PhotoBizX The Ultimate Wedding and Portrait Photography Business Podcast

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Kirstie McConnell of www.classicoportraits.com and www.classicoportraits.com.au will be well known amongst pet photographers and long-term listeners to the podcast. Originally based in Adelaide, where she was South Australia's first specialist pet photographer before cofounding The Pet Photographers Club with equally talented photographer, Caitlin McColl. She has appeared on the podcast multiple times, where she presented two separate Masterclasses on how to Set up for Success as a Pet Photographer and How to Successfully Move into Pet Photography. Since then, she met, fell in love with and married a handsome Italian gentleman and moved to Italy, where she started a brand new business — Classico Portraits. It hasn't been plain sailing, but she's built the photography business into something special, where she averages $5000 for her tourist portrait sessions. Now… she’s relocating back to Australia and planning to hit the ground running as she starts over, again, with her new photography business as a Gippsland & Mornington Peninsula photographer where she'll be focusing on families, couples and pets on adventures. In this interview, Kirstie shares exactly how she moved from pets to premium portraits and reinvented her photography business. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: How a move to Italy reset Kirstie’s creativity and sharpened her positioning Why she pivoted from pets to luxury family portraits—and what changed in her sales The “start from zero” plan: building a client base in a new country without a network Turning tourism partners into a pipeline: hotels and operators with €400+/night guests SEO as the quiet workhorse: ranking in multiple Italian cities for high-spend enquiries From pets to people: what transfers, what doesn’t, and how to price for the jump Cold outreach that compounds: 380+ targeted emails, and why she doesn’t follow up Same-day sales, poolside viewings, and the buyer experience that lifts average order value (AOV) Marketing across cultures: what landed in Italy and how she’ll adapt for Australia The relaunch plan back home: blending family and pet sessions under one brand Scaling with help: when an associate photographer makes sense (and when it doesn’t) The mindset that carried her through the messy middle—moves, marriage, and starting over 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. I just reached out to, like, everybody and anybody that I thought would be a good business partner for me, which, you know, in Tuscany in the tourism industry, is like everybody. — Kirstie McConnell 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. The long-term one that definitely works best was focusing on SEO. I wanted to rank high in Google so if someone was searching for a photographer in X, Y or Z city in Italy—and ready to spend—they’d only have me to choose from. — Kirstie McConnell 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 Kirstie 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’ve sent around 380 emails now—hotels, experiences, any business serving clients spending €500 a day. If they’re interested, they email back. I’m better off keeping the outreach rolling than chasing. — Kirstie McConnell If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Kirstie, or a way to thank her 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. When an enquiry comes via Google, there’s a 90% chance they’ll book—and they’re my highest spenders by far. — Kirstie McConnell 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 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. I think business wise, if you can make money as a pet photographer, especially like when I started, when there wasn't really a niche, then I think you can make money doing any kind of photography. — Kirstie McConnell 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 are the latest reviews… ★★★★★ Hands down my favourite podcast Via Google reviews by Sydney pet photographer, Gabriela Pupovac, in Australia on September 12th, 2025. I’m so glad I found Photobiz X when I did. It’s hands down my favourite podcast, and the only one I pay for. I have learnt so much, I literally learn something every episode. Andrew is so positive and his guests are so open and giving with their information. I just purchased the Facebook Ads course and encountered a technical difficulty. Andrew helped me straight away, even though I didn’t expect him to, as it was a Sunday. I’ve been a guest on another dog photographer's podcast. Now my goal is to be a guest on Photobiz X, to talk about my Lifestyle Pet Photography Portrait business. Thank you, Andrew, for all the amazing work you do. ★★★★★ This podcast is packed with value and insight! Via Google reviews by Lausanne wedding and family photographer Michael Thompson, in Switzerland on September 1st, 2025. Andrew is incredible! His podcast is packed with value and insight. He has a rare gift for asking the exact questions we’re all thinking but might be too embarrassed or unsure to ask. Every episode feels natural, engaging, and full of “aha” moments. What truly sets him apart is how personal and accessible he is. Despite the size of the PhotoBizX community, Andrew goes above and beyond to connect with members and offer real support—it feels like a family. If you want to truly understand the business side of photography, this is one of the very best podcasts out there. I couldn’t recommend it more! Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode: Kirstie McConnell Gippsland Photographer, Mornington Peninsula Photographer Classico Portraits – Italy Photographer Episode 265: Kirstie McConnell – This is how to build a successful pet photography business Episode 606: Caitlin McColl – From Postpartum Depression to Rebuilding a Thriving Photography Business Episode 282: Caitlin McColl – How to run profitable book projects for portrait and pet photographers Zoe Hiljemark – PR Specialist Mariah Arianna – Copywriter Thank you! Big thanks to Kirstie for laying it all out—the wins, the messy middle, and the exact levers that moved the needle: relentless outreach, partner alignment with high-spend travellers, and SEO that quietly does the heavy lifting. If you’ve ever wanted a clean slate or you’re gearing up for a relaunch, this conversation shows what’s possible when you back yourself with a simple plan and consistent action. I’d love to hear your takeaway—what will you test first: partnerships, positioning, or that same-day sales flow? I just started sending emails, email after email after email, and copy and paste by the end, because I realized people didn't really reply. And I had a look the other day, and I'm just quickly opening it now for you, Andrew, to double check. But I'm pretty sure I'm up to something like 380 emails that I've sent now, 380 different contacts that I've emailed. – Kirstie McConnell That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business! Thanks for listening—speak soon, Andrew The post 634: Kirstie McConnell – From Pets to Premium Portraits, Reinventing a Photography Business appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Rebecca Hunnicutt of www.hunnicuttphotography.com is a lifestyle family, maternity and newborn photographer based in Portland, Oregon. She first came onto my radar when I discovered her teaching photographers how to turn ordinary locations into amazing images with confidence and ease. The more I dug, the more impressed I was — she runs photography classes for kids, works with pre-schools, creates profitable model call promotions, all while running a successful family photography business. Her website is beautifully clear and easy to navigate, featuring stunning imagery and a pricing page that clearly states: Most families spend around $1,500. I couldn’t wait to dive into this one. In this interview, Rebecca shares how, like her, you can build a profitable, adaptable (to you) and fun photography business that you love! Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: How Rebecca built a thriving family and school photography business in Portland The seasonal secret behind her profits — and why September to December makes all the difference Balancing school photography with family life — Rebecca’s smart scheduling hack Turning schools into goldmines: average spend per student and the role communication plays Why converting school families into portrait clients isn’t as simple as it sounds Teaching kids photography — how Rebecca fills her slow season with profitable camps Model calls done right: boosting bookings while delighting clients Pricing strategies that turn smaller sessions into big print and album sales The automation hacks Rebecca leans on to handle high client volume without burning out Why education matters — Rebecca’s move into courses, mentorship, and her “Sight Lines” brand The juggling act: running multiple income streams without losing focus Rebecca’s forward plan — refining camps, expanding education, and staying adaptable The mindset shift that keeps her passionate, profitable, and always learning 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. I do find that if a parent happens to be at the school and sees me photographing their kid, usually they reach out to me within 48 hours to book a family session… there is something about seeing the interaction, right? How I work with their kids, that sells them also, in addition to the work. – Rebecca Hunnicutt 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. Kids make so many facial expressions right? In a short amount of time. And… they might have a look that they see all the time, and if I can capture that for them, even though I might not know that's something special, right? So I do try to have my goal is a minimum of three, but it's usually more like eight different images. – Rebecca Hunnicutt 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 Rebecca 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. When I have a fair number of grandmothers who hire me for extended family sessions, I always tell them, “I am here for you. I will help you design your album. I'll help you place that order”, because I know my own mother would be confused…If I can design an awesome album for them, they're usually like, Okay, I'll buy one for my daughter too. – Rebecca Hunnicutt If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Rebecca, or a way to 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. I work really hard on kind of funneling those families, particularly the right fit families, into my portrait business. So it's actually kind of a nice way for me to be introduced to them, and, you know, and then kind of get them into my ecosystem for my portrait business. – Rebecca Hunnicutt 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 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. 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.​ Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode: Hunnicutt Photography Website Hunnicutt Photography on Facebook Rebecca Hunnicutt Education on Instagram Rebecca Hunnicutt Photography on Instagram Hunnicutt Photography on Pinterest Hunnicutt Photography Education Episode 279: Elena Blair – Content marketing for photographers and school portraiture with a killer difference Episode 319: Elena Blair – How to introduce profitable school portraits to any photography business Episode 424: Annemie Tonken – How to build a recurring photography income with portrait memberships For me, why I love the school business. Because I'm really working while my kids are at school. And I can still do pickup, I can still do drop off, you know, field trips, that kind of thing. – Rebecca Hunnicutt Thank you! Big thanks to Rebecca for sharing so openly in this episode. From building a thriving family and school photography business to filling her slow season with kids’ camps, running profitable model calls, and stepping into education with her “Sight Lines” brand — she’s proof that multiple income streams don’t have to mean overwhelm. If you’ve ever wondered how to create a photography business that’s profitable, adaptable, and still leaves room for family and freedom, this interview should have been helpful and inspiring. I’m definitely not trying to gatekeep the information or anything, but I had taken a class many, many years ago from Elena S. Blair called Schooled. And so that was kind of the foundation where I started my school business. And then, of course, it’s evolved into my own iteration. – Rebecca Hunnicutt That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business! Thanks, and speak soon Andrew The post 633: Rebecca Hunnicutt – Building a Profitable, Adaptable & Fun Photography Business appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Jenna Harrison of www.theuncommonway.com appears to be living her dream — and has been, ever since she threw in her great career to pursue her dreams of travel and freedom. I first became aware of her when we connected via email, and she told me that she had built her business by implementing strategic constraints and sticking to a 3-day workweek. Since then, she’s grown the business to a point that allowed her to retire her husband early, move their family to their dream location, buy their dream home, and live what she calls a “blue zone” lifestyle overseas. As someone who’s all about living the life I want — and with that being the number one reason I started a photography business so that I could stop trading hours for money — I was keen to schedule this interview. I did have some reservations, though. Although she doesn’t label herself as a mindset coach, there’s definitely a hint of those “woo-woo” concepts that I’m a little wary of. But then I read and watched some of the success stories from the business owners she’s helped… and it’s clear there’s a ton we can learn and apply to our own businesses. In this interview, Jenna shares how you can build a 3-day workweek photography business by focusing on mindset, smart systems, and designing your business to serve the life you actually want. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: From wedding bookings to world travel – how Jenna built freedom into her photography business Why mindset, not marketing, became the secret weapon behind her rapid growth The sales shift that turned awkward chats into confident, high-converting conversations Breaking free from the business fishbowl and spotting opportunities others miss How working with a Princeton-trained coach unlocked Jenna’s next level of success The three pillars of a thriving photography business – unique offer, strong systems, CEO mindset Pricing with confidence and why money mindset determines your income more than your skill The discomfort hack – leaning into fear as the fuel for faster growth From 30 days of going live to unstoppable visibility and resilience through practice Why scheduling downtime is the real key to creativity and fresh photography ideas CEO time vs editing time – how to structure your week for balance and growth Building a sustainable business that thrives on your unique strengths and actually feels effortless Overcoming scarcity thinking and shifting from “not enough” to “I’m worth it” The small mindset tweaks that open the door to premium clients and bigger bookings Smart systems that save hours and stop business overwhelm before it even starts Living like the world’s healthiest communities – how Jenna’s Blue Zone lifestyle boosts her business 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. So whether someone's looking more for the strategy or looking more for the mindset, the truth is that it's always wrapped up together. If you don't believe in yourself, if you don't have the confidence