The Raw Files

Vanessa Joy

Welcome to the video podcasts of The Raw Files. A podcast for photography business, technology, education and life.

Episodes

  1. 05/13/2025

    You're Not a Photographer - You're a Salesperson! | The Raw Files

    🎯 Episode Summary: In this episode of The Raw Files, Vanessa Joy sits down with business coach and photographer Joey T to expose a hard truth: most photographers are failing not because of their photos, but because they don’t understand sales. Joey unpacks his journey from psychology to photography to full-time entrepreneurship, revealing the common mindset traps photographers fall into and the strategies he uses to help them scale with purpose. You’ll get real talk on the emotional science behind pricing, the psychology of buying, and how storytelling—not spec sheets—is the secret to closing high-value clients. Whether you're 1 year or 10 years into your business, this episode will challenge how you view your worth, your client experience, and your next move. 📌 Episode Highlights: 1:23 – Joey’s journey: From psychology to photography to full-time coaching 5:02 – Why Joey created Mosaic Creative (and how it helps photographers sell while they sleep) 9:24 – The "steakhouse" pricing analogy and how photographers lose clients with cheap branding 13:48 – The biggest thing photographers are missing in sales education 14:19 – The psychology of value: Emotion first, logic later 16:59 – What happens when clients sell themselves (and why YOU don’t need to push) 22:03 – The power of storytelling in sales—and how to use it in every consultation 23:44 – What separates a 5-year business from a 20-year one Links & Resources: Vanessa's education: https://breatheyourpassion.com Vanessa's mastermind: https://bit.ly/photoinsidermm Joey T’s Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/joeyt.mcrafted/ Visit Vanessa's IG @vanessajoy and DM her "PHOTO MASTERMIND" to learn more Imagen AI: Get your 1500 FREE edits here https://imagenai.com/tips

    26 min
  2. 04/28/2025

    Digital Is Where Photos Go to Die | The Raw Files

    ✨ Episode Summary: In this episode of The Raw Files, Vanessa Joy chats with wedding photographer and business-savvy educator Jen Stitt. From being underpaid by a boss who shot everything on auto to building a thriving photography brand, Jen shares the behind-the-scenes journey of how she went from shooting anything for a paycheck to selling heirloom products that clients cherish forever. This episode dives deep into the real reason many photographers stay stuck: they're afraid to treat their passion like a real business. Jen brings humor, honesty, and wisdom as she talks about valuing your time, raising your profit margins, and why it's okay (and necessary) to say no to clients who aren’t a fit. 🧠 Topic Highlights: 1:07 – Jen’s first photography job (and everything NOT to do) 4:23 – Her father-in-law’s advice that changed everything 8:32 – The transition from hobbyist to business owner 13:15 – Why photographers avoid selling prints (and how Jen overcame it) 15:33 – How to price and offer products without scaring clients 18:30 – How Jen presents 100-page albums for emotional upsells 20:50 – The email trick that sets client expectations and protects your time 20:58 – “Clients are like toddlers”—how to guide them with structure 22:22 – Mistakes she made, including trying to be the right fit for everyone 24:08 – The time a bride asked her to hold her dress while she peed 😂 Links & Resources: Vanessa's education: https://breatheyourpassion.com Vanessa's mastermind: https://bit.ly/photoinsidermm DM Vanessa “PHOTO MASTERMIND” on Instagram @vanessajoy to apply. Jen Stitt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelypairofstitts

    26 min
  3. 02/25/2025

    🚩 Red flags! When to TURN AWAY work

    Episode Summary:Photographers talk a lot about spotting red flags in clients, but what about when photographers need to say no? In this episode, Vanessa Joy dives into the real, unspoken truth about turning down clients. From personality clashes to budget concerns and even those infamous "crazy eyes," learn how to spot warning signs before they become business nightmares. This episode isn't just about protecting your art—it’s about protecting your peace of mind and making sure your business thrives with the right clientele. What You’ll Learn: Why some wedding clients can be a bigger red flag than a bad photographer. The real reason photographers need to turn down certain clients. The types of clients that can lead to unrealistic expectations and chargeback nightmares. How to gracefully say no to a client without burning bridges. Why it’s okay to protect your mental health as a creative. Show Notes: [0:00] Not all bookings are good bookings—learn to spot the red flags early. [06:41] "Crazy eyes" might sound funny, but they’re often an indicator of trouble ahead. [07:14] Clients who stretch their budgets too far often have unrealistic expectations. [10:12] A personality clash can make a wedding day miserable for both parties. [11:23] Priorities matter: If a couple is focused on the wedding over the marriage, it may not be a good fit. Resources & Links: Follow Vanessa Joy on Instagram Join the Photo Insiders community for exclusive content and education, and Shadow A Pro for more in-depth behind the scenes of real weddings and engagements. Subscribe to The Raw Files for more industry insights Connect with Us: Website: vanessajoy.com YouTube: Vanessa Joy Rate & Review:If you loved this episode, let us know! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share it with a fellow photographer. Let’s keep the industry strong together!

    17 min
  4. 01/01/2025

    Can you REALLY Cut it as a REAL Photographer?

    Episode Summary: Let’s talk about the real side of being a photographer. In this episode of “Convos with Winos,” I sit down with Courtney over a glass of wine (or two) to chat about what it takes to build a successful photography business. From leaving the stability of a 9-to-5 to navigating self-doubt and figuring out how to attract the right clients, we’re getting real about the challenges and triumphs of being a creative entrepreneur. If you’ve ever wondered if you have what it takes, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to tackle your goals. Show Notes: Intro: Welcome to “Convos with Winos,” where we sip wine and talk business. Taking the leap: Courtney shares how she transitioned from a steady job to full-time photography. The early hustle: Why the first years are tough but worth every lesson. Balancing life and work: My tips for structuring your day and protecting your mental health. Fighting self-doubt: How to manage anxiety and keep showing up for your business. The power of relationships: Finding clients and building trust in a saturated market. Social media woes: Avoiding the comparison trap while staying authentic online. When it’s time to pivot: Recognizing when your business needs a reset and how to handle it. Thinking bigger: Creating passive income and scaling your photography business. Wrapping up: Final thoughts, favorite wines, and what’s next for “Convos with Winos.” Links & Resources: Follow Courtney: https://www.instagram.com/ckoesterinspired/ AND https://www.instagram.com/cbkoester/ Subscribe on Spotify: The Raw Files Subscribe on YouTube: @VanessaJoy Join my exclusive community: https://thephotoinsiders.com Follow on IG: @vanessajoy and DM me “JOY TECH” for all my secret tools on “How I Get It All Done” for my business and personal life.

    58 min
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to the video podcasts of The Raw Files. A podcast for photography business, technology, education and life.

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