The Photography Club

Sue Shutterbug

This podcast is different because I’m taking you behind the scenes as I grow my business in real time. I’m sharing what I’m working on right now to move the needle—what’s working, what’s not, and the lessons I’m learning along the way. I’ll be honest, vulnerable, and open about the real numbers and data behind it all, so you’re not figuring this out alone. We are growing together every step of the way. Your go-to podcast for all things photography, business, and mindset! Are you an aspiring photographer looking to turn your passion into a thriving business? Then this podcast is for YOU. We are talking all things: Business Strategies: Learn how to build and grow a successful photography business, from marketing tactics to client management and more. Mindset and Growth: Discover how to overcome obstacles and develop a growth-oriented mindset that pushes you toward your dreams. Fun and Laughter: Enjoy moments of silliness with games and confession stories, adding a touch of humor to your day. By tuning in to The Shutterbug Club, you'll gain the knowledge and inspiration to live your dreams, feel empowered, and always know that you've got someone in your corner cheering you on. Subscribe now and join the club – Let's make your dreams a reality!

  1. 3D AGO

    Senior Rep Team for Photographers: What I’d Do Differently With My Senior Rep Senior Model Team

    A senior rep team could completely change your business! Sue Shutterbug shares her helpful insights on running a successful senior rep team, also called a senior model team, including planning, community building, marketing strategies, and lessons learned from her past experiences. Perfect for photographers looking to leverage senior models to grow their business and create memorable experiences. CONNECT WITH SUE https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Senior Model Teams 02:51 Reflecting on Last Year's Team Experience 05:11 Building Community and Bonding Among Team Members 07:22 Event Planning and Execution Challenges 10:27 Navigating Social Media and Marketing Responsibilities 13:14 Referral Strategies and Their Effectiveness 15:46 Destination Photo Shoot Experiences 18:26 Future Improvements and Planning for Next Year 29:35 Exploring New Locations for Photoshoots 30:35 Pricing Strategy for Model Teams 32:18 Reflections on Application Process 35:11 Building an Email Waitlist 36:17 Changes to Future Model Teams 39:01 Rebranding the Model Team 42:02 Timing and Communication Challenges 45:50 Educating Parents on Value 46:59 Creating Excitement with Welcome Boxes 51:18 Teaching Social Media Skills KEYWORDS senior rep team, senior model team, senior photography marketing, how to start a senior rep program, senior model program for photographers, senior rep team marketing ideas, high school senior photographer marketing, how to get senior photography clients, senior portrait business tips, senior photography business growth, senior rep team application tips, social media marketing for photographers, Instagram marketing for senior photographers, senior photo session ideas, client experience for photographers, building a photography community, senior rep team experience ideas, destination senior photoshoots, senior ambassador program photography, how to book more senior sessions

    56 min
  2. APR 7

    Overcoming IMPOSTER Syndrome as a Photographer

    The journey from imposter syndrome to confidently calling yourself a photographer. Discover practical tips on social media strategy, building confidence, and finding your niche in photography. This episode is for anyone who is passionate about photography but a little scared to put themselves out there! CONNECT WITH JACKS! https://www.instagram.com/hamptonandcophotography/ CONNECT WITH SUE https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/ Keywords overcoming imposter syndrome in photography, Effective social media strategies for photographers, Building confidence to call yourself a photographer, Finding and developing your photography niche, Creative approaches to portrait and event photography, Business transition and growth strategies, Effective social media marketing and content creation, Building confidence and authenticity in marketing, Networking and community engagement for photographers,  photography, social media, imposter syndrome, confidence, niche photography, creative portraits, client engagement, photography tips photography, marketing, social media, client acquisition, business growth, confidence, networking, slow season, email marketing, community Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Photography Journey 03:16 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 06:02 Claiming the Photographer Identity 09:14 The Joy of First Photo Shoots 12:01 Navigating Social Media Challenges 14:50 Building Confidence on Camera 16:53 Exploring Creative Photography 19:33 Social Media Strategies and Trends 26:28 Navigating Social Media Challenges 27:14 Evolving Social Media Strategies 31:28 Finding Your Niche in Photography 37:02 Innovative Marketing Ideas 40:40 Handling the Slow Season 43:46 Building Connections for Long-Term Success 46:21 The Shift to Digital Networking 49:02 Building Confidence Through Community Engagement 52:21 Navigating Social Media Marketing 58:51 The Importance of Email Marketing 01:06:50 Embracing Growth and Community Support

    1h 8m
  3. MAR 31

    Photography Tips That Instantly Improve Your Photos

    Amanda Avery shares her insights on mastering the techniques that truly make a photo stand out. We dive into composition, framing, and the small details that can completely transform an image—along with how to create a client experience that helps your subject feel natural and confident in front of the camera. If you’re ready to elevate your photos, refine your style, and create images that actually feel something, this one’s for you. CONNECT WITH AMANDA https://www.instagram.com/amandaaverycaptureco/ CONNECT WITH SUE https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/ Keywords photography composition tips, how to take better photos, what makes a good photo, beginner photography tips, professional photography techniques, how to pose clients naturally, candid photography tips, client experience photography, how to make clients feel comfortable in photos, natural light photography tips, framing and composition photography, rule of thirds photography, storytelling through photography, emotional photography techniques, location scouting photography, how to find photo locations, photography workflow from shoot to edit, photo editing tips lightroom, how to develop a photography style, how to make photos look professional Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Photography Passion 05:55 The Importance of Client Relationships 11:41 Technical Aspects of Photography 17:58 Lighting and Its Impact on Photography 26:24 Capturing Authentic Moments 31:41 Creative Approaches to Photography 40:21 The Importance of Composition and Detail 53:22 The Art of Editing: Finding Your Style 01:00:23 Navigating Burnout and Finding Your Why

