Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Photography Breakthrough System
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| Podcast Episode 2 - The Secret Reason Some Photographers Get Booked Without Hustling | 11 Aug 2025 | 00:06:55 | |
Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. Where you don't just learn how to get more clients. You learn how to create photo experiences that change lives, including your own. I'm photographer Matthew Jordan Smith, and today I want to talk about something that used to keep me up at night. Why do some photographers get booked effortlessly? While many are doing everything they can and just barely scraping by, if that question hits home, if you've ever looked at someone's feed and thought, what am I doing wrong? You're going to want to stay with me today because today I'm sharing the secret reason some photographers stay fully booked even when they're not posting, constantly running ads or fighting for attention, and it's probably not for the reasons that you think. Let's start with the truth. Yes. Some photographers really don't hustle the way others do. They're not glued to their phones. They're not constantly chasing leads, but what they are doing is this. They're creating something so emotionally impactful that people talk about it even when they're not around their work. The sessions make people feel something and that feeling spreads. Maybe they say, I felt seen, I felt beautiful for the first time in years. Or maybe they're saying, oh, she captured the version of me I forgot existed. When you create that kind of experience. Your clients become your marketing team, not out of obligation, out of gratitude, Let's be honest, most photographers are taught to think like this, do a great job, deliver pretty pictures. Hope they come back. But that's not how most working photographers do it. They're not delivering transactions, they're delivering transformations. And here's the part, no one talks about. Transformation doesn't start with your lens. It starts with how you see your client before they ever enter your space, before you ever lift your camera. When your client walks into your session and you are already holding them in a space of care, presence and belief in their beauty, they eel that. They let their guard down, they stop performing. They put down those guards that keep them from being who they truly are. They let you see them, And when they see the final images and it reflects back something powerful and true. They may even begin to cry. I'm not kidding. They share. They come back, they tell all their friends. That's the secret. Now, once again, I'm not just making this up out of nowhere after 38 years of working. As a photographer photographing some of the most famous people on the planet. I've seen how people act when they feel seen. You may think that, oh, the biggest celebrities are used to taking pictures, and yes, that may be true, but how they act in front of the lens is more cautious than the average person because that image in many cases is all that people see. And with that on the line, there's a lot of pressure. So to get through to the emotional part of your clients where you actually see them, not the celebrity, not the icon, not the sports legend. When you see them, you get to pull out the true essence of that person. That's the secret. Now, this isn't about being better or more talented, it's about being more intentional. You can start today by asking, what do I want my clients to feel about themselves by the end of this shoot? Try that on your next photo shoot. Before you go in, before you put your lens to your eye, ask yourself, what do you want your client to feel about themself by the end of the photo shoot, confidence, softness, sexy, powerful, radiance, how would you like them to feel and which can you do? As a photographer to make them feel that way during the shoot. Then design the questions that you want to ask them as you're shooting. It's your shoot. It's your energy around helping them feel that way. That's how you build a magnetic business, not by just shooting louder, but by connecting deeper. So if you've ever wondered why am I working so hard and still not getting booked, it's not because you are not enough, it's because no one taught you to create a photo experience that people feel deep in their soul. But that's why. This podcast exists. Next week I'll be sharing the simple shift that made my clients start crying in the best way when they saw their images and how that changed my business forever. Until then, I want to leave you with this. You don't need more hustle, you need more heart, and I promise you already have that in you. Thanks for listening. Always dream big. Bye for now. Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.
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| Podcast Episode 1 - Why You're Not Getting Consistent Clients (And What No One Tells You) | 04 Aug 2025 | 00:07:36 | |
Let me ask you a question. Why do you think you are not getting consistent clients? Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. The place where burnt out photographers come back to life. Where fear gets replaced with confidence and where your gift finally starts working for you, not against you. I am your host, Matthew Jordan Smith. If you've ever sat on your couch wondering, am I meant to be a photographer? Or maybe even thinking, what am I doing wrong? Should I give up and get a real job? Or maybe this just isn't meant for me. You are not alone. And you are exactly who this podcast is for. Today's episode is called Why You're Not Getting Consistent Clients and What No One Tells You. There's a Lie that gets Repeated in this industry. The lie is. If you were just more visible, more polished, more active online, you'd be booked all the time. So we blame ourselves. We think it must be me. Maybe I'm, maybe I'm just not cut out for this. I'm not meant to be a photographer, but here's what no one tells you and what I need you to hear. You are not failing because you're not talented. You're not failing because you are lazy. You're not failing because you're charging too much. You're struggling because no one taught you how to create a photo experience that transforms people, and that's. What keeps the photography business alive, plain and simple. I'm not just saying this out the blue. I've been making a living as a photographer for over 30 years and trust me, I've been through the ups and downs of this industry, and now I see so many young photographers and old as well. Struggling, just trying to figure this whole industry out. So what do people really pay for? People don't actually book shoots because they want some nice pictures. Yeah, of course people do want to have great pictures of themselves, but deep inside, that's not the real reason. They book you because they're hoping quietly, secretly. To see themselves differently. I should say that again. So it really resonates. People book you because they're trying to see themselves, the part they don't see the part they want others to see. They want to feel beautiful again. They want to feel powerful. They want to feel something. That's your job as a photographer to make people feel something. And most photographers were taught how to pose, how to edit, what lens to use, what light to use. Now, yes, that stuff does have its place. It is important. I'm not saying it's not. But it's not the end all, be all that we are taught. What people aren't talking about is how to create that emotional shift that our clients crave. That's the missing piece. That's the real reason why some photographers stay booked without begging. Without burnout, without endless content creation and without lowering their prices. So let me offer you this shift today. You are not just a photographer. You are a witness, a mirror, a guide. And if you learn to guide, well, you'll be booked all the time. If your mirror is clean, where you reflect back, you'll be booked all the time. You get to show people the version of themselves they've forgotten, or even in some cases that they've never seen. That moment when your client sees themselves for the first time, there is nothing like it. You can feel it and they can too. Maybe they say, wow, is that really me? That's not about lighting my friend. That's transformation. And that is how your business will thrive. Because when people feel something, they remember you, they talk about you, they come back. It's called consistent clients. Now if this stirs something in you, and I hope it does, if your heart is saying, yes, this is what I've been missing, then stay with me. This is the first podcast of many. My name is Matthew Jordan Smith. You can find me on Instagram under the name Matthew Jordan Smith. I'm here for you to dispel all the heartache and drama that you may be going through. I this podcast is your new place to learn how to turn your photography into life changing experiences. For your clients, for you, for your family, for your future. I'll be here every week for you. All you've gotta do is tune in. I guarantee you everything I share is gonna help turn your life around. Turn your business around. Do me a favor, hit subscribe and then follow me on Instagram. Thank you for listening. Always dream big. Bye for now.
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| Pre - Show Episode - Welcome to The Empowered Photographer Podcast | 28 Jul 2025 | 00:05:53 | |
Hello, hello and welcome. I'm so deeply glad you are here. This is the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. And this short pre-show episode is here to tell you what this space is all about, who it's for, and why it might just change everything for your photography business. Whether it's your hobby or your business, or you are in between somewhere. This podcast is going to make a big difference for you and your photography. Let me start with a question. Have you ever sat down alone after a long day and asked yourself, why isn't this working? You love photography. You are good at it, and you know it, but the clients, they aren't consistent. The bookings are unpredictable. And the pricing game, you feel like you're on the losing side. The fear of burnout or giving up is always right there just under the surface. If that's you, this podcast was made just for you. Every week, we'll dive into powerful focused episodes made just to help you, to get consistent soul aligned clients. Build a business around real transformation, not hustle. Create photo experiences that make your clients feel seen, beautiful, and unforgettable. Because the truth is, you don't need to shout louder on Instagram. You need to create something so emotionally powerful that your clients become your biggest fans, not just because of your photos, but because of how you make them feel. So who is this podcast for? If you are a photographer and you photograph people in any way, portraits, branding, headshots, families, boudoir, you name it. If you work with people and you want to be more than just a picture taker, if you want your work to mean something, to change lives. This podcast is for you. If you want to grow your hobby into a business. And finally, feel steady and satisfied, if you want to quit that JOB and do what you love as a living, this podcast is your home. We'll leave each episode with clarity, confidence, and concrete ideas you can use right away. A brand new episode will drop every single week. These are short, 10, 15 minute episodes, so I won't take up a lot of your time, but I promise you every second of your time with me will be spent wisely and geared toward helping you achieve your dreams and your goals. I'm here for you. Because I've been there, I know how hard it can be, and I've seen so many photographers just frustrated trying to figure it all out. You're not alone. I'm here to help. You can listen while you walk, while you edit your pictures while you're in the gym, or just in between doing shots. Now to celebrate the launch of this podcast, I've got something special for you. And to add a little more soul to this podcast, my new book about the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Called Aretha Cool is officially out. And to celebrate, I'm putting it on sale all this first week on Amazon. Aretha cool is about legacy, identity, beauty, and the quiet power of choosing to see yourself and others with reverence. Aretha cool is the last 13 years of Aretha Franklin's life. It's me, honoring my friend in pictures, and yes, a few stories along the way as well. The book includes the last official photo shoot of Aretha Franklin. The book has been out a little over a year now, but there are less than a hundred copies left. So if you want to grab yours, do so now. It is on sale this first week until they're all gone. Again. You can find the book on Amazon right now under Aretha cool. Or check out the link in the show notes. Once again, the name of the book, Aretha Cool. Available on Amazon. Now back to the podcast. So welcome. You belong here. Your work matters more than you know. I'm gonna help you make it stronger. You're not going to have to figure this all out alone anymore. Together, let's change the way photography feels for you and for the people you photograph. I'm so glad you're here. Let's begin. Until next week bye for now. Always dream big. | |||
| Podcast Episode 3 - From “ Just a Shoot ” to a Life - Changing Experience: The Power of Transformation | 18 Aug 2025 | 00:07:42 | |
Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. If you're just finding us, welcome, welcome. This is where we turn photography into a deeper calling, a steady business, and an unforgettable experience for both you. And for your clients. I'm photographer Matthew Jordan Smith, and today we're diving into one of the most important shifts you can make in your photography business. How to move from offering just a photo shoot to creating a life changing experience. If you've ever felt like your work was just getting lost in the noise, if clients treat you like a service instead of like an artist, if bookings feel transactional instead of transformational, this episode is just for you. Here's the truth. We live in a world overflowing with pretty pictures. There are more pictures today than at any point in the history of photography. Anyone can take a decent photo now. Phones have portrait mode. Filters are everywhere. AI can retouch better than most people. So if we're only selling pictures, we're competing with everything and everyone. But here's what you can't automate, filter, or copy. The way you make people feel in your presence, the way you make them see themselves. We're talking about an emotional shift that happens when someone steps in front of your lens and walks away forever changed. Let me just paint a picture. Your client walks into your space. They're nervous. They're thinking about their flaws. They're hoping they don't look awkward. They're quietly bracing for judgment, but instead they're met with warmth, curiosity, calm. You ask real questions. You show that you care. You create safety. You help them breathe. All this happens before you ever raise your camera. When you finally lift your camera to your eye, you're not just looking for flattering angles, you're looking for their truth. You are photographing their energy, not just their face. Later when they see their images, something clicks, no, let's back up. Before they ever see their images, they feel something during the shoot. It's hard to put it into words, but if you master this, you can feel it. And so can everybody in the room. When they finally see their pictures, they say things like, I've never seen myself like that. That's how I want to feel every day. You didn't just take my picture, you gave me something special. That's not just a shoot that my friend is transformation. Now, when you create transformation, not just deliverables, your business changes, you change clients. Remember you. They talk about you, they refer you, not because they need photos, but because they want their sister, their friend, their mother, to feel what they felt. Your pricing, that becomes less of a question. Your calendar feels more steadily. Your work feels meaningful again. And here's the most important part, the most beautiful part. You don't need to sell anything because the experience becomes the product. Maybe you're asking, okay, Matthew. How do I start this? You don't need to change everything overnight. Just start here before your next shoot. Ask yourself, how do I want this person to feel about themselves before they leave? This is not about you, it's about your clients. Then build everything around that feeling. Your prep, your energy, your words, your pace, your editing. Transformation doesn't come from what you do, it comes from how you do it. So. If you've been feeling like just another photographer, if you're craving more connection, more meaning, more steady bookings, the path forward isn't louder. Marketing, it's deeper experiences. This is what we're building here together. When you do that, clients feel special. And yes, during the photo shoot they may shed a tear, not because they're sad, but because they're filled with joy and that joy just overflows through their tears. I've had these experiences over and over again in my shoots. And I want you to experience that too because it is magical. This is a deeper experience and this is what we're building here together. You see, you were never meant to just take pictures. You were meant to change lives, starting with your own. Thank you for listening. You're not alone. This is the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. . If this episode resonated with you and you want more people to discover this kind of support, here's how you can help. Please take a moment and rate and review the podcast. Leave a five star review if you found it valuable. It truly makes a difference in helping other photographers find this work and feel less alone. Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss a new episode. We drop a fresh one every single week. Full of clarity, strategy, and encouragement, and come connect with me on Instagram. You'll find behind the scenes thoughts, live, encouragement, and many more tools to help you thrive. Find me at Matthew Jordan Smith on Instagram. I'd love to hear from you. Until next time, always dream big. Bye for now.
Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.
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| Podcast Episode 4 - How to Make Your Clients Feel Seen (and Why It Makes You More Bookings) | 25 Aug 2025 | 00:08:03 | |
Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. The place where you stop chasing clients and start creating experiences that transform lives and build loyalty and consistent clients. A consistent business. I'm photographer Matthew Jordan Smith, and today we're going deep into something that would change your work and your bookings forever. How to make your clients feel truly seen and why that. More than marketing, lighting, or posing is the key to steady soul aligned clients. You probably already know this. Pretty pictures. They aren't enough anymore. Here's the thing. We live in a world overflowing with nice pictures, but people aren't starving for another pretty picture. They're starving to feel something, to feel beautiful, to feel seen, to feel powerful, to feel like they matter. Most people walk through life feeling unseen, even by themselves. So when someone steps in front of your lens and feels truly witnessed, not judged, not rushed, not reduced, but seen, that moment becomes unforgettable. That moment is what gets remembered, referred and shared. So how do you make people feel seen? Making your clients feel seen starts before you ever touch your camera. It starts with your presence, your energy, and your questions. So here's three questions for you to ask every single client before you photograph them. Number one. What would you like to feel when you see your images? Most people never think about this, but when you ask, it gets them connected to their inner world, not just their outer appearance. You'll hear answers like, I want to feel strong. I want to remember. Who I am. I want to see myself the way my partner sees me Now, you're not just photographing them, you're photographing a feeling. Question number two, what part of yourself are you learning to love? Now, this may seem like an odd question, but recently after a photo shoot, the whole crew went to dinner and I photographed a gentleman and a lot of men don't share things like this, but after the shoot, the person who I photographed told me that he, for the first time went through. A, a change. He changed his hairstyle. He, he bought glasses and he felt like in the pictures he was finally being himself. Now, if you don't know, I live in Japan and during the photo shoot, the gentleman who I photographed, wore a new version of a kimono. It was a kimono that is half kimono and half Western suit, but beautiful. I photographed him in a way where he felt like a modern day samurai. He told me he felt like his ancestors were with him. It was incredible. So now. Let me ask that second question again. What part of yourself are you learning to love? Maybe it's the part of you that you've never seen. Maybe it's the part of you that's hidden deep in your heart. When you ask these kinds of questions, it helps them feel safe in being real. It shifts the shoot from performance to intimacy, and it gives you powerful insight into how to guide them gently, not just physically, but emotionally. Through the experience of your photo shoot. Question number three, when was the last time you felt truly seen by someone? Now, yes, this question goes deep. It opens stories, it tells you where the wounds are. And where the breakthroughs can happen. If they say, I don't know, that's your chance to be that person for them today, to truly see them and let them shine. When you do this, when you help someone feel safe, feel beautiful, feel handsome. Feel seen. They don't just remember their photos, they remember you. They talk about the experience. They refer you not because of your price, but because of how you made them feel about themselves. They come back 'cause they felt something they want to feel again. This is how steady clients happen, how steady bookings happen. This is how your work becomes word of mouth magnetic. This is how your confidence grows Impostor syndrome vanished because you know you're creating real impact. So if you want to make your work, stand out. If you want your clients to stay, refer and feel something real. Start here. Ask better questions, create deeper presence and make them feel truly seen. If this episode spoke to you, truly spoke to your heart, and you're ready to make your photography transformational, take the next step when you follow me on Instagram. I'm under Matthew Jordan Smith. Come join my email list There. You'll find more support and ways to connect it deeper. And if you loved today's episode, please leave a five star review. It helps other photographers find this work. Subscribe so you don't miss next week's episode. And again, follow me on Instagram. I'm under Matthew Jordan Smith. I share tips behind the scenes moments and connection daily. You're not just a photographer. You're someone who helps people see themselves, and that my friend is extremely powerful. I'll see you next week. Bye for now. Oh, and don't forget, always dream big. Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.
