Explore every episode of the podcast The Business Focused Photographer Podcast
Dive into the complete episode list for The Business Focused Photographer Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
Rows per page:
50
1–50 of 61
Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Diversifying Your Income with a Studio Rental
20 Apr 2026
00:47:19
Leah Carter shares her journey of starting a studio rental business, from finding the right space to managing operations and building a positive community culture. She discusses the legal and insurance considerations, security measures, revenue generation, and the impact on her overall photography business. Leah's approach to creating a welcoming and supportive community space has contributed to the success of her studio rental business. Leah Carter discusses her studio's tech stack and equipment, including the use of a lock, scheduling, lighting, and props. She also shares insights on security measures, rental responsibilities, and her personal photography preferences. Additionally, she provides information on mentorship and education opportunities for photographers.
Takeaways
Studio rental business requires careful consideration of legal, insurance, and security aspects.
Building a positive community culture and mindset can contribute to the success of a studio rental business.
Revenue from studio rentals can significantly impact the overall profitability of a photography business. Understanding the importance of studio security and rental regulations
Insights into studio amenities and photography preferences
05:23 Building Confidence in Studio Rental Business
10:32 Security and Access Control
16:01 Managing Studio Rental Operations
21:25 Privacy and Location of Studio
27:05 Community Mindset and Business Growth
38:32 Lock and Security
45:16 Studio Amenities
Homepage Optimization to Broaden Your Reach & Convert
13 Apr 2026
00:54:36
Jamie Bugby King, a PNW family photographer, shares her successful strategy of targeting other destinations for photography and marketing to those areas. She discusses her SEO prowess, the challenges of balancing work and family, and the process of creating different homepages for various locations. She also emphasizes the importance of high-touch experiences and the use of automations to enhance customer service and communication. The conversation covers topics such as website building, SEO, blogging, and the use of specific tools for website optimization. It also delves into the challenges of unexpected success, the impact on homepage design, and the importance of user experience in SEO.
Guest: Stacey Feasel, Feasible Photography, Seattle, Washington
We Discuss:
What neurodivergence is and how it impacts families.
Stacey’s personal journey to becoming a lifestyle photographer specializing in neurodivergent families.
How neurodivergence shaped Stacey’s approach to photography.
Practical tips for photographers working with neurodivergent clients.
The importance of pre-session communication and flexibility.
Creating a more inclusive photography industry.
TLDR: Stacey Feasel of Feasible Photography shares her expertise as a lifestyle family photographer working with neurodivergent families. From her personal experiences as a parent of neurodivergent children to her innovative approaches in session planning, Stacey offers invaluable insights for photographers aiming to create inclusive and empathetic client experiences. Learn how to improve your pre-session communication, adapt to the needs of families, and make your photography more accessible for all.
For photographers looking to enhance their skills or families searching for a photographer who truly understands neurodivergence, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartfelt stories.
Creating Emotive Work
10 Jun 2024
00:35:33
Lauren Wright is an emotive photographer based in the Boulder, Denver area. She mostly works with women, capturing the magic and empowerment in their lives. Lauren has been passionate about photography since she was young and studied it at the Rochester Institute of Technology. After working in various photography fields, she took a break and then decided to focus on capturing the beauty of motherhood and family. She believes in building relationships with her clients and getting to know them deeply before the session. Lauren's sessions are personalized and she creates a safe space for her clients to express themselves. During the conversation, Lauren discusses her approach to photography sessions, including providing direction and guidance to clients. She also shares her editing process.
Episode Title:Building a Human-First Business with Rachel Larson Weaver
Guest: Rachel Larson Weaver, Photographer and Educator, Virginia
We Discuss:
The origin and evolution of Rachel’s long-form sessions
How to build a business that prioritizes art and sustainability
Why slow, intentional work can be more magnetic than polished systems
The pitfalls of over-automation and over-preparation
Shooting film as a method of artistic and business clarity
The role of human connection in marketing and client trust
Letting inspiration guide your consistency rather than trends
Why messy, heart-led business models do work—and can be highly profitable
TLDR: Rachel Larson Weaver is known for her long-form, film-based family sessions that feel more like an immersive retreat than a photoshoot. In this episode, we talk about staying rooted in your artistic voice while also building a viable, profitable business. Rachel shares how she markets without shouting into the void, why she leans into film and simplicity, and how showing up as your full self—messy bits and all—is more effective than a perfect CRM. Her story is a masterclass in trusting your gut, building for connection, and redefining what it means to be a photographer in a world of AI and over-curated imagery.
Episode Title: 6 Free Foot-in-the-Door Offers for Photographers
We Discuss:
What foot-in-the-door offers (FITDOs) are and why they work
How offering a free, no-obligation session builds trust and increases bookings
Six FITDOs tailored for different photography niches
TL;DR: Offering a strategic free session helps potential clients experience your work in a way that removes hesitation, builds trust, and makes it easy for them to say yes to booking a full session later. The key? Collect emails and follow up.
