The Difference Maker Revolution Podcast

Latest Episodes:

It's Really Hot in Ireland... So We Are Talking About a HOT Topic Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Struggling to get clients over the line? Feeling like you're doing everything right but bookings still aren't flowing? In this game-changing episode, Ronan and Steve dive deep into the one thing most photographers overlook—mindset.

Your camera skills aren’t the problem. Your portfolio isn’t either. The real block? It's how you think.

Key Highlights:

The surprising role mindset plays in whether clients say yes (or ghost you)
How confirmation bias silently sabotages your bookings—and how to flip the script
Real call breakdown: the sneaky way photographers accidentally talk clients out of buying
Why “I wouldn’t pay that” is killing your sales—and why it doesn’t matter what you would pay
From “trying” to “exciting”—a single word shift that helped one photographer 6x her bookings in a week
Learn to see your work through your clients’ eyes (spoiler: they’re not buying photos)
A powerful reframe that makes selling feel like serving

This is the mindset reset you didn’t know you needed—but once you hear it, you’ll never see your sales process the same again.

👉 Listen now and unlock the mindset that turns leads into loyal clients—and moments into masterpieces.

Join the Difference Maker Revolution!

Take the first step toward creating a photography business that makes a difference. Visit Difference Maker Inner Circle to learn more about transforming your business through proven strategies and mentorship.

The Difference Maker Revolution podcast helps you grow your photography business by teaching you how to:

Generate highly targeted leads.
Increase conversions with ideal clients.
Build long-term client relationships.
Create consistent, predictable revenue.

This show is hosted by industry experts:

Steve Saporito: Serial portrait studio owner and photography educator.
Ronan Ryle: Board of Directors of the PPA, Professional Photographers of America.

Tune In for Real-World Strategies

Gain insights from professionals who know what it takes to build a successful photography business. Whether you're looking to increase client satisfaction, improve your sales, or align your work with what clients truly value, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

Through fun, educational, and inspiring discussions, the Difference Maker Revolution aims to help you create a healthier society through photography.

Is your Photography above PAR? - Learn about our Photography Accuracy Report (PAR) Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Are you shooting what you love… or what your clients actually want?

In this eye-opening episode, Ronan and Steve dive deep into the Photography Accuracy Report – a game-changing tool that’s helping studios boost client satisfaction, skyrocket sales, and eliminate guesswork in the shooting process.

Learn how this powerful feedback loop lets you:

Track what clients really love (hint: it’s not always your “best” shots)
Spot patterns in what sells – and what gets skipped
Bridge the gap between your creative vision and the client’s emotional needs
Move from “cookie-cutter” photography to meaningful, client-focused imagery
Use data (yes, actual numbers!) to consistently grow your revenue

Whether you're a solo shooter or managing a team, this episode gives you a fresh perspective on improving your craft and your bottom line.

🎧 Tune in now – your next favorite photo (and sale) could depend on it.

Join the Difference Maker Revolution!

The Difference Maker Revolution podcast helps you grow your photography business by teaching you how to:

Generate highly targeted leads.
Increase conversions with ideal clients.
Build long-term client relationships.
Create consistent, predictable revenue.

This show is hosted by industry experts:

Steve Saporito: Serial portrait studio owner and photography educator.
Ronan Ryle: Board of Directors of the PPA, Professional Photographers of America.

Tune In for Real-World Strategies

Through fun, educational, and inspiring discussions, the Difference Maker Revolution aims to help you create a healthier society through photography.

Is This The Death of Portrait Photography? Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

Is the portrait photography industry already dead? Or is it just evolving into something far more powerful?

In this eye-opening episode, Jonathan and Ronan pull no punches as they unpack the uncomfortable truth most photographers are ignoring: the industry as we know it is in decline.

But this isn’t all doom and gloom. In fact, it’s the best time ever to reinvent yourself and create a business that clients crave — one rooted not in photos, but in personal transformation.