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| Podcast Episode 5 - Confidence Through Your Lens: A New Way to Sell Photography | 01 Sep 2025 | 00:06:16 | |
Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. The place where your photography becomes more than just a service. It becomes a movement, a message, and a source of consistent clients and consistent income. I'm photographer Matthew Jordan Smith, and today's episode is all about confidence. How you see it. How you create it and how it becomes the new way to sell photography without hustling, chasing, or begging for bookings. Let's be real. Most photographers are taught. To sell by focusing on features, high res images, quick turnaround, expert retouching, 10 edited files. But guess what? Your dream clients aren't moved by pixels and packages. They're moved by emotion. And the deepest emotional reason. People book photographers, they want to feel confident again. They want to see themselves through eyes of love, strength, beauty, and power, and that's exactly what your lens can offer. Let's. Shift the frame a little bit. What if your work isn't about deliverables, but about transformation? You see confidence through the lens means creating a session where your client feels safe, celebrated, and powerful. Seeing your client in their highest light Before they can even see it themselves, crafting an experience that says you are worthy of being seen like this. You see when your client walks away. From a session saying, I had no idea I could look and feel like that. That's confidence. And confidence is magnetic. So what's the new way to sell your work? You don't need to convince people to book you. You need to connect with what they want to feel. So start talking about what your work does, not just what it includes. Your website, your captions, your conversations. They should speak to the emotion of confidence. Say things like, for example, . My sessions are designed to help you see yourself in a new way Or. These aren't just portraits, they're mirrors of your power, or better yet, this is for the version of you that's ready to feel unstoppable. You see, because when someone believes that your photos will help them feel more confident, the sale becomes easy. They're not buying pictures. They're buying how they want to feel about themselves. So how do you start shifting the message? . Here's your action steps. Look at your website, your bio, and the last few posts you've made on social media. Are they describing files and packages or feelings and experiences? Do this today. Add one confidence focused sentence to your next post, for example. Most of my clients tell me they've never felt more comfortable than during our shoot or create a testimonial script that asks clients, how do you feel before the shoot? How do you feel after what changed for you? Start asking these questions. Their answers become powerful selling tools because they show others what's possible Through your work, I hope you're starting to see your camera isn't just capturing images, it's capturing who someone is becoming. When you offer confidence through your lens, you're no longer competing on price. You are offering value no one else can replicate. This is the new way to sell photography from transformation, not transaction from soul, not scarcity. Now if this episode made a connection with you, here's how you can support the podcast. Leave a five star review if this is helping you grow. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. And follow me on Instagram at Matthew Jordan Smith. I'd love to connect and hear how you're shifting your photography into this new way of doing business. The funny thing about confidence, it's contagious and your lens, it can be the spark. Thank you for giving me your time. I love spending it with you. I hope you've enjoyed this. If you have, again, please come back next week. There's so much more to share. Until next week, always dream big. Bye for now. Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.
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| Podcast Episode 6 - Are You a Photographer or a Mirror? How to Reflect the Best in People | 07 Sep 2025 | 00:09:04 | |
Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I'm your host, Matthew Jordan Smith. This is the place where we turn your lens into a source of confidence, healing, steady clients, and steady income. I'm so glad you are here. Today's episode may be one of the most personal ones yet. It's called, are You a Photographer or a Mirror? How to Reflect the Best in People. I want to invite you to sit with this, not just as a photographer, but as an artist, a human being, someone who holds the power to transform how people see themselves. Let's begin today. The truth you already know, but maybe you haven't put it into words. \ Most people don't actually like having their photos taken. They come in already bracing for the worst, already holding shame, already carrying stories like I hate how I look in pictures. I know you've heard that. I've heard it so many times. Or maybe they're saying, please don't make me smile too big. I hate my teeth. Or I'm not photogenic. I've never been. If you are a photographer, you've heard all of these things, and I'm sure more than once. Now what they're really saying beneath all of this is this. I've never seen a version of myself I could love. They don't need another photo. They need a mirror. Now, what does that mean? Being someone's mirror doesn't mean flattery. It doesn't mean perfection or performance. It means being deeply present. It means seeing through the self-criticism that so many people have. And looking into the truth that's still there, looking for their strength, their softness, their radiance, really looking into their soul. When someone steps in front of your camera, you're not just capturing their image, you're holding space for them to see themselves differently. That's really what they want. To say, look, this is who you are, even if no one told you, even if you forgot. This is what makes people cry when they see their images. This is also what makes them come back. And this my friend, is what makes them refer you with words. Like She didn't just take my photograph. She reminded me who I am. Um, Now? How do you reflect the best in people? Here's how to get started before you shoot. Before you even lift your camera, ask yourself what's beautiful about this person that they may not know? Hold that thought like it's your camera. Let it shape your tone, your direction, your presence during your photo shoot, and keep that thought in your mind. What's beautiful about this person that they may not know that they don't see about themselves? Then speak what you see. Don't just say, oh, you look great. Say the way your eyes soften when you talk about your daughter. I see you love her. Or there's a strength in your posture right now. Hold that that's real. You see, when your words reflect truth, the truth that you see that they may not see themselves, your lens doesn't have to do all the work. The person begins to shift right in front of you. And you shift too, you start photographing their energy and not just their face. Try this out on your next shoot. Ask real questions while you're doing the photo shoot. Something like, tell me about something you are proud of, or what's one part of you that you're learning to love or something like this? What's something you wish people saw in you? You'll be surprised by the answers. As a matter of fact, their face will change with the answer. Their body will soften, and in that moment when you take that picture. It is not just a picture. You're capturing their truth and yours too. If you've never done this before, yes, it may feel uncomfortable. But here's the business part of all this. When someone feels seen, they remember it. They return, they tell their friends, not just she takes great pictures, but she showed me a version of myself I didn't know was there. You shift in people's mind. You're not just a a service provider. You become a chapter in their healing, a witness to their becoming. Have you ever read that book by Viola Davis Finding me? This is how you help people find themselves. This is how you become booked with without begging. This is how your name spreads in rooms. You are not even in. This is how your work becomes alive. Now, I know this is not for everybody, but maybe it's for you. If you've ever felt like you were meant for something deeper with your photography than this is for you. If you're tired of chasing trends or being just another option, this is for you. If you know your photo sessions have the power to shift people, but you weren't sure how to access that fully, this is made just for you. This is your path. You are not just a photographer. You are the mirror, the reflection, and you're someone who reflects the best in people, not through flattery, but through truth. And when you do that consistently, intentionally, and with love. People feel it. Your business is going to grow in a way that feels right. I know I've given you a lot today, but this is the question I'll leave with you today. What version of your client are you reflecting? Are you reflecting their fears or their fire, their insecurities or their essence? Let your next photo session be your mirror. When that shows them how radiant they really are. Now if this episode moved you, helped you reframe the way you think about photography, or gave you a new sense of purpose, do me a favor, leave a five star review. It helps more photographers find this kind of support. Subscribe, so you never miss a new episode and come connect with me on Instagram at Matthew Jordan Smith. I had love to hear how you felt about this episode. I want to leave you with this today. When you become a mirror, a true kind, powerful mirror, you don't just build a business, you change lives. And really, that's what you were always meant for. And to be truthful, that's what we're all meant for. Until next week. Bye for now. Always dream big.
Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.
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| Podcast Episode 8 - Stop Trying to Be for Everyone, Here’s How to Find the Clients Who Love You | 21 Sep 2025 | 00:07:00 | |
If you are trying to please everyone, you are actually pleasing no one. Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I. where we turn fear and burnout into confidence. And consistent clients I'm Matthew Jordan Smith, photographer and your inspirational host. And today we're talking about something that might just unlock that next level of your photography. Letting go of trying to please everyone. I, if your marketing feels scattered, your bookings feel unpredictable. And you're constantly adjusting your prices or your style to fit what you think people want. This episode is for you. If you are a photographer is a good chance. You've heard the term niche down. But this is more than just about your genre of photography. The deeper issue is. Photographers often try to be liked by everyone because they're afraid of not being booked at all. So they'll take everything that comes to them. If someone says, oh, can you photograph my car? Sure. Can you photograph my children? Sure. Can you do babies? Absolutely. Can you do weddings? I'll do it. Can you do flowers? You get the idea. Any and every job that comes your way, you're going to take it because you are afraid of not being booked at all. Sadly, this is common, but listen closely. When you water yourself down to appeal to everyone, you blend in, you become a commodity. All that leads to is undercharging, unclear messaging clients who don't respect boundaries and burnout. If your brand is for everyone, it speaks to no one. You have to niche down. So how do you find the clients that love you? Well, let's first talk about your past clients, who gave you that right energy, who raved about their experience. I want you to stop for a second and just think about that. Think about all your past clients. Who raved about their experience working with you? What did they value most about your photography? These are important questions that you need to ask yourself next. Define what you actually stand for as a photographer. What's your deeper why? What kind of transformation are you offering? That's right. I didn't say pictures. Transformation. Maybe it's helping women feel beautiful after a breakup or capturing real laughter in chaotic family life. As a photographer, you need to create clarity. Let people know who it's for and who it's not for. It's okay to say no. Let's go through a few examples. This is for the woman who never felt photogenic before. Think about how powerful that is. For the woman who has never felt photogenic. Yes. I want that to simmer for a second. This is not. For someone who's just looking for those cookie cutter school portraits, let your personality show talk, like you would to your dream client in real life. Your quirks, your voice, your approach. That's what builds emotional resonance. So what happens when you do this? You attract clients who are pre-sold on you, no convincing needed. Word of mouth improves because people now know how to describe you and what you do as a photographer, you can raise your prices with less resistance because people want what you have. It's not cookie cutter. And your work gets stronger because you are in your creative zone more often, doing what you love, doing what you do best. , You go from just another photographer to someone. Clients connect with who they trust and who they remember. This is how you make a transformation in the minds of your clients. And your new potential clients. Now, if you're ready to stop feeling like you have to twist yourself into a different shape for every inquiry, this is your permission to let that go. The more you are you, the more magnetic your business becomes. The more chance you go from having a hobby to having a real business, stop trying to please everyone. Be deeply for someone, the right someone. That's how you get clients to love you and who talk about you to everyone else. If this episode hit home, give it a five star review. It helps photographers like you find this podcast. And I'd love to hear from you. So do me a favor, jump on over to Instagram. You'll find me under my name, Matthew. That's with two T's, Matthew Jordan Smith. Follow me there and let me know what you thought about this episode. I'd love to hear from you and love to connect. When you do follow. I'll share a lot more helpful content behind the scenes content, and more tips to help you have a stronger presence as a photographer. I want to thank you for your time. Thank you for being here. Please share the love, tell a friend. We are all on this journey together. All right, until next week, always dream big. Bye for now. | |||
| ️Podcast Episode 7 - You Don ’t Need a New Camera, You Need This! | 14 Sep 2025 | 00:08:23 | |
Do you have friends who love talking about camera gear? I know I do, and I'm sure you do too. You're gonna love this episode. Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. Where we go way beyond gear talk. And get to the root of what makes your photography business not only work but thrive. I'm photographer Matthew Jordan Smith, and today's episode is especially for those who love to talk about gear, we've all heard it. Maybe I just need a new camera or a new lens. Or maybe if I upgrade my gear, then I'll get more clients. Or once I get that new lens business will finally pick up. I've heard it all, and I must admit at one point I was guilty of the same thing, wanting the latest, greatest, the newest shiny object. Does any of that sound familiar? If you are a portrait photographer, wedding photographer, headshot photographer, personal branding, photographer, boudoir, you name it, if you photograph people and you're looking for real ways to grow your photography business, stand out in the crowd, attract more paying clients. This episode is made just for you. I know this from experience, gear obsession can be a real distraction and a real problem. Let's start today with some really hard truths. Buying new gear is easier than fixing your client experience. Cameras, lenses, lights, they're fun. They're amazing. They're tangible. They feel like progress. And don't get me wrong, great tools do matter. But they are not why your clients book you. In fact, some of the most successful, consistently booked photographers I know don't even own the latest gear. They own something else. They know how to make people feel something. They create an experience that builds trust, confidence, and yeah, there's word of mouth. That my friend is what you really need. You don't need the latest, greatest camera gear, lighting gear, tools. You need the ability to make someone say, that was the first time I actually felt comfortable in front of somebody's lens. You see when they say that you didn't just take a headshot, you help somebody show up differently. That is what people pay for. So why are most photographers staying stuck these days? So many talented photographers invest heavily in gear master lighting setups, master posing, build slick websites, , but struggle to get clients. Why? Because they've never been taught how to connect emotionally with the people in front of their lens. You know how to shoot, you know how to edit, but do you know how to create an experience that clients can't stop talking about? That's the missing link between skill and income. So what do you really need? Let me give it to you straight. What you need more than another piece of equipment is emotional intelligence, client presence, confidence that transfers to your subject. And the ability to see someone fully and help them feel seen, that's the kind of experience that keeps your calendar full. And yes, this applies to men and women, but this isn't about being emotional. It's about being intentional. It's about understanding that your photographs are only as powerful as the experience you give people when you create them. So how do you create those kind of experiences that people talk about? Let's talk real business. Now. When you create a shoot that makes your clients feel confident, seen and respected, you don't have to fight for bookings anymore. Why? Because people talk about it. They remember how you made them feel. They refer you to their network. And they come back. Your work starts to carry a reputation that marketing can't touch. That's how you grow, not by shouting louder, but building deeper. Deeper connections. Maybe you're wondering how you can start today, how you start building this kind of experience. Here's your action plan. Stop hiding behind gear. Your gear is fine. You are enough right now. Instead, focus on your clients. Ask your next client before the shoot. What do you want to feel when you look at these images? However they answer. Let your shoot be built around that feeling. Pay attention to how they carry themselves when they walk in the door. Are they nervous? Are they feeling rushed, insecure? Your calm presence sets the tone. Speak to what you see, reflect back strength, pride, confidence. Try saying you look like someone who knows who they are when you do this. Your work becomes magnetic. So he is the real message for today. You don't need new camera gear. You need to become the kind of photographer people remember. That's what grows your business. That's what sets you apart. That's what makes you valuable in a sea of shooters. And the best part, you can start right now. No upgrades required. Yes, I know. So many photographers have gear lust. We all love those bright, shiny objects. I'm guilty of it too. But if this episode gave you a new perspective, do me a favor. Leave a five star review. It helps more photographers discover this podcast, subscribe so you never miss a new weekly episode. And follow me on Instagram. You'll find me under Matthew Jordan Smith. I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today's episode. Remember this, your camera is just a tool. Your lights are just a tool, but you, you are the real magic. I want you to build the kind of business. That last one, powerful experience at a time. Alright? Until next week, always dream big bye for now.
Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.
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| Special Announcement | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:06:05 | |
Photography Breakthrough Workshop Announcement I know what you're thinking, Matthew. This is not the normal podcast day, and you're right. Today is a break from the norm because there's something very special I want to share with you. As you know, I began this podcast with the hopes of helping photographers who were struggling. I know that's a lot of photographers. I hear it more and more every day. Struggling to raise your prices, struggling to get clients, struggling to get consistent clients. Hold on, there's hope. And that's the reason for today's podcast. I want to invite you to a special free, three-day live workshop. I'm gonna hold this online. This entire three days of workshops will be just to help you figure out this whole problem of struggling in photography, how to get more clients, how to get more consistent clients, how to make more money and do that consistently, and do it in a way where your clients become your biggest marketing tool. So they start raving about your service and they start referring you. Now, this will be three days of live training. The first day will be Tuesday, November 18th, the second day, Thursday, November 20th, and the third day, Tuesday, November 25th. November 18th, November 20th, November 25th, a Tuesday, Thursday, and Tuesday. These are three days of free training to help you figure this whole thing out. I know it's hard out there. I know many photographers are thinking about giving up, but you don't have to. This workshop is to help you figure it all out. The only thing you need to do is register and show up. That's it. If you're struggling, that's an easy thing to do. There's no more excuses. There's a way out of your struggle. So next year, this time, you’ll be singing a brand new song, one of joy, not of misery. This workshop is called the Photography Breakthrough Workshop, and I made it just for you. The link to sign up is in the show notes or go to Instagram and you'll see it there in my bio. Either way, register right now. These are three important days. You do not want to miss this. This can change your entire life. The training is live. I know you're suffering. I know you're frustrated. I know you're trying to figure it out all by yourself, like so many of us have done over the years trying to figure this whole business out by ourselves. I know it's not getting easier. And I also know you can't do this by yourself. So come and join me. Let me share everything I know to change your whole life. Imagine no more struggle. Imagine no more frustration with photography. Imagine not having to wonder where your next client's gonna come from. It’s all in the training. All three days are created to help you figure this whole thing out, and I look forward to seeing you again. The link is in the show notes, but it's also on my Instagram. Just go to my Instagram bio and you'll see it right there at the top, Free Workshop. Sign up right now so you don't miss a thing. This is super important. We're gonna go over the core problem, which you probably already know, but I wanna break it down so you really understand why it's happening. So you stop taking it personally and you learn how to get to the other side. All right. I'll leave you for now, but before you go, check out the show notes, sign up, or just go to my Instagram under Matthew Jordan Smith. Go to my bio and register there. The link is in my Instagram bio waiting for you to sign up. As we approach the holiday season, you can go into it with a new mindset, a clear path forward. End the year on the right note and start the year with an amazing way to go forward. All right everyone, that's it for today. I look forward to seeing you in the live workshop. I made this specifically for you. Until then, bye for now. | |||
| Episode 15 - Will Raising Your Prices Scare Away Clients | 09 Nov 2025 | 00:05:56 | |
Does this sound familiar? You want to raise your prices, but you're scared if you do. You'll scare away all the clients that you have. You've worked so hard, but you know you need to charge more. How do you get past this struggle? Today's podcast: Will raising your Prices scare away clients, or finally attract the right ones? I'm photographer Matthew Jordan Smith, and today we're digging into a fear I hear all the time. As a matter of fact, if you listened to last week's podcast, you know I've been working with a photographer who is struggling. She's charging $100 for a photo session. She's giving her work away. So after last week's podcast, I talked to her again and she told me, Matthew, I'm scared. If I raise my prices, I'll lose the clients that I have. That's a common fear. I've heard that before. This podcast, this episode, is to address that fear. Let's talk about what's really going on here and what to do about it. Let's be honest, it's not just about the price. When you say, if I raise my prices, I'll lose clients, what you're often really saying is, what if I'm not worth more? What if people stop booking? What if I try to raise my prices and fail and have to give up totally on my dream of being a photographer? That fear is valid, I get it. But it's also based on a misunderstanding of how value pricing and client psychology actually work in the portrait world. The truth is this, you are not selling pixels. You're not selling pictures. You're selling how someone feels when they see themselves through your lens. Let me say that again. So you really understand this. You are selling how someone feels when they finally see themselves through your eyes, through your lens, and they love what they see. That's special. If your session is $100, let me guess what it probably looks like. You are working extremely hard. You're delivering a lot. You're not making any money. You are losing money, and you know this. And you're probably attracting clients who see this as a bargain, not a transformation. And they're right. It's a steal. They're stealing from you, and you are letting it happen. That's not sustainable. And here's the key point. Low prices don't build loyalty. Transformation does. Let's talk about what your current price is actually saying. You see, your pricing isn't just a number, it's communication. At $100 or $200, for that matter, at a low price point, your pricing may be unintentionally saying this. This isn't a luxury. It's a quick, cheap shot. It also says, I'm just starting out. I'm not sure what I'm doing. It also says this won't be deeply curated. It won't be a personal experience. Now, how do you fix this? How do you flip this? What if your pricing says this? This is a special moment of self-celebration. What if it says you are going to feel amazing? You're going to feel seen, and you're going to feel powerful every time you look at these pictures. Your pricing can also say this. This is more than a photo shoot. It's a total transformation. But here's the trick, that shift in value must come with a shift in price, because when people pay more, they show up differently. They prepare, they value the experience, they value their time, and they respect your process. But you have to also respect yourself. But here's also the amazing part. When you raise your prices, you also show up differently. I want that to sink in. You feel better. You feel proud and it shows in the work. It shows in the experience that you give. Let's get back to that statement that this photographer said to me who was afraid that she would lose clients if she raised her prices. Will you lose clients? Yes. And that's a good thing. Now, here's the tough love part. Yes, you will lose some clients who currently pay $100 if you raise your prices. But here's the reframe. Those are not the clients who were ever going to build a sustainable, joyful, thriving business for you. They know they're getting a steal of a deal and deep in your heart, you know it too. You're still struggling because you can't make a business giving your work away. Where you are paying more than what you're charging. It doesn't make sense. I know, but there's this fear about, oh, but I love this and I want to do it, so I can't charge more. Yes, you can. You are a hundred dollars clients. They aren't bad people. They just weren't buying what you are truly meant to offer. You're not meant to be cheap and fast. You are meant to create transformational photo experiences that change how people feel about themselves. Now notice. I didn't say anything about how the pictures look. Your photographs should create something that makes people feel differently about themselves, and the clients who crave that, they're out there. But they can't even see you if your pricing hides your value at a cheap value. Everyone knows they're not going to get much. They don't expect much. So how do you change this? What do you do next without burning it all down? Here's your next step. And know this is not a leap off a cliff. It's a smart transition.