Becca Lueck, owner of Becca Jean Photography, shares her journey from starting as a teenager taking fashion portraits to becoming a successful family and couples photographer and videographer. She discusses how she incorporates adventure and movement into her sessions, the importance of location scouting and styling, and the challenges and rewards of adding video to her services. Becca also talks about her comprehensive course on family films and offers a discount code for listeners.
Becca's Courses (Use the code JILL50 for $50 her course "Families in Motion")
Blogging Strategies for Photographers
24 Feb 2025
00:32:14
Episode Title: Blogging Strategies for Photographers with Jamie Bugbee-King
We Discuss: • How a strategic blogging approach turns your photography website into a dynamic digital gallery • The importance of clear keyword strategies to avoid SEO pitfalls like keyword cannibalization • Building cornerstone content and location-specific pages to attract local clients • Leveraging tools like Google Analytics, Keywords Everywhere, and ChatGPT to streamline content creation • Real-world tactics that helped Jamie transition from part-time passion to a full-time thriving business • Actionable tips from Jamie’s new Blogging for Photographers course and her free guide on ChatGPT prompts
TL;DR: Strategic blogging is a game-changer for photographers—it transforms your website into a client-magnet by using targeted keywords, robust cornerstone content, and AI tools to build trust and boost SEO. The key? Clear strategy, streamlined content creation, and following up with your audience.
Join me as I talk to Chantalle Fiscus about the benefits of using chat GPT in a photography business, including saving time and creating consistent brand messaging. I can just about guarantee you're going to walk away from this conversation with new ways to utilize this amazing new piece of tech in your business.
Bringing Politics Into Your Business (Without Burning it Down)
06 Apr 2026
01:20:49
The conversation explores the integration of political beliefs into branding, the evolution of personal political ideology, and the impact of political awareness on marketing. It delves into the importance of content with a backbone, standing behind one's values, and the significance of human-to-human conversation in fostering empathy and understanding. The conversation delves into the complexities of political expression, addressing the tribalism of politics, the impact on business, the integrity of expression, the power of political expression, the challenge of political facts, the influence of political marketing, the importance of conviction in expression, focused political expression, and the impact of political alignment. The conversation covered a range of topics including celebrity love, political preferences, favorite Taylor Swift album, concept albums, pet stories, photography gear and preferences, favorite non-photography software, snowy state preferences, beach vs. pool, New York vs. LA, and podcast host vs. guest.
Takeaways
Integrating political beliefs into branding
Evolution of personal political ideology Political expression has a significant impact on branding and audience connection.
The importance of integrity and conviction in political expression cannot be overstated. Insights into personal preferences and experiences
Exploration of photography gear and software preferences
Chapters
00:00 Integrating Political Beliefs into Branding
06:05 Evolution of Political Identity
11:11 Impact of Political Awareness
18:48 Content with a Backbone
26:19 Human-to-Human Conversation
31:41 The Tribalism of Politics
39:17 The Integrity of Political Expression
46:00 The Influence of Political Marketing
55:27 Focused Political Expression
01:00:53 Celebrity Love and Political Preferences
01:07:14 Photography Gear and Preferences
01:15:13 Snowy State Preferences and Beach vs. Pool
Five Tools That Keep Me From Quitting
22 Oct 2025
00:16:31
Episode Title:Five Tools That Keep Me From Quitting
Guest: Solo episode with Jill C. Smith
We Discuss:
Why photography is a great fit for creatives with ADHD — and where it can still get overwhelming
Jill’s top 5 business tools that support her ADHD brain
How a missed session became the wake-up call to use a scheduler
Why she’s switching CRMs again — and what finally convinced her
How ChatGPT functions like a thought organizer and assistant
The way AfterShoot removes the dread of task initiation during busy season
Permission to outsource things like laundry, meal prep, or bookkeeping if they’re draining your energy
TLDR: This solo episode is part of Jill’s ADHD Awareness Month series, and it’s all about the tools that have helped her keep her business afloat despite her executive dysfunction. From schedulers and CRMs to AI assistants and editing software, Jill shares the five tools she leans on the most — not because they’ve “fixed” her ADHD, but because they’ve allowed her to keep showing up in her business when things get hard. If you’ve ever missed a session, avoided your inbox, or stared at a Lightroom folder for hours, you’re not alone — and these tools might just be the thing that help you keep going.
In this episode, Jill discusses the importance of offering true mini sessions in photography and how to structure them effectively. She emphasizes that mini sessions should be quick, efficient, and profitable and provides tips on differentiating mini sessions from full sessions. She also highlights the opportunity for upselling and maximizing profitability. Jill shares her own experience and offers resources for pricing and learning more about mini sessions.
