relieve stress, make work easier, and enable you to build a more successful business!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer. You can subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Show Notes:
Charlotte's Introduction (3:05)
Charlotte's definition of automation (5:25)
How automation can be used for lead generation (9:18)
1. Respond to inquiries
2. Utilize a services guide
3. Use a scheduler to allow clients to schedule a call
4. Follow up with leads
How can photographers use automation without sounding like a robot: (17:22)
Using automation for the onboarding process (22:13)
1. Proposals
2. Contracts
3. Invoices
4. Welcome communication/confirmation email
5. Sharing FAQs/managing expectations
What is the "off-boarding process"? (30:45)
Automating the Off-boarding process (31:10)
1. Thank you email to manage expectations (timelines, etc.)
2. Request a review
3. Long-term check-in to stay top of mind
*Free resource for getting started with automation:
https://charlotteisaac.com/bokeh
Links:
https://charlotteisaac.com
https://instagram.com/charlotteisaachq
https://dubsado.com
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