Portrait Session: The Photography Podcast for Portrait Photographers

This is episode 6, of our season dedicated to talking about different specialties in portrait photography. In todays episode Erica and Connor sit down with Makenzie Hollar to discuss her incredible approach to senior rep programs and the challenges of senior portrait photography. Website: www.makenziephoto.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makenziephotography/ Instagram: @makenziephotography 3-4 sentence photography bio: Makenzie Photography is a wedding and senior portrait...

This is episode 5, of our season dedicated to talking about different specialties in portrait photography. In todays episode Erica and Connor sit down with Rafal Wegiel to discuss unique and artistic approaches to headshot photography. Website: https://www.rafalwegiel.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rafalwegielphotography/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafalwegiel/ Other social: https://twitter.com/rafalwegiel http://www.youtube.com/c/RafalWegiel...

In episode 4 of our season discussing various specialties in portrait photography, Erica and Connor sit down with Sharon McMahon, a total boss and dominating force in the world of newborn portraiture. Even listeners who think they are not interested in doing newborn work will find a wealth of incredible advice and information from this incredible business person and photographer. Sharon McMahon (pronounced McMann) has been a full time portrait photographer on the shores of Lake Superior for...

A message from Connor: Hey guys! Between an absolutely hectic month with work, and the fact that I am out of town filming some educational content in Ireland this week. As such, I just had no way of getting around to editing an episode of the show this week. I apologize for that. We have set a standard for ourselves to release episodes on a regular basis, and do not like to not keep to that standard at this point, but I just couldn’t make the sacrifices I would need to to get an episode...

This is episode 3, of our season dedicated to talking about different specialties in portrait photography. In todays episode Erica and Connor sit down with Jonny Edward to discuss his experiences as a fashion photographer. Then, on sticking points, Connor sits down with Andy Bird to talk about building worth to meet his desired price point Interview with Jonny Edward Where to see Jonny’s Work Website: https://jonnyedward.com/ Facebook:...

This is episode 2, of our season dedicated to talking about different specialties in portrait photography. In todays episode Erica and Connor sit down with Seth from Seth and Beth Photography to discuss specializing in wedding photography as a career. Then, on sticking points, Connor sits down with Julie Richardson and talk about whether she should draw a line in the sand and specialize in just one of her two photographic passions. Website: www.sethandbeth.com Facebook:...

Let's Talk About Specialties in Portrait Photography Erica and Connor take an overview of the subject they are talking about throughout the second season of Portrait Session: The different specialties in portrait photography. This is just an overview of all the different types of photography a person interested in portrait photography can focus on and specialize in as they master their photography. We by no means feel we have compiled a total and complete list of potential specialties...

Erica and Connor take an overview of the subject they are talking about throughout the second season of Portrait Session: The different specialties in portrait photography. This is just an overview of all the different types of photography a person interested in portrait photography can focus on and specialize in as they master their photography. We by no means feel we have compiled a total and complete list of potential specialties in photography in this list, but this list will be the...

Erica and Connor spend the entirety of todays episode answering listener's additional questions that have come up throughout this season as well as tying up other loose ends from the season. We are both sincerely so thankful for all of the love and support you have shown us in transitioning back to our individual podcast feed and for following along with us as we develop a new format for the show. We will be back in a few short weeks with the start of Season 2 of the Portrait Session...

In todays episode Erica and Connor give you tips for managing life as you transition into your job as a portrait photographer. Then, on sticking points, Connor sits down with Frank Gallagher to discuss techniques for bringing out a person’s authentic personality in their portrait. Step 10 Finding Success: How to manage a transition to a job as a photographer You do not have to say yes to everything. Set boundaries. Set aside management/administrative time in your schedule Management...

In todays episode we talk about additional marketing strategies to help you grow your business. Then, on sticking points, Connor sits down with Pete Lagregor to discuss ways he can convert traffic coming to his website into actual bookings. Step 9 Developing additional marketing strategies Will you operate on word of mouth? If so, is there a way you can encourage that further? Referral programs Clear expectations for tagging/photo credit on social media Relationships with other...

In todays episode we talk about building an organic web presence to allow people to find your business on the web without you having to pay for advertising. This can be done through the channels of social media, google business/pages, and strengthened through your blogging capabilities on your website. Then, on sticking points, Connor sits down with Ken Breivik to discuss building the confidence to fearlessly price your business where it needs to be priced for sustainable longevity. Step 8...

Branding and Displaying Your Work - S01 Ep08 In todays episode Erica and Connor talk about displaying your portfolio and tips for building the visual elements of your brand. Then, on sticking points, Connor sits down with Michael Pugh to give him some thoughts on intentional improvement as he learns more about photography as well as giving some advice as to where his money would be best spent to help him hone his skills. Branding and using visual elements to speak to potential consumers...

In this episode Erica and Connor discuss different considerations to make as you think through the way you would like your ideal client to move through their interactions with your business. This can range from being a high end full service photographer, or a speedy and efficient shoot and burn photographer. One way or the other, it is incredibly valuable to think of how you would like your client to interact in your business and start putting systems in to place to allow for a consistent...

Start by learning what your pricing needs to be for you to have a sustainable business. Don’t let local markets influence this part too much. It is important to know at what point your business will be sustainable to know when you’re on the right track. Erica disagrees. You have to take local markets into account when pricing. You’ll struggle if price yourself at $10k a wedding in a market that has an average of $2k a wedding. Similarly, if you price yourself at $2k a wedding in a market...

In this episode, Erica and Connor discuss the best practices for putting together and curating a strong and effective portfolio that will help you put your best foot forward. Then on Sticking Points, Connor sits down with Aaron Taylor to discuss the ways in which he can improve his sales and customer experience with his in person sales process. Don’t throw every session you’ve shot into your portfolio. That is fine to start with, but eventually you need to get choosy. Having a great body...

Erica and Connor discuss the things to consider in getting your business set up with a bank account and give our recommendations for things like bookkeeping software, business lines of credit, credit cards, and accounting. Then, on Sticking Points, Connor sits down with Evan Criscuolo to discuss the finer details of being in business as a fine art photographer and why that is a path he might want to consider. Season 1 Episode 4: Accounting & Finances Open a bank account for the...

Erica and Connor Discuss how to go about getting your business established as a legal entity with the state and federal government. Then on Sticking Points, Connor sits down with Nick Skog to talk about how he can bring order to the tasks he has to take care of with his photo business and discuss ways of feeling confidence in the value of your work. Some Helpful notes and resources SBA has a huge section of their website dedicated to launching your business. Covers most of what we’re...

Erica and Connor discuss the factors that go into deciding what kind of portrait business you want to start and explain the importance of bringing focus to your business. There are many ways to take pictures of people for money, but what ways do you want to focus on? What kinds of photos do you like taking? What kind of market is there for this? Who would be your ideal clientele? Consider income bracket, age, gender, what they look like, how they dress, where they hang out, what they’re...

In this Episode, Erica and Connor Discuss The changes coming to the podcast's format before having a conversation concerning the overall steps a person interested in taking their portrait photography hobby and turning it in to a business. General steps for turning your hobby into a business: Step 1 Ask: What kind of Portrait business do you want? Step 2 Establish a legal entity. Step 3 Accounting & Finances Step 4 Portfolio Building and culling Step 5 Pricing yourself Step 6 Business...