The Business Focused Photographer Podcast

Jill Smith
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The podcast where creativity meets commerce in the world of photography. Hosted by Jill Smith, a seasoned family photographer, this show dives into the strategies and stories behind turning a passion for photography into a profitable business. Each week, Jill brings you actionable insights, from effective pricing and marketing to client relations and business innovation. Whether you're a budding photographer or looking to refine your business model, tune in to discover how to boost your creativity, increase your income, and transform your photographic passion into a thriving business.

  1. The Business of Beauty & Product Photography

    3D AGO

    The Business of Beauty & Product Photography

    Guest:Hayley Fisk, Beauty and Product Photographer and Videographer, LAFounder of The Anxious PhotogRepresented by Rebel Brand Management We Discuss: Hayley’s path from art school to commercial photographyHow retouching shaped her shooting career and helped her become an all in one creativeWhy she pivoted away from fashion clients and built a home studio right before the pandemicHow remote shooting became a scalable business model for product and beauty workBudget reality in commercial photography and why “a big budget” disappears fastTalent sourcing, production partners, and how inclusive casting actually works with brandsThe importance of being calm and grounded on setLife coaching vs therapy and how mindset impacts marketing and outreachSpec work and portfolio alignment as the fastest path to better clientsAI fears, real world usage by brands, and how photographers can respond without denialWhat success looks like now, including retainers and long term partnershipsTLDR: Hayley built her business by creating the work first, then pitching it like it was already real client workRemote product photography can work almost anywhere if you have systems and can earn trustA calm, confident presence is part of the product when brands are spending serious moneyMindset affects everything, especially your ability to market and sell without desperationAI is already here, so the move is learning how to use it well and integrating it strategicallyResources: Hayley’s photography site: www.hayleyfisk.comHayley’s coaching site: theanxiousphotog.comInstagram: @hayleyfiskphoto

    1h 16m
  2. The Human Algorithm

    JAN 7

    The Human Algorithm

    Episode Title: The Human Algorithm: Networking as a Photographer with Tiffany Crenshaw Guest: Tiffany Crenshaw, Animal House Photography, North Alabama We Discuss: Why Tiffany calls networking “the human algorithm” and why it still beats chasing social media trends How her background as a second grade teacher shaped her relationship building skills (and her business success) Moving to Alabama on March 1, 2020 and building momentum anyway through virtual coffee dates The “client adjacent” strategy: building relationships with doulas, small business owners, and other connector people How one small market turned into years of high value repeat clients (including a $6,000 family purchase) Why people skills matter as much as photo skills, and how client experience starts before the session even happens What actually works at booths and vendor events: samples, albums, wall art, and making your setup stop traffic Using QR codes and email list tags to track where leads come from and follow up intentionally Getting creative with in person visibility: iPhone photo classes, beginner camera workshops, pop ups, and client events How Tiffany thinks about quarterly goals for in person networking and how she audits events before committing Real talk about confidence dips after price increases and why timing matters (January vs fall) Tiffany’s membership model and how repeat clients create predictable income and less work TLDR: Tiffany Crenshaw breaks down why in person networking is one of the most underrated marketing strategies for photographers. From coffee dates with “client adjacent” professionals to vendor events, workshops, and client appreciation experiences, Tiffany shares practical ways to become top of mind in your community without relying on algorithms. If you want more aligned clients, better referrals, and a marketing strategy that actually feels sustainable, this one will hit. Resources: Follow Tiffany’s business education on Instagram: @TiffanyCrenshawEdu See Tiffany’s photography work: Animal House Photography Tiffany’s group coaching program: Booked and Balanced (starts January 8)

