AI Marketing for Photographers: Get Found, Get Chosen, Get Booked (Mary Fisk-Taylor & Kira Derryberry) Cris Duncan of Texas School Off The Record interviews award-winning photographers and former PPA presidents Mary Fisk-Taylor (Hayes & Fisk Photography, Richmond) and Kira Derryberry (Kira Derryberry Photography, Tallahassee), co-hosts of the Get Your Shoot Together podcast, about how AI is changing photography businesses. They argue great images alone aren’t enough; clients buy the feeling, connection, experience, and strong communication, and photographers must deliver proactive, responsive customer service beyond traditional 9–5 expectations. They warn against competing on price, inconsistent marketing, weak websites, and trying to market to everyone, urging specialization and adoption of “answer engine optimization” (AEO) as search shifts from keywords to question-based queries. They recommend auditing sites with tools like ChatGPT/Claude deep research or Semrush and using AI to implement fixes. The episode also previews their Texas School class, “Get Found, Get Chosen, Get Booked: Modern Marketing for Profitability and Sustainability,” April 25–30, 2027. https://texasschool.org/mastering-the-art-business-of-photography/ Website: www.hayesandfisk.com http://kiraderryberryphotography.com https://getyourshoottogether.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/@hayesandfisk https://www.instagram.com/shekira Mary Fisk-Taylor and Kira Derryberry are award-winning photographers, business owners, educators, and former Presidents of the Professional Photographers of America who share a passion for helping photographers build profitable, sustainable businesses. Together they bring more than five decades of combined experience in photography, marketing, business strategy, branding, and client acquisition. Mary Fisk-Taylor is co-owner of Hayes & Fisk Photography in Richmond, Virginia, one of the most respected portrait studios in the region. She is a Past President of Professional Photographers of America, an International Photographic Competition Judge, Master Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, Certified Professional Photographer, Past President of PPA Charities, a five-time Virginia Photographer of the Year, recipient of three PPA National Awards, Diamond Photographer of the Year, ASP Fellow, ASP Education Fellow, Certified StoryBrand Guide, Profit First Professional, and holds certifications in Google Analytics, Google Ads, and HubSpot Email Marketing. Kira Derryberry is owner of Kira Derryberry Photography in Tallahassee, Florida. She is a Past President of Professional Photographers of America, an International Photographic Competition Judge, Master Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, Certified Professional Photographer, and nationally recognized educator. Before opening her studio, Kira worked professionally in web design and advertising, bringing a unique blend of creative and marketing expertise to her photography business. Together, Mary and Kira co-host the popular photography podcast Get Your Shoot Together, where they tackle the real-world challenges photographers face in business, marketing, pricing, technology, and studio ownership. Their combined experience as photographers, educators, volunteers, marketers, and business owners gives them a unique perspective on what it takes to build a photography business that thrives in today's rapidly changing marketplace. Their mission is simple: help photographers get found, get chosen, and get booked. 00:00 Meet Mary and Kira 01:20 Why Great Photos Aren’t Enough 02:28 Sell the Feeling and Experience 03:50 Speed Wins With Clients 06:18 Flex Work and AI Responsiveness 08:09 Common Marketing Mistakes 13:41 AEO Replaces SEO Thinking 20:04 Run an AI Website Audit 23:49 Keeping Up With Rapid Change 28:55 Texas School Class Preview 32:44 Where to Follow and Wrap Up Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win! With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool
