590: Rick Bettinger – How to balance art, business, and innovation in photography

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Rick Bettinger of www.gittings.com is part of a photography business that has been operating for over 90 years in the US. They have studio locations in Dallas, Houston and New York.

Plus, they have a separate side to the business, a global photography agency with photographers worldwide working under their banner.

They offer most genres of photography – both for personal and corporate clients.

Check out their About page, and you'll get a sense of the operation's size. They have over 20 staff photos and bios of a well-dressed and presented professional-looking team.

In an article published in the 1980s, the founder of his incredible business, Paul Linwood Gittings, was quoted as saying, “I did sacrifice art for business; I made up my mind to use photography as a business tool.”

There is no denying that his legacy lives on with what looks like an incredible business!

Regarding our guest for today, he is the President and owner of Gittings Portrait Studios in Dallas and Fort Worth. He has a Master of Photography degree and has photographed past US presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, among many, many other notable families in Texas.

In this interview, Rick shares how he has balanced art, business, and innovation in a long-standing, well-respected, and highly profitable photography business.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

• About Gittings Portrait Studios: Rick’s journey and connection to his family’s photography legacy.
• Legacy of Artistry: How Gittings blends artistic values with business success.
• Balancing Roles: The art of leading a business while fostering creativity.
• Tradition Meets Innovation: Keeping a legacy brand relevant with modern trends.
• Growth and Structure: How Gittings Global expands and stays profitable and relevant.
• Profit and Sustainability: Why profitability is key to Gittings’ growth.
• Training New Talent: Preparing photographers to meet Gittings’ high standards.
• Commitment to Quality: Ensuring formal, precise portraiture and premium technology.
• Finding a Niche: The importance of specialisation in a competitive market.
• Building Client Loyalty: Tips for fostering strong, lasting client relationships.
• Smart Marketing and Conversion: The role of repeat clients and charity marketing.
• Professional Hiring Practices: Selecting photographers with skills and professionalism.
• Handling High-Profile Clients: Strategies for assigning experienced photographers.
• Premium Pricing: Educating clients on the value of high-end portraiture.
• Diverse Marketing Strategy: Staying versatile with a comprehensive marketing calendar.
• Sales Tracking and Goals: CRM and goals track performance and motivate staff.
• Proactive Lead Generation: Strategies for consistent client interest.
• Client Flexibility: Adapting to client budgets and product needs.
• Thoughtful Upselling: Tailoring offerings to foster loyalty and revenue.
• Working with Prominent Figures: The importance of professionalism in high-profile sessions.
• Building Rapport: Creating comfort with clients to encoura