You are not charging more just to make more. You're charging more so you can give more. I want you to really get this. You are charging more so you can give more, more intention, more energy, more transformation, and more sustainability for you. You are not just a photographer. You are a mirror that people stand in front of to remember their power. You reflect back their power through your lens. So price your work like that's what you're offering because it is. This podcast is important. This episode is important, and maybe you should listen to this a few times so it really sinks in, so you don't forget, so you see your value. I want you to thrive, and this, this is how it begins. If you'd like more help on what to say to help you as you start thriving and changing to this new photo experience. If this episode spoke to you, please share it with another photographer who needs to hear it. And if you're ready to reimagine your pricing, your offer, and your client experience, stay with me because next month I've got something very special. This is your new beginning. All right everyone. I look forward to seeing you next week in the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. Until then. Always dream big. Bye for now.
Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide. | |||
| Podcast Episode 14- The Mindset Shift That Tripled My Photography Income | 02 Nov 2025 | 00:05:56 | |
So how much are you charging for your photo sessions? Do you feel like you're giving your work away? Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. We all need help. Sometimes it's with something tangible, and sometimes it's more about the mind shift. Today we're talking about the mindset shift that tripled my photography income, and it's the same shift that can completely change the trajectory of your business. It starts with recognizing that your value, your true value, has nothing to do with props, special effects, edits, or gimmicks and everything to do with how you serve your clients. If you are a photographer, yes, it is about you serving your clients and being paid very well to do that. I recently spoke with a photographer who told me she didn't believe her photography was worth more than $100 a session. You heard me right. This photographer is charging $100 to do a photo shoot. That's it. When I pressed her about why, she said, unless I add a smoke machine or some other prop, then maybe I could charge $200. She didn't think her photography was worth more than that. Here's the hard truth. At that price, she was paying her clients to take pictures. Her time, her gear, her editing, her energy. All of these things cost her more than what she's charging. But even when I tried to explain this, it didn't click. Why? Because the barrier wasn't pricing strategy. The barrier was her mindset. She didn't believe in her value, and until that changes, no amount of props, editing skills, or discounts will save her business. I'm not giving up on this photographer. I'm going to keep talking to her. I've taken it as my personal mission to help train her. Now she's in her early twenties and new to photography. But this is not the first time I've heard this story. Every time I do, every time I hear a story like this, it hurts my heart to the core. This photographer learned everything she knows for free on YouTube. And let's talk about the trap of free. Here's what's happening for many photographers today. And here's the problem. When everything you consume is free, it's easy to unconsciously believe your work also has no value. After all, you didn't pay to learn. Why would anyone pay you to create? But this is a false belief. Think about it. Do you pay for sunshine? No, but is it valuable? Absolutely. What matters isn't what you paid to learn, but the transformation you bring to someone else's life. But I know for many, it's baby steps. And this is why I made this free guide, to help you in your transition to finding your worth. Language matters. If you are doubting what you're worth, you need better words to describe your value. Let's get back to that mindset shift. This is the shift that tripled my income. I stopped asking, what will people pay for? And started asking, what is the transformation worth to them? The transformation when you help them feel seen, sometimes for the first time. Let's break this down. A client isn't paying for an hour of your time. They're paying for how they will feel when they see themselves confident and radiant. It's not about time. They're paying for memories preserved, legacies captured, and identities celebrated. When you realize this, your price stops being about your costs and starts being more about their results. If you are struggling with doubt, here are three practical steps to turn things around.
Your time, your energy, your investment. You are worth it, but you have to know that first. Here's the truth I want you to take home with you today. When you shift your mindset from cheap photos to life-changing experiences, everything changes. If today's message hits home for you, share this episode with a friend, someone who needs to hear it today. Remember, your pictures are not cheap snapshots. They're priceless transformations. They are a moment in time that's not coming back. Own your value. The clients who matter will pay for it. Today, the transformation is about you, your mindset, and understanding that you are worth it. Stop giving your work away. Do me a favor. Play this episode again until it really hits home. Thank you for your time. I am photographer Matthew Jordan Smith saying always dream big. Until next week, always dream big. Bye for now.
Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide. | |||
| Podcast Episode 13 - From Pretty Pictures to Transformation | 26 Oct 2025 | 00:05:56 | |
So you take beautiful pictures. Everyone knows that. But you're still not working. You're still not getting clients. Why? Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I'm so glad you are here. So today we’re digging into a powerful truth, pretty pictures, beautiful pictures, just aren’t enough anymore. You’ve heard of AI, right? Those pretty pictures are everywhere. Are they real? Are they fake? We don’t know anymore. With smartphones, filters, and yes, AI tools, almost anyone can create a decent picture, actually, not just decent, absolutely amazing and beautiful. But here’s the good news: that’s not what clients are really buying. For decades, photography was all about skill and equipment. If you had the gear and the training to use that gear, your work stood out. If you learned your craft, you stood out, you could have an amazing career. But now, clients scroll past endless beautiful images online every single day, actually, every second of every day. The truth? Pretty photographs have become the baseline. This is why some photographers with technically perfect work still struggle to get clients, while others with less polished work are fully booked all the time. What’s the difference? When it comes to your photography and getting consistent clients, clients aren’t just buying a file or a photo. They’re buying how they feel in your presence, during the shoot, before the shoot, and yes, even after the shoot when they’re looking at the pictures you’ve taken of themselves. That’s what they’re buying. So what do people really want? They want reassurance that the person behind the camera knows how to guide them, make them comfortable, and help them feel like the best version of themselves. There is no AI tool or filter that can do that. Let me give you a practical example. Imagine two photographers. Photographer A shows a feed of gorgeous landscapes, moody edits, and technically perfect portraits. Photographer B shows client stories, a nervous mom who finally felt beautiful after years of avoiding the camera. Or a business owner who walked away with headshots that helped them finally feel confident pitching their services. Better yet, maybe it’s a couple who said, “The shoot brought us closer together.” Photographer B is working all the time. So who do you think is getting more work? Because clients see themselves in those stories. And this is why your photographs have to be more than just pretty pictures. So what action steps can you take to turn things around? Here are three steps:
Here’s the takeaway for today: Pretty photos will get people to pause, but transformation is what makes people book. If you want to stand out in today’s busy photography world, you have to deliver and communicate more than just images. You have to deliver meaning, confidence, and an experience your clients will never forget. Now, here’s the truth, you already have everything you need to do this. You just need to start connecting with your clients on a deeper level. Because when people feel seen, they don’t just become clients, they become your biggest advocates. I hope this episode hit home for you. You are not alone. If you found value today, share this episode with another photographer who you know needs this reminder. Together, we can raise the standard for what photography means. I want to close with this today: Thank you for coming today. If you like this episode, do me a favor, leave a five-star review and tell a friend. I know what it feels like to struggle. I’ve been there, and I know how to help you break past all of that. You are not by yourself. Just come back here next week, and let’s help you break through your struggles. I am photographer Matthew Jordan Smith, saying Always dream big. Bye for now.
Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide. | |||
| Podcast Episode 12 - Social Media Is It Helping You Book Clients or Just Helping You Compare Yourself | 19 Oct 2025 | 00:05:56 | |
Social Media, Is It Helping You Book Clients or Just Helping You Compare Yourself? Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I know what it is like to struggle and not be sure what to say. Well, this guide is here to help you. Let's talk about social media. On the surface, it's a marketing tool, but for many photographers, it's also become a comparison trap that leaves you feeling behind, invisible, or not good enough. You know what I'm talking about. So many photographers struggle with this by comparing themselves to others. Here's the big question. Let's unpack this by starting with a key distinction: Most photographers are just posting what other photographers will admire, sharp images, creative lighting, trendy poses. But get this, your potential clients aren’t trained in visual trends. They're looking at your content, your pictures, asking: In the world of photography, we get lost behind the tech, behind making pictures look great for other photographers. I want you to stop that today and think about your potential client. Let's move into another trap, thinking that likes equal bookings. The likes don't matter. They don't. Why? Because trust and transformation don't happen on the explore page. If this is resonating with you and you want to learn how to speak in a way that attracts more of the right clients, my free guide Words That Win Clients is full of actual phrases you can use on your website, in your emails, and in your DMs. I made this guide just for you because I know what it feels like not to know what to say. Now let's talk about ROI, return on investment. If the answer is stress, comparison, and low inquiries, it is time to realign. Here's a practical shift. Instead of asking, "What should I post?" ask, "How can I make someone feel seen today?" Think about them. That little shift can change everything. I hear so many photographers talking about, “Well, nobody's seeing me, me, me, me. Nobody likes me. My pictures aren't being seen.”
And it's simple. Just think, how can I make someone feel seen today? Also, consider this: you don't have to be on social media every day. And if it's draining your confidence, and for many people I know it is, it's doing more harm than good. If today's episode helped you release some stress, some pressure around social media, I'd love for you to share it with a photographer who's suffering or struggling. You are not behind. All right. Until next week, always dream big. Bye for now.
Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide. | |||
| Podcast Episode 11 - The 3 Most Powerful Questions to Ask a Client Before You Photograph Them | 12 Oct 2025 | 00:09:13 | |
Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I'm your host, Matthew Jordan Smith. If you are a photographer who's ready to move from hustle and uncertainty into clarity, confidence, and consistent bookings, you are in the right place, my friend. In today's episode, we're diving into the three most powerful questions to ask a client Before you photograph them. Now these questions aren't icebreakers. They're transformation triggering conversations that build connection, clarity, and create photo experiences That leave your client saying, wow, about the pictures and about you. Maybe you are wondering, Matthew, why do pre-session questions even matter? Well. I think it's very important to spend some time asking questions before you ever put a camera in front of anybody's face. Number one, it is going to make your client feel seen, make them understand that you care. And here's the important part. It's going to uncover emotion, stories and intention, not just talking about outfits and poses. Pre-session questions. Also set expectations , So your client gets a picture in their head what to expect. This is very powerful if you do it the right way. Let's go into question number one. Try asking this. What feeling do you want to walk away with after this shoot is over? Lemme just break this question down for you so you understand why it matters. It shifts the conversation from logistics to emotion. And what you're gonna learn from this question is, are they seeking confidence, nostalgia. Feminine strength, professional pose. This question uncovers a lot. You can use this question during your photo session to create the energy, the light, the posing, the lighting, the feedback. You shift everything based on their answer. Now are you starting to understand why asking questions before the shoot matters and we're only at question number one? Number two gets even deeper. What would you like others to see or feel when they look at your pictures? This is another big one. It taps into narrative. It taps into purpose and the positioning. This type of question helps you guide the styling, the expression, the context of your photo shoot. It may also reveal something about your client. Are they celebrating a life milestone, a birthday, a brand identity? A family bond. For example, a client who's trying to shoot for their brand, wants to show authenticity and approachability. Which will guide the wardrobe, the props, and the shooting mood. A client who's celebrating a birthday, that's a totally different situation. They want to show that they're celebrating this, this milestone of turning 50 or whatever, turning 20. It is all in asking the right questions. Now number three. This is a very important one, and I just went through this with a client. What scares you the most about this photo shoot? Why is this one powerful? This question unveils fears, nerves they might be having about the photo shoot, if they're nervous about looking awkward, if they're nervous to be in front of the camera or. Or maybe they have disappointing expectations. You need to know all this before the photo shoot. When you acknowledge and alleviate that fear, you build trust and safety instantly. This is a very important question. They may say something like, I'm worried I'll look stiff. So you weave in playful prompts, movement, more encouragement. Fear is a big one. So I wanna share a story with you. The very first time I photographed Samuel L. Jackson, he got in front of the camera. And he told me, I hate taking pictures. Now imagine this, we're talking about the man who's in every movie you've probably ever seen. I know Sam's in in so many movies and you think he would be comfortable being in front of the still camera, but I asked him why, like, no, you are in every single movie ever made. You are in front of the camera all the time doing movies left and right. How can you hate having your picture taken? And he said to me, well, when I'm doing a movie, I'm playing a character. I have my lines. And you are never looking directly into the camera unless it's a comedy. I never thought about that before, but he's right. You don't see an actor looking into the camera. They're playing a role. It's like the camera's not there, the still camera is very different. They're looking directly into the camera. So maybe you're wondering what I did. I said, okay, let's play a game. I know all your movies. I'll say a movie and you turn into that character. It became a game during the shoot, but it was fun for not just me and Sam, but for everybody on the set. As we all start remembering movies, I'm sure right now you are probably thinking about different movies that he's been in. The images from that shoot, and this is like back in the nineties. They are timelessly beautiful. This is one of the shoots that help me start asking those questions. You find out a lot. Asking the right questions can calm a nervous client and turn them into someone who , relaxes and ends up laughing about the shoot. And guess what? All the fear, they forget all about it. Just like Samuel Jackson did. So what do you need to do before your next shoot? Ask these three powerful questions. When you have these answers, weave them into your pre-shoot planning. Use them to structure the session energy. You are in charge of that. Use them during your conversation in the photo shoot. This build's trust. They feel seen, deeply seen. And guess what? It helps you build a consistent client. Now you've just heard three game changing questions that will immediately elevate your client sessions. These questions align perfectly with what I teach in photography breakthrough system. If you are curious to learn more, follow me on Instagram. I post daily. There you'll learn more and have opportunities to join my email list and find out even more You'll find me on Instagram under Matthew Jordan Smith. Oh, and do me a favor. If you use these three questions, leave me a comment and let me know how it changed your photo shoot. All right. Thank you for your time today. I hope you learned a lot. I hope you feel inspired, and I hope you come back next week. If you love this podcast, do me a favor, tell your friends and leave a comment and a five star review. It helps other photographers find this podcast. Thank you again for your time. Bye for now.
Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.
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| Podcast Episode 10 - Designing a Photo Experience That Makes People Cry (In a Good Way) | 05 Oct 2025 | 00:11:15 | |
Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. Where we turn your photography into more than just a photo shoot. We turn it into an experience that people never forget. Hi, I'm photographer Matthew Jordan Smith, and today's episode might sound dramatic at first, but I promise it's the heart of everything I teach. Today we're talking about how to design a photo experience that makes people cry. And yes, I mean that in the best, most beautiful way. You see when your clients become emotional, either during the photo shoot or after your session, something powerful has happened. They've seen a version of themselves that's finally true, and that moment is the one they never stop talking about. Let's get into it. This episode is really so important. I think emotion is probably the most important, most powerful marketing tool that you have. Now, here's the truth. Your clients won't remember the camera you use. They won't remember the lighting setup you used. They won't remember your aperture settings or your presets. They don't care about that stuff. They'll remember how they felt in your presence. What it felt like to be around you, what it felt like for you to photograph them. And they'll remember the moment they saw their image and said, that's me. I had no idea I could look like that. When a client cries, becomes emotional, it's not just about the photo, it's about recognition. It's about coming home to themselves, and that is the kind of emotional moments that create loyalty, referrals and life long clients. I can't say this enough. I've been shooting for 38 years and I shot all over the world. I began my career in New York. Moved to LA for a while, and now the last nine years I've been living in Japan. This works everywhere. Now. What makes people become emotional? And I mean that in a good way. Let's break it down. Clients open up and become emotional when they feel fully seen without judgment, when they're met with compassion and presence, not performance. They become emotional when they realize their story, their softness, their strength is beautiful, and they feel safe enough to let go of the mask. Yes. Most people walk around with a mask every day hiding who they truly are. But if you do your job right, the mask comes off. This is about energy. You're not just photographing a body, you are witnessing a soul right in front of your eyes, right in front of your lens. And the more present you are, the more visible they feel. This my friend, is what makes your work unforgettable. I this kind of photo session, it doesn't just happen by accident. It is something you have to design. Ask deeper questions, go beyond what are you wearing? Here's an example of a great question. Is there anything you've been through that you want to honor today? Now, this question may bring out a lot. Maybe your client has overcome cancer or coming out of a divorce. These types of questions open emotional doors. As you're talking, slow down. Look them in the eyes and speak gently. Show them with your tone. And with your body language that you care. It's not just about taking pictures. Reflect what you see. Become their mirror. When you reflect their truth without trying to fix or flatter, it hits directly. It lands deep. Now you don't want to rush any of this. Like Michael Jackson said, let it simmer. And if they cry, let them hold space. Offer a tissue. Say something like, I see you. That's what this was always about. Don't apologize for their emotion. Let it breathe because that moment. Is the one they're going to carry forever. Now, why does this change your business in a good way? You don't have to work harder, you don't have to shout louder. You just have to go deeper. When your sessions move people emotionally, everything changes. They begin to refer you to all their friends, all their colleagues. You see, you've created trust. They need you because you're not just another photographer. You are the one who saw them. I photographed Aretha Franklin for the last 13 years of her career. Why did she hire me the second time and third time and fourth time she felt seen? She felt that she could trust me. And yes, she referred me to all her friends. That's the kind of business that grows. That's the kind of work that lasts. This is the 10th episode. And to celebrate, I'm putting my latest book, Aretha Cool On Sale. You can find it on Amazon. But I first wanna share something special. There were many times, as I photographed Aretha, where people became emotional in the shoot. And I'm not just talking about Aretha herself, but everybody in the room. These moments are special and no one forgets them. I was doing a shoot with Aretha once. We were in New York City and I'm playing her music whenever I shot her in the studio. I always played her music. I always played my favorite Aretha Franklin songs. Well anyway, we're doing the shoot and one of my favorite songs comes on now I'm doing a tight portrait of her, so I'm like four feet in front of her, and as this song plays, she begins to hum along as I'm shooting. And before I know it, I'm humming along with her. I didn't mean to, but it just came out. She starts singing right there. She's four feet in front of me. I get goosebumps all over as I'm shooting and as I'm shooting, I begin to sing along. I just felt it. I was caught up in the emotion of the moment, but out of the blue, she stops code and she looks at me and she says, Jordan, baby, don't sing. Now, this was an embarrassing emotional moment for me because the entire room burst out laughing. I mean, all her bodyguards, the hair, the makeup, the stylist, even my assistance and yes, Aretha herself, they're all laughing. We're all caught up in the moment. I'm still shooting, by the way. And ah, that was an emotional. Funny moment that I and everybody in the room will never, ever forget. If you want to see those pictures and so much more of those 13 years of us working together, get your copy now on Amazon. If you wanna see those special moments, go to Amazon right now and order your copy of Aretha. Cool. It's the last 13 years of her life in pictures, including her last official photo shoot. To celebrate today being the 10th episode, the book is on sale. So you see emotions can run the gamut from being extremely happy. To even the photographer being embarrassed. All of this is powerful and sacred, if you agree with any of this, do me a favor. Leave a five star review on today's podcast. It helps get this message across to more photographers like you. Also make sure you subscribe so you never miss a weekly episode. And then jump on over to Instagram and make sure you follow me at Matthew Jordan Smith. I'd love to hear how you're bringing all this information to your photo shoots. Remember, this isn't just about taking pictures. It's about giving people back to themselves. Thank you for listening. I'm Matthew Jordan Smith. Always dream big. Bye for now.