Use the code BUSINESSFIRST15 for 15% off my course.
How to market your offers effectively, no matter your price point or audience
The importance of aligning your marketing timeline with your offer type
Practical tips for marketing main offers, foot-in-the-door offers, and back-pocket offers
Why relationship-building is the secret sauce to successful marketing
TL;DR: This episode breaks down how to take your 2025 offer skeleton and market it with intention, creativity, and consistency. Whether it’s a high-ticket offer or a quick-turnaround mini session, you’ll learn how to craft a marketing plan that connects with your audience and turns interest into bookings.
Book More Photography Clients Through Local Partnerships
24 Mar 2025
00:51:16
Episode Title:Book More Clients with Local Partnerships
Guest: Tristin Tracy, Tristin Tracy Photography, Santa Barbara, CA
We Discuss:
How Tristin used her fine jewelry background to elevate her photography sales approach
Why hotels (yes, hotels) have become her most profitable referral partners
What makes vacationers an ideal audience for high-end photography services
The strategy behind building long-term local partnerships with birth centers, yoga studios, mom groups, and more
How to identify aligned businesses that serve the same clientele you want to photograph
What to bring, say, and do when walking into a local business for the first time
How to show appreciation without formal kickbacks—and why it works
Landing pages, postcard templates, and other tools Tristin uses to support these partnerships
Why in-person networking still reigns supreme
The incredible results she’s achieved—one-third of her income now comes from referrals
How she scaled from $400 to $1250 sessions in under 3 years
TLDR: If you’ve been ignoring community partnerships in your marketing plan, this episode will change your mind. Tristin Tracy breaks down how her concierge referral model turned into a third of her income—and why face-to-face connections, personalized marketing materials, and aligned business relationships might be the most underutilized strategy in your toolbelt. Whether you’re in a tourist town or a tight-knit rural community, her practical, repeatable approach to networking is packed with gold.
Guest: Annemie Tonken, This Can't Be That Hard, Chapel Hill, NC
We Discuss:
Annemie’s transition from in-person sales to her Simple Sales System
How life changes led her to develop a sustainable, scalable business model
The psychology behind pricing and why confidence is key
Creative problem-solving in both business and photography
Implementing a membership model with Revenue on Repeat for predictable income
Why raising your prices doesn’t have to be scary
TLDR:
Annemie shares how she grew her photography business using Simple Sales, a system that bridges the gap between in-person sales and all-inclusive pricing.
Learn how photographers can boost income, reduce burnout, and gain confidence in their pricing.
Discover how a membership model like Revenue on Repeat can create predictable, recurring income for family and brand photographers.
Episode Title: The ADHD Brain & Running a Photography Business
Guest: Elena S Blair, Elena S Blair Photography, Seattle, WA
We Discuss:
How ADHD traits like hyperfocus, empathy, and intuition can become superpowers in creative entrepreneurship
Why traditional work environments often stifle ADHD brains — and how self-employment offers freedom and flexibility
The art of building systems that fit your brain instead of fighting it
Using dopamine-driven motivation to fuel creativity and productivity
The emotional side of ADHD: reframing inconsistency and distraction as strengths
How Elena and Jill each structure their businesses to work with their natural energy cycles
TLDR: Elena and Jill share an honest, encouraging conversation about why photographers and other creatives with ADHD often thrive in entrepreneurship. They unpack the unique strengths ADHD brings to the table — from deep empathy and creative intuition to lightning-fast problem-solving — and explore how to design systems and businesses that work with your brain, not against it. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or just recognizing ADHD tendencies in yourself, this episode offers validation, laughter, and practical tools for building a business that actually feels good to run.
Get on the wait list for the next round of Elena's Mastermind here: https://elenasblair.com/mastermind-waitlist (I took both levels of her Mastermind - the mindset work alone is worth the investment!)
Jump Starting Success
29 Jul 2024
00:56:54
Episode Title: Jump Starting Success
Guest: Caeli Richter
We Discuss:
- Caeli’s transition from the corporate world to family photography
- How she turned a photography hobby into a full-time business
- The role of school photography in building her confidence and client base
- The importance of community and support in growing her business
- How in-person networking and connecting with local communities have impacted her success
- Staying authentic and avoiding the trap of trying to be everything to everyone
TLDR:
Caeli Richter shares her inspiring journey from a corporate career to becoming a family and school photographer. She highlights the value of community, in-person networking, and staying true to herself while building her business. Her husband’s encouragement and a supportive network of photographers were key to her growth and success.
