592: Amy Donovan – From Weddings to Boudoir: A minimalist approach to a $180k Photography Business

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area 

Amy Donovan of www.amydonovanphoto.com and www.amydonovanboudoir.com was someone I was looking forward to recording with, following an email exchange, seeing both her websites and multiple social media accounts.

For example…

I love that her two websites are basically one-page websites, just like those promoted and shared by photography business coach Jeff Brown in his recent podcast interview.

And Amy tells me her websites have been performing well. Between them and Facebook ads, she says she has been lucky to stay busy for many years.

Amy focuses on two separate genres—boudoir and weddings—depending on the season. Her annual revenue ranges from $150,000 to $180,000.

In that email exchange, I asked Amy what she hoped to cover in this interview, and she said…

I’m not looking to promote my photography business through interviews. My current focus is sharing why I do what I do. I've been noticing an epidemic of our culture using photography to diminish women's value. This isn't philosophical talk or a fancy public speaking point. I see the negative impact every day in my work.

My reply was an enthusiastic… I’m all in for a discussion on this topic.

However, as a business-focused podcast, we will be keen to hear about Amy, her photography business, and how these topics tie into her marketing, ads, referrals, etc.

She was all in, and here we are, talking about weddings to boudoir and how Amy's minimalist approach has led to $180k photography business.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

• Diversify Your Revenue Streams: Amy shares how blending boudoir and wedding photography not only keeps her creative spirit alive but also ensures a steady income stream.
• Niche Down for Fulfilment and Profit: By transitioning from weddings to boudoir photography, Amy found emotional fulfilment and financial success—a balance many photographers strive for.
• Build a Personal Brand That Resonates: Embrace your quirks and stay honest on social media. Amy’s unique, authentic approach builds trust and a loyal audience.
• Foster Community Through Social Media: Amy’s “Boudoir and Beyond” Facebook group creates a safe, empowering space for women. The result? Engagement skyrockets and referrals roll in naturally.
• Separate Niches for Clear Messaging: Amy keeps her boudoir and wedding photography brands distinct, ensuring she reaches the right audience with tailored messaging.
• Leverage Simplicity in Marketing: From clean, minimalist websites to straightforward social posts, Amy proves that less is more when it comes to communicating your value.
• Streamline Social Media for Different Services: Amy maintains consistent, targeted branding by maintaining separate accounts for boudoir and wedding photography.
• Connect Personally Through Social Media: Amy uses her personal Facebook profile and Messenger to deepen client relationships.
• Word-of-Mouth Triumphs Over Referral Programs: Client satisfaction drives organic recommendations—no gimmicks required.
• Optimise Workspaces for Efficiency: Amy upgraded from hotel spaces to a studio, streamlining her workflow and elevating the client experience.
• Set Transparent Pricing: With packages starting at $800, Amy ensures clients see the value in her services upfront.
• Adapt to Client Needs: Whether offering same-day sales for travellers or personalised follow-ups for locals, Amy tailors her approach to delight every client.
• Incorporate Same-Day Sales: Convenient viewing and purchasing options boost client satisfaction and revenue.
• Consistency Is Key: Regular, authentic social media presence keeps Amy top of mind for her audience, generating trust and bookings.
• Outsource Admin Work: By hiring a VA, Amy frees up time to focus on creativity and delivering exceptional client experiences.
• Start with Vulnerability: Amy’s openness in her Facebook group fosters trust and cultivates a strong community.
• Personal Connections Drive Bookings: Encouraging clients to connect with her on Facebook builds rapport and trust, easing nerves before a session.
• Focus on the Client Experience: Amy ensures that every interaction is enjoyable for her clients, from the first inquiry to the final delivery.
• Stay True to Your Values: Amy’s authenticity and community-first mindset are the cornerstones of her success.

What’s on Offer for Premium Members

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus, special member-only interviews.

Hearing somebody say, ‘You look great.' ‘You're doing a good job.' ‘You have good posture.' ‘You have nice eyes.' Whatever it is, hearing a good thing about yourself instantly changes the way that you feel about yourself, and it instantly disarms you, and it makes you breathe easier and your shoulders come down. – Amy Donovan

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

Most of my clients who would book through Instagram will tell me, when they show up through their session, that they have followed me for years. So none of that is like instantaneous. – Amy Donovan

In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yours – to build a more successful photography business.

What is your big takeaway?

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Amy shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.

I honestly think the building relationships is the most successful part of my business. That's where most of my clients come from, that they just know me and will message me… and I can honestly say most of my wedding customers and nearly all of my boudoir clients, we end up being friends by the end. – Amy Donovan

If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Amy or want to say thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs

I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons.

Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!

Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.

What I am really good at is developing relationships. Instagram is all about being pretty, you've got one second for people to like what you've posted, and then they click the button, and maybe they're going to like a reel. You find what you want to look at on Instagram. But I think if you're going to build like a community or a relationship with somebody, it's going to be through Facebook. Because you're going to see that person, you're going to see their kids, you're going to see what they're up to. – Amy Donovan

If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help both me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.

Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.

That lady's opinion of me does not matter. Clearly, she's living some sort of miserable existence, and maybe she needed a hug, but you put on the shorts, you proceed, you go live your life and don't worry about what anybody else thinks of you. – Amy Donovan

Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.​

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The post 592: Amy Donovan – From Weddings to Boudoir: A minimalist approach to a $180k Photography Business appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.