The Raw Files

Vanessa Joy

Welcome to the video podcasts of The Raw Files. A podcast for photography business, technology, education and life.

  1. 5D AGO

    The REAL Reason Experienced Photographers Are Struggling to Get Leads

    If you’ve been in business for 5, 10, or even 20+ years and your leads are slowing down, this is not about bad luck, the economy, AI, or social media algorithms. In Episode 1 of Raw Files, we talk about the real reason experienced photographers are struggling in 2026... and why reputation alone no longer books clients. For years, word of mouth, relationships, and past success carried your business. But markets change, buyer behavior evolves, and what worked five or ten years ago doesn’t automatically work today. When your marketing, positioning, and systems don’t evolve, momentum fades even if your work is still incredible. In this episode, we cover: - Why reputation expires if it’s not reinforced - The difference between a photography problem and a business problem - Why posting more on social media won’t fix declining leads - How buyer behavior has changed (and what that means for your sales process) - The systems and messaging photographers skipped when business was “easy” - How to rebuild demand without burning down everything you’ve built This podcast is for photographers and videographers who are done blaming the market and ready to rebuild intentionally—from the ground up. Links & Resources: Vanessa's education: https://breatheyourpassion.com Vanessa's mastermind: https://bit.ly/photoinsidermm Visit Vanessa's IG @vanessajoy and DM her "PHOTO MASTERMIND" to learn more.

    16 min
  2. FEB 1

    “I Take Photos, Pay Me” — Why That Mindset Keeps Photographers Stuck

    In this episode of The Raw Files, we sit down with Corie Savary, a brand photographer and videographer based in Los Angeles, to talk about what it really takes to build a sustainable photography business in an oversaturated market. From starting in television and film, working on movie sets, and burning out in the film industry, to rebuilding a creative business from the ground up - Corie shares a raw, honest look at the mindset shifts, fears, and breakthroughs that moved him from surviving as a freelancer to running a true business. This conversation dives deep into: Why the photography industry isn’t actually oversaturated The difference between being a freelancer and thinking like a CEO Navigating fear, imposter syndrome, and “am I cut out for this?” moments How mentorship, systems, and community accelerate growth Pricing shifts, subscription models, and building recurring revenue Networking when you hate small talk Confidence, boundaries, and making decisions from a business-first mindset What changed after joining a photography mastermind — and why betting on yourself matters We also talk about neurodiversity, burnout, health challenges, and the internal battles creative entrepreneurs face especially when building a business alongside real life, relationships, and financial pressure. If you’re a photographer or videographer feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning your next move, this episode is proof that clarity, confidence, and growth come from learning, listening, and taking intentional action. No fluff.No fake hustle. Just raw conversations about photography, creativity, and building a business that actually works. Welcome to The Raw Files.Let’s shoot. Raw. Links & Resources: Vanessa's education: https://breatheyourpassion.com Vanessa's mastermind: https://bit.ly/photoinsidermm Visit Vanessa's IG @vanessajoy and DM her "PHOTO MASTERMIND" to learn more.

    47 min
  3. 05/13/2025

    You're Not a Photographer - You're a Salesperson! | The Raw Files

    🎯 Episode Summary: In this episode of The Raw Files, Vanessa Joy sits down with business coach and photographer Joey T to expose a hard truth: most photographers are failing not because of their photos, but because they don’t understand sales. Joey unpacks his journey from psychology to photography to full-time entrepreneurship, revealing the common mindset traps photographers fall into and the strategies he uses to help them scale with purpose. You’ll get real talk on the emotional science behind pricing, the psychology of buying, and how storytelling—not spec sheets—is the secret to closing high-value clients. Whether you're 1 year or 10 years into your business, this episode will challenge how you view your worth, your client experience, and your next move. 📌 Episode Highlights: 1:23 – Joey’s journey: From psychology to photography to full-time coaching 5:02 – Why Joey created Mosaic Creative (and how it helps photographers sell while they sleep) 9:24 – The "steakhouse" pricing analogy and how photographers lose clients with cheap branding 13:48 – The biggest thing photographers are missing in sales education 14:19 – The psychology of value: Emotion first, logic later 16:59 – What happens when clients sell themselves (and why YOU don’t need to push) 22:03 – The power of storytelling in sales—and how to use it in every consultation 23:44 – What separates a 5-year business from a 20-year one Links & Resources: Vanessa's education: https://breatheyourpassion.com Vanessa's mastermind: https://bit.ly/photoinsidermm Joey T’s Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/joeyt.mcrafted/ Visit Vanessa's IG @vanessajoy and DM her "PHOTO MASTERMIND" to learn more Imagen AI: Get your 1500 FREE edits here https://imagenai.com/tips

    26 min
  4. 04/28/2025

    Digital Is Where Photos Go to Die | The Raw Files

    ✨ Episode Summary: In this episode of The Raw Files, Vanessa Joy chats with wedding photographer and business-savvy educator Jen Stitt. From being underpaid by a boss who shot everything on auto to building a thriving photography brand, Jen shares the behind-the-scenes journey of how she went from shooting anything for a paycheck to selling heirloom products that clients cherish forever. This episode dives deep into the real reason many photographers stay stuck: they're afraid to treat their passion like a real business. Jen brings humor, honesty, and wisdom as she talks about valuing your time, raising your profit margins, and why it's okay (and necessary) to say no to clients who aren’t a fit. 🧠 Topic Highlights: 1:07 – Jen’s first photography job (and everything NOT to do) 4:23 – Her father-in-law’s advice that changed everything 8:32 – The transition from hobbyist to business owner 13:15 – Why photographers avoid selling prints (and how Jen overcame it) 15:33 – How to price and offer products without scaring clients 18:30 – How Jen presents 100-page albums for emotional upsells 20:50 – The email trick that sets client expectations and protects your time 20:58 – “Clients are like toddlers”—how to guide them with structure 22:22 – Mistakes she made, including trying to be the right fit for everyone 24:08 – The time a bride asked her to hold her dress while she peed 😂 Links & Resources: Vanessa's education: https://breatheyourpassion.com Vanessa's mastermind: https://bit.ly/photoinsidermm DM Vanessa “PHOTO MASTERMIND” on Instagram @vanessajoy to apply. Jen Stitt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelypairofstitts

    26 min
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to the video podcasts of The Raw Files. A podcast for photography business, technology, education and life.

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