to sell, if you don't have the mindset, then all the strategy in the world won't. – Jenna Harrison 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. When airlines are selling a business class ticket, they're not like, “And if you buy business class, we're going to give you this, and we'll give you this and we'll give you this.” No, you get the business class. That's what you get, right? And plenty of people are happy to pay for that and wouldn't even want to go coach to save money. They want the business class experience. – Jenna Harrison 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 Jenna 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 often say we think we're swimming in an ocean of possibilities, but the truth is, we're in a fishbowl inside the ocean, and that fishbowl is our mind, and it just filters opportunities. It filters possible decisions for us different ways of thinking. We don't realize it's happening, but unfortunately, we're limiting our moves, basically, if you think of it like chess, based on what we believe to be true, and often it's an unwritten script. We never get to see it, but it's still there in our brain. So once I opened up to unlocking some of those mindset pieces, all of a sudden, there were new opportunities I'd never considered. – Jenna Harrison If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Jenna, or a way to 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. Your life changes every time you take even one baby step in the direction of allowing tolerating discomfort, you open up possibilities for yourself that the old you wouldn't even have considered. – Jenna Harrison 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 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. I now believe that I get as much from my clients as they get from me, and it's a really amazing, exciting partnership, and neither of us know where it's going to go. That's the great thing about coming together to create something new. – Jenna Harrison 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.​ Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode: The Uncommon Way Website The Uncommon Way on Instagram The Uncommon Way on Facebook Jenna Harrison on LinkedIn The 3-Day Workweek Podcast Hi, thank you so much for having me on the show! I realised afterwards that I wish I had pointed out that “mindset” is really no different than what pro athletes and the military have been focusing on for decades! (I have a certificate in leader development from the U.S. Army War College, their graduate-level institution.) In hindsight, I would’ve said, “And after hiring that mindset coach and unlocking those great benefits, I realised this is very similar to what goes on with pro athletes and the military.” (It’s just that sometimes you can’t see the forest through the trees when you’re in it yourself). – Jenna Harrison Thank you! Big thanks to Jenna for sharing her story in this episode. From building her business around a 3-day workweek to retiring her husband early, moving overseas, and embracing a Blue Zone lifestyle, she demonstrates what’s possible when mindset and freedom take precedence. If you’ve ever wondered how to design a photography business that genuinely supports the life you want, this conversation will spark plenty of ideas. I believe that when you are really allowing that unique part of you to come forth, then business starts to fall into place. Right then you're really much more likely to connect with your ideal people. You're much more likely to stand out in the market and be able to charge premium prices. You're much more likely to be excited about what you're selling and to feel an integrity and feel conviction with it, and to look forward to it. – Jenna Harrison That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business! Thanks, and speak soon Andrew The post 632: Jenna Harrison – Building a 3-Day Workweek Photography Business appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Kelly Warkentin of https://kindredphotography.ca/ and www.kellywarkentin.com is a Canadian-based family and newborn photographer, photography business coach, and mother of three. Although she's coaching other photographers, shooting makes up 90% of her income and brings in over $85,000 in revenue. She said in an email to me, as much as I love photography, running a business while raising young kids left her constantly torn — working late nights, saying yes to too much, and still not earning what she needed. Then she restructured her business to serve her life. Fewer clients. Higher sales. Better systems. And the freedom to be present with her kids without sacrificing ambition. Today, she's also coaching photographers on the system she uses with clients to hit regular 4-figure sessions to work less and focus on family. In this interview, I was hoping to learn how photographers can earn more while working less, even with young kids at home, and Kelly didn't disappoint when she shared how to turn $150 photography sessions into 4-figure clients and a life you love. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: How Kelly went from $150 shoots to $2K clients — and what really made the difference The surprising way she finally found freedom in both motherhood and business The bold move that shifted everything — and why SEO coaching changed the game What happens on that very first call that gets dream clients saying yes The pre-session secret that builds trust and makes sales feel effortless Why albums turn out to be the easiest “yes” you’ll ever get from a client How to sell without saying a word — the quiet power of artwork on your walls The unexpected marketing mix that actually works when others don’t Why a simple coffee chat can turn into a premium booking How to attract high-achieving clients who happily pay more The flexible, empathetic way to handle tricky client moments The hidden growth drivers most photographers overlook — outsourcing, automation, and support The one investment that always delivers the biggest return 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. I continued to explore ways that I could increase my income, and I kind of stumbled upon just making myself more valuable by adding a luxury experience. So at that point, I transitioned to IPs, and my income per client jumped pretty much overnight, from 750 to $2,000. – Kelly Warkentin 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. The system that I use is a la carte, because I don't like to put a ceiling on anything. – Kelly Warkentin 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 Kelly 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. Most of my clients are actually very impressed that I found time to get on the phone with them… I think it sets me apart, right? – Kelly Warkentin If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Kelly, or a way to 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. People trust people who show an interest in their lives, right? The number one way to get somebody to be like, “Oh, I really trust this person and believe she's going to be the best for me” is to show that you really care about what they're talking about and what they care about. – Kelly Warkentin 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 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 is nothing I want less than to someone get to, you know, their image selection and be like, I love all these images and I can't afford them, and now I'm upset because I didn't understand that this was going to cost me that much. I don't ever want to feel like people haven't bought in by the time we get to choosing their images. – Kelly Warkentin 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.​ Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode: Kelly Warkentin Website Kelly Warkentin Photography Kelly Warkentin on Instagram Kelly Warkentin on Facebook The IPS Reboot: For Photographers Who Are So Over the Hustle Facebook Group QT Albums I would say you have to have an open mind and be willing to learn and admit when something you thought was not for you might be the right step. A growth mindset is really the big thing and a willingness to learn. – Kelly Warkentin Thank you! Big thanks to Kelly for sharing so openly in this episode. What I love about her story is how honest she is about the reality of running a photography business while raising young kids — the late nights, saying yes to too much, and still not earning enough. Then making the decision to flip things around and restructure her business to actually serve her life. Fewer clients, higher sales, better systems, and the freedom to be there and available with her family without losing ambition. There’s plenty here to spark ideas if you’ve ever wondered how to earn more, work less, and finally create a photography business that fits the life you want. I’d love to hear what stands out most for you. My goal is to be as honest and upfront as possible, because I don't ever want somebody to feel like they're hoodwinked into spending more than they need to, while also being accessible, right? – Kelly Warkentin That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business! Thanks, and speak soon Andrew The post 631: Kelly Warkentin – Turning $150 Photography Sessions into 4-Figure Clients and a Life You Love appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area John Mills of https://souldog.studio hit £200K in two years with his pet photography business in the UK. He puts it down to Facebook Ads and the follow-up discovery calls! We were exchanging emails recently, and he told me that he'd pivoted to dog photography around two years ago, having moved to a new part of the UK. He rented a studio so he could finally start doing IPS. He said he'd always planned to move into pets, but knew having a studio with art on the walls would be essential. He said, I’ve waited to send this email until it was official. Turnover last year was just under £200k, with 95% coming from Facebook and WANTED ads. He has a lovely, easy-to-navigate website with a strong emphasis on booking a Discovery Call. And I love his NO OBLIGATION OR PRESSURE SALES POLICY – straightforward and easy to see on his investment page. In this interview, Jon shares a ton! Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: From headshots to hounds — how Jon built a thriving pet photography brand from scratch Why client feedback is pure gold (and how Jon uses it to create unforgettable experiences) Charging what you’re worth — the pricing approach that boosted profits without scaring clients off Discovery calls that qualify the right clients and save time, energy and sanity Why a studio full of artwork sells more than words ever could Facebook ads that actually work — and the simple tweaks that keep enquiries coming in Coffee, dogs, and photos — the local partnerships creating real win–win opportunities Outsourcing for growth — how handing off editing freed up time and fuelled consistency Smart automation that books clients while you sleep Real stories and authentic testimonials that actually drive bookings Pricing with confidence — and why it means happier clients and fewer headaches Investing in yourself through coaching and community for long-term 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. If you map out your ideal life and know what you want from your business, then you can also work out, how many sessions can I do in a week? How much do I need to earn per session to make this business hit the goals that I want to hit. – Jon Mills 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. I was very much undervaluing the product that I was offering… I increased my prices and discovered, not only do I attract better clients, but it gives me a massive boost to go, yeah, my artwork and the product and service I provide is worth the amount that will make this business profitable, rather than constantly chasing my tail. – Jon Mills 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 Jon 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. It's the black and white images that really draw them in in the first place… it's always the black and white ones that get people's attention. – Jon Mills If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Jon, or a way to 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. I want photos that represent people and they're connected with their dog. The last thing I want to do is, is to make people think you've got to be… ‘England's next top model' in order to even think about getting photos… they're supposed to look like regular people with their dogs, because that's who I'm trying to attract. – Jon Mills 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 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. The reason people are apprehensive about coming in for a session, usually, is, they're worried their dog won't sit still. They're worried that they might not look great in the photos… And so for me, rather than saying, ‘oh, you know, we've only got X number of vouchers to offer, and you've won a competition', it's very much a we want to give you the opportunity to see what we can do for you, and therefore we're giving you a complimentary session. – Jon Mills 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's the latest review… ★★★★★ The good stuff is in the premium membership! Via Google reviews by Tampa Headshot Photographer James Connell, in the USA on August 15th, 2025. I cannot say enough good things about Andrew and his podcast. I've been a premium member for years and have gained so much valuable insight. The free content is great, but the good stuff is in the premium membership – not to mention the value that comes from the private Facebook group! Thank you so much for everything you do for the photography community. You've thanklessly helped so many! I've listened to a decent amount of photography-related podcasts, but I always keep coming back to yours, and it's the only one I pay for. Keep up the great content, and Cheers! A New Book by Past Guest — Claire Thomas If you haven't heard the interview with Claire Thomas, it's a great story from an INCREDIBLE photographer who derives an income from a varied source, including documenting war stories, commercial photography, fine art photography sales and running amazing photo tours to a country with places and people she loves… Mongolia. You can hear that interview here: https://photobizx.com/claire-thomas-chasing-stories-and-an-income-as-a-documentary-and-fine-art-photographer Claire has just been in touch to share the news about the release of her new book: ALTAI, Hunters and Herders of Mongolia. You can learn more about the book, the release and ordering from this email Claire sent: I wanted to share some exciting news with you — my first photo book, ALTAI: Hunters and Herders of Mongolia, has just launched for pre-orders. This project has been years in the making and means a great deal to me. You can take a look here: https://hemeria.com/en-en/pages/altai-preorders-offers We’re producing two editions: Classic coffee table edition Grand Limited Edition (40 × 50 cm) – just 30 signed copies, each in a handcrafted clamshell box There’s a special pre-order discount until the end of September, and we’re aiming to have the books delivered in time for Christmas. Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode: Soul Dog Studios Website Soul Dog Studios on Instagram Soul Dog Studios on Facebook Episode 477: Adam Gray – Studio pet photography leads, conversions, sales and success Episode 556: Johl Dunn – Unlock Your Photography Business Potential and Stop Failing Episode 538: John Glaser – Facebook Ads and what you need to be aware of when running yours Episode 136: Bernie Griffiths – A Challenge for You to Book More Portrait Photography Sessions Episode 580: Brendan Taylor – The TogPod CRM Revolution… The Future of Photography Business I ask for a £50 admin fee when they book in for their session. And I use that as a two way guarantee, which has worked really well. So I kind of say it guarantees you come for your session, but it also guarantees I captured beautiful artwork you're going to absolutely love. And if I don't, I just give you that back. – Jon Mills Thank you! Big thanks to Jon for sharing so openly in this episode. It’s not every day you hear someone lay out the real journey of pivoting into a new market, taking risks, and backing themselves — from renting a studio and moving into IPS to building a six-figure pet photography brand in just a couple of years. What stood out most is how simple, consistent actions — discovery calls, Facebook ads, outsourcing, and a no-pressure sales approach — have fuelled such rapid growth. There’s a lot here to reflect on if you’ve ever wondered what’s really possible when you price with confidence and commit to the business you want to build. I’d love to hear what resonates for you after listening. My discovery calls are really, really important, because if I have a client that says 350 pounds is more than I can justify. I absolutely am going to tell them, ‘You know what? That's totally fine, but this isn't for you, because you're going to walk away disappointed. And I don't want that for anyone'. – Jon Mills That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business! Thanks, and speak soon Andrew The coffee shop display referenced by Jon in the interview The post 630: Jon Mills – How a Pet Photography Business Hit £200K in Two Years appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Patrick Fore of www.terriblephotographer.com  and www.patrickfore.com is a San Diego-based commercial photographer and creative director with over 15 years of experience in graphic design and photography. His work is first-rate! He is seriously, a fantastic photographer. Beyond his impressive portfolio, Patrick is also the author of Lessons from a Terrible Photographer and hosts the Terrible Photographer Podcast. It wasn't his photography that first caught my attention, though. It was an email from PhotoBizX Member and photographer, Ben Shakespeare, who wrote… Hi Andrew, I've been listening to something and was compelled to email you. Sometimes you hear something that really strikes you – 99% of the time so far that's come from your podcast, but just before I headed away on holiday (after a really intense 2025 so far) I found the Terrible Photographer's podcast. As someone who had been at the limit of what was physically possible in my business, it was exactly what I needed to hear. I'm not sure if you'd feel it would be right for Photobizx in terms of business growth, but I've been back and listened to every episode twice, such was the impact it's had on me. That was enough for me to go searching and I'm rapt to say in this interview, Patrick shares the brutal truth about photography business, boundaries, and burnout. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: From Grammy winners to hair stylists — how chasing the “dream job” nearly broke Patrick. The burnout signs too many photographers ignore — and how he pulled himself back. Walking away from a six-figure salary — and earning more by putting life first. Boundaries that protect your business, creativity… and your sanity. The photography industry’s harsh reality — beyond the Instagram gloss. How smart SEO brought a flood of clients from a standing start. When free work works — building a portfolio that attracts the right people. The art–business balancing act: earning well without losing your voice. Why personal projects aren’t optional — they’re the fuel that keeps you shooting. Working with art directors without losing creative control. The emotional toll of unpaid invoices — and how to protect yourself. How honesty about the hard stuff makes your work (and relationships) stronger. Keeping momentum during slow seasons with goals, structure, and movement. Burnout, self-doubt, and therapy — why talking about it makes you a better photographer. 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. I think in my criticism of a lot of the photography education and content out there is they make it sound awesome, right? They're like, ‘Build your business in four easy steps,' right? And it's like, ‘Oh my gosh.' It's like, if it was only that easy, right? – Patrick Fore 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. When you're constantly feeling like you don't have any power in the relationship between you and the craft, that's when burnout happens… that's when it becomes like, ‘Man, I'm not getting any enjoyment out of this. It's just work. There's no fun in it anymore. I'm not growing.' – Patrick Fore 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 Patrick 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. No matter what I'm shooting, I'm always looking for ways that I can put my spin on it, and sometimes that just might be, like, shooting outside of scope on purpose. – Patrick Fore If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Patrick, or a way to 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. I'm a big proponent of therapy, and I strongly suggest that that people take care of their mental health. – Patrick Fore 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 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. Photography, first and foremost, is an art form. It's a way to express yourself. – Patrick Fore 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.​ Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode: The Terrible Photographer Website The Terrible Photographer Podcast Patrick Fore Website Patrick Fore on Facebook Patrick Fore on Instagram Ben Shakespeare – Islay Professional Photography For me, I always need to keep working, you know? So I need to either be shooting or doing something else, right? I need to feel productive. […] So for me, it's like setting objectives, setting goals. […] So it's setting clear, actionable things to do, so you feel like you're not just sitting idly by waiting for a phone call to happen. – Patrick Fore Thank you! Big thanks to Patrick for being so open in this episode. It’s not often you hear someone pull back the curtain on the real pressures of the photography industry — burnout, boundaries, self-doubt, and all — and still walk away with more clarity, freedom, and success. From leaving a six-figure salary to building a business that fits his life (not the other way around), to using SEO, personal projects, and honest conversations to fuel his work… there’s plenty here to get you thinking about how you run your own business. I’d love to hear what resonates and hits home for you. Also, a big shout-out to Islay whiskey photographer Ben Shakespear, who suggested and recommended Patrick for this interview. Thanks Ben! It's okay to make mistakes. It's okay to fuck up. It's okay to take a step back. It's okay to question yourself. It's okay to, like, question if you're good or not. It's okay to want to quit, right? Or think about quitting. You know, that's all normal. – Patrick Fore That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business! Thanks, and speak soon Andrew The post 629: Patrick Fore – The Brutal Truth About Photography Business, Boundaries, and Burnout appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Liam and Dominique Shaw of www.yorkplacestudios.co.uk were introduced to me by Blair deLaubenfels of World's Best Wedding Photos. Blair told me they are credited with bringing street photography to weddings, and their artistic vision and approach to their work is absolutely brilliant. They are also the authors of “Is This Something?” A guide to capturing the unposed image through the lens of a wedding day. Following that intro, off I went to take a look at what I could learn online. The first thing to jump out at me regarding their images wasn't amazing light, a trendy colour cast, mind-blowing locations or model-like subjects. Their images required me to stop, slow down and absorb what I was looking at. And stopping to appreciate their photography is so worth the effort. Slowing down allowed the magic of their images to emerge… from humour, storytelling, complex layers, beautiful moments, and a quirky interpretation of weddings, families and events. Their images are just so good! In this interview, we dive deep into the business of creative documentary photography and how you can build a standout wedding brand by leaning into your vision, attracting the right clients, and letting go of industry “shoulds.” Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: From a Scarborough high street studio to £4K weddings — how this brother-sister team built a brand photographers (and couples) rave about Why the booking journey starts with vibe — not a price list Shooting just 20 weddings a year… and earning more because of it Don’t wait for the moment — create it: how they capture magic without staging a thing The underrated combo that still fills their calendar: SEO and word of mouth Charging what you’re worth — and why their prices reflect value, not volume How the right website portfolio attracts the best clients (and gives them total creative freedom) Turning education into a £70K side hustle — and why they still do it for the love The truth about working as a team: no fixed roles, full trust, and open conversations Post-GFC pivot: what they changed when the world crashed (and how it saved the business) Educating your clients = better bookings, smoother shoots, fewer surprises Documentary doesn’t mean dull — why they lean into humour, honesty and humanity Still saying yes to everything? Why niching down gave them clarity, consistency and growth Letting go of perfect: how embracing imperfection leads to better photos and happier 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. And there's nothing quite like having to succeed and not having a backup plan and going and saying, “We have to make this work, whatever it takes. We're in this now.” – Liam Shaw 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. There's no ego. That's one of the things that's really important, actually probably the most, most important. No ego. It doesn't matter who took the picture and doesn't matter who got the award. It doesn't matter. It does not matter because the important thing is, as a team, York Place Studios got the picture. That's what we care about. – Dominique Shaw 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 Liam & Dominique 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 think about what's in front of me, and how do I make the best of this and then move on to the next? And if I'm successful, then I forget about it. And if I'm not successful, I forget about it. It doesn't matter. You've got to stay in the moment. – Liam Shaw If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Liam & Dominique, or a way to 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. The important thing is to have other options. And we learned that with covid. Wedding photography can't just be it, because when covid happened, wedding photography vanished, and it wasn't a thing. So it was like, “Okay, so what can we do?” It really made you think, “Oh, actually, it's a good idea to have other avenues, other sources of income.” – Dominique Shaw 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 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. Regarding partnerships, if it's right, you will know, and there'll be no doubts in your mind that this is the decision to take. And if there is any doubts, then absolutely, this is probably the wrong thing to do. – Liam Shaw 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.​ Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode: York Place Studios Website York Place Studios on Facebook York Place Studios on Instagram Is This Something? – A Documentary Wedding Photography Book by Liam and Dominique Shaw Seemingly Insignificant on Instagram PBX615 Episode: Blair deLaubenfels – Booking Luxury Photography Clients Starts with the Right Images—and Words A lot of photography is mentality. If you feel like you're struggling, that will show in your photographs. So you just have to stay with it. Stay calm, keep shooting, and things will come, but you have to believe. – Dominique Shaw Thank you! Big thanks to Liam & Dominique for sharing so generously in this episode. It’s refreshing to hear from photographers who’ve built a thriving wedding business by backing their creativity, trusting their instincts, and ignoring the noise. From pricing and client education to their unposed approach and business pivots — there’s a lot here to spark ideas. If you’ve been craving more clarity, freedom, or purpose in your work… this one’s well worth your time. I’d love to hear what resonates most for you. If you love the work, it's not so much work. If you're really not liking the work, then it feels like a lot. So that's something that we value and take into consideration in any kind of business decision that we're doing. – Liam Shaw That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business! Thanks, and speak soon Andrew The post 628: Liam and Dominique Shaw – The Business of Creative Documentary Photography appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Kenny Martin of  www.thestudiodoctor.co.uk is someone I’ve been hearing about behind the scenes for a while now — especially from photographers in the UK. Known as The Studio Doctor, he is a portrait photographer and mentor based in Scotland. He’s been shooting professionally since the ‘80s, launched one of the UK’s first fully digital portrait studios, and now travels across the UK, Ireland and Europe helping studios grow, pivot, or get back on track. He’s not big on self-promotion — you won’t find a massive online presence — but talk to anyone who’s worked with him, and they’ll tell you: Kenny’s the real deal. No fluff, no gimmicks, just honest advice and solid results. It was Susan Renee, from last week's episode, Premium Member and fantastic pet photographer, who first reached out and said: “Kenny tells it how it is. You’d love speaking with him.” In this interview, Kenny shares his thoughts and ideas on building a sustainable photography business by focusing on profit over hype. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: Why profit matters more than turnover (and how to stop chasing the wrong number) The 7 parts of your client journey you have to get right — from first enquiry to final sale How one smart shift to wall art tripled the studio’s average sale Could you be unknowingly filtering out your best clients? The old-school sales tool that still works: telesales done the right way How a simple pram shop promo filled the calendar and boosted bookings Still leaning on Facebook ads? These proven promo ideas work better (and cost less) The £14.4k coaching offer that turned into a 15-year photography business Why smaller, simpler studios are the path to profit and balance Want to double your sales? It starts before the shoot, not after Why copy-paste business plans fail — and what to focus on instead The real numbers you should be tracking (that most photographers ignore) How client education builds trust, boosts sales, and leads to better referrals Think you don’t need a coach? Why that might be costing you more than you realise What your slow season and quiet inbox are actually telling you From in-person to online: how Kenny’s pivot made coaching more accessible The one question to ask before launching your next promo The “family feel” of long-term coaching — and how deep support brings deeper results Emails going nowhere? Try a quick text or personal video to re-engage leads Why your next