The Brand Photographer's Lounge

AKP Branding Stories
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Whether you're just starting out, making the transition from weddings or wanting to scale your existing business. I will be sharing insights, practical strategies and stories along with guest expert interviews.

  1. FEB 3

    Why you need a signature style

    So many photographers feel pressure to niche down... to choose one industry, one type of client, one narrow lane. But what if that's not what actually creates confidence, consistency, or long-term sustainability? In this episode, I explore the difference between niching and developing a signature style, and why a recognisable approach can be far more powerful (creatively and commercially). Recorded off the back of a challenging, client-specific edit that pushed me outside her usual comfort zone (in a good way), this episode looks at how photographers can evolve with their clients without losing themselves in trends, comparison, or over-explaining their value. You'll hear why signature style isn't about aesthetics alone, how it quietly builds trust before a client ever enquires, and the small shifts that can help you move from being compared… to being chosen. Timestamps 00:00: Why this episode feels timely 01:30: Niching vs signature style 04:00: How my signature style developed 07:30: Storytelling, planning, and consistency 10:00: Boundaries that protect your style 12:30: 3 practical ways to develop your signature style 15:30: Quiet authority & being chosen 16:45: Closing thoughts & BTS invitation

    17 min

  2. JAN 20

    The client experience that creates repeat clients

    Client experience is one of those phrases that sounds good… but often gets oversimplified. In this episode, Amanda challenges the idea that client experience is just about how someone feels on the shoot day. Instead, she explores what really creates confidence, trust, and long-term loyalty; from the very first touchpoint, right through to delivery and beyond. You'll hear why repeat clients aren't built through over-delivery, flashy PDFs, or saying yes to everything but through clarity, consistency, and leadership. Amanda shares reflections from over a decade in the industry, including lessons learned from both brand and wedding photography, and what she believes separates a one-off booking from becoming a true creative partner in someone's business. This episode isn't about doing more.  It's about leading better and making your clients feel, without question, that they made the right decision. Perfect listening if you want to: Build deeper trust with clients Create an experience that feels calm, clear, and confidence-building Move away from transactional work towards long-term relationships 🎧 Press play, then take a moment to reflect on your own end-to-end client journey, not how it looks, but how it feels   Episode timestamps 00:00 – Why "client experience" is often misunderstood in photography 01:15 – Why the shoot day matters… but isn't the whole story 02:45 – What a great client experience actually feels like from the client's side 04:30 – Helping clients feel confident, seen, and supported (even when they're vulnerable) 06:40 – Why great client experience isn't about pretty PDFs or over-delivery 08:10 – The biggest misconception: when client experience really begins 10:00 – Communication gaps, unclear boundaries, and the confidence wobble 12:10 – Why saying yes to everything can quietly damage trust 14:00 – Clients borrowing confidence from you (especially on shoot day) 16:30 – Staying calm when things don't go to plan — and why it matters 18:45 – Leadership, expertise, and being a steady presence 21:00 – The three foundations behind a strong client experience 23:30 – Why clarity and consistency build repeat clients naturally 25:00 – Becoming a creative partner, not just a supplier 26:45 – A reflective exercise to review your client journey end-to-end 28:30 – Final thoughts: leading better instead of doing more

    15 min

  3. JAN 6

    Unsexy but Confident Pricing

    At the start of a new year, pricing has a funny way of bringing up a quiet wobble. You might have already updated your prices. You might have hit publish on your shiny new price list. And yet… the moment that first enquiry lands, or someone replies with "I'll think about it", everything suddenly feels a lot louder. In this episode, I'm talking about pricing confidence, not from a "just charge more" or push-through-the-fear angle, but from a calm, grounded place. We're exploring why charging your prices can feel uncomfortable even when you know they're right, why moving up a price bracket is often an identity shift (not just a financial one), and how comparison can quietly undermine your confidence without you even realising. I also share how my own approach to pricing has evolved over the years, what undercharging often really comes from, and why confidence is something that's built after you make a decision, not something you need to magically feel before you send the quote. If you're starting 2026 feeling steady on paper but a little shaky in practice, this episode is here to help you hold your nerve, stand behind your numbers, and price yourself like the strategic partner your clients actually need. 🎧 Press play if pricing feels uncomfortable, even though you've "done the work" and you want to move forward with more calm and certainty this year.   Timestamps: 00:00: The pricing wobble no one talks about 01:30: Why this isn't a "charge more" conversation 03:00: When pricing becomes an identity shift 05:30: Confidence doesn't come before action 07:30: Why comparing prices undermines you 09:30: What clients are actually paying for 11:30: Undercharging, empathy, and burnout 13:00: Holding your nerve in January 14:30: Pricing confidence is built, not felt