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| Podcast Episode 9 - The Real Reason Clients Don’t Book (Hint: It’s Not Your Pricing) | 28 Sep 2025 | 00:05:49 | |
Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. the space where we break free from fear and step into the kind of photography business that brings both impact and income. I'm your host photographer, Matthew Jordan Smith, and today's episode might shake up what you think you know about why clients aren't booking you. Here's the truth. If you are getting ghosted, if inquiries aren't converting, and if your counter is still full of holes, no matter how often you post, it's not just about your pricing and lowering your rates. That's often the worst move you can make. Today I'm pulling back the curtain on what's really going on. Too many photographers assume price is the problem because it's the most visible piece of the puzzle, but most clients don't decide based on price alone. They decide based on perceived value and emotional connection. If clients can't see the why behind your work or don't feel a personal connection to the experience you are offering, they'll either ghost you or go elsewhere. People don't buy the cheapest photographer. They buy the one who makes them feel something when they see your work. So what's actually blocking bookings? , Keeping you from getting those jobs. Here's what often drives the silence behind the scenes, unclear messaging. If your website or social feed says photography for everyone, it actually speaks to no one. Clients are looking for someone who feels like the right fit for them, not just anyone with a camera. So why will they book you? You've got to give them a reason. Maybe there's a lack of an emotional hook. Most photographers are selling a product. The pictures instead of a feeling or transformation through your images or through the photo shoot. When that happens, that means there's nothing memorable or magnetic pulling clients toward you. Let me dive into a few other things that are causing clients not to book you if the booking process is confusing. If it's vague pricing Or it's not showing the next step, clearly you've already lost. If people have to guess, they bounce. They go elsewhere. What's really important, also, you have to build trust. Clients today don't just need to like your photos. They need to trust you with their image. You have to understand how important this is. For the last 38 years, I've been working with the biggest celebrities on the planet, Oprah, George Lucas, Angelina Jolie, Zendaya, the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin. Trust me. Trusting the right photographer with their image is extremely important, that's just not about celebrity. That's everybody. When they hire you, they are trusting you with their image. And if they can't feel that trust, even subconsciously, they won't move forward. Now. Here's the shift to start thinking about. Instead of showcasing your camera skills, highlight the experience your client will have. Make your messaging all about them, not just your portfolio. Try talking to one specific type of person and watch how things change and grow. Don't just post pretty photos, post stories, post meaning, post emotion. Get out of your head and follow your heart, because clients aren't just buying images. They're buying how you make them feel about themselves. I want to thank you for being here today, and if today's episode gave you a new way to think about photography and getting clients, I'd love your support. Go ahead and leave a five star rating and a review. And don't forget, follow me on Instagram. I'm under Matthew Jordan Smith for more inspiration behind the scenes and updates on something really amazing that's about to take place. Now, remember this, when you stop chasing clients and start attracting the right ones, . Everything in your business shifts. You are not alone. I've got your back. Make sure you come back next week for more juice. I look forward to seeing you next week. Until then, always dream big. Bye for now. | |||
| Episode 16 - Free 3-Day Workshop Begins Tomorrow | 16 Nov 2025 | 00:08:04 | |
Photography Breakthrough Workshop Invitation Hello, photography friends, before we dive in today, I've got something very special I wanna share with you. I'm hosting a free three-day live workshop. It happens this week. I am very excited to share this with you. As you know, I began this podcast with the goal of helping you figure out how to stop struggling as a photographer, how to make more money, how to charge more, how to have consistent clients. Well, guess what? This free three-day workshop is focused just on that. No talking about gear, no talking about lighting, or all that other photo stuff that we normally talk about. This has one goal, helping you thrive. If that sounds good, do me a favor. I can help. As a matter of fact, you can pause this podcast right now, look at the show notes and sign up. Or if you're on Instagram, just go to my Instagram under Matthew Jordan Smith. Go to my bio. In the bio is the first link to sign up. Click and sign up right now. There is no need for you to struggle anymore. So what will we cover in this workshop? First, I'll share my own story about feast or famine, because I've been there. I know exactly what you're going through, and to be honest, if I didn’t go through this, I couldn’t really help you. But I’ve been there. I know what it feels like and I also know how amazing it feels to get over that. And you can too. We're going to go through the core problem. I'm gonna break it down so you understand why this is happening. I know you think you probably have a great idea why things are the way they are, but let's break it down. We'll talk about what most photographers try to do to fix it and why that's not working. This three-day workshop is a Photography Breakthrough Shift. Here we are, November 2025. I know the stress of going into the holidays and not knowing where your next job's gonna come from, it doesn’t have to be that way. I want you to understand and see and experience what consistency feels like in your business, so you don’t have to worry about next week or next month or two months from now. Imagine how good that will feel knowing you have consistent clients that you can charge more for your photography. Now if what I’m saying resonates with you, if you are done with the dry spells, the feast and famine, and you wanna find out how to make this all come to life with steady clients, consistent work, and higher pay. Imagine that: you being happy and having happy clients. Then join me for the Photography Breakthrough Workshop. It’s totally free. It’s live. And day one is right around the corner. So sign up now so you don’t miss a thing. This is three days happening this month. If you are hearing this podcast on the day it comes out. Monday, November 17th, the first class is tomorrow, Tuesday, November 18th. But you’ve got to sign up. Don’t delay. You don’t wanna miss one day of this workshop. Signing up is simple. Just go to the show notes, the link is right there. If you follow me on Instagram, I am there under Matthew Jordan Smith. Follow me and go to my bio. At the very top, you’ll see the free workshop for struggling photographers. You don’t have to figure this all out by yourself. In the world of photography, that’s exactly what we’re doing all the time, trying to figure out all of our struggles by ourselves. That by itself is frustrating. I’m here to tell you there is help. And it’s only one click away. Let’s end this year right and start your new year off the right way. Do me a favor, if you have other photographer friends who are struggling, tell them about this free three-day training. Take it with a friend. Don’t worry about competition, because really that doesn’t exist except in your mind. I know we all think it’s there somebody stealing our job, our competition. That’s not really true. We’ll go over all that, how you can stand out and stop worrying about the competition. Stop comparing yourself to other photographers as you scroll and look at their work. That’s keeping you stuck, but it doesn’t have to anymore. Welcome to freedom. Welcome to the new chapter. Welcome to your Photography Breakthrough. Join me for the free workshop, three days of training, all to help you break through and change your photography life. Not just next week or next month, but for the rest of your photography career. Imagine that, feeling happy, knowing that everything’s covered, knowing that you can go on vacation anytime you want to, knowing that you have control over your time something we can’t get back. Okay, I’m going to end our podcast now because I’ve got a lot of work to do to prepare for the first day of the workshop. You don’t want to miss this. All right, everybody. Thank you so much for your time. I look forward to seeing you live in the workshop. Sign up right now and make sure you are there on time. I’ll see you live at the workshop for day one. All right, bye for now. | |||
| Episode 20 - Proof It Works- The Steps I Taught… and Lived | 21 Dec 2025 | 00:12:38 | |
Photography Breakthrough: Holiday Episode Recap & Workshop Invite Merry Christmas to everyone around the world. Who's tuning in today? I'm Matthew Jordan Smith, and this is the Photography Breakthrough Podcast where we explore the art and business of photography. Specifically how to build a thriving photography career, doing what you love, photographing people in a way that changes lives, including your own. But what if you are struggling to do that? Struggling to find clients, struggling to raise your prices so you can sleep well at night, struggling to make photography work for you. Well, that my friend is why we are here. To help you get over your struggles, and that is the theme of the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. If you are new to the show, welcome. I'm so glad you're here, and if you've been listening for a while, thank you. I truly appreciate your support, your messages, your energy, and your commitment to growing as an artist and a business owner. Maybe photography is just a thing you do on the side, or you're just beginning. Either way, you are in the right place. This is where you learn how to thrive as a photographer. Now in last week's podcast, I shared a story. But a lot has happened since our last episode, and I can't wait to catch you up. Let me begin by recapping what we talked about last week. I shared one of my favorite client stories. How the legendary Aretha Franklin became my client for 13 years, right up until her passing in 2018. , And while some of you may think that was, then times are different. Now, let me tell you, the world may evolve, but the principles of building meaningful client relationships, those never go out of style. That's what this podcast is all about, helping photographers move beyond the daily struggle, because let me be honest, too You are not alone. If you are struggling to get steady, clients feel like you're undercharging or constantly chasing that next big gig, that's exhausting. And. It's not sustainable. This podcast is here to show you another way, a path toward consistent, fulfilling work with clients who come back again and again because they love how they feel when they work with you. Last week I shared the story of how I first met Aretha Franklin and how I worked on that relationship. To help her become a consistent long-term client. But that's not just with Aretha Franklin, that's with every client I've had this year. Those same strategies work today. This past November, we took a huge step forward. I launched a brand new three day workshop to help photographers like you overcome these exact challenges. In the workshop, I shared the same strategies I've used to build a decades long career photographing some of the most incredible people in the world, from celebrities to entrepreneurs, to everyday people who just want to feel powerful in front of the camera. At the end of that workshop in November. I offered photographers the opportunity to go deeper, To work with me more closely and start transforming not just their photography, but their client experience and business model. But many of you needed more time. You had questions, you reached out via email and dm's that I want you to know. I heard you, that's why I'm excited to announce we're bringing back the workshop in January so you can begin your new year. The right way, bigger, better. We've enhanced the workshop. The last time we did the workshop, many people may have been traveling. It was the holiday season, beginning of the holiday season. And there were many distractions. January is the time to start things new. And we've revised the workshop and built it to give you clarity and confidence so you can finally build the business you've been dreaming of. But before I share more about that, I want to tell you a story, one that happened just a few weeks ago after the workshop. This story shows you that what I teach is not theory. It's what I live. Every step I outlined in the November workshop, I follow them in my own business every single day. So here's what happened. In the first week of December, 2025, I got hired for one of the most exciting assignments of my year. I was flown to Kenya, Africa to photograph a group of seven women from Japan all going on safari together. These women weren't models or celebrities. They were real people, each with their own story embarking on a once in a lifetime adventure, and I had the honor of documenting it. Now, here's the part I want you to pay attention to. This client. She was referred to me by another client. This was a first time client. Let me say that again. This job going to Africa to Kenya on Safari came from a first time client. Who was referred to me by another client. In November. I talked about this a lot, how you get consistent clients, how you get more work, and a big part of that is from referrals. I talked about how you get referrals, but maybe some of you were thinking. Well, that's just you. That won't work for me. I'd like to invite you to the January workshop because this will work for you. You just have to follow the steps. I know taking those steps can be scary, but it doesn't have to be. Now, this first time client who found me. Based on a referral from another client, I didn't have to pitch. I didn't have to chase. I showed up consistently. Shared stories and positioned myself in a way that made her say, you are the one I want. What I want you to understand is when your positioning and your process are dialed in, opportunities come to you. Instead of you chasing every single day, the assignment in Kenya, it wasn't just a job, it was a deeply fulfilling experience. That reminded me why I do what I do, and since returning. It is already led to new opportunities, new inquiries, and new doors opening for 2026. Even a chance to go back to Kenya sometime in 2026. That's the power of building a business that's rooted in transformation, not just pretty pictures. When your work makes people feel something, they talk about it, they come back, they refer others. I can't say this loud enough. You don't have to struggle. There's another way. And that's what we'll go deeper into this January. In our upcoming training. I'm gonna break down the exact steps to attract high quality clients who value your work. Clients that see your value and allow you to charge what you're worth. We're gonna talk about that client experience. That leaves people changed and loyal for life. We are going to discuss a system that brings bookings month after month, if that sounds good to you. Make sure you're at the workshop. Now for those who were in the workshop in November. How many jobs have you done since that workshop. Since the workshop ended, I've done four. I went to Kenya, photographed brand new clients. Came back 20 hour trip and the day I arrived, a client wanted to shoot on that same day, two days later did another shoot. Two days after that, another shoot. Four jobs within the first two weeks of December. That's not just me. That can be you. Now, how many jobs do you have lined up for January? The training I'm talking about will help you have work consistently, not just. Next week, but next month and the month after that in the workshop, we'll talk about a system. If you've been on the fence wondering if this kind of business is even possible for you, please know this, it. Is, I've taught it. I live it, and I want to help you do the same. But for now, take a breath. It's the holiday season. Be present. Then come back in January, ready to grow. Because what I have planned could be the turning point you've been looking for. To everyone who's reached out, I'm designing this next chapter just for you. Thank you for being part of this community. Thank you for showing up for yourself. Have a joyful, safe and loved filled holiday season. Stay inspired and happy holidays. | |||
| Episode 19 - How To Turn A Stranger Into A Client For Life | 14 Dec 2025 | 00:14:28 | |
From Stranger to Client for Life
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| Special Episode - How To Double Your Photography Income | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:10:24 | |
Photography Breakthrough System Pitch Episode Now, when you see this number right in front of you, really look at it. No judgment, no shame, just honesty. That number, it tells a story. Now, here's the next question. How are you planning to double that number next year? Not, wouldn't it be nice? Not if I get lucky, not if Instagram picks up, but how? What's the plan? Do you have one or are you hoping that just doing more of what you've been doing somehow leads to more income? Let's be real. If you tried to grow in the past , but didn't have a structure, a system, a guide, you probably hit a wall over and over. And that doesn't mean you're not good enough. It means you've been trying to hike a mountain without a map. You are working hard but not making progress. Let me give you a quick analogy. Imagine someone says, I want to get in shape. I want to feel strong. I want to lose weight and feel good in my body, so they start working out, but instead of really working out, they spend the time in the gym, scrolling on their phone, they guess what to eat. They show up inconsistently, they try one thing, then quit, then try another, and after six months, nothing's really changed. Now imagine that same person hires a personal trainer. This is not a course, it's live training. A live training experience with me coaching you in real time, showing you exactly how to create a photography business. That books consistently helps you charge more and build client relationships that lasts. Turns strangers into longtime loyal clients, who refer their friends. Do you really want to double your income? It takes a system. The Photography Breakthrough System, it's your personal trainer for your business. Photographers message me all the time saying things like, I just want to make this work. I'm tired of not getting clients. I know my work is good. But nobody wants to pay my rates. Listen, I get it. I've been there where your camera feels like a gift. And a curse where you want to keep doing what you love, but you're burning out where you start questioning if you should just give up on being a photographer. But here's the truth, you can't double your income with hope. You do it with a system. A system that shows your clients your value. Before you ever talk about price, a system that builds trust and connection before you ever meet your clients. A system that gives you confidence. So you stop overthinking and shrinking about your worth, you know you are worth it. As you are listening to this, we are in the final hours to join after today. The doors close because all the time will go to helping those who really want to double their income. After today. The doors close. I don't know when we'll offer this again. But here's the important part. I made a special link just for my podcast listeners. This is only for people who listen to this podcast and that's you. This special link. It's in the show notes. It's also on my Instagram until midnight tonight, east Coast time. It simply says, I'm ready. If you go to my Instagram, click on my bio link. You'll see a link that says, I'm ready. That's your special link. Click that to join. Again, that special link simply says, I'm ready, because if you are, you already know it. Click the link. Say yes to your growth. Say yes to finally having a system that works with your creativity, not against it. I created the photography breakthrough system because I know what it feels like to struggle. This is for the photographer who is wildly talented but tired of struggling for the photographer who wants clients to say yes with confidence even at a higher price for the photographer who knows in their gut. I can't keep doing this alone. If that's you, this is your moment. Click the I'm Ready link in the show notes or on my Instagram, you'll find me under Matthew Jordan Smith. Click the link in my bio that says, I'm ready. Let's double your income on purpose with a plan and with support. I want to thank you for listening today to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast and this episode, How To Double Your Income is Made just for you. Now, don't forget when you get home, the first thing you should do is write down that number. The number you believe you made in photography this year. | |||
| Episode 18 - Are You Teachable... or Do You Just Want To Keep Hoping | 07 Dec 2025 | 00:11:50 | |
Photography Breakthrough: Teachable to Get Booked Welcome back to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast, the place where struggling portrait photographers transform into confident business owners consistently getting booked by clients who value their work and happily pay their rates. We talked about the real reason most photographers aren't getting booked. We talked about what's really happening when a potential client says, I love your work. We talked about how good that feels for us as photographers. You know that feeling. The first moment somebody. Inquires about your work, and they say, I love your pictures. We all know what that feels like in that moment. Somebody sees us, recognizes our work, and then wants to find out how much we charge, then you reply with your rate and then they ghost you. The moment you send your pricing, they disappear. You don't hear from them. But here's what I noticed. Not everyone who heard that message took it seriously enough to act on it. But some of you did. Those who really wanna change the next 12 months of your life, your business, and I am excited to get to work with all of you! Some of you saw the door open to the Photography Breakthrough System, my live training that walks you step by step through building a business that actually gets clients, but some hesitated. Maybe you said I need to think about it, or maybe next time, or I kind of already know this stuff. Now, being teachable doesn't mean you are a beginner. Let me make that clear. It doesn't mean you are not talented. It means you are ready to stop doing the same things over and over and expecting different results. You've probably heard that quote by Albert Einstein. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. You see if you keep posting your work and hoping someone books replying with your price and crossing your fingers, waiting for the right time to invest in yourself. Then deep down you are relying on hope instead of strategy, and hope is a terrible business model. I know taking a step forward can be scary. Investing in yourself can be scary. But let's talk about why structure sets you free. Speaking of which, are you happy with what you're charging? Let's be honest. He is the real question. Do you want to grow or do you want to be right? About why it's not working. Do you want results or do you want to keep repeating what feels comfortable? Are you teachable? Or are you just hoping clients will magically start valuing your work someday? I say all this with deep love because I see your potential. But I also see the trap you might be in, and it's this, thinking your current effort should already be working. Instead of realizing it's time to upgrade the way you run your business. | |||
