Photographers In Focus

Paula Brennan
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

Photographers in Focus is about the things that really matter when you're running a photography business today. Through real stories, practical learning and honest conversations with photographers who are right there doing the work, Paula Brennan explores marketing, clients, sales, systems, money, mindset and the ever-changing business of photography. Because while the fundamentals of a great business haven't disappeared, the world around us has changed - and sometimes what used to work simply needs a rethink.

  1. 3d ago

    Stop Asking People to Buy 5 Minutes After They Find Out

    When I was 18, I worked with three women in Ireland who spent months preparing for a one-week summer holiday. I thought they were completely ridiculous. Years later, I realised they understood something I’d been getting wrong in business. The anticipation was part of the experience. In this episode, I’m sharing what I accidentally taught me about marketing, and why we don’t need to wait until something is finished before we start talking about it. In this Episode, I cover: Why anticipation matters in marketing.Giving your ideas enough runway.Why last-minute marketing can feel salesy.Rethinking what it means to be “ready”.Taking some of the pressure off selling. LINKS : Sign up for our workshop Booked by Christmas HERE Learn about Shoot Caddy HERE Learn more about learning inside of Academy HERE Wanna get a one-on-one FREE strategy call with me? Book HERE

  2. Sep 10

    Sometimes the Best Way Forward Is to Step Back

    Have you been a little quiet in your business lately, and now coming back feels harder than it should? I’ve been there. In fact, that’s pretty much where I’ve been for the last little while. Behind the scenes, Alison and I made the decision to take a step back, so we could move forward. In this episode, I’m sharing what that quiet season taught me about business, visibility and the pressure we put on ourselves to constantly “show up”. Because nobody else is keeping score of how often you post, email or make a reel. And if you’ve been quiet, you don’t need some enormous comeback strategy. You just need to come back. In this Episode, I cover : Why taking a step back can actually move your business forward.The difference between being quiet and not showing up.Why nobody else is keeping score.Simplifying when business gets too complicated.How to start building momentum again. LINKS : Sign up for our workshop Booked by Christmas HERE Learn about Shoot Caddy HERE Learn more about learning inside of Academy HERE Wanna get a one-on-one FREE strategy call with me? Book HERE

  3. Jan 21

    Why “Just Wing It” Stops Working Eventually

    Is the idea of jumping back into your business after a break feeling heavier than it used to? Are you tired of making the same decisions over and over, or feeling like you’re always reacting instead of leading? I’ve been there, and I know it’s not about being unmotivated - it’s about wanting more from your business. In this episode, I talk about the shift from winging it to building a business with structure and clarity. I’ll share how branding (yes, your own!) can help you attract better clients, have easier conversations, and stop reinventing the wheel every season. If you’re ready to move from hustle to harmony, and from being hired for a job to being chosen for your brand, tune in! Main topics covered: - Why “winging it” stops working - The difference between jobs and brand relationships - How structure supports creativity - Steps to get clarity and momentum LINKS : Learn more about learning inside of Academy HERE Wanna get a one-on-one FREE strategy call with moi? Book HERE

    Why “Just Wing It” Stops Working Eventually

  4. Jan 13

    We Always Think We’re Not Ready...

    Why So Much Good Work Never Gets Seen? Why We Always Think We’re Not Ready Yet? Ever find yourself waiting for the “right” moment to put your work out there? Maybe you’re tweaking your website for the hundredth time, or perfecting your offer until it’s just so. I get it—I've been there too! But here’s the honest truth: there’s no magic moment when you’ll suddenly feel ready. In this episode, I share stories from my portrait studio days and the countless women who wished they’d stepped in front of the camera sooner. Are you holding back, waiting for confidence or clarity to arrive? What if the version of you right now is already enough? Let’s talk about why marketing isn’t about perfection, but about presence and connection. I’ll gently challenge you to stop hiding your beautiful work and start letting your audience in—even if it feels a bit scary. Remember, you’re allowed to evolve publicly and make mistakes along the way. The world needs to see what you do, just as it is. Main topics covered: - The myth of “readiness” in business - Why waiting for perfection keeps you invisible - The difference between urgent and non-urgent photography - How to build confidence by showing up - Embracing imperfection and evolving in public LINKS : If you're ready to turn this reflection into a clear, practical plan, join my live - Your 2026 Photography Business Plan Workshop. Save your seat HERE Learn more about learning inside of Academy HERE Wanna get a one-on-one FREE strategy call with moi? Book HERE

    We Always Think We’re Not Ready...