big promo win could come from a baby expo or charity collab 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. Literally, every single one of my studios, Andrew, who were doing weddings before I started, were desperate to stop the weddings after about two years, because they realized how important and how much more money was to be made in portraiture right now. – Kenny Martin 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. I think small is beautiful. So I'm really not that interested in what the turnover is. I'm more interested in what kind of profit that is for these guys at the end of the day. – Kenny Martin 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 Kenny 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. Without a doubt, if you're not telephoning, if you don't have a structure to telephone these people, you ain't going to succeed. It is absolutely crucial to the success of the businesses. It really is. – Kenny Martin If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Kenny, or a way to 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. I've got a very simple philosophy, and that's, “Give them a chance.” Right? Give them an offer. Give them a chance. – Kenny Martin 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 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. For me, success isn't determined by how much turnover you've got and how big your place is. It's about your mental health, your aspirations, the type of business that you want and how much profit you're going to have at the end of the day to enjoy yourselves. – Kenny Martin 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.​ Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode: The Studio Doctor Website Kenny Martin Website Noir Portraits by Kenny Martin Kenny Martin on Facebook The Studio Doctor on YouTube Episode 626: Susan Renée – Are Giveaways Hurting Your Brand or Building It? When I see people who try and filter customers before they've been in for a session, who just try and bring in the absolute cream of the crop in their studio thinking that they're going to be better spenders than the normal person, right? They're on the wrong track entirely. – Kenny Martin Special Offer from Kenny Martin – Save £400 on the Photo Noir Course Kenny has just released a major new course on his Studio Doctor website, diving deep into his unique Photo Noir concept. The training is built around a complete step-by-step system — from planning and marketing a promotion, to choosing winners, booking, running the session, editing, selling, and analysing results. It includes 19 core videos, plus a heap of bonus content and downloadable resources. Normally priced at £995, Kenny is offering a massive £400 discount exclusively for PhotoBizX listeners — bringing the price down to £595. Use discount code BIZ400 at checkout to claim your saving. Nothing in this for me, just passing on the details from Kenny. Check out the course and learn more here Thank you! Big thanks to Kenny for sharing so openly in this episode. It’s good to hear from someone focused on what really works — building a solid, sustainable photography business without getting caught up in trends. From client experience to promotions and the thinking behind it all, there’s plenty here to reflect on. If you’ve been questioning your approach or unsure if the basics still hold up — this one’s 100% worth a listen. I’d love to hear what stands out for you. We took them from £270,000 to one and a half years later, £790,000, just by niching down and concentrating on one thing very well, as opposed to, being a jack of all trades. – Kenny Martin That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business! Thanks, and speak soon Andrew The post 627: Kenny Martin – Profit Over Hype. Building a Sustainable Photography Business appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Susan Renee of www.kingshillstudios.co.uk in Scotland first reached out with a concern I hear more often than you'd think: Are giveaways hurting my brand? She’d been told by another coach to stop running Facebook competitions — that it made her look “cheap” and would attract the wrong kind of clients. Thing is, Susan had the numbers. The bookings were coming in. Clients were returning. The system was working… she just wasn’t sure if she should trust it anymore. So, I connected her with last week's guest and photography business coach, Kim Hamblin, who helped her dig into the data and reverse-engineer a smarter way to run ads that work — and, most importantly, to back herself and her business. This interview isn’t just about giveaways or Facebook ads (though we cover plenty of that). It’s about what happens when doubt creeps in, especially after a tough year personally. It’s about the power of mindset, knowing your numbers, and staying consistent with what’s working — even if it looks different from what the “experts” say you should be doing. Susan’s story is real, relatable, and packed with lessons for any photographer second-guessing their path. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: Why “free” doesn’t have to mean “cheap” — and how Susan uses giveaways to build a premium brand that attracts the right clients How she went from second-guessing herself to fully booked — with the help of some smart, strategic Facebook ads The hidden goldmine in nurture sequences — and how they turn cold leads into loyal, paying clients What it was like to grieve and grow a business at the same time — and how it shaped where Susan’s headed now The big lessons from 10 years in business — including why she stopped listening to every coach and started trusting herself Why knowing your numbers matters more than following the latest trends or “expert” advice The Facebook ads trick Susan swears by — and how reverse engineering her goals changed everything Want return clients? It starts with delivering an incredible first experience — even if it came from a giveaway How she’s making newborn photography profitable and protecting her weekends What makes a giveaway actually lead to sales — and the key piece most photographers miss How a mindset shift became her most powerful marketing move Still asking if giveaways work? The better question: Are you guiding your leads to become clients? Why you don’t need a total overhaul to grow — just double down on what’s already working Ditch the guilt: The moment Susan stopped chasing other people’s paths and leaned into her own From Facebook leads to a calendar full of bookings — why staying consistent is where the real magic is Burnout red flags Susan’s watching for now — and how blocking weekends changed her business for the better Marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all — and Susan’s story proves what’s possible when you make it your own 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. I think what I really enjoyed about working with Kim, and when I say working with Kim, we just had the one talk, the one long chat, was that she really understood the photography business. She understood what I was speaking about when I said that I didn't want to work on a Saturday. I do work on a Saturday usually, and actually, I'm all working all day…But she absolutely understood my business model, which was fantastic. – Susan Renée 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. I have over 200, 5 star Google reviews, and most of those are from people who have won a complimentary session that have come in and spent hundreds of pounds and that was all working fine. It was a change of direction I was looking for in the genre aspect. – Susan Renée 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 Susan 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'm very, very grateful that Kim Marie took me right back to basics… she didn't just reassure me. She made sure she looked at the numbers because it's not good enough just to think you're doing okay. You have to look at the facts. But when she took me through those and showed me how to, I did learn as well, you know, about how to reverse engineer for the Facebook ads, even more succinctly going forward. – Susan Renée If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Susan, or a way to 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. Leave your creativity behind when you go into the studio. Just do what works and be creative in your own time. – Susan Renée 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 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. 