#538 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Mandy Wright, Esteban Gil, Nicole Begley, Rhea Whitney, and Michelle Harris down at Imaging USA about the art of marketing your photography business. You'll gain insights into building client relationships, valuing your work, and maintaining passion in your art.

THE BIG IDEAS 

• Create Lasting Client Relationships: Investing in genuine connections with clients can drive word-of-mouth referrals, expanding your network organically.
• Self-Awareness Enhances Success: Understanding what truly aligns with your values and interests can prevent burnout and guide your career path effectively.
• Business Adaptability: Adapting your strategy to leverage free resources and tools like social media and online communities can accelerate your growth.
• Finding Joy Amid Chaos: Enjoyment and playfulness in your work ensure sustained passion, even amidst the pressures of turning your hobby into a business.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Build Client Relationships: Attend events or dinners if invited to show your investment in clients' special occasions. Ensure clear, timely communication, keeping your interactions positive and professional.
2. Develop Self-Awareness: Journal your thoughts about what feels right in your business to better align with your goals. Periodically reassess your service offerings to ensure satisfaction and fulfillment.
3. Leverage Free Resources: Utilize social media platforms to showcase your work and engage with potential clients. Join online photography communities for knowledge sharing and mentorship opportunities.
4. Embrace Creativity: Plan personal photography projects that excite and challenge your artistic boundaries. Explore new techniques or gear periodically to keep your skills dynamic and evolving.
5. Focus on Genuine Networking: Connect with fellow photographers for support, inspiration, and potential collaborations. Attend workshops and conferences to learn from seasoned professionals and grow your circle.

RESOURCES:

Video: 12 Professional Photographers Share Best Marketing Advice for New Shooters - https://youtu.be/ySbMqA0k29w
Visit Mandy Wright's Website - https://www.mandywrightphotography.com/
Visit Esteban Gil's Website - https://www.egilphoto.com/
Visit Nicole Begley's Website - https://hairofthedogacademy.com/
Visit Rhea Whitney's Website - https://rheawhitney.com/
Visit Michelle Harris' Website - https://mharrisstudios.com/

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#537 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Kelly Lawson, a passionate photographer who transitioned from the healthcare field to create a successful photography career. Kelly shares her journey, highlighting the allure of creativity and entrepreneurship that photography offers. She emphasizes the importance of mastering light and using minimal resources effectively to elevate your photography skills. 

THE BIG IDEAS 

• Explore Your Creative Outlet: Photography is a beautiful way to express creativity outside of your day job and discover new entrepreneurial opportunities.
• Find Joy in Small Wins: Each photographic success, no matter how small, builds confidence; cherish these moments to propel your learning.
• Appreciate the Power of Teaching: Sharing your knowledge with others is both rewarding and reinforces your own skills.
• Utilize One Light Source: Simplifying your lighting setup lets you focus on mastering the fundamentals and achieving clearer, crisper photos.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Experiment with Natural Light: Observe how natural light changes throughout the day. Use large windows or open shade outdoors for consistent lighting without harsh shadows.
2. Create a Simple Background: Purchase affordable foam core or cardstock to create a seamless background that enhances your product photos. Set up a small, clean photo area in your home with these materials.
3. Focus on a Single Subject: Start with a simple object like a coffee cup and explore different angles and lighting setups. Capture it from various perspectives to understand how angles influence perception.
4. Connect with Your Target Audience: Tailor your photos to captivate your intended audience by thinking about what excites them. Brainstorm visual elements that resonate with your audience's interests.
5. Rekindle Your Passion: Regularly revisit your initial motivations for taking up photography to reignite your passion. Reflect on your journey and acknowledge your growth. 

RESOURCES:
Visit Kelly Lawson's Website - https://kellylawson.ca/
Follow Kelly Lawson on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kellyslawson/

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#536 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Sabrina Gebhardt, who unravels the significance of honing your artistic vision and emphasizes the power of authenticity in your portfolio. We explore her journey from picking up a camera after a break to running a successful photography business, uncovering strategies to building a compelling portfolio, dealing with imposter syndrome, and using model calls to fuel creativity.

