Bokeh - The Photography Podcast

You're ready to hire an assistant. You have a friend who would be PERFECT for the position. Could it work?Andrejka Hirschegger and Becky Gast have been friends since college, and are now in a boss-employee relationship as well!Listen in to episode 499 of The Bokeh Podcast to hear their advice for ensuring your friend is the "right" person for the job, as well as suggestions for how to set boundaries once the working relationship is in place.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.Andrejka's experience of delegation through working with Photographer's Edit (4:32)What was Andrejka's impetus for hiring an assistant? (14:45)How did Andrejka and Becky handle the apprehension of working together as friends? (18:50)What were Becky's initial pain points of working for a friend? (25:15)Understanding that her work was to service Andrejka's brandWhat are the top 3 qualities of a good boss - according to Becky? (27:50)1. Clear communication2. Patience3. EmpathyWhat were the learning opportunities for Andrejka in delegating to Becky? (32:25)What would be the lines that can't be crossed that would cause Andrejka to not continue in a working relationship? (35:30)What are the top qualities photographers should look for when hiring an assistant? (41:40)1. Shared values2. Someone who fills in your gaps3. Ensure you can trust who you hire4. Strong communication skillsLinks:charitywater.organdrejkaphotography.cominstagram.com/andrejkaphotography

How often do your clients respond with extreme emotion when you deliver their wedding day memories to them? If you aren't experiencing that on a regular basis, maybe it is time to start adding video into your packages!Taylor Jackson has not only become an expert in providing his clients with a hybrid photo + video package, but also teaches other photographers how to do the same! Listen in to episode 498 of The Bokeh Podcast to hear his advice for what to do and what to avoid when getting started in the hybrid market.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.Taylor's Brand Position (19:36)Creating a great customer experience: (26:28)Keep efficiency at the forefront of the entire experience - even on the wedding day!Technique for time management: (32:40)Outsource and proactively plan in order to combine work and playOutsourcing/Delegation: (34:55)Photo and Video EditingBook Recommendations: (41:30)The Four-Hour Workweek by Tim FerrisMedium Raw by Anthony BourdainWhy add video? (44:27)1. Video allows you to tell stories in a different way2. Clients connect emotionally to video more than to photosWhat questions should photographers ask themselves when considering whether to add video? (52:26)1. Are you confident enough in your photography to add in video?2. Can you multi-task during the wedding day?What are a few mistakes photographers make when beginning to shoot video? (57:00)1. Forgetting to record video during the wedding day2. Selling videography before having proof that they can do it3. Offering too much too quicklyWhat are key technical concepts to keep in mind when beginning video? (1:00:44)1. Understand and know how to work in different lighting situations2. Shoot with a camera that has a fast buffer, and work with fast memory cards3. Don't worry with using ND filters - use a plugin during editing instead!4. Shoot in slow motion5. Shoot less to cut down on the editing process - focus on the big moments of the wedding dayLinks:charitywater.orgtaylorjacksoncourses.comtaylorjacksonphoto.comyoutube.com/taylorjacksonphotoinstagram.com/taylorjacksonWar Photographer Documentary Film

We all make mistakes.How we respond to them determines whether we fail forward or fail backward.Madison Banks faced several moments of failure over the last few years, including being bullied on social media.Listen in to episode 497 of The Bokeh Podcast to learn how she was proactive in her response to those situations, which allowed her to not only move forward, but also boost her business and personal growth to the next level.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.Best piece of advice for new photographers (6:33)What does the word "failure" mean to Madison (14:47)Examples of "failures" Madison has had over the past few years (19:25)What are the top 3lessons learned for moving beyond failure? (34:23)1. Don't let the failure define your journey as a business owner2. Don't let the failure define the way you treat your friends and family3. When you make a mistake, stop what you're doing and correct itHow Madison dealt with naysayers (46:29)How does Madison balance self-confidence with client perception of her work? (56:07)Links:charitywater.orgMadison's 1st Bokeh Podcast Episode 408instagram.com/photographymadisonbanksmadisonbanksphoto.comwithgraceandgold.com

Have you considered offering more than the traditional photography package to your clients? Diversifying can set you apart and lead to exponential growth in your business!In episode 496 of The Bokeh Podcast, Kelli White introduces us to the steps we can take to include video in our photography packages! Listen in to hear how with a few simple changes, you too can be a one-stop-shop for your 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 (4:43)Creating a great customer experience (10:08)Technique for time management (16:40)Outsourcing/Delegation (20:15)Book Recommendation (26:43)Big Magic by Elizabeth GilbertThe War of Art by Steven PressfieldKelli's process for adding video into her photography business (31:57)Ways Video can be impactful for your business (43:48)1. Sets your business apart from your competition2. Diversifies your income3. Improves your photography4. Expands your reach5. Allows you to better serve your clientsSteps photographers can take to get started with video (52:20)1. Learn about the basic gear and settings2. Practice, practice, practice!3. Find an editing software and learn it well4. Do model callsLinks:charitywater.orgkelliwhitephotography.comshelearnsvideo.comyoutube.com/shelearnsvideoinstagram.com/kelliwhitephotography

