I am a huge fan of my guest for this week, Andrew Hellmich. A photographer with 25 years of success and the host of a top-rated photography business podcast, he has done so much to support photographers and photographic educators (like me) with his 612 episodes of Photo Biz Xposed (PhotoBizX), which features industry experts sharing powerful insights on marketing, pricing, advertising, and business growth.
In this episode of The Profitable Photographer, We have a rich conversation about how building powerful relationships, becoming known in your community, and smart networking can take your photography business to the next level.
Here is a taste of what you will hear…
• Wedding photography pricing over the years and how to stay competitive in a saturated market
• A genius upsell trick Andrew learned at an AIPP conference that boosted album sales
• Why networking isn’t about asking for favors—it’s about giving value and building real connections
• My experience with gift certificate partnerships, and Andrew’s success teaming up with a local vet
• A brilliant SEO strategy: Andrew interviews vendors and turns it into blog content that ranks on Google and deepens community ties
He is such a warm and generous soul, and is always full of new actionable tips and inspiring ideas. Let me know your takeaways.
On this episode of The Profitable Photographer, I’m joined by Marcel, a wedding photographer in Australia with over 16 years of experience who is all about creating a remarkable client experience. He loves the connective and passionate memories that he creates for couples. And he’s also generous with his time by mentoring photographers entering the market, he loves to assist other photography studios as needed, and also helping our wider wedding planning community.
One of my main takeaways I totally agree with from this conversation are..1. Be nice/likable. 2. Be caring. 3. Build relationships. Make connections with our clients but also with vendors, guests and bridal parties.
Listen for these topics and how and how you can use this info to thrive in the very competitive wedding photography world.
• Deliver Memorable Client Experiences: how his passion for connecting with clients leads to unforgettable wedding photography that truly captures the essence of the couple’s special day.
• The Power of Networking: why strategic networking with other wedding vendors and photographers has been the cornerstone of his business success, providing him with a steady stream of referrals.
• Maximizing Visibility: his technique of sharing galleries with vendors post-wedding, which not only strengthens relationships but also amplifies his brand’s reach.
• Sales as a Service: the importance of being personable and listening to clients during the sales process. He shares his approach to asking the right questions to uncover what clients really want.
• Smaller Weddings, Bigger Profits: info on how smaller weddings can be surprisingly profitable and how Marcel has streamlined his process to maximize efficiency.
If you’re looking to build stronger client relationships and leverage networking to grow your business, this episode is packed with actionable insights from Marcel!
By the way, if you are attending the Professional Photographers of America’s Imaging Expo this coming Feb 2025, watch for news about them get together for my listeners and guests. I am anxious to meet you in person!
Today’s episode is Part Two of Three solo episodes about the material I share in my eBook called “10 Big Ideas for Marketing High Dollar Portrait and Wedding Photography in the “Real World”.
You can download your free copy by going to the bottom of the home page at www.lucidumascoaching.com to follow along and gain deeper insights into the topic.
So what is the main theme of this teaching, you ask? Well, so many people stay on their computer to do most or even all of their marketing efforts. Social media of course has many great ways to reach potential clients. But if that is the only way these photographers are marketing, they are missing out on the power of meeting people in person, getting their work seen as printed photographic art, and directly reaching ideal clients.
In the first episode in the series, I shared some basic wisdom such as the importance of knowing how sell and how to produce photographs that people will purchase. We can be awesome at marketing but fall short if those activities are lacking.
Then I cover the next Big Ideas in detail
4- Gift Certificates as fundraisers
5- Publications
6- Networking
7- Create your own mastermind group
Be sure to watch for Part Three as I continue to explore the info in my ebook on marketing. Just scroll to the bottom of the HOME page to get the link.
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
When you hang out with people that are where you want to be, you grow to be like them. That is just one of the topics I cover in this recording.
Today’s episode is a solo show with yours truly, Luci Dumas, where I share my thoughts and stories about the importance of “Live and In Person” education.
As a lifelong learner, I have always taken the opportunity to attend workshops, seminars, conventions, meetings locally and at a state and national level that are teaching everything from lighting, cameras, retreats, business, mindset, business, and such.
I know I own my over 40 years of full-time success partly to my participation in education IRL… “In The Real”. Of course, virtual classes, podcasts, books, and other remote way to learn and grow is great (especially podcasts and videos) But there is nothing quite like spending time with educators and students in rooms, and on location, and over lunch.
There are soooooo many reasons I believe that showing up physically is essential
to our success. In this solo episode, I will share about
The value of hanging out with photographers
Why I learn more in person from the speakers
Many opportunities for in-person education, especially from The Professional Photography of America
I also discuss why getting involved and serving our industry by being on boards, teaching, judging, and such grows us and our success exponentially.
Hey…thanks by the way for subscribing to the show on my YouTube channel and the podcast platform you love the most.
Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:
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.