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.​ Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode: Susan Renée Website Susan Renée at Kingshill Studios on Facebook Susan Renée on Instagram Susan Renée on LinkedIn Kingshill Studios on LinkedIn Episode 436: Nik Buttigieg – Change your mindset for photography sales success Episode 420: Kim Hamblin – How to build a photography business to sell Episode 625: Kim Hamblin – Photography Sales Confidence and the Business Metrics That Matter Kim Hamblin $10k Challenge Waitlist I've got a very strong nurture program around my giveaways. So when people come in, they're coming in as clients. They're not coming in thinking that they're getting a free shoot. They're fully aware of pricing. They're looking to buy. They know what they're going to buy. They tell me, before I've even lifted the camera, what they're going to be taking. – Susan Renée Thank you! Big thanks to Susan for sharing so openly in this episode. After a tough year and a wave of doubt, it was working with Kim Hamblin of Kim Marie Coaching that helped her see the truth — her numbers were solid, her strategy was working, and she just needed to back herself. It’s always good to hear from someone who’s not chasing shiny tactics but building a business that works for them. If you’ve been second-guessing your marketing, wondering if giveaways are still worth it, or just need a reminder to trust what’s working — this one’s for you. Can’t wait to hear what stands out. I had spoken to another coach, and he had said, be very careful of running constant giveaways, because it will cheapen the brand…will make people think that you're a cheap photographer. And I really had a crisis of confidence, because I've run Facebook ads and Facebook giveaways for many years and they've worked very, very successfully. – Susan Renée That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business! Thanks, and speak soon Andrew The post 626: Susan Renée – Are Giveaways Hurting Your Brand or Building It? appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Kim Hamblin of www.kimmarie.co was first interviewed on episode 420 of the podcast, where she shared the full story behind selling her incredibly successful portrait studio in Auckland, New Zealand — a studio bringing in over $500,000 in revenue. In that chat, we covered how she built the business, why she decided to sell, and what came next. One of the big takeaways? Expos were the engine behind most of her bookings, not Facebook ads. That led to her popular PhotoBizX training: How to book unlimited portrait clients at expos and massively reduce your reliance on FB ads — still current and available on the PhotoBizX website. We also discovered that Kim was feeling drawn to business coaching and planned to make that her next chapter. Fast forward to now… and that’s exactly what she’s been doing. In this episode, Kim shares how to build sales confidence and the business metrics that matter in any photography business. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: Why selling her studio was the start of something bigger — and what Kim’s mission looks like now The emotional side of stepping away from a thriving business (and what she wishes more photographers knew) The most important question to ask before you hire a coach Why waiting till burnout hits is the worst time to get support How Kim built a six-figure studio and a life she actually enjoyed Are you chasing six figures… but ignoring the numbers that matter most? Why simplicity is your best growth strategy — especially when it comes to systems The SOPs that took Kim from chaos to clarity in her business The sales game-changer most photographers miss: education before the shoot How role plays and debriefs helped Kim’s team build confidence and convert more clients Objections? Here’s how to handle them without slashing your prices Why empathy beats pushiness every time when it comes to sales How to offer flexible pricing without lowering your value The truth about evergreen giveaways — and why they often flop What actually works: How Kim tested and tweaked giveaways to generate real leads Why layering your marketing beats relying on one strategy Volume vs quality: Which business model makes sense for you? What your booking gaps and no-sales are really trying to tell you Why coaching isn’t a luxury — it’s your shortcut to smarter growth How tracking the right numbers helped Kim grow her business — and now her clients’ too 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. Anyone can run a Facebook ad, everyone can do a giveaway, and go to an expiring get a ton of leads…but it's what happens in the back end that's actually going to make the difference. – Kim Hamblin 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. When you're focused on your client and not your fear of the client or fear of selling, you're going to get way better results.- Kim Hamblin 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 Kim 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. If you can understand what goes into the your profit versus what goes into generating your leads… track your metrics every point of the way, and you're probably not doing as bad as you think you are. If you think you're struggling, you probably just have to increase a couple of those metrics or dive into some of them, and you might get very different results at the other end. – Kim Hamblin If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Kim, or a way to 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. When you've got great marketing at the front end, you've got great lead gen, and you're fully booked, one or two no-sales are not going to hurt. – Kim Hamblin 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 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. Anything you do more than once… There has to be a system behind it. There has to be a step by step system. And the simpler you can make it, the more effective it's going to be. – Kim Hamblin 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.​ Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode: Kim Marie Website Kim Marie on Facebook Kim Marie on Instagram How to book unlimited portrait clients at expos and massively reduce your reliance on FB ads Revenue Roadmap Call with Kim Marie Episode 420: Kim Hamblin – How to build a photography business to sell I don't believe there's one business model that is right. I think it depends very much on what the individual wants. – Kim Hamblin Thank you! Big thanks to Kim for coming back on the show and sharing so generously. It’s inspiring to hear from someone who’s built real success — then walked away to help others do the same, with more clarity, confidence, and control. Whether you’re hitting roadblocks with pricing, feeling stretched by your sales process, or wondering what it really takes to grow a profitable photography business, this one’s packed with takeaways. Can’t wait to hear what stands out for you! We're stacking the value to bring them up, not trying to discount so they have more for less. – Kim Hamblin That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business! Thanks, and speak soon Andrew The post 625: Kim Hamblin – Photography Sales Confidence and the Business Metrics That Matter appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.