The Business Focused Photographer Podcast

Jill C. Smith
  • 5.0 (4)
  • 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. The Business of Documentary Family Photography

    3d ago

    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

    1h 3m
  2. Embracing Chaos in Family Sessions

    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

    47 min
  3. The Business of Destination Photography

    May 11

    The Business of Destination Photography

    The conversation covers Luca Bartman's journey from neurobiology to destination photography, the challenges of destination photography, client acquisition and marketing, and pricing and travel logistics. It provides insights into the strategic planning and preparation required for destination photography and the importance of building a destination portfolio for booking clients. The conversation covers topics such as open-mindedness towards different cities, learning from early mistakes in photography, the lifestyle of a destination photographer, and photography gear and travel tips. It provides insights into the challenges and rewards of being a destination photographer, as well as the importance of mentorship and learning from experience. Takeaways Destination photography requires strategic planning and preparationBuilding a destination portfolio is essential for booking destination clients Open-mindedness towards different citiesLearning from early mistakes in photography Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Photography05:27 Client Acquisition and Marketing24:03 Pricing and Travel Logistics31:42 Learning from Mistakes43:14 Photography Gear and Travel Tips

    49 min
  4. Luxury Senior Photography

    May 4

    Luxury Senior Photography

    Maria Ortiz, a luxury senior photographer and business coach, shares insights into the world of luxury photography and the reasons behind building a luxury senior photography business. The conversation delves into the essence of luxury, the impact of premium pricing, and the importance of control and boundaries in the photography business. The conversation delves into the world of niche photography, particularly focusing on the experience of photographing teenagers. It explores the use of a detailed questionnaire to create a safe and supportive space for teens, the transition from weddings and families to seniors, and the luxury photography experience provided to clients. The discussion also highlights the photographer's journey in finding her niche and the impact of her high school experiences on her approach to teen photography. Takeaways Luxury is a feelingCreating an exclusive and personalized experienceEffective communication and understanding the client's story Teen photography questionnaireNiche photographyCreating a safe space for teensLuxury photography experience Chapters 00:00 Control and Boundaries28:25 Teen Photography Questionnaire and Experience35:00 Luxury Photography Experience45:31 Creating a Safe Space for Teens

    50 min
  5. Running a More Aligned Business

    Apr 27

    Running a More Aligned Business

    The conversation with Casey Thornton delves into the concept of alignment in business and photography, exploring the importance of authenticity, setting boundaries, and finding joy in the work. Casey shares insights on niching down, the significance of early motherhood photography, and the value of connecting with clients on a deeper level. She also discusses the challenges and rewards of aligning work with personal values and priorities. Casey Thornton shares her journey from dental hygienist to successful photographer and educator, emphasizing the importance of alignment, profitability, and community in her work. She provides valuable insights on finding a market, setting boundaries, and the cyclical nature of business. Takeaways Authenticity and joy are key components of aligned workSetting boundaries and holding to them is essential for alignmentConnecting with clients on a deeper level enhances the alignment of the workNiching down can lead to a more aligned and fulfilling businessEarly motherhood photography holds significant meaning and value for both the photographer and the clients Alignment and profitability go hand in handSetting boundaries is crucial for maintaining alignmentThe cyclical nature of business requires patience and trust Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Alignment36:42 Defining Aligned Work43:13 From Dental Hygienist to Photographer49:22 The Intersection of Alignment and Profitability56:00 The Importance of Community and Connection01:12:08 The Comfort and Healing of Photography

    1h 16m
  6. Diversifying Your Income with a Studio Rental

    Apr 20

    Diversifying Your Income with a Studio Rental

    Leah Carter shares her journey of starting a studio rental business, from finding the right space to managing operations and building a positive community culture. She discusses the legal and insurance considerations, security measures, revenue generation, and the impact on her overall photography business. Leah's approach to creating a welcoming and supportive community space has contributed to the success of her studio rental business. Leah Carter discusses her studio's tech stack and equipment, including the use of a lock, scheduling, lighting, and props. She also shares insights on security measures, rental responsibilities, and her personal photography preferences. Additionally, she provides information on mentorship and education opportunities for photographers. Takeaways Studio rental business requires careful consideration of legal, insurance, and security aspects.Building a positive community culture and mindset can contribute to the success of a studio rental business.Revenue from studio rentals can significantly impact the overall profitability of a photography business. Understanding the importance of studio security and rental regulationsInsights into studio amenities and photography preferences https://www.leahslens.photography/suitegstudio/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Studio Rentals05:23 Building Confidence in Studio Rental Business10:32 Security and Access Control16:01 Managing Studio Rental Operations21:25 Privacy and Location of Studio27:05 Community Mindset and Business Growth38:32 Lock and Security45:16 Studio Amenities

    47 min
  7. Homepage Optimization to Broaden Your Reach & Convert

    Apr 13

    Homepage Optimization to Broaden Your Reach & Convert

    Jamie Bugby King, a PNW family photographer, shares her successful strategy of targeting other destinations for photography and marketing to those areas. She discusses her SEO prowess, the challenges of balancing work and family, and the process of creating different homepages for various locations. She also emphasizes the importance of high-touch experiences and the use of automations to enhance customer service and communication. The conversation covers topics such as website building, SEO, blogging, and the use of specific tools for website optimization. It also delves into the challenges of unexpected success, the impact on homepage design, and the importance of user experience in SEO. Takeaways SEO ProwessBalancing Work and Family SEO StrategyUser ExperienceWebsite Optimization Chapters 00:00 Targeting Other Destinations07:30 Creating Different Homepages28:31 Website Building and SEO Tools40:03 SEO and User Experience Relationship www.jaimebugbee.com www.jaimebugbeephotography.com

    55 min
  8. Bringing Politics Into Your Business (Without Burning it Down)

    Apr 6

    Bringing Politics Into Your Business (Without Burning it Down)

    The conversation explores the integration of political beliefs into branding, the evolution of personal political ideology, and the impact of political awareness on marketing. It delves into the importance of content with a backbone, standing behind one's values, and the significance of human-to-human conversation in fostering empathy and understanding. The conversation delves into the complexities of political expression, addressing the tribalism of politics, the impact on business, the integrity of expression, the power of political expression, the challenge of political facts, the influence of political marketing, the importance of conviction in expression, focused political expression, and the impact of political alignment. The conversation covered a range of topics including celebrity love, political preferences, favorite Taylor Swift album, concept albums, pet stories, photography gear and preferences, favorite non-photography software, snowy state preferences, beach vs. pool, New York vs. LA, and podcast host vs. guest. Takeaways Integrating political beliefs into brandingEvolution of personal political ideology Political expression has a significant impact on branding and audience connection.The importance of integrity and conviction in political expression cannot be overstated. Insights into personal preferences and experiencesExploration of photography gear and software preferences Chapters 00:00 Integrating Political Beliefs into Branding06:05 Evolution of Political Identity11:11 Impact of Political Awareness18:48 Content with a Backbone26:19 Human-to-Human Conversation31:41 The Tribalism of Politics39:17 The Integrity of Political Expression46:00 The Influence of Political Marketing55:27 Focused Political Expression01:00:53 Celebrity Love and Political Preferences01:07:14 Photography Gear and Preferences01:15:13 Snowy State Preferences and Beach vs. Pool

    1h 21m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 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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