    15 min

  4. 12/23/2025

    An Honest Catch Up

    This episode isn't a highlight reel. After a long pause from the podcast, I'm back with an honest, reflective conversation about what this year has really been like behind the scenes; the growth, the pressure, the things that quietly unravelled, and the lessons that only come when you stop pretending everything's fine. In this episode, I share what happens when success comes faster than sustainability, why "fully booked" doesn't always mean healthy, and how fear can subtly drive decisions long after you think you've outgrown it. I talk about the moments that forced me to step back, the boundaries I'm learning to rebuild, and the mindset shifts that are shaping how I'm approaching business and visibility moving forward. This is a conversation for photographers who: Feel proud of what they've built, but quietly exhausted by it Are questioning whether their version of success still fits Have had a year that looks impressive on paper, but complicated in reality Need reminding that growth isn't linear, and it isn't meant to be This episode is reflective, raw, and intentionally unscripted. It's a chance to pause before the noise of a new year begins, to take stock of what this season has really asked of you, and to decide what you're carrying forward… and what you're ready to let go of. If you've had a year that challenged you more than you expected, or changed you in ways you didn't see coming... this one's for you.   Join me in the free Facebook Group - The Brand Photographer's Lounge

    27 min

  5. 08/19/2025

    Don't be a busy fool!

    After an unplanned break from the mic, I'm back on The Brand Photographer's Lounge, and I'm keeping it real about why I pressed pause. In this episode, I open up about what pulled me away, the mindset hurdles that crept in, and the small but powerful shifts I'm making to bring more structure (and joy) back into my business. If you've ever felt stuck in the busy cycle of client work, or caught yourself making excuses that keep you from doing the things you actually love, this one will resonate. Join me as I share the lessons I've learned, what's changing behind the scenes, and how I'm re-finding my rhythm.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome back to the podcast 00:36 – Why I stopped recording episodes 01:15 – Getting stuck in my own head 02:01 – Calling out my own excuses 02:45 – Returning with new energy and focus 03:53 – Lessons from a busy season 05:00 – Clearing my inbox and rediscovering time blocking 06:32 – The relief of structure and productivity 07:40 – Advice for photographers in busy season 09:00 – Protecting time and managing deadlines 10:42 – Avoiding burnout and finding breathing space 12:38 – Exciting milestone: going limited 13:43 – Looking ahead to future podcast plans 14:30 – Wrapping up and what's next

    10 min
  6. Those 3am Ideas Are Often The Best

    05/13/2025

    Those 3am Ideas Are Often The Best

    In this episode of The Brand Photographer's Lounge, Amanda shares the unexpected, middle-of-the-night idea that turned into one of her most successful offers to date. From shifting the way she approaches mini shoots to launching an annual pass that sold out in just two weeks, Amanda dives into the data-driven thinking, client behaviour insights, and timing strategy that made it all work. Whether you offer mini shoots or are just looking for smarter ways to package your services, this episode is packed with practical takeaways - and a big dose of inspiration for trusting your gut.   Join the free facebook group - The Brand Photographers Lounge   Timestamps 01:15 My approach: a mini version of a full shoot 02:24 Who actually books mini shoots—and it's not just newbies 03:38 What the data told me after a decade of minis 04:44 The 3am idea that changed everything 06:00 How I launched the Mini Shoot Annual Pass 07:37 The surprising results (and no objections!) 09:00 Pricing, structure, and what's included 10:15 Why timing your offer matters 11:16 Planning, clarity, and what clients really need 13:05 Not capping images—and why that works for brand shoots 14:30 Solving real problems with simple offers 15:50 Launch timing tips for your niche 16:50 Final thoughts on trusting your gut and giving it a go

