Bokeh - The Photography Podcast

Slowing down and truly being present with clients can lead to beautiful, real-life images being captured.Implementing long-form sessions into your business can help you do just that.In episode 532 of The Bokeh Podcast, Rachel Larsen Weaver takes us on the journey of her long-form sessions, and explains why this format works for her business. Listen in as she shares how she uses film and everyday messy life to document the true art that is the life of her clients.The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you byPhotographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer andMiilu: The Simplest Way to Create and Manage Timelines and Shot Lists for the Events You’re Photographing.You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on theApple podcast app, follow onSpotify, add to your playlist onStitcher,or listen onOvercast.Brand Position (3:08)Inspiration for Rachel's photographic style (13:08)Immediate Family by Sally MannAt 12 by Sally MannCreating a great customer experience (16:13)Technique for time management (24:02)Outsourcing/Delegation (27:13)Book Recommendation (34:42)Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola EstésBackground of Rachel's transition to long-form sessions (39:08)"Worry less about creating the perfect image and instead strive for the honest one"(45:44)What a long-form session looks like with Rachel (50:15)How many rolls of film are shot in a session? (54:47)Rachel's Go-To Equipment (55:40)Links:https://www.charitywater.orghttps://www.rachellarsenweaver.comhttps://www.nownowschool.comhttps://www.instagram.com/rachel.larsen.weaverhttps://www.instagram.com/nownowschool

How many memberships or subscriptions do you have as an individual? But have you considered offering a membership to your clients so that they feel like they are part of a "team" or exclusive group?Consider the benefits: consistent income, minimal education needed after the first session, easy add-ons, and more! In episode 531 of the Bokeh Podcast, Annemie Tonken walks us through her process of running a portrait membership for clients. Listen in to hear steps and must-do's for starting the membership, as well as tips for how to effectively maintain and grow the membership.The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you byPhotographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer andMiilu: The Simplest Way to Create and Manage Timelines and Shot Lists for the Events You’re Photographing.You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on theApple podcast app, follow onSpotify, add to your playlist onStitcher,or listen onOvercast.Brand Position (3:07)Book Recommendation (15:10)Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl StrayedScary Close by Donald MillerCreating a great customer experience (17:50)Technique for time management (21:32)Michael Hyatt's Full Focus PlannerOutsourcing/Delegation (around 22:52)What exactly is a portrait membership? (25:30)What is the pricing structure of the portrait membership? (27:43)Potential drawbacks to running a portrait membership (32:56)How to get started with a portrait membership (36:43)1. Plan, plan, plan!2. Implement legally appropriate contracts3. Set up key technical functionality (self-scheduling, automatic billing)Key ideas for managing the portrait membership (55:04)1. Clear and consistent communication is key!2. Take care of your members! (locked-in pricing, easily accessible galleries, surprises!)Links:https://www.thiscantbethathard.comhttps://www.megapixie.com/https://www.instagram.com/thiscantbethathttps://www.bokehbookshelf.comBusiness Brainstorming with Colie James

We are in the midst of what has been called "The Great Resignation" in 2021. People are leaving their jobs, and many are starting their own businesses. But is it really that easy?It can be if you follow the advice that Christora Osters gives in episode 530 of The Bokeh Podcast! Listen in to hear about some of the challenges and unexpected setbacks that most new business owners face, and also the proactive strategies for dealing with them. Heed the advice and you'll be on your way to building and growing a successful company!The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you byPhotographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer andMiilu: The Simplest Way to Create and Manage Timelines and Shot Lists for the Events You’re Photographing.You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on theApple podcast app, follow onSpotify, add to your playlist onStitcher,or listen onOvercast.Brand Position (3:06)Creating a great customer experience (12:52)Technique for time management (26:36)Outsourcing/Delegation (38:41)Book Recommendation (48:17)Atomic Habits by James Clear3 things to expect when starting a business (51:15)1. The cost of starting a business and the cost of running a business are 2 different things!2. People will not just come to you when they see your photos - marketing is key!3. Expect to have moments of failure - figure out why there are failures and make changes!Marketing challenges and strategies for starting a new business(57:07)1. Reactive vs. Proactive marketing strategies 2. Understand SEO 3. Conduct market research to learn about your competitionHow to create a balance between the "grind" and having a life when starting a business (1:06:39)Links:https://www.charitywater.orghttps://www.instagram.com/greenapplephotokyhttps://greenappleweddings.co/