Guest: Alan Shapiro, Food, Portrait & Macro Photographer, New York
We Discuss:
Alan’s origin story from lifelong storyteller to advertising executive to full-time photographer
How burnout in a high-pressure creative career led him back to joy through daily photography
The role of storytelling, transparency, and consistency in building visibility and trust
Why his most impactful opportunities didn’t come from SEO or email lists, but from showing up in real communities
The power of documenting what you care about before anyone is paying you
Working with agencies vs direct clients and how discovery actually happens in 2025
Pricing with flexibility and integrity instead of rigid formulas
Why underpricing is almost universal and how Alan navigates it in practice
The long-term value of relationships over short-term ROI
Bartering, community support, and “Main Street” marketing as legitimate business strategies
Imposter syndrome, perfection paralysis, and embracing “perfectly imperfect” work
Choosing variety over specialization and the tradeoffs that come with that decision
Why photographers need to stop waiting until they feel “ready” to put work into the world
Teaching, mentoring, and staying curious as a way to keep growing creatively and professionally
TLDR:
Alan didn’t build his career by chasing clients. He built it by telling stories consistently and caring deeply about the people and subjects in front of him.
Visibility came from community, not algorithms.
Pricing is contextual, relationship-driven, and tied to opportunity, not hours alone.
Imposter syndrome never fully goes away, but humility and enthusiasm can be strengths.
Helping others, bartering, and showing up locally still work and often work best.
How Becca got started in photography and what her early business looked like
The decisions that shaped her growth and the ones she would do differently
How her brand and offers evolved over time
The behind the scenes systems and boundaries that support her work today
What sustainability actually looks like at this stage of her business
Advice Becca would give photographers building their own version of success
TLDR: Becca Lueck shares the real story behind building Becca Jean Photography. From early experimentation to refining her offers and workflows, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to grow a photography business that works long term. If you love honest conversations about building something steady, intentional, and aligned, this episode is for you.
Website: https://beccajeanphotography.com
Sales Psychology
19 Nov 2025
00:51:18
Episode Title:Sales Psychology with Helena Wong
Guest: Helena Wong, Helena Wong Photography, San Francisco Bay Area
We Discuss:
Why sales psychology matters even if you think you’re “not a sales person”
How Helena took her tech sales background and used it to 4x her photography business
The real way to build a client avatar that actually helps you book aligned clients
How to understand buyer behavior and money stories in different demographics
Marketing choices that prime your clients to see themselves in your work
The psychology behind anchoring numbers, price presentation, and custom proposals
How to guide a sales call without talking the whole time
Why your brand needs three defining words and how this shapes what you post
What it really looks like to raise your prices and move into a new market
How to get clients saying yes long before you ever talk about pricing
Mindset and emotional resilience when you’re transitioning to a new level in business
Why showing your actual personality is the non negotiable piece that makes sales easier
TLDR: Today’s episode digs into the psychology behind why people buy and how to use that to create a smoother, more effective sales process. Helena shares exactly how she built her client avatar, how she primes clients for yes, why silence on sales calls matters, and how to position your pricing so people understand your value. This conversation is packed with practical, actionable advice for anyone ready to level up their sales skills and book more of the right clients.
Follow Helena on Instagram: @helenawongphotography
Listen to her podcast Under the Veil
What I’d Do If I Had Zero Clients in 2026
30 Mar 2026
00:21:42
The conversation explores the strategic approach to building a business from scratch in 2026, focusing on intentional planning, portfolio building, online presence, pricing strategy, and marketing. It provides insights into the challenges and strategies for new artists and small business owners, emphasizing the importance of client experience, networking, and brand alignment with personal values.
Takeaways
Building a business from scratch in 2026
Strategic and intentional business planning
Chapters
00:00 Starting a Business in 2012
10:12 Establishing Online Presence
16:29 Marketing and Networking
Before Black Friday: Make Sure Your Sales Funnel Isn’t Leaking
12 Nov 2025
00:13:17
Guest: None (Solo Episode with Jill C. Smith)
We Discuss:
Why every photographer has a sales funnel — even if it wasn’t intentionally built
How to recognize when your funnel has kinks (complete blockages) or leaks (quiet revenue loss)
Common “kinks” that stop inquiries entirely, like broken links, missing calls to action, or poor mobile formatting
The “leaks” that quietly drain your income, like misaligned branding, weak follow-up, or lack of client nurturing
How to audit your funnel before Black Friday to make sure you’re ready for new bookings
The importance of fast response times, current testimonials, and staying visible locally
Why repeat clients are your most valuable asset — and how to retain them
How to balance new client attraction with retention in a changing market
TLDR: Whether or not you built one intentionally, your business has a sales funnel — and if your inquiries or bookings have slowed, something in it isn’t working the way it should. In this episode, Jill breaks down how to identify and fix the two most common problems: kinks, which completely block your flow of leads, and leaks, which quietly cost you revenue over time. You’ll learn how to audit your website, follow-up process, client experience, and visibility before Black Friday so your systems are ready to receive new bookings and keep past clients coming back.
