The Volume Vault | A Podcast for Volume Photographers

Emily Hart Davis
  • 4.4 (7)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Volume Vault - a podcast for volume photographers. Unlock the systems, strategy, and mindset behind scaling a high-profit volume photography business. Hosted by Emily Hart Davis, founder of Click Studios and creator of The Volume Vault, this podcast takes you behind the scenes of building a photography studio that runs like a business — not a side hustle. Each week, you'll learn how to attract the right accounts, grow predictable revenue, hire and lead a team, and finally step out of the daily grind. Whether you're shooting schools, sports, or dance studios, The Volume Vault gives you the tools to scale up and step back — with real-world strategies, transparent conversations, and a roadmap to sustainable growth. Because success in volume photography isn't about hustling harder — it's about building smarter. For more about Emily, visit thevolumevault.com

Episodes

  1. What It Really Takes to Add $140,000 to Your Photography Business

    Jun 4

    What It Really Takes to Add $140,000 to Your Photography Business

    What does it really take to add $140,000 in revenue to your photography business? In this episode of The Volume Vault Podcast, Emily sits down with Jan Scurfield of Scurfield Photography in Northern California to unpack the decisions, mindset shifts, and calculated risks that helped her grow from $110,000 to over $250,000 in annual revenue. Jan shares her journey from overwhelmed photographer to true CEO, including hiring a studio manager before she felt ready, building a team she can trust, and embracing the kind of action-taking that creates real momentum. Together, they dive into why most photographers stay stuck, the hidden cost of waiting, and how accountability can accelerate growth faster than information alone. If you've ever wondered whether coaching is worth the investment, struggled with hiring, or felt like you're carrying the weight of your entire business on your shoulders, this conversation is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: • How Jan grew her business from $110K to $250K+ • Why hiring before you're ready can be the key to growth • The mindset shift from photographer to CEO • How accountability creates faster results than more education • The risks Jan took—and why she'd make them again • What separates successful coaching students from everyone else • The real ROI of investing in yourself and your business This isn't a story about luck. It's a story about making decisions, taking action, and building a business that serves your life instead of consuming it. If you're ready to stop waiting and start growing, this episode is for you.   Want to work with Emily? 📸 Learn more about The Volume Vault Coaching Program at thevolumevault.com 🎟️ Get your VIP ticket to the next Booked Solid Challenge  📖 Buy the book The Best Kept Secret in Photography

    45 min
  2. June 27-28: The Do It Different Workshop is back!

    Mar 16

    June 27-28: The Do It Different Workshop is back!

    In this episode of The Volume Vault Podcast, Emily Davis is joined by fellow photographer and educator Rose Coleman to talk all about their upcoming Do It Different Workshop and what photographers can expect when they attend. We're pulling back the curtain on why we created this workshop, what makes it different from typical photography education, and how we're combining hands-on shooting, lighting instruction, and real business strategy to help photographers create images that stand out and build more profitable studios. You'll hear what we'll be teaching, how the workshop is structured, and why we believe photographers need to start doing things differently if they want to stand out in today's market. If you've been thinking about attending the workshop—or you're just curious about how we approach lighting, shooting, and building a standout photography business—this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at what's coming. Join us as we share the vision for Do It Different and what photographers will walk away with after two days of learning, shooting, and leveling up their craft. See more at www.doitdifferent.co Workshop Dates & Location: June 27-28, 2026 at Emily's Studio in Krum, TX

    15 min
  3. Let's Talk Websites: What Actually Matters for Photographers

    Feb 27

    Let's Talk Websites: What Actually Matters for Photographers

    Stop treating your website like a portfolio — and start using it like a strategic business tool. In this value-packed episode, Emily sits down with Katie Lepore, founder of Emberlyn, to talk about how photographers can build websites that do more than look good — they communicate value, attract the right clients, and actually drive inquiries. Emily & Katie break down what photographers really need on their websites (and what they don't), how to design with clarity instead of overwhelm, and why so many photography websites fail to convert — even when the work is good. You'll learn: What your photography website should be doing in the first 5 seconds The biggest website mistakes photographers make (and how to fix them) How to structure your site to guide the right clients to inquire Why "pretty" websites don't always equal profitable ones How to simplify your website so it supports growth instead of creating friction If your website feels outdated, confusing, or like it isn't pulling its weight — or if you've been relying on referrals because your site isn't converting — this episode will help you rethink your website as a sales and scaling tool, not just an online gallery. Follow Katie on Instagram - Inquire about website design with Emberlyn Co. Want to work with Emily? 📸 Learn more about The Volume Vault Coaching Program at thevolumevault.com 🎟️ Get your VIP ticket to the next Booked Solid Challenge  📖 Buy the book The Best Kept Secret in Photography