When you have sports or senior clients who want to be photographed in a unique location, it sometimes creates a difficult situation for the photographer when it comes to lighting. How can that situation be resolved so that the client receives the images they want, and the photographer is able to capture well-lit images?Clark Sanders says, "Take the studio outside!" In episode 529 of the Bokeh Podcast, hear strategies that Clark uses to create both natural and cinematic style lighting scenarios for his sports and senior portraits - with little extra equipment! Check out the simple steps he takes to ensure his images are correct in the camera with little to no extra work needed in post-production.The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you byPhotographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer andMiilu: The Simplest Way to Create and Manage Timelines and Shot Lists for the Events You’re Photographing.You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on theApple podcast app, follow onSpotify, add to your playlist onStitcher,or listen onOvercast.Brand Position (4:10)Creating a great customer experience (7:30)Technique for time management (16:58)Outsourcing/Delegation (20:44)Book Recommendation (23:52)Worth Every Penny by Erin Verbeck and Sarah PettyWhat does "dramatic lighting" actually mean? (29:02)Concepts that Drive Clark's Approach to Lighting (37:23)1. Use of Ambient Light - expose for the ambient light first and adjust as needed!2. Placement of studio light- keep it as close to the subject but out of the frame3. Camera settings - manually adjust settings based on the mood/lighting situation4. Favorite lighting gear - Godox AD200Links:https://www.charitywater.orghttps://www.sportsextractions.comhttps://www.clarksandersphotography.comhttps://www.instagram.com/clarksandershttps://www.zackarias.comhttps://www.joeyl.com

As entrepreneurs, we tend to put everything BUT ourselves as a priority. How can we successfully build a business while still taking care of ourselves and those that we care about?Courtney L. Porter, LCSW shares with us the strategies that she teaches her clients for practicing healthy self-care in order to better serve others. Listen in to episode 528 of the Bokeh Podcast to hear how to balance self-care with work and life responsibilities in order to improve your life both personally and professionally.The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you byPhotographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer andMiilu: The Simplest Way to Create and Manage Timelines and Shot Lists for the Events You’re Photographing.You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on theApple podcast app, follow onSpotify, add to your playlist onStitcher,or listen onOvercast.Brand Position (2:30)Creating a great customer experience (6:53)Technique for time management (11:37)Outsourcing/Delegation (16:35)Book Recommendation (19:00)The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joesph MurphyHow can we keep our feelings from taking over our behaviors and mindset? (23:55)Courtney's definition of self-care (27:52)Where is the balance between self-care and narcissism (32:23)Do we need as much self-care as we are seeing in our culture? (34:54)What is the distinction between a want and a need? (38:43)How photographers can better take care of themselves which will lead to serving others well (42:13)RIB Method:1. Rest - take a break! Don't overextend yourself2. Identity - avoid the imposter syndrome3. Boundaries - know your limitations in order to capitalize on your strengthsLinks:https://www.charitywater.orghttps://www.courtneylporter.comhttps://www.instagram.com/courtneylporterlcswhttps://www.marcusdporter.comhttps://www.instagram.com/marcusdporterweddingshttps://www.instagram.com/marcusdporterstudioshttps://hubermanlab.com/YouTube video by Matt D'Avella

Do you feel stuck with your work? Do you browse social media and wish you or your business were as "successful" as other photographers?Twyla Jones is here to tell you how to stop playing the comparison game, be brave, and do your thing! Listen in to episode 527 of The Bokeh Podcast to hear the hard truths about the behaviors you may be exhibiting that are causing you to feel stuck, and strategies that you can put into play that can help you to break out of that rut in order to grow your business!The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you byPhotographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer andMiilu: The Simplest Way to Create and Manage Timelines and Shot Lists for the Events You’re Photographing.You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on theApple podcast app, follow onSpotify, add to your playlist onStitcher,or listen onOvercast.Brand Position (4:22)Creating a great customer experience (8:09)Technique for time management (13:25)Outsourcing/Delegation (17:05))Book Recommendation (23:04)Show Your Work by Austin KleonHow can photographers think outside the box to be more creative in their work? (28:06)What are some behaviors that get in the way of growing a business? (37:50)1. Playing it safe to avoid failure and for the sake of consistency2. Comparison - ask yourself "why" 3 times if you're finding yourself wanting something you don't have3. Imposter syndromeHow can photographers better balance the importance they place on their work as it relates to their identity? (52:11)Links:https://www.charitywater.orghttps://www.emotionalstorytelling.comhttps://www.instagram.com/somethingrad