What You'll Discover:

Why portrait photography is "effed" (Jonathan's words!) — and what that means for your future.
The Kodak warning: how failing to adapt will leave you behind.
The 5 emotional stages photographers go through when facing uncomfortable industry truths — and how to move past them fast.
The bold new opportunity: pivoting into the booming wellness industry using photography as a powerful tool.
Why technical perfection doesn't matter nearly as much as how your work makes people feel.
The hidden superpower of discovery calls — and how they do the real heavy lifting in a modern photography business.
From art to impact: how photographers are now elevating lives, not just capturing smiles.

If you've ever felt like “something’s not working” in your photo business — this is the episode that finally explains why. And what to do about it.

👇 Tap play now and start your transformation from photographer… to The Difference Maker.

Join the Difference Maker Revolution!

The Difference Maker Revolution podcast helps you grow your photography business by teaching you how to:

Generate highly targeted leads.
Increase conversions with ideal clients.
Build long-term client relationships.
Create consistent, predictable revenue.

This show is hosted by industry experts:

Jonathan Ryle: Photography marketing funnel specialist.
Ronan Ryle: Board of Directors of the PPA, Professional Photographers of America.

Tune In for Real-World Strategies

Through fun, educational, and inspiring discussions, the Difference Maker Revolution aims to help you create a healthier society through photography.

Why You Should Be Planning For Christmas Now Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Think Christmas marketing is a December problem? Think again. In this high-energy episode, Jeanine and Steve break down why the most profitable photographers are already gearing up for the holidays—before the summer’s even over.

Whether you shoot families, pets, boudoir, or branding—Christmas is your biggest opportunity… if you’re ready for it.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why waiting until October will kill your holiday revenue
The single mailer that brings in $60K/month—and the mistake that almost tanked it
How to turn clients into raving fans (and referral machines)
A behind-the-scenes look at how top studios plan, market, and fill their holiday calendar
Why email-only promotions flop—and what works instead
How even pet and branding photographers can crush the Christmas season

If you’ve ever said, “That works for them because they shoot kids,” this episode will flip that script—and your Q4 income.

Join the Difference Maker Revolution!

The Difference Maker Revolution podcast helps you grow your photography business by teaching you how to:

Generate highly targeted leads.
Increase conversions with ideal clients.
Build long-term client relationships.
Create consistent, predictable revenue.

This show is hosted by industry experts:

Jeanine McLeod: Family portrait photographer specializing in joyful, storytelling photography for parents.
Steve Saporito: Serial portrait studio owner and photography educator.

Tune In for Real-World Strategies

Through fun, educational, and inspiring discussions, the Difference Maker Revolution aims to help you create a healthier society through photography.

The Growth See-Saw of AOV & Client LTV Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Are you obsessing over your average order value but still struggling to grow a profitable, repeatable photography business?

In this no-fluff episode, Jonathan Royle, Ronan Ryle, and Jeanine McLeod dive deep into the growth seesaw—that delicate balance between average order value, client volume, and the overlooked goldmine of lifetime client value (LTV). Whether you're a high-ticket studio or running volume-based sessions, this episode will challenge your assumptions and change the way you grow.

Why photographers should hit play:

The truth about “protecting your average order value”—and how it could be holding you back
Why “today’s business card is tomorrow’s brochure” (and why you should never ignore small bookings)
Why ego and awards don’t build a sustainable business—profit does
How to create a business built on repeat clients, referrals, and real lifetime value
Real-world numbers from a studio generating $60K+ LTV per client
The secret to getting clients to return 2–3 times a year—for 18 years straight
What to do when a potential client says, “I’m only buying the minimum”

If you're ready to trade hype for real business growth, this episode is your wake-up call. Grab your coffee, press play, and let’s talk strategy that actually works.

Join the Difference Maker Revolution!

The Difference Maker Revolution podcast helps you grow your photography business by teaching you how to:

Generate highly targeted leads.
Increase conversions with ideal clients.
Build long-term client relationships.
Create consistent, predictable revenue.

This show is hosted by industry experts:

Jonathan Ryle: Photography marketing funnel specialist.
Ronan Ryle: Board of Directors of the PPA, Professional Photographers of America.
Jeanine McLeod: Family portrait photographer specializing in joyful, storytelling photography for parents.