The unique challenges of photographing boys, especially teenagers
Why boys often feel self-conscious in front of the camera and how to break through that
Practical posing tips that work for boys from age 10 through senior portraits
The importance of observation and communication in making boys feel comfortable
A simple but effective posing flow that eliminates awkwardness
How wardrobe plays a crucial role in making boys feel confident in photos
The psychology behind teenage boys’ body language and how to use it to your advantage
A fun conversation starter that gets boys engaged in their session
Emily’s free posing and wardrobe guides for photographers
Photographing boys—especially preteens and teenagers—can be tricky, but Emily Cannata has cracked the code. As a mom of four boys and a seasoned family and senior photographer, she shares her best tips for helping boys feel at ease in front of the camera. From the psychology behind their body language to a simple posing system that works every time, Emily’s insights will make your next session with boys way less intimidating.
- The importance of curating a clear and intentional "menu" (offer suite) for your business.
- Conducting an annual offer audit to analyze revenue, time investment, and profitability.
- Structuring your offer suite with a main offer, back pocket offers, and foot-in-the-door offers.
- Using an offer skeleton to plan marketing efforts quarterly.
- Practical examples of offer suites from other photographers and Jill’s own business.
- The benefits of aligning your marketing with your quarterly main offer.
- How to plan and execute marketing strategies for high-ticket items effectively.
TLDR:
Refining your offer suite is essential for attracting the right clients, streamlining your business, and increasing bookings. By conducting an offer audit, creating a structured offer skeleton, and aligning your marketing with your offers, you can build a cohesive and profitable business strategy. Remember to focus on your main offer while incorporating supplemental options like back pocket and foot-in-the-door offers to cater to a wider audience.
Ash of Ashley Kaplan photography shares her journey into photography and how she developed her distinct style. She emphasizes the importance of location and how it can add layers of meaning to photographs. Ash encourages photographers to think creatively and intentionally about their backdrops, even in seemingly ordinary or less visually interesting locations. She also discusses the mistakes photographers make when choosing locations and offers advice for photographers who don't have access to grand landscapes. The conversation focuses on the importance of adding value to photography services and creating a strong business. It emphasizes the need to bring more value to photography offers to avoid being seen as a commodity. The guest shares her experience of building a successful photography business by creating something that feels incredibly valuable to her clients. The conversation also delves into the details of the guest's upcoming course, which is designed to help photographers improve their skills in environmental portraiture. The guest emphasizes the importance of investing in oneself and one's business to achieve growth and success.
Episode Title:The Real Reason Photographers Quit—and How to Fix It
We Discuss:
Why most photographers don’t struggle with photography—but with business
The power of combining one-on-one mentoring with a round table calls
A week-by-week breakdown of The Next Step and how it helps photographers with pricing, marketing, and client experience
Why creative minds make the best business minds—and how to tap into that strength
TLDR:
Photography isn’t the hard part—running a business is. Jill shares why so many talented photographers burn out due to business struggles and how her new 12-week program, The Next Step, is designed to change that. This hybrid mentorship combines one-on-one coaching with group strategy calls to help photographers refine their offers, pricing, and marketing so they can finally build a business that works for them.
Russ Bratcher, a high touch portrait photographer, shares his journey of starting a photography business and the importance of investing in education. He credits Elena S. Blair for inspiring him to pursue photography professionally. Russ also discusses his experience with different photography education programs. He has found value in in-person sales and the personal touch in his photography business. Russ shares his success in partnering with local businesses and giving back to the community. He also talks about the challenges of the early stages of running a photography business.
Episode Title:How I Built This with Maddie Peschong
Guest: Maddie Peschong, Maddie Peschong Photography & Co-Founder of White Space Studio, Sioux Falls, SD
We Discuss:
How Maddie transitioned from corporate marketing to full-time photography
The early mistakes that shaped her business model and the turning points that made it thrive
Building community and collaboration through White Space Studio, her shared studio concept
How systems and boundaries became the backbone of her business growth
Creating educational offers and coaching programs that serve both new and established photographers
The mindset shifts that allowed her to scale without burnout
Why Maddie believes every photographer should think like a CEO, not just a creative
TLDR: Maddie Peschong shares the real story behind building her multifaceted photography business—from her first shoots to leading a thriving studio and education brand. She opens up about the systems, boundaries, and mindset work that helped her turn creative chaos into long-term sustainability. Whether you’re in the messy middle of your business or dreaming about your next pivot, Maddie’s story will leave you inspired to build something that truly fits your life.