    52 min
  3. How I Built This: Rachel Larsen Weaver

    12/23/2025

    How I Built This: Rachel Larsen Weaver

    Episode Title: How I Built This with Rachel Larsen Weaver Guest: Rachel Larsen Weaver, Family Photographer (Long-Form Sessions), Washington, DC area We Discuss: Rachel’s early career in restaurants and teaching and how those skills translated into photography Starting photography through blogging and realizing “documenting” is different than being hired to lead and create images Building a business without a template and why that actually helped her develop a distinct voice The 2019 educational turning point that clarified her creative direction Why mini sessions flopped for her and how that failure pointed her toward long-form sessions instead How long-form sessions took off and became a defining offer in her business Navigating mentorship, including a harmful experience that shaped her commitment to inclusive, affirming work Choosing educators and coaches wisely and why “great photographer” doesn’t always equal “great teacher” The role pricing plays in attracting aligned clients and protecting the experience Why she shoots almost exclusively on film now, and how that supports her workflow and profitability Hiring an assistant and how that changed her capacity, consistency, and creative energy The “loving gaze” concept and how she trains her eye and heart to see people with depth and dignity Lightning round topics: systems, film preferences, business decisions, time freedom vs financial freedom TLDR: Rachel built her business by getting her reps in, honing her voice, and making offers that match how she actually likes to work. A mini-session flop became a turning point that pushed her toward long-form sessions, which booked fast and fit her clients better. Pricing, clarity in marketing, and a values-forward approach helped her attract clients who are invested in the experience. Shooting film and outsourcing scanning simplifies her workflow so she can spend more time photographing and marketing. The way she sees people is not accidental. It’s practiced, intentional, and foundational to the work. Resources: Learn more about Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/rachel.larsen.weaver/ Book mentioned: Beauty: The Invisible Embrace by John O’Donohue

    1h 17m
  4. How I Built This: Alan Shapiro

    12/17/2025

    How I Built This: Alan Shapiro

    Episode Title: How I Built This with Alan Shapiro Guest: Alan Shapiro, Food, Portrait & Macro Photographer, New York We Discuss: Alan’s origin story from lifelong storyteller to advertising executive to full-time photographer How burnout in a high-pressure creative career led him back to joy through daily photography The role of storytelling, transparency, and consistency in building visibility and trust Why his most impactful opportunities didn’t come from SEO or email lists, but from showing up in real communities The power of documenting what you care about before anyone is paying you Working with agencies vs direct clients and how discovery actually happens in 2025 Pricing with flexibility and integrity instead of rigid formulas Why underpricing is almost universal and how Alan navigates it in practice The long-term value of relationships over short-term ROI Bartering, community support, and “Main Street” marketing as legitimate business strategies Imposter syndrome, perfection paralysis, and embracing “perfectly imperfect” work Choosing variety over specialization and the tradeoffs that come with that decision Why photographers need to stop waiting until they feel “ready” to put work into the world Teaching, mentoring, and staying curious as a way to keep growing creatively and professionally TLDR: Alan didn’t build his career by chasing clients. He built it by telling stories consistently and caring deeply about the people and subjects in front of him. Visibility came from community, not algorithms. Pricing is contextual, relationship-driven, and tied to opportunity, not hours alone. Imposter syndrome never fully goes away, but humility and enthusiasm can be strengths. Helping others, bartering, and showing up locally still work and often work best. Resources: Website: https://www.alanshapiropho

    1h 7m
  5. How I Built This: Becca Lueck

    12/16/2025

    How I Built This: Becca Lueck

    Episode Title: How I Built This with Becca Lueck Guest: Becca Lueck, Becca Jean Photography We Discuss: How Becca got started in photography and what her early business looked like The decisions that shaped her growth and the ones she would do differently How her brand and offers evolved over time The behind the scenes systems and boundaries that support her work today What sustainability actually looks like at this stage of her business Advice Becca would give photographers building their own version of success TLDR:Becca Lueck shares the real story behind building Becca Jean Photography. From early experimentation to refining her offers and workflows, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to grow a photography business that works long term. If you love honest conversations about building something steady, intentional, and aligned, this episode is for you. Website: https://beccajeanphotography.com