THE BIG IDEAS 

• Define Your Artistic Vision: Knowing your artistic take helps you create images that stand out and resonate with your audience.
• Embrace the Journey: Understand that portfolio building is an evolving process that grows and changes with your experiences.
• Attract and Repel: Curate your work to consistently reflect the type of clients you want to attract and deter those who aren't a good fit.
• The Power of Model Calls: Use model calls to experiment with new ideas and elevate your portfolio without client pressures.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Create a Vision Board: Use Pinterest to create a secret board with images that elicit a strong emotional response. Analyze the pinned images to identify common themes and styles that resonate with you.
2. Schedule Test Shoots: Organize model calls with specific criteria that align with your vision, including location, outfits, and subjects. Use these sessions to experiment with new techniques and refine your style without client pressure.
3. Regularly Update Your Portfolio: Set aside time each month to review and update your portfolio, ensuring it reflects your latest and best work. Remove any images that do not align with the type of photography you want to book.
4. Network within Your Niche: Join online communities or local groups focused on your photography niche to exchange ideas and get feedback. Attend niche-specific workshops or retreats to hone your skills and stay inspired.
5. Practice Selective Sharing: Only share photographs on social media and your website that truly reflect your artistic vision and desired clientele. Use captions, blogs, and behind-the-scenes content to narrate your creative process and vision, building a connection with your audience.

RESOURCES:
Visit Sabrina Gebhardt 's Website - https://sabrinagebhardt.com/
Follow Sabrina Gebhardt  on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography/

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#535 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Tyi Reddick, a passionate street photographer who shares his journey of using photography as a meaningful expression of his recovery. Tyi dives into the emotional and generational connections behind his favorite black-and-white captures. He emphasizes the importance of documenting family moments and building confidence through community support.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Capture Authentic Moments: Focus on photographing real, heartfelt moments rather than staged scenes; authenticity resonates deeply.
• Embrace Community Support: Join photography groups for encouragement and constructive feedback; a supportive community can boost confidence.
• Experiment and Learn: Don’t shy away from complex settings; hands-on experience with your camera is crucial for growth.
• Document Family Memories: Prioritize capturing significant family moments; these photos can become timeless treasures.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Capture Genuine Emotions: Photograph family gatherings or candid moments at home to capture real emotions. Use black and white to emphasize the emotional depth of your photos.
2. Engage with Online Communities: Join a photography-focused Facebook group and actively participate in discussions. Share your photos and ask for constructive feedback to improve.
3. Master Camera Functions: Switch your camera to manual mode and practice adjusting aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. Take a series of shots in various lighting conditions to understand how these settings interact.
4. Enhance Your Portfolio: Start with a simple digital portfolio, showcasing your best work in black and white and color. Include a mix of street, family, and emotional photographs for variety.
5. Plan Photo Sessions: Carry your camera daily and commit to taking photos spontaneously. Schedule dedicated photo walks to practice street photography and engage with potential subjects.

RESOURCES:
Follow Tyi Reddick on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tyis_eyes/

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#534 In this episode of the podcast, I tackle the challenges of embracing the learning curve in photography. If you feel stuck or frustrated by your lack of progress, this episode is designed to help you reconnect with your passion and find joy in the process. You'll discover the importance of making small, consistent efforts and how to give yourself permission to experiment and explore creatively. 

What You'll Learn:

1. Reconnect with Your “Why”
   Discover the importance of understanding why you picked up the camera in the first place.
2. Experiment Without Pressure
   Learn how releasing the need for perfection helps unlock your creativity.
3. Take Small, Consistent Steps
   Find out why small, regular practice sessions are better than occasional intensive ones.
4. Reflect on Your Growth
   Realize the benefits of looking back at your older work to see your progress and stay motivated.

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#533 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Ashley Marston, an accomplished birth and family photographer from British Columbia, Canada. Ashley opens up about her journey from film to digital photography and the deeply personal moments that shaped her career. She shares her method of balancing documentary and lifestyle photography, offering insightful advice on maintaining creativity, engaging with clients, and conquering the unique challenges of birth photography.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Finding Your Vision: Identifying a meaningful subject that you love to photograph can reveal your potential and passion, just as it did for Ashley.
• Evolving with Technology: Embracing new tools like digital cameras can open up opportunities to experiment, improve, and expand your skills.
• Balancing Control and Authenticity: Knowing when to direct a scene and when to let moments unfold naturally leads to genuine, impactful photographs.
• Staying Motivated: Maintaining a positive mindset and communication with clients ensures rejuvenation and high-quality work despite unexpected challenges.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Explore and Understand Lighting: Spend time observing how light changes throughout the day in various settings. Experiment with different lighting techniques, such as backlighting or using reflectors, to see their effects on your photos.
2. Practice Authentic Moments: Capture everyday moments of your family or friends, focusing on candid shots that tell a story. Choose a relaxed setting and let the subjects act naturally, aiming for unposed and genuine interactions.
3. Develop a Consistent Creative Routine: Start a Project 365, committing to take and post one meaningful photo every day. Use this project to focus on different aspects of photography each month, such as lighting, composition, or movement.
4. Engage with Your Subject: Communicate with your subjects before and during the shoot to make them comfortable and involved in the process. Plan your sessions around typical family activities to capture authentic moments that reflect their everyday life.
5. Set and Track Your Photography Goals: Write down specific goals you want to achieve, such as getting featured in a publication or mastering a new technique. Regularly submit your best work to reputable competitions or communities to gauge progress and receive constructive feedback.

