The photography industry is in a state of crisis.
It’s by no means dead, and there are still plenty of photographers making a great living doing what they love.
But there are also many other photographers for whom every day feels like a war-zone, a battle against a rising tide of what seems like unfair competition, and a constant struggle to resist the commoditization of photography.
Commoditization:
The process by which goods that have economic value and are distinguishable in terms of attributes (uniqueness or brand) end up becoming simple commodities in the eyes of the market or consumers. It is the movement of a market from differentiated to undifferentiated price competition…
Maybe you feel like you’re fighting a losing battle right now, but you’re not alone.
Thousands of photographers deal with these challenges every day.
But — only the most tenacious, determined, committed, and passionate will survive.
In other words, a dramatic change in thinking is desperately needed if more photographers are to see their gifts and talents rewarded.
That’s why I recorded these interviews for you — to bring successful photographers into the light and to illuminate the strategies, ideas, and philosophies required for success in a business that seems like child’s play from the outside, but is in reality a shark-infested pool where unsuspecting photographers can get eaten alive.
What Can You Do?
It’s simple!
- Listen to the interviews…
- Keep an open mind…
- Be prepared to alter the way you think about the photography business…
Follow those 3 simple guidelines and you’ll be amazed at the transformation you’ll see in your business.
A Word Of Caution By Austin Kleon
You don’t want to look like your heroes. You want to see like your heroes…
We all learn from observing the great ones, the amazing people who pave the way in our industry.
But, all too often, I see photographers blindly copying their photographic and artistic heroes instead of emulating them.
Simply learning and replicating what others are doing in photography robs the world of the beauty you could be bringing through your own unique and distinctive style.
Yes, it could be inspired by your heroes, but you have to use that inspiration to take you on your own path.
PHOTOGRAPHER INTERVIEWS LISTING
Using Instagram To Boost High-School Senior Portraits Marketing With Rod Evans (Interview)

We’re all familiar with using Facebook for marketing, but what about Instagram? Can the smartphone-based photo-sharing network be put to good use in your marketing too? As it happens, it can...
Branding Your Photography Business With Mimika Cooney (Interview)

Are you branding your photography business in a way that communicates who you really are as a photographer and a business to your ideal target clients? If you thought branding was only about colors, fonts, and logos, it’s time to think again because it represents a lot more than that!
Email Marketing For Professional Photographers With Ian Brodie (Interview)

Are you using email marketing as part of your photography marketing strategy? If not, you could be missing out on one of the most effective marketing systems we have available to us today.
Blog Marketing For Professional Photographers With David Risley (Interview)

Blogging is a great form of content marketing that creates real and productive relationships with your ideal target clients. If you don't have a blog for your photography business, what obstacles are standing in the way? These ideas and tips from David can help you approach it correctly.
Optimizing The Digital Workflow With Eddie Tapp (Interview)

Eddie Tapp and I talk about what happens after the photographs have been created, and optimizing the digital workflow, with some ideas on how photographers can simplify life at the computer to free up more time for photography.
Photographing Interiors With Kathryn MacDonald (Interview)

Kathryn MacDonald shares her knowledge and insights about commercial photography and how she helps business owners (especially those in a creative or visual type of business) use photography to enhance their own marketing.
Getting Back To Photography Business And Marketing Basics For Success With Lori Nordstrom (Interview)

Are you a portrait photographer looking for more ways to become profitable and make a successful and healthy business doing what you love? If so, renowned photographer Lori Nordstrom can help with her business tips and the basics that professional photographers should consider in today’s marketplace.
What It Means To Be A Professional Photographer With Bryan Caporicci (Interview)

Are you an aspiring professional photographer, or working hard to get your photo business off the ground, but it feels as if something essential is missing from the equation? In this inspiring chat with Bryan Caporicci, we talk about what it really means to be a professional photographer these days.
Little Nest Portraits And The Customer Experience With Laura Novak Meyer (Interview)

If you've ever wondered what it takes to be seen as a quality-driven boutique-style business you'll love this episode with Laura Novak Meyer, who turned the apparent setback of the last recession into a positive move that created a truly successful business for Little Nest Portraits in Philadelphia.
Website Essentials And The Photocrati WordPress Theme With Scott Wyden Kivowitz (Interview)

The website is the hub of your online marketing activities, and it’s hard to imagine running a business without one. But, many photographers still struggle to get their websites to perform the way they want. Scott Wyden Kivowitz talks about websites and how the Photocrati WordPress theme helps you stand out.
“Photography Is My Passion”: What Does That Really Mean?