Tune In for Real-World Strategies

Through fun, educational, and inspiring discussions, the Difference Maker Revolution aims to help you create a healthier society through photography.

Get more "Quality Clients"!!! Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Tired of chasing low-quality leads and price shoppers? In this eye-opening episode, Jonathan Ryle, Ronan Ryle, and Jeanine McLeod break down what it really takes to fill your calendar with clients who value your work- and are willing to pay for it. Spoiler alert: it’s not about leads, it’s about mindset and meaningful conversations.

If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start booking clients who truly appreciate your art, this one's for you.

Highlights photographers won’t want to miss:

Why there’s no such thing as a "qualified lead" - only potential clients at different awareness levels
The mindset shift that instantly improves client conversions
How great clients are made, not found - starting with a discovery call
The 5 Stages of Awareness: and how to meet potential clients where they are
Why being afraid of the phone is costing you thousands
The power of referrals, alliances, and loyal clients to build a sustainable business
How trying to pre-qualify by price might be killing your growth
What photographers can learn from Louis Vuitton (yes, really)

Whether you're a solo shooter or studio owner, this episode will change the way you think about marketing, selling, and serving your clients - for good.

Join the Difference Maker Revolution!

The Difference Maker Revolution podcast helps you grow your photography business by teaching you how to:

Generate highly targeted leads.
Increase conversions with ideal clients.
Build long-term client relationships.
Create consistent, predictable revenue.

This show is hosted by industry experts:

Jonathan Ryle: Photography marketing funnel specialist.
Ronan Ryle: Board of Directors of the PPA, Professional Photographers of America.
Jeanine McLeod: Family portrait photographer specializing in joyful, storytelling photography for parents.

Tune In for Real-World Strategies

Through fun, educational, and inspiring discussions, the Difference Maker Revolution aims to help you create a healthier society through photography.

Most get this wrong - How to Analyze Your Facebook Marketing Results Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Are your Facebook ads really underperforming—or are you just reading them wrong?

In this fast-paced episode, Jonathan, Steve, Ronan, and Jeanine dive deep into the misunderstood art of analyzing Facebook ad campaigns. If you're a photographer running ads and feeling frustrated by “low quality leads” or poor bookings, this conversation will flip your mindset—and your results.

Whether you’re new to ads or spending thousands each month, you need to hear this before touching your Ads Manager again.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why your ad isn’t supposed to book dream clients—and what actually does
The 3-step process to accurately diagnose ad performance (hint: it starts with you)
How one mindset shift led to 30 bookings in a week—from the same leads
The dangerous assumptions photographers make (and how they’re sabotaging sales)
Why “bad leads” might just be brilliant clients waiting for the right approach

Join the Difference Maker Revolution!

The Difference Maker Revolution podcast helps you grow your photography business by teaching you how to:

Generate highly targeted leads.
Increase conversions with ideal clients.
Build long-term client relationships.
Create consistent, predictable revenue.

This show is hosted by industry experts:

Jonathan Ryle: Photography marketing funnel specialist.
Steve Saporito: Serial portrait studio owner and photography educator.
Ronan Ryle: Board of Directors of the PPA, Professional Photographers of America.
Jeanine McLeod: Family portrait photographer specializing in joyful, storytelling photography for parents.

Tune In for Real-World Strategies

Through fun, educational, and inspiring discussions, the Difference Maker Revolution aims to help you create a healthier society through photography.

Will AI Replace Me as a Photographer? Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

Is AI the end of photography as we know it - or the greatest opportunity in decades?

In this candid and thought-provoking episode, the four amigos of the Difference Maker Revolution dive deep into the evolving landscape of professional photography in the age of AI. Spoiler: it’s not about megapixels anymore... it’s about meaning.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I next to be replaced?”, you can’t afford to miss this one.

Key Highlights:

Why “photography” as a business may be on life support - and what’s replacing it.
How AI is automating the art, but not the heart - and why that’s your edge.
The mindset shift that transforms photographers into irreplaceable “difference makers.”
Speed vs. craft; why client expectations have changed forever.
The missing piece - what veteran photographers discovered after 20 years.
Photography reimagined; is the wellness industry your new home?