| Cyber Monday | 30 Nov 2025 | 00:13:21 | |
Overcoming Fear: Photography Breakthrough System Has there ever been something that you know you needed to do, but there was fear that was holding you back? If you are a photographer who's been struggling, struggling to find clients. Struggling to raise your prices when you know you need to. You know, you make good work, great work. You put a lot of time and effort to master your craft to get better, and now you're at the point when you should be paid for your work. But you're scared to raise your prices. You buy expensive cameras, expensive lenses, computers, hard drives. How do you get past this hurdle? If you've been listening to this podcast, you know, today is the last day to sign up for photography breakthrough system. There are only a few hours left, then that window closes. Let's talk about what happens if you don't decide to join photography Breakthrough system. The system that's gonna change how you go about running your business. The system that's gonna teach you how to raise your prices, make more money in your business, have more clients, and have consistent clients. Not for a week or for a month, but for the rest of your photography journey. If you decide to stay where you are, stay stuck. Continue the struggle. It doesn't stay the same. The struggle gets bigger, the problems get bigger, and it may get to the point where you have to sell all your gear just to get by. Give up on photography, altogether, and go back to doing something you really don't want to do. I am telling you this because I was almost at that point after all these years of being a photographer, I was about to throw in the towel, give up and try to do something else. That's a horrible feeling. It was a horrible place for me to be. It was depressing for me, but then I found a way, the system that changes everything. That's what I created, and now teaching in the photography breakthrough system, a way for you to break free of all those struggles. But today's the last day and there are only a few hours left now. I've heard some objections from people, and I wanna talk about all those objections, the things that's keeping you stuck, giving you fear. The first one I heard was Matthew, I know I need this, but it's a little bit expensive for me. Let me ask you this. What's the long-term effect of you staying where you are doing nothing. How many jobs will you lose over the next six months, over the next 12 months? Because you keep doing exactly what you've been doing. Now imagine all those clients who said no to you in the past saying yes, and not only saying yes, but referring their friends to you because of what you've given to them. That's what I teach you. What do you think that's worth when you think about that? What you're losing by not taking action, you're losing way more than the cost of this course. There are two options for you to join a one-time payment or three payments. It's totally up to you by make it easy for you to make the choice to turn your life around. What's the value of one client? Let's think about that. I told you all earlier, if you've been listening to this podcast for a while, you now know that I had one client that opened the door to 60 other clients this year. And like I told you on the other day, another client brand new is taking me on a trip tonight to a place where I've want to go all my life to Africa, to Nairobi for a week to do a job. But let's talk about you. What are you missing out on? The client who says no to you? Because they didn't see your value, because you didn't know the system that unlocks the door for them to hire you and not only hire you one time, but have a repeat client that tells their friends and colleagues about you. The truth is you can't afford not to do this because not doing it keeps you where you are and where you are doesn't stay the same. It grows and gets worse to the point where you may find yourself giving up on photography altogether. 'cause you're trying to figure it out all on your own. You don't have to. I had another person say to me, Matthew, how long is this course? Well, first and foremost, it's not a course. I want to make that clear. This is not a course, it's live training, it's transformation. Let's talk about that question for a second. How long is the training? It's really not a matter of how long the training is. You've got to do the work. The training is live. So there's accountability also. Sometimes we need that person to hold us to the fire to make sure we do the work. That's my job to make sure you do the work. So about how long is it? It's not a question of how long. Another person sent me an email and said, Matthew, everything you're saying is exactly what I need, and I know it, but I'm not ready yet. Let's think about that. When have you ever been ready for anything that happens in life? Were any of us ready for the pandemic when it hit. We didn't even know it was coming. Life does not wait for us to get ready. Saying you are not ready is just giving into your fear. And to be honest, it's not a matter of how ready you are. It's simply how committed you are to changing your life. Because being ready is an illusion. No one's ever ready. You just have to take that step. How many successful people waited until they were ready? You've heard the story. I received another message from a young photographer who said, Matthew, I don't have any clients. I love photography. I want to do this, but I don't have any clients. This probably is not for me because I'm a newbie. Here's the beautiful thing. If you are brand new, just starting this journey, you are exactly in the right place and you are the perfect person to be on this journey. You don't have any bad habits to break. You get to learn from the beginning how to do this the right way. That is exactly where you want to be. Many of us have been doing this for a long time on our own, trying to figure it out, stuck in our head and getting nowhere. If you have one client or no clients, you are absolutely in the right place. To be honest, no matter where you are on your journey as a photographer, it's never too late to change things. And what's beautiful about this system, it meets you where you are shooting for one month, shooting for 50 years. This system will change everything for you, and you'll find out in those first seven weeks. It is gonna change your life and how you do everything forever, but your time is running out. The link to sign up is in the show notes. It's also on my Instagram bio. I'm there under Matthew Jordan Smith. Click my bio and it's right there on top. Photography Breakthrough System. This is your time, your day to change your life forever. For those who said yes, I look forward to seeing you in photography Breakthrough system. For those who are still on the fence, let me ask you this. How long are you willing to keep losing clients, letting them pass by and slip through your fingers? How long will you wait? Time is a funny thing. We don't know how much time we have, which means we never have time to waste. Today is your day. Push your fear aside. Click that link to sign up. I look forward to seeing you as a new student in photography breakthrough system. Once you join, you'll have dates for our first meet and greet session. I look forward to seeing you all there. It's time to break past all your fear, past all your struggles that you've been fighting on your own. And start a brand new way of going about your photography life. All right, everyone. Thank you for your time. Thank you for being here. I look forward to meeting you and photography breakthrough system. Until then, bye for now. 👉 Sign up now and save your spot before it fills up! | |||
| Black Friday Special Announcement | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:27:33 | |
Thankful Photography Breakthrough Pitch 👉 Sign up now and save your spot before it fills up! | |||
| Episode 17 - Do you feel Invisible as a photographer | 23 Nov 2025 | 00:09:54 | |
From Invisible to Irresistible Photography Workshop Do you ever feel invisible for photographers? We’re doing so much or posting. Posting constantly, right. Some of you are updating your website, maybe you're doing ads on Instagram or Facebook, creating reels, doing short videos. All of this just to be seen. But still, do you feel invisible at times? I've heard from many of you, and I know sometimes it can seem like you just feel invisible no matter what you do, but how would it be to go from feeling invisible to being irresistible? Let's talk about how you stand out in this crazy crowded market of photography. Standing out seems to be an uphill battle. But it doesn't have to be. If you've been following me, you know we are doing a three-day workshop. The first two days are completed. Tomorrow's the last day of the three-day free workshop on helping you get seen, helping you go from being invisible to being irresistible. And we go much deeper tomorrow. If you're just finding this podcast, welcome. The reason why I began this podcast was to help those who are struggling in their photography, struggling to be seen, struggling to raise your prices, struggling to find clients, struggling to create consistent clients. I know this struggle firsthand. I've been there, but I've been through a lot in my career as a photographer, and I want to share all I know to help you, the next generation, so you can thrive long term. In this journey of being a photographer, you go through a lot. There are peaks and there are valleys. When you're on that peak, it feels absolutely incredible, but you must know how to navigate those valleys. The secret to navigating those low seasons, the valleys, is having consistent clients. You know, it's really hard to find a new client every single week, every single month. That's an uphill battle. If you want to have a long career, if you want to thrive, if you want to do better in this world of photography long term, you need to have consistent clients, people who hire you over and over again. I don't mean throughout the month or throughout the year, but long term, for decades. That's how I've survived in this career. For those who've been really following me for a long time, you know, I moved from one country to another. I was doing well in America, but when I left, it was like starting all over again. I moved to a country where I didn't know how to speak the language, where nobody knew many of the celebrities I'd photographed, and to be honest, the ones they did know, they didn't care. It's a different country, so I had to start all over again and learn how to survive in this new market. But that was a blessing for you, because it taught me how to survive and start all over again. So maybe you're saying, oh, well, Matthew, you've been doing this for a long time, you do celebrities, everybody knows you. That may have been true when I lived in America. It's not true when I live in Japan. So if you are struggling, I made this for you because I know what it feels like to struggle and have to start from the beginning where nobody knows you. Tomorrow is day three of this workshop. It's the most important day of all three days of the workshop. If you missed day one and day two, I'd like you to sign up, go and watch both day one and day two, and then come tomorrow for day three. If you feel like you want to give up on photography, don’t. Come to the workshop. If you have a crazy schedule at your job, but you know that job is not you, after you get off work, watch the replay. To see the replay, you've got to sign up. Register with the link. You can find it in the show notes. If you're following my Instagram, I am under Matthew Jordan Smith. The link is in my bio right at the top. It's there for you. You do not have to struggle by yourself. If you feel like that invisible photographer, that's a problem. You post, you hear crickets. You know you're talented, you love photography, but you're not getting work. Let's fix that together. I want to show you how to create magnetic positioning so you are seen. What does that mean to be seen as a photographer? What does that feel like to be seen? You already know the opposite, what it feels like to hear nothing after you've posted or get a like and nothing else. Let's make you that go-to photographer. Shift things around from being the generalist to being the specialist. Today, your role as a photographer is to learn to become irresistible, and that's what I'm going to teach you in the workshop. Day one and two are important, so again, if you missed it, go back and watch both of those trainings. Then come to day three, we'll be there waiting for you. This workshop is absolutely free. Why? Because I know what it feels like to struggle. I've been there right with you, that feeling of being lost in your own thoughts, not sure what to do, and feeling like you just want to give up. You don't have to. Help is here. So sign up and come to day three. I've got a lot to share because you are worth it, because you are the next generation, or maybe you are thinking about retiring and you want something else to do. No matter where you are on your journey, I'm here for you to help you turn things around and thrive, so a year from today you have a very different story. Sound good? Make sure you sign up and I'll see you in day three of our live three-day workshop. It's going to be incredible, and I can't wait to see you grow and watch you turn things around. Oh, one last thing. As you come to the workshop for day three, you'll need one thing. Well, actually two things, something to write with and something to write on. Grab a pen, pencil, and a notepad. It's much better when you can write. It's really important that you see something in your own handwriting. You'll need that tomorrow. Okay? So bring your pen, pencil, and some paper, a notepad. This is very important for tomorrow's training. That's all you need, a pen and a notepad. You'll see why on day three. All right everyone, have a great day. Until tomorrow, always dream big. Bye for now. | |||
| Special Announcement Part II | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:07:12 | |
Photography Breakthrough Workshop Promotion I've got a question for you. Were you there for day one? I truly hope so. In case you missed it, yesterday was day one of the workshop. If you've been struggling with your photography, struggling to charge more, struggling to find clients, struggling to get consistent clients, you need to be at the three day workshop. Yesterday was day one, but you haven't missed out. Day two is November 20th and you can still sign up. Day three happens next week. So jump in, register, and make sure you don't miss anything. By the way, in case you missed day one, the replay is available. Just sign up, watch day one again, and make sure you're there for day two. The workshop is free. Of course, it's much better if you can make it there live, but if you can't, because I know we are all busy, the real question is, wouldn't you like to be busier doing what you love and getting paid well to do it? We make time for the things that are important in our lives, for the things that can change our lives. This workshop just might be the thing for you. I've heard from so many of you going through feast or famine, you know what I mean. One month you're doing jobs every week, next month none at all, or worse, several months in a row with no clients. That's not a business. Let's fix that. A photographer sent me a video last week. In this video, several photographers were saying that photography is dying, that everyone only wants video now. You know in your heart that's not true. Is the business changing? Yes, but it has always been changing. I'm telling you this because I've been a photographer for 38 years, and I've watched it change quite a bit. But look around, everything is changing. The secret is to adapt. Are you doing things the same way you did five years ago? The world's changed a lot in five years, and yes, we must as well. So you see, this workshop is essential for you and for your future. So make sure you sign up. The link is in the show notes, or you can find it also on my Instagram. If you are on Instagram, find me at @MatthewJordanSmith. Make sure you follow, and in my Instagram bio, the first link is the signup link. Join today and make sure you're there tomorrow. Day two is extremely important. Day three, even more so, be there live. You'll thank yourself later on. So let me ask you a question, what do you think the real reason is that you're not booking clients all the time? We will go over that in the workshop. This is a free live workshop, the Photography Breakthrough Workshop, because I want this to be a breakthrough for you and your photography. The workshop’s more fun watching with a friend. Tell every photographer you know who is struggling, who’s having a hard time trying to figure this whole business out and doing it by themselves. Don’t keep this to yourself. I know a lot of photographers struggle with the whole thing of competition. But really, your only competition is you. If you're scrolling through looking at others' work and feeling like that’s your competition, well, we’ll talk about that too. If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, which I think every artist in every category goes through at some point in their career, I’ve got something for you too. Let’s fix your struggles. You are not in this alone. So why am I doing this workshop, three days of free training? Because I’ve been there. I know what you’re going through, and I know what it feels like. Frustrated, depressed, not sure where to turn next. Maybe you have a full-time job that you don’t like, and you wish you could do photography all the time. Maybe you’re retired and you want to figure this thing out so you can really enjoy your retirement, but have fun taking pictures and getting paid to do it on the side as well. I’ve got you covered. This is too important for you to miss. All those internal conversations that you’re having, there are other photographers all over the world having those same conversations, wondering what they’re doing wrong and trying to fix it by themselves. Let’s do it together. Okay, you now have your marching orders. Come on in, register, and I’ll see you tomorrow in the live workshop. Tomorrow we dive into day two. Until then, always dream big. Bye for now. | |||
| Episode 21 - The Final Frame- Closing 2025 with Vision | 28 Dec 2025 | 00:09:17 | |
Photography Breakthrough: Year-End Encouragement and Free Workshop Hey there, it's Matthew, and welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. This episode is a little different. It's just you and me today, and I want to speak straight to your heart. Because as this year comes to a close, I know you're probably feeling a lot. Hope, pressure, maybe some fear, maybe even some doubt. So before we go any further, I want to say this. . I see you. You've shown up, you've worked hard, you've tried, even when it felt like no one noticed, kept going, and that alone is worth honoring. Today is December 29th. Just days away from a brand new year, and as we close out 2025, I want you to take this moment for yourself, not for your clients, not for your family, not for social media, just you. Because if you are like many photographers, I know you've been carrying a lot this year. Maybe you've been trying to figure out how to get more work. I want to tell you something today That's why I created this podcast this year. And that's why I'm inviting you to something special in January. But before I get into that, let me share something personal. At the beginning of 2025, I asked myself, what legacy do I want to leave? Not just through my photos, but through the impact I can make in the lives of other photographers for photographers like you. Because even with all the career highlights I've had, I remember very well how hard it can be. It was a year ago. This time when I was struggling One year ago. I had nights when I could not sleep. Leap. I know that struggle. The worry . The doubt that creeps in. It doesn't matter how talented you are, these struggles are real. Not the highlight reel, the real story, not what you see on Instagram, but real life. This year I shared my struggles and how to break through those struggles. You see when you learn how to make your clients feel powerful, beautiful, and truly seen, you stop chasing bookings and start attracting them. And not just once, but again and again. Don't you want that? This year I watched photographers take what I taught and completely shift their lives. They stopped waiting. They stopped wondering. They raised their prices, booked more clients, and finally felt in control again, and now it's your turn. I want you to feel proud when you talk about your work. I want you to fall in love with photography again and have the freedom to do it your way. So let me ask you something. Are you ready to create consistent, meaningful work in 2026? , Are you ready to attract clients who pay well and love the experience you give them? Are you ready to stop feeling like you are behind and start building real momentum?. If you said yes to any of that, then join me for my free three day workshop starting this January. In January, I'm gonna give you an opportunity to attract the right clients without chasing. I'm going to give you the opportunity to raise your prices without the fear. I know the moment you think about raising your prices, that fear takes over. We're going to get over that. You see my friend, everything I teach, I live every single day. Now is the time for you to sign up. Go and sign up for the January workshop right now. The link is in the show notes and on my Instagram. This workshop. It's completely free. I'm going to be honest with you. At the end of this workshop, you'll have the opportunity to work with me, but even if you don't want to go that far, there's something for you to help you get past your struggles. Again, this three day workshop is completely free, And the link, once again, it's in the show notes and the link is on my Instagram. My Instagram is under my name. Matthew Jordan Smith. This could be your turning point, the one you've been waiting for. Let 2026 be the year you stop struggling and start thriving. Let it be the year you step fully into your purpose with your camera, your vision, and your voice. You deserve that. You are ready for that. I want to thank you for spending this year with me. And thank you for choosing to believe in yourself. Just a little more each and every day. I can't wait to see what you create in 2026. Until next time, have a peaceful new year. I'll see you in January. Stay inspired, stay courageous and keep going. You don't have to do this by yourself. Until then, bye for now and Happy New Year. | |||
| Episode 28 - The Real Reason You're Undercharging (And Why Clients Feel It) | 08 Feb 2026 | 00:06:10 | |
The Real Reason You’re Undercharging (And Why Clients Feel It) Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. Today's episode is going to hit home for a lot of photographers. Why do I say this? Because I hear about this issue all the time. I actually see it all the time and every time I do, my heart sinks. Today we're going to dive deep. You are not charging enough for your photography. Now pricing. It's not math, it's emotional truth. You see, when you undercharge, you are quietly saying. Please, please don't expect too much from me and clients hear that loud and clear. So here's. Here's what's really happening. You don't fully trust the impact of your work. Not yet anyway, so you soften your price to reduce the risk of being seen. But clients, they don't want cheap reassurance. They want confident containment. There just needs to be one shift instead. Of justifying your price, anchor your price to outcome. Maybe you are wondering what that looks like when a client feels confident and you feel confident. If you want to see that for yourself, not just see the pictures, but look deeper on the client side and the photographer side and see what that does for you. You can get your signed copy of Aretha Cool right now by going to arethacool.com. That's the only place where you can get a signed copy of the book. When you get your copy, take a deep look deeper into the pictures, That confidence carried us through for 13 years up until the time she passed away, but she's not the only one. For over 30 years, I've been shooting clients in a confident way and charging a price to match, and you can do the same. When you're confident about your price, your clients feel it. But it starts first with you. Stop giving your work away. Undercharging is not being generous. Every shoot you do is wear and tear on your gear. Eventually, you'll have to upgrade. How can you do that when you give your work away for Stay with me, we're gonna work to improve your confidence. If this reframed pricing for you, do me a favor and leave a five star review. And then send it to your friends who you know, who are also undercharging. It is time to thrive and charge what you're worth. All right, everyone. Have a wonderful rest of your day or evening. I look forward to seeing you again this time next week on the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I'm your host, Matthew Jordan Smith. Bye for now. | |||