    1h 7m
  4. MAR 17

    Get Inspiration Through Creative writing

    Sophie Fraro a published author and social media content creator discusses the power of writing for reflection, creativity, and business growth, offering practical tips for integrating writing into daily routines and leveraging social media for creative entrepreneurs. CONNECT WITH SOPHIE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiefraro/ Check out her book: https://www.amazon.de/Ibiza-sisters-wild-hearts-salty/dp/B0G6SJ9NQB CONNECT WITH SUE https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Creative Writing 02:00 Sophie Ferraro's Writing Journey 05:22 The Process of Publishing Books 07:32 The Role of Writing in Self-Reflection 10:28 Connecting Emotionally Through Writing 13:52 Finding Inspiration and Overcoming Writer's Block 20:35 Morning Reflections: The Power of Journaling 22:05 Journaling vs. Creative Writing: Understanding the Difference 24:59 The Evolution of Creative Writing: From Struggle to Flow 27:08 Creative Challenges for Photographers: Storytelling Through Images 29:00 Building a Creative Social Media Presence: Strategies and Insights 31:41 Narrowing Your Niche: Finding Your Voice on Social Media 34:08 The Shift in Instagram: Carousels vs. Reels 36:02 Creating Engaging Carousel Posts: A Step-by-Step Process 38:22 The Impact of Social Media on Business Growth 40:35 Starting from Scratch: Building a Social Media Strategy 42:41 Managing Social Media Overwhelm: Finding Balance 42:47 Advice to My Younger Self: Perseverance and Passion Keywords writing, creativity, social media growth, storytelling, journaling, creative writing, photography, content creation, personal development

    44 min
  5. Why Clients Keep Coming Back

    MAR 10

    Why Clients Keep Coming Back

    I walk through a marketing idea I’m testing in my own photography business and unpack the difference between attracting random customers vs creating true fans who keep coming back and telling their friends. We talk about: • Why most marketing tactics feel manipulative (and how to avoid that) • The difference between a transaction and real brand trust • How to turn curiosity into connection with potential clients • Simple ways photographers can build loyal communities instead of chasing new leads If you’re a photographer or small business owner who wants to grow in a way that actually feels aligned with your values, this episode will give you a new perspective on how to turn everyday clients into your biggest supporters. CONNECT WITH SUE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug Keywords photography marketing strategy, senior photographer marketing, how photographers get more clients, build loyal photography clients, photography business marketing tips, start with why marketing, photography brand building, how to get repeat photography clients, photography client experience, photography word of mouth marketing, photography business growth tips, how photographers build trust with clients, senior photography business tips, photography marketing ideas for small towns, turning clients into loyal fans, photography client retention strategies, photography brand loyalty, how to market a senior photography business, authentic marketing for photographers, photography business podcast topics

    34 min
  6. MAR 3

    When Your Business Gets Flipped Upside Down FT Sarah Wagner

    In this conversation, Sue and Sarah Wagner discuss planning long term and how to pivot your business when things don't go as planned. This episode focuses on the importance of adapting to changes, learning from failures, and finding balance in life and work. Sarah shares her journey from corporate life to running a successful photography business, the impact of natural disasters on her work, and the lessons learned from her ventures into online education and wedding photography. They emphasize the significance of self-care, support systems, and long-term planning for sustainable growth in the photography industry. CONNECT WITH SARAH https://www.instagram.com/chasingcreativemedia CONNECT WITH SUE https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug KEYWORDS photography, business, pivots, online education, wedding photography, self-care, entrepreneurship, growth, life changes, inspiration, creative burnout, shifting niches, client relationships, booking seasons, portfolio evolution, pricing strategy, referral networks, location challenges, brand direction, workflow changes Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sarah Wagner and Her Photography Journey 03:33 Navigating Business Pivots and Challenges 07:27 The Struggles of Online Education and Self-Doubt 11:47 Finding Support and Taking Breaks 15:48 Exploring Weddings and Elopements 21:45 Shifting Focus to Studio Photography and IPS Model 26:43 Building a Business Around Life 29:06 Learning from Past Experiences 32:12 Strategic Pivots in Business 33:50 Preparing for Life Changes 37:06 Maintaining Passion and Quality 37:48 Finding Balance and Grace 39:41 Rediscovering Creativity 41:12 Transformations Through Pivots 43:00 Advice for Future Success

    45 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

This podcast is different because I’m taking you behind the scenes as I grow my business in real time. I’m sharing what I’m working on right now to move the needle—what’s working, what’s not, and the lessons I’m learning along the way. I’ll be honest, vulnerable, and open about the real numbers and data behind it all, so you’re not figuring this out alone. We are growing together every step of the way. Your go-to podcast for all things photography, business, and mindset! Are you an aspiring photographer looking to turn your passion into a thriving business? Then this podcast is for YOU. We are talking all things: Business Strategies: Learn how to build and grow a successful photography business, from marketing tactics to client management and more. Mindset and Growth: Discover how to overcome obstacles and develop a growth-oriented mindset that pushes you toward your dreams. Fun and Laughter: Enjoy moments of silliness with games and confession stories, adding a touch of humor to your day. By tuning in to The Shutterbug Club, you'll gain the knowledge and inspiration to live your dreams, feel empowered, and always know that you've got someone in your corner cheering you on. Subscribe now and join the club – Let's make your dreams a reality!