Find Your Focus

Ep 70: Setting Boundaries With Your Clients Aug 03, 2021

Leah Jarrett, couple and newborn photographer from Saskatchewan, joins Logan in this episode to discuss boundaries with customers. We often hear about the need for boundaries in our personal life, listen in and enjoy this tip filled episode about the need for boundaries in business in order to have better relationships with our clients. Leah shares a few tough situations we can find ourselves in and offers helpful ways to handle them with professional grace.

Show Links:

Show Takeaways:

Hear how being excited with your shoot will help you authentically show up for the client, creating a more comfortable customer experience.
Learn how to set boundaries on how you want to be treated, creating mutual respect, healthy relationships, and setting expectations with clients.
Discover why it is important to learn to listen to your gut, and intuition as a photographer.

Ep 69: IPS, Digital or Hybrid: Which One Suits Your Business? Jul 27, 2021

Today Kirstie, a Dallas-based educator and equine photographer joins us and shares how she developed her marketing model and strategy, combining both methods in a unique hybrid to fit her lifestyle and personality.

Listeners can expect to hear valuable information about marketing, customer retention and pricing in a clear, applicable, and relatable way with this engaging episode.

Show Links:

Show Takeaways:

Be clear on the type of customer experience you want your clients to walk away with.
Assess how your talents, personality, and beliefs can help cultivate the desired client experience and build a successful business.
Listen for ideas to care for clients after the gallery is delivered to foster client relationships.

Ep 68: Using Your Personality to Shape Your Sessions Jul 20, 2021

Today I’m talking to Tatiana Kiseleva, a wedding photographer based out of Long Island City, New York. We discuss how being an introverted photographer and how accepting her introversion as a strength has changed the way that she runs her photography sessions. We also discuss how being an extrovert, introvert, or ambivert will require a new perspective on how to use your personality to shape your client experience and sessions.

Show Links:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tatianakphoto
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tatianakphoto/

Show Takeaways:

You will learn how to use your personality and natural talents to enhance the way you shoot and interact with clients
Discover ways to get comfortable with who you are and focus on what you do best to discover your ideal niche
Uncover some of the benefits to trying out new types of photography while sticking to your area of expertise.

Ep 67: Building a Client Closet: A Wardrobe for All Shapes and Sizes Jul 13, 2021

Finding ways to differentiate yourself from other photographers can be tricky. Stefanie Cole, a Connecticut family photographer, shares how she started a client wardrobe and the pros and cons to having one. We also discuss how her pricing has changed due to her large wardrobe and how she’s optimized her website to help showcase the wardrobe closet for client sessions with less work for her.

Show Takeaways:

Learn how Stephanie shifted away from the industry norm to make her business stand apart.
The things you should consider when starting a client closet
- Start small with versatile pieces in style and sizing
- Focus on timeless neutrals; use color in less expensive accessories
- Purchase high quality name brand core pieces

Ep 66: Using TikTok & IG Reels to Grow Client Bookings Jul 06, 2021

Today our guest is Natasha Coyle, a wedding photographer and educator based out of Charleston, South Carolina. She shares her approach to using Instagram Reels and Tik Tok to market and grow her photography business, assist her in coaching photographers, and convert more followers into paying clients. Natasha started her photography business at age 34 and had to learn business and photography. She tripled her social media following in only a few months using short-form video.

Show Takeaways:

Find out how Nastasha leveraged TikTok videos to grow her following and turn those followers into clients
Learn why video is the future of marketing, and how you can show up and serve your client through this medium
Understand the difference between copying someone else’s content and gaining inspiration from it

Ep 65: When Your Goal ISN’T To Go Full-Time with Mike Glatzer Jun 22, 2021

Today, I'm talking to Mike Glatzer, a portrait photographer who helps creatives and brands tell their story. Mike joins us to discuss why it’s okay to keep your full-time job and do photography part-time. A full-time biomedical engineer and part-time photographer, he doesn't have any desire to quit his full-time job. (Yes, you read that correctly.)

He shares how having a full-time job has affected his pricing as well as the things you may need to consider before going full-time. We also talk through some time management tips: everything from CRM and task management systems, to time-blocking and knowing your cost of goods.

Show Takeaways:

Why it’s okay to keep your full-time job and do photography
Things you should consider before going full-time
Tips for working a full-time and part-time photography business

Ep 64: How to Tell an Impactful Story Through Your Images Jun 15, 2021

Photographs have the ability to tell stories, and our guests today, Kirsten Lewis and Tyler Wirken, have got their photography storytelling techniques down to a fine (or not-so-fine) art. The special bond between these two blossomed out of a mentorship program, and has changed their lives for the better, both personally and professionally. Tyler and Kirsten open up about the clarity that has come with age, why less is more when it comes to storytelling through photos, and the benefits of relinquishing control when you are shooting. Kirsten and Tyler both feel that their career paths are not set in stone, but they know that their ultimate goal is for their work to have a meaningful impact on society as a whole. A big focus area for both guests is “day in the life” sessions and they explain, in a very heartfelt way, why they feel there is so much value in doing shoots of this nature and why they always take photos that speak from their own hearts and personal perspectives. This episode will leave you itching to grab your camera and tell a story with it!

Ep 63: Finding Your Ideal Clients (Hint: Client Experience is Key) Jun 08, 2021

From a part-time hobbyist landscape photographer to a full-time professional wedding photographer, our guest on today’s show has a lot of valuable knowledge to share around transitioning, holding onto your passion, and finding your ideal clients. Ara has two branches of her wedding photography business; one which focuses on more traditional weddings and another which feeds her adventurous, outdoorsy spirit. In this episode you will hear about the importance of taking in all the feedback you receive, utilizing a specific marketing tone in order to attract the clients that you want, and the importance of staying true to yourself and being selective in the photos that you use to promote your business; if you don’t want to do baby shoots, don’t post baby photos! Ara also explains why it is so important to her to get close to the couples that she is going to be photographing, and the strategies that she makes use of to build these relationships. If you’re struggling to hone in on your niche or feel like you’ve lost your passion for your work, this episode will go a long way in helping you find them!

Ep 62: Avoiding Beginner Mistakes: What You Should Know Before Starting Your Business Jun 01, 2021

Today’s episode is about mistakes the mistakes all photographers are prone to make—and how to avoid them! We speak with Vanessa Renae about the start of her wedding photography business, her work as an educator, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Our host, Logan Fahey, chimes in with some of her own early missteps.

Listeners can expect teachable moments and relatable anecdotes that they can apply in their own lives and careers. You’ll hear practical advice about creating an actionable business plan,

Hear practical business advice like the importance of having an actionable plan. Vanessa also explains why your mindset might be holding you back. Later, we hear about the nonlinear nature of business, not letting expectations get in the way of your next career steps, and why you shouldn’t be scared of specializing and offering niche services.