| Episode 27 - Why Clients Aren't Booking You | 01 Feb 2026 | 00:10:46 | |
Why Clients Aren't Booking You Hello everyone and welcome back to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I'm your host, Matthew Jordan Smith. Today we're going to talk about something that hurts, but in a clarifying way. Why clients aren't booking you. Many of you know what that feels like. And I want to say this slowly, because most of you have already decided the wrong answer. It's probably not your photos. If your work is strong, but your calendar is empty, this episode is just for you. And if part of you is wondering, is it me, I want you to stay with me today. Because what's missing is not your talent, it's not your effort. You are working hard. It's not visibility, it's certainty. If you didn't know this, let me be the first to say it. Clients are not hiring images. They're hiring how they expect to feel when they work with you. Yes, your photos made them stop scrolling. If they didn't, they wouldn't even be here. That pause, that's proof. You're talented. So if they paused, if they looked, if they clicked and still didn't book, then the question they were asking wasn't, is this photographer good? They already know you're good. The real question was, will I feel taken care of here by this photographer? And that's where most photographers lose them. We live in a time where good photography is everywhere. Now, that doesn't make your work less valuable, but it does change what clients need in order to choose. When someone lands on your website or your Instagram today, they're not relaxed, they're anxious. They're wondering, will I look awkward? Will I hate my photos? Will I feel exposed in some way? Will this be at all uncomfortable? And here's the part that matters. If your language doesn't answer those fears clearly, then they move on. Not because you failed, but because no one made them feel safe yet. Now let's talk about the way photographers talk, because this is where self trust leaks. If I hear one more photographer say, I just love capturing moments. I'm passionate about people. I offer lifestyle sessions. I already know why clients are hesitating. That language isn't wrong, but it's insider language. It's how photographers talk to other photographers, and yes, it's how we've been taught. You hear it at photo conferences and workshops, but get this. Clients don't book insider language. They book decisive leadership. Vague language, even when it sounds poetic, feels like uncertainty to someone who's already nervous. Here's my coaching moment. When you hide behind general, safe, familiar photography language, you're not being humble. You are avoiding the risk of being specific. Because being specific says, this is what I do, this is who I help. This is the result you expect. And that level of clarity requires self trust on your part. So here's the shift I'd like for you to make starting today. Stop talking about what you love. Start talking about what you solve. That's what clients want to hear. Of course you love photography. We all do. You should, but your client isn't hiring your love. They're hiring relief. Here's an example that changes everything. I help people who hate being photographed finally see themselves with pride. That one sentence does more than ten beautiful images. Why? Because it uses their language, not photo language. I'm telling you all of this from experience. The first time I photographed Samuel L. Jackson, the very first thing he said to me was this, I hate taking pictures. Imagine that. He told me it felt like standing naked in front of lights with no lines to say. Awkward. Exposed. Uncomfortable. Now listen closely. That's not celebrity language. That's human language. Maybe one of your clients has said something similar to you. I hate photos. I feel awkward. I don't know how to pose. I never like pictures of myself. If they're already telling you the problem, why aren't you reflecting it back in your message? You see, when a client reads, I help people who hate being photographed, their nervous system relaxes. They think, oh, this person sees me. They understand me. And once someone feels seen, they're far more willing to trust. This is not louder marketing. It's braver language. Here's a hint most photographers miss. Your clients are telling you how to market to them. Every single session, when you listen deeply and mirror their words back to them, you create alignment. That's how you build long term relationships, long term clients. That's how you get repeat work, and that's how you create careers like the one I had photographing Aretha Franklin for 13 years, Vanessa Williams, Tyra Banks, Samuel L. Jackson, Oprah Winfrey for decades. I didn't guess what any of them needed. I listened and then I led. Stop talking about pretty pictures. Pretty pictures are assumed. That's the baseline. The real question is what do you provide beyond the image? How do you guide people? How do you protect them emotionally? How do you help them feel different when they leave? That's what clients are paying for, even if they don't say it out loud. When I created my last book, Aretha. Cool., the idea wasn't just to make a photography book. It is a record of what happens when you trust. Listening, leadership, and presence come together over time. All the original books on Amazon, they're all gone. There are now only original signed copies left, and you can only find them on ArethaCool.com in the US and in Japan. And yes, you heard me right. Every copy is hand signed because this work deserves intention. Today, let me leave you with this. You are not unbooked because you lack talent. You are unbooked because your message hasn't caught up with your ability yet. And that's good news, because messaging, that can change and change quickly. So listen to your clients. Listen to your potential clients. Use their words, lead with certainty, and stop hiding behind pretty pictures. Your work matters, but your clarity. That's what leads people to choose you. If this episode helps something click for you, leave a five star review. It helps photographers who are stuck find this message sooner. Share this episode with one photographer who keeps blaming the algorithm when what they really need is clearer language. I look forward to seeing you all next week, right back here on the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. Until then, live bravely and trust yourself a little more than you did yesterday. Bye for now. | |||
| Episode 26 - When You Forget Why You Started, Listen to This | 25 Jan 2026 | 00:10:55 | |
When You Forget Why You Started, Listen to This Hello my friends and welcome back to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I’m Matthew, and today’s episode is a little different. It’s not about strategy. It’s not about booking more clients, although everything we’re talking about today will help with that in the long run. Today, it’s for your heart, because I know that being a photographer isn’t just a job for you. It’s not just about making money, although yes, you deserve to be paid well. But somewhere deep down, photography became part of how you understand the world, how you see people, how you feel connected to something bigger. And when the bookings slow down, when the algorithm isn’t your friend, when you’re comparing yourself to everyone else who seems to be doing better, it’s easy to forget why you picked up the camera in the first place. So, let’s get real for a second. Let me ask you something. When was the last time you took pictures just for you? Not for the gram. Not for a paying client. Not for your portfolio. Just because something moved you. Because light hit someone’s face in a way that made your heart skip. Because your gut said, capture this. If it’s been a while, you are not alone. A lot of photographers go through seasons of burnout, creative exhaustion, quiet resentment. We give everything to our clients. We show up with energy. We edit into the wee hours of the night, and slowly we forget to feed the artist inside us. But here’s the truth. You can’t pour magic into your client work if you’re bone dry inside. You have to shoot for your soul. You have to make images for you. Isn’t that why you picked up the camera in the first place? In the very beginning it was for you. So today, I want to help you come back to that spark. Let’s go back to the beginning. Do me a favor, close your eyes, unless you’re driving of course, or in the gym on the treadmill. But if you get a moment, find the time and close your eyes and imagine this. You are holding your very first camera. It’s clunky. You don’t know what you’re doing, but you feel something. The possibility. The idea that you can freeze time. That you can show someone how beautiful they really are. You’re not thinking about pricing or marketing or email funnels or any of the business stuff. You just love photography. You are thinking, wow, I get to do this. That feeling is your anchor. That’s your breakthrough. Not just as a photography business owner, but as an artist. You didn’t choose photography just to pay the bills. You chose it because something in you knew this is how I show love to the world. That feeling needs to be protected. I want you to understand something. The soul work is the real work. What if I told you that the most profitable thing you can do this week was to plan a shoot just for you? No rules. No pressure. Just art. Maybe it’s photographing your aging parents. Maybe it’s photographing your siblings. Maybe it’s photographing you doing something you do every day, but you’ve never taken a picture of that moment, like drinking your first glass of water or brushing your teeth. A self-portrait of you doing what you do every single day, but make it fun, just for you. Maybe it’s capturing a picture of a friend the way you see them. Not for them, but for you. Or maybe it’s really just a real self-portrait, yes, even if that terrifies you. Or maybe it’s a stranger on the street, or a dancer, a poet, a farmer, whoever lights you up. Now, there are some rules to this. Don’t shoot this for social media. Shoot it just for your spirit. Because when you feel, your work feels. And when your work feels, it connects. That’s what builds word of mouth. That’s what clients remember. That’s what sets you apart. So what does that look like? Recently, at the end of the month last year, I was on a trip. It was my first trip ever to Africa, to Kenya. It’s the end of the day. We’re out on the savannah and the sun is setting. I’ve seen a million beautiful sunsets in my life, but my first sunset in Africa, in Kenya, was the most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen in my life. I am not kidding. I have never seen a sunset quite like this. I was frozen. It spoke to my soul. Moments like that are just for you, and they remind you why you picked up the camera in the first place. Those moments connect with your soul. Your soul work is what builds word of mouth. That’s what clients remember. That’s what sets you apart. So please don’t think shooting for yourself, shooting for your soul, is selfish. It’s essential maintenance. It is essential maintenance for a photographer who wants longevity. If you are in a rough season right now, I want you to know this is not the end of your story. You are not behind. You are not failing. You are becoming. Every great artist I’ve ever known has had seasons where the flame burned low. But it always came back when they made space for themselves again. So here’s your invitation. Create something this week that has no purpose except to bring you back to life. And if you need that permission, you just got it. Here’s what I’ve seen happen over and over. When photographers return to the soul of their work, new ideas start to flow. Inspiration finds you unexpectedly. Clients start showing up out of nowhere. You remember what you have to say through your lens and the world feels it. And best of all, you fall back in love with your gift. And that’s not just good for your mental health, that’s good for your business, because when your work carries meaning, your marketing becomes magnetism. People can feel when you are lit up inside, and that is what they are drawn to. So today, instead of pushing harder, give yourself the gift of coming back. Back to why you started. Back to what moves you. Back to the joy, the freedom, the awe of being a photographer. Your breakthrough isn’t just in strategy. It is in remembering that you are an artist and that the world needs what only you can see. Today is your reset, and everybody needs time to reset. This has been the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I’m Matthew. I’m proud of you. I believe in your gift. Go make something just for you this week and let your soul breathe. I’ll see you next time. Until then, bye for now. | |||
| Episode 25 - Your Life Could Look Completely Different by This Time Next Year | 18 Jan 2026 | 00:10:55 | |
Your Life Could Look Completely Different by This Time Next Year Welcome back to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I'm Matthew, and if you are listening to this right now, maybe while editing or on a walk, or even between shoots, I want you to pause for a second and imagine something with me. Imagine it's January 19th, 2027, one year from today. You are waking up and you have a full calendar of ideal clients. People who see your value, respect your time, and love the experience you give them. You are not chasing leads. You are not stressed, you are not worried. You are choosing who to work with. You are not wondering when the next booking is going to come. You are turning people away or you are raising your prices. Your income has doubled from what it was back in 2026. Or maybe more than that, you feel different, steady, respected, confident, and free. That future is not a fantasy. It is not reserved for the lucky ones or the influencers with 50,000 followers. It can be your future, but it starts with a decision and a new way of showing up in your business. Today I want to talk about exactly how you can create that breakthrough year, and what happens if you don't, because nothing actually stays the same. It either gets better or it gets worse. Let's discuss the illusion of staying where you are. Let's talk about something tough but true. Most photographers tell themselves, “If I just keep going, eventually things will pick up,” but here's the truth: waiting is not a growth strategy. You are either building momentum, or you're slowly slipping further behind. Every month you don't have a way to bring in clients, your confidence takes a hit. You start to question your talent. Maybe you've been doing that already. You lower your prices. You take on those shoots that you know drain you even before you do them. And yes, you consider giving up. That's not stability. That's slow erosion. And the worst part, it feels like you're trying. You are posting, you are shooting, you are busy, but you are not moving forward. That's why I created my new training, the Photography Breakthrough System, because you don't need to hustle harder. You need a new approach that actually works. The Photography Breakthrough System is for photographers who photograph people and want real steady clients. For those of you who have been in my workshop, you know right now the doors are open but not much longer. The window to join and be a part of Photography Breakthrough System is about to close. We're closing the doors in a few days because we begin working right away next week with the students who said yes. So what actually happens once you become a member of Photography Breakthrough System? Let's flip the script and go a week ahead. You just logged off from your first session inside the Photography Breakthrough System, and you knew exactly how to start getting new bookings right away, right in your first week. I am not talking about some vague marketing advice. I'm talking about a step-by-step process custom built for people like you, photographers who work with human beings, not products. In that first session, I walk you through the core shift in how you position your photography experience so clients are excited to book you — not just any photographer, but you. The very first week, I give you a simple strategy to use right away this first month of the year so you can start booking clients right away, clients who value what you offer. I've seen photographers go from crickets to consistent clients in just a few weeks because they finally had the clarity, confidence, and a plan that works. Now yes, you didn't get here overnight, and I'm not saying you can fix everything overnight. That's just not true. But in the first week, you're going to know if this is right for you or not. Here's something no one likes to admit. Most photographers are just barely holding on. They're exhausted. They're second-guessing themselves. And they're terrified that if things don't change soon, they have to give up the dream of doing what they love. If that's you, I want you to hear me. There is nothing wrong with you. You are not lazy, you are not untalented. You've just never been shown a path that helps you turn your gift into a business that supports your life. And that's why I'm inviting you into the Photography Breakthrough System right now. Because if you wait another year, how much money are you going to leave on the table? How much of your confidence will erode in the next year? How many almost-bookings will slip away? Or you could be waking up one year from today with your calendar full, your income doubled, and a reputation for delivering a life-changing photo experience. It starts next week. That first session could be the moment everything changes. Your training is live. Will you be there? Inside Photography Breakthrough System, I'm guiding you through every step: how to attract aligned clients, how to deliver a photo experience that transforms how they feel about themselves, and how to build a business where clients come to you and refer you like crazy. As a matter of fact, in the very first week, I'm going to teach you exactly how to do that — a way for clients to come to you and refer you like crazy. This is your turning point, but only if you say yes. We make it very easy for you to join. There are two options. Pick the one that's right for you. The link to join is right here in the show notes. It is also on my Instagram page in the bio. My Instagram page is under Matthew Jordan Smith, and the link to join and change your life is in my bio. Go there and click the link. Sign up today. The only thing is you need to do it in the next few days before the deadline ends. Spots are filling up and we kick off soon. If you've waited long enough, this is your moment. Let's come back to that image. One year from today, you're waking up, coffee in hand, reviewing a calendar full of dream clients. Your bank account reflects the work you put in. Your clients rave about how powerful and beautiful they felt in front of your lens. You feel proud, steady, lit up. That's what I want for you, but nothing changes until you do, and nothing gets better by waiting. So choose your breakthrough. Join us now, and I'll see you inside the first session next week at Photography Breakthrough System. Once again, the link to join is in the show notes or go to my Instagram page, go to my bio, and click the link there. I'm Matthew, and thank you for spending your time with me today. I can't wait to see what you create when you finally step into the business and life you've been dreaming of. Until next week, bye for now. | |||
| Episode 24 - If You Missed This… It Could Cost You Half Your Income | 11 Jan 2026 | 00:12:50 | |
