Standing out in a very crowded field is something every photographer needs to do in order to become profitable. Jennifer George did this quickly by creating her own recognizable style, entering and winning local and national print competitions, speaking, and writing photography books. She also uses her passion and personal projects to inspire others and give back.
In this episode, Luci and Jennifer discuss:
How personal projects will build your portfolio and photography business.
Entering (and winning) competitions can be leveraged with high-end clients because people are attracted to award-winning professionals.
In an oversaturated photography market, you can set yourself apart by learning all you can from art classes, social media workshops, and marketing seminars.
Your work will be original and compelling when you find your true authentic self. Jennifer credits Luci as a significant influence on her style from the start.
How high-end photographers are not stagnant and the benefits of honing in on a clientele that is going to grow your business.
Jennifer George has gained a national reputation for her intimate, stylistic portraits. Since 1999, Her soulful images, use of natural lighting and multi-cultural awareness have afforded her the ability to follow her dream. The awards she has earned in just a few short years highlight Jennifer’s skill and passion for photography. Jennifer was recipient of California Photographer of the Year, People’s Choice Award twice, the Grand Premiere Award for Wedding and Portrait Photographer’s International and many more.
In 2014, she began using her photography to tell the stories of abused woman and created the exhibit “Exposing Scars”. This powerful project was exhibited for two months at the Women’s Museum of California and traveled to several venues including colleges.
She has written 3 “How To” books on photography, blogs on life lessons, and inspires others with her journey through life’s challenges and blessings.
Look up the word “Creative” and you might see a photo of my next guest.
Suzanne Hansen Ofeldt is an artist who specializes in photography, coaching for creatives, and business development. She is the founder of Shewanders Photography and creative director for Wanderlings The Zine.
She is is a world adventurer who captures people’s spirits through her creative wedding, portrait, and travel photography. She’s a graduate of the San Francisco Art Institute and has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, BRIDES Magazine, The Knot, Style Me Pretty, and more
We discuss the definition of creativity and take a deep dive into her perspective on art and live and so much more.
Other topics include
Branding and discovering your style, color palate, and the importance of communication
Fears people have about trying new creative things
Apprentice programs
Profitability
How deep gratitude for our clients leads to loyalty and success
Newsletters
She teaches 12 week workshops using Julia Cameron’s books such as “The Artist’s Way” and “The Vein of Gold”. A group is starting Mid January 2021 and she starts new ones periodically.
Suzanne has created a special gift just for listener of The Profitable Photographer called 9 Ways to Be Creative www.shewanders.com/nineways
For Margaret Bryant, life “going to the dogs” is a great thing. She has specialized in photographing pets in her Carrollton (Dallas), Texas studio in since1998…before it was a thing. Now she is an award winning PPA Mastercraftsman, CPP photographer, teacher and author on the art and business of photographing pets.
She is a nine time PPA Photographer of the Year medalist and a two time PPA Grand Imaging Award finalist so clearly you will want to listen and learn, even if pets aren’t your specialty. Her books are available on Amazon and have helped countless photographers become much better pet photographers.
She loves to talk about capturing the love and whimsy of the dogs (and cats) in front of her camera and share some of the secrets to success in this fairly new, very popular specialty.
Topics include 1- The importance of understanding dog behaviors, body language and breeds. 2- Managing expectations 3- The importance of finding your own voice 4- Why she always has consultations before sessions 5- Oodles of thoughts about building a successful pet photography business 6- Some comparisons Luci and Margaret discover between photographing dogs and young children 7- Tips on how to find great client
Learn about her workshop in July 2021 here https://www.dogphotobootcamp.com/
Where to see her work and connect bryantdogphotography.com https://www.facebook.com/BryantDogPhotography https://www.instagram.com/margaretbryantdogphotography/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretbryantdogphotography/
This weeks interview with M.Photog.M.Artist.Cr., CPP Bob Coates is focused on Fine Art and tips on how to market.
Bob has been a pro commercial, weddings and portrait photographer for over 13 years and “mucking about” with photography before that for many years. He was quickly profitable because he was able to leverage marketing and business learned working in other fields.
Also an author, photographic educator and fine art photographer over the years, he is now gearing totally toward commercial and fine art as a ‘Lens Based Artist” where the final image starts with photographs and then they are enhanced from there.
He share many practical tips for photographers, including how to communicates to galleries, and other fine art locations, and the benefits of visiting galleries
Topics include suggestions about-
1-Getting in galleries…how to sell, speak to the galleries in a way that they relate to 2- How to not under charge 3- The show circuit 4- Juried shows 5- Selling on line on line 6-The easiest way to sell is to people who already buy your work
Bob’s final thought is the importance of being a better marketer in any specialty. “If you don’t market and sell your work…it is not going to happen”
Special on equipment= Receive 10% to 20% off Bob Coates’s gear list at Hunt’s Photo http://www.huntsphotoandvideo.com/
How to avoid money “gopher holes” or, ways to avoid sabotaging a great sale from a delightful client
Today’s solo episode with Luci is all about the little things that can trip you up and reduce or completely ruin what might be a great sale. She covers the following areas such as
1-Dos and don’t on your price list 2-Ways to be sure clients are fully prepared to place and order 3- Poor decisions on how you show your work that cost you big time 4- How to show up as a professional in the sales room 5- Possible stumbles that keep people from placing great orders in the sales room 6- Why talking too much and offering discounts can diminish your value
And more (of course) Luci would LOVE to receive feedback on this episode and support you on your journey.
Be sure to join her group. like her page, and contact her with any questions or ideas for future topics and guest.
Do you have a dream?
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.
