The Work Between: The Business of Photography

Allison Craig, Jenny Cruger
  • 5.0 (8)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Work Between bridges the gap from art to income. It's the business space where most photographers get stuck, second-guess themselves, or feel like they’re winging it. We’re Allison and Jenny, photographers, educators, and the creators of MOTIV. Everything we’ve built is openly shared here, because we believe anyone can succeed with the right information. Full transparency. No invoice attached. If you're ready for clarity, support, and a business that works as hard as you do, you’re in the right place.

  1. 10/21/2025

    IPS Isn’t a Pricing Model (And Other Things You’ve Been Told Wrong)

    Let’s clear this up once and for all: IPS is not a pricing structure. In this episode, we’re breaking down what In-Person Sales actually is—and what it’s not. Because photographers keep mixing up “IPS vs all-inclusive” like they’re opposites. Spoiler: they’re not even in the same category. Here’s what we’re covering:   The difference between how you sell vs what you sellWhy you can offer albums and digital files when doing IPSThe myths about “no one wants IPS” or “clients only want digital”What matters most: experience, not delivery methodWe also talk about our own evolution—from full IPS to online galleries, and how we still drive intentional sales that feel good to everyone. Whether you’re doing same-day ordering appointments or letting clients decide from the comfort of their couch, this episode will help you sell better—without all the IPS confusion. Grab our free pricing quiz: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/cost-of-doing-business-quiz-for-photographers Grab our freebies: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-marketing We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it. If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.   And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotographyJenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    22 min

  2. 10/14/2025

    Stop Copying and Start Building Something Real

    The fastest way to stall your growth? Spend all your time copying everyone else. In this episode, we’re getting spicy. Because while imitation might feel like a shortcut, it’s actually keeping you from building something sustainable. We’re talking about the not-so-subtle habits that photographers fall into when they feel stuck, like:   Using someone else’s images for marketing (yes, even “for inspo”)Copying website copy, taglines, or even brand tonePosing as a fake client to get someone’s pricingRebranding over and over again instead of building actual systemsThis isn’t about being better than anyone. It’s about getting honest: If your business is built on someone else’s strategy, you’ll never feel confident running it. This episode will help you spot the behavior, call it what it is, and refocus on building your business—your way. Grab our free pricing quiz: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/cost-of-doing-business-quiz-for-photographers Grab our freebies: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-marketing     We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it. If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.   And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotographyJenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    22 min

  3. 10/07/2025

    Your Website Isn’t Enough—Why You Need a Google Business Profile

    If you’re putting energy into SEO and your website but ignoring your Google Business Profile… it’s time to fix that. In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most underused and misunderstood tools photographers have access to: your Google Business Profile (GBP). We’ll break down:   Why showing up in the Map Pack matters more than you thinkHow your GBP helps you rank even if your website isn’t perfectThe most common mistakes photographers make when setting it upWhat to post, how often, and how to get reviews that actually workAnd yes, we’ll share exactly what we do inside our own business to stay visible without spending a dime on ads. Whether you’re brand new to GBP or just haven’t touched it in months, this episode is a must-listen if you want more local inquiries without more hustle. Grab our free pricing quiz: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/cost-of-doing-business-quiz-for-photographers Grab our freebies: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-marketing We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it. If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.   And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotographyJenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    16 min

  4. 09/30/2025

    You’re Not Too Expensive—You’re Just Out of Their Budget

    “We love your work, but…” Ugh. You already know what’s coming next. A soft no that turns into self-doubt, panic pricing, or worse—discounts that eat your profit alive. But here’s what we want you to remember: You’re not too expensive. You’re just not for everyone’s budget. And that’s okay. This episode will help you stop internalizing pricing objections and start owning your worth—without apology.   We’re walking through:   What “out of budget” really means (hint: it’s not personal)How to use our free CODB calculator to actually price with clarityWhy being part-time doesn’t mean part-pricedWhat to say when someone asks for a discount or compares you to someone cheaperCODB Calculator (Free): https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-marketing CODB Calculator (spreadsheet): https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-design-templates/p/cost-of-doing-business-codb-calculator Have any questions? Send us an email at use.motiv@gmail.com We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it. If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.   And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotographyJenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    34 min