  5. Jan 7

    2026. Less Chaos. More Direction.

    Join Free Workshop 13/14 January HERE 2026. Less Chaos. More Direction. The end of the year can leave us wired, reactive, and carrying more ideas than clarity. And then the holidays happen. Space. Breathing room. A chance to step back and remember what actually matters. In this episode, I invite you into a quieter way of starting the year - one that’s less about pushing forward and more about choosing your direction with intention. This isn’t a conversation about doing more. It’s about deciding who you want to serve, what kind of energy you want flowing through your work, and how focus can create freedom rather than limitation. If you’ve ever felt pulled between genres, overwhelmed by marketing noise, or tired of feeling like you’re always reacting instead of leading - this episode will feel familiar. I also am sharing the same planning framework I use with her students - designed to help photographers simplify, refocus, and create a year that feels sustainable on paper and in real life. If you’re craving a calmer start to 2026, this episode is for you.

    2026. Less Chaos. More Direction.

  6. 10/01/2025

    What Is Your Brand’s Love Language?

    Ever feel like you’re blending into a sea of sameness, scrolling through Instagram and wondering what makes you stand out as a photographer? Are you struggling to pinpoint your unique magic, or maybe you’re not sure how to communicate it to your clients? In this episode, I dive into the idea that your personal brand is a lot like your love language—deeply personal, authentic, and the real reason clients come back for more. I share my own journey of discovering my “special sauce” and how I weave it into every client experience, from the way I connect on shoots to the little thoughtful touches that make people feel seen and cared for. If you’re tired of trying to look like everyone else and ready to embrace what makes you, YOU, this episode is for you.

    What Is Your Brand’s Love Language?

  7. 09/23/2025

    The Mindset Makeover: Transforming Your Photography Business from Within with Johl Dunn

    Ever felt like you’re drowning in work, missing out on family moments, and wondering if you’ll ever get your business-life balance right? Or maybe you’re stuck in that guilt spiral—should you be editing, or should you be playing with your kids? I’ve been there, and in this episode, we dig deep into the real struggles photographers face, especially when you are also juggling the needs of family. My guest, Johl Dunn shares how shifting mindset—not just business tactics—transformed his life, and how setting boundaries (and sticking to them!) can actually make clients respect you more. We talk about the courage it takes to raise your prices, the power of community, and why you need to stop waiting for confidence and just take that first step. If you’re feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or unsure about your worth, this episode is for you. Main topics covered: - Mindset shifts for photographers - Managing guilt and work-life balance - Setting boundaries with clients - Pricing and self-worth - The importance of community and mentorship Join us for a FREE live workshop with Johl Dunn and Paula Brennan to learn simple mindset shifts and marketing strategies that help photographers cut through the chaos and get more bookings with less burnout. Wednesday 8th October, 6:00 AM AEST, on Zoom. Limited Time Replay available. Find out more and sign up at: https://www.paulabrennaneducation.com/free

    The Mindset Makeover: Transforming Your Photography Business from Within with Johl Dunn

  8. 09/15/2025

    You're Not Failing, the Market has Shifted

    Are you feeling stuck, like your business has lost momentum, or maybe you're questioning if you're the problem? I see you, and you're definitely not alone. So many photographers are feeling the pinch right now, especially in the luxury family and boudoir markets. In this episode, I get real about what's happening in our industry and why it's not your fault.  The world has changed, and so have our clients' priorities.  I'll share some honest, actionable ideas to help you shift with the market—without losing your passion or your sanity. We'll talk about offering digital-only packages, blending family and business sessions, and how a little diversification can open up new streams of income. Plus, I'll remind you that it's okay to ask for help and that your business isn't stuck forever—it's just evolving. Main topics covered: - Current challenges in portrait photography - Emotional impact of market changes - Creative sales strategies for tough times - Combining personal and business branding - Embracing change and seeking support

    You're Not Failing, the Market has Shifted
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Photographers in Focus is about the things that really matter when you're running a photography business today. Through real stories, practical learning and honest conversations with photographers who are right there doing the work, Paula Brennan explores marketing, clients, sales, systems, money, mindset and the ever-changing business of photography. Because while the fundamentals of a great business haven't disappeared, the world around us has changed - and sometimes what used to work simply needs a rethink.

Information

  • Creator
    Paula Brennan
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    113
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Paula Brennan
  • Show Website
    Photographers In Focus

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