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
It can be so tough to find the right second shooter or photo assistant to represent our brand well! Listen in to the conversation with photographer Nathan Desch today to learn a smarter, more effective approach to connecting with the right people!
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.
Nathan's introduction (1:30)
What are the biggest challenges that photographers face when hiring second shooters (2:54)
What common mistakes do photographers make when hiring a second shooter? (7:14)
What key principles should photographers keep in mind when hiring second shooters? (12:02)
1. Find a photographer whose style is in alignment with yours
2. Explore the photographer as an individual to learn about their personality
3. Read reviews for potential second shooters
How does Shoot With Me apply these key principles when hiring a second shooter? (18:42)
**ShootWith.Me is offering a complimentary profile audit to our listeners! Simply create your account from the link below!**
Links:
https://www.shootwith.me/Bokeh
https://instagram.com/shootwith.me
How would you like to pull in 5-figures from one day of mini sessions?! Photographer Meg McMillan is here to walk us through marketing, executing, and profiting on an extreme level from just one day of brand mini sessions. You don't want to miss this!
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.
Meg's Introduction (2:19)
How did Meg get into the mini-session world? (6:02)
Meg's first brand mini-session day (9:50)
5 components for marketing a brand mini-session day (13:20)
1. Leverage social media
2. Utilize email lists, and communicate the discount the mini-session provides
3. Provide a giveaway for past client testimonials
4. Encourage referrals by providing a free add-on
5. Explain why having brand photos is important to your clients
4 phases of the brand mini-session workflow (26:02)
1. The booking phase - leverage automation
2. The planning phase
3. The photoshoot day
4. Post-production phase
How to have a profitable mini-session day (40:20)
1. Start small to learn and fine-tune the process
2. Keep costs to 20-30%
3. Set boundaries and stick to them - don't over-give (time, number of images, etc.)
4. Capture a variety of images
5. Set pricing based on your needs - stop asking other photographers how much to charge
Links:
https://www.megmariephoto.com
https://www.instagram.com/meg_marie_photo
https://www.photographerfreebies.com
https://www.canva.com
https://www.honeybook.com
Maybe the most limiting factor in our ability to attain the financial success we'd like is our mindset. Listen in as photographer and coach - Daniel Moyer - shares how we can shift our mindset about money in order to reach our goals.
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.
Daniel's Introduction (1:32)
How Daniel defines a toxic money mindset (3:00)
What is at the root of a toxic money mindset? (6:00)
1. short-sighted from childhood experiences
2. scarcity mindset
Three mindsets to overcome in order to have a healthy approach to money (11:30)
1. Money worship
2. Money status
3. Money avoidance
What steps can be taken to move to a more positive money mindset? (18:30)
1. Educate yourself about finances and budgeting
2. Be confident in your money decisions by knowing your numbers
3. Align spending with your values
Story from The Psychology of Money (46:08)
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/getfocusedphotographers
https://www.focusedphotographers.com/newsletter
https://www.instagram.com/danielmoyerphoto
https://www.danielmoyerphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/fourdadtographers
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey:
https://www.amazon.com/The-Total-Money-Makeover-audiobook/dp/B0845YKM1P/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9QX75VE27ZB8&keywords=total+money+makeover+dave+ramsey&qid=1663709731&s=audible&sprefix=total+mone%2Caudible%2C72&sr=1-1
The Single Path to Wealth by J.L. Collins:
https://www.amazon.com/The-Simple-Path-to-Wealth-audiobook/dp/B0725RFDPY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=249UASGJW63R6&keywords=the+single+path+to+wealth&qid=1663709777&s=books&sprefix=the+single+path+to%2Cstripbooks%2C75&sr=1-1
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel:
https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Money-Timeless-Lessons-Happiness/dp/B08D9WJ9G8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35LO7ANFVP5TO&keywords=the+psychology+of+money&qid=1663709696&sprefix=the+psychol%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-1
https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/
https://www.rocketmoney.com
Do you want a better work-life balance? It's not going to happen automatically! Listen in to this conversation with Jenna Henderson as we talk about specific ways to go about CREATING the freedom and flexibility that we all want as business owners!
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:
Jenna's Introduction (1:45)
Why do photographers tend to associate their identity with their work? (3:20)
What does work-life balance actually mean? (5:15)
4 big ideas for creating work-life balance (11:58)
1. Establish values and vision
2. Establish clarity in numbers
3. Set boundaries
4. Including white space on your calendar
How did Jenna learn how to understand the numbers in her business? (19:22)
How can we avoid FOMO when we set boundaries? (22:38)
Links:
https://www.noobiepodcast.com
Jenna's Noobie Podcast Interview:
https://www.cheezoo.com/noobie-podcast/episodes/i-wish-i-knew-how-to-create-excellent-work-life-balance/
https://www.jennaclicks.com
https://www.instagram.com/jennahendersonphoto
https://www.brightbossacademy.com
You can only grow a business so much when you're doing all the work yourself, but delegating editing, album design, administrative tasks - or anything else - can be super stressful! Listen in to this important episode as Rebecca Jones shares 4 important steps photographers should take for a successful outsourcing or hiring experience!
