565: Mark Maryanovich and Natasha Martinez – Photography business success in and out of the music industry

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

Mark Maryanovich and Natasha Martinez of www.markmaryanovich.com appeared on my radar for this interview following an email I received…

I represent Award-winning Photographer Mark Maryanovich.

We recently wrote a book called Photography Business Basics: 10 Years of Photography Business Knowledge in 10 Short Chapters.

As two real-world Photography business entrepreneurs who’ve struggled and learned (sometimes the hard way) how to go from starving artist to savvy businessperson, we wish to help the most people have the greatest success in Photography by avoiding the pitfalls many artists in the business world fall prey to.

As good as the email sounded, my sceptical self started checking out Mark's work, which I wasn't familiar with.

What I found blew me away. His photos appear on album covers and artwork for companies such as Sony, EMI, and Warner Chappell Music. His commercial clients include Gibson Guitars and Peavey Electronics. His work has been published in Rolling Stone and Billboard magazines, not to mention multiple book covers.

I quickly said yes, let's get you and Mark on the podcast and hear your thoughts on photography business success, both in and out of the music industry.

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

• Harnessing Partnership Strengths – Discover how a photography business can soar when partners blend their strengths, with one focusing on the art of photography and the other managing the business side, like accounting and marketing.
• Thriving in the Music Industry as a Photographer: The passion and resilience needed by photographers in the music scene, tackling high expenses and scarce opportunities.
• Prioritizing Client Relationships – Learn the importance of nurturing lasting connections for repeat business and referrals in the music photography niche.
• The Power of Visual Branding – Uncover why compelling visuals are critical for musicians in today’s marketplace.
• Fostering Creative Collaborations – Insights into collaborating with musicians on styling and choosing locations to create striking images.
• Streamlining Your Editing Workflow – Efficient editing and timely delivery can enhance client satisfaction.
• Crafting Clear Contracts – The necessity of precise contracts that detail licensing and usage rights before engagements.
• Managing Income Variability – Tips on budgeting for the ebbs and flows of business income throughout the year.
• Effective Marketing Strategies – Strategies for showcasing your work brilliantly on your website and boosting your visibility with a robust social media presence.
• The Art of Networking – Forging valuable industry connections by attending events and mingling with industry insiders.
• Developing a Standout Portfolio – Guidance on creating a compelling portfolio highlighting your best work and attracting the right clientele.
• Learning Business Skills – Balancing photography prowess with essential business skills to run a thriving enterprise.
• Tailoring Pricing and Packages – Customising offerings to meet diverse client needs and expectations.
• Enhancing Client Retention – Techniques for keeping in touch with clients through thoughtful communication and memorable touches.
• Adapting to Client Needs – Being flexible and well-prepared for varying client preferences and comfort levels, especially when dealing with celebrities.
• Building Trust and Rapport – The importance of face-to-face meetings in establishing trust and showcasing your experience to prospective clients.

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.

80% of our business is repeat clients, and word of mouth and referrals. And that's really kind of an ideal business model for any photographer just because it's, you know, the client onboarding time, everything just makes it simpler. – Natasha Martinez

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.

There's 74 million photographers in the world right now, there's lots of us. So you always have to keep in touch with clients. – Mark Maryanovich

Seriously, that's not all.

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 Mark and Natasha 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.

In my life, it's better to be shooting pictures, and not because I get something out of it too. I love taking pictures. I love doing the actual job. – Mark Maryanovich

If you have any questions I missed or a specific question you’d like to ask Mark and Natasha or if you want to say thanks 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.

If you try to make yourself for everyone, you're going to be kind of like, third, fifth, tenth choice, or, you know, for those people, you're not going to get the business. – Matt Badenoch

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, and you can leave some honest feedback and a rating which will help both me and the show, and 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.

Only be showing your website for the work you want to get. There's no sense in showing people a bunch of beautiful flowers, a bunch of beautiful buildings, if you're trying to get a headshot job. I mean, you should have different websites for everything you do. – Mark Maryanovich

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.​

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the best! 

The post 565: Mark Maryanovich and Natasha Martinez – Photography business success in and out of the music industry appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.