If You Missed This… It Could Cost You Half Your Income I’ve got a confession. I was scared of numbers. I was scared of the scale all of last year. I did not step on the scale, but it's a new year and I said I had to face the truth, whatever it was. So I jumped on the scale thinking that, oh, I've stayed the same now, I haven't been on the scale. I haven't weighed myself since 2024, all of 25. I never jumped on the scale, but I knew nothing changed. I look in the mirror every day. We all do, right? Nothing changed. Well, this January I jumped on the scale to learn the truth, and I've got to tell you, I was a bit shocked. But the funny thing is, when you don't know, you just go around blind thinking that nothing has changed. The same happens with photographers. We hide from the truth. We know things have not stayed the same. Usually they get worse until you face the truth and look at the numbers. I want to welcome you back to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I'm your host, Matthew Jordan Smith, and today we're diving into something that could quite literally mean the difference between struggling and soaring this year. I don't say that lightly because the truth is missing what happened in day one and day two of the Photography Breakthrough Workshop could cost you 50% of your income this year. Now let that land. Half your income gone, not because you are not talented enough, not because you're not working hard enough, but because you are missing a few hidden pieces that are quietly sabotaging your results without even realizing it. But the good news, it's not too late. The workshop, by the way, is going on right now. It's a three-day workshop, but you can still catch up. So let's talk about what you might have missed. Day one of the Photography Breakthrough Workshop was on fire. Photographers who joined are already messaging me and saying, “Matthew, I finally see what I've been missing.” And another said, “I've never felt more clear.” Here's why it hits so hard. First, we uncovered the hidden reasons you are losing clients and, like hiding from the numbers, you just don't know what you don't know. These are patterns that most photographers never see, like the subtle ways we unintentionally repel clients, or the way we position ourselves that creates confusion instead of desire. If you've ever felt like people love your work but still don't book you, this workshop is for you. If you were there, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you missed it, this episode is just for you. Let's talk about what else you are missing out on. Another part of the workshop that everyone's talking about is the workbook. Everyone gets access to the Photography Breakthrough Workbook. We've been using it on day one and day two. Now, this isn't fluff. This is the tool you return to again and again throughout the year long after the workshop is over. The workbook is relevant for you for a long time because every day of this workshop builds on it, helping you rewrite the way you attract, the way you serve, and retain clients. This workbook is designed to make lasting change, not some temporary hype. When you sign up for the workshop, you get access to the workbook, which you are definitely going to need right away. And there's another third part. And the funny thing about the third part of the workshop is it actually happens after the workshop is over. We open the doors to a private Facebook group. Now this group is only active for the workshop. After the workshop, it goes away. Think of it as a popup workshop Facebook group. And let me tell you, this community is alive. It's full of photographers who get it, people who are committed to building something real, not just surviving. If you've ever felt alone in your photography business, that changes the second you step inside. Now let's talk about why missing this workshop could cost you big. Yes, this is the uncomfortable part. When I say missing day one and two could cost you 50% of your income this year, I mean that, because what we revealed isn't just tips and tricks, it's the foundational gaps that quietly bleed your time, your energy, and yes, your money. Here's the truth. Most photographers are working so hard, but unknowingly doing things that block their own growth. That could mean booking the wrong clients who don't value your work, wasting hours on marketing the old-fashioned way that doesn't convert, undervaluing your time. It is the only thing we can't make more of. Everybody on the planet gets the same amount of time every single day. Are you undervaluing your time? And then they're staying in the feast-or-famine cycle with no idea how to get out. These aren't just annoyances, they're income leaks, and yes, you could be leaking 50% of the income you could make. Left unchecked year after year, it will suck you dry. But you don't have to worry about that because we can fix that. When you learn how to make the breakthrough happen, that's when income stabilizes. That's when word of mouth starts to kick in. That's when you start choosing your clients instead of begging for bookings. Like the story I told you at the beginning of this podcast: nothing stays the same. I know we think it does, but nothing stays the same. Here's what I want you to really hear today. You are not maintaining your business right now. It either gets better or it's slowly declining. When things change slowly, you don't see it. That's why you lose weight or gain weight and you have no clue. We just don't see it. So every day you delay stepping into a better system, one built around consistency, value, and transformation, is a day your confidence erodes, your momentum weakens, and your dream slips a little further out of reach. That doesn't mean you're failing. It just means it's time to choose a new path. Now, here's the good news. You can still watch day one and day two right now. You can still register for the Photography Breakthrough Workshop and get access to everything, the replays from day one and two, the workbook (which you absolutely need), and yes, access to the Facebook group, all of it. But you've got to move fast. This is only a three-day workshop. We're two days in. If you've missed it, where have you been? Day three is coming up quickly, and it builds directly on what we covered in day one and day two. If you wait any longer, you're going to fall behind or miss the window altogether. So if you've been waiting for a sign, this is it. Go register right now. Watch the replays, download the workbook, do the work as you watch the replay of day one and day two, and catch up. And then be ready for day three. The link to register is right here in the show notes, or go to Instagram and follow me there. I'm under Matthew with two T's, Matthew Jordan Smith. In my Instagram bio you'll see the link to sign up right away. Click the link, register, download your workbook right then and there, and watch day one and day two. Now, let's zoom out a little bit and look into the future. By this time next year, your entire photography business, whether you're doing it full-time or you're doing it on the weekends as a side hustle, either way, this could transform your entire photography business. You could be booked months in advance, attracting aligned clients who rave about their experience working with you. You could be earning more, working less, and feeling really in control of your life, feeling confident in how you show up, how you price, and how you serve your clients. But that future doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by making one choice: to stop tolerating what's not working and step into a better way. So let this be your turning point. Don't let another year go by hoping things will change. Be the person who makes them change. Now you've got this, and I look forward to seeing you in day three of the workshop. But first, go catch up and then make sure you are there live for day three. This has been the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I'm Matthew Jordan Smith, and I'll see you on day three of the workshop. And then join me here again next week for another episode of the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. Go register now. Let's build the business you've been dreaming of. Until next week, bye for now. | |||
| Episode 23 - The Day Before Everything Changes | 04 Jan 2026 | 00:06:02 | |
The Day Before Everything Changes Hello, it's Matthew Jordan Smith, and today I wanna speak directly to you. You're listening to this podcast, on the day it comes out, today is January 5th, 2026, and if you've been listening to this podcast for a while. You already know something big is coming. Tomorrow. January 6th, we begin the photography breakthrough three day live workshop. This workshop is for you if people have seen your work and inquire about hiring you, but you lose them the minute you tell them your price. This workshop is for you if you feel stuck. In any way in your photography, maybe you are afraid to raise your prices because you think if you do, you'll lose the clients you have, or maybe you think no one will pay your price. But somehow it still feels like people don't see it. Well, my friend, that ends tomorrow because this workshop is designed to help you finally break through the fear that's been holding you back from raising your prices and getting consistent paying clients month after month. You've been guessing and second guessing, but you don't need to anymore. You don't need to keep waiting, and you definitely don't need to lower your value just so you can get booked to do what you love. You just need the right tools, the right system, and the right support, and that's exactly what you wanna get starting tomorrow. So if you haven't signed up yet, do it now This is your last chance to reserve your spot and be there on the first day of this three day workshop. It starts online tomorrow. It is live. Go to the link right now and register. Make sure you are there on time. Do me a favor, grab a pin pencil and something to write with. You're gonna need that throughout this workshop because here's what's waiting for you inside the workshop. A clear path to a system to raise your prices with confidence. Every session is live. Every session is practical, and every session is designed to move you forward. Now, here's what's new. After each live session, I'll be heading over to our private Facebook workshop group. Think of it as a popup Facebook group that's just for the workshop. As soon as you sign up, the link to the Facebook group is right there. So join the Facebook group right away. You deserve to start your year right. You deserve to feel confident talking about your prices. You deserve clients who respect your work and pay you well. You deserve to build a photography business that gives you freedom, not fear. So let's make that happen. Sign up now and join me tomorrow. Show up for yourself. And after the session, come hang out with me in the Facebook group. I'll be there, ready to connect with you, answer your questions, and support you in real time. This is your time. Don't let fear win another year. Let's build something stronger together. I'll see you tomorrow. All right, everyone, until tomorrow. Bye for now. | |||
| Episode 22 - This Is the Year Everything Changes | 01 Jan 2026 | 00:11:49 | |
Photography Breakthrough Workshop Kickoff 2026 Happy New Year. Welcome back. It's Matthew Jordan Smith, and this is the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. It's a brand new year, and I have a feeling you are here right now because you're ready for something different, not just a new calendar, not just another resolution you'll forget by February, but real change, deep lasting, powerful change in your photography, in your business, with your confidence and with your life. So let's start here. This is your moment and I want to tell you something you may not have heard enough. We're kicking off the year with a three day photography breakthrough workshop, and it starts soon. I made it just for you because you are tired of wondering where your next client is coming from. Because you know your work is worth it, but you're not sure how to charge more without losing people Because you've done everything they said to do and it still doesn't feel like it's working. I created this workshop because I've been where you are. I've had those nights staring at the ceiling, wondering how I'll make it through another month, wondering if I need to quit wondering if my dream was just too big. But I didn't quit and neither will you. Because you were called to this work for a reason. Because photography isn't just what you do. It's who you are. And you know it deep in your soul. You know you are meant to make people feel something when they stand in front of your camera. So now let me help you build a business, a photography business around your gift. In this workshop, I'm going to show you the exact steps I use in my own career, not just in the past, but right now, today. Not theory, not guesswork, real tools, real strategy, real results. Because you deserve to have consistent, happy clients who tell everyone about you. You deserve to charge what your work is really worth and feel good about it. You deserve to create a business that gives you freedom, not burnout. And you don't have to do it alone. You've been there. And you know where that's taken you. It is time to change going forward. I'll be with you every step, but you have to decide now to sign up and dedicate this year to being the year that changes everything because time moves fast because another year can fly by. Because the only way this year looks different is if you make a different choice. So take a deep breath. Then go sign up right now for the three day Photography breakthrough workshop. It's completely free and it's waiting for you. The link is here in the show notes, and you can also find it on my Instagram. Go there now and sign up. We start soon, and I want you to be there because you know you're ready. Let's make 2026 the year you stop struggling and start thriving in your photography. Let's build a photography business that you love. Let's do it together. I'll see you inside the workshop. It starts very soon, so sign up now. All right. I've got a lot of work to do before we get started, so make sure you sign up right now and I'll see you in the workshop. Oh, and if you were on the last workshop. There's a lot that's new. Number one. After each and every workshop, I want you to join me on the special Facebook page so we can ask the questions about that specific day. And prepare yourself for the next workshop. This time, I want to hear from you. Sign up right now. I'll see you in the workshop. Until next time. Bye for now. | |||
| Episode 40 - Your Biggest Challenge Today | 03 May 2026 | 00:07:43 | |
Three-Day Client Conversion Challenge Overview Speaker 2: This is the week that changes everything. Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. Speaker: So let me tell you about this challenge, this three-day client conversion challenge. It is live this week, starting on Tuesday. Speaker 3: This is a three-day journey. On day one, we dive in to figuring out why so many talented photographers are struggling. Speaker 4: But the biggest challenge is for you to take action right now for yourself. Speaker 5: Don't fill out your workbook yet. We'll do that together in day one, day two, and day three. There's also a Facebook page dedicated just for this challenge. So make sure you also join the Facebook group. The link to both the workbook and the Facebook group is in your email after you sign up. So make sure you do those two things before you join in the workshop. Speaker: These three days should change everything for you. | |||
| Episode 39 - Why Your Photography Prices Feel Too High (And How to Finally Fix Your Pricing Confidence) | 26 Apr 2026 | 00:15:24 | |
Why Your Photography Prices Feel Too High (And How to Finally Fix Your Pricing Confidence) Speaker: Treating your pricing like a math problem is. Well, it's a lot like trying to measure the value of an unforgettable Michelin star meal. Right. By simply adding up the cost of the raw ingredients. | |||
| Episode 30 - Stop Trying to Be Booked - Start Being Chosen | 22 Feb 2026 | 00:14:55 | |
Stop Trying to Be Booked - Start Being Chosen Hello everyone and welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I hope you are having a great day wherever you are. Hard to believe we're in another year. 2026, and if you're listening to this podcast on the day it comes out, we're now past the first month. And maybe you're thinking, I wish I could get booked more as a photographer. I wish I had more clients. Clients who paid me. What I deserve to be paid for my talent. I know you're talented. I see your work. I see you. You're doing everything you know, but you're still not getting clients. If that's you, this episode is for you. Getting booked, getting clients, that's passive being chosen. That needs to be earned. And if you've been working hard. Posting, responding quickly, lowering your prices. Sounding extra friendly, yet still not getting booked, not getting clients. This episode is going to explain why. You see most photographers. They don't lose clients because of lack of talent. They lose them because they're showing up like they're hoping to be picked instead of standing like someone worth choosing. It's a big difference, and I want you to feel the difference between those two very different energies today. If you're honest, you've probably had moments where an inquiry. Comes in and your body reacts before your brain does. You know that feeling. Your heart speeds up. You think, don't mess this up. You overexplain. You soften your language. You try to sound agreeable, flexible, enthusiastic, easy. You tell yourself you're just being kind, but what you're really doing is this. You're trying to reduce the risk of rejection by shrinking your authority and clients smell that a mile away. Even if they can't name it, they feel it. The photographers who are both constantly, they don't chase alignment. They create it. Now, let's be clear about something that's a little uncomfortable when you're trying to be booked. Your energy is focused on you. You want the job. And because of that, you're stuck with your fear, thinking about your income, your calendar, and maybe even your worth. But when clients are choosing a photographer, they're focused also on themselves. You've got to understand this. How they'll feel, whether they'll be awkward in front of your camera, if you'll make them look bad, if they'll regret spending the money. I want you to think about the last time somebody sent you an inquiry. Maybe it was an email or a DM, but they contacted you. They liked your work, and they wanted to find out what it takes, how much it costs to work with you. Ask yourself honestly, did I try to convince them? Or did I guide them through the process? Most photographers are defaulting to something like this. I'd love to work with you. Let me know if you have any questions. Yes, that sounds polite. It also sounds unsure. Now compare it to this. Based on what you shared, here's how I'd approach your session and why it works well for people who feel the way you described, do you see that difference? Do you feel the difference? One is asking for permission, the other offers leadership. You need to guide your clients through the process , so they can see themselves working with Now, let's clear this up because this is where a lot of photographers get stuck. Leadership does not mean being cold. I'm not saying that it doesn't mean being dominant. Very different thing . It doesn't mean acting like you don't care if they book you or not. I'm not saying any of that. Leadership means I trust myself enough to guide you clearly. So here's a direct upgrade you can use starting today. Instead of saying, I'd love to work with you, I know this may sound like it's hard, but here's the deeper reason many photographers struggle with this shift. Authority requires self trust. Before external validation, you have to believe your process works before a client is going to confirm it. You have to believe it. You have to stand behind your approach before anyone will ever say yes to working with you. Let's talk about the consequences of all of this. When you're responding to a client or a potential client in an overly enthusiastic, overly accommodating mode, clients price shop you , sessions feel chaotic. You are not a vendor. You are not a button pusher. You are someone people trust with how they see themselves. This is intimate work. And intimate work requires confidence, not performance confidence, but grounded certainty, certainty that says, I know how to guide you through this. When I think back about past clients. And Yes, I always think about Aretha Franklin. I, I, I love her. I, I And true to my word, after 13 years of working with her, I created Aretha Cool. That book is packed with confidence from her side and from mine. What am I talking about? After the first time working with Aretha, she gave me her number. And she told me, if you ever need me for anything, give me a call. Yes. I was shocked that the Queen of soul said that to me. But here's where confidence comes in. I called her about a month later and told her my idea about a shoot. You see, you have to take control sometimes. And not be afraid to do so. Yes, she's a big star, but we had a connection. If you wanna see what that looks like, get your signed copy of Aretha Cool by just going to arethacool.com. There are two versions of the book. The book is almost sold out, but there are a few copies left. They're all signed. There is a standard edition. You'll see that on the website, aretha cool.com. Each one is signed, but then there's something special as well. There's a limited edition version of Aretha. Cool. That's packed with a lot of wonderful extras. You'll see that on the site as well. From the limited edition version. There were 100 special books. There are about 32 left right now. If you want one of the super special editions, go to arethacool.com. Yes, I loved working with Aretha, but I love all my assignments with all my clients. And I want you to love it too. So let me leave you with this. You don't need more inquiries. You need to show up differently inside the ones you already get. You don't need to convince people to hire you. You need to let them feel held by your clarity. So stop trying to be booked. Start being someone who can be trusted because when you lead with clarity instead of hope, clients don't just respond. They choose you. I want to thank you for your time today and if this episode helped you feel steadier, more grounded, more willing to take up space, please leave a five star review. It helps this podcast reach other photographers who are still stuck trying to earn permission. Feel free to share this episode with one photographer who believes enthusiasm is confidence when what they really need is authority. Thank you for your time today. I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you again next week. On the Photography Breakthrough Podcast, I'm Matthew Jordan Smith. Bye for now. | |||
| Episode 29 - You're Not Invisible - You're Unclear | 15 Feb 2026 | 00:10:35 | |
You’re Not Invisible - You’re Unclear Let me start today. By saying something I know many of you are secretly afraid is true, you are not being ignored because you are untalented. You are not unseen as a photographer because the market is saturated. You are not overlooked because you started too late. You are being passed over because people don't know how to choose you. And that hurts because invisibility feels personal. It feels like rejection. It feels like you're shouting into the void while everyone else somehow gets heard. But today I want to take that weight off your chest because what you are experiencing is not failure. It is unclearness, but the great thing is unclarity is fixable. Most photographers who come to me say the same thing in different words. I just feel invisible, I also know that many photographers are trying to appeal to everyone, and that is costing you jobs, is costing you clients. It is the most common trap photographers fall into. I hear it all the time. You say things like, I work with everyone. I photograph all kinds of people. I'm open to all sessions. I get it. I know why you do this. Because narrowing your focus feels risky because you are afraid. Clarity will shrink your opportunities. Because somewhere deep down you're thinking if I say no to anyone, what if no one chooses me? But here's the truth that no one tells you. General messaging doesn't create safety. It creates uncertainty. When clients don't immediately recognize themselves in your words, they don't lean in, they hesitate and hesitation doesn't turn into bookings. Your ideal client. It's not browsing photography with excitement. They're browsing with self-consciousness, fear of looking awkward, doubt about their body, their face, their presence. They're looking to see if you can solve a problem with your photography. You see, they're asking silently, will this photographer know what to do with me? When you say, this is what I know how to do exceptionally well, that resonates, and that level of ownership forces you to trust yourself more than the algorithm, the trends, or any of the photographer's approval. Let's stop for a second. I like for you to pause after this episode and complete this sentence. Without softening it, without adding disclaimers. Say this out loud. I am a photographer for people who you fill in the blank and want to feel, fill in the blank. I, let me say that again and say this out loud. I am a photographer for people who fill in the blank space and want to feel fill in the blank. Not anyone. Not everyone, not a little bit of everything. Be honest if you're having a hard time filling it in. Let me give you a few examples. I'm a photographer for people who hate being photographed and want to feel calm and respected, or I'm, a photographer for people who've never liked photos of themselves and want to finally feel proud. Or maybe this one. I am a photographer for people who feel invisible in their own lives and want to be seen clearly. If your chest tightens as you say it, that's clarity activating. I know that feels scary, but here's what no one tells you. Clarity feels like exposure because when you are clear, you're no longer hiding. Clarity brings you the right clients. Let's do a real time upgrade instead of saying, I love capturing authentic moments. We've all seen that. Try something like this. I guide people who feel awkward in front of the camera, so they never have to wonder what to do with their body or their face. If you're saying something like, I offer lifestyle portrait sessions, try something like this. My sessions are structured so you feel supported, not exposed. You see specific language creates relief and relief creates inquiries. Now, today's episode, it isn't really about messaging. It's about whether you trust yourself enough to define your value without apology. Most photographers aren't unclear because they don't know what they do. They're unclear because they're afraid to claim it. But here's the truth. I want you to hear clearly. You don't become confident after you are booked. You get booked after you practice confidence. Let me leave you with this. You are not invisible. You are in the middle of learning how to speak from truth instead of from fear. The photographers who get booked, they're not louder. They're clearer. They're clear with their message. They don't explain themselves endlessly. They don't try to be everything to everyone. They don't wait for permission to take up space. They decide who they are for and let the right people find them, and that could be you too. Now, if this episode helped you breathe just a little easier . Or see your work differently, please leave a five star review. It helps this podcast reach more photographers who need this message right now. A Thank you for your time today. I hope this helped in some way to make you clear about your message and your value. Until next time. Bye for now. | |||
