PhotoBizX The Ultimate Wedding and Portrait Photography Business Podcast - 543: Lei Lei Clavey – How to go from zero to hero in the world of high-end luxury weddings

543: Lei Lei Clavey – How to go from zero to hero in the world of high-end luxury weddings

12/04/23 • 53 min

PhotoBizX The Ultimate Wedding and Portrait Photography Business Podcast

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

Lei Lei Clavey of www.leileiclavey.com is on her way to becoming one of the world's best wedding photographers.

She's a Melbourne, Australia-based wedding photographer who entered the market differently than most.

She launched right into the luxury market. Invested in her branding and amazing styled shoots before booking real couples.

In no time at all, she had made a name for herself as the luxury, editorial wedding photographer and only books up to 20 weddings each year.

Take a look at her website or socials; it screams luxury and sits perfectly amongst world-famous fashion labels like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Gucci and Dior.

Her Instagram bio states that you can enquire about European wedding dates in 2025. And yes, she's fully booked for 2024.

In this interview, Lei Lei shares how to go from zero to hero in the world of high-end luxury weddings.

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

Average Client Investment in Wedding Photography: Explore the current market trends and understand what clients are willing to spend on wedding photography services.
Pricing Strategies for Destination Weddings and Elopements: Tailor your pricing models for unique events like destination weddings and elopements to maximise profitability.
Breakdown of an 18k Wedding Package: Clearly outline the components and services included in a premium wedding photography package.
Penetrating the Luxury High-End Markets: Strategies to tap into and attract clients from the luxury high-end market segment.
Utilizing Engagement Sessions for Wedding Bookings: Leverage engagement sessions as a tool to secure bookings for wedding shoots.
Setting and Achieving Target Revenue Goals: Understand and work towards specific revenue targets, like Lei Lei's, for a thriving business.
Building a Solid High-End Luxury Brand: Key elements that contribute to establishing a reputable and high-end luxury photography brand.
Executing Styled Shoots for Luxury Brands: Step-by-step guide on organizing and executing styled photoshoots to enhance brand appeal.
Hacks for Shooting Behind the Scenes at Fashion Events: Innovative approaches to capture behind-the-scenes moments at fashion events.
Aligning Personal Appearance with Brand Image: Emphasize the importance of dressing professionally to align with the brand identity.
Investing in Quality Models for Styled Shoots: Highlight the impact of investing in professional models for achieving stunning styled shoot results.
Crafting Effective Brand Campaigns: Strategies for creating and implementing successful brand campaigns for maximum impact.
Components of a 5k Investment for Styled Shoots: Breakdown of what a 5k investment covers in styled shoots.
Maximizing Returns from a 5k Investment: Tips on getting the best value and outcomes from a 5k investment in styled shoots.
Lei Lei's Business Journey and Success Story: Insights into Lei Lei's entrepreneurial journey and the steps that led to her current success.
Working with Brands in Marketing Campaigns: Lei Lei's process for collaborating with brands and executing effective marketing campaigns.
Navigating Price Changes in Your Photography Services: Guidance on implementing price changes, including transitioning from lower to higher price points.
Building Confidence to Raise Your Prices: Strategies for gaining confidence when increasing prices for your photography services.
Transitioning to a Different Target Market: Insights into Lei Lei's decision-making process when crossing over to a different target market.
Distinguishing Clients Based on Spending Habits: Understanding the differences between clients who spend less than 5k and those who spend over 5k.
Benefits of Dealing with Clients Spending Over 5k: Highlighting the advantages and positive aspects of working with higher-spending clients.
Client Acquisition for Lei Lei's Photography Business: How Lei Lei attracts clients, including her presence on Instagram and other channels.
Establishing Connections with Overseas Vendors: Strategies for networking with international vendors and suppliers for destination weddings.
Getting Featured in Major Fashion Magazines: Steps to increase visibility and secure features in renowned fashion magazines.
Increasing Social Media Presence and Followers: Tactics for growing your Instagram and overall social media following.
Setting a 10k Follower Goal on Social Media: The benefits and strat...

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

Lei Lei Clavey of www.leileiclavey.com is on her way to becoming one of the world's best wedding photographers.

She's a Melbourne, Australia-based wedding photographer who entered the market differently than most.

She launched right into the luxury market. Invested in her branding and amazing styled shoots before booking real couples.

In no time at all, she had made a name for herself as the luxury, editorial wedding photographer and only books up to 20 weddings each year.

Take a look at her website or socials; it screams luxury and sits perfectly amongst world-famous fashion labels like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Gucci and Dior.

Her Instagram bio states that you can enquire about European wedding dates in 2025. And yes, she's fully booked for 2024.

In this interview, Lei Lei shares how to go from zero to hero in the world of high-end luxury weddings.