RESOURCES:
Visit Ashley Marston's Website - https://www.ashleymarstonphotography.com/
Follow Ashley Marston on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleymarstonphotography/

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#532 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Sarah Wagner, an adept family and wedding photographer who has crafted a flourishing career through adaptability and practicality. Sarah shares her initial struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the importance of balancing artistic vision with client expectations and the critical role of understanding lighting.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Adaptability Matters: Being flexible in your style and approach helps satisfy diverse client needs and keeps your business thriving despite life changes.
• Lighting is Key: Mastering natural light can drastically improve your image quality; understand its impact on various environments.
• Iterative Learning: Embrace mistakes and continuous practice to refine your skills; growth often comes from trial and error.
• Balancing Creativity and Client Needs: Harmonize your artistic vision with what clients want to ensure satisfaction and recurring business.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Master Natural Light: Observe and document how light changes throughout the day in different settings. Practice shooting in varied lighting conditions, manipulating light with simple tools like a reflector.
2. Develop Your Style: Create a mood board with elements from photos you admire. Experiment with combining these elements to develop a unique style suited to your environment.
3. Practice Adaptability: Plan sessions that balance posed and candid shots to cater to varying client needs. Review each session's feedback to adjust your techniques accordingly.
4. Build Client Relationships: Communicate clearly with clients about their expectations before sessions. Follow up with clients post-session, asking for honest feedback and areas for improvement.
5. Invest in Education: Enroll in online courses that focus on both the artistic and business aspects of photography. Attend workshops or join local photography groups to continually learn and network with peers.

RESOURCES:
Visit Sarah Wagner's Website - https://chasingcreativemedia.com/
Follow Sarah Wagner on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chasingcreativemedia/

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#531 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Matthew Jordan Smith, a renowned celebrity fashion and beauty photographer. Matthew shares his inspiring journey, from his initial spark of passion ignited by his father, to working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. He emphasizes the importance of persistence, preparation, and developing a unique vision.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Persist Through Challenges: Learning photography is a marathon, not a sprint. Continuous practice and perseverance lead to progress and success.
• Prepare Meticulously: Visualization and preparation are key. Develop storyboards or vision boards to communicate your ideas clearly to clients and team members.
• Embrace Your Unique Vision: Identify what you love in life and let that passion drive your creativity. Your unique perspective is what sets you apart.
• Value Continuous Learning: Never stop learning, whether it's about lighting techniques or new trends. Knowledge and skill refinement keep your work relevant and captivating.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Visual Storyboarding: Create a vision board using images from magazines, Pinterest, or your previous work that reflects the mood and style you want to achieve. Share your storyboard with peers or mentors to get feedback before your actual shoot.
2. Lighting Practice: Use a simple lamp to practice different lighting techniques, experimenting with angles and light intensity. Capture the same subject under various lighting conditions to understand how light direction and quality impact your photos.
3. Portfolio Development: Curate a collection of your best work in a digital portfolio, focusing on a consistent theme or style. Update your portfolio regularly, replacing outdated images with your latest and best work.
4. Networking and Learning: Join photography forums, social media groups, or local clubs to connect with other photographers and exchange feedback. Attend photography workshops or webinars to continuously improve your skills and stay updated on industry trends.
5. Client Communication: Draft a clear project brief outlining your vision, the shoot's purpose, and key details to share with your client. Follow up with clients post-shoot to get feedback and ensure their expectations were met, reinforcing professional relationships.