Listeners can also expect special tips and insights on marketing and Instagram. For all this and more, tune in today!
For full show notes click here.
To get started with Shootproof for FREE click here.

Ep 61: Studio Shooting: Set-Up, Equipment, Light, Oh My! May 25, 2021

Making the switch to studio photography can seem daunting after working with the ease and beauty of natural lighting, but as Jessica explains in today's conversation, it might not be as hard as you think. Jessica decided to dive into her passion for photography full-time after she became a mother, and she left her job as a school teacher and started humbly in a spare bedroom at home. When she made the big step to get a studio space and move into the world of studio shooting, Jessica was pleasantly surprised by how well she managed! There are obvious learning curves and hurdles in the process, but our guest insists that if you put in a little research and put aside your fears you can find a practice that really fits your dreams. In our conversation, we get into the technical side of Jessica's work, how she has been aiming to pare things down to the essential elements, and her love of human faces! Tune in to hear it all on how you can make the jump to the studio!

Ep 60: Using Insta Reels to Power Up Your Business May 18, 2021

In today’s social media landscape, authenticity is one of the most important elements when creating an online presence for your business. Our guest today excels at this and is here to share some of her many insights on the topic. During our conversation with Neyssa Lee, we speak about how growing up in foster care and being adopted impacted her passion for photography, and how she came to run her own business photographing moms with their newborn babies and children. She speaks openly and honestly about the pain of miscarriage and why it’s so important to share these experiences with her clients, many of whom have had similar experiences. Listeners can also hear all about how Nyessa started incorporating reels, despite her apprehension, to great effect! We discuss how reels can be used to highlight your personality, educate clients about your brand and authentically reflect who you are. Tune in to hear all about Neyssa’s tips, tricks, and warnings for incorporating reels into your business.

Ep 59: Top Tools to Help You Book More Clients and Earn More Income May 11, 2021

Being featured as a photographer on the first page of Google is no easy feat, but Valerie Clark knows how to do it! Born out of the need to move around a lot because of her husband's job, Valerie became a self-taught SEO expert, and she joins us on the show today to share some of her top tips. We discuss the keywords you should be using, the free resources provided by Google which will help with your SEO, the importance of having a blog, and why you need to be planning your SEO a few months ahead if you are going to be moving to another state. Valerie also highlights some of the common mistakes made in SEO, and how you can avoid these. If you are interested in learning more about the extremely valuable tool of SEO after this episode, Valerie shares how you can join her one-on-one coaching program, which is launching in April!

Ep 58: The Key to Setting Goals During Unknown Times with Katie Wussow May 04, 2021

You can be the most flexible, adaptable, and spontaneous when you are starting with a plan. Uncertainty isn’t specific to a pandemic. Uncertainty is the environment that everyone is operating in, and believe it or not, you can be more flexible when you are starting with a plan, rather than just free-wheeling it and operating with no plan. Today’s guest is Katie Wussow, a business coach, and finance teacher who teaches early-stage creative entrepreneurs the foundational financial and business strategies they need to turn their passions into profits. This episode explores the topic of planning for 2021 and how to revise and pivot your goals when needed. Tuning in, you will hear from Katie as she explains goal-setting in a way that takes away all of the stress. She also maps out how to pivot when your goals aren’t actually helping you to grow your business, goes over the mistakes she sees people make when setting goals, and shares her tips for planning during such uncertain times. Tune in today for all this and more!

Ep 57: High School Senior Photography: How to Create an Irresistible Senior Program with Maddie Apr 27, 2021

Think back to when you were a senior in high school, or even where you find yourself today. What could be more amazing than a group of women connected by great memories and friendships? Having a community of girls who are going through the same thing as you are at the same time is so powerful! Welcome back to another episode of Find Your Focus. Today, you hear all about high school senior photography from Maddie Nichole. Maddie is a high school senior portrait photographer who has a senior program that is absolutely amazing and pretty genius. She doesn’t just take senior photos, she has created a senior tribe of girls that get together to participate in activities, adventures, and so much more during their senior year. During this interview, Maddie explains how it all works. There is so much that goes into the Senior Tribe that she’s created and she shares exactly what the girls get out of it, why it’s different from other senior programs, and the challenges that she has faced while running it. Tune in today for all this and more!

Ep 56: Common Reasons You’re Not Booking Clients with Michelle Harris Apr 20, 2021

So many photographers, at some point in their career, are likely to find that they are struggling to book clients. We’ve brought Michelle Harris on the show today to discuss some of the reasons that you may not be booking clients and to hear her ideas on ways that you can solve this problem. As the most expensive photographer within a 50-mile radius of her home, Michelle explains why you should never price yourself cheaply, the best way to handle phone calls with potential clients, and the importance of never comparing your photography journey to anyone else’s! Michelle’s passion for her business will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take action to improve your own!

Ep 55: Taking the Leap: Exploring New Genres in Photography with Joe Dantone Apr 13, 2021

Today’s guest is Joe Dantone, a wedding photographer and commercial photographer. When he decided to grow his business by adding commercial photography services, he discovered that it was very different from the other genres he had experience in. In this episode, Joe shares his experience of taking the leap and exploring a new genre, explains how things like bids and contracts work with commercial photography, and goes over his tips for getting started with commercial photography, including always listening, getting on the phone with your clients, and creating spec work. Tune in today!

Ep 54: Preserve The Past: Generate Income from Preserving Old Photos for Clients with Cathi Nelson Apr 06, 2021

It’s one thing capturing moments on camera but preserving photographs can be a challenge in and of itself. That’s where Cathi Nelson comes in. Cathi offers white-glove services to clients that help them to preserve their most valuable photographic assets. Her company, The Photo Managers, also offers webinars, masterminds, and marketing classes to those wanting to generate income from managing photos. Kicking things off, Cathi tells us about the genesis behind her company and how she became a leading service provider in her field. We then ask her how about how she has navigated the pandemic and find out the reasons why business is booming. Later in the show, we ask Cathi to share more details about her business as she expands on possible opportunities to be had, how she scans hundreds, if not thousands of photographs, and how you can create and maintain long-term clients. To find out why photo preservation can be lucrative and time-efficient, be sure to join us today!

Ep 53: Overcoming Obstacles: How To Grow Your Confidence and Build A Sustainable Business Mar 30, 2021

Building confidence in your business is often not about measuring it against a set of predefined standards, but simply about revolving it around your unique superpower.

Today’s guest is LaJune King, a portrait and branding photographer from Texas, and she joins us to talk about her journey toward loving herself and owning her work. LaJune talks about how she got into photography and started to see her business grow, and about the hurdles she had to get over in this phase. She shares the insecurities she had and how she moved past them when she realized how good she was at giving clients an experience that was second to none.

LaJune is also extremely passionate about representing Black families in moments of happiness as a counterpoint to systemic racism and she talks about this in an incredibly moving section of today’s discussion.