This episode is for you if…

You want to survive, thrive, and lead in a world where AI can generate headshots, drone reels, and painted portraits in seconds - but it can’t replicate human connection.

Join the Difference Maker Revolution!

The Difference Maker Revolution podcast helps you grow your photography business by teaching you how to:

Generate highly targeted leads.
Increase conversions with ideal clients.
Build long-term client relationships.
Create consistent, predictable revenue.

This show is hosted by industry experts:

Jonathan Ryle: Photography marketing funnel specialist.
Steve Saporito: Serial portrait studio owner and photography educator.
Ronan Ryle: Board of Directors of the PPA, Professional Photographers of America.
Jeanine McLeod: Family portrait photographer specializing in joyful, storytelling photography for parents.

Tune In for Real-World Strategies

Through fun, educational, and inspiring discussions, the Difference Maker Revolution aims to help you create a healthier society through photography.

3 Ways AI Can Turbocharge Your Business Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

Think AI is just a tech trend? Think again. In this episode, Steve, Jeanine, and Jonathan get real about how AI is transforming photography businesses—from cutting hours off your workflow to unlocking next-level marketing. If you're tired of drowning in retouching or struggling to stay consistent with marketing, this one’s a must-listen.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How AI can slash your retouching time—without sacrificing quality
Why “faster” isn’t just better—it’s what your clients expect
The creative advantage: how AI frees you to focus on what you love
The marketing moves photographers are now making in minutes (not days)
How automation makes nurturing leads and clients effortless
And yes - how to avoid letting AI make you lazy

You don’t need to be a tech wizard, just a photographer ready to grow.

Join the Difference Maker Revolution!

The Difference Maker Revolution podcast helps you grow your photography business by teaching you how to:

Generate highly targeted leads.
Increase conversions with ideal clients.
Build long-term client relationships.
Create consistent, predictable revenue.

This show is hosted by industry experts:

Jonathan Ryle: Photography marketing funnel specialist.
Steve Saporito: Serial portrait studio owner and photography educator.
Jeanine McLeod: Family portrait photographer specializing in joyful, storytelling photography for parents.

Tune In for Real-World Strategies

Through fun, educational, and inspiring discussions, the Difference Maker Revolution aims to help you create a healthier society through photography.

Thriving In Uncertain And Challenging Times Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

Feeling the pressure of today’s economy? You're not alone—but you're also not powerless.

In Episode 127 of the Difference Maker Revolution podcast, we're diving into a conversation every photographer needs to hear right now:

“Thriving in Uncertain and Challenging Times”

Join Jeanine McLeod, Steve Saporito, and Jonathan Ryle as they tackle the tough stuff—from shrinking consumer confidence to shifting buyer behaviour—and share the exact strategies photographers are using to not just survive, but grow.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

✅ Why your mindset is either fuelling or freezing your growth

✅ How to stay visible when others go silent

✅ The real reason Gen X grandparents are your next big market

✅ How one photographer booked out April before the month even started

✅ Why “just being a photographer” isn’t enough—and what to do instead

✅ A simple way to fill gaps in your schedule using clients you already have

If you’re tired of hearing “things are slow” and ready to actually do something about it, this episode is your blueprint.

📈 Tap into smart strategies, emotional connection, and real talk.

Join the Difference Maker Revolution!

Take the first step toward creating a photography business that makes a difference. Visit the Difference Maker Inner Circle to learn more about transforming your business through proven strategies and mentorship.

The Difference Maker Revolution podcast helps you grow your photography business by teaching you how to:

Generate highly targeted leads.
Increase conversions with ideal clients.
Build long-term client relationships.
Create consistent, predictable revenue.

This show is hosted by industry experts:

Jonathan Ryle: Photography marketing funnel specialist.
Steve Saporito: Serial portrait studio owner and photography educator.
Jeanine McLeod: Family portrait photographer specialising in joyful, storytelling photography for parents.

Tune In for Real-World Strategies

Through fun, educational, and inspiring discussions, the Difference Maker Revolution aims to help you create a healthier society through photography.