RESOURCES:
Visit Matthew Jordan Smith's Website - https://www.matthewjordansmith.com/
Follow Matthew Jordan Smith on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/matthewjordansmith/

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#530 Photo Q&A
In Today’s Episode of the podcast I chat with YOU as I answer your top photography questions. You’ll discover the benefits of back button focus, learn how to communicate the value you offer as a photographer, and explore essential backup strategies to protect your photos.

What You'll Learn:

1. Achieving Depth of Field Without Telephoto Lenses
   Discover practical tips for creating stunning portraits with a blurred background using aperture and subject distance.
2. Mastering Back Button Focus
   Learn how to use back button focus to improve your efficiency and capture those fleeting, key moments.
3. Communicating Your Unique Value
   Understand how to articulate what makes your photography special and attract clients who resonate with your style.
4. Backups and Photo Safety
   Get essential advice on safeguarding your photos from unforeseen events with proper backup strategies.

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#529 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Karen Doughman, a middle school English teacher turned photographer. We dive into Karen's journey, her struggles with self-doubt, and her strategies to overcome them. Karen shares her experiences from joining the photography community during COVID, her ambitions to evoke memories through her photos, and her aspirations to master lighting.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Overcoming Self-Doubt: Acknowledge your fears but don't let them hold you back. Build confidence by taking your camera with you everywhere. 
• Embrace Imperfection: Let go of the need for complete control in every shot, allowing for creativity and spontaneity. 
• Focus on Authenticity: Aim to evoke genuine emotions and memories in your photos, rather than seeking perfection. 
• Persistent Practice: Consistent practice and learning from feedback are key to gradually enhancing your photography skills.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Carry Your Camera Everywhere: Make it a habit to bring your camera to all your daily activities, even if you don't intend to shoot. Challenge yourself with small, spontaneous photography projects to get more comfortable shooting in various settings.
2. Work on Lighting: Observe how natural light changes throughout the day and practice shooting in different lighting conditions. Use simple tools like reflectors or white cards to manipulate light and learn how it affects your subjects.
3. Embrace Spontaneity: Engage in Raymond Hatfield’s challenge to take 100 photos within 10 minutes to push your creative boundaries. Photograph a family member jumping, focusing on capturing their movement and expressions rather than aiming for flawless shots.
4. Build a Support Network: Join local photography groups or online communities to share your work, receive feedback, and connect with other photographers. Actively participate in discussions and group activities to gain new perspectives and techniques.
5. Plan and Execute Creative Projects: Brainstorm and plan a thematic photo shoot with a clear vision. Execute your planned shoot, taking time to set up props and lighting, then reflect on the results to identify areas for improvement and celebrate your progress.

RESOURCES:
Visit Karen Doughman's Website - https://doughmanphotography.mypixieset.com/
Follow Karen Doughman on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/doughman_photography/

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#528 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Talor Stone, a passionate photographer and PhD researcher. Talor shares her insights on enhancing your travel photography, balancing planning with spontaneity, and using storytelling to create more impactful images.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Invest in Local Expertise: Hiring a local guide or joining a group can add immense value to your travel photography, offering unique perspectives and insights you might miss independently.
• Flexibility in Planning: While planning is essential, being able to pivot and improvise can lead to your most memorable shots. Adapt your strategies based on the situation.
• Importance of Storytelling: Move beyond mere documentation; focus on capturing stories. Consider environmental context and the behavior of subjects to add depth to your images.
• Patience and Intent: Patience and a clear photographic intent often result in more meaningful photos. Understanding your subject's behavior can help you anticipate the perfect moment.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Use Google Earth for Scouting: Spend time exploring potential locations and angles for your next shoot. Identify key features like bodies of water or unique land formations that can frame compelling shots.
2. Hire a Local Guide: Research and connect with local guides who are knowledgeable about the area's hidden gems. Collaborate with them to access exclusive spots and gain insider information that enriches your photography.
3. Balance Planning with Flexibility: Set a flexible itinerary, allowing extra time for spontaneous photo opportunities. Be prepared to change plans based on weather or unexpected scenes, keeping an open mind to what unfolds.
4. Storytelling through Environmental Context: Integrate elements of the environment into your photos to provide context. Focus on capturing interactions and relationships between subjects and their surroundings.
5. Improve Patience and Focus: Sit quietly in a chosen location, observing and waiting for the right moments to develop naturally. Practice understanding your subject’s behavior to predict and capture significant actions and expressions.

RESOURCES:
Visit Talor Stone's Website - https://www.talorstonephotography.com/
Follow Talor Stone on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/talorstonephotography/

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!