"Referrals are the foundation of the marketing pyramid." - Daniel Moyer, episode 526.In ep 526, Daniel Moyer shares his technique for building relationships with his clients that go beyond the traditional client/photographer interaction and engagement. Listen in to hear how his deep relationships have not only built connections with his current clients, but have also been the main source of his future referrals.Brand Position (8:07)Creating a great customer experience (14:11)Technique for time management (17:22)Book Recommendations (22:35)Profit First by Mike MichalowiczA Simple Path to Wealth by J. L. CollinsManage Your Day to Day by 99UAsk Powerful Questions: Create Conversations that Matter by Will WiseWhat were the pain points that led to the change in Dan's business? (27:40)5 Steps forTransforming Your Photo Business (33:28)1. Knowledge is Power - Don't just learn facts to learn about your clients, KNOW them2. Differentiate yourself by flipping the wedding photography script3. Be along for the journey, not just the booking and the wedding day4. Seek positive emotion to anchor decision-making to - sell good feelings, not fear5.Referrals are the most valuable form of marketing currencyLinks:https://www.focusedphotographers.comhttps://www.danielmoyerphotography.com/https://www.instagram.com/danielmoyerphotohttps://www.instagram.com/getfocusedphotographers

Managing a photography business is an art, but managing a high-volume wedding photography business takes that to a different level. How can one person manage all of the moving parts necessary to keep one moving forward?In episode 525 of The Bokeh Podcast, Rick Liston shares the processes he has developed for his high-volume wedding photography business that have allowed him to manage 100 weddings per year - and keep his sanity. Listen in to hear the pre-and post-wedding workflow strategies for delegating and streamlining the time-consuming tasks that bog down photographers.The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you byPhotographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer andMiilu: The Simplest Way to Create and Manage Timelines and Shot Lists for the Events You’re Photographing.You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on theApple podcast app, follow onSpotify, add to your playlist onStitcher,or listen onOvercast.Brand Position (3:58)Creating a great customer experience (10:40)Technique for time management (12:30)Outsourcing/Delegation (15:20)Book Recommendation (19:58)Never Lose a Customer Again by Joey ColemanDescription and background of Rick's business model(24:40)Principles that drive efficient workflows (33:50)Most important pre-wedding workflow steps (37:35)1. Share ideas and tips with couples prior to the wedding day2. Collect vendor data prior to the wedding for post-wedding sharing3. Gather information about your couples prior to the wedding for points of connection on the dayPost-wedding workflow (43:00)1. Outsource editing, but share a sample slideshow the day after the wedding2. Automate the sales process - set up a gift registry!3. Utilize a Virtual Assistant for tasks such as album design and blog postsKey steps for communication when outsourcing editing (45:18)Links:https://www.charitywater.orghttps://www.rickliston.comhttps://www.weddingworkflows.comhttps://www.instagram.com/rick_listonhttps://www.instagram.com/weddingworkflowshttps://www.studioninja.co/https://www.shootproof.com/tavehttps://www.dubsado.com/https://www.loom.com/https://www.pic-time.com/?locale=en

The dreaded word - taxes. Few of us truly understand them, all of us have to pay them. Can we be proactive in avoiding the most common tax mistakes in order to have a simpler, less stressful tax paying experience?Pay close attention to episode 524 of The Bokeh Podcast as Braden Drake, Tax Attorney and Accounting Consultant for creatives, breaks down the top 5 tax mistakes that most creatives tend to make, and provides simple explanations and solutions for how to avoid them!Listen in as he shares resources and tips for how to break the cycle of poor management and decision-making when it comes to your financial and tax habits!The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you byPhotographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer andMiilu: The Simplest Way to Create and Manage Timelines and Shot Lists for the Events You’re Photographing.You can also subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on theApple podcast app, follow onSpotify, add to your playlist onStitcher,or listen onOvercast.Brand Position (5:22)Creating a great customer experience (9:12)Technique for time management (13:00)Outsourcing/Delegation (18:30)Book Recommendation (22:00)Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino WickmanAtomic Habits by James ClearUnf*ck Your Biz Book by Braden DrakeTop 5 Tax Mistakes (25:25)1. Failing to pay quarterly taxes (or saving for quarterly taxes)2. Not understanding the basics of taxes3. Overspending to "save" in taxes4. Poor record-keeping5. Forming an S Corporation at the wrong timeMistake #1 - Information about paying quarterly taxes (26:18)Mistake #2 - A breakdown of the basics (28:48)Mistake #3 -How photographers tend to overspend (30:25)Mistake #4 -Tips for best record-keeping habits (33:25)Mistake #5 -Explanation of S-Corps and the benefits/drawbacks to creating one (40:05)Links:https://www.charitywater.orghttps://www.bradendrake.comhttps://www.bradendrake.com/podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/bradenadamdrake