From there, we talk about why LaJune frames her client journey as the ‘Pink Starburst Experience’ and the coaching she offers to help other photographers come up with their own versions of a tailored and distinctive customer experience. Tune in for an amazing conversation about finding your voice and sharing it to make the world a better place today!

Ep 52: Breaking Into Adventure Elopement Photography Mar 23, 2021

Elopement is a sacred and special day that ought to be captured and stored forever. Yet, being an elopement photographer is vastly different from the role of a wedding photographer. Today we speak with adventure elopement photographer Megan MacPhail about her industry and its nuances. We kick off the show by finding out how Megan first got involved in the industry. After hearing about her challenges as a veterinary doctor, she tells us about her burning desire to pursue a career that would feed her soul and give her fire. Megan then tells us how she helps couples plan their elopements. We learn that many couples don’t have knowledge about the process, and it’s up to Megan to furnish her clients with concepts and big ideas. To do this, Megan needs to have an intimate knowledge of a variety of elopement locations. As her business grows, she travels to further corners of North America, expanding her own knowledge-base. To conclude the show we ask Megan to tell us about the most common mistakes she sees from novice elopement photographers. She touches on mindset, staying true to your “why”, and the need for quick turnaround times. Join us today and find out more about this growing niche!

Ep 51: The Successful Photographer: What Success is and What it Looks Like Mar 16, 2021

Success doesn’t mean having a fully-booked calendar or raking in huge amounts of cash every month. For senior photographer, adventure, and educator Tracy Moore, success means being able to live life on her own terms.

Today we speak with Tracy about how listeners can find out what success means for them. We open our conversation by exploring Tracy’s background and how she discovered photography. From offering free sessions to hiring a business coach, she unpacks the steps that she took to become a professional photographer.

We then dive into how she built her business around her passion for adventure and mentoring seniors. While reflecting on her recent move to Costa Rica, Tracy shares details on how she expanded her services to include providing masterclasses and coaching.

In an empowering discussion, we talk about what it means to be successful. Later, Tracy opens up about how you can create success for yourself by taking action and overcoming your fears. Tune in for more of Tracy’s insights into living your life through your own lens.

Ep 50: How to Get Started with Underwater Photography with Elizabeth Blank Mar 09, 2021

There are few photography settings on Earth that are as fascinating and rewarding to shoot as underwater. Today we speak with underwater photography expert Elizabeth Blank.

To start, Elizabeth tells us about her history in photography, sharing details about her burnout and what led her to fall in love with the medium all over again. Following this, Elizabeth shares her top tips for novice underwater photographers and touches on different entry levels and the sort of gear you’ll need to get going.

Finally, Elizabeth describes her own tech and gear setup that allows her to take the perfect shot. From dive masks to weighted belts to ideal camera settings, Elizabeth tells all. To hear about how you can master underwater photography, dive into this episode today!

Ep 49: Surviving Photographer Burnout - Tangible Tips for When Busy Season Hits, with Vanessa Hicks Mar 02, 2021

Burnout. For many photographers, this often becomes their reality, particularly during and after the busy season. Our guest today is Vanessa Hicks, a destination and wedding photographer based in San Diego. We begin our conversation with Vanessa by finding out what photography means to her, as she tells us about her difficult childhood which was characterized by poverty and addict-parents. With just five photographs of her late father, Vanessa realized the power of photography when she was 19. Years later, after her corporate career came to an abrupt end, Vanessa pursued professional photography as her vocation. She has created a successful career as a photographer, educator, speaker, and blogger. With all these responsibilities, burnout became something to contend with. In this episode, Vanessa shares tangible tips to cope with burnout and gives listeners two main bits of advice: understanding your “why”, and setting yourself proper, timely goals. After elaborating on each, Vanessa tells us about her non-negotiables, why she jots down her schedule in pen specifically, and how to arrange off-days. Toward the end of the episode, Vanessa tells us about the most important aspects of her daily routine. Through this, we find out about the power of to-do lists, and how to create them in all their forms. To close the episode, Vanessa touches on the importance of taking time for yourself and why rest isn’t something you should “earn.” Join us today!

Ep 48: How One Photographer booked 33 Session in Her First 30 Days of Business with CC Seder Feb 23, 2021

How you launch your business is what determines how quickly you book clients and earn a steady income. Today we speak with CC Seder, a full-time special needs teacher, and photographer who booked 33 mini-sessions in her first 30 days of business. As informative as it is inspiring, CC reveals her launch strategy, highlighting easy-to-follow steps that lead to a successful launch. As she unpacks her gameplan, she explains the importance of knowing what your resources are, who your clients will be, and how and where you can market yourself. A key lesson in this episode, we then discuss the value of setting lower price points for your first mini-sessions. We also dive into best practices like having a landing page to show your work, providing clear and kind communication, and being able to adapt to your and your client’s needs. CC’s strategy is tailored to getting in front of a huge amount of customers and then building a strong rapport with them. Tune in for insights on how you can book a flurry of sessions within an equally short space of time.

Ep 47: Mini Session Challenge Day 5: Preparing Your Mini Sessions Feb 19, 2021

Welcome back to our five-day mini-session challenge! This is the fifth and last segment of the challenge and the topic for today is logistics! That’s right, we will be talking all about preparing for your mini sessions, and you will hear a bunch of tips for organizing yourself and the client so that they walk away with a smile and want to keep coming back. We get into the ins and outs of writing reminder emails, as well as how to give clients all the information they will need once their session is complete in the form of a gift bag. You’ll also hear about assembling a box of miscellaneous items that might come in handy during the shoot, checking the questionnaire you sent your client before the shoot, and a few extra touches you can add to the session to make it extra memorable. Tune in today!

Ep 46: Mini Session Challenge Day 4: Targeted Marketing and Getting Booked Feb 18, 2021

Welcome to day four of our five-day mini-session challenge. Today we will be talking about marketing your mini-sessions to get the best possible returns from them. It’s one challenge creating a mini-session, but it’s another trying to book them. We kick off the show by talking about one of the most helpful ways to market your mini-sessions — teasers. We go into what makes a great teaser, how you can roll them out, and what information they should contain. Another great way to book out your mini-sessions is by introducing a waiting list. People frenzy over waiting lists because they always want to be the first in line. Toward the end of the episode, we mention VIP groups and elaborate on why they can be useful, as well as why you should consider partnering up with local businesses in your area. After hearing about trade exchanges, we close the show by talking about charity incentives and how to be responsible with your clients. The episode ends with our challenge expectations, so be sure to listen in!

Ep 45: Mini-Session Challenge Day 3: The Logistics of Planning Feb 17, 2021

For Day 3 of our mini-session challenge, we talk about logistics and the tools that you can use to smoothly run your photography business. For starters, we talk about how you can get information about your mini-sessions to clients and then book them through email. After sharing how automated processes can cut down your workload, we look at why you should customize your client management systems to reflect your branding. We then discuss ways to fill your session spots before diving into the importance of having contracts that cover the nitty-gritty details of your mini-sessions. Near the end of the episode, we explore solutions to handling invoicing, retainers, and reschedules. Tune in for more insights on creating systems that help you book, shoot, and bill for your mini-sessions.

