PhotoBizX The Ultimate Wedding and Portrait Photography Business Podcast

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area.

Audra Harris of www.focusonyourphotos.com was warmly referred to in episode 457 of the podcast with Jennifer Lindberg. In that episode, Jennifer shared a true success story where she took her photography business from financial trouble to an exceptional and very profitable business. I had no reason to believe Audra wasn't a staff member of the team.

I have since learned that Audra is a contractor and runs the “Focus on Your Photos” business in the USA. Jennifer was utilising Audra, her team and their services to fill a critical role in the success of her business.

Audra and her team are a business focussed on supporting photographers by offering services to do the things we don't want to do in our businesses. From Facebook Ads to calling and qualifying leads, running your reveal sessions, setting up software, workflows, CRM's and more.

Judging by Jennifer's success and what she had to say about Audra, they are incredibly good at what they do.

With so many PhotoBizX members asking about outsourcing, especially lead qualification, I am excited to learn how it all works when outsourcing to a reputable business with the runs on the board.

Note for listeners: Audra emailed me right after recording to say...

There is one LARGE item that I didn't touch on during the interview, and that is expectations!

Setting them with the clients/prospects right from the start. Letting them know the process, pricing, deposit information, etc., is so important for appointment setting and their overall happiness throughout their journey with the artist.

I'm sure there is more, but that was one thing that popped into my mind when we finished today.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

• Audra's business model and how she's helping photographers with their business
• A brief background on Audra's skillset
• How Audra got into the photography genre when building her business
• Why did Audra hire only female staff in the beginning
• Why Audra believes it is necessary to use only one persona when communicating with different clients
• On-boarding process when hiring Audra's team to take phone calls for your business
• Why you need to outsource to help run your business smoothly
• Why it's a good thing to disqualify potential clients
• Why it's important to call every single lead you get from your ads
• How to prioritize who to call first
• How frequently should you contact leads that haven't responded yet
• The importance of being flexible with each lead's availability
• How to handle leads who don't want to talk on the phone
• Why Saturdays are the worst time to contact leads
• Typical rates to outsource your booking appointment process
• The difference between a good lead and a bad lead
• Contracts and pricing
• Audra's secret to getting successful booking appointments
• How to handle clients who find photography sessions to be expensive
• The importance of knowing or learning what makes your business unique from the rest of the competition
• How to deal with FB Ad fatigue
• Different ways to find new leads
• Is it right to send out a break-up email with your leads

What’s on Offer for Premium Members

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus, special member-only interviews.

We don't want the prospects to realize that they are talking to multiple people...We want the people, both on the phones and on the ordering session to feel like it's one smooth process. And so, we use the same name. – Audra Harris

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

In addition to everything above, you'll get access and instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable and build friendships...

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area.

Dave Le Page of www.davelepage.com appeared on my radar while searching for some exceptional wedding photographers to feature on the podcast.

His work is seriously fantastic, and he appears to be travelling the country and world, doing what he loves in amazing and wild locations with some very cool-looking couples!

He was a music roadie for ten years before moving into weddings.

He's a hybrid shooter, shooting photos and videos himself simultaneously! And I've heard his skills are incredible — operating cameras remotely, drones in the air, holding three cameras, and somehow making it look effortless.

Obviously, I reached out, but he was reluctant to say yes... stating that he tends to have a very unpopular approach compared to many other industry professionals & he didn’t want to waste your time.

He told me he doesn't advertise. He takes a human-centred approach to his business, which requires plenty of physical time with his couples and is unpopular with many full-time wedding photographers. I told him all those reasons are exactly why I'd love to record an interview with him.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

• Understanding Customer Service vs. Customer Experience: Key Differences Explained
• Marketing Strategies: Why Dave Prefers Organic Growth Over Paid Ads
• Client Time Investment: Maximizing Your Engagement Effectively
• Leveraging Client Social Media: Boost Your Business Through Customer Advocacy
• The Importance of Pre-Wedding Photoshoots: Why They're Essential
• Finding the Perfect Pre-Wedding Shoot Location: A Comprehensive Guide
• Assessing Business Profitability: Essential Considerations for Entrepreneurs
• Inside Dave's Pre-Wedding Photography Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Using a Gimbal as a Secondary Shooter: Innovative Techniques in Wedding Photography
• Optimal Camera Setups with Gimbals: Enhancing Your Wedding Photography Sessions
• Choosing Gimbals Over Second Shooters: Advantages for Wedding Photography
• Benefits of Using Gimbals in Wedding Sessions: A Photographer's Perspective
• Video Package Deliverables: What to Expect and How to Choose
• Printed Image Packaging: Why Dave Prefers Simplicity Over Fancy Boxes
• The Charm of Polaroid Prints: Incorporating Vintage Styles in Modern Photography
• Creating a Client-Attracting Website: How to Reflect Your Personality and Attract Ideal Clients
• Authenticity in Business: Attracting the Right Clients by Being Yourself
• What to Wear at Wedding Sessions: Dave's Personal Approach
• Dave's Essential Wedding Photography Shot List: A Professional Guide
• Optimizing the Client Inquiry Process: Strategies for Success
• Avoiding Client Ghosting: Proven Strategies for Maintaining Engagement
• Streamlining the Booking Process: Dave's Efficient Approach
• Questionnaire Strategies: Why Dave Limits Their Use During Inquiries
• Handling Last-Minute Wedding Inquiries: Dave's Responsive Approach
• Elopement vs. Traditional Wedding Shoots: Comparing the Benefits
• Videography Skills for Future-Proofing Your Business: Why It's Essential
• Photography's Future Trends: Dave's Predictions and Insights
• Choosing Video Editing Software: Top Recommendations for Photographers
• Finding the Perfect Music for Video Edits: Where to Look
• Learning Video Photography and Editing: Best Resources and Strategies
• Mastering Videography with Professional Mentorship: Gaining Practical Experience
• Drone Photography Essentials: Key Considerations and Guidelines
• Drone Operation Licensing: Do You Need It for Your Photography Business?