Episode Title:The Human Algorithm: Networking as a Photographer with Tiffany Crenshaw
Guest: Tiffany Crenshaw, Animal House Photography, North Alabama
We Discuss:
Why Tiffany calls networking “the human algorithm” and why it still beats chasing social media trends
How her background as a second grade teacher shaped her relationship building skills (and her business success)
Moving to Alabama on March 1, 2020 and building momentum anyway through virtual coffee dates
The “client adjacent” strategy: building relationships with doulas, small business owners, and other connector people
How one small market turned into years of high value repeat clients (including a $6,000 family purchase)
Why people skills matter as much as photo skills, and how client experience starts before the session even happens
What actually works at booths and vendor events: samples, albums, wall art, and making your setup stop traffic
Using QR codes and email list tags to track where leads come from and follow up intentionally
Getting creative with in person visibility: iPhone photo classes, beginner camera workshops, pop ups, and client events
How Tiffany thinks about quarterly goals for in person networking and how she audits events before committing
Real talk about confidence dips after price increases and why timing matters (January vs fall)
Tiffany’s membership model and how repeat clients create predictable income and less work
TLDR: Tiffany Crenshaw breaks down why in person networking is one of the most underrated marketing strategies for photographers. From coffee dates with “client adjacent” professionals to vendor events, workshops, and client appreciation experiences, Tiffany shares practical ways to become top of mind in your community without relying on algorithms. If you want more aligned clients, better referrals, and a marketing strategy that actually feels sustainable, this one will hit.
Resources:
Follow Tiffany’s business education on Instagram: @TiffanyCrenshawEdu
See Tiffany’s photography work: Animal House Photography
Tiffany’s group coaching program: Booked and Balanced (starts January 8)
Referral Partnerships for Photographers
23 Mar 2026
00:49:49
The conversation explores the establishment of a referral partnership between Lydia and Nicole, addressing the challenges in the photography industry, formalizing the partnership, pricing, mentorship, logistics, trust, the difference between referral partnership and associate photographer, conversion rate, and client interaction. The key takeaways emphasize the success and importance of referral partnerships, as well as the significance of effective communication and trust in such collaborations.
Takeaways
Referral partnerships can be a successful and mutually beneficial collaboration
Effective communication and trust are essential in referral partnerships Referral partnerships can be a form of customer service and trust is essential in such collaborations.
Adobe Camera Raw is a preferred editing tool for some photographers, offering a streamlined workflow without the need for catalogs.
Chapters
00:00 Establishing the Partnership
05:50 Challenges in the Photography Industry
12:07 Pricing and Mentorship
16:51 Logistics and Trust
21:52 Referral Partnership vs. Associate Photographer
30:30 Vetting and Sussing Out Leads
37:46 Client Acquisition Cost and Referral Fees
47:24 Photography Gear and Shooting Preferences
Coaching Creatives with ADHD
15 Oct 2025
00:38:06
Episode Title:Coaching Creatives with ADHD with Christi Johnson
Guest: Christi Johnson, co-owner of Stephanie & Christi Photography (Greenville, SC) and founder of The Dream Biz® Lab
Christi’s coaching lens for ADHD creatives: designing businesses that work with your brain
The “Joy Menu” framework (appetizers, entrees, desserts) to spark motivation on hard days
Flexible structure vs rigid systems and why freedom, novelty, and side quests matter
Energy management and flow: noticing rhythms, nervous system cues, and choosing energizing starter tasks
Getting unfun work done: deadlines as a tool, body doubling and co-working, spacing deliverables
When to outsource and when to simplify instead of scaling
The Dream Biz® Lab: how the membership runs, what happens in calls, and who it is for
This episode centers on how Christi coaches neurodivergent creatives. We dig into practical, compassionate tools for ADHD brains: flexible structure that honors energy ebbs and flows, the Joy Menu to create momentum, and supportive tactics like deadlines and body doubling. Christi walks through how she helps clients build operations, marketing, and vision that feel joyful and sustainable, and she shares what members can expect inside The Dream Biz® Lab.
Learn more about The Dream Biz® Lab and join the waitlist: christijohnsoncreative.com/lab
Meets every other week, rotating focus on Vision, Operations, and Marketing
Includes a private podcast and the upcoming DreamBiz Playground for flexible, dopamine-friendly action plans
Next enrollment opens in January; moving to open enrollment in 2026
Connect with Christi: @christijohnsoncreative on Instagram
Christi’s site: christijohnsoncreative.com
Part Time On Purpose
19 May 2025
00:48:50
Episode Title:Part Time On Purpose
Guest: Lydia Fine, Apollo and Ivy Photography, Iowa City, IA
We Discuss:
The decision to remain intentionally part-time as a photographer
How Lydia balances a full-time marketing career with a thriving photo business
Creative pricing strategies that support sustainability and growth
The emotional and practical side of raising prices
CRM systems and workflow efficiency for photographers
How brand voice and messaging can shape your client experience
The misconception of oversaturation in the photography industry
Building a business that supports your life—without burnout
TLDR: If you’ve ever felt pressure to go full-time with your photography business—or guilt for not wanting to—this episode is for you. Lydia Fine shares why staying part-time is the right fit for her life, how her 9-to-5 fuels her photography success, and why profitability is 100% possible without going all-in. We also dive deep into pricing, emotional blocks, and the power of strong systems to protect your time and energy. Bonus: Lydia geeks out on CRMs and HoneyBook updates, and you’ll want to take notes.