Sometimes your "why" and your business aren't aligned. When that happens, it might be time to pivot!Chelsea Hollis found herself needing to pivot more than once since beginning her professional career. In episode 495 of The Bokeh Podcast, she shares how she successfully transitioned to not only a new industry, but also new market segments within the photography industry. Listen in to hear her 4 key steps for making a successful pivot.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 (5:57)Creating a great customer experience (16:47)1. Constant and clear communication while serving them well2. Show your face and heart in marketingTechnique for time management (24:12)Outsourcing/Delegation (31:31)Book/Podcast Recommendation (37:20)The Husband-Coached Childbirth - Dr. Robert BradleyRight Up Your Allee PodcastChelsea's business evolution (40:34)What is a Doula? (43:33)4 Steps to a Successful Pivot (50:14)1. Determine your "why" and share that with your clients2. Consider the lifetime value of your current and potential clients3. Be present on Social Media - 4 categories for content:- personal- education- entertainment or encouragement- selling4. Offer a weekly/recurring resource to reach a broader audienceLinks:charitywater.orgchelseaallegra.cominstagram.com/chelseaallegrainstagram.com/milestonemamapodcastinstagram.com/theprosperworkshophoneybook.com

Are you including an album in your wedding packages? The simple step of adding a basic album to your most popular package could actually generate thousands of dollars in additional income on each wedding!In episode 494 of The Bokeh Podcast, James and Jess share with us the steps that they used to not only provide their clients with a physical wedding album, but sell albums to family members of the bride and groom as well!Listen in to hear how using these simple steps generated $60k in additional income in one year!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 (11:06)Creating a great customer experience (19:32)Technique for time management (27:15)Outsourcing/Delegation (34:40)Background experience with albums (44:25)Steps for increasing profit from album sales (49:23)Pre-Wedding:1. Add an album credit into your most popular package2. Give the best wedding experience possible to your clients!Post-Wedding:1. Design an album with no more than 3 images per page from the beginning of the wedding day to the end of the day2. Create a slide show set to music with those chosen images3. Send the link to the full gallery of images4. Send an email with a discounted offer to upgrade the album5. Finalize the album design with the client6. Invoice the client for the album7. Dropship the album to the client8.Repeat and scale - sell to family members!Links:charitywater.orgjamesandjess.comDownloadable worksheetinstagram.com/jameswittyinstagram.com/jessfairchildYoutube ChannelLink to Erica and Jon's episode: Bokeh Podcast #485Link to Anna and Ryan's episode: Bokeh Podcast #458Kiss Books

Pala Mikayla Kovacs booked 40 weddings in the first 6 months of starting her photography business. How is that even possible?In episode 493 of the Bokeh Podcast, she outlines the key strategies that were used to quickly build her business to a level that many photographers spend years working to attain. Listen in for marketing tactics, relationship-building processes, and time management strategies for building and maintaining a highly successful photography 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 (3:12)Building relationships with clients (4:55)Creating a great customer experience (15:18)Techniques for time management: (20:43)1. Implementing a 4-day work week2. Planning for the next day before ending the dayOutsourcing/Delegation (27:44)Book Recommendations: (32:23)How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegieSo Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal NewportWhen and why did Pala start her photography business? (38:05)Marketing tactics Pala used that resulted in booking 40 weddings within the first 6 months of business: (42:50)1. Build relationships with industry partners2. Offer free headshots for wedding planners and other industry partners3. Create videos for venues4. Offer free weddings when starting out5. Family front porch mini-sessions during Covid6. Invest in SEO7. Utilize GrouponLinks:palasphotos.cominstagram.com/photosbypalamikayla

"Pinterest is just for moms." "People only use Pinterest to find recipes and cute ideas."Are these common misconceptions keeping you from using Pinterest as a marketing platform?Not Carolina!In episode 492, Carolina Guzik walks listeners through practical steps of how to utilize Pinterest as a search engine in order to reach potential clients.Listen in to hear how Carolina has leveraged Pinterest to be one of the top platforms for driving potential clients to her website!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.Carolina's Brand Position (2:25)Providing a great customer experience (7:43)Time Management Techniques (10:15)Book Recommendation (18:00)Steal Like an Artist by Austin KleonTedTalk on Steal Like an ArtistPinterest Misconceptions (21:23)Motivation for Carolina to use Pinterest for marketing (22:10)Biggest mistakes that photographers are making when using Pinterest (29:11)1. Treating Pinterest like a Social Media platform2. Assuming that their audience isn't on Pinterest3. Not using key words or phrases for search optimization4. Pinning other's contentUsing Pinterest as a search engine (34:50)1. Include information about your business in the bio description2. Create specific boards by niche (venues, styles, type)3. Provide value to clients that will lead them to your websiteHow much time does Carolina spend on Pinterest for marketing efforts? (45:30)Links:carolinaguzik.comthetogrepublic.cominstagram.com/thetogrepublic

You've likely heard of brand ambassadors, or even ambassadors for senior portrait photographers, but have you ever considered incorporating ambassadors into your family photography business?In episode 491, Heather Floyd gives away her secrets of how she developed an ambassador program for her adventure family photography business! Join in to hear the most important components for selecting ambassadors, as well as the value proposition for the ambassador.Sign us up!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.Heather'sBrand Position (4:30)How Heather began marketing the adventure family photography idea (7:41)What brought about the idea of starting an ambassador program? (14:14)What are the most important components of an ambassador program? (16:55)1. Find Ambassadors who are willing to "work" with you2. Limit the number of Ambassadors3. Make the Ambassadors feel special through having responsibilities4. You make all of the decisions!Value proposition for the Ambassador (various times throughout the conversation)1. Free images2. Surprise gifts throughout the year3. Referral creditsLinks:floydfamilyphotography.cominstagram.com/heathermaefloBuilding a StoryBrand by Donald Miller