Ep 44: Mini Session Challenge Day 2: Design Your Unique Packages Feb 16, 2021

Welcome back to the five-day mini-session challenge. This challenge is designed to help you plan your mini-sessions for the year. By the end of the week, you will have all of the logistics planned out for minis, you will know what you want to charge, and how you plan to up-sell your galleries – and the best part? Your host, Logan Fahey is going to walk you through every step. Today, we talk all about pricing, including how to figure out what to charge and how to up-sell your galleries. By the end of this episode, you will have an idea of how to plan for what to charge for your mini-sessions, along with what your up-sell price will be. Up-selling your gallery is super easy if you run your mini-sessions correctly, so tune in to hear all the tips and tricks to make it a breeze!

Ep 43: Mini-session Challenge Day 1: Choosing a Theme and Dates Feb 15, 2021

Welcome to the five-day mini-session challenge! This challenge is designed to help you plan your mini-sessions for the year. By the end of the week, you will have gained a bunch of useful knowledge that’ll assist you in knowing what to charge, how to upsell your galleries, and much more. In today’s episode, we talk about the blueprint for your mini-session and discuss the details behind choosing a theme, who is allowed at the session, and the session length. Toward the end of the episode, listeners will hear about what time of day, and even time of year to plan shoots. Be sure to join the challenge and listen in today!

Ep 42: Let's Get Organized! Managing Content Calendars, Social Media Scheduling, and more! With Mandy Liz Feb 09, 2021

Marketing ourselves on social media can feel overwhelming with many asking themselves — “where should I start, what should I post, and how can I drive engagement with my audience?” In today's episode, we chat to photographer and personal brand expert Mandy Liz about how you can get organized and start posting content that gets attention and boosts your revenue. After talking about her professional background, Mandy dives into how she builds her content calendar workflow. We touch on outsourcing parts of your content management before exploring how you can use content themes to fill out your calendar with posts that add value to your audience. Mandy then discusses which platforms you should focus on and how you can curate content pieces to fit on multiple platforms. Later, she shares the common mistakes that people make on Instagram along with her top tips on getting people to engage with your content. Tune in to hear about Mandy’s tried and tested branding techniques that will help you stand out in the most saturated markets.

Ep 41: DSLRs vs. Mirrorless Cameras — Is it Worth the Switch? With Shalonda Chaddock Feb 02, 2021

Special Offer for Podcast Listeners: https://cc.colesclassroom.com/cc-pro-trial-with-bonuses
Many photographers are currently considering moving from their tried and trusty DSLR camera to a newer and shinier mirrorless model.
If you are one of them, this is definitely the episode for you!
Shalonda Chaddock joins us on the podcast again to talk about her experience of this switch and the lessons she had learned in the process.
She shares all of her wisdom and a few of the mistakes she made so that you do not have to!
We get the real inside scoop from Shalonda, as she gives it to us straight and honest.
As photographers, it is really important to know what is available out there so that we do not miss out on something that would really suit our needs, and this is exactly what you can expect to get from today's chat.
Shalonda talks about her motivations, experiences, and difficulties, and we also look at the issues of color, focus, and learning curves. So for all this and then some, listen in with us today!

Ep 40: Avoiding Sparkly Object Syndrome: Top Investments for Your Business Jan 26, 2021

As photographers, it is always easy to get excited about the latest and greatest piece of equipment and imagine how it will be improving our photos and upping our game. In this episode, we explore why this mindset can often be the wrong use of our resources and a few of the better applications of our funds and energy. Research and education are ongoing processes but are essential in the early stages for finding what your specific needs are in relation to what you want to offer your clients. If you buy several different fancy lenses before getting into your practice fully, you will probably find you hardly use most of them! Your website is another vital piece of running this kind of business, and really cannot be ignored. Important aspects to keep in mind here are the SEO component, aesthetic and professional appearance, and the ease of finding useful information about what you offer. We also talk about the eternal magic of mentors, utilizing a CMS, and how to judge which avenue to approach first. So make sure to tune in and get it all!

Ep 39: Mentors and Masterminds in Photography with Jenni Maroney Jan 19, 2021

Pivoting into education is not always the right move for everyone, and it is by no means a get- rich-quick scheme. You have to be passionate about helping others do the things that you have managed to do successfully in your business. Our guest today is Jenni Maroney, a photographer turned business coach, helping female photographers transform their businesses into thriving powerhouses. Jenni is a repeat guest on our show; if you recall, in the previous episode we discussed in-person sales. In today’s episode, Jenni talks about why it is important to have a mentor and how to know if you’re ready to join a Mastermind. She shares how Masterminds have helped her grow and scale her business as well as how to choose a mentor who is right for you. Tune in today to hear all about choosing the right mentor, why it is important, and if you are passionate about it, how to navigate your way into the education sector of photography!

Ep 38: How to Capture Emotion that Will Help You Stand Out From The Crowd Jan 12, 2021

While it is necessary to focus on your niche, applying lessons from other photography genres can help you stand out from the crowd. Today we speak to Nikon ambassador Kristi Odo whose work capturing wildlife and their emotions has made her a better wedding photographer. We open our inspiring conversation with Kristi by exploring her background and how taking a blurry picture of Bono from U2 sparked her passion for photography. We then talk about her latest projects and why you don’t need to go far to find captivating stories. After relating how she got published in National Geographic and the Washington Post, Kristi discusses how we can all make environmental changes by taking small actions. We dive into how photographing animals can make you a better wedding photographer, with Kristi sharing her top tips on finding the most emotionally poignant wedding moments. Near the end of the episode, Kristi opens up about her favorite travel destinations before telling listeners about the incredible workshops that she offers. Tune in for more of Kristi’s insights into capturing emotions that resonate with your viewers.

Ep 37: Finding the Work-Life Balance with Morgan Williams Jan 05, 2021

Creating a balance between your professional and private life can be a tricky task, especially if you’re a business owner. We sit with Morgan Williams, a photographer, business owner, and mother who has spent the last five years refining her business process. Today she shares her best tips and tricks. We open the episode by learning about Morgan’s history in photography, and how she could never be too far from her camera. After hearing about the inception of her business and the niche she focuses on, Morgan talks about why the industry can be overwhelming. She goes on to share valuable lessons she has learned, like setting boundaries, pricing correctly, and adding blocks to her calendar. As a working mother, Morgan has been faced with many challenges too, admitting that although moms are frequently told “they’re enough”, she accepts that no mother actually is. For Morgan, it’s about using external resources, as she tells us about various ways working moms can make their lives more manageable through daycare, housekeeping, and more. Toward the end of the show, listeners will benefit from some of the tools Morgan makes use of to ensure her week runs smoothly, and will also find out why it’s better to raise prices and lose clients than the other way around. Be sure to tune in with us today!