Bio: Lydia Fine is a lifestyle photographer in Iowa City, Iowa, where she creates wall-worthy photos of families, seniors, and newborns for ultra-busy people. With a marketing degree and MBA and over 22 years of experience, she blends creative vision with a deep understanding of strategy and business. Lydia also works a day job in marketing and teaches other photographers how to book more clients, streamline their workflows, and build businesses that don’t run them into the ground.
When she’s not working, Lydia can be found playing pickleball, kickboxing, doing jigsaw puzzles, or attempting to solve the Wordle in one try (it’s going to happen, just you wait).
The need to raise our prices from time to time is just a fact of running a photography business. It can be awkward and uncomfortable, but it doesn't have to be. Tune in to hear about the offer I created to make price jumps less uncomfortable for me, and my clients.
Book mentioned: Beauty: The Invisible Embrace by John O’Donohue
Selling is Service
05 Nov 2025
00:55:04
Episode Title:Selling Is Service
Guest: Rhea Whitney, Rhea Whitney Photography & The Photo Bomb Academy
We Discuss:
Why photographers often fear “selling” — and how to reframe it as service, not pressure
The real difference between sales and marketing (and why confusing them stalls growth)
How to handle rejection, overcome fear, and stop projecting your own money story onto clients
Why aligned clients pay more, refer more, and make you love your job again
Pricing systems that make sense for your lifestyle, whether you’re full-time or balancing a 9–5
Building confidence through data: using your cost of doing business to back your prices
The importance of vetting clients just as much as they vet you
Setting boundaries, honoring energy, and letting “no” make space for better “yeses”
The mindset shifts that turn selling from sleazy to soulful
Rhea’s Elevate Accelerator program and how she helps photographers reach consistent five-figure months
TLDR: Sales and marketing aren’t the same thing — marketing gets attention, selling creates transformation. When done right, selling is serving. It’s how you guide clients toward something they already want. Stop pricing from your own wallet and start using data to justify your rates. Aligned clients are born from clear communication, confidence, and boundaries. Your business isn’t just art — it’s energy exchange, and selling is how you keep that energy flowing.
Resources:
Learn more about Elevate Accelerator and join the upcoming Six Figures & Beyond Webinar (Nov 18): comment “webinar” on Instagram
Connect with The Photo Bomb Academy for more resources on pricing, mindset, and business strategy
Systems That Stick for Neuro-Spicy Photographers
01 Oct 2025
00:48:56
Episode Title:Systems That Stick for Neuro-Spicy Photographers
Guest: Emily Gbadamosi, Woodall Creative Co, Bay Area, CA
We Discuss:
Emily’s path from counselor and vice principal to photographer and systems educator
Why so many photographers struggle with the backend of business
How to pick a CRM that actually fits your brain (not a “one size fits all”)
Building a smoother path from inquiry to booking
HoneyBook 2.0 automations and conditional logic in action
Follow-ups that feel supportive and book more clients
Where to automate and where to keep the human touch
Post-session workflows that extend the client experience
Timing a CRM switch so it doesn’t wreck busy season
TLDR: October is ADHD Awareness Month, and this episode is part of a special series highlighting tools and strategies that support neurodiverse photographers. My guest, Emily Gbadamosi of Woodall Creative Co, shares how she helps photographers create workflows and systems that cut overwhelm, reduce friction, and keep clients happy. Whether you’re neuro-spicy yourself or just tired of feeling scattered, you’ll walk away with practical ideas for making your business more sustainable.
Shayna’s unexpected start as a “failed YouTube influencer” and how it shaped her story-driven approachThe difference between shooting photo-first vs. video-first and how that changes perspective
Why video upsells don’t have to mean more stress or tech overloadShayna’s five-step framework for successfully adding and selling video
How to talk about video with clients in a way that feels natural and excitingPricing, objections, and why upsells are about vision, not pressure
Where video creates the most value across niches: weddings, families, and brands
TLDR:Montana-based photographer and videographer Shayna Lloyd shares how she built a thriving hybrid business by keeping things simple and client-centered. In this episode, Shayna breaks down her five keys to upselling video without adding extra stress to your workflow. Whether you’re a wedding, family, or brand photographer, you’ll learn how to market video authentically, incorporate it into your process, and make it a sustainable, profitable part of your business.