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:
Rebecca's Intro and Business Information (2:25)
Why is there a tendency for photographers to not consider organization and structure? (4:45)
Why is there hesitation to outsource and delegate tasks? (7:05)
How can we change our mindset of needing to have control so that we can outsource? (9:11)
What to consider before outsourcing or hiring in your business (11:40)
Links:
Nathan Holritz has been in the photography industry for over 20 years - as a wedding photographer, editing company owner, and podcast host. Nathan not only helped build one of the most prominent wedding photography brands in the Chattanooga, Tennessee market, but went on to build a multi-million dollar brand in Photographer's Edit. Listen in as he shares what he's learned about the most important principles behind building a 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.
Key Takeaways:
Links:
https://www.photographersedit.com
https://www.instagram.com/photogsedit
https://www.noobieconference.com
"All that to say, we are always thinking of new ways to help you tell your brand’s story more effectively through the clothes that you wear. It might not be your first thought when it comes to your brand messaging, but we know that your clients are making subconscious judgments based on it, and it’s probably what Willow and I will be talking about as we are brushing our teeth tonight."
We all have personal preferences when it comes to the clothing we wear, but what if those preferences don’t align with the client we’re trying to attract? Listen in to this conversation with Willow and Kameron Vogt to learn how to dress to attract your ideal client - and look good doing it!
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.
Willow and Kameron's brand position (1:42)
Why has there been a shift in the photography industry from professional attire to more casual attire? (6:32)
What is the difference between a brand stylist and a personal stylist? (10:13)
What is the value of hiring a brand stylist? (13:00)
What if I can't afford expensive, name-brand clothing and accessories? (18:16)
Elements for choosing the right clothing (20:27)
3 things photographers can do now to elevate their brand's style (24:50)
Why it is important to prioritize clients versus our own preferences (29:35)
What is the most impactful piece that you can buy if you're limited in your budget? (45:23)
Links:
https://www.refinedelevation.com
https://www.instagram.com/refined.elevation
It is easier than ever to take, create, or edit a pretty picture; none of those things set us apart as professional photographers to any great degree. So how can we set ourselves apart from our competition when potential clients are scrolling through countless photographers' social media accounts trying to select the best option?
As Victoria Saint Martin shares with us in episode 581 of the Bokeh Podcast, experience is EVERYTHING if we want to create a business that will last! From the first interaction a potential client has with your brand until well after the event, photographers set the tone when creating a memorable experience for their clients. Listen in as she shares the 5 main strategies she implements for doing just that!
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.
Victoria's Brand position (1:29)
What was the turning point in Victoria's business for shifting to client experience as a way to set her apart? (8:12)
Five ways that Victoria creates a memorable experience for her clients (12:17)
1. Provide clear and open communication
2. Connect with clients on as many levels as possible
3. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your clients
4. Be fully aware during the event (people, problems, etc.)
5. Continue the experience past the contract
How do you blend into the background during a ceremony while still capturing the important moments? (54:20)
Links:
Have you tried running ads on Facebook or Instagram and found yourself completely overwhelmed? Or maybe you’ve successfully run them but haven’t seen the return on investment that you expected?
In Episode 580 of the Bokeh Podcast, Jesse Morquecho from Till Agency dives into three steps that you can take to improve your paid ads! Tune in as we chat about what a sales funnel is, how you can test different top-of-funnel options and conversion events, and ways that you can be sure that what you’re doing is producing the results that you want!
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
Jesse’s introduction (1:00)
Brand position (2:06)
Creating a great customer experience (4:53)
How does Till effectively manage expectations for their clients? (6:28)
What drives Jesse’s efficiency when it comes to getting work done? (13:08)
Technique for time management (10:14)
Book recommendation (15:23)
Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin: https://www.amazon.com/Tribes-Seth-Godin/dp/0749939753/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Does Jesse recommend Facebook as a paid ad platform? (19:57)
Is Jesse seeing a high return on investment with Facebook ads at the moment? (28:20)
The concept of a sales funnel (32:58)
3 Tests to Run if You’re Running Paid Ads (34:15)
Till Agency overview (1:09:41)
Links
Are you unsure whether or not your website reflects the heart of what it is that your potential clients want or need? Are you looking for a more targeted and balanced marketing approach when it comes to what information you provide? Do you have too much copy? Not enough? Too many images? Too few?
In Episode 579 of the Bokeh Podcast, Kate Storey shares her expertise in marketing as it relates to the photography industry. When it comes to your website, trying to craft the perfect copy can feel elusive, but it doesn’t have to be! Tune in as we chat about practical ways that you can speak directly to the wants and needs of your clients, by creating a balance between your portfolio images and the copy on your website.
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
Kate’s introduction (0:37)
Brand position (1:56)
Creating a great customer experience (7:25)
Technique for time management (8:47)
How would Kate recommend carrying out time blocking more consistently? (11:48)
Delegation (13:47)
Book recommendation (17:33)
Start.: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average, and Do Work That Matters by Jon Acuff
Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff
Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller
What is Kate’s view on the balance between portfolio images and effective copy on a website, for the sake of converting clients? (22:08)
What is Kate’s view on the balance between photographers sharing about themselves and speaking to the needs and desires of their clients? (25:54)
3 Ways To Understand What Clients Need or Want (30:00)
3 Things to Include in Your Website Copy (42:55)
What would the copy sound like in a real life example? (50:29)
Links
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