Ep 36: 2000 Sessions. 12 Months. 1 Photographer — with Sarah Witherington Dec 29, 2020

After working several jobs to stay afloat, Sarah Witherington burst into the photography scene with her first Groupon gig which earned her 2,000 clients. Today, we sit down with Sarah to discuss her journey as a photographer, beginning with how she got her start in the industry. Sarah tells us about how she changed direction in college toward a more creative avenue and used her student loans to purchase her first professional camera. After shooting weddings and nannying on the side, she then decided her business needed a fresh flow of clients. Listeners will hear how just one Groupon deal brought Sarah 2,000 clients and subsequently launched her career. She tells us about her experiences and the lessons she learned, going on to share tips about dealing with high volumes of clients like location designation, and using call-in camera actions as a measure to save time. Later in the episode, we hear about how Sarah’s business has evolved into the boudoir niche and how she’s refined her process to create an efficient and lucrative service for her clients. To hear more insider tips and stirring anecdotes, be sure to tune in today!

Ep 35: How to Use Pinterest to Book Clients and Grow Your Photography Business with Sharee Davenport Dec 22, 2020

Creating a profitable photography business can be a challenging task, but what if there was a way you could achieve your five-year plan in just one? Wedding photographer and Pinterest expert Sharee Davenport did just that. Today we talk to Sharee about how she leveraged her Pinterest account to market her work, triple her revenue, and book over $100,000 worth of gigs within the first six months. Throughout our conversation, Sharee shares a bundle of useful tips that you can start implementing right now. As remarkable as her success is, we discuss how using Pinterest as a marketing tool can give you that same success. In this episode, you’ll hear about her personal journey in photography and how it went from a hobby to a full-time profession. You’ll also hear why she no longer uses Facebook adverts or Instagram as lead funnels and dives into the misconceptions about Pinterest. By understanding the basics of analytics, proper pinning, and linking back to your own website, your booking calendar will fill up without much input. Be sure to tune in with us today and learn Sharee’s top tips to boost your photography business.

Ep 34: Setting Yourself Apart: The Importance of a Stellar Client Experience with Damien Carter Dec 15, 2020

Damien Carter is a part-time photographer who always goes above and beyond for his clients. He shoots everything (except newborns!) from weddings to lifestyle brands and along with providing his clients with exquisite images, he specializes in curating personalized experiences for them. In this episode, Damien offers a ton of tips to improve your relationship with your clients and ensure that they are getting full value from your service. Among other things, Damien stresses the importance of communicating, phoning clients rather than engaging purely over email, being on time for shoots, and making your client feel special in various different ways. Photographers are easy to come by nowadays, which is why it is so vital to set yourself apart from the rest, and Damien has all the tools to help you achieve this! To hear some of the top ways on how to stand out from the crowd, be sure to tune in today.

Ep 33: Ready to Teach Photography – How to Maximize Your Impact with Emma Natter Dec 08, 2020

If you have refined your skill to the point where it has led you to find success, you can add so much value to people’s lives and careers by teaching them what you have learned. Today we invite Emma Natter onto the show to talk about her process of condensing her branding expertise into a coaching business which did so well that she made $90,000 during the launch of her first online course! Emma is a launch strategist and Founder of The Aesthetic Way, a course that teaches entrepreneurs to create businesses that simultaneously build financial success, make a positive impact, and fulfill creative dreams. In her course, Emma uses a method designed to uncover what she calls ‘The Heart Story’ – a narrative that helps clients marry their passion with entrepreneurship so they can build the career of their dreams. In our discussion, Emma talks about different businesses she started that didn’t work, and how she came up with one idea that finally took off. She speaks about how she leveraged this success to build her early coaching business and finally pivoted from craftsmanship into education completely. Emma shares common challenges as well as tips and tricks for making this kind of pivot, highlighting that transitioning into education requires a completely new skillset. She also talks about how she and her team can help people launch their own courses as successfully as possible through The Aesthetic Way. For an inspiring story and some valuable pointers for pivoting from your area of expertise into coaching, tune in today!

Ep 32: How to Stay Creative and Inspired Long-Term with Roy Handy Dec 01, 2020

For many of us, photography is the most inspiring and exciting pursuit. It can bring with it adventure, new perspectives, and even foster new connections, but what happens when the well of inspiration runs dry? Today’s guest is Roy Handy, a graphic designer from New Orleans with a strong background in portrait photography, who has had his work published in Essence Magazine and on Beyonce.com, among others. In this episode, Roy talks about the importance of passion projects and how to use them to stay inspired for the long term. He shares the story of how he got into photography after his mother passed away, and listeners find out more about Roy’s projects, including #000 – which focuses on the uniqueness of the color code it represents and of Black culture – and All Things Black, which showcases Black-owned businesses. Roy’s goal in life is to uplift and inspire people, and what better way to do that than through creative projects that provide a platform for others? Tune in today to find out more about the incredible work that Roy is doing, and hear his advice on creating space for ourselves to stay sane and inspired!

Ep 31: Design the Easy Way: Canva for Photographers with LaShonda Brown Nov 24, 2020

Today’s guest is LaShonda Brown, an award-winning corporate film producer and Squarespace expert based in Virginia. LaShonda is also an expert on Canva, a graphic design platform used to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, documents, and other visual content. In this episode, LaShonda has some pertinent and helpful tips about how to use Canva, she shares the features that she believes are overlooked, and she also has some advice for creating stellar graphics. LaShonda is a firm believer that anyone can use Canva to produce high-quality graphics for their photography business without aero graphic design experience, which makes it an accessible tool for everyone! Tune in to hear about how photographers can up their Canva game using the animation feature, the number one mistake photographers make with Canva, and whether to choose the free account or Canva Pro.

Ep 30: Overcome All Your Photography Fears with Cole’s Classroom Nov 17, 2020

Running a photography business isn’t always easy and can be stressful in pretty unexpected ways. In today’s episode, we dive straight into some of the most common fears that photographers have, tackle them head-on, and provide the best solutions for each. The first fear we bust is the idea that you’re not good enough. We take a few moments to remind you not to compare your photographic journey to others, and that other successful photographers have also had their fair share of bad days behind the camera. You’ll also hear about how you can and should be charging friends and family for your services, and why it’s so important to become a numbers person if you want to create a successful business. On the topic of charging, you’ll find out how you need to value your work too, and why you should never feel bad about charging a fair price. To end things off, we go into the inevitable difficulties you’ll encounter when handling tough clients, and how you can simplify liaising. Be sure to kick your fears in the butt and tune in!

