585: Michael Cassidy – Navigating AI Restrictions and Building a Luxury Boudoir Photography Business

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Michael Cassidy from www.mikecassidyphotography.com is a US-based boudoir photographer who’s been in business for almost 15 years. His main focus these days is creating high-end boudoir gifts for brides, whether it’s for weddings, anniversaries, or even a Christmas surprise.

His work is stunning, and I couldn’t wait to dive into his business and uncover how it all works.

But what caught my attention—and why I had to get him on the podcast—was when Michael asked if I knew about the growing challenges facing women's photographers in the age of AI.

From Adobe’s restrictions on editing boudoir-style images, to Instagram’s AI censoring women photographers, and Google’s image bots cracking down on boudoir photography websites—it’s all creating massive hurdles.

In this interview, we chat about Michael’s journey, his stunning work with brides, and how he’s navigating these AI challenges while building a thriving luxury boudoir photography business.

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

• High-End Boudoir for Brides: Michael specialises in luxury boudoir gifts for brides, a niche that naturally grew from client demand.
• AI Challenges for Women Photographers: AI restrictions are making it harder for women photographers to promote their work—Michael discusses the impact.
• Evolving Boudoir Photography: The rise of boudoir videos and shifting attitudes are changing the industry. Michael shares his perspective.
• The Need for Videography Skills: Michael urges boudoir photographers to embrace videography, which is fast becoming an essential skill.
• Understanding Client Needs: Boudoir photography is personal. Michael stresses the importance of catering to each client’s unique requests and comfort levels.
• Handling Different Client Requests: Male and female clients have different needs—Michael shares his approach to balancing both.
• High-End Focus Happened Organically: His luxury focus wasn’t planned—it evolved naturally over time as he responded to client demand.
• Passion Before Business: Love photography first. Michael believes passion is the key before tackling the business side.
• Continuous Learning is Essential: Photography is a journey of trial and error. Michael highlights the importance of ongoing learning to stay sharp.
• Boudoir Photography and Empowerment: While empowerment has become central, Michael reflects on its origins as a marketing tool.
• Overuse of Empowerment Narrative: Michael shares his discomfort with overusing the empowerment theme, reminding us that women are inherently strong.
• AI’s Impact on Photography Marketing: Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are limiting boudoir content. Michael explains how AI restrictions affect his marketing.
• Navigating AI Restrictions: Michael offers solutions like using password-protected galleries to work around AI limitations.
• Google Ads Challenges: Google Ads restrictions have impacted his business, and Michael shares ways to navigate these roadblocks.
• Building a Successful Photography Business: Focus on referrals, attend bridal shows, and hand out referral cards—Michael’s advice for growing your clientele.
• Staying Passionate About Photography: Michael stresses the importance of keeping your passion alive and continually improving your craft to succeed long-term.

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.

There are more people now who are more interested in the business of photography than maybe the art of photography. To separate yourself, you have to be pretty goddamn special in the photos that you can create. – Michael Cassidy

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.

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 Michael 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.

Success is a trailing factor, not a leading one. If you have great systems and technical ability, the money comes. – Michael Cassidy

If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Michael 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.

Over the past few years, Google too has started using image recognition technology…they are also looking at all the images on your website and making judgments about you based on those images. – Michael Cassidy

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.

There’s a very big difference between photos that focus on the sexuality of a woman and those that focus on beauty. It’s subtle but huge. In boudoir photography, the focus should be on a woman’s beauty. – Michael Cassidy

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.​

Here is a recent email I received…

★★★★★  Such a great perspective shift!

Via email from Scottish photographer for small weddings, Kristin Sharp, in Glasgow, Scotland, on September 25th, 2024.

Andrew

You taught me the value of being present with my kids almost 6 years ago.

You phoned me when I was at my lowest ebb. Not only did I listen to your advice, I changed my entire business approach.

And every time i read a post online from another parent running their own business and having kids, I pass on the advice you gave me and tell them to give themselves permission to change their business to suit what they really value. 

I see the changes I made as my real success. Burn out for the business isn't worth the quality of time I get with my own three kids.

The nights are long, the years are fast. 

I regret only what I haven't done with my kids. 

But there's always time.

Thanks for the reminder.

And I will never forget the impact (no pun intended!) you made on me. Your advice changed my life.

The post 585: Michael Cassidy – Navigating AI Restrictions and Building a Luxury Boudoir Photography Business appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.