    19 min
  7. Embracing Video In Your Business with Vikki Hutton

    04/29/2025

    Embracing Video In Your Business with Vikki Hutton

    Thinking about adding video to your photography services - but feeling overwhelmed by the tech, the editing, or just where to start? In this episode, Amanda chats with Vikki from Featured, an award-winning videographer and course creator, about breaking into video as a photographer. They explore what's really holding people back, how the industry is evolving, and why now might be the perfect time to expand your skillset. If you've ever wondered whether video is worth the investment (spoiler: it just might be!), this conversation will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to take the next step.   Timestamps 00:00 – Intro and Tech Woes 01:45 – Why Amanda Added Video to Her Services 04:00 – Meet Vikki: Background and Journey into Videography 07:30 – The Gender Gap in Videography 10:00 – The Shift in Client Video Needs 13:10 – AI, Video Trends, and Staying Current 15:00 – Why Amanda Took the Pro Video Course 17:00 – Inside the Pro Video Course 20:40 – Real-Life Results from the Course 23:30 – The Importance of Community and Support 25:00 – Final Thoughts: Confidence, Competence & What Photographers Need to Know 27:00 – Course Details and What's Next   About Vikki Hutton Vikki is the founder of Featured - an all-female video team based in London, creating content for national women's brands and female founders. Her clients include Dune, ghd, Women's Health and the British Beauty Council. When she's not on set, Vikki is a regular speaker at industry events and runs the Pro Video Course for photographers who are excited to expand their businesses with videography.  Website: www.featuredstudio.co.uk Socials: www.instagram.com/videobyvictoria    To get all the details of the next Pro Video Course in your inbox, register your interest here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1w9LBDORVGlM1Qn0HaqQCKUlQGrUh0JTUmauqyf9sml0/edit

    28 min
  8. When images and words come together with Chantelle Davison

    04/15/2025

    When images and words come together with Chantelle Davison

    In this episode of The Brand Photographer's Lounge, Amanda is joined by her long-time friend, copywriter, client and fellow storytelling enthusiast, Chantelle Davison. From rabbit holes about wax seals to the power of vulnerability in content, this conversation unpacks why storytelling matters more than ever—for your copy, your photos, and your connection with clients. Chantelle shares her journey into copywriting, the fears business owners face when outsourcing their words, and why the most "mundane" stories are often the most powerful. If you've ever felt like you don't have a story worth telling or struggled to sound like you in your marketing, this chat is the warm hug and gentle nudge you didn't know you needed. They also dive into Chantelle's membership, Copy College, and why mindset plays such a huge role in showing up confidently online.   Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome back and introducing Chantel Davison 01:10 – From corporate sales to becoming a copywriter 02:40 – Why outsourcing copy can feel scary 03:35 – The magic of sounding like "you" in your copy 04:55 – Why storytelling is so powerful in marketing 06:10 – "I'm not interesting" – busting the biggest storytelling myth 08:00 – Beauty in the mundane: relatable stories connect 09:25 – Vulnerability, visibility, and letting people in 11:10 – How images and copy work hand-in-hand 12:40 – When being too honest actually converts 14:30 – Turning rants into valuable, shareable content 16:00 – What is Copy College? Inside Chantel's membership 18:00 – The difference between content and copy 19:25 – How mindset support supercharges your visibility 21:10 – Creating a safe space for neurodiverse business owners 22:45 – Advice for photographers: start where you are 24:20 – Everyone has a story – even in the small moments 25:30 – The power of "sonder" and inviting others in 26:40 – Wrapping up with love (and maybe pigeons next time)   Where to find Chantelle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copywritingbusinesscoach/  Website: https://www.choicewordsbychantelle.com/  Copy College: https://www.choicewordsbychantelle.com/copycollege

    29 min
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Whether you're just starting out, making the transition from weddings or wanting to scale your existing business. I will be sharing insights, practical strategies and stories along with guest expert interviews.

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