    31 min
  4. Let's Talk Digitals: Pricing for Profit in Volume Photography

    Feb 25

    Let's Talk Digitals: Pricing for Profit in Volume Photography

    Stop underpricing your digitals — and start running your studio like a profit-first business. In this value-packed episode, Emily sits down with Carinna Boatwright, owner of SMAX Photography, to talk about what it really means to price for profit and sell all digitals with confidence in a volume photography business. Emily & Carinna break down how to strategically sell all-digitals packages using PhotoDay, how to structure price lists that guide parent behavior, and why selling digitals the right way can actually increase your average order value—not decrease it. You'll learn: How to price all digitals packages (without guilt or fear) The mistakes photographers make when selling digital galleries How parent buying behavior actually works in volume photography How to use PhotoDay features to support higher-value orders The mindset shifts required to move from "photographer pricing" to CEO-level pricing If you've been undercharging, second-guessing your prices, or avoiding selling all digitals because you're afraid it will hurt your business, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a smarter strategy moving forward. 📸 Learn more about The Volume Vault Coaching Program at thevolumevault.com 🎟️ Get your VIP ticket to the next Booked Solid Challenge  📖 Buy the book The Best Kept Secret in Photography

    54 min

  5. 12/06/2025

    Wealth Loves Speed: How Fast Decisions Create Exponential Growth

    In this episode, Emily shares how "Wealth loves speed" isn't just a mindset — it's a business strategy. Discover how fast, confident decision-making can completely change the trajectory of your volume photography business in 2026. You'll learn how to move with clarity, build momentum, and stop losing opportunities to hesitation and perfectionism. 📸 You'll Learn: Why speed creates momentum (and revenue) The real cost of slow decision-making How to make confident decisions quickly What "refine in motion" looks like inside a growing studio 📸 Learn more about The Volume Vault Coaching Program at thevolumevault.com 🎟️ Get your VIP ticket to the next Booked Solid Challenge  📖 Buy the book The Best Kept Secret in Photography

    21 min

  6. 11/22/2025

    The Deal Closer Mentality: How to Think Like Someone Who Books Accounts Consistently

    The Deal Closer Mentality: How to Think Like Someone Who Books Accounts Consistently If you've ever wondered why some photographers seem to effortlessly book leagues, schools, and organizations while you're stuck refreshing your inbox… this episode is your turning point. Today, we're digging into the Deal Closer Mentality — the mindset, identity, and behaviors of photographers who consistently land accounts (and keep landing them). We're talking about the photographers who EXPECT success, follow up like a pro, and walk into sales conversations with confidence because they fully believe in the value they bring. In this episode, you'll learn: ✨ The #1 identity shift every photographer must make to book more accounts ✨ How deal closers think, act, follow up, and lead conversations ✨ Why confidence isn't optional — it's a sales skill ✨ The real reason follow-up is your most profitable habit ✨ How to eliminate the fear, doubt, and hesitation that's been holding you back ✨ And how to step fully into the CEO role as the #1 salesperson in your business Whether you're pitching your first league or scaling to a fully booked roster, this episode will change the way you show up, sell, and lead. It's time to stop hoping for bookings. It's time to start thinking like a closer. 📸 Learn more about The Volume Vault Coaching Program at thevolumevault.com 🎟️ Get your VIP ticket to the next Booked Solid Challenge  📖 Buy the book The Best Kept Secret in Photography

    17 min

  7. 11/21/2025

    Worried About Image Theft? You're Focusing on the Wrong Problem.

    Stop obsessing over protecting your photos — and start selling more of them. In this value-packed episode, Emily sits down with Lisa Mallis, Co-Founder and COO of PhotoDay, to talk about the mindset shifts and technology upgrades every volume photographer needs to make if they want to grow in today's industry. We dig into ai watermark removal, volume photographers worrying about image theft more than they should, and how this fear often distracts from the real revenue-producing activities that actually scale a business. Emily & Lisa breaks down the truth about pre-pay vs. post-pay, why traditional pre-pay systems often leave money on the table, and how modern online galleries with multiple image proofing creates a better customer experience and bigger orders. You'll learn: The psychology behind higher sales in post-pay galleries The biggest myths about people stealing photos (and why it's not where your energy should go) How automated gallery sales free you to focus on growth The CEO mindset shifts that lead to higher revenue and less stress If you've been stuck in fear, tradition, or outdated systems, this episode will give you the data, the mindset, and the tools to step confidently into the future of volume photography. Ready to streamline your workflow, increase sales, and deliver a better experience to your families? You can learn more about PhotoDay and explore all their tools and features at www.photoday.com 📸 Learn more about The Volume Vault Coaching Program at thevolumevault.com 🎟️ Get your VIP ticket to the next Booked Solid Challenge  📖 Buy the book The Best Kept Secret in Photography

    47 min

  8. 11/05/2025

    Booked Solid: The Challenge That Changes Everything

    What if being booked solid wasn't about luck — but about having a system? In this episode, Emily breaks down The Booked Solid Challenge, a 5-day live training designed specifically for volume photographers who want to secure more leagues and schools without relying on referrals or discounting prices. Learn the exact outreach, sales, positioning, and follow-up strategies used by photographers who stay fully booked every season — and why most photographers struggle simply because they haven't been taught how to sell volume the right way. If you're ready to step into the CEO role in your business and build predictable revenue, this episode is your blueprint. 👉 Join the next challenge: TheVolumeVault.com/challenge

