The Business Focused Photographer Podcast

Jill C. Smith
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Visual Arts
  • 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 episode, Jill and her guests bring 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. Sep 14

    Talking Shop with Nicole Hodgson

    Nicole Hodgson shares her journey from being a therapist to becoming a successful brand photographer. She discusses the transition, challenges, and opportunities in brand photography, as well as her offer suite and coaching services for female business owners. The conversation delves into the art of empowerment through photography, addressing challenges of visibility and confidence, the journey of self-discovery, the impact of quality and value in business, the evolution of photography style and technique, the influence of technology and social media, the power of pricing and business growth, balancing social media and well-being, and connecting with the photographer. Takeaways Transitioning from one career to another can be a challenging yet rewarding experience.Brand photography offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. Empowerment through photographyBalancing social media and well-being Chapters 00:00 Transition from Therapist to Photographer07:47 Business Growth and Automation15:10 Challenges and Opportunities in Brand Photography24:52 Offer Suite and Coaching Services30:20 Challenges of Visibility and Confidence36:10 The Influence of Technology and Social Media48:27 Balancing Social Media and Well-Being

    Talking Shop with Nicole Hodgson

  2. Sep 1

    Talking Shop with Kate McCord

    The conversation delves into the experiences and challenges of running a photography business, including the competitive nature of the industry, pricing strategies, and the transition from a previous career to photography. It also explores the complexities of managing a business, the impact of personal circumstances on business decisions, and the training and preparation required for a career in photography. The conversation covers Kate's career growth, transition to health insurance, work-life balance, motherhood, transition to full-time photography, client acquisition, photography sales model, client relationships, pricing, client expectations, communication, and photography style and approach. The conversation covers the speaker's photography journey, mentorship, community collaboration, workday structure, productivity, mini sessions, and business strategy. The conversation covers various aspects of photography, including sessions, backdrops, gear, education, and career insights. It concludes with a lightning round of fun questions and a warm farewell. Takeaways Navigating the competitive nature of the photography industryChallenges of pricing and business sustainability Career growth and transitions are essential for personal and professional development.Effective client communication and setting expectations are crucial for client satisfaction. Mentorship and community collaboration are valuable for professional growth.Effective time management and productivity are essential for balancing work and family life.Mini sessions can be a lucrative business strategy, but trends and competition should be carefully considered. Photography sessions and backdrops require careful planning and consideration.Investing in high-quality photography gear is essential for professional photographers.Continuous education and career development are crucial for success in the photography industry. Chapters 00:00 Photography Business Realizations06:01 Challenges of Running a Photography Business14:02 Transitioning to Photography Career21:57 Career Transition and Training27:28 Work-Life Balance and Motherhood34:24 Photography Sales Model44:15 Client Relationships and Pricing49:13 Photography Journey and Mentorship01:04:58 Mini Sessions and Business Strategy01:13:22 Photography Gear and Equipment01:21:18 Photography Education and Career

    Talking Shop with Kate McCord

  3. Aug 3

    The Business of Surprise Proposal Photography

    Scott Wydan Kivowitz shares his journey of discovering and transitioning to surprise proposal photography, managing client demand, pricing and market dynamics, planning and execution of surprise proposals, and client onboarding and lead management. The conversation covers topics such as the planning and efficiency of proposal photography, the conversion rate and booking success, inclusivity in the portfolio, diversity and representation, gear and equipment, business strategies and referrals, and a lighthearted lightning round. The conversation covers the art of proposal photography, experiences with live performances, extravagant proposal stories, challenges and lessons learned, photography gear and tools, and favorite places and memories. Takeaways Transitioning to a niche can lead to unexpected successBalancing client demand and capacity is crucial for sustainable growth Efficient planning is crucial for proposal photography success.Inclusivity and diversity in the portfolio are important for representing a wide range of clients. The importance of planning and creativity in proposal photographyThe value of historical and meaningful locations for photography Chapters 00:00 Discovering the Niche06:03 Managing Client Demand11:59 Planning and Execution24:50 Client Onboarding and Lead Management30:07 Planning and Efficiency40:13 Gear and Equipment52:01 Business Strategies and Referrals59:58 The Art of Proposal Photography01:10:33 Photography Gear and Tools01:17:05 Favorite Places and Memories

    The Business of Surprise Proposal Photography

  4. Jul 6

    Selling More Wall Art

    Lucy Dumas, an award-winning photographer, discusses the evolution of the photography business and the importance of printed artwork in photography sales. She also shares insights on seasonality in the photography business and her approach to offering digitals and client-centered sales. The conversation covers the personalized approach to photography sales, emphasizing in-person sales, building emotional connections, personalized art and design process, pricing strategy, handling objections, consultation advantages, priming for purchase, guiding client's perception, refining product list, transitioning to in-person sales, product offerings, canvas and framed wall art preference, and alternative career interests in teaching, coaching, and flower arranging. Takeaways Client-centered salesEvolution of photography industry Personalized approachIn-person sales Chapters 00:00 Offering Digitals and Sales Approach28:58 Building Emotional Connection and Trust34:34 Consultation Location and Advantages41:28 Transitioning to In-Person Sales from Online Galleries47:36 Canvas and Framed Wall Art Preference