What’s on Offer for Premium Members

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus, special member-only interviews.

Customer service is you showing up, doing the job, having a smile on your face, doing the best you can then going home. Whereas, customer experience is the customer's journey from knowing that you exist to the final deliverables. – Dave Le Page

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ...

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area

Sarah Perez of www.sfbrandco.com is a USA-based mum who runs a successful Brand Strategy and Web Design business that provides Brand Photography, Drone photography and video, plus headshots for her clients.

She previously ran a family photography turned branding photography business AND owned a small portrait studio in New York.

In addition to the business side of things, she's homeschooling four kids and is a military spouse who frequently moves around the country.

Sarah's business breakdown regarding income is as follows:

1. Photography – 34%
2. Brand Strategy – 33%
3. Web Design – 33%

While chatting before recording, I learnt that she finds most of her clients organically—at local playgrounds, of all places!

In this interview, learn how to diversify your income, relocate your photography business painlessly and have time for family first.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

• Thriving on Challenges: Embracing the unique challenges of moving and starting over, finding inspiration in new communities and fresh perspectives.
• Turning Unused Resources into Profits: Launching a mobile headshot service for busy professionals, maximizing resources.
• Building Trust with Authenticity: Sarah incorporates faith into her marketing and branding work, attracting clients who appreciate her genuineness and respect her beliefs.
• Balancing Family and Business: Prioritising a family's well-being, scaling back when needed and openly communicating with clients when faced with unexpected situations.
• Building a Strong Network: Actively network at events, carrying business cards and offering services to build valuable connections.
• Client-Centric Sales: Sarah prioritises genuine connections and personalised proposals over a one-size-fits-all approach, ensuring her services perfectly meet each client's needs.
• Planning for Smooth Transitions: When relocating, keep existing clients informed and plan ahead to minimise disruption.
• Time Management is Key: Time-tracking software helps you stay organized and focused, prioritise tasks, and minimise distractions.
• Quality Over Quantity: Prioritising quality work and client satisfaction over client overload, aiming for a manageable number of clients at a time.
• Finding Your Flow: Sarah thrives when “in the zone,” focusing on delivering exceptional client results.
• Building a Sustainable Business: Emphasising the importance of organic growth, prioritising building genuine connections and clear communication over aggressive marketing tactics.

What’s on Offer for Premium Members

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus, special member-only interviews.

This is how I think in person marketing works. This is how networking works. If you realize that you're okay with me, Sarah the person, because we met at a networking event or just out in public, then you go to my website, you're just learning more about something you already like. – Sarah Perez

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

As far as growing my business, I utilise a waitlist because I want to make sure that my business serves my family and not the other way around. I never want to say no to my children in order to serve my business. So I make sure that I have enough time to do everything I want to do for my family. And then my business fills in the gaps. – Sarah Perez

Seriously, that's not all.

In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yo...

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area.

David and Whitney Scott of www.whitneyscottphotography.com came to my attention when PhotoBizX member, Mark Hazelton, mentioned their class at PPA called “Marketing for introverts”. In this interview, the focus is on how to attract high-end photography clients to make high-end sales.

David and Whitney are a husband and wife team who have been married for more than 20 years and have worked together for 15! When they started working full time together in 2009, they were ridiculously optimistic, and incredibly poor; but they were together and doing what they loved.

Since then, they've built a business they are incredibly proud of where they focus on portraiture – both in-studio and outdoors.

And when I say portraiture, I'm talking families, kids, seniors, headshots and personal branding photography.

They offer a full-service experience, starting with in-home consultation and finishing with artwork installation in the client's home!