    11 min

  9. 11/04/2025

    People Who Pay, Pay Attention

    What if the thing holding you back isn't strategy — it's your willingness to invest in your own growth? In this powerful episode, Emily Hart Davis shares how spending over $100,000 on coaching in 2025 transformed her mindset, businesses, and leadership forever. Learn the psychology behind why people who pay, pay attention — and how investing in yourself creates exponential ROI. Plus, discover why high-ticket coaching isn't just about learning new tactics — it's about becoming the kind of business owner who executes them. 📸 Learn more about The Volume Vault Coaching Program at thevolumevault.com 🎟️ Get your VIP ticket to the next Booked Solid Challenge  📖 Buy the book The Best Kept Secret in Photography

    17 min

  10. 11/01/2025

    Goal Setting in Your Volume Photography Business

    What if your business growth wasn't a guessing game? What if you could look at your calendar and know what your revenue will be six months from now? In this episode, Emily Davis breaks down how to set — and actually hit — goals in your volume photography business like a true CEO. You'll learn how to move beyond vague wishes like "book more clients" or "grow on Instagram" and start creating clear, measurable, and achievable goals that drive consistent results. Emily introduces her SMARTER Framework for volume photographers, showing you how to reverse-engineer your goals, track your pipeline, and forecast your revenue with confidence. You'll discover how to set three essential goal types — Revenue, Partnership, and Operational — and how to turn weekly team check-ins into unstoppable momentum. If you're ready to trade chaos for clarity and start leading your business with purpose, this episode is your roadmap. 📸 You'll Learn: How to set goals that are actionable, trackable, and profitable The SMARTER goal framework built specifically for volume photographers How to forecast your revenue using the volume formula The 3 goal types every studio needs to scale predictably Why identity-based goal setting changes everything 🎯 Resources Mentioned: The Booked Solid Challenge — Learn how to build your client pipeline in just 5 days Fanatical Prospecting by Jeb Blount The Best Kept Secret in Photography by Emily Hart Davis Apply for the Coaching Program

    48 min

  11. 10/24/2025

    Overcoming Objections: How to Confidently Sell Volume Photography to Schools and Leagues

    You're talking to a potential school or league… the meeting's going great… and then it happens. "We already have a photographer." "Your prices are too expensive." "Parents don't want photo day." Every volume photographer has heard these before — but the pros know how to turn them into opportunity. In this episode, Emily Hart Davis breaks down exactly how to handle the three most common objections in the volume photography world with confidence, empathy, and strategy. You'll learn how to reframe objections as signs of interest, communicate your value clearly, and guide decision-makers toward saying "yes." Whether you're brand new to volume photography or scaling into six-figure seasons, this episode will give you the mindset and scripts to win more accounts — without sounding pushy or salesy. 📸 You'll learn: How to turn "We already have a photographer" into a future opportunity What to say when your pricing gets compared How to change the conversation when directors say "parents don't want photos" Why objections are actually buying signals, not rejection Love to read books in the volume niche? Go to Amazon to grab your copy of The Best Kept Secret in Photography (releasing 10/28/25) and start building the business that runs — even when you're not behind the camera.

    27 min

  12. 10/22/2025

    The Best Kept Secret in Photography

    What if the freedom, consistency, and income you've been chasing as a photographer have been hiding in plain sight? In this episode, Emily Hart Davis reveals The Best Kept Secret in Photography — the business model that turned her from an overworked solo shooter into the CEO of a thriving studio. You'll discover: Why volume photography is the smartest, most scalable niche in the industry How to build recurring revenue through schools, leagues, and organizations The systems and mindset that allow you to step away from day-to-day chaos Real-world examples of how one photo day can replace a month of portrait sessions If you're tired of hustling for every client and ready to build a photography business that gives you both profit andfreedom, this episode is your wake-up call. Go to Amazon to grab your copy of The Best Kept Secret in Photography (releasing 10/28/25) and start building the business that runs — even when you're not behind the camera.

    19 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Volume Vault - a podcast for volume photographers. Unlock the systems, strategy, and mindset behind scaling a high-profit volume photography business. Hosted by Emily Hart Davis, founder of Click Studios and creator of The Volume Vault, this podcast takes you behind the scenes of building a photography studio that runs like a business — not a side hustle. Each week, you'll learn how to attract the right accounts, grow predictable revenue, hire and lead a team, and finally step out of the daily grind. Whether you're shooting schools, sports, or dance studios, The Volume Vault gives you the tools to scale up and step back — with real-world strategies, transparent conversations, and a roadmap to sustainable growth. Because success in volume photography isn't about hustling harder — it's about building smarter. For more about Emily, visit thevolumevault.com

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