| Episode 38 - Student Interview: Whispers of the Ancients | 19 Apr 2026 | 00:22:26 | |
Photographing Israels hidden diversity through war | |||
| Episode 37 - The $800 Decision You’re Avoiding (And What It’s Costing You) | 12 Apr 2026 | 00:15:58 | |
The $800 Decision You’re Avoiding (And What It’s Costing You) Speaker: Have you ever felt that, um, that incredibly specific, just crushing frustration of knowing you are genuinely talented at what you do. | |||
| Episode 36 - Join the 3-Day Photography Challenge | 05 Apr 2026 | 00:13:12 | |
JOIN the 3-Day Photography Challenge Speaker: Imagine for a second. That, uh, you're walking down this really busy city street, | |||
| Episode 35 - Stop Saying You Capture Memories | 29 Mar 2026 | 00:16:03 | |
Stop Saying You Capture Memories | |||
| Episode 34 - Why Clients Hesitate Even After They Love Your Work | 22 Mar 2026 | 00:09:22 | |
Why Clients Hesitate Even After They Love Your Work Hi, and welcome to the podcast. I'm Matthew Jordan Smith, and this is the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. Let me begin by describing a moment and see if this feels familiar to you. Someone comments on your work. They send you a direct message. They say things like, I love your photos. Your work looks beautiful. This really connects with me. You feel hopeful. And then nothing. No booking, no follow up. No yes. And you are left thinking, if they love my work, why aren't they hiring me? That question is one of the most frustrating experiences a photographer can have. You know what I mean? So today we're going to answer it clearly, calmly, and without blaming you or your work. Here's the truth that most photographers never hear. People don't book photographers when they simply admire them. They book you when they trust themselves inside the experience. You see, admiration and action are not the same thing. And the gap, that huge gap between them, is where most bookings fall apart. When they say, I love your work, it isn't the green light we think it is. So let's slow this down. When someone says they love your work, what that really means is your images caught their attention, your style resonates with them, your taste is clear. And that is important. But it's only the first step. Because the next question they're asking is much quieter and much more personal. What would it feel like to be photographed by this person? If they can't answer that question clearly, they hesitate even when they love what they see. You see, most photographers are showing results. Very few show the process. You show finished images, beautiful faces, strong aesthetics. But clients are imagining their own awkwardness, their discomfort, their fear of looking bad, their uncertainty about what to do in front of your camera. If your messaging doesn't bridge that gap, that admiration stalls and goes quiet. Not because you did anything wrong, but because no one showed them the way. This is not about posting more. It's not about better captions. It's not about more reels or reach or consistency posting. This is about emotional orientation. People don't move forward when they feel disoriented, even if they're impressed with your beautiful work. They move forward when someone helps them understand what happens next, how they'll be guided, what role they play, and how they'll be taken care of. Listen to this language. I create authentic portraits. I capture real moments. My sessions are relaxed and fun. Now, none of that is wrong. But none of that tells a nervous client what to expect, the one who's on the edge. So they fill in the blanks themselves. And when people are already self-conscious, the story they fill in is rarely generous. Now, here's the shift that changes everything. Stop trying to be impressive. Start taking them through the process. Instead of asking, does this show how good I am? Ask, does this help someone imagine themselves feeling great? That's the difference between admiration and trust. Trust is built when language answers questions. Questions like, will I be told what to do? Will I feel rushed? Will I feel judged? Will I regret this? Trust sounds like, most of my clients feel awkward at first, and that's expected. I guide you the entire time. Or my process is structured so you never have to guess what to do. Or maybe something like this. You don't need to be confident when you arrive. That comes later. That language creates movement, and movement turns into bookings. And here's the part that really matters. Because a lot of photographers are also saying things quietly to themselves. It's the quiet voice that's filled with fear. What if I'm over promising? What if I sound arrogant? So a lot of photographers stay vague. But vagueness doesn't feel humble to clients. It feels uncertain. And you already know any type of uncertainty creates hesitation. And if there's any hesitation, it turns into a ghost situation. So what's the real reason why clients ghost you? Most clients don't disappear because they lost interest, like you might think. They disappear because they couldn't decide. And indecision usually means one thing. I like this, but I don't feel confident yet. Now, your job is not to convince them. Your job is to steady them. So here's a question you can ask yourself when reviewing your site, your Instagram, your captions, how you respond to people. If someone has never been photographed before, would my messaging help them feel less alone? If the answer is no, change your language. Change your messaging. You don't need more content. You need more containment. And when you close that gap, inquiries turn into bookings. Price resistance goes away. Clients show up more often. And sessions feel easier, not because your work has changed, but because the experience becomes clearer. Today, let me leave you with this. People already admire your work. That's not the problem. They just need help crossing the bridge from admiration to taking action. And that bridge isn't built with more talent. It's built with clarity, guidance, and confidence to say, I know how to take care of you. When you offer that, people stop hesitating and they move forward. I hope this episode helps something click for you. If it did, leave a five star review. It helps this podcast reach photographers who are stuck blaming themselves instead of adjusting their language. Feel free to share this episode with one photographer who keeps hearing, I love your work, but isn't seeing it turn into bookings yet. I'll see you next time on the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. Until then, lead gently. Bye for now. | |||
| Episode 33 - The Inquiry Moment - Where Authority Is Won or Lost | 15 Mar 2026 | 00:09:33 | |
The Inquiry Moment: Where Authority Is Won or Lost Today, let's talk about what happens when somebody inquires about hiring you. You get a message or a DM or maybe even a call, someone is interested in hiring you. We call that the moment of inquiry. And today's episode is all about why the way you respond matters more than your images, more than your portfolio, more than you think. I want you to think about the last time someone inquired about your work, about hiring you. Was it an email, a direct message, in person, however it happened? Did it make your heart beat a little faster? Now, be honest with yourself. When you replied, were you trying to convince them or were you guiding them? Because in that moment, before pricing, before packages, before availability, your authority was either established or quietly handed away. And most photographers don't even realize what's happening. This is a powerful moment. The moment someone inquires about your work is not administrative. It's emotional. It's the moment where a client is deciding, can I trust this person to take care of me? They're not thinking, are they nice, are they enthusiastic, are they flexible? But will I feel safe, guided, and understood by this photographer? Are they the one for me? And the language you use in this first response answers that question immediately. And sadly, most photographers are not thinking this way. Most photographers respond with something like this: I'd love to work with you. Let me know if you have any questions. Yes, that sounds kind. It does sound polite. It sounds accommodating. But it also sounds unsure. And here's why that matters when your goal is to get the booking. When a client is already nervous about being photographed, uncertainty in any way feels like risk. Permission is a trap. That type of response does something subtle. It asks the client, is this okay? Do you approve? Do you want me? And that puts the client in charge of a process they don't actually want to manage. People don't want to lead their photographer. They want to be led. Now, compare that to this response. Based on what you shared, here's how I'd approach your session and why it works well for people who feel the way you described. What's the difference? One response waits. The other holds. One asks for permission. The other offers leadership. And leadership is calming to your client. You see, there's a journey. Your client or potential client begins the journey, but then they're handing it off to you. And that's when it's time for you to take control and guide them on your journey. Clients reach out because they're uncertain. They don't know what to wear, how to pose, if they'll like themselves in your pictures, if they're making the right choice by choosing you as their photographer. When you step into leadership, you relieve that burden. You are saying, you don't have to figure this out. I've got you. That's not sales. That's care. So why does this feel so hard for so many photographers? Here's the deeper layer. Many photographers soften their language because they don't fully understand or trust themselves yet. They're afraid of sounding arrogant. They're afraid of being rejected. They're afraid of being too much, so they stay agreeable. But agreeableness is not confidence. And clients can feel the difference. I don't want to confuse things because authority is not attitude. Let's be clear about that. Authority is not dominance. It's not being cold in any way. It's not feeling indifferent. Authority gives clarity and does so with kindness. There's a big difference. It's saying, I understand your concerns and I know how to guide you through it. Now we know the problem. Now let's fix it. Here's a structure you can use every single time. Step one, reflect what they said. Let them feel heard. You mentioned feeling uncomfortable in front of the camera. That's what clients want to hear. Notice you're not asking what they want to do. You are showing them what works. They begin the journey, and you take the reins from there. So what happens when you take the lead, when you shift to guidance? Clients respond faster. Price resistance drops away. Sessions run smoother. Respect for you and your work increases, not because you changed your pricing, but because you changed your posture. And this moment shapes everything that follows. How you show up in the inquiry moment sets the tone for the session, the relationship, the sale, the referral, consistent clients from that point on. If you begin from authority, everything else flows smoothly. This kind of quiet leadership is exactly why clients return to you over and over again. This is the moment when you stand in your authority. Authority doesn't shout. It doesn't need to. It holds. Let me leave you with this today. You don't need to convince people to trust you. You need to give them something solid to trust. The moment when they inquire about hiring you isn't about being chosen. It's about choosing to lead. And when you do that, the right clients don't hesitate. They exhale. They feel held. And they say yes. If you are enjoying these podcast episodes, let me know. If you feel stuck and I haven't touched on your topic, drop me a line. It helps me to prepare future episodes. I want to hear from you. Thank you for your time. Thank you for listening. I look forward to seeing you next week on the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. And yes, I'm Matthew Jordan Smith. You can find me on Instagram simply under that, Matthew Jordan Smith. Until then, lead with certainty, speak with care, and trust yourself enough to guide the process. Bye for now. | |||
| Episode 32 - Why Some Images Stop Us Cold (And Why Yours Can Too) | 08 Mar 2026 | 00:09:36 | |
Why Some Images Stop Us Cold (And Why Yours Can Too) This has been an emotional year. Maybe you've noticed many people around the world are experiencing emotions they've never felt before. And most of those emotions are based on pictures. Have you stopped to think about that? This year, we've all seen the images that stopped us in our tracks, images that made us pause, images that made us feel something in our chest before we could explain why. Images that stayed with us long after we scrolled past them. And I'm not just talking about photographers noticing this, I'm talking about people everywhere. Across cultures, across borders, across languages being moved by photographs that feel alive, like you were right there seeing it and feeling it. And I want to ask you something important today. Have you ever stopped to think about what it took for that image to exist? Because somewhere in the middle of the chaos, the noise and uncertainty, certainty, and yes, the pain a photographer found clarity. They didn't just see what was happening. They felt it, and they trusted that feeling enough to press the shutter. Here's the truth most photographers overlook. We don't react to images. We react to emotion. That's every person on the planet, always have, always will. For a photographer, an image without emotional truth is just information. An image with emotional truth becomes an experience. An experience, bad or good, is what people remember forever. Think about the images that stopped you this week. Not the technically perfect ones, not the trendy ones, not the ones with the big lighting or sharpness. The ones that stopped you were the ones that made you feel something you recognized. Grief, pain, empathy, relief, strength, tenderness, or the lack thereof. Defiance. Hope. Those images didn't shout. They told the truth. I know many photographers get stuck here. They think emotional images come from big events, dramatic moments, extreme circumstances, and I'm not saying that they don't, because in many cases they do. But not all emotional images come from drama. They do come from presence. From being open enough to feel what's happening while it's happening, instead of trying to control it, pose it, or sanitize it. And that openness, that's the real skill. And let's be totally honest right now. Many photographers, maybe many people, disconnect from their own emotions because it feels safer. For photographers, safer is focusing on settings, safer to hide behind technique, safer to stay busy adjusting instead of feeling. But when you numb yourself, your image is numb too. You can't photograph what you refuse to feel. And when you allow yourself to be emotionally present, something changes. Not just in your work, but in how your clients experience you. Here's something I want you to hear clearly. Clients don't choose photographers based on style. You see, when you are emotionally present, clients relax faster. They trust your direction. They show you real expressions. They stop performing, and suddenly the images deepen, not because you changed your gear, but because you changed how available you were to connect emotionally. Emotion's a funny thing. It works like a mirror. When you allow yourself to be open, your clients unconsciously mirror that openness. If you're guarded, they will be guarded. If you are distracted, they'll stay surface level. If you're present, they'll arrive too. And that's when the images people respond to are created. I know this is an emotional episode, but let's talk about something practical for a second. If people respond to emotion in images, what do you think they respond to in words? The same thing. When your messaging in your marketing is emotional and honest, not dramatic, not performative, but real, people feel it. Instead of saying, I create beautiful portraits, try asking, what do people feel after working with me? Do they feel calm, at peace, seen, grounded, strong, loved? I'm talking about emotions. Emotion doesn't just shape your images. It shapes how people choose you, how they remember you. And here's a practice you can start immediately, no camera required. Before your next photo session, ask yourself, if I were the client, what would I feel walking into my space? During the session, notice what is the emotional temperature right now. After your session, reflect. What moment during your shoot felt the most real? Now, why does all of this matter now? Maybe you've noticed the world is loud. People are overwhelmed. Attention's fractured. The images that cut through the noise, they aren't louder. They're truer. And photographers who learn to trust emotional truth, not perfection, will always matter. They always have. Let me leave you with this today. You don't need to manufacture emotion. You need to allow it. The images that stop people cold aren't planned. They're created by photographers who are willing to be human first, and technical second. When you trust what you feel, your images begin to trust you back, and the world feels that. When your images carry truth, people don't just look. They connect and they remember. If this episode reminded you why you picked up a camera in the first place, drop me a message on Instagram. I'd love to hear from you. Leave a five star review. It helps this podcast reach more photographers who are searching for meaning, not just metrics. And share this episode with anyone who needs to hear it today. Maybe what we all need is permission to feel. I'll see you next week on the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. Until then, stay present, stay honest, and trust the emotion you already carry. Bye for now. | |||
| Episode 31 - Your Portfolio Might Be Working Against You | 01 Mar 2026 | 00:12:07 | |
Your Portfolio Might Be Working Against You People often ask me, Matthew, how many pictures should I include? How many should I show? I want you to pause with me today, because your portfolio is probably not failing because your work isn't good enough. It may be failing because it's trying to do too much, and that's not a skill problem. It's a clarity problem. Let's get something straight right away. That's how clients feel when you show too much, when you keep adding pictures. So let me say that again. Your portfolio is not a gallery. It's not your personal archive. It is not a scrapbook of everything you've ever been proud of. If your portfolio tries to speak to everyone, it clearly speaks to no one. Most photographers keep too many images in their portfolio for emotional reasons, not strategic ones. You keep images because you remember how hard they were to get. They represent growth. They prove you can do a certain kind of work. You are afraid removing them means erasing progress. I get it. I've had the same feelings in the past. But you've got to remember. All of us must remember, clients don't see your journey. They see a wall of uncertainty. Clients want a predictable experience. They want to know, will I feel awkward? Will this photographer guide me? Will I recognize myself in these images? Will I feel respected, calm, and confident before the shoot? During the shoot and after? If your portfolio doesn't answer these questions clearly, well, they hesitate. Let's discuss the three things your portfolio must communicate. Number one, emotional safety. Do the people in your images look grounded? Do they look at ease? Do they feel like real human beings, not a performance, not ai, not perfect? For those who are just finding this podcast, you may not know this, but I live in Japan, and there's a phrase here that I love. It's called Wabi-sabi. And what Wabi-sabi means is beauty in imperfection. That's more important today than ever before. Clients are scanning for safety, not perfection. Number two, transformation. Can someone imagine themselves before and after your session? Do your images suggest confidence gained, not just poses? Transformation. Transformation that builds desire. And number three, consistency of voice. Do these images feel like they belong together, or they feel like different photographer is trying on different styles? Consistency creates trust. So the three things you need to show in every picture, emotional safety, transformation, and a consistent voice. Maybe you're thinking, Matthew, but what do I take out? And as we know, a lot of photographers avoid this. So here's what you need to remove. Images that feel like you're proving something. Work that no longer represents how you want to serve people. Photos you keep explaining when asked about them. If your image requires an explanation, justification, it does not belong. Your pictures. Your portfolio should not need footnotes. Photography, great photography speaks for itself. Maybe you're thinking Matthew, but I need variety. Variety is overrated. Clients don't want variety. They want certainty. Variety says, I can do anything. Certainty says I can do this. And I do it well, each and every time. And certainty is far more comforting than range. Let's talk about something you can do this week. Open your portfolio and ask image by image, would I want to be this person? Do I understand how I'd be guided? Does this image reflect how I want clients to feel? If the answer isn't an immediate yes, remove it, not forever, not because it's bad, but because it's not serving the role your portfolio needs to play right now. You see something important happens when photographers edit their portfolio with intention. They stop chasing approval. They stop trying to impress other photographers. They start trusting their voice. And that trust, it comes up everywhere, in inquiries, in pricing, in sessions, and how you speak about your work. This isn't about fewer images, it's about stronger leadership. This simple principle can be found in my latest book, Aretha. Cool. It's not a collection of everything I ever shot on her. It's a curated body of work that reflects trust, consistency, and a long-term relationship built on listening. You can get a signed edition of Aretha Cool at arethacool.com and only there. It's your reminder that editing is not lost. It's authorship. Let me leave you with this today. You don't need a bigger portfolio. You need a clearer one. You don't need to show more. You need to show what matters. Your future clients are not looking for proof that you can do everything. They're looking for reassurance that you can take care of them. Choose images that reflect that truth. And trust that clarity, not volume, is what creates clients. If this episode made you rethink your portfolio, I'd love to hear from you. You can find me on Instagram, under Matthew Jordan Smith, Matthew with two T's. Leave me a message, follow me. Share your thoughts on this episode, and while you're at it, leave a five star review. It helps photographers who are quietly doubting themselves find this perspective sooner. And share this episode with one photographer who's afraid to delete old work, when what they really need is permission to move forward. I know it's hard to take away old images that you love. I've been guilty of it too. But we must, especially if you want to move forward. This is the Photography Breakthrough Podcast, and I'm Matthew Jordan Smith. I look forward to seeing you next week. Trust that less really can be more. Bye for now. | |||