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

Average Client Investment in Wedding Photography: Explore the current market trends and understand what clients are willing to spend on wedding photography services.
Pricing Strategies for Destination Weddings and Elopements: Tailor your pricing models for unique events like destination weddings and elopements to maximise profitability.
Breakdown of an 18k Wedding Package: Clearly outline the components and services included in a premium wedding photography package.
Penetrating the Luxury High-End Markets: Strategies to tap into and attract clients from the luxury high-end market segment.
Utilizing Engagement Sessions for Wedding Bookings: Leverage engagement sessions as a tool to secure bookings for wedding shoots.
Setting and Achieving Target Revenue Goals: Understand and work towards specific revenue targets, like Lei Lei's, for a thriving business.
Building a Solid High-End Luxury Brand: Key elements that contribute to establishing a reputable and high-end luxury photography brand.
Executing Styled Shoots for Luxury Brands: Step-by-step guide on organizing and executing styled photoshoots to enhance brand appeal.
Hacks for Shooting Behind the Scenes at Fashion Events: Innovative approaches to capture behind-the-scenes moments at fashion events.
Aligning Personal Appearance with Brand Image: Emphasize the importance of dressing professionally to align with the brand identity.
Investing in Quality Models for Styled Shoots: Highlight the impact of investing in professional models for achieving stunning styled shoot results.
Crafting Effective Brand Campaigns: Strategies for creating and implementing successful brand campaigns for maximum impact.
Components of a 5k Investment for Styled Shoots: Breakdown of what a 5k investment covers in styled shoots.
Maximizing Returns from a 5k Investment: Tips on getting the best value and outcomes from a 5k investment in styled shoots.
Lei Lei's Business Journey and Success Story: Insights into Lei Lei's entrepreneurial journey and the steps that led to her current success.
Working with Brands in Marketing Campaigns: Lei Lei's process for collaborating with brands and executing effective marketing campaigns.
Navigating Price Changes in Your Photography Services: Guidance on implementing price changes, including transitioning from lower to higher price points.
Building Confidence to Raise Your Prices: Strategies for gaining confidence when increasing prices for your photography services.
Transitioning to a Different Target Market: Insights into Lei Lei's decision-making process when crossing over to a different target market.
Distinguishing Clients Based on Spending Habits: Understanding the differences between clients who spend less than 5k and those who spend over 5k.
Benefits of Dealing with Clients Spending Over 5k: Highlighting the advantages and positive aspects of working with higher-spending clients.
Client Acquisition for Lei Lei's Photography Business: How Lei Lei attracts clients, including her presence on Instagram and other channels.
Establishing Connections with Overseas Vendors: Strategies for networking with international vendors and suppliers for destination weddings.
Getting Featured in Major Fashion Magazines: Steps to increase visibility and secure features in renowned fashion magazines.
Increasing Social Media Presence and Followers: Tactics for growing your Instagram and overall social media following.
Setting a 10k Follower Goal on Social Media: The benefits and strat...

Previous Episode

542: Tracy Goodwin – How to control the conversation to increase conversions and sales in your photography business

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

Tracy Goodwin of www.captivatetheroom.com is a podcaster, author, coach and expert on the topic of using your voice, which she says is the most powerful and under-utilised asset you have.

And that the most important thing isn't what you say; it's how you say it.

For almost 30 years, voice has been her life. Through her voice coaching, her clients have learned how to harness the power of their voices simply by shifting sounds that were sending the wrong message.

She says people are seeking connection on a level we’ve never seen before and authenticity...both happen in your voice or not.

And that within seconds, anyone you're interacting with determines your confidence level, if you are an expert, if you are hoping I like you, or if you don't care.

In this interview, Tracy shares the tactics to help you control the conversation to increase conversions and sales in your photography business.

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

Tracy's thought process before speaking
Do you need to match the energy of your audience
The disadvantages of sending text messages to clients instead of calling them
Why you need to talk to your potential clients over the phone
How to handle clients who also don't want to talk over the phone
The need to leave voicemails for your photography clients
Why you need to setup voicemails and be prepared to leave them
How to setup your voicemails to guarantee bookings
The importance of uploading a video message of yourself talking to potential clients in your socials
How to show authenticity and attempt to connect with clients
What is vocal matching
Is it wise to emulate how your clients speak and act
The dangers of mirroring how someone speaks
What it means to ‘control the conversation, not the outcome'
Why do we fear talking about our photography pricing
How to overcome the fear of rejection
How long should you pause when sharing prices during reveal sessions
Sample spiel on how to best talk about pricing in a sales sessions
How to handle objections in a photography sales sessions
How to coach mums to convince dads to get invested in your photography
The need to sound confident and believe in your product

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.

Ten years ago, I would have said “You really need to be on video.” Five years ago, I would have said, “I'm not kidding. I know I've said it before, but we really got to find a way to get you audible or visible.” Now, I will tell you, “Your game's over if I can't hear your voice and see who you are.” – Tracy Goodwin

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 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 from what Tracy 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, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business due to what you heard in today's episode.

Get out of the outcome. Get out of the past. Get out of the future. Get into the now and get into the conversation. Stop deciding what they're thinking. Stop the noise in your head because whatever is happening in your head, it is going to come out in your voice. – Tracy Goodwin

If you ...

Next Episode

544: Dave Le Page – An unpopular approach to wedding photography business… that works

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

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 ...