Don’t ignore people that already know and love you!
This week’s guest is one of my dearest friends,Abbey Chamberlain. She has been a highly profitable full time photographer for 40 years, is a teacher on creativity and business success. Semi retirement gives her the luxury of growing as a fine art photographer where work for sale in several galleries
Our conversation goes deep into how Abbey “loved”, ie…stays in touch with, her best clients in ways that kept them coming back year after year, refer her consistently, and investing thousands in wall art every time.
In this episode, Luci and Abbey discuss:
Importance of keeping a robust contact list and continuing the relationship with clients
What clients received when they purchased $12K with Abbey’s wedding photography
How Abbey kept in close contact with her clients
Key Takeaways:
So many professional photographers undervalue their talents in photography
It is crucial that business owners collect all the information possible from clients so there is always an event to offer their services to
Having a more friendly relationship to clients versus a purely business relationship
“Photography seemed just a natural extension of who I am and it was something I did and love and I still love.” — Abbey Chamberlain
Dirk Witt is the lab rep for Midsouth Color Lab, a professional photographic service that caters to the photographer that requires excellence both in the printing and service. A photographer himself since 1992, he joined Midsouth in 2008 and has become a good friend and part of Luci’s success team.
Having a great relationship/ with a lab/becoming part of their “family” is an essential element in growing and maintaining a highly profitable business and this episode covers lots of basics as to why and how to get the best from them
In this episode, Luci and Dirk discuss:
The benefits of having a relationship with a photo lab
How to work with a great lab and grow your business
Color and composition when printing photos and how to adjust it to one’s own desire
Key Takeaways:
Wall portraits are the most profitable items
Stick to what is known to be most trustworthy in times where technology is changing and transitioning
Get familiar with a single lab that you know will provide you the best quality service, being partners and help each other to achieve the desired goal
“Partners, we like to be partners. We want to help each other and help them lift their photography to the best it can be” — Dirk Witt
This week’s fantastic guest is award winning Master Craftsman Jeannie Hobbs. Jeannie has been creating images since she held her first camera at the age of five. Working in the family studio since 1988, she is the studio’s main photographer. Jeannie often speaks to other photography groups, does private mentoring and promotes the ideals of the photographic industry with her service to the industry. In this episode, Luci and Jeannie discuss:
Capturing the emotions of vulnerable moments through her photos
The new photography trends and Jeannie’s take on them
The components of a classic photo that will be timeless
Key Takeaways:
Capturing timeless photos being her niche versus succumbing to trends
If a customer has a set aesthetic, she will adapt to it but she will notify them about it being a trend
Going to a professional photo session creates a memory and experience that will otherwise be absent when going to someone who is not a professional
“I think that classic portrait just means well posed, clients are well connected, they clearly act as a family unit and they are not too far away from each other you can see some family dynamics and all of that, I think it is just relatively traditional, and classic and timeless and will always be fantastic on their wall.” — Jeannie Hobbs
A big, exciting and maybe a little scary dream to have a successful, profitable and creative photography business doing exactly what you love for wonderful, grateful clients? Or do you want to bring your business to the next level of fun and profit.? If so, then this Podcast is for you.
For over 36 years, I have made a great living as portrait and wedding business, Luci Dumas Fine Photography, with no other source of income. No rich husband or lottery winnings, through the ups and downs of the industry and economy.
Now as a business coach with Insight Training for Photographers, I love love love to support photographers who want to do the same. This podcast is full of practical business info, and insights gained from my years in business, plus interviews with amazing people. My desire is to help you along on your joyful journey to success, however that looks to you.