Resources:
Grab Shayna’s Video Upsell Starter Kit: https://devinandshay.com/starter-kitListen to The Devin and Shay Show podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7jMbKfORQ5TdDcGPxbRFaR?si=ac7e714371ff4215Connect with Shayna: Instagram – @shayna_lloyd
Connect with Devin + Shay: Instagram – @devin_and_shay
A Case for Transparent Prices
10 Mar 2025
00:14:51
Episode Title:A Case for Transparent Prices
We Discuss:
Why hiding your prices might be hurting your business
How transparent pricing leads to more inquiries and fewer ghosts
The psychological and market effects of pricing transparency
How sharing your prices signals confidence in your work
TL;DR:
Transparent pricing encourages more inquiries because potential clients don’t feel like they’re walking into the unknown.
When photographers share their prices, they help normalize industry standards, making it easier for everyone to charge sustainably.
Clients are less likely to ghost when they know pricing upfront—it removes sticker shock and hesitation.
Trust increases when pricing is clear. People are naturally skeptical of hidden costs or unclear pricing models.
If you’re hiding your prices, you may be unintentionally signaling that you think they’re too high. Confident pricing shows clients that your work is worth it.
Resources:
Learn more about pricing strategies for photographers at www.thebusinessfocusedphotographer.com
Boutique School Photography
20 Jan 2025
00:34:27
Episode Title: Boutique School Photography
Guest: Lindsey Turner, Lindsey Victoria Photography, Litchfield, CT
We Discuss:
Lindsey’s approach to black-and-white, fine art-style school photography
The logistics of running a successful boutique school photography business
Strategies for achieving an 85-95% purchase rate—nearly double the industry standard
Building strong relationships with schools and parents
How Lindsey funnels her school photography clients into family photography sessions
Mentorship opportunities Lindsey offers to other photographers
TLDR:
Boutique school photography is a profitable and creative niche that can thrive with the right approach.
Lindsey’s fine art-style school photos resonate deeply with parents, resulting in exceptionally high sales rates.
Relationship-building and a focus on quality over quantity are key to her success.
Transitioning school clients into family photography can be a natural next step in growing your business.
Running a Luxury Photography Business in a Small Town
16 Mar 2026
01:00:45
The conversation delves into the challenges of running a luxury photography business in a rural area, addressing the conundrum of defining luxury in a non-luxury environment. It explores marketing strategies, high-touch customer experiences, business models, pricing challenges, and the gradual pivot to a luxury business. The discussion also touches on the realities of client loss and the gradual transition to higher pricing. The conversation delves into the value of the photography experience and the challenges of marketing to a luxury target in a rural area. It also explores the perception of higher price service providers in the local industry and the transition to a higher price point.
Takeaways
Rural luxury business challenges
Pricing and positioning in a rural area Value of the photography experience
Navigating client preferences
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rural Luxury Business
06:06 Marketing and SEO Strategies
17:04 Challenges and Realities of Pricing
26:08 Pivoting to a Luxury Business
32:20 The Value of the Photography Experience
48:04 Perception of Higher Price Service Providers in Local Industry
55:18 Transitioning to a Higher Price Point
Increasing Value Without Increasing Overhead
22 Jul 2024
00:11:18
Photographers often face the challenge of raising prices without increasing overhead. This episode explores five ways to add value to photography services without incurring additional costs. The strategies discussed include extending image archiving & bundling galleries, offering video services, providing free wall gallery design, waiving travel fees for special destinations, and practicing wardrobe creation for clients. These value-added services not only enhance the client experience but also justify price increases and contribute to the photographer's profitability.
Christine Johnson, a successful and profitable photographer with 26 years of experience, shares her insights on building a thriving photography business. She emphasizes the importance of caring about people and delivering a consistent style that stands the test of time. Christine believes in providing the best experience for clients, rather than focusing solely on the quality of the photographs. She highlights the significance of organization, both in storing and delivering images, as well as maintaining a reliable and consistent workflow.
Following Your Passion and Taking Risks
20 May 2024
00:35:31
Casey of Photography by Casey Louise shares her journey of building a successful photography business in just one year. She started as a hobbyist and quickly transitioned into a career when she realized her passion for capturing intimate motherhood moments. Casey emphasizes the importance of following your passion, learning from others in the industry, and taking risks. She has become known for her raw and intimate motherhood photography and is hosting a workshop to teach other photographers how to specialize in this niche.
In this episode, host Jill Smith shares five actionable steps to prepare for the busy season in photography. She advises photographers to plan their Black Friday specials in advance, block off rest and admin days during the busy season, familiarize themselves with AI culling and editing software, consider adding associate photographers to their business, and raise their prices. These steps aim to help photographers work smarter and not harder during the hectic busy season.