In this solo episode, Luci takes on the topic of how to handle the challenge of artist who want to have a profitable photography business.
Here are some tip on how to just say NO to being a starving artist.
1- See your photography as a product, Learn to separate yourself from what you create emotionally. When you do this, your next step is to be skilled at sales and marketing and running a consistent business.
2- Don’t take rejection personally. It is about them and not you and your photographs
3- You are selling love, or success, or memories, not your soul. Focus on them. Serve them.
4- You are selling your time. To make a living you MUST charge enough and learn how to sell to compensate you for the time you could spend at a different job.
5- Good enough is all you need to be. They don’t need to be award winning images. Awards don’t pay bills
6- You do need to be proficient and results need to be repeatable. Learn the basics of photography. Study lighting, learn how to pose people in a way that makes them look their best AND evoke natural expression. And have the right equipment and skill to make it happen.
7- Style. You don’t need to figure this out to make a great living. You need to know how to take photographs people want to pay for that also make you happy to create.
8- Of course, it is vital to have the passion to produce the best work we possibly can every time. As your work is continually better, success does become easier.
Master Craftsman and Fellow-Irish PPA Ann Monteith is the professional photography industry’s leading authority on studio marketing and business management. As a past president of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), she is an internationally read author of books and articles on subjects of interest to studio owners and managers. Her workshops are credited with setting some of the industry’s most successful photographers on the road to profitability. Ann and her husband, Jim Monteith, have owned and operated three different portrait studio businesses.
As PPA President she helped the philanthropic arm of the Association, PPA Charities, forge a relationship with Operation Smile.
In recent years she has become an outspoken advocate of the need for photographers, families, businesses, and societal institutions to properly preserve their vulnerable digital files. Having Ann on The Profitable Photographer is an absolute treat.
In this episode of the Profitable Photographer Luci and Ann discuss:
•The upkeep required to preserve digital files •How to charge clients for archiving •Ann’s tips on running a thriving, profitable business
Key takeaways: •Build an annual business plan; It sets a standard, goals, expenses, etc. •Understanding your finances is essential to establish your price points •Don’t be afraid to make changes– it is trial and error to find which methods fit you and your business best •The potential in offering an archiving service A wonderful offer to archive your photos, information, and more with FOREVER: $15 coupon and free starter pack to get 2gb of storage with Forever.com https://www.forever.com/sign_up
Connect with Ann Monteith: Phone: 717-867-5079 Email: ann@annmonteith.com Websites: www.PersnicketyPetPortraits.com www.lovelyireland.photo www.SaveYourPhotoHistory.com http://www.annmonteith.com/
Tavis and Amy Guild are business designers and award-winning portrait artists based in Yakima, WA. A fun and vibrant style has given these two the opportunity to photograph over a thousand weddings and sessions in the past twelve years all over the world. Passionate about people and wall portraits, helping photography business owners has been a natural extension of their work. They have been coaching and teaching photography courses since 2011.
Tavis and Amy are also the owners of Guild Canvas, an exclusive canvas company that specializes in handcrafted wall art for professional photographers. This kind and charming duo offers knowledge and tips you won’t want to miss.
In this episode of the Profitable Photographer Luci, Tavis and Amy discuss: •Why and how Tavis creates an experience for his clients •How this husband and wife team balances each of their strengths, to better their business •The importance of a consistent, cohesive website •How the Guild’s implement their brand into their studio’s design
Key takeaways: •Any team thrives when each person involved knows their strengths and where to apply them •Have a student’s heart– remain willing to learn how to do better •Don’t be a one-hit-wonder…look for long term value •How you market helps your clients see the value in the artwork you offer Connect with Tavis and Amy: Email: hello@guildcanvas.com Websites: Guildcanvas.com www.tavisandamy.com Facebook: The Guild Canvas Club Instagram: @guildcanvas
In this episode of The Profitable Photographer Podcast, Luci is excited to introduce you to Darty Hines.
Darty Hines is a husband, a father to three amazing girls, a photographer, and a marketing and social media fanatic– this PPA Craftsman keeps very busy. Even with this full schedule, he is constantly striving to find new and innovative ways for small business owners to succeed.
He has been a professional photographer for over 20 years and has worked and consulted with many prestigious photography studios across the Nation. Darty and his wife Michele are also co-owners of the educational conference SYNC and SYNC Sports.
•Senior photography is not dead, why and how the demand remains •Darty’s unique, and effective marketing methods
•Reading your clients, and easing worry
•The importance of core values and knowing your business’s purpose •Pivoting — how it makes you and your business resilient
Key takeaways:
•Establish your ability to pivot– your marketing, image delivery, and sales, etc.
•HS senior photographers have purpose and impact– don’t be afraid to showcase yours
•Embrace virtual technology. It is not going anywhere.
•Invest in education, new knowledge is key.
“You can’t sit and do nothing in this business… you have to do the work” -Darty Hines
In this episode of The Profitable Photographer Podcast, Luci is joined by the extraordinary Bobbi Brinkman.
Bobbi Brinkman is a storytelling photographer and wedding industry educator based in St. Simons Island GA. For over 40 years she has been honored to capture love stories for “Fabbo” couples in authentic moments from coast to coast.
With her experience, she understands that a wedding day should reflect each couple, and so should their wedding photos. Her focus is on her couple’s and their story, and not about capturing an award-winning photo. Bobbi believes no matter who you love or where you’re from, it all starts with love; all love matters, and every story deserves to be told.
In this episode of the Profitable Photographer Luci and Bobbi discuss:
•How to add value and services to what your business already offers •Why it’s important to create an experience and be authentically you from the start •Bobbi’s start to wedding photography, and how photography found her •Finding a balance between the time you put towards your business, and those you love
Key takeaways:
•Set yourself up for success…know who you serve, why you serve them–and who you are •The experience you create is far more important than an award winning photograph •When you utilize your gift, your superpower is the ability to serve others unlike any other • Everyone has a purpose, life is about finding yours •You have what it takes to be successful •Be your own biggest fan, you and your craft are one of a kind
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.