Here's some more of what we cover in the interview:

• David and Whitney's separate business roles
• What is relational marketing
• How to find your ideal clients
• David and Whitney's booking process
• Relying on referrals to find high-end clients
• How to generate high sales
• How to close low spenders
• Establishing brand identity to weed out doubt from clients
• What to tell clients who are not the right fit for you
• How to avoid shocking clients with your photography pricing
• The sales sessions process in detail
• The importance of making it simple for clients to choose which images they want to keep or let go
• How to plant the seed for large wall art sales
• What to tell clients who cannot afford to make any purchases without killing the sale
• Structuring a business to avoid ending up as a charity business
• The benefits of offering to install wall arts for clients
• How to bring in clients fast, if required

What’s on Offer for Premium Members

If you’re a premium member, you should have received an email with links to your version of this interview – the full length and more revealing version where you hear the absolute best tips and advice from every guest.

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, get access to an amazing back catalogue of interviews and ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus special member-only interviews.

It's in our best interest to establish brand identity as best as we can to weed out any question marks a client or potential client has. – David Scott

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. There are also FB live video tutorials, role-play interviews and special live interviews happening in the group. You will not find more friendly, more motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

In addition to everything above, you'll get access and instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable and build friendships with other pro photographers with similar motives to you – to build a more successful photography business.

What is your big takeaway?

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything away from what David and Whitney shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, let me know by leaving your thoughts in the comments below, let me know what your takeaways were, and what you plan to implement in your business as a result of what you heard in today's episode.

You need to know what you're looking to sell to people. Because if you know what you want to sell, then you kind of know how many images to show and how many images you want them to cut down to. – Whitney Scott

If you have any questions that I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask David and Whitney or if you just want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs

Each week I check for any new iTu...

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area.

Holly Cook of www.hollyccook.com and Marika Moffitt of www.dirtiedogphotography.com feature in this slightly different podcast episode.

Both pet photographers have separate businesses, both competing for the exact keyword phrase and are self-proclaimed soul sisters.

Both women are based in Seattle in the USA, have gorgeous portfolios, create and sell books, albums, and wall art to their clients.

Holly specialises in working dogs and lifestyle images, while Marika's focus is the family dog and capturing how important they are in our lives.

So why two guests for the one interview?

Late last year, I saw that Charlotte Reeves and Craig Turner Bullock — both past interview guests had teamed up to create Unleashed Pet Photography Education.

Part of what they offered was a 6-month interactive challenge-based dog photography course called Embark.

I asked Charlotte if she could share the names of some of the participants so I could ask more about it from a student's perspective.

Amongst a list of photographers, Charlotte told me Marika and Holly worked together through the challenge, and both did great.

I guess these two are as thick as thieves and would be perfect to have on the podcast together.

I'm happy to say they both agreed... well, Marika agreed for both her and Holly. ?

In the interview, both women shared a ton about their pet photography businesses, their differing marketing and sales approaches, and how and why they participated in the interactive challenge-based dog photography course together.

Here's some more of what we cover in the interview:

• A snapshot of Holly and Marika's photography businesses
• Holly and Marika's annual revenue
• Reasons to join photography courses
• Going through a total rebrand and why
• The challenges of joining a pet photography course
• What is the Embark dog photography challenge all about?
• The importance of trying new techniques to hone your photography craft
• Why you need to stop giving away free prints
• Discovering your true passions by participating in photography projects and competitions
• Instagram has more success rates with model calls for pet photographers
• Why spend money to join a photography challenge despite being a successful photographer?
• Why Holly prefers using Shootproof over IPS and Zoom meetings for sales sessions
• What is a working dog (it's not what I thought)?
• How to convince potential clients you have a unique approach to photography
• What to do when your chosen niche is not generating enough sales
• The importance of staying true to your vision
• Why Holly has made her working dogs her focus
• Is it better to choose a wide photography niche over a specific or unique one?
• It is not all about building a million-dollar business
• How to generate high sales with pet photography
• Marika's pricing and packages
• Qualifiers to weed out non-paying clients
• How to handle clients who say they can't afford your pricing
• How to say what your average cost is without surprising new clients
• Marika's booking and sales process
• Offering incentives for high paying clients
• Generating pet photography sales through coffee table books
• How to attract pet photography clients for coffee table book projects
• Cameras and lenses that Holly and Marika prefer to shoot with
• Thoughts on second shooters or photography assistants
• The best thing Holly and Marika have done to grow their businesses
• How to measure success as a pet photographer
• How to handle unhappy clients and complaints
• One thing to bring clients in fast

Marika Moffitt Photography

What’s on Offer for Premium Members

If you’re a premium member, you should have received an email with links to your version of this interview – the full length and more revealing version where you hear the absolute best tips and advice from every guest.

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, get access to an amazing back catalogue of interviews and ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus special member-only interviews.

What...