Ep 29: Cracking the Copywriting Code: How to Connect with Clients on Your Website with Rachel Greiman Nov 10, 2020

Grabbing website copy builds trust, proves your value, and can help fill your calendar with bookings. Today, we speak with photographer and copywriter, Rachel Greiman, about how you can write copy that hooks clients. We open our conversation by talking about Rachel’s start in photography and the origins of her company, Green Chair Stories. After reflecting on how unique every photographer’s journey is, we dive into the importance of copy lenses — guidelines that narrow your focus and help you define your service, your clients, and your world view. We touch on how copy lenses give you a stress-free writing framework before asking Rachel for her top writing tips. Her actionable advice ranges from how to structure your copy, to insights into the purpose of each of your website pages. We discuss the top mistakes that photographers make on their website, what you can do to win over your future clients, and when and how you should add personality to your website. Tune in and learn more about writing website copy that sounds as good as your photography looks.

Ep 28: Make More, Shoot Less: Successfully Switching to In-Person Sales with Chris Scott Nov 03, 2020

Today we are talking to Chris Scott from Swift Galleries and The Print Maker System, both of which help photographers run a successful IPS or in-person sales business. Chris started out as a wedding photographer and noticed that the photography industry didn’t have anything out there to help IPS photographers with sales meetings from start to finish, so together with his wife, he built his own tools and program to meet the need of the market. In our conversation, Chris gives advice for those who are thinking about switching over to IPS but who find it overwhelming, explaining that it is not about getting it perfect right from the start but iterating and refining as you go. He points out the common mistakes people make in the transition phase and gets into all the reasons why IPS is beneficial for you and your clients, even though you might lose a few people in the process. Chris reminds listeners that they are running a business and that what they offer takes real skill, encouraging them to value their work and ask the price they feel their products and services are worth. Be sure to tune in to find out how IPS can enable you to make more while shooting less!

Ep 27: Being Authentically YOU: 6 Steps for Establishing Your Brand Identity with Abby Grace Oct 27, 2020

In order to market anything – your product, your company, or your ideas – you first need to define your unique brand. Your brand is not just the visuals, like your logo and your website, it also encompasses your brand identity. Today’s guest, Abby Grace, has 6 steps for establishing your brand identity, which is so important to running a successful business. With more than 10 years of experience in the wedding industry, Abby is a photographer based in the Washington, DC area, and her work has been published by many of our industry’s top editors. In addition to photography, Abby is also a speaker and an educator, teaching workshops for small business owners and fellow photographers. In this episode, Abby explains to us what brand identity is, why it is so important, and how to establish it. This is one interview that every photographer needs to listen to, so make sure to tune in today!

Ep 26: Setting Goals During a Pandemic: The Fool Proof Way to Keep Your Business on Track with Erin Youngren Oct 20, 2020

It's important to continue to set business goals and push forward, even during times of crisis. Today’s guest is Erin Youngren, who is an educator and photographer. In this episode, Erin talks about setting goals for 2021, and you might be thinking, “How do I set goals when there is so much uncertainty in the world right now?” Well, Erin has the answer for you. She walks us through exactly how to plan for the future, even during a pandemic, and how to set goals that will keep your business moving forward. She also shares some of the ways that she and her husband have kept their business on track, the apps they use for productivity, and she tells us about the Thrive Business Intensive, and how it could be beneficial to your photography business. This episode is certainly relatable for everyone in the photography industry, so make sure to tune in today!

Ep 25: Community Outreach: How One Non-Profit Helps Youth Find Their Passion in Photography with Sara Keith Oct 13, 2020

Unlike many other art forms, photography is a field that is still largely inaccessible due to the high cost of equipment and the difficulty of finding people who are willing to teach. But our guest today, Sara Keith, and her business partner were determined to solve this problem by providing photography education to people from underserved communities in the Metro Atlanta area. In this episode, Sara shares how their dream for the non-profit was realized when they started Illuminate Atlanta and how they partnered up with various institutions to help children discover the joy of photography. For her, one of the most rewarding aspects of her job is watching children find and express themselves through the art form and witnessing its value as a therapeutic outlet since many of these kids face serious social and other challenges. Tuning in, listeners will hear about the range of free downloadable resources they offer and how they can get involved with and support the organization wherever they are!

Ep 24: Getting Your Life Back: Simple Systems To Save You Time In Your Business Oct 06, 2020

Stress is one of those things that can take the joy out of your photography career, but implementing good systems can help reduce it. Nobody understands systems as well as Dahlia Orth, and today she joins us on the show to geek out about how they have changed her life and how she can use them to help change yours. Dahlia is a photographer and systems specialist who has helped countless photographers get their life back through setting up systems and workflows that take away their stress. We talk to Dahlia about the stress she felt when her business started to grow and how implementing systems changed everything for her. Having learned the hard way, Dahlia made it her mission to help others so they did not have to do the same and she tells us all about the different photographers she has assisted, the specific needs they had, and the amazing transformations they underwent afterward.

Ep 23: Hacking the Algorithm with Facebook Groups Sep 29, 2020

One of the things our guest today learned very early on was the power of social media and how it's not just about uploading nice content and hoping people see it and engage with it. In fact, there is an actual strategy and specific steps you need to take to really make it work and to help you grow your business. Today we are joined by Cyrissa Carlson from Sparkle Society. Cyrissa is a photographer and educator, who offers coaching for ambitious entrepreneurs. She uses Facebook Groups to connect with her clients on a more personal level and to make meaningful connections.

Ep 22: Community Over Competition — Making Your Business Stronger Than Ever with Natalie Franke Sep 22, 2020

With half of small businesses closing down within their first five years, the odds are stacked against us. But you have an unlikely ally — your competition. Today we speak with Natalie Franke, the HoneyBook Head of Community and co-founder of the Rising Tide Society. As a pioneering voice of the Community over Competition movement, she helps foster creative communities and support networks for small businesses. We open our conversation with Natalie by talking about her journey into photography and how her love for being behind a camera complimented her college studies into visual neuroscience. After chatting about why there is no such thing as wasted time, Natalie opens up about the pressures of hustling and the lonely road of being an entrepreneur. As she explains, this inspired her to found the Rising Tide Society, a community dedicated to putting people before competition. We discuss the many benefits of connecting with your business community and Natalie shares some of the challenges that she faced when starting her movement.

Ep 21: Marketing That Works – Using Facebook Ads for Profit with Chip Dizárd Sep 15, 2020

Figuring out Facebook ads can be overwhelming, but joining us to shed some light on the topic is photographer, videographer, and Facebook ads guru Chip Dizárd. Chip has a longstanding career in photography and first decided to fine-tune his social media marketing skills when he wanted to reach a market beyond just the group of people he knew. In this episode, he advises listeners on getting started with Facebook ads, walking them through every step, from identifying your target audience to knowing where they like to shop and hang out. Because, for Chip, you want to create a warm audience and nurture people rather than trying to cold sell, and to do this, you will need a bit of patience and understand that you do not convert clients with a single ad. It often takes a series of ads and other strategies to finally get them to book with you. Tuning in, listeners will also learn incredible tips for getting testimonials and reviews that no prospect can deny and how to budget to avoid overspending on campaigns.