    52 min
  6. How I Built This: Maddie Peschong

    12/03/2025

    How I Built This: Maddie Peschong

    Episode Title: How I Built This with Maddie Peschong Guest: Maddie Peschong, Maddie Peschong Photography & Co-Founder of White Space Studio, Sioux Falls, SD We Discuss: How Maddie transitioned from corporate marketing to full-time photography The early mistakes that shaped her business model and the turning points that made it thrive Building community and collaboration through White Space Studio, her shared studio concept How systems and boundaries became the backbone of her business growth Creating educational offers and coaching programs that serve both new and established photographers The mindset shifts that allowed her to scale without burnout Why Maddie believes every photographer should think like a CEO, not just a creative TLDR:Maddie Peschong shares the real story behind building her multifaceted photography business—from her first shoots to leading a thriving studio and education brand. She opens up about the systems, boundaries, and mindset work that helped her turn creative chaos into long-term sustainability. Whether you’re in the messy middle of your business or dreaming about your next pivot, Maddie’s story will leave you inspired to build something that truly fits your life. Resources: Learn more about Maddie’s coaching programs and templates: https://maddiepeschong.com Follow Maddie on Instagram: @maddiepeschong Explore White Space Studio: https://whitespacesiouxfalls.com

    1 hr
  7. Sales Psychology

    11/19/2025

    Sales Psychology

    Episode Title: Sales Psychology with Helena Wong Guest: Helena Wong, Helena Wong Photography, San Francisco Bay Area We Discuss: Why sales psychology matters even if you think you’re “not a sales person” How Helena took her tech sales background and used it to 4x her photography business The real way to build a client avatar that actually helps you book aligned clients How to understand buyer behavior and money stories in different demographics Marketing choices that prime your clients to see themselves in your work The psychology behind anchoring numbers, price presentation, and custom proposals How to guide a sales call without talking the whole time Why your brand needs three defining words and how this shapes what you post What it really looks like to raise your prices and move into a new market How to get clients saying yes long before you ever talk about pricing Mindset and emotional resilience when you’re transitioning to a new level in business Why showing your actual personality is the non negotiable piece that makes sales easier TLDR:Today’s episode digs into the psychology behind why people buy and how to use that to create a smoother, more effective sales process. Helena shares exactly how she built her client avatar, how she primes clients for yes, why silence on sales calls matters, and how to position your pricing so people understand your value. This conversation is packed with practical, actionable advice for anyone ready to level up their sales skills and book more of the right clients. Resources: Learn more about The Creative CEO coaching program: https://helenawongphotography.com/education Follow Helena on Instagram: @helenawongphotography Listen to her podcast Under the Veil

    51 min
  8. Before Black Friday: Make Sure Your Sales Funnel Isn’t Leaking

    11/12/2025

    Before Black Friday: Make Sure Your Sales Funnel Isn’t Leaking

    Guest: None (Solo Episode with Jill C. Smith) We Discuss: Why every photographer has a sales funnel — even if it wasn’t intentionally built How to recognize when your funnel has kinks (complete blockages) or leaks (quiet revenue loss) Common “kinks” that stop inquiries entirely, like broken links, missing calls to action, or poor mobile formatting The “leaks” that quietly drain your income, like misaligned branding, weak follow-up, or lack of client nurturing How to audit your funnel before Black Friday to make sure you’re ready for new bookings The importance of fast response times, current testimonials, and staying visible locally Why repeat clients are your most valuable asset — and how to retain them How to balance new client attraction with retention in a changing market TLDR:Whether or not you built one intentionally, your business has a sales funnel — and if your inquiries or bookings have slowed, something in it isn’t working the way it should. In this episode, Jill breaks down how to identify and fix the two most common problems: kinks, which completely block your flow of leads, and leaks, which quietly cost you revenue over time. You’ll learn how to audit your website, follow-up process, client experience, and visibility before Black Friday so your systems are ready to receive new bookings and keep past clients coming back. Resources: Google Business Profile: https://www.google.com/business/ SEO Checker (Free Tool): https://neilpatel.com/seo-analyzer/

    13 min
See All (48)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The podcast where creativity meets commerce in the world of photography. Hosted by Jill Smith, a seasoned family photographer, this show dives into the strategies and stories behind turning a passion for photography into a profitable business. Each week, Jill brings you actionable insights, from effective pricing and marketing to client relations and business innovation. Whether you're a budding photographer or looking to refine your business model, tune in to discover how to boost your creativity, increase your income, and transform your photographic passion into a thriving business.

Information