  5. 09/23/2025

    Why You're Delivering Too Many Images (And How to Fix It)

    You’re over-delivering—and undercutting your profit. Photographers often add more images “just to be nice,” or because a gallery feels incomplete without them. But what is it actually doing?   Confusing your client, bloating your workflow, and burning you out.   In this episode of The Work Between, we’re walking through the hidden cost of over-delivery and how to easily fix it. You’ll learn:   Why delivering too many images is confusing your clients (not impressing them)How over-delivery sabotages your pricing structure and long-term profitabilityThe sweet spot for how many images to include—and how to decideGrab our freebies: CODB Calculator (Free): https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-marketing CODB Calculator (spreadsheet): https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-design-templates/p/cost-of-doing-business-codb-calculator Have any questions? Send us an email at use.motiv@gmail.com We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it. If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.   And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotographyJenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    30 min

  6. 09/16/2025

    Market Saturation Isn’t the Problem—Here’s What Is

    Feeling like your market is flooded? That there are too many photographers and not enough clients? This episode is your wake-up call. In this episode of The Work Between, we’re breaking down the real reason your leads might be slowing down—and it has nothing to do with saturation and everything to do with strategy. We’re covering:   What “saturation” actually looks like (and why it’s not the villain)The real reason photographers stop getting inquiries (and how to fix it)Why brand confusion, not competition, is what kills your momentumWhat to focus on if your market feels crowdedThis episode is a tough-love truth serum for anyone tempted to burn it all down and start a sticker shop on Etsy. Grab our freebies: CODB Calculator (Free): https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-marketing CODB Calculator (spreadsheet): https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-design-templates/p/cost-of-doing-business-codb-calculator Have any questions? Send us an email at use.motiv@gmail.com   We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it. If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.   And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotographyJenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    28 min

  7. 09/09/2025

    How Fall Minis Can Lead to 40K Months

    Mini sessions can be chaotic, low-profit, and exhausting—or they can be one of the smartest revenue strategies in your business. In this episode of The Work Between, we’re showing you how we’ve used mini sessions to generate $40K+ months without burning out. You’ll learn how to align minis with your full-service brand, what to charge, how to upsell with intention, and how to use minis as a funnel for long-term clients. Whether you’re planning Fall Santa minis or want to test a new idea, this episode gives you the system behind sustainable success.   What We Cover:   Why most photographers avoid minis—and what they’re missing   The difference between “cheap minis” and a profitable mini strategy   How to build a mini offer that aligns with your full sessions   What to include: bonuses, referral offers, upgrades, and memberships   How to turn one mini into full-session clients and repeat bookings   And don’t forget to join the MOTIV waitlist to get early access → https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it. If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.   And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotographyJenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography

    15 min

  8. 09/02/2025

    The 5 Fall Mistakes That Cost Photographers Thousands

    Fall is the busiest season for most photographers—but that doesn’t mean it’s the most profitable. In this episode of The Work Between, we’re unpacking the five most common Fall mistakes that cost photographers thousands. From unnecessary discounts to overbooking, underpricing minis, and not charging for rushes or weekends, these are the pitfalls we’ve seen (and made) ourselves. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to shift—no matter where you’re at in the season—so you can protect your peace and your profit. Whether you’re just starting out or already fully booked, this one’s for you.   What We Cover:   The difference between being busy and being profitable   How one small mistake can snowball into burnout   What to do when you’re already full (but still getting inquiries)   How to fix Fall, even if you’ve already made a few of these mistakes   The tools we use to course-correct mid-season   🎙 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to join the MOTIV waitlist for early access and exclusive bonuses → https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv     We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it. If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.   And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotographyJenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography

    22 min
See All (23)

Trailer

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The Work Between bridges the gap from art to income. It's the business space where most photographers get stuck, second-guess themselves, or feel like they’re winging it. We’re Allison and Jenny, photographers, educators, and the creators of MOTIV. Everything we’ve built is openly shared here, because we believe anyone can succeed with the right information. Full transparency. No invoice attached. If you're ready for clarity, support, and a business that works as hard as you do, you’re in the right place.

Information

You Might Also Like