Ep 20: Mastering Your Styled Sessions Like a Pro and Learning from One Photographer's Mistakes Sep 08, 2020

Styled shoots or sessions are such a big part of running a wedding photography business, and we all need to make some mistakes in order to learn from them and improve, right? Well, you can also learn from the mistakes of others, and today’s show aims to help you do just that! Today’s guest is Judith Stoop, a wedding and family photographer based in Munich, Germany, who also has a passion for styled sessions. In this episode, Judith shares how her first few styled sessions went, what mistakes she made, what she learned from them, and how she makes sure her styled sessions are successful. What is great about this interview is that Judith doesn’t sugarcoat anything, because she wants to share the lessons she has learned. She also gives us some great tips and tricks for mastering styled sessions and talks through how she sets up these sessions in a way that isn’t overwhelming. So, grab a pen and paper, take some notes, and make sure not to miss this episode!

Ep 19: More than just Photos: The Importance of Photography Passion Projects with KT Merry Sep 01, 2020

Established by photographer KT Merry as a means of creating connections across species and borders, Render Loyalty seeks to support solutions to the perils facing our world’s animals. KT Merry is a destination wedding photographer who is lucky enough to work beside her husband and business partner, Chad. Their goal is to use their skills and passions to leave the world a bit more beautiful than when they found it. Whether that is telling a story of a once in a lifetime wedding day, or sharing images that shed light on issues of global importance, it’s the work that they are honored to do. In this episode, KT tells us more about how she likes to gives back to conservancy projects, and why it is so important to her. She also gives us ideas on how we can give back as photographers and the importance of photography passion projects. Don’t miss this episode!

Ep 18: Family Session Prompts and Games to Get Genuine Smiles Each and Every Time with Shalonda Chaddock Aug 25, 2020

Family sessions are incredibly rewarding to shoot, but they come with their own challenges. With many people to coordinate, it’s important to have a clear plan of action as a photographer to get the best out of the shoot. Shalonda Chaddock, today’s guest, is a family photographer extraordinaire, and she joins us to share her unique approach to her shoots. In this episode, Shalonda discusses how having children was the impetus to pursue photography professionally. She saw the magic of capturing milestones and has been hooked ever since. We also explore the importance of creating a connection with the client before a shoot. Shalonda does this through numerous phone calls and collaboratively working on styling before the session.

Ep 17: How To Maximize Your Mini Sessions And Make The Most Profit Aug 18, 2020

When it comes to photography sessions, many of us might be slightly hesitant at marketing ourselves as mini-session photographers. Is 15 minutes really enough time to capture those “must-have” shots? Would you be able to make enough money to survive by doing only mini sessions? Our guest on today’s episode of Find Your Focus Podcast is family photographer and educator Rebecca Rice. Rebecca has mastered the art of mini sessions and is able to make anywhere from $3,000 to $4,000 doing mini-sessions where she only works about two to three hours a day, and today we talk about all things related to capitalizing on these types of niche-focused sessions in order to effectively grow your business.

Ep 16: Authenticity is Key: How to Inspire Your Followers with Natural Photos Aug 11, 2020

So much of what we see on social media is fake and makes people feel inferior. It is so important to have images in circulation that deliver a different narrative. Today’s guest is Kate Parker, New York Times bestselling author of Strong Is the New Pretty and The Heart of a Boy. Kate’s work is real, raw, and tries to capture girls and boys as they really are, doing what they love, in a manner that doesn’t look posed.Our conversation with Kate is all about how she got started in photography, how she came up with the idea for Strong Is the New Pretty, and what goes into making her non-stereotypical images. Kate starts by telling us about how her passion for photography got ignited when she wanted to portray her kids in a way that felt true and authentic.

Ep 15: Find Your Frosting — Stand Out in a Saturated Photography Market Aug 04, 2020

Everyone has something unique to them—a specific area in which they shine and where most of their positive feedback comes from. Whether it be communication with clients, a specific editing technique, or the way you thank them after the shoot, it is about identifying your strength as a photographer and doubling down on it! This is what our guest today, Terri Baskin, refers to when she talks about finding your frosting. Terri is a photographer and educator who has succeeded in creating a unique experience for her clients. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. She talks about comparing herself to others when she just started her business and how she finally found her groove when she gave up trying to mimic others and focused instead on crafting the business she wanted.

Ep 14: Branding Photography: How One Photographer Discovered Her Passion and Found Confidence Jul 28, 2020

There are many routes that you can take for a career in photography, and one of the really great ones we don't hear enough about is branding shoots. Here to talk about how her passion for taking pictures developed into a great career in branding photography is Meg Marie! After discovering her love of capturing portraits while living in Asia, Meg came home to the US to pursue this career and was fully committed to finding success in her new field. This meant learning about the business side of things and a lot of research and skills development. After starting out in wedding photography, an occupation she loved, she started to build up a reputation for her branding shoots and made the decision to pursue that full-time. Meg has experienced loads of success with her work in this area and has so much wisdom to share with anyone aspiring to a similar path. She talks about what it means to help new clients discover their brand and how she brings confidence to her shoots in order to help the people she is working for! Meg underlines the importance of great communication and shares how this plays out before, during and after a session. We talk about some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your subjects, easy ways to improve your photos and how to get your clients really excited about working with you and referring you to the next person. Tune in to get it all!

Ep 13: Packing a Punch: Tips for Maximizing Your Time and Productivity Jul 21, 2020

Productivity and scheduling are two areas of any creative business that go hand in hand! Without a finely attuned approach to these areas of work, we might all end up on the couch all day and never get out of our pajamas! Laylee Emadi, our guest today, has loads of personal experience with overcoming the distractions we encounter all day, every day, and she is here to share some of that wisdom with all of our listeners. Laylee is a teacher turned full-time photographer and is on a mission to help other photographers with all the tools they need to take their businesses to the next level! We talk about how refining her scheduling system ensured that her productivity levels soared higher than ever before and prevented looming burnout. We then dive into her regular, weekly routine, and how she lays it out. Laylee gives us three, simple, actionable steps that you can implement immediately to improve your productivity and workflow, so make sure to stay tuned for that at the end of the episode!