    Selling More Wall Art

  5. Jun 29

    The Intersection of Systems & Humanity

    Leah O'Connell shares her journey from a mall studio photographer to a successful family photographer and business coach. She emphasizes the importance of simplicity and sustainability in business, highlighting the need to avoid overcomplicating the client experience. The conversation covers the importance of client experience and marketing, simplifying client offers and business processes, the role of systems and automation in business, and the significance of consistency and simplicity in business operations. Takeaways Photography journey and early career experiences shape the foundation of a successful photography business.Simplicity and sustainability are key to a successful photography business, avoiding overcomplication and unnecessary additions.Client experience should be thoughtful and purposeful, avoiding unnecessary trinkets and gifts that do not align with the brand or client needs. Client experience is a key asset in marketingSimplifying business processes leads to more efficient operations Chapters 00:00 Photography Journey and Early Career10:03 Simplification and Sustainability in Business24:54 Client Experience and Overcomplication30:00 Client Experience and Marketing41:42 Systems and Automation for Business54:12 Consistency and Simplicity in Business

    The Intersection of Systems & Humanity

  6. Jun 8

    The AI Copy Problem

    Cassie Torres, a former wedding photographer turned copywriter, shares her journey from photography to copywriting, her battle with breast cancer, and her insights on AI-generated copy. She emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling and client-centered copywriting. The conversation covers the importance of storytelling in photography, the impact of AI-generated content, the significance of authentic and human communication, and the value of transparency and simplicity in marketing. It also explores the use of emojis, punctuation, and website flow to connect with clients on a human level. Takeaways Authentic storytelling is key to connecting with clients.AI-generated copy lacks authenticity and individuality.Client interviews and feedback are valuable sources for creating authentic and compelling copy. Storytelling is a powerful tool for photographers to connect with clients and create a unique brand.Authentic and human communication is essential for building trust and connecting with clients on a personal level.Transparency, simplicity, and guiding clients through the process are key to establishing trust and providing exceptional service. Chapters 00:00 From Photographer to Copywriter06:19 The Impact of Breast Cancer36:14 The Power of Storytelling in Photography45:37 The Importance of Authentic and Human Communication Instagram: https://instagram.com/cassietorresct Cringefest to Clear Choice: https://stan.store/CassieTorres/p/cringefest-to-clear-choice Not Just Another Photographer: https://stan.store/CassieTorres/p/not-just-another-photographer

    The AI Copy Problem

  7. Jun 1

    The Business of Documentary Family Photography

    The conversation covers the transition to photography from other careers, the impact of family background on career choices, the concept of documentary family photography, and the transition to in-person sales for photography services. The conversation covers the transition to in-person sales, client communication and education, the evolution of business and pricing, and mentorship and education in photography. It explores the challenges and benefits of these aspects, providing valuable insights for photographers looking to make similar transitions and improvements in their businesses. Takeaways Transition to photography from other careersImpact of family background on career choices Transition to in-person salesClient communication and educationEvolution of business and pricingMentorship and education in photography Chapters 00:00 Transition to Photography11:46 Documentary Family Photography23:26 Transition to In-Person Sales37:23 Client Communication and Education44:02 Evolution of Business and Pricing59:46 Mentorship and Education in Photography

    The Business of Documentary Family Photography

  8. May 18

    Embracing Chaos in Family Sessions

    The conversation delves into the world of family photography, focusing on managing chaos and utilizing early childhood education skills in photography. It explores the transition from education to photography, the proactive approach to family photography, preparation and communication with clients, setting the stage for chaos, and the session day and dealing with chaos. The conversation delves into the importance of meeting kids where they're at, recognizing cues, and pivoting during photography sessions. It also provides valuable tips for managing chaos and discusses an upcoming course that aims to transform family photography businesses. The lightning round offers insights and fun facts about the guest. Takeaways Managing chaos in family photographyUtilizing early childhood education skills in photography Flexibility is keyUnderstanding children's needs Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Family Photography05:25 Proactive Approach to Family Photography13:11 Setting the Stage for Chaos18:28 Session Day and Dealing with Chaos28:52 Meeting Kids Where They're At35:13 Recognizing Cues and Pivoting41:10 Lightning Round: Insights and Fun Facts

    Embracing Chaos in Family Sessions
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5
out of 5
6 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 episode, Jill and her guests bring 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.

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