"Photography is my passion" is the one thing I'm guaranteed to hear when I ask a photographer why someone should hire them, and not the photographer down the street. Obviously, passion for photography is essential for success. Without it, you risk being stuck in a difficult profession that you don't enjoy, feeling resentful and envious of others with better-paying jobs. But it's equally important to clearly communicate that passion to your prospects and let them know the deep-seated reasons why you do what you do. Here's how...
Marketing High-School Senior Portraits And The Home-Based Studio With David Hakamaki (Interview)

A great interview with photographer David Hakamaki for anyone interested in high-school senior portrait photography. David shares ideas on how to compete in this intensely competitive genre and how to create marketing that generates buzz, plus how to recruit reps and use live-viewing to enhance each session.
The Business Of Commercial Time-Lapse Photography With Michael E. Stern (Interview)

Time-lapse photography has always been fascinating, revealing interesting and otherwise unnoticed things that happen in the world all around us every day. Michael takes us through some of the business and marketing aspects of creating commercial time-lapse projects.
The Business And Marketing Of Fine Art Travel Photography With Joel Wolfson (Interview)

Being a travel photographer sounds glamorous but the reality is a little different to the fantasy. Being successful as a fine art travel photographer can be difficult, just like any other genre, and it has its own set of challenges that the photographer must deal with to ensure everything goes according to plan.
The Business Of Portrait Photography With A Difference With Ray Baldino (Interview)

As portrait photographers, we strive to capture the essence of the person posing in front of our camera, to bring out that unique thing that makes them who they are. But, it’s not always that easy! I sat down with Ray to talk about his business and marketing, as well as how his love of cars fits into his portrait photography.
The Business And Marketing Of Wedding Photography With David Grupa (Interview)

Wedding photography is often the first thing new photographers think of trying, attracted by the prospect of bigger payoffs per assignment compared to portrait photography. But, jumping unprepared into the wedding photography business can often mean leaping into shark-infested waters!
Recharge Your Photography Business To Set You Up For Success With Joy Vertz (Interview)

It can be challenging to grow your business into the success you thought it would be. Perhaps you’re having a hard time finding new clients, struggling to price your photography, or feel chained to your computer 24 hrs a day – Don’t panic! Thousands of photographers go through such difficulties, but help is here.
How To Properly Price Your Professional Photography For Profit With Greg Phelps (Interview)

Pricing your photography can be a challenge, especially for new photographers. There are many factors to take into account, with the risk of turning the exercise into a guessing game. I sat down with Greg to talk about pricing and his course "How To Price Your Photography For Top Dollar".
The Role Of Underwater Photography In Marine Conservation With Christine Shepard (Interview)

Underwater photography shows people who've never experienced the marine environment the wonders of that amazing world, and helps educate them on the value of conserving it. Christine Shepard talks about her exciting life photographing sharks for both the science and conservation.
Effective Video Marketing For Professional Photographers With Steven Washer (Interview)

Photographers tend to think in terms of the still image and every project tells a story with images. But there's also the story of you, your business, and message you want to communicate. A great medium for that is video, as marketing expert Steven Washer explains.
Passion, Respect, And A Lifetime Of Dedication To Fine Art Portraiture With Tim Walden (Interview)

Highly-regarded fine art portrait photographer Tim Walden talks about success, passion, respect for our art, and what it takes to be a successful professional photographer.
The Lie Of Busy And How To Balance Work And Life With Bryan Caporicci (Interview)

You may be unaware that you're lying to yourself about how busy you are - in at least 5 different ways. You could be a more productive and efficient with work and have for more time for your personal life, if only you put a stop to those lies, as Bryan Caporicci explains.
Elite Minds – Creating The Competitive Edge With Dr. Stan Beecham (Interview)

Most professional photographers are not reaching their full potential in their business, not because of their training, skills, or talent. Instead, it's their own minds that are holding them back in business. In fact, most fail to consider how their thoughts and beliefs are actually hindering their performance.
Blending Architectural Photography And Interior Design With Michael J. Lee (Interview)

Architectural and interiors photography is a challenge that requires first-class communication skills and attention to the smallest of details. If you're considering architectural photography, this chat with Michael will give you some great things to think about.
Emotional Story-Based Wedding Photography With Zach And Jody Gray (Interview)

Wedding photographers often pride themselves on being seen by their prospects as storytellers, but this title has become so overused in the industry that it can start to lose its real meaning if we’re not careful. Zach and Jody Gray share their wedding photography story.
Self-Publishing And Marketing A Fine Art Photography Book With Meredith Kaminek (Interview)

Meredith Kaminek self-published a book of her fine art photography, together with her own inspirational writings, and then set about publicizing, marketing, and selling her books without the aid of a publisher or publicist. Here's how...
Plans For Success In The World Of Baby Photography With Beth Forester (Interview)