Ep 12: Legal Issues Photographers NEED to Know to Thrive with Paige Griffith Jul 14, 2020

As creatives, our minds do not naturally go to the practical side of things, and these tasks may even overwhelm us. But it is incredibly important to realize that when you are a photographer, you are a business owner as well, which means you have to make the necessary provisions for your venture to thrive. Today’s guest, Paige Griffith, is the owner of The Legal Paige, a virtual law firm, where she teaches small business owners the legal way to run their operations. As a photographer herself, Paige has used her law degree to fill a gap in the market by providing legal advice and educational material for photographers. In this episode, Paige outlines some pertinent legal issues photographers need to be aware of. We discuss how LLCs are different from Sole Proprietorships and the importance of separating your business from your personal assets. The liability protection an LLC offers is crucial in ensuring that you, as an individual, stay safe. We also cover contracts, why you cannot share them with other photographers, and how to ensure you get reputable ones. Throughout the conversation, Paige highlights the importance of getting sound legal advice and paying the necessary costs. As photographers, we would happily spend thousands of dollars on lenses and our legal protection is as important as our equipment. We round the show off by talking about copyright and watermarks. Be sure to tune in today!

Ep 11: Surviving the Storm of Covid-19: How to Recover From an Economic Downturn Jul 07, 2020

During this unprecedented, uncertain time where many industries have been closed, the thought of reopening your photography business can be very exciting. But rather than rushing in, it’s important to think about certain things before getting back to normal. This includes ensuring you are complying with all the necessary laws and having the required legal provisions in your contract. Along with this, Logan shares the five ways she is keeping herself and her clients safe. Remember, if you don’t feel comfortable getting back to business, you can find other ways to make money through photography, and whatever you decide, Cole’s Classroom is here for you!

Ep 10: Taking the Full-Time Leap: Becoming Your Own Boss and Calling the Shots in Your Life with Kate Guertin Jun 30, 2020

Today, I’m going to be talking to Kate Guertin, a mentor at Cole’s Classroom and the owner of Sweetest Things Photography. She decided to quit her corporate job and jump full-time into professional photography. She knew very little about it, but she was determined to learn and, through her hard work and dedication, her business ended up making more than $100,000 in its first year! Kate’s story is truly inspiring, and in this episode, she shares with us how she put her fear aside and threw herself into photography, starting by joining Cole’s Classroom on the $1 Trial. We discuss the importance of commitment in ensuring Kate’s success, her one-client-a-day rule starting out, and why she doesn’t necessarily recommend following her intense, high-volume sales model.

Ep 9: In Person Sales: Selling Without Feeling Sleezy Jun 23, 2020

Most of us get into photography for the love of the art and not for the love of selling. Many photographers feel uncomfortable when it comes to selling their services. In this episode, we talk with Jenni Maroney, a successful newborn photographer who reveals how in-person selling (IPS) can help you earn more and develop stronger relationships with your clients without being sleazy. After sharing her story, Jenni talks about how IPS isn’t about squeezing dollars out of a client but about adding to the value that you provide as a photographer. We discuss how service offerings can be expanded beyond taking and editing hundreds of photos and then sending them to your clients — no one ever wants homework!

Ep 8: Captivating Your Clients: Tips for Knocking Their Socks Off and Increasing Word of Mouth Advertising Jun 16, 2020

There are as many photographers as there are coffee shops. But what makes one better than the next? Why do we prefer going back to the same ones over and over again? It’s all about creating an experience that your clients cannot stop talking about. This involves doing small extra things to show that you care and are interested in what matters to them—and it doesn’t have to be high effort or expensive.

Ep 7: The Formula to Happiness: Finding Worth in Your Everyday Work with Wilson Lau Jun 09, 2020

Wedding and engagement photographs often follow a formulaic series of poses that can make them feel forced rather than capturing couples’ true happiness. Wilson Lau, a wedding photographer, looks to turn this convention on its head with his signature ‘happiness photography.’ We kick off the episode by learning more about Wilson’s start in the industry and what the process of finding his style looked like.

Ep 6: The Secrets of Branding and Website Design to Attract High Paying Clients with Amanda Shuman Jun 02, 2020

With the crowded photography landscape, it can be difficult to stand out. But there are some tried and tested branding techniques and strategies you can use to ensure that you get noticed. Our guest today, Amanda Shuman, owner of Carrylove Designs, helps creatives book more clients and make more money doing what they love. We kick off the episode by diving into Amanda’s background in brand strategy and her transition from a corporate role to a freelance one.

Ep 5: Business Owner at 17: Pushing Past Judgements and Forging Your Own Path to Success, with Hope Taylor May 26, 2020

Sometimes, we need to learn how to push past the judgments of other people, live the life that we want to live and forge our own path to success. In today’s episode, I’m talking to someone who did just that. My guest is Hope Taylor, who is the owner of Hope Taylor Photography. She is not only a photographer but also has a YouTube channel with tons of amazing resources for photographers. During this interview, she shares with us how she managed to start her business in high school, yes, I said in high school!

Ep 4: Fear of Running a Photography Business: Getting Past Insecurities and Embracing Your Uniqueness May 26, 2020

Today’s topic is a tough one because it touches all of us in some way—fear. While both new and seasoned photographers sometimes battle with fears and insecurities, it is mostly the upcoming ones who face the biggest internal obstacles, especially when they start comparing their work with those who have been doing it for 20 years.

Ep 3: Instagram Connections: How to Up Your Game and Stand Out with Bobbi Peterson May 26, 2020

In this episode of Find Your Focus, Logan chats to Bobbi Peterson, a member of the well-know Twig & Olive trio, about using social media for marketing purposes. Tuning in to the show, listeners will hear the back story of how their business came into existence over margaritas and how their diverse skills miraculously fell into place to complement one another so that they can each do the tasks that they’re passionate about. Bobbi talks about the importance of getting your website right since it is often a client’s first engagement with your brand and how your social media sites are the side doors that can be used to get the word out there and lure in your ideal clients.

Ep 2: Pinterest for Photographers — Using Pinterest to Attract More Dream Clients on Google with Anna Bennett May 26, 2020

Did you know that using Pinterest can help your business rank on the first page of a Google search? Pinterest is a powerful, unique, and often overlooked tool for digital marketing, and we are joined today by Anna Bennett, Pinterest expert and founder of White Glove Social Media, to learn more about it. Anna has a history in retail fashion and marketing, and when she sold her day spa several years ago, she was left to choose between kicking her feet back and retiring or finding her life’s next purpose.

Ep 1: Homeless to Happy – One Photographer’s Journey to Optimism and Success with Christopher Hall May 19, 2020

Welcome to the first episode of the Find Your Focus podcast with Cole’s Classroom, where you’ll hear inspirational stories and pro tips from our guests to help you on your journey with photography! Joining us today is Christopher Hall, a professional photographer who we had to invite on the show after we heard his inspirational story. Chris went from homelessness to happiness and it was all thanks to photography! After neglecting his health around 2011, Chris found himself in the hospital with doctors predicting he had less than a week to live. Miraculously, Chris recovered but then endured a period of homelessness and rehabilitation facilities, until his life changed forever after receiving a camera as a gift from a church friend. In today’s show, Chris tells us the story of how he always loved the idea of being a photographer and finally decided to pursue it professionally at that moment.

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