Beth Forester talks about the factors photographers need to be successful in baby and newborn photography. She also tells us about her baby plans and how you can start your own with her baby plans in a box.
America’s Most Experienced Pet Photographer With Richie Schwartz (Interview)

In this fun and entertaining interview, pet photographer Richie Schwartz talks about his experience and expertise in pet photography and some of the mistakes many newcomers are making.
Building A Successful Baby Photography Business With Mimika Cooney (Interview)

Mimika Cooney talks about her successful baby photography business and newborn photography, and how photographers can cross-promote with other businesses to attract more clients.
How To Run A Premium-Level Family Portrait Business With Bruce And Josh Hudson (Interview)

Bruce and Josh Hudson talk about their premium brand of family portraits and the highly-focused attention to customer service that has their loyal clients raving about them and their business.
The Business Of Advertising Food Photography With Michael Ray (Interview)

Food photographer Michael Ray from Pittsburgh, PA, talks about his professional food photography for advertising and how he runs a busy and successful photography business.
How To Skyrocket Your Wedding And Portrait Bookings With The Amazing Power Of Excitement Calls With Steve Saporito (Interview)

Have you ever gotten off the telephone after talking with a potential client about your photography certain that they won’t be hiring you for their portraits or wedding, but not sure why?
How To Have Successful In-Person Booking Meetings For Wedding And Portrait Photographers With Kat Eltzroth (Interview)

Kat Eltzroth talks about the important phases of in-person booking meetings for professional portrait and wedding photographers, and some of the mistakes many new photographers make when trying to get bookings.
Creating And Managing Meaningful And Productive Client Relationships With Marta Hewson (Interview)

Marta Hewson talks about how to build, nurture, and grow relationships with your photography clients, and what to do when things don't go as expected.
Time-Saving Software For Creative Photographers Who Want To Stand Out From Crowd With Andrew Funderburg (Interview)

Andrew Funderburg, CEO of Fundy Software, talks about the amazing features of the Fundy Designer software suite and how they can save professional photographers more time.
Creating Success In The Wedding Photography Business With Phil Kramer (Interview)

After covering more than 2,500 weddings over the course of his professional photography career, Phil Kramer knows a thing or two about creating success in the industry. In this interview, we talk about some of the important elements for success.
Keeping Things Legal In Your Professional Photography Business With Rachel Brenke (Interview)

Rachel Brenke is both a lawyer and a professional photographer, and talks about the legal issues photographers should be sure to cover to protect themselves and their clients.
Creative Excellence In The Business of Headshot Photography With Peter Hurley (Interview)

Headshot photography is a competitive arena for any photographer to operate in, and requires solid photographic and people skills in order to prosper and become successful. Peter Hurley, respected and well-known headshot photographer, talks about what it takes to succeed in the business.
How To Improve Your Portrait Sales Through In-Person Design Consultations With Steve Saporito (Interview)

Do you struggle with the sales part of being a professional portrait or wedding photographer? If so, this chat with Steve Saporito will help overcome those challenges with his great ideas on holding the perfect design consultation...
SEO For Photographers And Online Marketing That Helps Google Love You With Zach Prez (Interview)

Zach Prez shares some tips to help ease the frustration of trying to keep up with all the changes in SEO (search engine optimization) and give you some rest from working so hard get Google to love you enough to rank your photography website in the search results.
How To Avoid Competing On Price With Other Photographers With Bran Caporicci (Interview)

If you're like most photographers, you'll know how much anxiety and stress can be generated about pricing your photography, and it can be tempting to think that price is the reason potential clients might not hire you or end up choosing a different photographer. Bryan Caporicci explains why that's not true and what you can do instead.
Marketing For Wedding Photographers With Heidi Thompson (Interview)

Do you want more wedding photography clients? In this interview with wedding marketing expert Heidi Thompson we talk about how to better use blogging and email marketing to make better connections with prospective brides and grooms.
Creating A Boutique Wedding Photography Experience With Vanessa Joy (Interview)

In this interview with wedding photographer Vanessa Joy, we talk all about the value and importance of creating a boutique experience for your clients, and how you can make more by doing less.
How Creativity, Clarity, Focus, And Authenticity Impact Your Success With Jeffrey Shaw (Interview)

In this episode, I talk with Jeffrey Shaw about the roles of creativity, focus, clarity and authenticity as factors that determine your success, as well as the need to have a clear "stand-out statement" (what I often refer to as your "essential message").
The World Of Commercial Advertising Photography With Josh Rossi (Interview)

In this episode, I talk with Josh Rossi, from Los Angeles, about his work and experience in the exciting world of commercial advertising photography. We talk about his journey to where he is today, and what it takes to be a success in this industry.